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.
What skills does a pharmacist need these days? You'd think it would be sufficient to have a good understanding of pharmacy and the ability to offer a great
patient service. Whilst this is true of course, the reality of the day to day role demands skills which most pharmacists have not been trained for as part of their
formal qualification.
At the very least, pharmacists find themselves responsible for running the pharmacy, managing people, managing processes and dealing with issues relating to customers,
suppliers, surgeries, regulators and stakeholders. Even the most junior pharmacists quickly find themselves being accountable for the financial performance of their
department and having to work within budgets or deliver on targets.
Remarkably, despite the apparent lack of any formal training in these areas, pharmacists have been able to adapt and meet the challenges of whatever their job has
thrown at them.
Many pharmacists go even further, bringing out their inner entrepreneurial spirit to set up their own business. There are now over 6,000 pharmacy businesses owned by
independent pharmacists, with this segment growing.
Whilst pharmacists have historically adapted to their environments and picked up the necessary business skills, the rapidly changing landscape of pharmacy will
require pharmacists to establish new skills to help ensure their businesses survive and thrive.
Moderna has joined one of the UK's leading pharmaceutical industry body, Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) to expand its footprint and
investment in the UK.
The biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines will strengthen its footprint with the new state-of-the-art vaccine research,
development and manufacturing facility in the UK. It will create valuable new jobs and build on the strength of the UK's life sciences ecosystem.
The company is best known for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic and are now developing a range of mRNA-based vaccines for a number of conditions.
The ABPI represents companies of all sizes who invest in discovering the medicines of the future, including some of the world's largest, most innovative, and most
successful pharmaceutical firms.
Darius Hughes, UK General Manager, Moderna, said: "We are delighted to join the ABPI - this alliance is an important part of our long-term commitment to the UK and
supports the wider significant investments in manufacturing, research and development we are making in this country.
When it comes time to choose a Medicare plan, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many factors to consider, from the cost of coverage to
the quality of care you'll receive. How do you know which plan is right for you? This article will discuss some of the most important things to keep in mind when
choosing a Medicare plan. It will cover everything from drug coverage to hospital and doctor networks.
By the end of this article, you'll be able to confidently choose the right Medicare plan for your needs!
COST
Of course, for most of us, the cost of our healthcare is a major consideration. When you're choosing a Medicare plan, you'll want to make sure that you're getting
good value for your money. Be sure to compare the monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments of each plan you're considering. You may also want to look at the
total annual out-of-pocket costs for each plan. This will give you a good idea of how much your healthcare will actually cost you on a yearly basis. If you plan
to be using Medicare for insurance, it's important to do your research before enrolling. This way, you can be sure that you're getting the best possible coverage
for your needs and budget.
Being accepted and appearing attractive has always been among the most coveted goals in the world, which has given rise to the multibillion-dollar cosmetic
and beauty industry. Fairy stories have been written about everlasting charm, and battles have been waged over attaining beauty. For the most part throughout history,
people have continuously sought ways to improve their features using natural materials, and as technology advanced, they began to use technical methods like light
therapy to accomplish the same goal.
Chains of cosmetic clinics have sprouted up as a result of advances in technology and cosmetic materials, providing a variety of techniques to slow down the aging
process or improve our appearance. So how can you set up your own beauty treatment and plastic surgery clinic to take advantage of this rapidly expanding market?
Here are some pieces of advice!
FIND QUALITY EQUIPMENT
Your success depends on securing the greatest tools available for skin care and plastic surgery. Good quality equipment is a complete solution for distinguishing
yourself from the competition. The initial step would be to locate different vendors. Using criteria like the cost of the equipment and replacement parts, the
vendor's training, the company's reputation, the after-sales services, yearly maintenance, system performance, warranty, and extended warranties, you may narrow
down your list of recommended suppliers. When selecting the appropriate medical supplies and equipment for your clinic, keep your budget in mind.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is encouraging people to come forward for their first and/ or second dose of the Covid vaccine before the free
offer ends on Friday (30 June).
The NHS's world-leading vaccination programme has so far delivered over 146 million Covid jabs.
Building on the success of autumn and spring booster programmes, a seasonal, targeted vaccination offer will remain open for those most at risk, in line with advice
from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: "As we live with Covid without restrictions on our freedoms, it is right that we move towards a more targeted vaccination
offer that prioritises those most at risk, so we can focus our efforts on cutting waiting lists for NHS treatment - one of the Prime Minister's top five priorities.
As the offer for any adult to get a Covid vaccine comes to an end on 30 June, I would urge those who have not yet come forward to choose to have the first and second
Covid vaccine. It takes minutes to get your jab and thousands of sites are open across England."
This year's spring booster programme continues to gather pace, with over two million eligible people receiving their vital top-up dose.
Diabetes drugs that also promote weight loss such as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, becoming a darling of celebrities and investors, are being studied to tackle some
of the most difficult-to-treat brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease.
Diabetes regimens, from Ozempic to old mainstays like insulin and metformin, appear to address several different aspects of the metabolic system implicated in
Alzheimer's disease, including a protein called amyloid and inflammation, researchers say.
The hope is that improving glucose utilisation and tamping down inflammation in the entire body - including the brain - could slow progression of debilitating
diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Several scientists interviewed by Reuters news agency pointed to mounting research supporting testing diabetes drugs against neurodegenerative diseases.
Results are years away and success uncertain. But interest has been buoyed by recent positive data on Alzheimer's drugs developed by Eisai with partner Biogen and
by Eli Lilly demonstrating that removing sticky amyloid plaques accumulated in the brain can slow cognition decline caused by the fatal mind-wasting disease.
Those successes followed decades of futility that had left many questioning the validity of the amyloid theory behind most experimental Alzheimer's drugs.
Bladder leakage is one of the most common healthcare issues affecting women, with the effects of the condition having major effects on women's lives. 1 in 3
women over the age of 18 experience bladder leakage at some point in their lives,1 and in general, prevalence increases at the start of the menopause. It is a major
taboo and due to embarrassment women sometimes struggle to discuss the condition and need help.
It is now time for community pharmacy teams to take the lead and provide the proactive support your customers need - and don't just reach for the pads…. You can help
them stop the leaks, and build customer loyalty. If women are regularly buying pads, or have struggled with using pharmacological solutions you can now offer
alternative approaches.
What is incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is when a person accidentally passes urine when they don't want to. It occurs when their bladder is put under pressure, such as when they cough,
sneeze, laugh or run. Frequent or occasional, it can vary from a few dribbles to a complete loss of bladder control.
There are several known types of bladder and urinary incontinence. They receive their name from the origin of the issue that causes the passing of urine. Although
they are similar and can have some of the same symptoms, they mostly differ in the way they come about:
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) - causes the leak after a person strains or exerts themselves during a physical activity, including coughing, sneezing, laughing,
running or jumping. This is the most common type of urinary incontinence.
Medical malpractice is a serious issue, and if you are ever a victim of it, you need to know what to do. More often than not, people do not even know that they
are victims of medical malpractice until it is too late. This blog post will discuss six important things that you need to know about medical malpractice. Read on
to learn more.
IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE
First and foremost, medical malpractice can happen to anyone. It does not discriminate based on age, gender, or race. If you have been a victim of medical negligence,
then you need to take action. However, many people do not even know that they are victims of medical malpractice until it is too late. This is because the symptoms
of medical malpractice can often mimic other conditions or diseases. As such, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of medical malpractice so that
you can take action as soon as possible.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of medical malpractice include sudden and unexpected death, severe or permanent injuries, disfigurement, as well as loss of
limb. If you or a loved one have experienced any of these symptoms, then it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced medical malpractice
lawyer will be able to help you investigate your case and determine if you have a valid claim. In this case, take the time to explore online sources where you may
come across the websites of some of the most reputable lawyers. This is where you will have the chance to learn about medical malpractice and what you can do to take
action. Rest assured that with the help of a competent lawyer, you will be able to get the justice and compensation that you deserve.
Men, it's time to start paying attention to anti-aging procedures! While you may not be as worried about wrinkles and fine lines as your female counterparts,
that doesn't mean you can neglect your skin. There are a number of unconventional procedures out there that can help keep you looking young and handsome for years
to come. In this blog post, we will discuss four of the most popular unconventional procedures for men interested in anti-aging.
WHAT ARE ANTI-AGING PROCEDURES?
Anti-aging procedures are any type of cosmetic procedure that is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. These procedures
can be invasive, like facelifts, or non-invasive, like Botox injections. There are a number of different anti-aging procedures available, and new ones are being
developed all the time.
The most important thing to remember when considering any type of anti-aging procedure is that you should always consult with a board-certified dermatologist or
plastic surgeon before moving forward. This is the only way to ensure that you are getting the best possible treatment for your needs.
Microplates are an important part of many laboratory experiments. They are often used to measure the results of a process or to test a product. When working
with microplates, it is important to use the right closure and sealing method to ensure accurate results. This article will discuss the different types of closures
and seals available, as well as how to choose the right one for your needs.
HEAT SEALING METHOD
One of the most common methods for sealing microplates is the heat seal method. This method uses a heating element to melt the top layer of the plate, which then
bonds to the bottom layer. Heat sealing is a quick and easy way to seal a microplate, and it is often used for plates that will be stored for long periods. For this
reason, heat sealing is the preferred method for sealing storage plates. Heat sealing is also one of the most cost-effective methods for sealing microplates. If you
are interested to learn more about heat sealing, you may be surprised to find that there are many pieces of heat sealing equipment for sale at a very reasonable
price. You just need to take the time to find the right one for your needs. As much as possible, choose the one with adjustable temperature settings so you can
find the perfect heat for your microplates. More often than not, 225 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for heat sealing.
Dentistry is one of the most important yet underappreciated professions in the world. Without dental professionals, our teeth would fall out, we wouldn't be
able to eat correctly, and our overall health would suffer. That's why ensuring you're doing everything possible to succeed in dentistry is crucial. And one of the
best ways to do that is to listen to the advice of those who have come before you. If you are looking for some great tips on how to make it in the world of dentistry,
then you have come to the right place. Here are four pieces of advice that will help you succeed.
ATTEND A REPUTABLE DENTISTRY SCHOOL
To be a great dentist, you must start with an excellent education. And that means attending a reputable dentistry school. There are many different schools, so it's
essential to do your research and find one that is right for you, and this article gives an example of a dentistry course program overview. Consider things like
accreditation, curriculum, clinical experience, and more when deciding.
Additionally, it's important to note that you don't necessarily need to attend the most expensive school to get an excellent education. There are many affordable
schools out there that can provide you with everything you need to succeed.
In the UK, many people with nonoptimal diets are at risk of nutrient deficiencies, as they receive less than the recommended intakes of several key vitamins
and minerals, which can impact overall health.
Dietary supplements can be one method of treating a deficiency. Dietary supplements like vitamins, antioxidants, fibre, and amino acids are sold in pharmacies across
the world, and it is estimated that half of UK adults use at least one dietary supplement per day.
Combined with an increased popularity in vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan and flexitarian diets, there's a chance patients are not consuming enough vital vitamins and
minerals.
If you think a patient's diet may be lacking in some of the important nutrients our bodies need to function properly, the advice below will provide more information
about five of the most common nutrient deficiencies, and where to find these nutrients from easily accessible and plant based sources.
1. Omega-3
Essential fatty acids come in two forms; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and are both sources of energy and play key roles in the
development of cell membrane structures.
They also play a role in protecting against a variety of diseases and regulating blood pressure and inflammation. DHA is an important component of neurons and
healthy nervous systems.
Traditionally, seafood, red meat and dairy products have been touted as the main dietary sources of EPA and DHA. Although EPA and DHA can be difficult to source
from plant based foods, ALA - the most common fatty acid - is found in plant based foods and can be converted into long chain omega-3s EPA and DHA.
The world has never been in a better position to end the Covid-19 pandemic, the head of the World Health Organization said on September 14, his most optimistic
outlook yet on the years-long health crisis which has killed over six million people.
"We are not there yet. But the end is in sight," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters at a virtual press conference.
That was the most upbeat assessment from the UN agency since it declared an international emergency in January 2020 and started describing Covid-19 as a pandemic
three months later.
The virus, which emerged in China in late 2019, has killed nearly 6.5 million people and infected 606 million, roiling global economies and overwhelming healthcare
systems.
The rollout of vaccines and therapies have helped to stem deaths and hospitalisations, and the Omicron variant which emerged late last year causes less severe
disease. Deaths from Covid-19 last week were the lowest since March 2020, the U.N. agency reported.
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.
The Company Chemists' Association (CCA) has highlighted a worrying trend of increasing numbers of pharmacy closures in England, which is disproportionately
affecting the most deprived communities in the country.
With 338 more pharmacies closed this year, an average of eight pharmacies closed per week, there has been a net loss of 1,008 pharmacies in England since 2015, the
CCA said.
Between 2015 and June 2023, maximum number of pharmacies were closed in the 20 per cent most deprived neighbourhoods of the country, with 37.5 per cent of the total
closures occurring in Indices of Multiple Deprivation deciles 1 and 2.
The association has raised concern that "permanent closures will undermine healthcare accessibility in deprived areas, where access tends to be more limited despite
greater need."
There are several aspects that must be taken into account. There are instances where two different kinds of medicines lead to side effects, hence you must see how you are managing your medication. Let us have a look at some of the best methods to ascertain proper medication management:
LEARN ABOUT MOST COMMON MEDICATION MISTAKES
This is one of the first things that one should know about simply because when you know what can lead to mistakes, you do not make mistakes. Some of the mistakes that MOST patients make may be in the form of taking too much medication, mixing up home remedies with prescribed drugs, and non-adherence to medical requirements.
Evidence suggests that such mistakes lead to the ineffectiveness of medication, side effects, and overdose.
USE ORGANIZATION TOOLS
It may get very difficult to keep a track of the time and number of pills you need every day. It is especially true for elderly people who have a need for polypharmacy which is the use of five or more medications on a daily basis. Organization tools such as pill-box, alarm watch, and water bottle can be really helpful.
For example, a pill-box can be used to keep your medicines safely and separately as per their categories such as medicines for diabetes in one part and medicines for pain in the other. This would help you easily manage your medication routine without a miss.
The new deal struck by the NHS will enable provision of a life-saving treatment for babies and young children who suffer with a rare and fatal genetic disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD).
The revolutionary gene therapy treatment, known by its brand name Libmeldy, is used to treat MLD, which causes severe damage to the child's nervous system and organs,
leading to a life expectancy of just five to eight years.
Having a reported list price of more than £2.8 million, it is the most expensive drug in the world, but can now be offered to young patients on the NHS in England after the health service negotiated a significant confidential discount.
the drug works by removing the patient's stem cells and replacing the faulty gene that causes MLD before then re-injecting the treated cells into the patient.
The most common form of MLD usually develops in babies younger than 30 months and can cause loss of sight, speech and hearing, as well as difficulty moving, brain impairment, seizures, and eventually death.
Covid-19 vaccine makers are shifting gears and planning for a smaller, more competitive booster shot market after delivering as many doses as fast as they
could over the last 18 months.
Executives at the biggest Covid vaccine makers including Pfizer and Moderna said they believe most people who wanted to get vaccinated against Covid have already done so - more than five billion people worldwide.
In the coming year, most Covid vaccinations will be booster shots, or first inoculations for children, which are still gaining regulatory approvals around the world, they said.
Pfizer, which makes its shot with Germany's BioNTech and Moderna still see a major role for themselves in the vaccine market even as overall demand declines.
Upstart US vaccine maker Novavax and Germany's CureVac, which is working with GlaxoSmithKline, are developing vaccines they hope to target at the booster market.
The roles of AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, whose shots have been less popular or effective, are expected to decline in this market.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis), which affects up to 20 per cent of children, is one of the most common conditions pharmacists encounter, but don't underestimate
eczema. Generalised eczema may compromise health-related quality of life (HRQoL) more than several other chronic diseases, including asthma, epilepsy and diabetes.
Despite the impact on HRQoL, underuse of moisturisers and topical corticosteroids often leaves childhood eczema poorly controlled.
UK researchers recently reported that several factors contribute to the underuse of moisturisers and topical corticosteroids in children with eczema. For instance,
most of the 30 parents and carers interviewed felt that they had received little information about eczema.
The lack of understanding may help explain why some parents and carers expressed concerns, such as the risk of skin thinning, about topical corticosteroids. Some
were not convinced that moisturisers (strictly, an emollient is an ingredient of a moisturiser) reduced itch and maintained control of eczema. Some felt that
moisturisers' efficacy declined over time.
Parents and carers also admitted to "incomplete knowledge and skills" about managing eczema (such as whether they should apply moisturisers regularly) and
reluctance to manage eczema in collaboration with their child. Parents and carers wanted advice about using treatments and explanations of moisturisers' and
topical corticosteroids' mechanisms of action. The authors note that healthcare professionals could help identify and address gaps in knowledge.
