Latest news with #ChronicDiseases
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi launches unique personalised weight management programme to reduce chronic disease
ABU DHABI - The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) announced the launch of a new, first-of-its-kind in the region, Personalised Weight Management Programme. Integrating digital monitoring, a unique reimbursement model and tailored clinical support, this initiative promotes sustainable weight management and active living to significantly reduce the risks of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, and ultimately, enhancing overall quality of life and health longevity. Open to eligible Thiqa members aged 18 and above who are clinically identified as overweight or obese, the programme features an innovative reimbursement model designed to encourage sustained engagement, accountability, and continuous active participation. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said, 'Our focus is on health – not just weight. This programme supports our vision for an active, health-conscious community, empowering individuals through personalised and science-driven solutions. Weight management requires tailored solutions, not a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, and this programme ensures each participant receives precisely what they need to succeed.' Dr. Rashid Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADPHC, stated, 'We know that even moderate weight loss and modest increases in physical activity significantly lower chronic disease risk. Traditionally, healthcare systems have lacked clear pathways for doctors to support patients in becoming physically active or to effectively link them with supportive services. Our programme directly addresses this gap by providing structured guidance, personalised activity plans, and continuous monitoring support through digital tools and clinical oversight - empowering our community to proactively manage their health and enhance their quality of life.'
Globe and Mail
13-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Pharmacy Automation Market worth US$10.00 billion by 2030 with 7.1% CAGR
"The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) predicts people aged 65 and older will grow from our present 10.3% worldwide population in 2024 to 20.7% by 2074, leading to a surge in the number of elderly patients requiring long-term medication management. Based on a Harvard University housing study 2023, almost 70% of elderly people (over age 65) are likely to need long-term assistance in their lifespan" Browse 387 market data Tables and 50 Figures spread through 388 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Pharmacy Automation Market by Product (Automated Medication Dispensing & Storage Systems, Table-Top Counter, Retrieval Systems, Medication Compounding), End User (Inpatient, Outpatient, Retail, ASC), Facility (Large, Mid) - Global Forecast to 2030 The global Pharmacy Automation Market, valued at US$6.23 billion in 2023, is forecasted to grow at a robust CAGR of 7.1%, reaching US$6.65 billion in 2024 and an impressive US$10.00 billion by 2030. The growth of the market is mainly fueled by the increasing incidence of chronic diseases, enhancing the need for effective and precise management of drugs. Moreover, the requirement of efficient pharmacy operations to boost the efficiency of the workflow and cut down medication mistakes is accelerating the usage of automation. Furthermore, government initiatives and policies promoting digital health and automation are propelling market growth. Furthermore, major industry players are increasingly focusing on AI-driven solutions, cloud-based pharmacy management systems, and strategic partnerships to enhance operational efficiency. The expansion of e-pharmacies, along with the growing integration of IoT in healthcare, is expected to create new growth opportunities. As technological advancements continue to transform the pharmacy sector, automation is becoming an essential solution for improving medication safety, reducing costs, and optimizing overall pharmaceutical operations. Download PDF Brochure: Browse in-depth TOC on " Pharmacy Automation Market" 200 - Tables 50 - Figures 300 - Pages By Based on product type, the pharmacy automation market has been segmented into automated medication dispensing and storage systems, automated packaging and labeling systems, automated tabletop counters, automated medication compounding systems, pharmacy management software (PMS/PIMS/PIS), and other pharmacy automation systems (pharmacy kiosks, pneumatic tubes, tablet splitters, and others). In 2023, the automated medication dispensing and storage systems segment is estimated to hold the largest share of the market for pharmacy automation. Some of the key growth factors for the segment are increasing need for reducing medication errors. Medication dispensing errors, such as incorrect dosage, wrong medications, and dispensing delays, contribute to adverse drug events (ADEs), impacting patient health outcomes. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2022, medication errors are estimated to cost approximately USD 42 billion annually. Further, in hospital settings, medication error rates range from 0.3% to 9.1% during prescribing and 1.6% to 2.1% at the dispensing stage. Automation minimizes human errors by ensuring precise dispensing and secure storage. Technologies such as robotic dispensers help prevent contamination and ensure correct medication dispensing. By End user, the retail pharmacies segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. This rapid expansion is fueled by the rising demand for streamlined pharmacy operations, growing prescription volumes, and the need for faster, more accurate medication dispensing. The increasing shift toward digital health solutions, coupled with advancements in robotic dispensing, AI-driven inventory management, and cloud-based pharmacy systems, is transforming how retail pharmacies operate. Additionally, the push for improved customer convenience, including same-day prescription deliveries and automated refill systems, is accelerating the adoption of pharmacy automation technologies. Major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon are intensifying competition in the US prescription medication market by introducing same-day delivery services. For instance, in January 2025, Walmart announced the nationwide expansion of its same-day pharmacy delivery service in 49 states by the end of January 2025. This move intensifies competition with Amazon's expanding prescription services and traditional retail pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, which are struggling with store closures. The service aims to provide faster, more convenient prescription access for customers, particularly busy families, seniors, and chronic disease patients. By geography, the pharmacy automation market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. In 2023, North America accounted for the highest share in pharmacy automation market driven by its well-established healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of advanced technologies, and stringent regulatory requirements for medication safety. The region's dominance is fueled by the increasing demand for automated medication dispensing, packaging, and inventory management solutions in both hospital and retail pharmacy settings. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA, DEA, and HIPAA have set strict guidelines for medication management, pushing pharmacies and healthcare institutions to integrate automation to ensure compliance and reduce medication errors. Additionally, the presence of leading market players, including Omnicell, BD, Swisslog Healthcare, and Baxter International Inc, accelerated innovation and widespread adoption of automation technologies. The rise of retail pharmacy automation, with major chains such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon Pharmacy investing in AI-powered prescription fulfillment and same-day delivery services, further strengthened North America's leadership in the market. The pharmacy automation market is consolidated at the top with a large number of leading market players based in developed countries. The key players operating in this market are Becton, Dickinson and Company (US), Omnicell, Inc. (US), KUKA AG (Swisslog Healthcare) (Germany), Baxter International Inc. (US), Capsa Healthcare (US), Oracle (US), Yuyama Co., Ltd. (Japan), ARxIUM Inc. (US), Mckesson Corporation (US), RxSafe, LLC (US), ScriptPro LLC (US), Pearson Medical Technologies, LLC (US), Deenova S.R.L (Germany), Medical Packaging Inc., LLC (US), Tension Corporation (US), Noritsu Pharmacy Automation (US), Euclid Medical Products (US), TouchPoint Medical Solutions (US), Innovation Associates (US), and JFCRX (US). Because of the high level of competition in the market, major market players are becoming more inclined to grow their presence in the high-growth markets by employing both organic and inorganic growth initiatives like product launches, and acquisitions. Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) (US): BD is a worldwide manufacturer of high-quality pharmacy automation solutions that reinforce its market position via organic growth strategies like investments in research & development activities. BD spent USD 1.33 billion and USD 1.09 billion in R&D in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Further, the strong geographical presence, extensive distribution network, and brand image of the company has made itself a market leader in the worldwide arena. Omnicell, Inc. (US): Omnicell is among the most dominant companies in the pharmacy automation sector. The firm has a very wide line of pharmacy automation systems with high brand value that has enabled it to establish a competitive advantage in the pharmacy automation sector and a leading global position. The firm has a focus on inorganic expansion through acquiring firms. Omnicell bought MarkeTouch Media, LLC (US) to further its presence in the retail pharmacy market. It also bought ReCept Holdings, Inc. (US) to further its portfolio of advanced services. KUKA AG (Swisslog Healthcare) (Germany): KUKA AG (Swisslog Healthcare) (Germany): KUKA provides an extensive array of pharmacy automation solutions under its Swisslog Healthcare business segment. Swisslog Healthcare emphasizes growing its business by expanding product development and geographical presence. Swisslog Healthcare expanded its business through the development of the UniPick 2 outpatient drug dispensing automation solution in hospital pharmacies (outpatient solutions) in the fast-expanding Chinese market. New products established and improvements have given Swisslog a competitive edge over its peers in the market.
CNN
31-05-2025
- Health
- CNN
MAHA doc ‘Toxic Nation' says 4 things are sickening us
Movies Food & health Agriculture Chronic diseasesFacebookTweetLink Follow Ultraprocessed foods, seed oils, pesticides and fluoride: They're all targets of the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, whose chief proponent is US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Now, MAHA Films, a production company dedicated to promoting the movement's values, has released its first documentary. 'Toxic Nation: From Fluoride to Seed Oils — How We Got Here, Who Profits, and What You Can Do' highlights those four food- and environmental-related issues that Kennedy's nonprofit MAHA Action, an advocacy partner for the film, says 'silently endanger millions of Americans every day.' Released online Tuesday, the film is the first in a planned four-part series. 'If we can love our children more than we hate each other, we can solve the chronic disease epidemic affecting them,' producer and director Jeff Hays said in a news release, quoting Kennedy's ethos. ''Toxic Nation' is our love letter to that vision, a call to create an America where families can finally thrive in true health.' The documentary's release follows the May 22 publication of the first MAHA Commission report, which lays the groundwork for an overhaul of federal policy to reduce the burden of chronic disease on American children. Still, Kennedy's agenda to overhaul food systems, pharmaceuticals and environmental toxins may run into roadblocks due to significant budget and staffing cuts at HHS and the US Environmental Protection Agency. 'The Trump Administration can't have it both ways,' Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit environmental health organization, wrote in an email. (Although there is substantial overlap with some issues that have become Kennedy's focus at HHS, the documentary was not released by the federal government.) 'On the one hand, they're sounding the alarm about diet-related disease and the illnesses caused by dangerous chemicals,' Faber added. 'On the other hand, they're making it harder for people to build healthy diets and eliminating the safeguards that protect us from toxins like PFAS and pathogens.' Although some experts have long talked about the effects of what we consume on our risk of disease, when it comes to specifics, there is some controversy around the potential dangers, benefits or neutrality, if any. Here's what recent research says about the four targets of 'Toxic Nation.' The claim: The documentary calls out ultraprocessed foods as one of the roots of chronic disease. The background: Composing up to 70% of the US food supply, ultraprocessed foods are made with industrial techniques and ingredients 'never or rarely used in kitchens, or classes of additives whose function is to make the final product palatable or more appealing,' according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Ultraprocessed foods are typically low in fiber; are high in calories, added sugar, refined grains and fats, and sodium; and include additives such as preservatives, flavor enhancers or dyes. The research: Numerous studies over decades have linked consumption of ultraprocessed foods to diseases or health issues including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, premature death, cancer, depression, cognitive decline, stroke and sleep disorders. The harms could be partly due to ultraprocessed foods' effects on metabolism, experts have said — since without fiber, for example, refined carbohydrates can raise triglycerides and spike blood glucose levels. QUIZ: How much ultraprocessed food are you eating? What you can do: Limit your intake of ultraprocessed foods by increasing your consumption of whole fruits, veggies, grains, nuts and seeds, and legumes. Read ingredient labels and be aware of how much sodium you're eating and how certain foods make you feel; ultraprocessed foods can keep you wanting more, whereas whole foods are more satiating. Read more on ultraprocessed food: Eating more ultraprocessed food ups the risk of premature death, study finds The claim: The documentary challenges the long-held guidance that for heart health, cooks should replace saturated fats from animal products such as beef tallow, pig lard and butter with seed oils. (Kennedy applauded Steak 'n Shake's switchover from seed oils to beef tallow for frying its french fries, calling it a healthier choice.) The background: Vegetable and seed oils became popular in the mid-20th century, when scientists began looking into animal fat as the culprit behind the uptick in cardiovascular issues and promoted oils as heart-healthy alternatives. Some experts' concerns about seed oils are based on their chemistry, the industrial production involving various chemicals and the behavior of seed oils when they're exposed to heat, air and light. The oils are extracted from the seeds of plants, like canola oil from canola — or rapeseed — plant seeds. The other seed oils of concern are corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, sunflower, safflower and rice bran oils. Seed oils are primarily polyunsaturated fats, which are less chemically stable than saturated fats, the main lipid in animal fats. Polyunsaturated fats are thus prone to faster peroxidation when exposed to oxygen or cooked, which can produce molecules linked to cellular damage and oxidative stress, Dr. Daisy Zamora, an associate professor at the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine, told CNN in March. The research: Over the past few decades and continuing today, scientists have published copious data showing that diets higher in plant fats result in better health outcomes than diets higher in animal fats, Dr. Alice H. Lichtenstein, the Stanley N. Gershoff Professor of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in Boston, told CNN in March. The research on seed oils has picked up over the past decade , including Zamora's clinical trials that found limiting seed oils improved participants' chronic pain. Other studies have linked seed oil intake with atherosclerosis or biomarkers of fat buildup in arteries. The risk of harmful degradation products may not come into play unless the oils are cooked too hot, used repeatedly or kept for too long, and it's possible that some food companies, restaurants and individuals may be doing those things, Dr. Eric Decker, a professor of food science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, told CNN in a previous story. What you can do: If you're concerned about seed oils, you can try substituting extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil, experts said. Experts also recommend that any fat you consume should be in moderation. Read more on seed oils: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says beef tallow is healthier than seed oils. Is he right? The claim: The film raises concerns about the herbicide glyphosate, citing previously documented links to cancer. Sources also said glyphosate may cause endocrine disruption and damaged gut microbiomes, with the latter potentially increasing risk for irritable bowel diseases and celiac disease. The background: Glyphosate is commonly used for killing weeds in human and animal food crops, forestry and gardens. The research: Research on the effects of glyphosate on the human gut microbiome is in the early stages, although harm in rats has been found. A 2019 analysis of studies on thousands of people and animals found that exposure to glyphosate was associated with a 41% higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. The US Food and Drug Administration's role is to ensure that pesticide or herbicide residues on or in domestic and imported foods don't exceed limits set by the EPA, at levels the EPA determines to 'provide a reasonable certainty of no harm,' according to the FDA. The EPA has said that glyphosate isn't likely to be carcinogenic for humans and that it continues to find 'no risks to public health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label.' The EPA's conclusion contradicts the World Health Organization's stance, although the latter has been controversial among both industry and some health experts. The decision was followed by thousands of lawsuits — against the leading producer of glyphosate-based weed killers — claiming that glyphosate exposure caused plaintiffs' cancer. Some have been successful to varying degrees, including a high-profile case partly argued by Kennedy when he was an environmental lawyer. What you can do: You can limit your consumption of herbicides (as well as pesticides) by eating mostly or only organic foods. Since that's not feasible for many people, you can still make an impact by reducing your intake of the foods on the Environmental Working Group's 'Dirty Dozen' list and increasing your intake of its 'Clean Fifteen' foods. The lists refer to conventionally grown fruits and vegetables with the most or least amount of pesticide residues, respectively. Still, the EWG also says the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure, so don't let perfection be the enemy of the good. Read more on pesticides: Many breakfast cereals still contaminated by weed killer, environmental group says The claim: Documentary sources claimed that the type of fluoride predominantly used in drinking water for most of the US population differs from dental sodium fluoride. That's a problem, they say, because it's hydrofluorosilicic acid, a chemical byproduct of the phosphate fertilizer industry, and contains heavy metals such as arsenic. It's true that hydrofluorosilicic acid is the fluoridation agent of choice for many municipalities . That hydrofluorosilicic acid also contains more arsenic than sodium fluoride is also true, according to the EPA, which has also said it limits the amount of arsenic allowed in water. 'Toxic Nation' sources added that fluoride can block thyroid receptors and cause dental fluorosis. This is a cosmetic change in children's tooth enamel caused by ingesting excessive fluoride while their permanent teeth are still forming underneath their gums, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The background: Medical organizations or institutions such as the American Dental Association and the CDC continue to support water fluoridation and use of fluoride toothpaste. Most of the documentary sources acknowledged that sodium fluoride can strengthen enamel. The research: Studies prove that 'water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing dental decay by at least 25% in children and adults, even in the of era widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste,' according to the American Dental Association. A new study published in the journal JAMA affirms this. It estimated that eliminating fluoride from public water systems would be associated with a 7.5% increase in tooth decay, according to data on 8,484 children with an average age of 9. But a few studies, including a federal review published in August, have supported concerns about higher levels of fluoride in water affecting children's intellectual development. Some have also found only slight dental benefits of fluoridating water. But the federal review noted that associations between normal levels of fluoride and children's IQ are less consistent. And research on adults is scarce. What you can do: If you want to avoid fluoride intake, you can buy water filters that filter out fluoride. They should be independently certified, such as by the National Sanitation Foundation or another official lab. Also ensure your kids don't swallow toothpaste that contains fluoride. To help prevent cavities, brush and floss your teeth daily and nightly, and limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages, the American Dental Association recommends. If you do eat them, do so at mealtimes. You should also visit your dentist regularly. Read more on fluoride: What to know about fluoride in drinking water CNN's Andrea Kane, Sandee LaMotte, Nadia Kounang, Carma Hassan and Deidre McPhillips contributed to this report.
