AAFP Praises FDA's Plan to Attack Nicotine Addiction

An experienced physician based in Middletown, Maryland, Dr. Robert VandenBosche specializes in primary care in his role with Seton Medical Group. Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Robert VandenBosche is a longtime member of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

In late 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco and Nicotine Regulation-a major public health initiative aimed at helping adult smokers kick the habit. The AAFP expressed its approval of the program and highlighted the FDA’s efforts to educate the public about flavored nicotine products. Specifically, the FDA suggested banning the use of flavored cigars, as well as halting the sale of flavored electronic nicotine products in stores that are accessible to young adults and even children.

Banning flavored cigar and electronic products has the potential to curb nicotine appeal among adolescents and young adults. The organization says it will continue working with government agencies to lobby for laws aimed at tackling major public health issues such as nicotine addiction.

Taking Clear Photos of Fast Flying Birds

A Middletown, Maryland, resident, Dr. Robert VandenBosch practices with the Seton Medical Group as primary care physician. Among Dr. Robert VandenBosch’s favorite activities is photography and he has earned amateur photographer award recognition.

One of the most challenging aspects of photography is capturing fast-moving objects such as birds across a wide range of backdrops. In fast action situations, it makes sense to invest in a camera that has 6 to 9 frames per second capacities and a shutter speed of 1/2000 of a second or higher. With lower shutter speeds, motion blur that cannot be resolved in post-production becomes a major issue.

Just as important is focus acquisition speed, and an auto-focus system is an essential for clear images of birds in flight. Look for auto ISO features that automatically adjust ISO depending on light conditions and set the minimum shutter speed at 1/1000, with the aperture set to its maximum. This helps ensure a stable and clear view in changing lighting situations, including when birds leave foliage for open sky flight.

Cameras such as the Canon 7D Mark II and Nikon D500 are ideal for capturing fast flight situations. They are designed to comfortably accommodate high-end 200 to 800mm lenses, ideally equipped with teleconverters and optical stabilization. Keep in mind that, with the 500mm range lens and above, tripods will be required, as the camera is too heavy and bulky to comfortably hold in the hands.