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Anil Kapoor Opens Assure Clinic

India’s top beauty brand Assure Clinic has made its grand foray in the Middle East.  Ace Bollywood  star Anil Kapoor inaugurated the facility in Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

Assure Clinic, a leader in the Hair and Skin care industry in India, and the most trusted name with Bollywood celebrities, opened its Middle East branch at City Walk Dubai in a glittering ceremony. Renowned actor Anil Kapoor inaugurated the Dubai branch and interacted with media.

Assure Clinic, founded in 2016, helmed by its founders – MD Dermatologist, Gold Medalist, Dr Abhishek Pilani and Dr Priyanka D Pilani, operates 14 outlets across Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Indore, Raipur, Surat, Jaipur,  Nagpur, Vadodara, and Lucknow.  Five of its centres are in Mumbai.

Driven by a passion for excellence in dermatological care, Assure Clinic is a trusted brand in the Hair and Skin industry in India. This is their first overseas clinic. The group has also announced its plans to expand its footprint through a network of centres in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Starting with the launch of its first international centre in Dubai, an entity is being set up to drive the new business is set to give people in the GCC region an opportunity to avail of the very best in hair and skin treatment. 

Assure ME partners are Sathish Subbiah and Kailash Shivdasani. The Assure Clinic’s foray into the GCC region is being done in partnership with Fiducia Capital Founding Partner Sathish Subbiah with an investment approval of up to $6 million spread over several tranches. As a part of the expansion plans, it will establish a network of six to eight centres offering hair restoration and skin services over a period of one to two years. 

Besides its clinic in City Walk Dubai, these centres will be spread across the GCC in Abu Dhabi, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, among others.  Besides consolidating its expansion plans, Assure Clinic also launched specialised products in India along with a mobile App that will offer a higher reach to clients interested in availing their services. 

 Dr . Abhishek Pilani, the Founder of Assure Clinics, said: “Dubai is one of the globe’s most connected cities and is a great place for business. The emirate, known as the “Gateway to the world,” has thrived on its East-West links for many centuries and lies at the heart of the Asia, Africa and India triangle. Historically, its geographic location has facilitated easy connections, business networking and access to trade.

Besides its clinic in City Walk Dubai, these centres will be spread across the GCC in Abu Dhabi, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, among others.  Besides consolidating its expansion plans, Assure Clinic also launched specialised products in India along with a mobile App that will offer a higher reach to clients interested in availing their services. 

In the modern age, Dubai has evolved to be one of the world’s top destinations for the Trichology and Cosmetics Industry. The city offers many advantages with its Highly diversified economy and hyper-modern infrastructure” Dr. Priyanka D Pilani adds, ” We would have a lot of patients from the GCC region, specially the UAE, come to our centres in India to operate on, hence Dubai was always our first and best option to launch Assure Clinics.”

The legendary actor Anil Kapoor who supports Indian businesses abroad feels that Dubai is the best space to launch a reputed Indian brand.

“It gives me immense pleasure to launch Assure Clinics in the Middle East – home to over 190 nationalities. An Indian brand traversing borders makes us all proud of our people and their spirit of entrepreneurship,” he says.,” says Anil Kapoor.

M/S creative Lab Interiors and Contracting LLC has been at the helm of the interiors of Assure Clinics. The company combines delightful aesthetics and innovation to compliment the unparalleled customer experience that Assure provides to its elite clientele. Mr. Nirav Shah is the Managing Director and Ms. Chashmi Soni is the Lead Designer of Creative Labs and they have shown exemplary commitment in meeting Assure’s unique requirements.

The city offers many advantages with its highly diversified economy and hyper-modern infrastructure” Dr. Priyanka D Pilani adds, “We would have a lot of patients from the GCC region, specially the UAE, come to our centres in India to operate on, hence Dubai was always our first and best option to launch Assure Clinics ” The legendary actor Anil Kapoor who supports Indian businesses abroad feels that Dubai is the best space to launch a reputed Indian brand.

ALSO READ: Egypt’s first Smart Cities Experience Center opened

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Health Lite Blogs

Workplace focus on employee mental health

The younger workforce of today is drawn in by an organisation’s progressive and inclusive cultural code. They seek more than just a paycheck; they yearn for a workplace that values their holistic needs and provides a supportive environment…reports Rohit Ramana

A decade ago, conversations around mental health support at the workplace were simply swept under the corporate carpet. The stigma around depression, anxiety, and stress was so prevalent that these issues were not even acknowledged. But today, 81 per cent of workplaces have increased their focus on employee mental health.

As we peel back the layers of corporate norms, it becomes evident that mental health support stands as an irreplaceable pillar in creating an environment where every employee can thrive. Just as the human mind holds endless potential, embracing mental health support is the key to unlocking the untapped potential within each individual.

We are all a combination of our experiences, the expectations we have of ourselves, and those that people have of us, and sometimes it is natural to be overwhelmed. How each one of us reacts to these stimuli is different, and that is what makes us unique. Investing in employee well-being is the first and most important step in fostering such individuality and building a great organisation.

The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. Investing in mental health support not only benefits individual employees but also yields significant economic returns, creating a win-win scenario for both employees and organisations.

Breaking the Stigma and Fostering Acceptance

Only 13 per cent of employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health in the workplace. According to a study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 9 out of 10 employees who experienced mental health challenges reported facing stigma in their workplace. This stigma often leads to employees hiding their mental health conditions and delaying seeking help, impacting their well-being and productivity. Picture a workplace where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. A place where every employee is working towards growing the business, unhindered by the stigma associated with mental health challenges. Leading new-age businesses, our actions and values set the tone for the entire organization. Hence, the onus is on the leadership to actively break down the stigma surrounding mental health. This will further inspire a ripple effect, empowering others within an organization to do the same. We need to create an environment where employees can thrive, leading to enhanced productivity and optimal performance. This encourages diverse viewpoints, creativity, and collaboration, leading to breakthrough ideas and solutions. When employees feel safe to express themselves authentically, they can contribute their unique talents and experiences to the collective success of the organization.

Enabling equal access to resources

Indian workplaces have come a long way when it comes to de-stigmatizing conversations around mental health challenges. In the face of “the 2020 pandemic”, mental well-being took centre stage, and workplaces started embracing mental health support policies. The industry has taken a step forward in not just acknowledging but also providing resources that are accessible, equitable, and culturally sensitive. As an ecosystem, we need to position ourselves as an ally in the mental health journey of our employees and remove barriers to access such as cost, stigma, and logistical challenges. Around 80 per cent of Indian companies have gone the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) way to offer access to trained professionals. They help employees address personal and work-related challenges, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. New-age companies are revisiting, rehauling, and restructuring their policies to incorporate mental health support as an integral part. This includes providing flexible working hours, paid mental health leave, and additional health insurance coverage for mental health treatments. Such policies ensure that employees have the necessary resources and support to prioritize their mental well-being.

Acing the talent attraction and retention game

The younger workforce of today is drawn in by an organisation’s progressive and inclusive cultural code. They seek more than just a paycheck; they yearn for a workplace that values their holistic needs and provides a supportive environment. Today’s generation appreciates diversity and seeks to be a part of a company that embraces different backgrounds, opinions, and experiences. Prioritizing diversity and inclusion in hiring, leadership, and decision-making processes increases the appeal of companies to the younger workforce. It is important to remember that collaboration and innovation are fostered by an inclusive culture.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), for every dollar invested in mental health treatment, there is an average return of $4 in improved health and productivity. This highlights the significance of providing accessible mental health resources to employees, as it not only benefits individuals but also contributes to overall organisational success. Our mental health support policies act as a value addition, drawing in the best and brightest minds who are eager to contribute their skills and expertise. Once they join our organization, these policies become the glue that keeps them engaged, committed, and loyal. By offering resources such as counselling services, flexible work arrangements, and mental health leave, we create an inclusive culture that meets their needs beyond the industry’s tick boxes. I believe that investing in mental health support and promoting a culture that does not discard young minds not only attracts young talent but also cultivates a team of empowered individuals who are motivated to grow and thrive.

Creating workplaces “Where the mind is without Fear”

A recent report by Indeed titled- “Where the mind is without fear”, states that a psychologically safe environment is a key component of diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DI&B) efforts. While devising policies for an all-inclusive workplace environment, we need to remember that mental health is not one-size-fits-all. Right now, we are all operating in a piecemeal manner, providing Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), counselling sessions, and interventions aimed at alleviating stress and improving motivation and productivity. But due to the unconscious biases at play, we are collectively running behind to reach the desired outcome. The need of the hour is to devise a compelling policy and cultural framework for mental health support and to make it the core of every organizational structure. Employees who receive mental health support and engage in self-care activities are better equipped to manage stress, make effective decisions, and maintain focus on their work responsibilities.

Over the past decade, workplaces have made significant strides in addressing mental health challenges. The once prevalent stigma surrounding mental health is slowly being dismantled, creating an environment where every employee can thrive. Organisations now understand the economic and personal benefits of investing in mental health support. By taking proactive steps to provide mental health support, we can unlock the untapped potential within each individual. The focus should be on creating a future where mental health support is integrated into the fabric of every organization, allowing employees to flourish and contribute their best.

ALSO READ-Mental health to ensure a healthy pregnancy

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Health Lite Blogs

Indian diet and healthy ageing

Balanced diet, adequate proteins, high fibers, stress-free life, regular exercise, weight control, and sound sleep are critical for a successful transition of the hormonal foundation during the early years…reports Asian Lite News

It’s challenging to eat healthy in our fast-paced society. The increased preference for convenience foods and packaged foods, combined with stress and environmental pollution, renders people more vulnerable to health problems. This is where clean eating and eating fresh foods come into play.

While we cannot control the environmental pollutants to which we are exposed, we can certainly adopt a healthier diet. As more people become aware of this, Dr. Irfan Shaikh, Head, of Medical and Scientific Affairs at Abbott’s Nutrition business, highlights robust and healthier foods that comprise a balanced diet, as well as certain activities you can take to age properly.

Start Out Young

As teens grow, three essential systems in their bodies change muscle mass along with long bones, hormonal maturity and blood, and immunity. To ensure these areas grow properly, you need the right nutrients.

Bone development: Most people think of adequate proteins and calcium when they think of bone development, but vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin K, collagen, and essential fatty acids are also necessary for bone health and turnover. Consumption of these nutrients can help reduce bone fracture risk for teens. Fish, egg, chickpea curry, mixed vegetable sabzi, dal tadka, and even some chutneys like flax seed chutney is rich in these nutrients.

Blood: Iron, vitamin B-12, and folate are essential for the formation of healthy red blood cells. Without adequate iron, teens are unable to produce the red blood cells they need to carry oxygen throughout the body. Preparations made from spinach, like palak paneer, palak rice palak dal, lentil soups, methi paratha, and beetroot poriyal are some dishes that are rich in these nutrients.

Hormonal maturity: Balanced diet, adequate proteins, high fibers, stress-free life, regular exercise, weight control, and sound sleep are critical for a successful transition of the hormonal foundation during the early years.

Preventative Care in the 30s and 40s

People in their 30s and 40s should focus on preventive care, particularly when it comes to their hearts.

Cholesterol: To lower cholesterol, eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, protein-rich meals (particularly fish and seafood), legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds, and so on.

Stress: Career, income, and family responsibilities create several possibilities to experience stress. Regular exercise and coping abilities to handle stressful situations are crucial to protect your health and mind. Some of the best ways to cope with stress are exercising, yoga, journaling, and meditation.

Blood Pressure: Many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure because it has no symptoms, and the only way of finding out is to get examined. Reducing your sodium and chai or caffeine intake is vital to controlling high blood pressure, additionally, it is important to stay active and lose fat around the waistline.

The Importance of Prioritising

As we age, what we eat can impact our health, so it’s important to put some thought into what we eat and drink. Some key ingredients for future healthy ageing are:

Protein: It is essential at every age, whether you want to build muscle, retain strength or recuperate from surgery. One can find protein in meats, beans, dairy products, fish, nuts, seeds, and cottage cheese and can serve these in the form of various curry preparations.

Fiber-rich: Foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains can help with lowering cholesterol and managing body weight simply by keeping you full. Chana, masala, bainganbharta, and oats upma are some ways in which you can add fiber to your meal.

Calcium: As we age, our bones lose some of their calcium and mass, heightening the risk of fractures and weaker bones. Consuming milk, dahi, and cheese is a good source of calcium uptake. Ragi dosa, tilchutney and paneer, masala are some Indian dishes that are high in protein due to their ingredients.

Vitamin D: It is important for healthy bones and is the only one that can be synthesized when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It can be found in fatty fish, eggs, and vitamin D-fortified dairy products.

Nutritional supplements: A regular, balanced diet is crucial to meet daily nutritional requirements and also build stronger muscles as you age. However, while we recognize that muscles matter and eat accordingly, some nutritional gaps may exist. To fill these gaps, one can include a balanced nutrition supplement like Ensure HMB which is a science-based nutritional supplement formulated with 32 vital nutrients and a special ingredient – HMB or β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate – that helps counteract muscle loss and restore strength and energy.

Every person passes many milestones throughout life and health should stay top-of-mind every step of the way. By embracing your cultural dishes which are prepared through locally and organically sourced foods, you can stay healthy as you age.

ALSO READ-Tata Starbucks unveils exciting India inspired beverage and foods

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Health

Healthy soups for hot summer days

These healthy soups are ideal for a summer lunch.  Simply prepare a large pot and offer your guests this delectable dish.

SMOKY SALMOREJO

Ingredients:

Tomatoes

White bread with crusts removed

Grated garlilc

Vinegar

Olive oil

Salt

Thin sliced green grapes

Chopped roasted almonds

Method:

Cut sides of the tomato halves and discard the skins.

Add bread and toss with tomatoes.

Blend the mixture after 15 minutes in food processor.

Add grated garlic and vinegar in the mixture and gradually add ¼ cup smoked olive oil with the machine on.

Strain the mixture and season it with salt, cover and refrigerate until very cold and your Salmorejo is ready.

Serve the soup in bowls and garnish with grapes, almonds and a drizzle of smoked olive oil.

WATERMELON SOUP

Ingredients:

Watermelon chunks (de-seeded)

Mint leaves

Ginger and garlic paste

Chilli flakes

Method:

Blend 1 cup de-seeded watermelon chunks, 3-5 mint leaves, 1 tsp ginger and garlic paste, salt and pepper to taste, 1 tsp chilli flakes.

Refrigerate and serve cold, with a topping of mint leaves.

CHICKPEA SESAME SOUP

Ingredients:

Boiled chickpea

Garlic clove

Sesame seeds

Cumin seeds

Lime juice

Olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Method:

Blend 1 cup soaked and boiled chickpea, 1 garlic clove, 2 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tsp roasted cumin seeds, 2 tsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

Blend all ingredients well to make a smooth paste.

Add cold water to adjust the consistency and serve fresh.

BEETROOT SOUP

Ingredients:

Boiled beetroot

Yogurt

Cumin seeds

Coriander leaves

Salt

Pepper

Mint leaves

Method:

Blend 1 cup boiled beetroot, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tsp roasted cumin seeds, 1 tbsp coriander leaves, salt and pepper to taste and a few mint leaves.

Adjust the consistency with cold water and serve fresh.

AVOCADO SPINACH SOUP

Ingredients:

Spinach leaves

Avocado

Garlic

Basil leaves

Yogurt

Lemon juice

Paprika powder

Salt

Pepper

Method:

Blend parboiled 1 cup spinach leaves, 1 ripe avocado, 1 garlic, 2 tsp basil leaves, 1 cup yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp paprika powder, salt and pepper to taste.

Blend all ingredients and adjust the consistency with cold water.

Serve fresh.

ALSO READ-Tips to improve your nutrition

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Health Lite Blogs

Quality exercise benefits for body and mind

Elevation Series upright bikes’ advanced technology enables users to benefit from wearables and fitness applications while maintaining the degree of connectivity they’ve come to expect…writes Olivia Sarkar

It goes without saying that frequent and quality exercise benefits both your body and mind, but if your schedule prevents you from visiting your neighbourhood gym on a regular basis, creating a training space within your home is the next best thing. Purchase top-notch exercise gear, such as dumbbell sets, treadmills, Pilates balls, fitness kit combos, and more. Here’s a list of what you should get your hands on:

INTEGRITY TREADMILL

Facilities can customise the gaming experience for their users thanks to the variety of console options. Create an enjoyable cardio workout with easy access to entertainment and fitness apps, or make it possible to simply get on and go. The comfort offered by FlexDeck technology, a running surface that lessens stress on the joints, benefits both walkers and runners. Facilities can easily update console software and monitor critical asset data thanks to wireless internet connectivity. Integrity treadmills are perfect for facilities looking for a warm, contemporary aesthetic with a variety of features that will appeal to their users.

Price: Rs. 1, 35, 799/- (approx.)

ELEVATION LIFECYCLE UPRIGHT EXERCISE BIKE

Premium cardio equipment with enticing appearance and lots of entertainment options on the console to keep users entertained while riding. Wide Ride pedals and an adjustable, padded seat provide users with comfort. Exercisers can choose their position for leisurely rides or harder pedalling thanks to deluxe racing handlebars. Elevation Series upright bikes’ advanced technology enables users to benefit from wearables and fitness applications while maintaining the degree of connectivity they’ve come to expect.

Price: Rs. 1, 24,000/- (approx.)

PROBODY PILATES EXCERCISE BALL

Using this adaptable exercise ball, you may work on your posture, balance, core stability, and other things. Exercise balls are a favourite among many since, depending on how you use them, they may help adapt exercises and even advance some training techniques. They’re a comprehensive piece of exercise equipment for all fitness levels. It deserves a place in any home gym just for its versatility, but because they’re so big, you’ll need to make sure you have enough room.

Price: Rs. 6,700/- (approx.)

POWERMILL CLIMBER

The PowerMill is the best cardio machine at the gym for people looking for one of the hardest and most intense cardio workouts due to its smooth stepping motion and 26 different speeds. During all types of workouts, from the most intense to the least intense, safe footing is provided by the spacious step area and anti-toe-pinch design. And during each of them, steady motion is guaranteed by an effective AC motor. Fitness centres feature a variety of console alternatives, from easy to use to entertaining and interesting.

Price: Rs. 57,800/- (approx.)

CROSSROPE GET LEAN JUMP ROPE SYSTEM

Jump ropes are a great addition to any home gym because they are portable. They have the power to dramatically alter your workouts. Crossrope consistently performs admirably in our tests thanks to its premium components, comfortable handles, and stylish overall design.

Price: Rs. 14100/- (approx.)

HOME FITNESS KIT COMBO

Absolute beginners to advanced fitness aficionados of all levels will find this gear to be the perfect at-home workout buddy. This package comes with a pair of locks, a skipping rope, PVC weight plates, convertible dumbbell rods, and gym gloves. It is a fantastic substitute for those who are unable to visit a gym and is portable and simple to assemble.

Price: Rs. 2,299/- (approx.)

ALSO READ-Reasons for wrinkles

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Health India News UK News

BTA UK and Link Hospital Gwalior forge ties to launch top-class medical educational prog

The BAPIO Training Academy, UK in collaboration with Link Hospital, Gwalior invited applications for the MRCP/MRCGP plus MBA programme to commence soon.

With the objective to impart top-class medical education and world-class practices, The BAPIO Training Academy UK has drawn up plans to penetrate the Central India region. To make inroads there, The BAPIO Training Academy, UK in collaboration with Link Hospital, Gwalior invited applications for the MRCP/MRCGP plus MBA programme to commence soon.

Explaining the key Features of the programme, Prof ParagSinghal, Consultant – Endocrinologist, Executive Director – BTA; Founder & Chair, Indo-UK Programe informed that at the end of the programme, theit will be a two-year structured training in Internal Medicine at Link Hospital. The biggest attraction would be at the end of the programme candidate will receive an MBA in Healthcare and Leadership as well. 

Prof Singhal further explained that this programme will be followed by 2 years of training at a partner NHS Trust in the UK. Today the BTA has a partnership with 25 reputed Trusts in the UK.

Prof Singhal elaborated that the programme will benefit visiting candidates as BTA will support doctors preparation for MRCP part 1.  In addition Top up Onsite training by expert UK Faculty will be offered, he assured . The programme exempts doctors from appearing for the PLAB examinations thus making their route in the UK easier. On completion of the course candidates have a choice they can return to India with MRCP and MBA qualifications or pursue a career in the UK.

Dr. (Prof.) Sameer Gupta, Consultant – Orthopaedic Surgeon, Director Academics, Link Hospital said, “This tie-up with the BTA allows LINK to impart world-class education and opportunities to its staff and also the medical students in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It’s an honour and privilege for Link Hospital to be the first in the state of MP to forge ties with the internationally reputed BTA from the UK The state will set up high standards and benchmarks in medical education and patient care.”

For more information or registration, candidates can contact and write to Email: contact@prepmrcp.com

 Visit : 

Home

ALSO READ: BAPIO Training Academy forges ties with Uttar Pradesh

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-Top News Health USA

Biden ‘fine’ after falling on stage during Air Force Academy event

U.S. President Joe Biden is pictured during an event at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 24, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua/IANS)

The stumble began as Biden was jogging away from centre stage. As he was moving toward his seat, he tripped, falling to the ground….reports Asian Lite News

After handing out diplomas during a graduation event at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado, President Joe Biden tripped on a sandbag and fell on stage, but the White House says “he’s fine”.

At the event on Thursday, Biden, who is the country’s oldest serving President at 80, had been standing for about an hour and a half to shake hands with each of the 921 graduating cadets, reports the BBC.

The stumble began as Biden was jogging away from centre stage. As he was moving toward his seat, he tripped, falling to the ground.

The president landed on his right hip before lifting himself up on his right hand, CNN reported.

A group of men, including an official with the Air Force Academy and two Secret Service agents, grasped onto Biden’s arms to help him back to his feet.

Footage of the incident showed the President appearing to point at one of two sandbags used to prop up his teleprompter as he was helped up by an Air Force official and two members of his Secret Service detail.

He was seen walking back to his seat unassisted and later jogging back to his motorcade when the ceremony ended shortly after the accident.

Addressing reporters after stepping off Marine One Thursday evening, the President joked and said, “I got sandbagged”.

“He’s fine. There was a sandbag on stage while he was shaking hands,” White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt wrote on Twitter.

At a regular press conference later in the day, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre further assured that Biden was feeling “totally fine” and had boarded the plane flashing “a big smile”.

Meanwhile, Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump reacted to the incident said said that “the whole thing is crazy”.

“I hope he wasn’t hurt… That’s not inspiring,” the BBC quoted Trump as saying from a campaign event in Iowa.

“You got to be careful about that because you don’t — you don’t want that. Even if you have to tip toe down the ramp,” Trump said, apparently referring to his own careful walk off a stage that made headlines in 2020.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also reacted to the fall during a campaign event in New Hampshire, saying: “We hope and wish Joe Biden a swift recovery from any injuries he may have sustained.

“But we also wish the United States of America a swift recovery from the injuries it has sustained because of Joe Biden and his policies.”

Biden has had previous stumbles in public, including falling to the ground during a bike ride last year in Delaware and he was also been seen slipping on the stairs as he boards Air Force One, reports CNN.

Despite those incidents, Biden’s doctor has said is physically fit to serve in office. I

n recent physicals, Biden’s doctor has examined the President’s stiff gait, determining it was a result of “wear and tear” changes on Biden’s spine.

The most recent physical determined the condition was unchanged, albeit with “possibly tighter hamstrings and calves”.

ALSO READ: Biden to host Sunak for talks

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Health Lite Blogs

PureHealth allocates AED 13bln for procurement

The National ICV Program supports the growth and development of the UAE’s national industrial sector and boosting its competitiveness…reports Asian Lite News

PureHealth, the largest integrated healthcare platform in the Middle East, today reinforced its commitment to the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program – one of the key pillars of the national industrial strategy – by announcing a 30% increase in its 10-year commitment to local procurement, taking its total commitment to AED 13 billion by 2032. The announcement took place on the sidelines of the Make it in the Emirates Forum, which was held from 31 May to 1 June at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center.

Last year, PureHealth joined the National ICV Program following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). During the inaugural Make it in the Emirates Forum in 2022, PureHealth announced it would procure AED 10 billion worth of products from local suppliers, including medicines and medical products. At the second edition of the forum, PureHealth announced a further AED 3 billion for local purchases, bringing the total value of its local procurement commitments to AED 13 billion. The National ICV Program supports the growth and development of the UAE’s national industrial sector and boosting its competitiveness.

His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology said: “The National ICV Program, which is among the UAE’s Projects of the 50 and falls under the national industrial strategy, has succeeded in synergizing the ministry and its government and private sector partners in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across the industrial sector, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises.”

HE Al Suwaidi added: “ICV-certified companies contributed an estimated AED 53 billion to the national economy in 2022. As the initiative continues to empower the industrial sector and boost its performance and sustainability, it redirects higher portions of public and private sector spending into the national economy.”

PureHealth’s announcement contributes to the AED 10 billion of procurement opportunities announced at the second Make it in the Emirates Forum. The additional opportunities build on last year’s AED 110 billion of offtake agreements.

PureHealth will allocate the opportunities across all buckets of its local procurement in Technology and General Services, Medical Consumables and Supplies including diagnostic consumables, gastro and hepatobiliary systems, laboratory storage and packaging, and patient care, and pharmaceuticals.

Farhan Malik, Managing Director and CEO of PureHealth said: “Last year, PureHealth made a commitment to boost its contribution to the In-Country Value Program, which is an important long-term program aimed at building a sustainable and more prosperous future for the UAE. As part of this commitment, we are pleased to announce a 30% increase in our 10-year commitment to procure from local suppliers, raising the total value to AED 13 billion by 2032. ICV is not just a nice-to-have program but a must-have program that brings long-term benefits to participating entities and the government. If you wish to create long-term gains, you need to make long-term commitments.”

Farhan continued: “ICV is critical in healthcare because the sector needs to be resilient and less dependent on external factors. As a national company, PureHealth is committed to playing its part in elevating the healthcare landscape in the UAE whilst actively supporting local healthcare manufacturing capabilities. In line with the vision of our country’s leadership, we aim to make the UAE the healthcare capital of the world by supporting local industries and futureproofing our healthcare systems.”

Farhan added: “We are thankful to MoIAT for creating an ecosystem that facilitates collaboration to build a better economy and sustainable future for all of us. The Make it in the Emirates Forum has once again been an effective initiative that has brought together different sectors, including healthcare, on a common platform to build a sustainable and strong industrial ecosystem. Supporting the local biotech and medtech sectors are key to unlocking the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Organized by MoIAT, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and ADNOC under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, the Make it in the Emirates Forum aims to attract investors to UAE industries and draw manufacturers to set up in the country.

ALSO READ-UAE healthcare sector shines with scientific breakthroughs

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-Top News Canada Health

Canada to put health warnings on individual cigarettes

Keep your teen from smoking.(photo:IANSLIFE)

According to health officials, the labels on individual cigarettes will make it “virtually impossible” for smokers to escape warnings….reports Asian Lite News

“Tobacco smoke harms children.” “Cigarettes are a cause of leukaemia.” “Poison is in every puff.” These are some of the messages that will soon appear on cigarettes in Canada, in both English and French. Canada on Wednesday announced that health warnings will be required to be printed directly on each individual cigarette, making it the first country in the world to do so, reported CNN. “The new Tobacco Products Appearance, Packaging and Labelling Regulations will be part of the Government of Canada’s continued efforts to help adults who smoke to quit, to protect youth and non-tobacco users from nicotine addiction, and to further reduce the appeal of tobacco,” Canadian health officials said in a news release.

According to health officials, the labels on individual cigarettes will make it “virtually impossible” for smokers to escape warnings.

The new rule is a “world precedent-setting measure that will reach every person who smokes with every puff,” according to Rob Cunningham, senior policy analyst at the Canadian Cancer Society, reported CNN.

The regulation is part of the country’s goal of reducing tobacco consumption to less than 5 per cent nationwide by 2035.

According to health officials, it would be supplemented by additional steps aimed at reducing the number of smokers in the country, such as boosting health messaging on tobacco product packages, according to CNN.

Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos said in a statement, “Tobacco use continues to be one of Canada’s most significant public health problems, and is the country’s leading preventable cause of disease and premature death,” adding, “Our government is using every evidence-based tool at our disposal to help protect the health of Canadians, especially young people.”

The new rules take effect on August 1, but will be phased in: retailers selling tobacco product packages must include the new warnings by the end of April 2024; king-size cigarettes must include the individual warnings by the end of July 2024, followed by regular-sized cigarettes and other products by the end of April 2025, according to the news release, reported CNN. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Canada alerts the world against Chinese hacking tactics

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-Top News Health USA

Another virus wave grips US

The percentage of tests positive for HMPV surged to 17.5 per cent for antigen tests and 9.6 per cent for PCR tests at the end of March…reports Asian Lite News

While cases of Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were decreasing across the US, infections of another respiratory virus, called human metapneumovirus (HMPV), were on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The percentage of tests positive for HMPV surged to 17.5 per cent for antigen tests and 9.6 per cent for PCR tests at the end of March, Xinhua news agency reported citing the latest CDC data.

During the four years before the pandemic, the weekly percentage of HMPV positive tests never reached higher than 7.7 per cent, the data revealed.

Discovered in 2001, HMPV is in the Pneumoviridae family along with RSV.

Broader use of molecular diagnostic testing has increased identification and awareness of HMPV as an important cause of upper and lower respiratory infection, according to the CDC.

HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Surveillance data from CDC’s National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System shows HMPV to be most active during late winter and spring in temperate climates.

Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, according to information on the CDC website.

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