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The NHS is going to launch a new campaign using the iconic Beatles song 'Help!" to encourage people to take better care of their mental health. The campaign, being launched today (January 17), is backed by some of the UK's biggest artists, urging people to seek support for their mental wellbeing. Since the beginning of the pandemic around 2.3 million people have come forward for NHS talking therapies, with over 50 per cent being concerned about their mental health last year. The NHS is encouraging anybody experiencing anxiety, depression, or other common mental health concerns to experience how talking therapies can help them. NHS mental health talking therapies are a confidential service run by fully trainedexperts that can be accessed through self-referral or GP practice.

The government has launched the Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) on Monday (22 May), under which it has announce up to £39 million fund for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research. Of this new funding package, up to £24 million over four years has been awarded to bolster the UK's partnership with CARB-X - a global AMR research initiative - to support the continued early development of invaluable new antibiotics, vaccines, rapid diagnostics and other products to combat life threatening drug-resistant infections and prevent death and disease across the world. In addition to the CARB-X grant, GAMRIF is investing £5 million over two years into the Global Antibiotic R&D Partnership (GARDP) to develop - and ensure global access to - new antibiotic treatments against major global health priorities. The announcement comes as health Minister Will Quince attends the World health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, and Development Minister Andrew Mitchell participates in an event on health leadership and climate change alongside the WHA. They will announce the launch of the UK government's Global health Framework for 2023-2025, as part of Minister Quince's address at the WHA. health Minister Will Quince said: Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to global health and has led to millions of tragic deaths per year, but the Global AMR Innovation Fund is supporting cutting-edge research and developing vital new treatments to prevent death and disease across the world.

The Pharmaceutical Defence Association (PDA) has urged health ministers of the UK to take a strict and necessary action against the unnecessary closures of pharmacy. Concerned over the rising number of pharmacy closures, PDA has written an open letter to health secretary Steve Barclay; Robin Swann, health minister for Northern Ireland; Eluned Morgan, minister of health and social services for Wales; and Humza Yousaf, the Scottish health secretary. In its letter, PDA said: "The minister of health must now ensure the regulation of poor business behaviours and be prepared to take over rogue pharmacies, however large their corporate owner may be. If patients' access to NHS services is to be protected from the consequences of avoidable full or part-day pharmacy closures." The association believes it is only a matter of time before serious harm to patients' health will be caused by the decisions of mainly large chains of pharmacies to close some of their branches for all or part of a day, instead of engaging an available pharmacist to cover their agreed opening hours. "While a small number of unforeseen closures have always occurred from time to time in pharmacies for genuine reasons, the indiscriminate scale at which closures have now become commonplace seems to have evolved over the last 20 months."

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has published two new handbooks to support pharmacists in providing 'much-needed' mental health services. The federation unveiled "Mental healthcare - A handbook for pharmacists" and "Knowledge and skills reference guide for professional development in mental health care" on Thursday July 7. The handbooks, developed in collaboration with an international group of experts, aim to support pharmacy practice, presenting the many potential mental health care actions that pharmacists can perform, from preventing mental illness and screening for signs to optimising medication and responding to mental health crises. The reference guide is intended to accompany the handbook and defines the knowledge and skills that pharmacists need to acquire to provide such services.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and National Pharmacy Association (NPA) have both urged the new health secretary Steve Barclay to back the 'pharmacy first' approach in England as mentioned by his predecessor on numerous occasions. "Sajid Javid recognised the vital role of community pharmacy and the potential of a 'Pharmacy First' to support patient access to care. I would urge the new health Secretary to see this through to completion," said chair of RPS in England Thorrun Govind. Thorrun hopes the new health secretary will engage with pharmacy leaders about how we can make the most of our health and care workforce to support the NHS recovery, including reducing health inequalities, managing the growing cost of long-term conditions, and utilising the enhanced skills of Pharmacist Independent Prescribers. Commenting on the new appointment, she said: "This is a crucial time for the future of health and care - with continued pressures on teams, changes to NHS structures and organisations, and the need for long-term investment in the workforce. "With a 'refresh' of the NHS Long-Term Plan and the Government's workforce plan expected later this year, these must support a more ambitious approach to advancing the clinical role of pharmacists across the NHS to better meet changing patient demand, backed by investment in pharmacy education and training.

Think about your smile. It's one of the first things people see when they meet you, and it can leave a lasting impression. That's why it's so important to invest in your smile! Not only is it good for your health, but it also improves your confidence. There are many different dental care options available, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. In this article, we will discuss the different options available and how to choose the right one for you! IT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOUR health Your oral health is important! When you smile, you not only show off your pearly whites, but you also show off your health. A healthy smile is an important part of a healthy body! Good dental hygiene is essential for your overall health. It's essential to brush and floss your teeth every day and see your dentist for regular checkups. Dental problems can lead to other health problems, so it's important to take good care of your teeth and gums. Taking care of your teeth can help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems. Investing in your smile is investing in your health!

Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) in Northern Ireland has announced that eight applicants were selected in the latest round of Level One funding for the Building the Community-Pharmacy Partnership (BCPP) programme. Funded by Northern Ireland's Health and Social Care Board, BCCP supports communities and community pharmacists to work in partnership to address the social determinants of Health and Health inequalities. "The projects will engage across the life course working with new parents, young men and older people to empower them to take control of issues affecting their Health and wellbeing. Covid recovery remains a common theme across all applications, as communities focus on addressing the impact of the pandemic on social isolation, physical and mental Health." Applications for the Level Two funding of the BCCP's Round 42 will close on 24 March 2022. For information on the programme or for some support with your application, please contact a member of the BCPP team on 028 3026 4606.

Women's health company Hertility has acquired the Netherlands-based fertility and hormone testing company Grip, increasing their market share in the women's health space and positioning them for rapid international expansion. Hertility said the acquisition will expand its own dataset and help them reach their goal of drastically cutting down the time to diagnosis of female health conditions. The UK start-up, launched in September 2020, offers a machine-learning healthcare solution, giving women insight on their reproductive health, through an at-home hormone test, individual results and a route to care. Founded by scientists and powered by an (all female) research team, Hertility is building a science-backed eco-system of care around every woman. Hertility is planning on launching in Ireland this summer and the Netherlands before the end of the year and is already offering end to end gynae and fertility care with a team of over 30 experts. "This acquisition is a coming together of women who are on a mission to drive real change in women's health. We are over the moon to have taken Grip under our wing, and will be taking Hertility into new markets, starting with the Netherlands," Dr Helen O'Neill, founder of Hertility, commented.

Following centuries of stigma, the importance of mental wellness is finally matching that of physical healthcare. Conditions such as depression have become common topics in the media, particularly in the last few years as celebrities and experts warned against the pressures of social media. The bouts of isolation connected with the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue, with the British Medical Association declaring a UK mental health crisis at the end of 2022. This media attention has led to acknowledgement of the realities of mental health problems from the government and medical sector, and a recognition that these need to be approached differently to physical ailments when it comes to providing treatment. If you are motivated to be involved in this rapidly changing industry, consider these rewarding business ideas for developing a career in mental health. Become a counsellor Counselling is a broad term, but essentially it is the practice of having impartial conversation with patients about their life experiences with a view to overcoming emotional obstacles and trauma. Training can take three to five years depending on whether you are getting a degree or diploma, and there are many opportunities to specialise both during and after your education. Psychotherapy is a similar field, but this is a more academically focused course that tends to be concerned with long-term or particularly complex mental health issues. You will need a post-graduate qualification and several years of training to become certified.

"Record long NHS waits are forcing huge numbers of people out of work, including doctors and nurses," said Wes Streeting MP, Labour's Shadow Health and Social Care Secretary as Labour announced a new partnership with Nuffield Health today to tackle joint pain issues among NHS staff and reducing waiting lists. Musculoskeletal problems, including back, knee, hip, and neck pain, are the second leading cause of NHS staff absences, surpassed only by mental Health issues. In December 2023 alone, NHS workers missed a record 198,000 days due to these issues, marking a 13 per cent increase from the 174,000 days recorded in December 2019. Nurses and Health visitors accounted for 52,000 of these days, up from 47,000 pre-pandemic, while doctors took 3,500 days off, a 9 per cent increase from 2019. The partnership with Nuffield Health will provide up to 4,000 extra places for NHS staff in Nuffield Health's Joint Pain Programme at no cost.

When it comes to digestive health issues and complaints the frequency of pharmacy visits is high, and a number of digestive health concerns can be attributed to constipation. So, how can pharmacy teams respond and spot patterns when patients come in regularly with the same complaints? Looking beyond just the symptoms is key in understanding contributing factors; further questions can be asked around diet and lifestyle that may lead to constipation and digestive health issues. Constipation can often be misconstrued, particularly in older people, and exploring lifestyle and diet with a patient could be key to helping and spotting patterns when patients come in regularly to pharmacy with the same complaint. Standard 20-tablet packs of constipation tablets may be appropriate for a patient displaying mild constipation, but pharmacies are seeing an increased amount of people coming into pharmacy more frequently, so could their digestive health issues be more complex than simply constipation?

England's chief pharmaceutical officer David Webb on Friday (July 22) officially opened a community health hub at a Hindu temple in west London. The interactive health hub, which was built as part of the 'Festival of Inspiration' - a 10-day cultural celebration of the UK's South Asian Hindu communities, will provide visitors with free health awareness and well-being advice. The cultural extravaganza, which ends on July 31, draws upon the inspiring life, work and wisdom of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, one of the world's great spiritual leaders and creator of the iconic Neasden Temple. Sharing his reflection on the festival and the health hub, Webb said: "It's been an absolute pleasure to visit and be a part of the Festival of Inspiration on the hundredth centenary of His Holiness. I've been really impressed by the extensive programme of engagement with the community to improve health and wellbeing." Senior pharmacist Prof Mahendra Patel accompanied Webb during the opening ceremony.

As part of its centenary celebrations, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has raised more than eleven thousand pounds for mental health charity Mind. A total of £11,583 was raised for Mind and the Association continues to encourage members to support the charity. The NPA marked its 100th birthday in 2021 and partnered with Mind in England and Wales, and equivalent charities in Scotland and Northern Ireland - SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental health) and Inspire Wellbeing - to raise awareness of pharmacy services for people with mental health problems and to generate funds for the work of these charities. The NPA held set-piece events, such as sponsored walks, and pharmacists, colleagues and their families and friends were encouraged to organise their own activities. Chief executive of the NPA, Mark Lyonette, said: "I was delighted to be at our sponsored walk in St Albans, home of our head office, last year. This and other fundraising events all underlined the message that community pharmacies are concerned with the wellbeing of the whole person - mind as well as body."

Poverty not only takes a significant toll on people's health but also leads to additional costs for the National health Service (NHS). Rise in deep poverty, cost-of-living crisis, and high pressure on NHS services have worsened the situation, according to a study published by The King's Fund this week. The report underscored that poverty and deprivation contribute to a greater prevalence of diseases, difficulties in accessing health care, late or delayed treatment, and worse health outcomes. These challenges could be seen across various NHS services, spanning from emergency care to dental services Additionally, it revealed that 30 per cent of people living in the most deprived areas have turned to 999, 111, A&E or a walk-in centre because they could not access a GP appointment. In 2016, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) estimated the cost of poverty on health care at £29 billion (£34 billion in current prices). As the proportion of people living in deep poverty has risen, the situation has worsened. In 2021/22, six million people were living in very deep poverty, up from 4.5 million two decades ago. Currently, more than one in five people in the UK are estimated to be living in poverty, the report noted. Deprivation is linked to a range of diet-related health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as mental illness. According to the report, the depression rate is two times higher among people living in the most deprived areas, compared to the least deprived areas.

Thanks to increasing environmental awareness among people worldwide, there's a growing commitment to sustainable practices across industries. The healthcare sector, including pharmacies, is no exception. Recognising the fact that 'climate crisis is a health crisis', 124 countries signed a new Declaration on Climate and health at the first-ever health Day at the United Nations climate change conference, COP28 Dubai, which was held on 3 December 2023. The declaration acknowledged the need to prepare healthcare systems to cope with climate change and accelerate actions to protect communities. Welcoming the declaration, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World health Organization (WHO) emphasized the need to build "climate-resilient and low-carbon" health systems to protect the health of both the planet and people. Pharmacies play a crucial role in providing essential medications and healthcare services to the community, but their operations can have environmental implications.

Dental care is often seen as a routine part of our healthcare regimen, but its significance cannot be overstated. The health of our teeth and gums affects not just our oral well-being but also our overall health and quality of life. This is especially true when we consider the impact of dental health on the entire family. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of proper dental care for every member of the family and explore the benefits it brings. Understanding Dental health Understanding dental health is fundamental to appreciating the importance of proper dental care. Professionals at newsmilelife.com explain how dental care involves a spectrum of practices dedicated to preserving the well-being of our teeth, gums, and overall oral health. This encompasses consistent brushing and flossing, regular dental examinations, professional cleanings, and addressing any dental concerns that emerge. These routines and interventions collectively contribute to a healthy mouth, preventing common dental problems and promoting optimal oral hygiene for individuals and families alike.

We briefly described role of probiotics in maintaining gut health & how do probiotics work. What are natural sources & symptoms of unhealthy & healthy gut

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.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched a new position paper on 'How pharmacy can do more to tackle health inequalities'. The RPS paper aims to help pharmacists and pharmacy teams to take action against health inequalities. It is designed to provide a reference source for pharmacy teams to use over time to continually improve services. RPS said: "Like all health services, these pharmacy services do not always reach everyone. Often it is people who are suffering the greatest inequalities that find it most difficult to access the services that are currently available. This can be for a large number of reasons including poverty, education, being part of a group vulnerable to exclusion, language and power." Therefore, the RPS paper focuses not on "what" services pharmacy provides but "how" they are provided, with an aim of making them more accessible for people who are currently struggling. Claire Anderson, President of Royal Pharmaceutical Society said: "It's fantastic that pharmacy teams in every sector of pharmacy across Great Britain are providing care that can improve health inequalities, with many patients able to access pharmacy services very easily. Brilliant examples of this shine through in the paper.

After struggling with COVID, Hemant Petal is back to good health, and now he is on a mission to reduce "health inequalities". Speaking at the SIGMA Conference 2023, he spoke about his new role as Clinical Lead, health Inequalities and Population health Management, SE Essex Alliance, Essex ICB. "So, my new role is outside pharmacy, nothing to do with pharmacy. But it is important, I feel that I share some of my insights about the work that I'm doing that might benefit you," he said. Elaborating on the role of integrated care boards (ICBs), he said that they are designed to enhance coordination and collaboration across different healthcare providers and settings. The representatives from hospitals, community services, retail and social care meet on a monthly basis to "look at where there are issues to be resolved, perhaps what can be done to improve the healthcare services."