Beware at the TSA: Fitness Food to Avoid
Attention fitness enthusiasts! As you meticulously pack your nutrient-rich snacks for your upcoming flight, be mindful of a potential snag that may arise at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. Certain fitness foods can inadvertently raise suspicion and lead to your precious supplements being confiscated by the explosives specialist. Here’s a list of items to be cautious of: *
Creatine Powder:
This performance-enhancing supplement is known to contain a chalky substance that can mimic the appearance of explosives. *
Protein Powder:
Large amounts of protein powder can trigger false alarms due to its high nitrogen content. *
Pre-Workout Drinks:
These energizing beverages often contain ingredients such as beta-alanine, which can give off a chemical odor. *
Water Bottles with Electrolyte Tablets:
Electrolyte tablets can create a fizzy reaction when combined with water, potentially leading to confiscation. *
Fruit and Vegetable Smoothies:
Smoothies containing berries, certain tropical fruits, or spinach can resemble liquids that are prohibited in carry-on luggage. To avoid unnecessary hassle, consider the following tips: * Pack fitness foods in clear containers or bags. * Declare them to the TSA officer ahead of time. * Carry small quantities of supplements. * Avoid bringing smoothies or liquids in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces. Remember, the TSA’s primary concern is ensuring the safety of passengers. If you have any questions or concerns about transporting fitness food, don’t hesitate to reach out to a TSA representative. By being aware of these potential issues, you can ensure that your fitness routine doesn’t suffer from unexpected TSA interventions.Ghana Faces Imminent Drug Shortage Due to Cleared Medicines
Ghana Faces Imminent Drug Shortage Due to Cleared Medicines
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has issued a warning that Ghana may face a significant shortage of essential medicines by the end of June 2024 if the government fails to approve a Global Fund shipment of critical drugs. Last October, the shipment arrived in Ghana, carrying essential medications for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. However, the government has yet to clear the majority of these medicines, which were provided for free. The delay in clearing the shipment has placed a strain on the relationship between Ghana and the Global Fund, leading to its suspension of medication shipments to the country. According to the Fund, despite assurances from the government that it would immediately approve the medicines, many remain at the port and are at risk of expiring. The Ghana Revenue Authority recently announced that it had obtained the necessary tax exemptions for the approval, but third-party costs and demurrage have risen to seven million cedis. This has resulted in over 118 containers being stranded at the port. The Global Fund has warned that the strained relationship and potential expiry of the drugs could significantly impact future shipments of essential medicines to Ghana. Hospitals across the country are already experiencing shortages of essential medicines. The GMA Secretary-General, Dr. Richard Selormey, has indicated that some hospitals are relying on other centers to supply these medicines. By the end of the month, most hospitals are expected to run out of these essential drugs. The President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network, Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, has stressed the urgency of clearing the shipment to protect Ghanaian lives. He warns that if the government fails to make these drugs available in time, patients could develop immunity to them, rendering them ineffective when they eventually arrive. Civil society groups have also raised concerns about a potential health crisis due to the government’s failure to clear the Global Fund shipment. They plan to stage a protest to demand immediate action from the authorities. If the government fails to address this issue promptly, Ghana could face a severe shortage of essential medicines, potentially jeopardizing the health and well-being of its citizens.
Fitness Food and the TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of air travel, and part of that responsibility involves screening passengers and their belongings for potential threats. As a result, there are certain items that are not allowed on airplanes, including explosives, flammable liquids, and sharp objects. Recently, the TSA has issued a warning about a fitness food that could be mistaken for an explosive and confiscated by security. The food in question is a protein bar called Clif Bar, which is made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. The TSA says that the Clif Bar’s dense texture and metallic packaging can resemble the appearance of an explosive, and that security officers are being trained to be extra vigilant about screening this product. The TSA’s decision to confiscate Clif Bars has sparked some controversy, with some people arguing that the agency is overreacting. However, the TSA maintains that it is simply taking precautions to ensure the safety of air travel. If you are planning to travel with a Clif Bar, it is best to keep it in your checked baggage. If you place it in your carry-on luggage, it is likely to be confiscated by the TSA.
