Cigarettes with ultralow nicotine levels are now being called the game-changer in the fight against smoking. If you are having trouble in quitting smoking, then, it is for you, that soon the Biden White House is expected to formally propose a plan that will order cigarette nicotine levels to be reduced, reports The Washington Post. For now though, it has been a failure, as these cigarettes, also known as VLN cigarettes that stands for very low nicotine are only available in 5,100 stores in 26 states. This is a very small fraction of the overall market for cigarettes. The company that makes it, 22nd Century, is struggling not because of the low supply, but also from the advocates who have long believed slashing nicotine levels altogether.

The Advent and ideation

Nicotine is a chemical that is produced naturally from tobacco that makes the cigarette and also keeps people hooked. While it is believed that it makes people alert, and get the "hit" to keep them going, it exposes the users to harmful substances, carcinogens, and increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other illness.

Ultralow-nicotine cigarettes, like the VLN brand, contain about 95% less nicotine than the regular cigarettes. The idea is quite simple: without the addictive grip of nicotine, smokers will find it easier to quit. Research too has shown some promise. For instance, the studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse revealed that very low nicotine cigarettes reduced addiction potential significantly without having users to increase their smoking frequency. However, the problem is, why would anyone choose for a low-nicotine that does not make them feel the same way, when the high-nicotine cigarette is right next to it, making them feel the same way, with the same alertness, sold at the same price.

“It’s very hard to imagine someone actively choosing to continue to use a low-nicotine product for the same price when a high-nicotine product is right next to it,” said Eric Donny, a Wake Forest University School of Medicine nicotine researcher.

No wonder, the experiment with low nicotine product by Philip Morris' Next cigarettes in the 1980s and Vector Tobacco's Quest brand in the early 2000s, flopped.

FDA's Role in the Push

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has supported the development of such products, even allowing VLN cigarettes to be marketed as lower-risk options. However, these products remain a niche market, available in only a fraction of U.S. stores.

Recently, the Biden administration has considered a bold step—mandating a dramatic reduction in nicotine levels for all cigarettes sold in the United States. Supporters believe this move could save millions of lives, while critics, including tobacco companies, warn of potential unintended consequences.

What Could Be The Challenges?

Resistance from Big Tobacco Companies: They could argue that slashing nicotine levels could backfire. Their claim is, smokers will turn to black markets or smoke more to satisfy their cravings, which may lead to greater exposure to harmful substances.

Consumer Reluctance: History is proof to the instances of smokers being hesitant to embrace the low-nicotine products.

Political Hurdle: It may face political roadblocks, as under the Trump administration, plans to cut nicotine were shelved.

Could Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Be The Solution?

Advocates believe that ultralow-nicotine cigarettes could be a game-changer, comparing them to decaf coffee or non-alcoholic beer—products that reduce harm while offering a similar experience.

Some experts warn that a black market for traditional cigarettes could undermine these efforts. They also stress the need for safer alternatives, such as vaping products, to support smokers transitioning away from traditional cigarettes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi once addressed the nation through his monthly radio broadcast, Maan Ki Baat. It was the 134th installment of the broadcast, and the Prime Minister urged the people of India to take extra precautions in summer's scorching heat.

The Prime Minister said, "It is very hot in most parts of the country right now. Strong sun, hot winds, it is very important to take care of yourself in such weather. Keep drinking water. If at all you have to go out in the sun, do so with caution." He added, "Don't forget the guidelines issued by various government departments in this regard."

Then the Prime Minister also addressed traditional food and drinking practices in different parts of the country to stay fit even during the hot summer. He urged the citizens to drink regional traditional drinks to stay hydrated and named popular options like Aam Panna, Sattu sherbet, Kokum sherbet, Sol Kadhi, Panakam, Neer Mor, Sambaram, Bael Pana, and Buttermilk. "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat," he added.

The Prime Minister also mentions mangoes, which are a household summer treat in India. He said, "Every region… its own mango, its own flavor, its own aroma." Then he described these different mangoes and their specialties as well.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentions the journey of the Indian mangoes from domestic production to the global market.

Easy Tips To Stay Fit During a Heatwave

Drink water consistently at regular intervals instead of gulping large quantities at once. Electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water, lemon water with a pinch of salt, or buttermilk are healthy, affordable options to soothe parched throats.

Add items like curd, rice, cucumber, and bottle gourd to your diet and avoid red meat and fried foods during peak summer days.

Extreme temperatures put additional stress on the cardiovascular system, especially in people with hypertension, diabetes, or heart conditions. Make sure to take all prescribed medications exactly as advised—don’t skip doses even if you experience heat-induced nausea. If you feel dizzy or experience palpitations or severe fatigue, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Air conditioning is helpful, but overexposure can lead to dry skin, headaches, and respiratory discomfort. Once every two or three hours, step away from your desk for a few minutes. Walk or stand, and sip some water.

The whole world is in terror of Ebola spreading, and countries are on alert. Recently, there has been a possible Ebola-infected person under investigation by the health authorities of Brazil. As per the media reports, the suspected 37-year-old man is admitted to the hospital in São Paulo.

The person with possible Ebola infection is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and started to show Ebola-like symptoms after returning from the African country.

The local health authorities have ensured that he is in isolation, and the hospital specializes in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of the disease.

What Is Ebola?

Ebola is a severe and, in most cases, deadly disease caused by viruses predominantly found in Africa. The spread of the disease happens through contact with infected body fluids.

Some symptoms can indicate a possible infection. This includes fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, and unexplained bleeding. This eventually leads to severe complications like bleeding, organ failure, and death. The hosts of the virus are animals like bats, primates, and antelopes.

Why Ebola Spread Is Not Like COVID

The virus is raising serious global health concerns, with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General, stating that the ongoing Ebola outbreak "is spreading rapidly" and "outpacing us". Yet experts say that it is not COVID and cannot spread like it.

“Ebola does NOT spread through casual airborne exposure like influenza or COVID-19. Individuals become infectious only after symptoms begin, not during the incubation period. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days,” said Dr. Ishwar Gilada, Secretary General, People’s Health Organisation (India).

Experts further explained that Ebola is far more difficult to spread than airborne respiratory viruses such as influenza, COVID-19, measles, and even the Andes strain of hantavirus, which recently caused an outbreak on a cruise ship.

It is because Ebola is not airborne. Ebola does not spread through coughing, sneezing, or casual contact like shaking hands. It spreads only via body fluid contact.

In addition, people with Ebola also do not spread the virus before developing symptoms. This means that during Ebola’s incubation period, which ranges from 2–21 days, an infected person is generally not contagious, unlike COVID-19, where transmission can occur before symptoms appear.

Putting an end to speculation over US President Donald Trump’s health, the White House has announced that the 79-year-old is in “excellent health”.

Trump underwent his annual medical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on May 26.

"President Trump remains in excellent health, demonstrating strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical function," Dr. Sean Barbabella, physician to the president, wrote in the memo, released late Friday evening.

He added that Trump is "fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State."

Trump’s health became a major subject of discussion after photographs at times showed swollen ankles, bruised hands, and a blotchy neck. He has been spotted several times with slurred speech and naps during official meetings.

Shortly after the examination, Trump said that "everything checked out perfectly."

Trump, who turns 80 in June, is the oldest person to assume the presidency. He frequently portrays himself as more energetic and fitter than Joe Biden, his Democratic predecessor, who left office last year at age 82 after facing questions about his fitness for the job.

Barbabella described the assessment as a “comprehensive preventive evaluation,” which included a thorough review of all diagnostic studies and laboratory testing conducted over the past year.

It also included “consultations with twenty-two specialty providers from multiple academic institutions. All aspects of the assessment were performed in accordance with US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations,” he said in the memo.

Also read: ‘Sea Or See?’ Donald Trump's Remark Sparks Fresh Cognitive Health Speculation

Diagnostic Summary

The President’s diagnostic summary showed:

• Vision is normal.
• Hearing is intact, and teeth are in very good condition.
• The thyroid and lymph nodes are normal. An ultrasound of the carotid arteries showed normal results.
• The lungs and chest demonstrated no abnormalities.
• Coronary CT angiography demonstrated no arterial obstruction or structural abnormalities of the heart or major vessels.
• An echocardiogram showed no abnormalities. Cardiac function is normal, and circulation to the extremities remains intact.
• Gastrointestinal/abdominal and genitourinary examinations were normal.
• Slight lower leg swelling was noted, with improvement from last year.

Barbabella further said that the medical test also evaluated his hands and “revealed ecchymosis (bruising), consistent with minor soft tissue irritation related to frequent handshaking in the setting of aspirin use for cardiovascular prevention". He added that it is “a common and benign effect of aspirin therapy.”

The examination also found no “suspicious lesions or concerning growths.”

Neurological Health

Read More: Was Trump Sleeping During Oval Office Event? White House Reacts

The President's neurological condition was significantly targeted, with many doctors pointing out that he's suffering from dementia. But the test results, authorized by the President for public release, revealed him to be in “normal mental status".

Further, it showed that his "cranial nerves are intact", and he also has "normal motor strength, sensation, reflexes, gait, and balance.”

Trump also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) screenings for depression and anxiety, both of which were "normal".

Cognitive function, assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), was also within normal limits, with a score of 30 out of 30.

Lab Results

Comprehensive laboratory evaluation, including a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation profile, D-dimer, B-type natriuretic peptide, and cardiac biomarkers, remained within normal limits, Barbabella said.