Daily Archives: March 31, 2021

MANILA While there is no evidence yet to support claims that there are fake COVID-19 vaccines in the Philippines, the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday called on both the public and the private sector to be vigilant against counterfeit drugs.

This, after the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) found 400 ampoules or 2,400 doses of fake COVID-19 vaccines in a warehouse in South Africa earlier this month.

We act on all reports that we receive at FDA and we send investigators. So far the reports that we receivewhen our inspectors visit the place, we didnt find any vaccine or fake vaccine or even genuine ones as reported, said Dr. Oscar Gutierrez, Deputy Director General of the FDA.

He also said the FDA is acting on all reports within 24 hours.The public can however discern whether a vaccine is fake or not, he added. Here's a checklist on what consumers must know before getting inoculated with the vaccine.

WHERE IS IT AVAILABLE?

Although protocol changes might be expected since the private sector has reportedly been allowed to buy COVID-19 vaccines for their employees, Gutierrez reminded that the vaccines are still under emergency use authorization (EUA), which means they cannot be sold in the market.

So far only Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sinovac and Gamaleya Institutes Sputnik V vaccines have EUAs granted by the Philippines.

Gutierrez said COVID-19 vaccines currently cannot be sold online, in marketplaces, drug outlets, or even clinics and hospitals.

The current vaccines in the country are also offered for free by the government in Department of Health-authorized vaccination sites.

HOW IS IT GIVEN

Gutierrez said COVID-19 vaccines also require pre-vaccination screening by a healthcare professional. The person who will administer the dose should also be a healthcare worker.

After vaccination, the recipient should also be observed for any side effects.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE

Fake vaccines are produced by criminals to imitate the genuine ones and they are labelled and packaged to a high standard. Sometimes a laboratory test is the only way to identify the difference, Gutierrez said.

But while it is difficult to spot fake vaccines, he said criminals may also make mistakes.

He said counterfeit products are usually not correctly labelled or not labelled at all. The packaging may also not include an expiry date or information on how to store the medicine.

Poor packaging, false spelling or grammatical errors may also be good red flags, he said.

Gutierrez said dirty or scratched vials, dented or broken caps, already punctured rubber seal and cloudy solution or foreign matter in the vial may also be signs that the vaccine is fake.

The Philippines has so far received more than 2.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Sinovac and AstraZeneca. Of those, more than 650,000 have been administered to mostly health workers.

COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine in the Philippines, fake vaccine, counterfeit vaccine, Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration

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Beware of fake COVID-19 vaccines: Here's how to spot one - ABS-CBN News

Whether youre looking forward to BBQing, leisurely afternoons spent kicking back on the patio or exploring all your favourite trails on your bike, we know youve been waiting months to get outside and enjoy what Canada has to offer this spring. From how to clean and prep your BBQ to how to find the best E-mobility vehicle for you, Everything Awaits at Canadian Tire.

Photo via Getty Images

With the arrival of spring after what feels like a long and dreary winter, Canadians are no doubt looking forward to warmer weather and more time spent outdoors.

One of the best ways to kick back and enjoy the season is by taking advantage of your homes outdoor space, no matter whether youve got a condo-sized balcony or a spacious backyard.

In order to make the most comfortable, inviting and relaxing outdoor space, it may also be time to spruce up your outdoor areas in order to have them looking their best all season long. With these quick and easy projects, you can have your space spring-ready in no time so you can enjoy all that the warmer months have to offer.

Photo via Canadian Tire

Canadian winters can wreak havoc on all kinds of surfaces, from metal to wood to concrete, and everything in between. Rather than tossing your existing objects, why not give them a seasonal refresh that will have them looking as good as new?

For wooden trim and furniture, a fresh coat of Varathane Diamond Exterior Finish breathes new life into surfaces to leave them with your choice of gloss, semi-gloss and satin finishes. To remove the look of rust from metal fences or patio furniture, a coat of Tremclad Rust Paint is an easy way to keep them looking their best. As for concrete, Stone Mason Premium Concrete Sealer helps to seal and protect surfaces while leaving them with a revitalized look.

Photo via Canadian Tire

Theres no better way to take advantage of your space than by transforming your outdoor space into an extension of your indoor space. Cozy accents like outdoor-safe pillows and cushions and weatherproof rugs are a simple way to bring texture to your exteriors and add a touch of style to your space.

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Look for UV resilient fabrics to ensure that your pieces can withstand the heat, and for sunny areas that could use some extra shade. We also suggest investing in a patio set that comes with an umbrella, so you can take advantage of your space on even the brightest, hottest days.

Photo via Canadian Tire

Since patio furniture is an investment that can significantly improve the look of your outdoor space, you want to make the most out of it by protecting it properly in order to have it last for many years to come.

To give your textiles a weather-proof upgrade, youll want to consider spraying them with a coating of Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield. This easy-to-use spray creates a durable water repellent barrier that helps keep fabrics dryer, cleaner and newer looking for longer.

Photo via Canadian Tire

No matter what size outdoor space youre working with, Canadian Tire has many creative solutions that will allow you to add a touch of greenery or a colourful pop of florals. Youll find pots and urns for plants of every size, as well as modular planters if youre looking to try your hand at your own mini herb or vegetable garden.

Youll also find the tools you need to keep your plants growing, like compost, insect repellents, watering cans and more.

Photo via Canadian Tire

Though the days are indeed getting longer and warmer, evenings still might need some extra light and warmth once the sun sets. Not always a priority that we tend to think of, outdoor lighting can bring some much-needed functionality to your space while also adding a decorative touch.

Opt for low-maintenance solar-powered lights throughout your yard, or table lanterns for extra mood lightning. You can even plan ahead for warmer months with an insect-repellent lantern from Thermacell that performs double duty.

Another way to bring a whimsical touch to your outdoor space is by utilizing string lights. We love hanging them along fences or from trees to mimic the feeling of your favourite restaurant patio.

The rest is here:

5 refreshing ways to perk up your patio for the season - Yahoo News

Varicose vein treatment and laser liposuction with tumescent anesthesia both rely on the same principles. The most important concept is safety for the patient by minimizing risks associated with these procedures. At the L.A. Vein Center, we offer vein treatment as well as laser liposuction using tumescent anesthesia, so that patients get the results they want, and get back to their active lifestyles with minimum downtime.Varicose and spider veins are a common problem found in approximately 25% of the population. A common misconception is that they tend to occur only in women and older patients. Not true. Heredity and other issues play a significant role and can occur in anyone.Treatments can range from cosmetic to medical therapy. Spider veins can be erased with sclerotherapy where a chemical is injected into the fine veins, causing them to seal and disappear. For more advanced vein issues, invasive surgical vein stripping is no longer necessary. The abnormal veins can be closed using endovenous catheter ablation which is a minimally invasive treatment requiring just a single puncture. Phlebectomy can also be performed where multiple tiny incisions are made to remove the bulging unsightly veins. All of these can be done safely and comfortably in the office, with minimal downtime afterwards.For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 818-325-0400 or visit us at http://www.LAVeinCenter.com . We are located at 4955 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 704, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.

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The Safety and Comfort of My Patients Are Paramount at the LA Vein Center. - Magazine of Santa Clarita

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority on how we can use our buildings and communities to advance the health and well-being of the people inside, announced today that it has crossed the one billion square foot mark of spaces enrolled in the WELL Health-Safety Rating. Achieved in just nine months, the milestone signals accelerated global adoption of strategies that use our buildings as frontline caregivers in the immediate battle against COVID-19 and helps companies move toward a long-term commitment to healthier places.

We launched the WELL Health-Safety Rating in June 2020 in response to an overwhelming need by our customers for practical, evidence-based strategies that could be quickly deployed to help people get back to business with confidence, said IWBI president and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. Leaders in organizations big and small want effective ways to validate the often huge commitments theyve made to prioritize the health and well-being of workers and visitors to their spaces, said Hodgdon. The WELL Health-Safety Rating does just that.

Organizations currently enrolled in the WELL Health-Safety Rating span all industries and building types, signaling the ratings substantial impact across sectors. Companies participating include financial service leaders like JPMorgan Chase and Discover; insurance companies like USAA; telecommunications giants like T-Mobile; real estate organizations like Empire State Realty Trust, Kilroy Realty, Lincoln Property Company, and Simon Property Group; and school districts like Upper St. Clair in Pennsylvania and Fairfax County in Virginia. Cultural institutions and non-profits have also enrolled, including the Childrens Museum of Cleveland, Phipps Conservatory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and Girls Incorporated of Omaha. Other market sectors enrolling include restaurants, manufacturing and senior living.

We are proud to be the first global financial institution to achieve the WELL rating, said David Arena, head of Global Real Estate at JPMorgan Chase. With building health and air quality standards top of mind as the COVID pandemic continues, we wanted anyone entering one of our buildings or branches to see the WELL seal and know were doing all we can to keep our employees and visitors safe and healthy.

IWBI launched the WELL Health-Safety Rating in June 2020, leveraging its existing expertise and feedback from the 600-member IWBI Taskforce on COVID-19. Drawing on a subset of features from the WELL Building Standard (WELL), the WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing buildings and space types. It is focused on operational policies, maintenance protocols, emergency plans and stakeholder engagement strategies to help organizations prioritize the health and safety of their staff, customers, visitors and stakeholders.

Receiving the WELL Health-Safety Rating just underscores T-Mobiles commitment to putting our customers, employees and partners first and going above and beyond to protect their health and wellness when they visit our stores or come into work and were proud to be the first and only wireless provider, said Jeremy Malasky, Senior Vice President of Corporate Services for T-Mobile. Simply seeing the WELL seal at any of our retail stores, offices and call centers will help people feel confident that T-Mobile is taking precautions to keep them safe and bring us all another step closer to emerging from this pandemic to our normal way of life.

Nearly two dozen sports venues and organizations, including the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, see the rating as a way to give fans and players alike confidence that their health and safety are top of mind as we slowly get back to cheering on our favorite teams.

"We initiated our partnership with IWBI at a time when we needed specific COVID-19-related guidance regarding best practices in the field of building health and safety," said New York Yankees Senior Vice President of Stadium Operations Doug Behar. "Working to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating allowed us to focus on established protocols designed specifically for large scale buildings like ours that can receive tens of thousands of visitors on a given day. Additionally, IWBI provided direction for our office areas and smaller communal spaces so we could provide our day-to-day employees, field staff and players with scientifically based preventative measures against a wide variety of pathogens beyond COVID-19. We are better as an organization for having gone through this third-party verification, and we are excited to utilize WELL Health-Safety guidelines as we welcome fans back to Yankee Stadium in 2021."

With the hotel and lodging and sports and entertainment industries taking an outsized hit in the pandemic economy, IWBI created two industry-specific advisory groups made up of the leading companies and organizations in these sectors to help make sure their unique needs were addressed by the rating. Hospitality leaders including Aimbridge Hospitality, among others, have led the way in enrollments to date in the hotel and lodging space.

Aimbridge Hospitality is proud to be an early hotel partner with IWBI for the WELL Health-Safety Rating program, said Elie Khoury, Executive Vice President of Operations for Aimbridge Hospitality. We are pleased to continue enrolling our properties in the program as well as serve on the advisory group. Our industry has been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic. This program has given us a comprehensive guide to standards, and as a means to increase hotel guests and event attendees confidence, that we will continue to use long after the pandemic is over.

The WELL Health-Safety seal is attracting significant interest partly because it provides a visible trust mark that helps deliver the confidence needed as people transition to some level of normal when the time is right, said Paul Scialla, founder of the International WELL Building Institute and founder and CEO of Delos. To that end, IWBI has invested in a high-profile consumer ad campaign that has made it easier for businesses to share their achievements far and wide.

Were proud of the fact that companies of all sizes are finding that the WELL Health-Safety Rating is proving to be an important part of their response to COVID-19 and the health and safety issues that will inevitably arise in the future, said Hodgdon. Its even more exciting to see many of these organizations use the rating as a stepping stone to full WELL Certification or enrollment in the WELL Portfolio program. Organizations continue to enroll about two million square feet a day across all WELL offerings.

About the International WELL Building InstituteThe International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the worlds leading organization focused on deploying people first places to advance a global culture of health. A wholly owned subsidiary of Delos, IWBI mobilizes its community through the administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and the WELL Health-Safety Rating, management of the WELL AP credential, the pursuit of applicable research, the development of educational resources, and advocacy for policies that promote health and well-being everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute pbc is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delos Living LLC. International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL Portfolio, WELL Portfolio Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rating, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Health-Equity, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute in the United States and other countries.

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Gaining Momentum: Over One Billion Square Feet of Space Enrolls in WELL Health-Safety Rating - Business Wire

In the middle game for both the Seattle Thunderbirds and Portland Winterhawks 3-in-3 weekends, the Thunderbirds secured a 3-2 win over the Portland Winterhawks on Saturday night.

In the first of this weekends two meetings between the Winterhawks and the Thunderbirds, the team in blue proved victorious behind a rookie goaltender and three new goal scorers.

This was the first regulation loss of Portlands season as the Winterhawks see their record fall to 2-1-2-0.

Opposite that, Seattle has improved their record to 3-1-0-0, and currently, they sit second in the division early in the season.

Seth Jarvis broke the seal and scored his first of the season for the Winterhawks in the fifth game. Making an impressive pass, Reece Newkirk found Jarvis for the games opening goal. It just happened to be the one that got the monkey off the back of the Manitoba native forward.

The assist also marked Newkirks sixth point through Portlands first five games this season.

Meanwhile, the secondary assist went to Ryder Thompson for his first career point in the WHL.

The other goal scorer for Portland was Simon Knak, who the night before had discussed wanting to score at even strength as both of his previous goals this season had come shorthanded.

Lucas Ciona scored just over halfway through the game for his first of the season for the Thunderbirds. In fact, all three goal scorers for Seattle tallied their first of the season in the game. Payton Mount and Jordan Gustafson scored the second and third goals for the Thunderbirds.

Facing a season-high 40 shots, Winterhawks goaltender Dante Giannuzzi was tested often in this game. In the first period alone, Giannuzzi saw 16 shots come his way. Starting his second game in as many days, he managed to keep the Winterhawks within striking distance for the duration.

On the other end, Jackson Berry appeared in his first game in net for the Thunderbirds on Saturday night. Allowing just two goals on 30 shots, the rookie goaltender was outstanding en route to his first win with the Thunderbirds. Berrys win comes the day after Seattles other goaltender, Thomas Milic, earned his first shutout win.

These two teams meet again Sunday, March 28, with puck drop once again scheduled for 5:05 pm PDT.

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Seattle Thunderbirds secure 3-2 win over the Portland Winterhawks - DUBNetwork

The days are getting longer and the weather is hopefully soon going to get warmer meaning it'll be the perfect time to go walking in the park.

From today (March 29) restrictions eased meaning larger groups can gather outdoors.

Immediate changes on March 29 mean the rule of six applies again, along with a new household rule.

This means you can meet in groups of six or two households with larger numbers can meet outside, provided they stick to Covid guidelines and social distancing rules.

We've rounded up some of the best parks to meet up across Cumbria.

Barrow

South Walney Nature Reserve

COASTAL: Karl Hillman took this beautiful shot of South Walney Nature Reserve

If you live near Barrow you will have undoubtedly visited this nature reserve. If not, its well worth the visit.

The reserve boasts stunning views across Morecambe Bay, which you can enjoy as your tuck into your picnic spread.

There is even a designated picnic area in the reserve.

To work up an appetite, you can embark on one of the reserves walking trails which are outlined by waymarkers.

If you are an animal lover, then the nature reserve is also a great place to go bird watching or admire some seals.

Their new seal and bird-watching shelter is currently open and its next to Braithwaite Hide.

Kendal

Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve

Ospreys at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve, near Grange-over-Sands in south Cumbria. Credit: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

This is somewhat of a hidden gem nature reserve in Cumbria.

If you look carefully, you can spot an abundance of wildlife including lizards and adders- some rare butterflies have also been found in this area too.

What It lacks in facilities, it more than makes up for in terms of beauty and nature.

Penrith

Aira Force

MYSTIFYING: This atmospheric snap at Aira Force was taken by News & Star camera club member Scott Lynan

As well as having plenty of walking routes, there is also a lot of wildlife to admire and spot in the area.

Aira Force is home to the iconic red squirrel as well as Ring Ouzel and Peregrine Falcons.

While it isnt the most obvious choice for a picnic spot, some people have set up theirs on the rocks and watched the waterfall while they ate.

Carlisle

Rickerby Park

SERENE: Rickerby Park looking glorious in this stunning effort by News & Star camera club's Shweta Shweta

Rickerby Park is a traditional Victorian parkland located on the banks of the River Eden, in the grounds of Rickerby House. Within the park is an impressive War memorial.

There's plenty of open space for you to meet friends, socially distanced, for a walk and a picnic outdoors.

Rickerby Park is a natural park in the old landscape tradition. There are footpaths, and a car park, with a riverside walk.

Keswick

Hope Park

Hope Park, Keswick.

There's plenty to see and do in Keswick and Hope Park is an ideal place to sit and relax for a catch up with friends.

After you can take a walk to the lake and enjoy the view too.

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Five of the best parks in Cumbria to meet up with friends - News & Star