By Fatima Mirza
- Recent documents released by Congress have revealed that only six people successfully enrolled in the federal government’s new health care program via the website during the site’s first day. The memoranda indicate a slow start to health plan enrollment.
- According to findings released on Wednesday by the FDA, as many as 12% of US spice imports are contaminated. Nearly 7% contained salmonella, amongst other unwelcome additions including insect parts and rodent hairs.
- The October 31st edition of the Lancet included results from a major study conducted earlier this year that demonstrated closing live poultry markets during an avian influenza outbreak reduced poultry-to-human transmission of the disease by 97 to 99%. The study focuses on 4 Chinese cities where the virus was circulating.
- New York City legislators voted to raise the age for purchasing cigarettes from 18 to 21 this Wednesday. The group also approved a minimum price of $10.50 per pack.
- Belgium is considering a law to grant euthanasia for children and dementia patients. Already a pioneer in the area, Belgium would become the first country to extend the right to children.
- Health professionals in Syria have been faced with unprecedented complications and concerns. According to a report released by the World Health Organization, there has been deliberate targeting of hospitals and medical personnel in the midst of conflict.
- Thousands of healthcare plans across the country are being cancelled. This comes as a result of non-compliance with new mandates under the Affordable Care Act.
