分类： health

The Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago has issued a voluntary medication recall through its Chemistry, Food and Drug Division, targeting specific production batches of combined bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. This generic pharmaceutical product is primarily prescribed for hypertension management.

The recall affects medication from lots numbered 17232401 (with expiration November 2025) and 17240974 (expiring May 2026). The regulatory action follows quality control testing that revealed trace contamination with ezetimibe, a cholesterol-lowering medication that should not be present in the blood pressure treatment.

This safety initiative originated from Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc. in coordination with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Routine quality assessment procedures identified potential cross-contamination during manufacturing, prompting the voluntary recall of 11,136 medication bottles distributed to pharmacies.

Although the FDA has classified this recall as Class III—indicating that exposure to the trace contaminant is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences—the Ministry recommends precautionary measures. Consumers who have purchased medications from the affected lots should immediately discontinue use and return the products to their point of purchase.

The Ministry emphasizes that patients should not abruptly stop antihypertensive treatment without consulting healthcare professionals. Individuals with health concerns are advised to seek immediate guidance from their medical providers to ensure continuous proper management of their blood pressure conditions.

For additional information, concerned citizens may contact the Office of the Director of the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division via email at cfdd@health.gov.tt or by telephone at 217-4664 extension 13101.

The Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) has confirmed temporary service adjustments at the Sangre Grande Enhanced Health Centre during the holiday period. In an official announcement, the health authority disclosed that the general practitioner’s clinic facility will be non-operational on Christmas Day, December 25th.

Patients requiring medical attention during this temporary closure have been directed to utilize the Emergency Department services available at the Sangre Grande Hospital Campus, which remains fully operational to handle healthcare needs. The proximity of these facilities ensures continued access to medical services for community members.

Normal operations at the Enhanced Health Centre will recommence on December 26th at 9:00 AM, following the Christmas holiday closure. The ERHA has formally expressed regret for any potential inconvenience resulting from this seasonal service adjustment.

Minister of Health Dr. Lackram Bodoe’s oversight ensures that such operational decisions align with the national healthcare strategy. The authority emphasized its ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare delivery while managing necessary temporary service modifications during public holidays.

As Christmas approaches, a concerning trend emerges: countless individuals inadvertently pushing their bodies beyond limits through festive preparations. Dr. Nicole de Freitas, a seasoned physical therapist with 23 years of experience and clinical doctorate from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences, warns that December’s intensified activities—from decorating to entertaining—create perfect conditions for physical strain and injury.

Dr. de Freitas, owner of Total Rehabilitation Centre Limited in Trinidad and certified ergonomic specialist, emphasizes that ergonomics extends far beyond office environments. “Ergonomics represents the study between job characteristics and the worker,” she explains, noting that ‘job’ encompasses parenting, household management, cooking, and seasonal decorating. The Christmas period particularly amplifies both mental and physical demands, requiring heightened body awareness and movement intelligence.

According to her research, most injuries occur when exhaustion sets in—typically late in the day when people override their body’s signals. The holiday combination of limited rest, alcohol consumption, and nutritional compromises creates a vulnerability cascade where bodies eventually “break down” without proper support.

The specialist provides specific preventive strategies:

For heavy lifting: Secure assistance for items exceeding 50 pounds, and break loads into manageable 20-25 pound segments. When retrieving overhead items, use sturdy ladders with staggered stance positioning.

For decorating: Utilize stools for low-level work to avoid bending, maintain proximity to tasks, and alternate between sitting and standing positions during extended activities like gift wrapping.

For cooking marathons: Segment tasks—sitting for vegetable chopping or leaf folding—and wear cushioned footwear with arch support rather than flat slippers. Avoid asymmetrical “stork standing” and practice knee bending instead of waist flexion when handling heavy turkeys or hams.

For travelers: Acknowledge that seated positions increase spinal disc pressure significantly. Combat stiffness through frequent movement breaks, supplemental back support with towel rolls or pillows, and compression stockings for circulation. Maintain legroom for stretching and utilize neck pillows for additional support.

For shoppers: Distribute weight through multiple trips, consider trolleys instead of carrying loads, and recognize when to pause.

When injuries occur, Dr. de Freitas recommends immediate position changes followed by gradual movement within tolerable ranges—avoiding complete immobilization. Persistent pain beyond 48 hours, especially when accompanied by sharp sensations, weakness, or bladder/bowel control issues, warrants urgent medical attention.

Her overarching philosophy: “Your best posture is your next posture.” Regular movement, maintained strength, nutritional density, and proper hydration collectively sustain the body machine. Most importantly, she reminds perfection-seekers that meaningful celebrations don’t require flawless execution—preserving one’s wellbeing ultimately defines successful holiday experiences.