In a decisive move‚ the United States government has launched an extensive inquiry into the alarming shortages of generic drugs that have been plaguing the nation‚ putting countless American lives in jeopardy. This critical situation has escalated to a point where doctors are faced with harrowing decisions‚ choosing who gets access to life-saving medications and who does not. The investigation spearheaded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aims to shed light on the underlying causes of these shortages and identify potential solutions. The scarcity of essential medications has reached a five-year record high‚ with 295 active shortages reported at the end of 2022. This crisis is particularly dire for patients suffering from cancer and chronic diseases‚ who are forced to either endure lengthy waits for their medications or pay exorbitant prices for alternative treatments. The situation has deteriorated to the extent that healthcare providers must ration chemotherapy drugs‚ making life-and-death decisions that no medical professional should ever have to face. There are currently more than 250 drugs facing a shortage in the United States. Cancer centers are having shortages to the extent doctors must choose who receives potential life-saving medical care. As Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus‚ fixing the drug shortage must be one… pic.twitter.com/A6lgWNwRxP — Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (@RepBrianFitz) February 7‚ 2024 Experts attribute these shortages to a variety of factors‚ including increased reliance on overseas manufacturers‚ manufacturing quality issues‚ supply chain disruptions due to raw material shortages and natural disasters‚ and a market shift towards more expensive branded drugs over cheaper generic versions. This shift not only exacerbates the shortage but also drives up the cost of medications‚ placing a significant financial burden on patients. The government’s inability to compel manufacturers to produce generic medications‚ which are often less profitable than their branded counterparts‚ further complicates the issue. Pharmaceutical companies frequently discontinue generic drugs in favor of producing patented versions‚ effectively creating a monopoly and forcing patients to spend thousands of dollars on medications that were once affordable. Drug shortage can put patients' lives at risk‚ experts warn https://t.co/Y9WAbxz9cs — P&;L (@BrennanHart14) February 8‚ 2024 The FTC and HHS investigation will focus on the role of group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and drug wholesalers in the drug supply chain‚ examining how their practices may contribute to the shortages and high prices of medications. By understanding the impact of these “powerful middlemen‚” the government hopes to promote competition in the pharmaceutical industry‚ thereby increasing access to life-saving medications and keeping prices in check. Public input is being sought as part of the investigation‚ with officials calling for comments on various topics related to the generic drug market and the causes of shortages. This inclusive approach underscores the government’s commitment to addressing this crisis comprehensively and ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in the solution. The drug shortage crisis has caught the attention of US politicians‚ with the Senate Committee on Finance holding a session dedicated to the issue. Testimonies from frontline doctors‚ such as Dr. Jason Westin‚ highlight the devastating impact of these shortages on patient care‚ emphasizing the urgent need for action. As the investigation unfolds‚ it is imperative that the government takes decisive steps to address the root causes of drug shortages and implement effective strategies to ensure that all Americans have access to the medications they need. The health and well-being of the nation depend on it.   The post Government Initiates Crucial Inquiry into Life-Threatening Drug Shortages appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

Clive Staples Lewis is better known as the beloved author C.S. Lewis. Although his life spanned from 1898 to 1963‚ generations will remember him through his iconic life works. Lewis was a prolific writer who often used fictional writing to interpret complex religious concepts through vivid language that is delightful and captivating to read. This technique was fully visible in one of his most famous series of books‚ The Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis studied different religions and delved into the occult before finding his way back to Christianity. The amazing story of his journey from skeptic to believer is written into his fiction and non-fiction works. A complete study of his works and how they relate to the topic of Christianity could take years of independent research and study. You could‚ however‚ easily indulge your curiosity by enrolling in the free C.S. Lewis course at Hillsdale College‚ Encounter the Faith and Wisdom of C.S. Lewis. Wikipedia Hillsdale College is located in rural Michigan‚ about 90 miles from metropolitan Detroit. With students from all corners of the world‚ Hillsdale enjoys a reputation steeped in excellence. As a small‚ Christian‚ classical liberal arts college‚ they rely on no government funding. The atmosphere allows students to excel in a supportive community while learning. In addition to the degree course structure‚ the college offers various free‚ not-for-credit online courses. Free courses range in topic and extend the college’s mission. One of the most popular online courses is Encounter the Faith and Wisdom of C.S. Lewis. Exploring the life and writings of Lewis takes students from his early days as an avowed atheist through his return to Christianity. Image from Hillsdale College. C.S. Lewis Course Is Taught By Leading Scholar Professor Michael Ward Students will understand how Lewis wove Christianity into his writings. The seven-lecture C.S. Lewis course‚ taught by Professor Michael Ward‚ promises to explore many aspects of Lewis’ life and career. Using classic works‚ including Mere Christianity‚ The Screwtape Letters‚ and The Abolition of Man‚ Professor Ward will guide students through exploring Lewis’ personal feelings on religion. As a leading scholar of C.S. Lewis‚ Professor Ward skillfully guides students through the life and writings of Lewis. “When you come to Lewis’s writings‚ it’s like you’ve touched a live wire‚” said Professor Ward. “You’ve suddenly got an electric shock because here’s someone who really believes it and manages to communicate how much it means to him.” The free C.S. Lewis course offers advice on reading the Bible‚ praying‚ and dealing with pain‚ suffering‚ and loss. In exploring Lewis’ journey‚ students will gain insights into the nature of heaven and hell. Students will gain an understanding of Lewis’ personal experiences and learn how those shaped his core beliefs. Through his writing‚ Lewis conveyed complex systems in an easy-to-grasp manner suitable for students of any age. Professor Ward put this concept into words‚ “Lewis had thought his way into all corners of the Christian faith—pain‚ joy‚ love‚ miracles‚ prayer‚ heaven‚ hell.” If you have read The Chronicles of Narnia‚ then you have already seen how skillfully Lewis wove articles of Christianity into his works. By exploring Lewis’s life and teachings‚ students will better understand how Christianity can work within their own lives. Enroll today for free to see for yourself! *We couldn’t do all the good that we’re doing without incredible sponsors like Hillsdale College. We hope you’ll join us in supporting them! The post Free C.S. Lewis Course Dives Into How The Author Ties Christianity Into His Works — And It’s All Online! appeared first on InspireMore.

Caring for a loved one with dementia is anything but easy. That’s part of the reason why Bruce Willis’ family is so open about their experience — they’re spreading awareness. In doing so‚ they’re inspiring others with the ways they come together in order to ensure that the remainder of Willis’ life is as fulfilling as possible. Initially‚ the beloved actor was diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022. This is when a person struggles to speak‚ write‚ and understand others. Then‚ as his condition worsened‚ he was given the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. He officially retired from acting in 2022. Ever since‚ his family has been by his side to help him‚ including his ex-wife Demi Moore. Happy birthday‚ BW! So glad we could celebrate you today. Love you and love our family.Thank you to everyone for the love and warm wishes – we all feel them. pic.twitter.com/vcb50QP9hr— Demi Moore (@justdemi) March 20‚ 2023 Together‚ Moore and Willis have three children: Rumer (35)‚ Scout (32)‚ and Tallulah (29). The pair split in 2000. Although their relationship ended‚ and Willis married a woman named Emma in 2009‚ they’ve managed to remain great friends. In fact‚ you’ll often find Moore at family events. “Happy birthday‚ BW!” Moore writes when sharing a video of his birthday celebration. “So glad we could celebrate you today. Love you and love our family. Thank you to everyone for the love and warm wishes — we all feel them.” Bruce Willis Feels the Love From His Family After Dementia Diagnosis View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis) Willis’ family loves to share the joyful moments between them‚ but they also don’t shy away from sharing the difficult ones‚ too. In an Instagram video‚ Emma admits that days like his birthday and anniversaries can be particularly difficult. “Today is one of those days of feeling the grief and sadness‚” Emma shares. “But the silver lining or the flip side is that I’m so lucky to feel your warmth and love that is directed to my husband and our family.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis) So much has changed since Willis’ diagnosis‚ but they’re grateful that much of his personality remains. His particular illness is FTD. Unlike other types of dementia‚ it affects communication and behavior instead of memory. Bruce Willis’ Family Inspire Others On Similar Journeys This makes raising the two kids he has with Emma difficult‚ of course‚ but she’s grateful for the positive impact he has on their lives nonetheless. Their kids include 11-year-old Mabel and 9-year-old Evelyn. “Where it might not be ‘conventional‚’ what he’s teaching them will span generations‚” reads Emma’s message on Father’s Day last year. “Unconditional love‚ kindness‚ strength‚ compassion‚ patience‚ generosity‚ resilience. Happy Father’s Day to the greatest dad I know‚ who will forever be the gift that keeps giving within our family.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis) Although a dementia diagnosis is a life-changing event for families as a whole‚ the Willis family are leaning on one another for comfort‚ support‚ and joy. This is something they hope that every family in their situation are able to do in their own way‚ no matter what their family looks like. “I have to make a conscious effort every single day to live the best life that I can‚” Emma says. “I do that for myself. I do that for our two children and Bruce‚ who would not want me to live any other way.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Bruce Willis’ Family Showers Him With Love Amid Devastating Dementia Battle. appeared first on InspireMore.

Clearly‚ this is a rhetorical question. We’ll take the block of cheese gift‚ please! This husband headed to the store to pick up a bouquet of flowers for his beloved‚ but when he got there‚ this hunk ‘o cheddar was on mega-sale. For $7‚ he could stun his wife with an epic and unforgettable cheese gift… so that’s what he did! @wafflecasserole i told him to get the flowers next year but honestly in this economy i’ll take it #valentinesday #love #fyp ♬ original sound – Paige Noelle His wife clearly appreciated the gesture and was totally amused by this cheesy Valentine’s Day present. At 35 pounds‚ holding up this monster present was a hassle. At the end of the clip‚ you can see her young daughter reaching for the block of cheese. While she certainly couldn’t carry it‚ the little one was totally amused by the cheese gift. This image is from TikTok. “Cheese is so $$$! Cut it down‚ vacuum seal it‚ and freeze. What a dream! The gift that keeps on giving. Plus I love a good bargain‚” suggested one frugal commenter appreciating the deal. “It’s hard to see others living your dream‚” commented another playfully envious viewer. This cheese gift is sure to be enjoyed for days… weeks… even months to come! Now I want a block of cheese! The featured image for this post is from TikTok. The post What’s A Better Gift: Expensive Flowers‚ Or A Discount 35-lb Block Of Cheese? appeared first on InspireMore.

Foxes are known for being mischievous‚ but even Animal Rescue Officer Ben Fitzcosta is shocked over what happened to him this week. He’s an officer for the RSPACA‚ the largest animal welfare charity in the UK. Someone reported spotting a fox with an injured leg in a wooded area‚ and Ben was tasked with helping the poor creature. He planned to capture the rescue on camera‚ but when another fox steals his phone‚ his plans change. When Ben first arrives to the location‚ he spots a fox. At that time‚ he thinks it’s the injured one he’s looking for so he sets up his phone and prepares to catch them with food and a grasper. But this curious fox is more interested in his phone! Fox Steals Phone During Attempted Rescue Mission One second‚ the fox sniffs Ben’s phone and‚ in the next‚ he darts off with it in his mouth! Luckily‚ the phone continues to record as this quick creature runs away like a dog playing a game. Eventually‚ though‚ he tires of the game and abandons the phone in some bushes. “I’m glad I got my phone back‚” Ben later shares. “I had to jog to catch up with him as I knew he’d dump it in a bush somewhere.” TikTok Soon after‚ Ben locates the fox who actually needs his help. Now‚ she’s being treated at Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue. So‚ in the end‚ Ben considers this to be a successful day! “It did make my day to be honest‚” Ben admits. “The video is very funny.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post While Rescuer Is Busy Helping An Injured Fox‚ Another Comes Along And Steals His Phone! appeared first on InspireMore.

As parents‚ we have all seen the neighborhood “bad kids.” We tend to warn our children away from them without hesitation. X user Doe Kawaii sent us an important message via a 9-post comment on her timeline. Her post reminds us that most bad kids act out for a reason and that rather than ban them‚ we should show those children the most kindness. Whether a child is yours or a neighbor’s‚ Doe’s message hits the heartstrings with a twangy pluck. 1. Observe The Bad Kids When They Think You Aren’t Looking Image from X (Twitter). Doe begins with a post about bad kids and how we must remember that they need kindness the most. She elaborates that a boy in her neighborhood was just awful. Then‚ one day‚ she caught him watching her drawing outside with her children. 2. Engage The Bad Kids In Conversation Image from X (Twitter). It all starts with a few simple words. For Doe‚ she asked the boy if he liked drawing. The conversation was short‚ and he challenged her to draw the manga character Naruto. Doe drew Naruto and saw the bad kid’s features soften a bit. It takes very little to make every child feel “heard.” The post Artist’s Reminder That “‘Bad’ Kids Need The Most Kindness” Will Pull On Your Heartstrings. appeared first on InspireMore.

They are preemptively hobbling Trump if and when a conviction comes down the pike.

'Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences'

'I don’t think anybody would want 30‚000 monkeys next door'

'I didn't know'