Advantages of Dust Containment Systems for Solid Dose Manufacturing
Pharmaceuticals are a necessity for the numerous medical conditions out there, and as time goes on, the active ingredients used to make them have gotten more hazardous, meaning the importance of containing dust from the manufacturing process has also increased. Dust containment systems for solid dose manufacturing are a must to contain the spread of the dust that comes off the machines during manufacturing. This protects the workers and environment around the manufacturing labs, as well as prevents cross-contamination.
Dust containment systems often contain multiple parts. Firstly, there is some form of containment unit at the entrance to any lab that manufactures solid dose pharmaceuticals to ensure a safe entry and exit point. Here, PPE can be put on or taken off, without the risk of spreading pharmaceutical dust. Next is the fan system with a cyclonic pre-separator that creates a negative pressure area in a room, so that the only way for dust to get out of the room is through the fan’s filtration system. Lastly, there is a HEPA filtration system to ensure that if any dust does make it through the fan’s cyclonic pre-separator system, the HEPA filter will capture it, ensuring zero dust leaves the room.
Protection Against Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination in solid dose pharmaceuticals is a major concern. Dust from the manufacturing of one drug, getting into another drug can drastically change its effects on a person, making a relatively safe drug into one that is dangerous, or completely useless. A facility that has cross-contamination will have to issue product recalls, costing millions of dollars, as well as increasing the frequency of auditors and inspectors, eventually leading to the loss of their manufacturing license.
With a robust dust containment system in place though, solid dose manufacturing will no longer have to worry about cross-contamination when procedures are properly followed, and the system is installed correctly. Previous systems often included self-cleaning fans, however the vacuum point of air compression cleaning can create cross-contamination issues, so more modern cyclonic pre-separator fan systems with HEPA filters are now preferred. Dust containment must be a priority to prevent cross-contamination, including full room negative pressure fans, as well as an environmental containment unit at any entrance to allow for safe PPE dressing and undressing.
Worker Protections and OSHA Standards Compliance
There are many classifications of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API’s) used for solid dose manufacturing, and dust containment is a way to prevent the dangerous API’s from causing health issues inside, and outside of a manufacturing lab. API’s in the occupational exposure band (OED) 1 or 2 are considered non-toxic, or limited toxicity so often only requires proper procedural PPE and controls, but when manufacturing starts using OED 3 or 4 category, dust containment becomes a must. OHSA inspections are something regularly done in a manufacturing setting where there are dangerous ingredients, and OSHA standards must be met or exceeded for continued manufacturing to be permitted. Dust containment systems ensure that no dangerous ingredients get out of working labs, whether that is into other areas of the building, or the outside environment.
Product Reconciliation
In an ideal world, all the ingredients used in solid dose manufacturing would go into the end product, however, this is not an ideal world, and some of the product is lost as dust and other waste products during the manufacturing process. Dust containment systems not only help protect the outside environment and people from toxic API, but it also allows for easy capture of ingredient dust so that the manufacturer can use the dust captured in reconciliation calculations. This way they know exactly how much ingredients are being lost to dust, in order to determine whether more efficient means of manufacturing are needed, and as part of quality assurance calculations.
Little Maintenance Required
A great aspect of dust containment systems that don’t wholly rely on HEPA filters, is the fact that cyclonic pre-separation technology required little cleaning and requires fewer HEPA filter changes. Combined with a robust entrance containment unit, there is little maintenance required to ensure a safe containment area for solid dose manufacturing
Full Dust Containment System
Full dust containment systems are a must for most solid dose manufacturing to ensure product safety, employee safety, and environmental safety. Combining pre-separation cyclonic fans featuring HEPA filtration, with environmental containment units at entrances ensures total safety and containment while following proper procedures.
Seven Stages For Behavioral Change!!
Making changes in our lives can be difficult, but Deerfield Behavioral Health has outlined seven stages to help individuals understand the process of change and how they can work through them in order to achieve their goals. First, understand what is behavioral change.
What Is Behavioral Change?
Behavioral change is defined as a fundamental alteration in the way an individual thinks, feels, or behaves. This could manifest in many different ways, such as quitting smoking, eating healthier, or becoming more active. Whatever the goal may be, Deerfield Behavioral Health has identified seven stages that individuals go through when making behavioral changes. Behavioral change is not linear, meaning that individuals may find themselves moving back and forth between stages as they work to achieve their goals. It is important to understand that this is normal and that Deerfield Behavioral Health is here to help individuals through every stage of the process.
What Are the Causes of Behavioral Change?
There are many different causes of behavioral change. Some individuals may be motivated by personal health care, while others may be trying to set a good example for their children. It is important to identify the cause of the behavior change, as this can help individuals stay motivated throughout the process. Causes of behavioral change can be divided into two categories:
• External factors: External factors are those that come from outside of the individual and include things like a doctor’s recommendation, a change in the law, or peer pressure.
• Internal factors: Internal factors are those that come from within the individual and include things like a desire to improve one’s health, a change in values, or a life-changing event.
Seven Stages of Behavioral Change
1. Precontemplation
This is the stage where individuals are not considering change and may be unaware of the problem. They may be in denial about the seriousness of the issue or believe that they can’t do anything to change the situation. It is important to take this into account when approaching someone about making a change.
2. Contemplation
During this stage, individuals are aware of their problem behavior and want to make a change, but may not be ready to take action. They may be ambivalent about change and still be weighing the pros and cons. Contemplation is a time for soul-searching and increasing knowledge about the consequences of not changing.
3. Preparation
Preparation is when individuals start to take concrete steps towards change. They may develop a plan of action, set goals, and begin to gather resources. This is a critical stage, as it sets the foundation for making the change.
4. Action
This is the stage where individuals actually make the behavioral change. They may need to stick to their plan and make lifestyle changes in order to achieve their goals. This stage requires a lot of effort, but it is important to maintain momentum during this time.
5. Maintenance
Maintenance is the stage where individuals have to put in the work to keep up with the changes they have made. This is often when people start to backslide and revert back to their old ways. To avoid this, it is important to find support and stay motivated. Maintenance usually lasts for six months to a year.
6. Relapse
A relapse is when an individual returns to their old behavior after a period of change. This doesn’t mean that the individual has failed, but rather that they may need to adjust their plan or find more support. A relapse can be viewed as a learning experience and an opportunity to get back on track. Relapse prevention is an important part of the maintenance stage.
7. Termination
Termination is the stage where an individual has successfully made the behavioral change and no longer exhibits the problem behavior. This doesn’t mean that the individual will never struggle again, but rather that they have the knowledge and skills to cope with temptation and setbacks. Termination is a lifelong process.
The seven stages of behavioral change can be helpful in understanding the process of change. It is important to remember that these are not linear, and individuals may find themselves moving back and forth between stages. If you are considering making a change, please reach out for help.
CBN Oil: Sleep, Other Uses, Safety, and More
There are numerous health supplements, oils, and tinctures that depend on a single plant source and have gained immense popularity. The plant source is the Cannabis Sativa plant, and its most popular types are hemp plant and marijuana.
The plant source was perceived to be used only for recreational purposes. However, in recent years it has gathered popularity for its health benefits.
There are numerous cannabis-derived products circulating the market, and one of the most popular oils is CBN oil.
Let us discuss CBN oil, its uses, safety, and more in detail.
1. What is CBN Oil?
CBN, also known as cannabinol, is a chemical compound obtained from the hemp plant. However, most people often confuse it with CBD oil, also called cannabidiol.
Just like CBD oil, CBN oil is free of psychoactive properties. Hence, it does not interfere with your mental faculties in any way.
While CBD oil has been in the limelight for many years, CBN oil has gained popularity in recent years. Due to the lack of attention to the chemical compound, we are still unaware of its many benefits, as well as potential side effects.
Also, you may find it difficult to obtain CBN oil, while CBD oil is available at most dispensaries.
2. CBN oil and its effect on sleep.
The most notable benefit of CBN oil is its potential to improve sleep. The oil is often marketed as a sleep aid medication and has benefitted numerous patients.
However, it is important to note that there has been very limited research on the usage of CBN oil and its effect on sleep. The studies conducted are very old and include a very small group.
CBN is more prominent in old flowers of Cannabis Sativa. When THC Acid is exposed to air for a long time, it transforms into cannabinol. Also, the old flowers of the plant source have sedative properties. Hence, people believe that such an impact can be due to the presence of CBN. However, the impact on sleep after consuming old flowers can also be due to the presence of THC.
Before, you use Best CBN Products for improving your sleep, it is advisable to consult a health care professional.
3. Other usages of CBN oil.
CBN Oil also offers numerous other benefits apart from improving your sleep. Let us discuss some of these usages of CBN oil.
It can increase your appetite.
Severe ailments can lead to a patient losing their appetite. This can cause further weakness and deter the situation even further. CBN oil can stimulate your appetite and helps patients who have lost their appetite to conditions like HIV or cancer.
It can help relieve pain.
Best CBN Products can help relieve pain in people with ailments like fibromyalgia.
It has antibacterial properties.
CBN oil is believed to have antibacterial properties. Hence, it can ward off infection by eliminating harmful bacteria.
It reduces inflammation.
CBN oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it can reduce inflammation in the body and can provide relief in cases of diseases like arthritis.
These are some of the benefits of using Best CBN Products. However, it is essential to note that these benefits are not backed by any research or study. Even the few studies conducted were not tested on a considerable size of the human population. Hence, the exact usage and benefits of CBN oil are still not discovered completely.
4. Side effects of CBN Oil
As we mentioned earlier, CBN oils have not been the point of research for many years. Hence, the exact side effects of CBN oil are not available. Till now there are no known side effects of using CBN oil.
However, it is advisable to be careful when using CBN products. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from using CBN oil due to its potential risks. Also, the oil can interact with other medications, just like CBD products.
Hence, it is advisable to consult your health care provider before using even the Best CBN Products.
What Are The Over-The-Counter UTI Treatment Options?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a frequent illness caused by bacteria migrating into the normally sterile urinary tract and multiplying. If you have a UTI, you may notice the following symptoms: a strong desire to urinate, even after you’ve already drained your bladder; a burning feeling while urinating; heaviness in your abdominal area; and other clinical signs.
What Is Urinary Tract Infection?
UTIs are frequent conditions that occur when bacteria invade the urethra and affect the urinary system, usually through the skin of the rectum. The infestations can infect any region of the urinary system, although the bladder infection is the most prevalent (cystitis).
Another kind of UTI is kidney infection (pyelonephritis). They’re less prevalent than bladder infections, but they’re more dangerous.
What Causes UTI?
Infections in the urinary system are caused by bacteria that invade the urethra and bladder, causing irritation and inflammation. Though urethral and bladder infections are the most prevalent, bacteria can also migrate up the ureters and affect your kidneys.
E. coli, a bacterium that usually lives in the intestines, is responsible for more than 90% of a bladder infection (cystitis) incidents.
Symptoms Of UTI
Bacteria enter the body through the urethra, a conduit that connects the bladder to the outside. The majority of urinary infections are acute, but others are persistent and require medical attention to stop them from migrating to other vital organs.
It’s also possible that the infection is viral or fungal. Cystitis, or inflammation and irrigation, is caused by an E. coli infection in the bladder. The severity of the infection is determined by the number of bacteria present in the bladder. Some frequent and quick changes in urine, on the other hand, can aid in early detection.
• Pain and burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in urine
• Increase frequency of urination
• Stinky urine
• Cramps
• Lower backache
• Increased pressure on the abdominal area
• Urge to urinate frequently
• Fever
• Vomiting and nausea
Over-The-Counter UTI Treatment Options
Some infections may not even require antibiotic treatment and may even go away. However, while treating UTIs without antibiotics may be a possibility in the future, there are now just a handful of similarly effective OTC UTI remedies that can assist a patient control their conditions.
• Paracetamol
Paracetamol, which is almost always accessible as an over-the-counter medicine, is one of the finest OTC UTI treatment medicines since it relieves the pain that comes with UTI symptoms.
• Ibuprofen
Any type of UTI can cause inflammation, and because of its own anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities, ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation. Decreased inflammation should result in decreased soreness, as well as a decrease in the intensity or regularity of urine.
• Heat Pads
Place them on your stomach, back, or between your thighs after they are warmed but not hot. The warm feeling relieves the pressure and discomfort associated with UTIs.
• Hydration
Although it isn’t one of the over-the-counter UTI treatments, hydration is nevertheless essential for resolving a UTI swiftly. If you have a UTI, it is critical to drink as much fluid as necessary so that you urinate more often and the harmful germs are washed out of your urinary tract naturally. This option entails treating your issues without using drugs.
• Probiotics
Probiotics are one of the great over-the-counter UTI treatments alternatives because they assist your body’s metabolism and resistance. Probiotics help to replenish the beneficial bacteria in your gut and minimize the risk of infection.
An Untreated Urinary Tract Infection Poses A Risk
Untreated UTIs are more likely to advance to an upper tract infection. If this occurs, the illness will worsen and spread much further. Upper UTIs are more resistant to treatment and can be dangerous if left untreated. When an infection spreads to your bloodstream, your body enters sepsis, a life-threatening condition. This is why, as soon as you discover any noticeable symptoms, you should call your doctor.
While antibiotics are the conventional medicine for UTIs, scientists are developing better over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that could reduce the need for antibiotics. However, speaking with a doctor to determine the appropriate prescription for you is always a good idea.
Five Benefits of Hiring a Professional Lactation Consultant
Breastfeeding is an intensely satisfying experience for a mother. However, it is not without its set of challenges. Right from inadequate milk production to baby not latching, mothers of newborns have their challenges to deal with while breastfeeding. A lactation consultant helps mothers in such situations with their experience and expertise.
On this page you will gain insights into how lactation consultants Houston helps new mothers and why you should hire one.
Understanding lactation
Lactation is the process of milk production in the new mothers. It is a biological process that follows pregnancy and delivery. It ensures that the baby receives her first food – the mother’s milk and is adequately nourished. Lactation also helps mothers burn the calories and bring the metabolism to the pre-delivery stage.
Meanwhile, lactation comes with its own set of challenges:
• Mothers feel fatigued with continuous feeding.
• Inadequate milk supply can stress the mother and leave the baby hungry.
• Baby is not able to latch due to various reasons.
• The breastfeeding position might be troubling both the mother and the baby.
Lactation consultants in Houston help alleviate such problems mothers face during breastfeeding. It is vital to understand that such consultants can be certified or experienced. You may find consultants who have passed the eligibility exam and some with intensive experience in nursing and helping lactation.
Benefits of lactation consultant
Here are five benefits of hiring a professional lactation consultant in Houston.
#1. An emotional assistance
Breastfeeding can be a tiring journey if not properly handled. The midnight routines of the baby leave the mother with tiredness and exhaustion. In severe cases, this can lead to post-partum depression, which might impact the mother and the baby negatively.
Here’s where a lactation specialist offers their patient assistance by listening to the woes the mother faces. They are a channel for the mother to attain relief from the emotional discomfort they experience while breastfeeding.
#2. Expert help in times of need
Babies need mother’s milk like no other food. But when they do not attain the adequate amount or find it difficult to drink, expert help in the form of a lactation specialist is imminent.
With their extensive expertise, lactation specialists explain the best practices that enrich the breastfeeding experience. They understand the needs of both the mother and the baby and offer customized solutions that are otherwise difficult to attain.
#3. Offers tips and tricks that put you at ease
New moms often confront various doubts:
• Can I eat this while breastfeeding?
• Is it okay to breastfeed when I have a fever?
• I have a cold and cough. Can I give my breast milk to my baby?
• What foods can help stimulate breast milk production?
• How often should I feed my baby?
• My baby sleeps while breastfeeding. What should I do?
And so on.
The number of doubts that haunt new mothers, especially while breastfeeding are countless. Lactation specialists understand such concerns and provide expert suggestions that help moms.
Besides, they are encyclopedias of the tips and tricks that help new mothers to enjoy a smooth breastfeeding experience.
#4. Helps clarify your doubts about the milk supply
Most often mothers doubt if their milk production is adequate for the baby. In practice, there can be various reasons for lesser breastmilk production ranging from stress to inadequate nutrition and certain special medical conditions.
In such instances, lactation specialist offers their valuable advice on how to boost breastmilk production naturally. They are known to offer alternate foods and methods to reduce and alleviate stress in mothers to naturally aid milk flow.
#5. Supports both the mother and the baby
Compared to mothers that have undergone natural deliveries, C-Section and induced mothers need more personal care for a prolonged time. During such intervals, they need someone to care for the baby and their nutrition needs.
A lactation consultant identifies the mother’s needs and supports them physically and mentally while breastfeeding the baby. They suggest the best postures for feeding that lessen the pain due to stitches and surgery. Many studies find that mothers that took the guidance of lactation experts experienced comfortable breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Lactation consultants Houston offers both emotional and physical support a mother precisely needs while breastfeeding. Taking their suggestions and help can only enrich the breastfeeding experience and helps both the mother and the baby.