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Some pharmacies 'caught off guard' by early surge in flu cases and demand for antivirals

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Some pharmacies 'caught off guard' by early surge in flu cases and demand for antivirals

Flu season is already off to an early start in the United States, with multiple states including Georgia and Texas reporting an unusually high surge this early in the season.

Influenza antivirals like Tamiflu have been gathering dust on the proverbial shelf for the last two years while the flu largely disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, these are reportedly back in demand and at much higher levels than what was seen in October prior to 2020.

While there are no confirmed shortages of these flu antivirals, some experts worry that an early surge in prescriptions for medications like Tamiflu could put stress on pharmacies that did not order enough stock to meet demand this early in the season.

Where is flu increasing in the U.S.?

According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity is increasing in most of the country, with the Southeast and South-central regions reporting the highest levels of flu activity. Hot spot states include Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina, per the CDC, and flu activity is also high in the District of Columbia and New York City.

“Many of us, myself included, are anticipating a moderately severe flu season,” Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, told TODAY.

The dropping of mitigation measures like masking and distancing, coupled with lower population immunity due to reduced exposure to influenza viruses over the past few years, is sparking concern among experts, TODAY previously reported. What’s more, fewer flu shots have been administered at this point in the season than in 2021 and 2020, per CDC data. (Experts say the best time to get your flu shot is by the end of October.)

“There’s this concept out there right now going around — vaccine fatigue, where people are simply getting tired of recommendations and ideas that we all need to vaccinate,” Dr. Dhaval Desai, director of hospital medicine at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, told TODAY.

In Texas — where flu cases typically ramp up in December or January — influenza activity began increasing as early as mid-September, Dr. Luis Ostrosky, an infectious disease specialist at UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann in Houston, told TODAY. “Undoubtedly, we’re having an early flu season, and the numbers are increasing very rapidly.”

Following national trends, the most frequently reported viruses in Texas are influenza A, and these cases are rising among both adults and children, said Ostrosky. “We are seeing some clusters in schools, but it is everywhere … in our emergency rooms, urgent cares, in the hospital, primary care clinics.”

Georgia, which currently has the highest flu rate of any state (aside from District of Columbia), is also experiencing an early uptick in cases this fall compared to previous seasons before the pandemic. “The biggest message that we can take from that right now is it’s really time to vaccinate,” Desai said.

In Tennessee, both flu cases and hospitalizations are on the rise. “We are already seeing patients being hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza … substantially more than usual at this time of the year,” said Schaffner. “We’re about a month early.”

Tennessee is seeing a mixture of both influenza A viruses, H1N1 and H3N2, as well as some influenza B, Schaffner explained. “That’s a little unusual, because conventionally, you have a dominant strain if there’s going to be one, (but) it hasn’t sorted itself out yet.”

The timing, duration, circulating strains and severity of flu seasons tend to vary every year, according to the CDC. However, it’s clear that flu is ramping up earlier than typical pre-pandemic seasons.

How is this impacting demand for antivirals?

There are already reports that demand for flu antiviral medications is surging, and some pharmacies in hot spot states are scrambling to fill the higher-than-usual number of prescriptions for this early in the season, according to Ostrosky.

There are four FDA-approved antiviral drugs recommended for use by the CDC to treat flu this season: oseltamivir phosphate (brand name Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza).

According to GoodRx, a telemedicine platform that monitors flu cases through its Tamiflu tracker, prescriptions have surged recently. “Although it’s very early in the season, our initial data point shows that fills are higher at this time of year than they have been since 2013,” Tori Marsh, director of research at GoodRx, told TODAY.

“So far, Tamiflu fills are 5.6 times higher than they were at the start of the flu season last year, and if we average the fill rates for the start of flu season in the previous nine years, this year is 3.3 times higher,” said Marsh, referencing a graph showing the weekly fill rate by flu season. Data from the CDC tell the same story, she added.

Flu antivirals work primarily to prevent complications, hospitalizations and mortality due to influenza, Ostrosky explained, but they can also lessen symptoms and shorten the duration of illness.

“The key is that they need to be given as early as possible in the viral phase of the disease when the virus is very actively replicating. That is usually within 48 hours of noticing symptoms,” said Ostrosky. If antivirals are taken after 48 hours, there’s still some effect, but it diminishes with time, Schaffner noted.

Those who benefit the most from flu antivirals are individuals at higher risk of flu complications, Ostrosky said: people over 65, people with compromised immune systems and people with underlying comorbidities, particularly pulmonary issues.

These also include children who are immunocompromised or have underlying conditions, including asthma, said Desai. (People should talk to their health care provider about which antiviral is right for them based on factors like age and health status, the experts noted).

Flu antivirals require a prescription from a doctor, but unlike with COVID-19 antivirals, you do not need a positive flu test to get a prescription, Ostrosky noted. “We pretty much prescribe it to anybody that has either documented or highly suspicious flu in the correct epidemiological context.”

“If somebody presents with an influenza-like illness (fever, sore throat, congestion) and the area is seeing high flu activity, that’s what we call a high pretest probability of flu,” said Desai. In these cases, patients at high risk are recommended to start treatment with Tamiflu right away while waiting for test results, he added.

(Note: COVID-19 antivirals are a completely different medication and do not work to treat flu, Desai said).

Tamiflu can also be used for prevention when someone has been exposed to influenza or will be entering a setting with a lot of sick people. Flu antivirals are not a substitute for the flu vaccine, per Food and Drug Administration.

How could this impact pharmacies?

Although the FDA and CDC have not listed any official shortages, Ostrosky noted, the early surge in flu cases and subsequent surge in prescriptions for antivirals could be a potential issue for pharmacies that weren’t prepared for this level of demand in October.

“I believe it’s not a real problem of supply, but a problem of ordering and logistics. … Most pharmacies were expecting to order their stock later in the season, and this is catching them off guard,” said Ostrsoky.

“Anecdotally, I’ve been hearing people that are having trouble getting the antivirals in the drugstore, or sometimes they’re offered the brand name instead of the generic, which seems to be more available,” said Ostrosky. Brand name medication may be more expensive depending on insurance coverage, he added, which could make the medication cost-prohibitive for some.

“Right now we don’t see a shortage of flu antiviral medications, (and) manufacturers have not reported a shortage in anything we can ascertain from the resources that we have access to,” Brigid Groves, senior director of practice and professional affairs at American Pharmacists Association, told TODAY in an interview. While it is possible that some pharmacies do not have their typical stock at this point, there is plenty of supply behind the scenes, Groves said.

“Likely what happened is … because the ordering and use of (flu antivirals) hadn’t been quite as high the past couple of years, they didn’t get restocked on the pharmacy shelves right away,” said Groves, adding that she had not heard any reports of pharmacies experiencing issues placing orders for more stock.

Although it is unclear how this flu season will pan out, the experts noted that cases will only increase moving forward. In the U.S., flu season typically peaks between December or February, but severe activity can continue as late as May, per the CDC.

“Obviously, we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg in our surveillance system,” Schaffner said.

As cases go up, “we are going to see an increase in demand for Tamiflu and any antiviral that’s on the market,” said Desai, especially among high-risk populations.

However, Groves reassured that supply should be able to meet demand: “We’ll start to naturally see more stock coming into pharmacies and getting onto the shelves.”

In the event of a possible shortage, Ostrosky speculated that this could warrant guidelines to prioritize access for people who benefit the most from antivirals in the high-risk groups.

“We don’t encourage patients to stock up or hoard medications, (and) we want to ensure that there is enough supply around for everyone, in particular for those (high-risk) patients,” said Groves. “It’s much more preferable for people to get assessed and then to get the medication that’s best for them.”

Getting a flu shot is the best way to prepare for flu season

The good news is that you can protect yourself from the flu and serious complications by getting the seasonal flu vaccine. The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months or older get their flu shot by the end of October, but it can still offer protection if you get it later in the season.

“Now, it’s actually a great time to get your flu shot, because it’s going to be able to protect you throughout the duration of flu season,” said Groves. Getting your flu shot now gives your body enough time to build up immunity, Groves added, which is important if you live in a state where cases are already increasing.

“The worst case scenario we’re preparing for is the famous twindemic, where we would see both a large number of influenza cases and a new COVID surge,” said Ostrosky. A twindemic could put a severe strain on an already stressed health care system, Desai said, so it’s important to focus on prevention now.

All of the experts emphasize the importance of getting both a flu shot and the updated COVID-19 booster as soon as possible, and continuing to practice preventive measures like staying home when sick, masking in crowded indoor spaces, and practicing hand hygiene.

“The flu can be deadly. … It’s not something we want to mess around with,” Desai said. During seasons between 2010 and 2020, the flu caused anywhere between 12,000 to 52,000 deaths annually, according to the CDC.

“Vaccination is our main weapon right now,” Desai added.

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U.K. Inflation Rises 10.1 Percent, Driven by Food Prices

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U.K. Inflation Rises 10.1 Percent, Driven by Food Prices

Consumer prices in Britain rose 10.1 percent in September from a year earlier, continuing their steep climb as the nation grapples with rapidly increasing food prices, high energy costs and political uncertainty.

The annual inflation rate returned to its fastest pace since 1982, matching the pace set in July. It rose from 9.9 percent in August. Inflation was expected to peak next month, at a slightly higher rate, but a reversal in the government’s policy to hold down household energy bills has made the future path of prices even more uncertain.

Prices were pushed higher by large increases in the cost of food and, to a lesser extent, at restaurants and hotels, in September. Food prices rose 14.5 percent last month from a year earlier, the largest annual rise in more than 40 years, according to the Office for National Statistics. High energy costs were still contributing to inflation growing at its fastest pace in decades. But price increases are widespread across goods and services, so core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, rose 6.5 percent from a year earlier, up from 6.3 percent in August.

It’s another sign of the stickiness of inflation that politicians and policymakers are facing all over the world. That is encouraging central bankers to go for steeper increases in interest rates, in an effort to send a firm message that they will get inflation back down and won’t let rapid price increases become entrenched in the economy.

But constantly changing fiscal policies, as governments try to support households through increases in the cost of living, are also complicating the picture.

Just under six weeks ago, Prime Minister Liz Truss of Britain pledged to freeze household energy bills, one of the biggest sources of inflation increases, from October for the next two winters. This week, much of Ms. Truss’s economic agenda was scrapped by Britain’s new finance minister, Jeremy Hunt, as he tried to restore calm in financial markets, which had seemingly stopped believing in the government’s fiscal credibility. One victim of Mr. Hunt’s policy reversal was Ms. Truss’s landmark policy on energy bills; now Britons are guaranteed a freeze on their bills only until April. After that the government said it would come up with a less expensive and more targeted plan to help people with their bills.

If households had to return to paying a price cap set by market prices through Ofgem, the government’s energy regulator, the headline rate of inflation would increase by about five percentage points, economists at Pantheon Macroeconomics wrote in a research note this week. But, they said, it’s too soon to forecast what is most likely to happen as the government is still devising a new plan to help with bills beyond April.

The Bank of England has been raising interest rates since December to tackle inflation. At its past two meetings it raised rates by half a percentage point, double its previous moves, amid signs of broadening inflationary pressures, especially in the labor market, where wages are rising and large numbers of people are staying out of the work force.

While the central bank is expected to keep raising interest rates for several more months, analysts question how high rates can go and how long the increases will continue as the British economy slows down. High inflation is squeezing household budgets and there are growing predictions that the economy will contract next year amid a decline in consumer spending.

The International Monetary Fund predicted the British economy would go from 3.6 percent growth this year to a 0.3 percent contraction next year “as high inflation reduces purchasing power and tighter monetary policy takes a toll on consumer spending and business investment.”

Traders are currently betting the central bank will raise interest rates above 5 percent next year, from 2.25 percent.

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North Korea fires artillery shells near border with S. Korea

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North Korea fires artillery shells near border with S. Korea

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea fired artillery shells near its sea boundaries with South Korea late Tuesday, a day after the South began annual military drills to better deal with North Korean provocations.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement early Wednesday that North Korea fired about 100 shells off its west coast and 150 rounds off its east coast. It said the South Korean military broadcast messages several times asking North Korea to stop the firing, but there were no reports of violence between the rivals.

South Korea’s military said the shells didn’t land in South Korean territorial waters but fell inside the northern part of the maritime buffer zones the two Koreas established under a 2018 inter-Korean agreement aimed at reducing front-line animosities.

It’s the second time North Korea has fired shells into the buffer zones since last Friday, when it shot hundreds of shells there in its most significant direct violation of the 2018 agreement.

South Korea’s military said North Korea must halt provocations that undermine peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It added that it is boosting its military readiness and, in coordination with the United States, is closely monitoring North Korea’s moves.

Hours later, an unidentified spokesperson for the North Korean People’s Army’s General Staff issued a statement describing the latest artillery firings as a response to the South Korean artillery training that it claimed took place earlier Tuesday at a border area. Seoul didn’t immediately confirm it had conducted such artillery drills on Tuesday.

“The enemies should immediately stop the reckless and inciting provocations escalating the military tension in the forefront area,” the North Korean military spokesperson said.

The North Korean spokesperson also lashed out at the South Korean military for kicking off an annual 12-day field exercise on Monday, calling it an invasion rehearsal. South Korea’s Defense Ministry said the training is aimed at improving operational capabilities to counter various types of North Korean provocations and that an unspecified number of U.S. troops will take part in this year’s drills.

The North’s artillery tests draw less outside attention than its missile launches. But its forward-deployed long-range artillery guns pose a serious security threat to South Korea’s populous metropolitan region, which is about 40 to 50 kilometers (25 to 30 miles) from the border with North Korea.

In recent weeks, North Korea has conducted a spate of weapons tests in what it calls simulations of nuclear strikes on South Korean and U.S. targets in response to their “dangerous military drills” involving a U.S. aircraft carrier. North Korea views regular military exercises between Washington and Seoul as an invasion rehearsal.

North Korea has test-launched 15 missiles since it resumed testing activities on Sept. 25. One of them was an intermediate-range ballistic missile that flew over Japan and demonstrated a range capable of reaching the Pacific U.S. territory of Guam and beyond.

Some foreign experts say North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would eventually aim to use his expanded weapons arsenal to pressure the United States and others to accept his country as a legitimate nuclear state and lift economic sanctions on the North.

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Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung contributed to this report.

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See more AP Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific

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‘The Voice’ Contestants Stun With Performance of Lady Gaga’s ‘Paparazzi’

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‘The Voice’ Contestants Stun With Performance of Lady Gaga’s ‘Paparazzi’

The Voice continued its Battle rounds on Tuesday night (Oct. 18), this time pitting contestants Eric Who and Sydney Kronmiller against each other for a performance of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” that viewers won’t forget. In a promo released on YouTube before the episode, the two singers harmonized perfectly as they competed for judge Camila Cabello’s team.

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It seems like the “Havana” singer adored the performance and and was thoroughly impressed by each contestant’s very different, but equally stunning renditions of the Gaga classic. “Sydney, I have never heard a voice like yours before,” Cabello told Kronmiller. “Your note choices were so different and weird, and the way you slide in and out of falsetto.”

She also seemed to enjoy Eric’s boisterous presence adding, “Eric, I saw you really grow as an artist and step into somebody I’m really excited to hear on the radio, see perform in shows.”

Kronmiller’s low vocal range is what really caught the judges’ attention. “The fact that you can do that and still have the higher notes in your register too–you really gave a great performance,” said John Legend of her performance.

And once again, it’s Eric’s stage presence and energy that wowed judges. While Blake Shelton shared he was shocked by Kronmiller’s register, he described Eric as the “happiest person,” telling Cabello he wouldn’t be able to deny the theatrical contestant a spot.

While the judges had a warm reaction to the two, only one can go on to compete on Cabello’s team. Viewers will have to tune into the episode, airing tonight on NBC. Watch the teaser video below.

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123 Boxer Dog Names for Your Loyal Sidekick

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123 Boxer Dog Names for Your Loyal Sidekick

There’s nothing better than admiring the adorable, smushy face of a boxer, especially when that sweet face is all yours. They are extremely loyal pups, making them an excellent addition to any family. Not only are they great companions, but they’re bursting with spunk—that goofy personality is sure to keep you on your toes. If you’ve recently decided to add one of these silly pups to your pack and are in search of the perfect name for your one-of-a-kind canine,you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you want to pay homage to your boxer’s German heritage or bring out your pup’s bold side, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing the perfect name for your newest family member.

Male Boxer Dog Names

These fun names are sure to suit your good boy’s bubbly personality.

Jasper

Nash

Clyde

Buster

Luca

Walter

Rocky

Chance

Duke

Archie

Enzo

Champ

Hudson

Dallas

Ozzy

Beau

Murphy

Samson

Winston

Charlie

Roscoe

Theo

Bernie

Milo

Dexter

RELATED: 260 Clever Name Ideas for Boy Dogs

Female Boxer Dog Names

Crown your precious girl with a name fit for a queen.

Zara

Phobe

Iris

Winnie

Aspen

Darla

Olive

Sierra

Elsie

Yasmin

Roxie

Brooklyn

Billie

Trixie

Piper

Cleo

Ruby

Demi

Mabel

Annie

Scout

Cali

Fern

Harper

Juno

Maggie

RELATED: 266 Creative Girl Dog Names for Every Letter of the Alphabet

German Boxer Dog Names

Pay tribute to your boxer’s roots with these unique German inspired names.

Fritz

Greta

Hugo

Bruno

Ada

Caspar

Otto

Heidi

Schnitzel

Hans

Porsche

Sabine

Bach

Millie

Haribo

Ludwig

Hilda

Arlo

Elsa

Stein

Ingrid

Ludwig

Adele

RELATED: 150 Fun German Dog Names For Your New Pup

Badass Boxer Dog Names

Although cuddly and playful—boxers are also powerful athletes. Showcase your puppy’s rugged personality with these badass names.

Maximus

Zelda

Rambo

Conan

Ash

Queen

Bruiser

Hercules

Blair

Motley

Thor

Phoenix

Cardi

Ryder

Koda

Serena

Bolt

Vader

Buffy

Major

Athena

Kai

Nova

Floyd

Barley

RELATED: 150 of the Most Badass Dog Names You’ve Ever Heard

Cute Boxer Dog Names Names

Embrace your boxer’s cuteness with these adorable names sure to have everyone swooning.

Maisie

Romeo

Lottie

Paris

Darcy

Waffles

Boogie

Willow

Indy

Ollie

Biscuit

Watson

Penny

Mavis

Tater

Vinnie

Chanel

Stitch

Juniper

Pippa

Ziggy

Chip

Tilly

Walter

RELATED: 150+ Cute Dog Names for Your Adorable Pup

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Stick Tail Disease in Leopard Geckos

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Stick Tail Disease in Leopard Geckos

By Adam Denish, DVM

Leopard geckos have grown in popularity as a pet choice for people interested in reptiles. They are appropriately sized for handling, have beautiful markings, and are available with a variety of color patterns or morphs. They are not for beginners, however. They are recommended for experienced reptile hobbyists, as they can be difficult to handle and care for.

Geckos and Nutrition

Geckos are small to medium sized lizards that need to eat often and have a relatively high metabolic rate. Due to their small size, they cannot go very long without eating, whereas a larger lizard, such as an iguana or large snake, can skip meals more often due to their comparative size and slower metabolism.

Geckos, like most other lizards, store fat in their tails. Species like leopard-tail geckos and fat-tail geckos are normally seen with a thick tail at the base. It is easy for them to store fat in their tail and use that fat for nutrition during cold months or when ill. It is a great mechanism for them to stay healthy and strong.

What Causes Stick Tail to Develop?

Geckos are susceptible to a wide variety of illnesses that cause them to lose tail weight and body condition. However, remember that any major weight loss, diarrhea or loss of appetite can lead to stick tail disease. Currently, it is believed that most cases of stick tail disease in leopard geckos are due to a parasitic infection called cryptosporidiosis (cryptosporidium parasite).

Crypto, in short, is a protozoal parasite that affects the gastrointestinal system, leading to loss of appetite, diarrhea, and a loss of body condition. The parasite is microscopic and almost impossible to find in a stool sample, even when looking through a microscope. There is specific test for crypto on a fresh fecal or stool sample called PCR testing, but that is not available at all animal hospitals. Additionally, bacterial infection caused by Salmonella can cause similar signs of weight loss leading to stick tail.

Salmonella is very concerning as it is easily spread to other reptiles and can even affect humans, so proper hand and tank disinfection is critical to prevention and treatment.

When to See the Veterinarian

Medically, one of the common conditions that we see in geckos is a syndrome commonly called “stick tail” disease. Generally speaking, it is an accumulation of signs seen in lizards, and left untreated, leads to a wasted body condition. It is seen in many species of geckos, including leopard geckos, fat- tail geckos, and crested geckos.

Stick tail disease gets its name due to the narrowness of the tail as the body loses fat, with the tail taking on a stick-like appearance. It is very important to know what is normal for your reptile pet to help you evaluate and respond to a change in body condition. A good suggestion is to take a picture or have your lizard weighed and evaluated by your vet.

It is beneficial for your reptile to see an exotic animal veterinarian within a few weeks post-purchase, and then for yearly examinations, so that there is a record of your pet’s health.

Treatment for Stick Tail

The treatment for stick tail disease is dependent on the actual cause. If bacterial infection or general parasites are the culprit, they can be treated with appropriate medications from your exotic veterinarian. Avoid using over the counter or dog/cat/human medications for your reptile pet. Each animal is different and needs to be treated correctly.

It is also important to remember that bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases can be passed to your other reptiles. However, it is not unusual for some pets to appear unaffected while others become severely ill.

If crypto is the cause, specific medications have been used to treat it in lizards, but effectiveness has been minimal. As such, these patients may always be contagious or considered positive even if the signs are controlled and the lizard appears otherwise well. In some cases, these pets are euthanized if they are suffering or if they are a risk to other members of the collection. Most importantly, Crypto-positive animals should never be bred or sold to other reptile owners.

Prevention of Stick Tail

Your pet’s general care is probably the most important factor in preventing stick tail disease. It begins before the purchase of your reptile.

Poor husbandry and lack of knowledge about the lizard’s specific needs is the one of the leading causes of stick tail disease. At minimum, a lizard that is not having its physical, diet, and mental health needs met is going to be an unhappy, unhealthy, and stressed pet. When reptiles are stressed, their immune system is affected and they are more likely to get a disease.

Research the specific lizard species you are considering and make sure that you have the appropriate caging, bedding, heating, lighting, and feeding program planned out, as well as the time you will need to commit to caring for the animal. Be specific in your research and planning, as some lizards even in the same species group can have different needs.

It is also extremely important to purchase or adopt your pet from a source that has quality animals. A reputable breeder or pet store is the most likely to have healthy pets. Do your research ahead of time, check the background and client reviews of the pet store or breeder, make a list of questions to ask, look at the guarantees, and observe the lizard’s general health before you purchase.

When bringing your new reptile home, quarantine it from your other reptiles for a minimum of 30-60 days to give it time to acclimate to the new environment. Is also gives you time to bring your new pet to the vet for an examination and any preventive testing.

There are other causes of stick tail disease that are still being investigated. Since it is catch-all phrase for a lack of body condition, it is imperative to continuously evaluate the health and welfare of your pet. If you suspect illness, don’t wait too long. A small reptile such as a leopard gecko can decline quickly, which then makes it harder to treat.

With appropriate care and husbandry, your leopard gecko can live a long and happy life.

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REIT Analysts Are Changing Their Opinions: Find Out Here What's Changed - Life Storage (NYSE:LSI), Sun Communities (NYSE:SUI), INDUS Realty Trust (NASDAQ:INDT), Terreno Realty (NYSE:TRNO), Prologis (NYSE:PLD), CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE), National Storage (NYSE:NSA), EastGroup Props (NYSE:EGP)

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As of Oct. 1, these are the leading Wall Street analysts’ opinions on the real estate investment trusts (REITs) they follow:

Terreno Realty Corp. TRNO is downgraded by Scotiabank’s Sumit Sharma from sector outperform to sector perform with price target reduction from $73 to $54. BTIG analyst Thomas Catherwood maintains a buy rating on Terreno but lowers his price target from $94 to $74.

CubeSmart CUBE receives a buy rating at UBS Group AG where analyst Michael Goldsmith initiates coverage with a price target of $45.

Life Storage Inc. LSI gets a neutral rating from UBS. Goldsmith begins coverage of the REIT and sets a price target of $145.

National Storage Affiliates Trust NSA also receives a neutral rating from UBS’s Goldsmith and establishes $43 as the price target.

Prologis Inc. PLD is determined by BTIG’s Catherwood to be worthy of a buy rating, which is now maintained with a lowered price target: from $193 to $152. Morgan Stanley analyst Ronald Kandem reinstates Prologis as overweight and sets a price target of $120. Scotiabank’s Nicholas Yulico upgrades the REIT from sector perform to sector outperform and lowers his price target from $137 to $116.

Indus Realty Trust Inc. INDT is maintained with a buy rating by BTIG’s Catherwood but with the price target reduced from $91 to $72.

EastGroup Properties Inc. EGP is another REIT maintained as a buy by BTIG’s Catherwood. He lowers his price target from $248 to $198. Morgan Stanley analyst Kandem gives an equal weight rating to EastGroup with a price target reduced from $195 to $150.

Sun Communities Inc. SUI is maintained as a market outperform by JMP Securities analyst Aaron Hecht, who lowers his price target from $200 to $160.

Don’t miss:

Not investment advice. For educational purposes only.

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Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa ruled out for second straight week, returns to practice field: reports

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Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa ruled out for second straight week, returns to practice field: reports

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will return to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday, nearly two weeks after suffering a concussion against the Cincinnati Bengals on “Thursday Night Football.”

Tagovailoa will throw and participate in individual drills at practice as part of getting through the concussion protocol, according to reports.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that Tagovailoa will not play in Miami’s game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

TUA TAGOVAILOA CONCUSSION INVESTIGATION CONCLUDES, NFL AND NFLPA RELEASE FINDINGS

“I don’t see him being active,” McDaniel said, according to NFL Network. “I can say with certainty that he’s not going to play this week.”

Rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson will start in Week 6 after filing in for backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is also in concussion protocol after being injured against the New York Jets.

Thompson entered the game against the Jets on Miami’s first drive and finished the game 19-33 for 166 yards and a touchdown.

Tagovailoa’s scary head injury has led to increased conversations around the handling of concussions by the NFL.

The head injury against the Bengals came just four days after Tagovailoa stumbled after a hit in Miami’s game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. He was taken into the locker room and later returned to the game against the Bills after passing a concussion evaluation.

“We just miss his personality. He’s a guy that we rely on,” McDaniel said, according to ESPN.

Prior to the start of the NFL’s games for Week 5, the league and the NFLPA implemented new concussion protocols.

The main change to the concussion protocol is that any player experiencing ataxia — “abnormality of balance/stability, motor coordination or dysfunctional speech caused by a neurological issue” — may not return to the game.

The Dolphins have lost two straight games after starting the season 3-0.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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your-dietician · 2 years

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Warriors' Jordan Poole breaks silence on Draymond Green incident fresh off massive contract extension

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Warriors' Jordan Poole breaks silence on Draymond Green incident fresh off massive contract extension

Fresh off a massive four-year contract extension, Jordan Poole addressed the punch he took from Golden State Warriors teammate Draymond Green at practice earlier this month.

The incident occurred on Oct. 5, and a day later a video of Green’s punch circulated across social media and had been the big talk of the NBA in the preseason with the regular-season tip-off just days away. Poole wasn’t hurt, and Green decided to take time away from the team.

“He apologized, and we plan on handling ourselves that way, we’re going to play basketball,” Poole said in his first remarks about the ordeal on Sunday. “Everybody in the locker room and on our team knows what it takes to win a championship, and we’re going to do that on the court. That’s really all I have to say on the matter, we’re here to win a championship and keep hanging banners.”

Poole had previously said he and Green were “brothers,” and the young player reiterated that he meant it when he said it.

“We’re here to play basketball, and our teammates and the coaching staff and the organization, everybody, knows what it takes to win,” he added.

WARRIORS, ANDREW WIGGINS AGREE ON FOUR-YEAR, $109M EXTENSION

Poole agreed to a four-year extension worth $140 million on Saturday, according to multiple reports.

Warriors general manager Bob Myers said the Green incident didn’t speed up contract talks with Poole. Meyers added that he and Green spoke on Sunday.

“Draymond’s in a great spot. He’s got a player option. It’s a great position for a player to be in. You control your own destiny,” Myers said. “I think he’s excited about the year, and he wants to win another championship. He sees the opportunity in front of him. I talked to him this morning, I don’t sense any issues there or any problems with that. I imagine he’s going to have a fantastic year, I actually think he will have a great year, he’s got a lot on the line. Usually when Draymond has a lot on the line, he performs.”

Poole emerged as a key contributor last season. He averaged 18.5 points, four assists and 3.4 rebounds per game last season. He started 51 out of 76 games. In the playoffs, he averaged 17 points, 3.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 22 games.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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your-dietician · 2 years

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Yankees' Josh Donaldson thrown out at first after going into home run trot

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Yankees' Josh Donaldson thrown out at first after going into home run trot

Josh Donaldson is at it again.

In the bottom of the fifth of Game 1 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians, the Yankees’ third baseman took a pitch from Cal Quantrill toward the short porch at Yankee Stadium. Donaldson thought it was a home run, so he went into his home run trot.

But the ball hit the top of the wall and back onto the field, not a fan or a seat beyond the wall like Donaldson thought.

Smartly, the Guardians rushed the ball in as a clearly confused Donaldson was caught between first and second.

He was thrown out diving back to first, still wondering what had happened.

After review, the replay confirmed the ball never went over the wall nor did it touch a fan, which would have resulted in a double.

Even first base coach Travis Chapman high-fived Donaldson as he rounded first, certainly doing no favors.

YANKEES’ JOSH DONALDSON APOLOGIZES TO JACKIE ROBINSON FAMILY: ‘I HOLD HIS NAME IN THE HIGHEST REGARD’

The Yankees quickly made up for it though. The next batter, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, singled but reached third base on an error by right fielder Oscar Gonzalez. Jose Trevino hit a sacrifice fly into center to give the Yanks a 2-1 lead entering the sixth inning.

Donaldson has made the mistake of an early home run trot several times this year. Back on Labor Day against the Minnesota Twins, he was thrown out at second after he hit what he thought was a two-run home run.

The Yankees never made a public punishment for him, and Aaron Boone has said it’s been discussed internally.

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your-dietician · 2 years

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Ty Dillon joining Corey LaJoie at Spire Motorsports

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Ty Dillon joining Corey LaJoie at Spire Motorsports

Ty Dillon is joining Corey LaJoie as full-time drivers for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2023.

The team announced its driver lineup on Tuesday.

Dillon will pilot the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and LaJoie will remain behind the wheel of the No. 7 car.

Dillon, 30, is driving the No. 42 Chevy for Petty GMS Motorsports this season. He has seven career top-10 finishes in 184 Cup Series starts.

LaJoie, 31, joined the Spire stable in 2021 and has five career top-10 finishes in 191 Cup Series races.

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your-dietician · 2 years

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Omneky uses AI to generate social media ads

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Omneky uses AI to generate social media ads

Meet Omneky, a startup that leverages OpenAI’s DALLE-2 and GPT-3 models to generate visuals and text that can be used in ads for social platforms.

The company wants to make online ads both cheaper and more effective thanks to recent innovations in artificial intelligence and computer vision. Omneky is participating in Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt 2022.

While many fields have been automated in one way or another, creating ads is still mostly a manual process. It takes a lot of back and forth between a creative team and the person in charge of running online ad campaigns.

Even when you manage to reach a final design, the new ads might not perform as well as expected. You often have to go back to the drawing board to iterate and create more ads.

Omneky aims to simplify all those steps. It starts with a nice software-as-a-service platform that centralizes all things related to your online advertising strategy.

After connecting Omneky with your accounts on Facebook, Google, LinkedIn and Snapchat, the platform pulls performance data from your past advertising campaigns. From this analytics dashboard, you can see how much you’re spending, how many clicks you’re getting, the average cost per click and more.

But it gets more interesting once you start diving a bit deeper. Omneky lists your top-performing and worst-performing images and text used in your ads. Customers can click on individual ads to see more details.

Omneky automatically adds tags to each ad using computer vision and text analysis. The result is a dashboard with useful insights, such as the dominant color you should use, the optimal number of people in the ad and some keywords that work well in the tagline.

This data will be used to generate new ads. Customers write a prompt and generate new visuals using DALLE-2. Omneky also helps you with those prompts as it also uses GPT-3 to generate prompts based on top-performing keywords from past campaigns.

Customers then get dozens of different AI-generated images that can be used in online ads. Similarly, Omneky can generate ad copy for the text portion of your ads.

If you have a strong brand identity, Omneky can take this into account. On the platform, customers can upload digital assets and historical ads so that the platform acts as the central repository.

“Customers can upload the brand guidelines, the font, the logo. All of this is integrated into our AI to generate content that is on brand,” Omneky founder and CEO Hikari Senju told me in a call before TechCrunch Disrupt.

Of course, some images and text don’t work well for one reason or another. That’s why Omneky doesn’t run any ad campaign without the customer’s approval. Team members can add comments, provide feedback and request approval from the platform directly.

As soon as customers approve a new ad, it is automatically uploaded and displayed on social platforms — Facebook, Google, LinkedIn and Snapchat.

After that, you are back to square one. You can track the performance of your new ads from the analytics dashboard, iterate and improve your ad performance.

The company charges a subscription fee that varies depending on the number of integrations with social platforms that you want to use. Omneky’s long-term vision expands beyond advertising.

There’s a lot of data involved with online ads, that’s why it’s easy to automate some of the steps needed to run an online ad campaign. But the startup thinks it could apply the same methodology to other products, such as AI-generated landing pages.

If you extrapolate even more, it’s clear that AI-generated content will cause a revolution in the martech and adtech industries — and Omneky plans to participate in that revolution.

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your-dietician · 2 years

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An AirTag Led Cops In Pennsylvania To A Dumpster Full Of Stolen Democratic Campaign Signs Including Ones For John Fetterman

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An AirTag Led Cops In Pennsylvania To A Dumpster Full Of Stolen Democratic Campaign Signs Including Ones For John Fetterman

AirTags, Apple’s tracking devices that look like small, white pucks, broadcast Bluetooth signals to nearby Apple devices, allowing owners to locate them (and anything they are attached to) on a map. Since Apple released AirTags in 2021, people have used the trackers to find missing bags, keys, and pets. AirTags have proved controversial, because they have also been used to stalk unsuspecting victims.

Using AirTag technology on political lawn signs seems to be catching on. Earlier this year, a candidate in Florida tracked a stolen campaign sign to the house of a political rival thanks to an AirTag.

Arlene Talley, Gilson’s friend and a member of the Chester County Democratic Committee who also had signs stolen from her front lawn, was one of the first to show up at the dumpster after Gilson passed its location on to her. Inside, Talley found 118 signs. “I just started taking them out and putting them in my car,” Talley told BuzzFeed News.

Among the candidates whose signs were swiped was Pennsylvania state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, who is running for reelection. “Kudos to the technology of an AirTag!” Shusterman told BuzzFeed News in a phone call, not long after tweeting a picture of the signs in the dumpster and accusing “local Republicans” of stealing them.

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your-dietician · 2 years

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37 Things You *Shouldn't* Buy If You Enjoy An Unpleasant Traveling Experience

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37 Things You *Shouldn't* Buy If You Enjoy An Unpleasant Traveling Experience

They come with three sizes of silicone tips to comfortably fit your ears and a charging case that provides more than 24 hours of listening time.

Promising review: “I’m thrilled. I love the fact there are multiple ear tips, and the small ones fit my ears great. Thrilled with the noise-cancelling feature while I stare at a family member yapping loudly on the phone, and I don’t have to crank my volume up to drown them out. The controls are easy. It pauses music when I take an earbud out, so I’m not fumbling to pause and then yanking an earbud out while yelling, ‘what?’ I’ve never spent this much on headphones, but these are worth the sub-$200 I paid.” —Pixie

And here’s more from BuzzFeed Shopping editor Emma Lord: “I have a pair of these, and they’re not playing around. Once they’re securely in your ear, you can toggle the headphones between noise-cancelling and regular sound, depending on your situation. I’ve been working from home, and the noise canceling is so effective that I can work next to a window where my neighbor is doing heavy construction and I don’t hear anything louder than a faint buzzing. It’s quieter than if I’d just plugged my ears with my own fingers. I’m also a runner, and these don’t budge when you’re sweating, which is nice. It’s also handy that these toggle out of noise-cancellation mode, because I feel better being able to hear traffic and other people around me when I’m out and about. The TL;DR is: I love these so much I have zero interest in owning another pair of headphones for as long as I live.” For more, read her full AirPod Pros review!

Get them from Amazon for $179.99.

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your-dietician · 2 years

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#Vanlife Confirmed: The 2023 Ford Transit Trail Is Coming to America

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#Vanlife Confirmed: The 2023 Ford Transit Trail Is Coming to America

It’s official. There is going to be a 2023 Ford Transit Trail van for the United States market. In a tweet, Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis said, “From job site to campsite. Ford #TransitTrail coming soon!” Embedded in the tweet was a teaser video (also found on Ford Pro’s YouTube page) that said, “On the road of van life, a few simple lessons can lead to many big adventures. Get ready for the new 2023 Ford Transit Trail. Coming Soon.” The teaser video shows the Transit Trail van’s side profile, a side step, and the front grille, highlighted by three amber-colored clearance lights.

Ford verified that Ford Pro’s introduction of the “off-road” oriented van will come in November, touting “its new adventure-seeking capability alongside interior and exterior enhancements [that will] provid(e) do-it-yourselfers and motorhome distributors a turnkey canvas direct from the factory.”

It’s unclear how much of the U.K.-spec’d Ford Transit Trail we’ll see in the U.S. variant, but we expect the side cladding and similar wheels, among other features. A Ford spokesperson previously confirmed to us that there were no plans to sell the Raptor-inspired Trail grille in the U.S.—and the teaser pictures indeed shows an emblem’d grille instead of the large Ford script—but we hope (expect?) the Raptor-esque grille to be optional, at least, as indicated by the patent. It’s safe to say we won’t get the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel—although that would be cool. We definitely hope to see an all-wheel drive option (it would be crazy to relegate it to rear-rear drive only). Could we see an E-Transit option?

Rest assured that all questions about the 2023 Ford Transit Trail will be answered next month!

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your-dietician · 2 years

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Grand Bahama's Best Hotels, Resorts and Vacation Rental Properties

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Grand Bahama's Best Hotels, Resorts and Vacation Rental Properties

Grand Bahama Island has an interesting mix of accommodations both in the main tourist area and in more secluded parts of the island. Port Lucaya is the main hub, and several beach hotels are available with easy access to the shops and restaurants. However, these are often larger than some of the other hotels on the island, so you’ll have to share it with a few hundred other people. Memories and Grand Lucayan are two of the big names in this area that offer the iconic beachfront experience with on-site restaurants, watersports at your doorstep, and plenty of pool bars.

Or, if you’d prefer something a bit more intimate for your Bahamas vacation, Old Bahama Bay is a luxury beachfront resort on the far-removed West End with easy access to many eco adventures. Divers can check out the Bell Channel Inn, with dive packages bookable through the hotel itself, or for vacation rentals, Dolphin Cove offers a home-like experience away from the crowded hotels but close enough that you won’t miss the action.

The editors at 10best have selected a mix of mega resorts and small properties both on an off the beach to help make choosing a hotel on Grand Bahama Island a little easier.

This vacation-rental style property offers beautiful one, and two-bedroom suites that feel like a home away from home. Kitchen and dining areas are cheerfully decorated, and baths and living areas feature modern amenities and decor. Dolphin Cove is about a mile and a half from Port Lucaya on the water (but not on the beach). However, the soft white sand of Coral Beach is about a 15-minute walk away. The Clubhouse serves up pizza, breakfast items ranging from American classics to Bahamaian favorites, and pastries – prepared with herbs and spices from their own garden. There’s also a marina on site for those who arrive by boat.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island’s Best Hotels because: This property offers less of a hotel feel, and more of a casual getaway in your own home.

Read more about Dolphin Cove Bahamas →

This 485-room, eco-certified, all-inclusive resort is located in the central area of Port Lucaya – right on the beach. Rates include unlimited meals, beverages, green fees at a local golf club, non-motorized water sports, and kids adventure program with a separate teen’s lounge and scheduled activities for little ones. The resort features four restaurants ranging from Italian to Japanese and six bars for dining and relaxing on the beach with gorgeous water views. There’s also a beautiful pool area with lounge chairs to catch some rays. Spacious, well-appointed rooms have Bluetooth audio stations, USB recharge stations, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and mini bars (restocked daily).

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island’s Best Hotels because: This beach resort makes it easy to set up shop and unwind with plenty of amenities and all-inclusive pricing.

Read more about Memories Grand Bahama Resort & Spa →

Set away from the tourism zone on the distant West End, this hotel is geared toward those seeking a secluded getaway. There’s even a private West End airport with a paved runway and a 72-slip marina available. Known for its natural beauty, many eco tourism attractions can be found on this side of the island, as well as snorkeling, bird watching, and dolphin spotting. The all-suite hotel features British colonial charm, with suites ranging from 550 square feet to 1,250 with marble baths, whirlpool soaking tub, kitchenettes, and sitting areas. There’s also a soft sand beach, and a dockside bar and grill.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island’s Best Hotels because: Perfect for families or a romantic getaway, this luxurious resort makes for a peaceful hideaway.