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The National Health Service (NHS) on Monday launched a new national campaign to find the 'missing millions' who could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, often described as a 'silent killer'. People are being warned that the condition rarely has any symptoms and it can lead to fatal heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia, if left untreated. According to the NHS, high blood pressure affects an estimated 32 per cent of adults and approximately three in 10 of these remain undiagnosed, equating to 4.2 million people in England. The NHS has expanded blood pressure checks in community pharmacies to include 2.5 million more tests as part of the Pharmacy First programme. With the 'Get Your Blood Pressure Checked' campaign, the health service is encouraging those aged 40 years and over to get a free blood pressure test at a participating pharmacy, for which they don't need to be booked in advance. Health Minister Andrea Leadsom expressed confidence that this new drive will help to prevent the potentially "fatal consequences" of untreated high blood pressure. She urged people to go to their local pharmacy to get their blood pressure checked, stating that it could be a "lifesaving trip."

In this article, we shed light on male-specific thyroid symptoms, the avenues for treatment, and the importance of seeking expert care.

The National Health Services England (NHSE) is poised to revolutionise diabetes management with the introduction of the 'artificial pancreas', also known as the Hybrid Closed Loop system, to treat type 1 diabetes. This pioneering initiative, endorsed by the National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE), represents a global first in healthcare innovation. With 269,095 individuals grappling with type 1 diabetes in England, the Hybrid Closed Loop system is set to cater to tens of thousands of children and adults across the nation. This cutting-edge device operates by seamlessly monitoring blood glucose levels and autonomously adjusting insulin dosage through a pump, by eliminating the need for regular insulin injections. Furthermore, it holds the promise of averting life-threatening hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemia episodes, mitigating significant risks associated with the condition. To facilitate the identification of beneficiaries, NHSE has allocated a substantial sum of £2.5 million, ensuring that those who could benefit from this innovative solution receive the necessary support.

With scarlet fever currently circulating in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) has urged parents to remain vigilant for potential symptoms in children. Also known as scarlatina, it is an infectious disease triggered by group A strep bacteria that can lead to symptoms such as fever, a sandpapery rash, sore throat and swollen tonsils. The latest data published by the UKHSA showed that a total of 19,528 cases of scarlet fever were reported in the 2023/24 season, of which 12,176 cases occurring between 1 January and 24 March 2024. While the number of cases recorded this year is lower than those recorded during the same period in 2023, which totaled 15,933 cases, it exceeds the average for the previous five years. "Scarlet fever is a common childhood illness, although it can affect anyone of any age," said Dr Theresa Lamagni at UKHSA. Parents are advised to contact their GP practice or NHS111 when their GP is unavailable, if they suspect they or their child are experiencing symptoms of scarlet fever.

Asbestos poisoning is a serious health concern that can have long-lasting effects on your well-being. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to various health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. If you suspect that you've been exposed to asbestos or are experiencing symptoms related to asbestos poisoning, it's crucial to take immediate action. 1. Recognize the Symptoms The first step in dealing with asbestos poisoning is to recognize the symptoms. Common signs of asbestos exposure include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, chest pain, and fatigue. Additionally, you may experience respiratory issues such as wheezing or difficulty breathing. Exploring the use of asbestos at Honeywell in Massachusetts can help you get a better understanding of the potential risks associated with asbestos exposure and the importance of taking proactive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from its harmful effects. It's essential to pay attention to any changes in your health and seek medical attention if you suspect asbestos exposure.

More than 500,000 women in England have benefitted from cheaper hormone replacement therapy (HRT) since the launch of the HRT prescription prepayment certificates (PPC) on 1 April last year, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). HRT is the main treatment for negative menopause symptoms that can impact all areas of a woman's life. Introduced as part of the government's Women's Health Strategy, which made menopause a priority area, the HRT PPC reduced prescription costs to just £19.30 per year, helping patients save hundreds of pounds in prescription charges. The DHSC has confirmed that more than £11 million was saved by women using the PPC in the last nine months. Using the HRT PPC, patients can get a range of HRT items, including patches, tablets, and topical preparations at reduced prices, and they can use it many times as needed throughout the year.

Almost all community pharmacies in the West Midlands and East Midlands have begun treating people for seven common conditions, as part of the newly launched Pharmacy First scheme. NHS England on Sunday (4 February) revealed that more than 95 per cent of community pharmacies in the West Midlands (1130) and over 97 per cent in the East Midlands (840) have joined the ground-breaking initiative. The scheme allows highly trained pharmacists to assess and treat patients for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (under the age of 65) without the need for an appointment or prescription. With this major expansion of pharmacy services, the health service is aiming to free up 10 million GP appointments a year, while making it easier and more convenient for people to access care.

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect women from cervical cancer, which claims nearly two lives daily in England, according to NHS England. Therefore, all women and those with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are encouraged to attend cervical screening when invited. Sadly, 3 in 10 of those eligible for cervical screening do not take up the potentially life-saving offer, as revealed by the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, England 2022-2023 annual report. Pharmacist Thorrun Govind, also a Healthcare Lawyer (Brabners LLP), underscores the significant role pharmacists and pharmacy teams can play in promoting cervical cancer screening. The former Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in England told Pharmacy Business: "Pharmacists and pharmacy teams are a trusted part of the local community. They therefore have a key part in promoting cervical cancer screening."

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is characterized by the consistent or recurrent inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. It becomes increasingly common with age, affecting approximately 50 - 55 per cent of men aged between 40 and 70 years. ED is estimated to affect up to three-quarters of men globally, and by 2025, 322 million men are expected to experience it. Research indicates that erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in the UK, affecting over a quarter of younger men. Among Brits with ED, cardiometabolic and psychological conditions were frequently observed. Despite the high prevalence of erectile dysfunction among men, it remains poorly understood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.

Uncover the warning signs of thyroid disorders in men and provide insights from Dr. Ashish Saini, Consultant Endocrinologist at Kailash Deepak Hospital.