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A physically active lifestyle offers numerous benefits, including better cardiovascular fitness, healthy body weight, management of chronic illnesses like diabetes and arthritis, and improved bone health and muscular fitness. However, like the cliché statement that every action attracts an adverse reaction, physical activity has its fair share of risks, including injuries. Some common body injuries while engaging in various levels of physical activity or active sports include wrist, knee, and ankle injuries. The most common injuries are bruises, strains, and sprains, and this article focuses on the latter. A sprain is an acute soft tissue injury when ligaments get torn or stretched excessively. Ligaments are tough fibrous tissues made of collagen that connect the bones and form the different joints found in human bodies. Therefore, sprains are joint injuries, with ankles taking the giant share of most sprain injuries. It's also important to note that sprains are often confused with strains. However, they're distinctly different because the former are injuries to the ligaments in a joint, while the latter are injuries to the muscles.

An ever-increasing emphasis is being placed on getting and staying fit and mobile, whatever your age, with good reason. Regular aerobic exercise (physical activity which gets the heart beating faster) helps patients to: Reduce or maintain body weight Reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes and diabetes Control blood sugar (helpful for diabetics) Maintain mobility and muscle strength, allowing daily activities to be undertaken more easily Improve mood, physical activity can be beneficial for everyone. However, injuries sometimes happen during exercise or everyday life. Collectively, injuries to tendons, ligaments and/or skeletal muscle, are referred to as musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries. Post pandemic pharmacists are now the first port of call for many seeking to self-treat so it is important that information, advice and a wide range of treatment options are available. While the precise incidence and prevalence of such disorders are difficult to define, they are known to be the most common rheumatic causes of sickness absences from work. Indeed, soft tissue complaints account for up to 59 per cent of new patient referrals to rheumatology practice and up to 15 per cent of consultations in primary care. Ankle injuries are very common with an estimated incidence of one per 100,000 population per day. They account for about one in five of all sports related injuries. The majority of ankle injuries are moderate ligament sprains. With appropriate treatment the majority of patients should be able to return to normal activities within a few weeks.

Dispensing activity by community pharmacy in England has witnessed a 4.2 per cent increase across the year 2021 till March 2022, the Pharmacy Market Review 2022 report revealed. The report launched by Christie & Co, said: "All pharmacy settings saw improvements in dispensing numbers, with standard community settings seeing the highest increase of 4.2 per cent, with the average moving to 7,173 items, albeit still below the combined average." "The independent sector fared better than corporate pharmacy, with a combined average increase of 3.5 per cent versus a 1.8 per cent increase in corporate dispensing. Despite some improvement, integrated pharmacies remained the lowest at 1.9 per cent, in part due to the continued restrictions on patient access." Dispensing activity for England across the year to March 2022 increased by 4.5 per cent to an average of 7,765 items per month, reversing the decline witnessed in 2021.

The incredible consequences that drug misuse has imposed on humans in the last few years make it one of the most pressing issues facing such nations. A person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol often turns to these substances as a crutch while they're going through tough times. Taking the drug regularly becomes habitual since it provides short-term relief without permanently resolving the issue. An important part of becoming sober is learning to substitute better routines for the addict's old, harmful ones. These self-care routines and healthy habits are much better ways to deal with stress. Here we will explain how healthy behavior throughout addiction recovery is simply one of many methods to adapt to life after treatment. Physical Activity Scientific studies have shown that physical activity increases levels of two hormones. dopamine and serotonin, which are linked to better mood. A more positive outlook, restful sleep, and enhanced general health are all possible outcomes of these hormones. In the early stages of your rehabilitation, it is wise to start an exercise regimen that you have never done before. You may find new sober friends and interactions, as well as inspiration to improve your physical health, by connecting with other people who share your interests in physical activity. In the early stages of recovery, having sober friends may be really helpful since it allows you to connect with those who understand what you're going through. Friendships formed in early recovery often continue long after the addict has left the program, according to many people in recovery.

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has advised its member to check their understanding of what activities can legitimately take place when no RP is signed in at the pharmacy or the absence provisions are used. The advisory to its member was followed after noticing a considerable talk on social media about compliance with the Responsible Pharmacist (RP) regulations which also included unauthorised activity occurring when no RP is signed in. "There have been comments made that some pharmacists and pharmacy team members may fear repercussions from challenging or whistle-blowing about such behaviour," PDA said. "To assist members with the interpretation of the RP regulations, the PDA has made available a legal briefing note about the RP regulations produced by a specialist pharmacy regulation law firm." It further added: "Non-compliance with the regulations by pharmacy teams should be reported to the pharmacy superintendent."

The public awareness campaign for community pharmacy, 'Ask Your Pharmacist Week' this year will be on 31 October - 7 November, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has announced. Every year AYP Week is held across the UK, with an aim to raise awareness of pharmacy services and to prompt conversations with key stakeholders at a local level about community pharmacy's role and benefits. Activities in previous years have ranged from public exhibitions and window posters to social media campaigns, projects with patient groups and visits to pharmacies from local dignitaries and politicians. NPA Head of Communications, Stephen Fishwick, said, "AYP Week is an important fixture in the pharmacy calendar, as it creates a space for focused public awareness activities to help customers, patients and stakeholders understand more fully the community pharmacy offer. We want people to be more aware of long-standing and new NHS services plus the skills and expertise on offer in pharmacies across the UK. AYP also aims to cultivate a richer dialogue with key stakeholders, which in England now includes leaders in Integrated Care Systems."

protein helps your hair grow and lose weight -Researchers have showed how hair growth activated fat tissue growth within the skin below the follicle may lead to the development of a cream to dissolve fat. particularly, the protein that activated follicle growth was shown to conjointly inhibit fat production

Improvement activities (IA) - MIPS 2020 submission is incomplete without it - is easy to submit with the right MIPS consulting firm. Find out more about it.

Improvement activities (IA) - MIPS 2020 submission is incomplete without it - is easy to submit with the right MIPS consulting firm. Find out more about it.

After a tough workout, you're bound to experience some muscle pain, since your muscles are working harder than they usually do. Here are six ways that will help relieve the soreness and ache in your muscles after a workout routine: 1. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER 2. ADD SOME HEAT 3. GET A MASSAGE 4. KEEP MOVING 5. EAT WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF EXERCISING 6. POST WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTATION If you're trying to relieve muscle pain after exercise, then you should follow these tips. The faster your body can recover from tough workouts and other physical activity, the sooner you'll be able to get back out there and stay active.

The Hyderabad Police are actively searching for UK-based pharmacist M. Ajith Kumar, who is suspected of involvement in a plot to poison his estranged wife's family in Hyderabad by contaminating their spices with arsenic. While the accused allegedly succeeded in fatally poisoning his mother-in-law through a slow method, timely arsenic testing saved the lives of others. In late June, a newlywed woman in her 30s visited a Guntur-based doctor, complaining of intense burning, tingling, and numbness in her hands and feet. The neurologist's keen observation foiled the alleged sinister plot of Ajith Kumar, suspected of using his chemical expertise to harm his wife and her family. Presently, the police are actively searching for M. Ajith Kumar, who is currently in London, in connection with the murder plot. Furthermore, the Hyderabad police have apprehended six individuals from the city who were complicit in his nefarious scheme. The investigation gathered key information from arrested suspects, including D. Vinod Kumar, a UK-based IT professional from Andhra Pradesh. Vinod Kumar's involvement in UK software projects provided by Ajith Kumar generated a substantial monthly income, leading him to assist Ajith in his plot against his estranged wife's family.

The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) has urged the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to collate the data on actively enrolled on an approved course or qualification for Pharmacy Technicians of commencement of training. In a letter from Nicola Stockmann, Vice President APTUK to the GPhC to encourage the collection of data for Pre-Registration Training Pharmacy Technicians, Stockmann said: "We value the GPHC data for Pharmacy Technician registrants to track the growth and diversity of the Pharmacy Technician profession. With ongoing inclusive pharmacy practice priorities, APTUK has an organisational pledge to continue this work of all themes through actions. The demographics of the Pharmacy Technician workforce continue to have a majority of white British registrants and identifying as female; the high-level data collated which is currently available on the GPHC website does not capture those who are actively enrolled on an approved course or qualification for Pharmacy Technicians."

Living in challenging times means that the world seems to be constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up. Along with all the other challenges you face, it's more important than ever to stay healthy. But what does that mean for you? What are the health tips that everyone should follow? There's a lot of information out there about health and wellness, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what's best. That's why you should check this list of the top seven health tips that everyone should follow. GET REGULAR EXERCISE Everyone needs to make time for physical activity and aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. This can be anything from walking or swimming to dancing or aerobics classes. Exercise not only strengthens your body, but it can also help you manage stress and improve your mood, while also boosting your immune system. If, for any reason, you're not able to get the recommended amount of exercise, try breaking up activities into smaller chunks and incorporating them into your daily routine.

If you are one of the unlucky few who require serious knee surgery, you will likely want to do everything possible to ensure a successful recovery. Knee surgeries can be difficult and frustrating, but with the right attitude and approach, you can make the process much easier on yourself. In this blog post, we will discuss six tips for recovering from serious knee surgery. Follow these tips and you will be on your way to a successful recovery! 1) FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR'S ORDERS This may seem like an obvious tip, but it is important to follow your doctor's orders after knee surgery. Your doctor knows what is best for you and your recovery, so make sure to listen to their advice. Also, you can find useful information on the St Vincent's Private Hospitals website regarding your specific type of surgery. It is important to get well informed about your surgery so that you can be prepared for the recovery process. For example, if you are having a partial knee replacement, you will want to know what activities you should avoid during your recovery. Or, if you are having a full knee replacement, you will want to know what kind of rehabilitation exercises you should be doing. 2) GET PLENTY OF REST Your body needs time to heal after surgery, so make sure to get plenty of rest. This doesn't mean that you have to stay in bed all day, but you should avoid any strenuous activity. Take naps when you feel tired and give your body the time it needs to recover.

Assisted living facilities are for people with cognitive decline or those with trouble managing their daily activities like feeding themselves, getting dressed, or bathing. If your loved one can't perform two or more basic daily activities, they become candidates for assisted living. Choosing an assisted living facility goes beyond just signing up and moving in. The choice should be carefully considered because this is where your loved ones will probably spend the rest of their lives. So, when the time comes, you have to consider pertinent things to help you make the right decisions. Levels Of Care Provided By The Assisted Living Facility Assisted living facilities offer varying levels of care which range from lower levels of care to memory care. Having an idea about the different levels of care provided in assisted living facilities will help you ask the right questions. You should be able to know what level best suits your loved one so that their needs can be addressed adequately. For instance, a person who only needs assistance with mobility but can do other things independently will be suited for level 1 care. On the other hand, those who need additional care because they have difficulty remembering things and can't take care of themselves will be better placed in level 3 care.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted AbbVie's RINVOQ (upadacitinib) for use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). Upadacitinib offers an additional treatment choice in the therapeutic class of janus kinase inhibitors. "Daily life with ulcerative colitis is difficult due to the debilitating and unpredictable nature of its symptoms", said Dr Jonathan Macdonald, Consultant Gastroenterologist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. "Clinical trials have shown that upadacitinib as a once daily pill controls symptoms in eight weeks for many patients and provided sustained responses at one year. The SMC's decision is good news for people with ulcerative colitis in Scotland as it provides an additional treatment option to help them gain control of their condition." The SMC decision is based on data from the induction studies U-ACHIEVE and U-ACCOMPLISH, as well as the Phase 3 U-ACHIEVE maintenance study, which demonstrated the efficacy of upadacitinib versus placebo in its ability to achieve clinical remission. The SMC's decision follows the granting of Marketing Authorisation for upadacitinib in UC in July 2022.

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Fitness to Practise Committee has removed a pharmacy technician from Register after been found guilty of possessing 'indecent photographs of a child'. Graeme Arthur, a pharmacy technician first registered with GPhC on 1 September 2019, under the registration number 5039154, was found guilty at Peterlee Magistrate's Court in August 2022. He received an 18-month Community Order, and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 5 years, He was also ordered to undertake a period of rehabilitation activity for 40 days. In the remote video linking hearing held on 2 - 3 May, the Fitness to Practise Committee found Arthur's fitness to practise to be currently impaired on grounds of protection of the public and in the wider public interest of declaring and upholding the Standards of the profession and maintaining public confidence in the reputation of the profession. The committee considers this to be a serious conviction for an offence which has included possession of the most serious category of images of sexual abuse of children. It said: "Although Mr Arthur had no direct contact with the children concerned, the nature of the abuse is that it thrives on the demand from those who search for and view the images online. As such, children come to actual harm indirectly through the activity of someone viewing and possession of images of sexual abuse."

Immunogenicity refers to the capacity of a vaccine to provoke an immune response in the body. An effective immune response is characterized by the production of specific antibodies, activation of immune cells, and the development of immunological memory. The goal is to elicit a durable and robust response that can prevent or control infections. Leveraging Viral Vector Technology Viral vectors serve as essential vehicles for delivering antigenic proteins or genetic material into target cells, triggering an immune response. Biotechnology companies have been exploring advanced strategies to optimize viral vector design, aiming to enhance immunogenicity and improve vaccine effectiveness. Vector Selection: The choice of viral vector plays a crucial role in determining immunogenicity. Different viruses have unique properties and characteristics that can impact immune responses. Biotechnology companies meticulously select viral vectors that possess the desired attributes, such as the ability to infect target cells efficiently and induce strong immune responses. Genetic Engineering: Advanced genetic engineering techniques are employed to modify viral vectors, tailoring them to specific vaccine requirements. By introducing specific antigenic proteins or genetic material, researchers can stimulate the immune system to mount a targeted response. This precise manipulation enhances the vaccine's ability to elicit a robust immune reaction. Immunomodulatory Elements: Biotechnology companies are incorporating immunomodulatory elements into viral vector designs. These elements can enhance the immune response by stimulating various components of the immune system, such as antigen-presenting cells and T cells. By activating and priming these immune cells, the vaccine can generate a more potent and sustained immune response. Adjuvants: Adjuvants are substances added to vaccines to enhance their immunogenicity. They stimulate and amplify the immune response, improving the

Dr Rod Hughes sets out how pharmacists can play a pivotal role in steering people with joint pain towards a prevention programme… Joint health supplements are big business in the UK, with millions of pounds spent over the counter every year. People turn to these supplements for various reasons, but most are seeking relief from the symptoms of arthritis, a group of painful long-term conditions thought to affect around 10 million people in this country. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting around eight million people in the UK. The condition is generally age-related, with joint pain and stiffness developing as the cartilage between the bones gradually wears away. OA changes and the inflammation involved causes difficulty moving and considerable pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tends to affect younger people and is caused by the body's immune system attacking the joints. As a nation we tend to ignore our joints until they cause us problems, resulting in an increasing number of people taking long-term analgesics to control the pain or needing surgery to repair knees and hips. Treatment guidelines followed by doctors in the UK recommend that people with arthritis are advised to maintain a healthy weight and keep physically active, while strengthening their muscles and protecting any damaged joints during daily activities.

A diabetes medicine, Mounjaro, has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to treat overweight patients. The weight loss medication originally developed for Type 2 diabetes is now accessible to individuals aged 18 and over who are dealing with obesity and weight-related health issues. The active ingredient, tirzepatide, works by making the patient feel fuller and reducing food cravings. The injection helps individuals lose 20 per cent of their body weight, and are advised to follow a reduced-calorie diet and increase physical activity simultaneously. Although it is not authorised to use on the NHS as yet but future approvals can be predicted.

NHS England has launched a prescription savings campaign, particularly for those living with long-term conditions. The campaign is specifically for individuals residing in deprived areas as they receive more prescriptions than people in affluent areas. It is also known that people with low income could be entitled to help with costs or free prescriptions depending on their circumstances. The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA), an active member of the Prescription Charges Coalition, is actively striving to eliminate prescription charges in England as well. They are focussing on "NHS England's current efforts to minimise charges so that members practising in England can alert patients to this possibility".