Health trends

JCF registers for Digicel 5K Night Run/Walk

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has pledged its full support to the upcoming Digicel Foundation 5K Night Run/Walk in more ways than one on Saturday, October 20 in downtown Kingston.

In fulfilling its mission to serve, protect and reassure, the JCF has said, "The force is committed to securing the Digicel Foundation 5K Night Run/Walk on October 20." In its release, the JCF is also encouraging the general public to participate in the worthy initiative. Members of the JCF have also been registering to participate in the run/walk to play their role in supporting the cause of raising well-needed funds for Jamaica's special needs community.

Samantha Chantrelle, executive director of the Digicel Foundation, said that it is also working with communities downtown and that "with this being Jamaica's first ever night run/walk, participants want to know that all the right measures are in place for their comfort and peace of mind".

All proceeds from the Digicel Foundation 5K Night Run/Walk will go to support the continued growth and development of eight of Jamaica's special needs schools and associations. These are the Jamaica Association for the Deaf, Jamaica Society for the Blind, Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA), Jamaica Association on Intellectual Disabilities (JAID), the STEP Centre (School for Therapy Education and Parenting of children with multiple disabilities), NAZ Children's Centre (Montego Bay), Randolph Lopez School of Hope, and the Mustard Seed Communities.

Source: The Digicel Foundation

Take care with over-the-counter skin rubs

The US Food and Drug Administration is alerting the public that certain over-the-counter (OTC) products that are applied to the skin for the relief of mild muscle and joint pain have been reported to cause rare cases of serious skin injuries, ranging from first- to third-degree chemical burns, where the products were applied.

When applied to the skin, the products produce a local sensation of warmth or coolness. These products should not cause pain or skin damage. However, there have been rare cases of serious burns following their use. Some of the burns had serious complications requiring hospitalisation

OTC topical muscle and joint pain relievers are used to temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint aches and pain. These OTC topical muscle and joint pain relievers are available as single- or combination-ingredient products that contain menthol, methyl salicylate, or capsaicin, and are marketed under various brand names, such as Bengay, Capzasin, Flexall, Icy Hot, and Mentholatum. The various formulations include creams, lotions, ointments, and patches.

Source: The US Food and Drug Administration