Canned tuna products sold at major stores nationwide are being recalled for a potential botulism risk.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently posted a notice that Tri-Union Seafoods is recalling select lots of canned tuna products sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B and Trader Joe’s brand names.

The recall is being made out of an abundance of caution following a notification from the company’s supplier that the “easy open” pull tab can lid on limited products encountered a manufacturing defect that may compromise the integrity of the product seal (especially over time).

This can cause it to leak, or worse — be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.

Consumers are warned not to use the products, even if they do not look or smell spoiled, according to the recall notice. Those feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention.

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AAHPO member Dr. Tro Kalayjian is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine and Medical Director of Toward Health. He recently published a paper in Frontiers of Nutrition which presents research confirming the health benefits of lifestyle-based metabolic care. Key findings include:

• 15.5% average body weight loss (43 lbs at 12 months)
• 76% of patients still losing weight at one year
• $2,000 saved per patient in deprescription costs
• 2 fewer medications per patient

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By Samuel Badalian, Chair of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bassett Healthcare Network

I’m thrilled to share a major milestone for hashtag#Urogynecology in hashtag#Armenia! Today, our five fellows officially received their licenses from the hashtag#Ministry of Health, allowing them to practice the newly established subspecialty of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.

This achievement is the result of four years of dedication and hard work. Since launching in 2021, our Urogynecology fellowship has trained specialists who can now provide evidence-based care in Armenia. This program was organized and implemented by the International Urogynecological Association for Armenia and supported by the Foundation for Urogynecological Assistance (FIUGA).

Congratulations to our fellows and everyone who contributed to this success!

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Photo Credit: MedicalNews Today

A nasal spray that contains esketamine — a potent derivative of ketamine — can now be taken on its own to treat adults with severe depression, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says. The nasal spray is offered under the trade name SPRAVATO®.

AAHPO member and psychiatrist Louis Najarian, MD, helps us to understand what this means: “There is much excitement about the benefit of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression. The improvement is much better when ketamine is injected intravenously under the supervision of an anesthesiologist and nurse. The infusion usually takes two hours and requires two to three treatments per week until there is improvement. This treatment continues while under the care of the patient’s psychiatrist, including continuation of whatever interpretant medication is prescribed. It is obvious the nasal spray is easier to apply daily at home with supervision by the prescribing doctor. The intra venous delivery remains more effective.”

Treatment-resistant depression is defined as major depressive disorder (MDD) that has shown an inadequate response to at least two oral antidepressants. MDD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, with an estimated 21 million adults in the U.S. living with MDD. About one-third of adults will not respond to oral antidepressants alone, which has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of those affected. MDD has a high economic burden, with nearly half of it attributable to treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Learn more about Spravato

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Alcon Laboratories is voluntarily recalling one (1) lot of Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, 25 count (Lot 10101). These eye drops were distributed nationally.

Alcon evaluated a consumer complaint of foreign material observed inside a sealed single use vial and determined the material to be fungal in nature.

Fungal contamination of an ophthalmic product is known to potentially cause eye infections. If an infection occurs, it may be vision-threatening, and in very rare cases potentially life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. To date, Alcon Laboratories has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

Consumers that have the recalled Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, 25 count (Lot 10101) which is being recalled should stop using them immediately and return to the place of purchase for a replacement or refund.

Learn more from the FDA

AAHPO member and rehabilitative medicine expert Laurie Dabaghian, MD offers guidance to anyone who is starting or ramping up a workout program.

“Here are some key tips when starting a workout program at any age. Proper warm-ups, gradual increases in intensity and supportive footwear are key to injury prevention in running or walking. Prioritize your form and always listen to your body. Outside of the aerobic activity, work on strengthening important stabilizing muscles, like your core, to protect your joints and maintain good alignment, minimizing stress on your body and helping you prevent injury.”

Learn more about Dr. Laurie Dabaghian

The World Health Organization’s decision to declare mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years may seem like déjà vu — but there are key differences between the strain that’s causing international concern now and the one that spread in 2022. (Photo at left: WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Photo credit: WHO)

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection characterized by painful lesions. It’s spread by direct contact with an infected person, animal or contaminated items like clothing or bedding.

The virus is classified into two distinct groups: clade I and clade II. Clade II was responsible for the 2022 outbreak, which has led to around 100,000 cases worldwide.

But now, a version of clade I has spread internationally. The outbreak started in January 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has since reached 12 other countries in the region.

Last week, Sweden confirmed the first known infection of clade I outside Africa, though Swedish health officials said the person was infected while spending time in Africa. Health authorities in Pakistan also confirmed a case of mpox on Friday but have not identified the strain yet.

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Published by Laura L. Constantine, AGBU Insider

Dr. Hekimian speaks at an AUA conference titled Nutrition Today Matters Tomorrow.

The long list of professional credits and affiliations attached to the name Kim Hekimian, PhD, only skims the surface of the remarkable career of this Armenian-American nutrition and public health expert. Juggling a demanding career in America, she has managed to transfer her wealth of knowledge, academic discipline, and lived experiences to what has evolved into a life mission: to save lives and improve health outcomes in the Republic of Armenia.

Over the past 30 years, Hekimian has built an impressive reputation in the field of Public Health, as an Associate Professor of Nutrition (in Pediatrics) and the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University in New York. There she serves in many capacities—educator, researcher, mentor, and advisor. She is also an active member of professional health organizations and boards, among them the Armenian-American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO). However, this is only one side of the multi-dimensional story of her inspired life.

On the flip side, the ardent advocate for maternal and child nutrition has gone to Armenia almost every year since it gained independence in 1991. In those early days, she was one of around 20 diasporan Armenians in the country, working on her PhD and soon joining the faculty of the American University of Armenia (AUA). Recently, she added the title of Advisor to the Armenian Ministry of Health to her resume, along with her appointment as Senior Policy Fellow of the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia, better known as APRI.

Her data-driven presentations and analysis-rich lectures to health care peers in and out of Armenia are balanced with a very humanistic approach to patient populations. This stems from spending many successive summers living among Armenian families in the Lake Sevan region of Armenia and observing firsthand how poverty, scarcity, misinformation, and traumatic events can compromise health potentials. While she did not grow up in an Armenian speaking home, she eventually became fluent in Eastern Armenian through her interactions with peers and locals over the decades.

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Photo by Angele J

Numerous beef products have been recalled over fears that they may have been contaminated with E.coli, the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced.

Six ground beef products produced by Cargill Meat Solutions of Pennsylvania are being recalled by the FSIS after a previously “segregated product” was

inadvertently used in the production of ground mince and burger patties. In all, 16,243 pounds of raw beef is believed to be affected.

Cargill Meat Solutions said the products have been shipped to Walmart stores in 12 states: Connecticut, Washington DC, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and New York. All products have an establishment number of “EST. 86P” printed on the back of the label.

The FSIS has said consumers should check their refrigerators or freezers, and any affected purchases should not be consumed and either be thrown away or returned to the store. For any customers with queries regarding the recall, Cargill has set up a consumer hotline at 1-844-419-1574.

You Are Invited to a Zoom Lecture with AAHPO Member Sharon Chekijian, MD, MPH

To register, scan the QR code above or CLICK HERE!