Pharmacy Daily | Dispensary Corner 14 Nov 13

Electronic cigarettes are being touted as a possible solution to the huge burden of disease associated with smoking globally. A summit in London this week has estimated that if all smokers across the world switched to the electronic devices it could literally save “millions of lives”. E-cigarette users inhale vaporised liquid nicotine, which is less harmful than the toxic substances found in tobacco. Advocates of the products have warned against over-regulation of electronic cigarettes, with the devices set to be licensed as a medicine in the UK from 2016. E-cigarettes have been found to be as effective as nicotine patches in helping people to quit, but the World Health Organization says potential risks of the gadgets currently “remain undetermined”. New mothers in the UK are being encouraged to breastfeed their babies in a pilot scheme which offers them up to £200 in shopping vouchers as a reward. The trial is taking place in underprivileged areas of Yorkshire and Derbyshire, and if it’s successful could be rolled out across the country next year. To qualify for the full package of rewards the women will have to breastfeed until their babies are six months hold, with midwives and home care nurses having to verify whether they are actually breastfeeding.

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