The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has welcomed the Health Secretary Sajid Javid's plan to appoint Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) tsar to tackle the medicine shortages.
On Sunday (April 24) Sajid Javid told the Mail that he planned to tackle the problem (shortage of HRT medicine) by appointing a new HRT tsar with the role modelled on that of Kate Bingham, who successfully led the government's Covid vaccine taskforce.
"The difficulties in accessing HRT medicine have unfairly impacted women's mental health," said RPS President, Professor Claire Anderson.
"I look forward to working with this new champion for HRT and the Government on how we can better support women's health, building on the positive move to reduce
prescription charges for HRT for women."
Anderson also stressed that "the Government should now go further and end unfair prescription charges for patients in England altogether."
Kids get stomach problems all the time due to low immunity or lifestyle risk factors. While taking medications can reduce a bloated stomach or excess diarrhea,
learning how to improve gut health can help your kid avoid stomach problems. One of the most effective gut health products is probiotics. Whether you plan to provide
your kid with good strains of gut bacteria through Sproutedbiome supplements or introducing the good bacteria through diet, knowing what to expect can help you
determine if they are working.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR KID IS RESPONDING TO PROBIOTICS?
Fewer tantrums and outbursts
Gut health and mental health go hand-in-hand. A child with gas or stomach cramps tends to be fussy. The fussiness may progress to outbursts and tantrums due to
symptoms in the gut. Probiotics trigger serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that improves your child's mood, sleep and appetite. If your once moody child
starts getting happy and has sufficient sleep after taking probiotics, you will know they are working.
A final review of gender services provided by the NHS has uncovered significant shortcomings, leaving thousands of vulnerable children questioning their
gender identity without adequate support.
The report, led by Dr. Hilary Cass, a prominent consultant paediatrician, highlights the use of unproven treatments and the detrimental impact of the polarized
trans debate on gender care provision.
The investigation, commissioned by NHS England in 2020, focused on the Tavistock and Portman NHS mental health trust's gender identity development services (Gids),
which treated around 9,000 children and young people between 2009 and 2020.
Shockingly, the review found that despite limited evidence of effectiveness and potential health risks, puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones were routinely
administered.
Dr. Cass emphasized that the "rationale for early puberty suppression remains unclear, with weak evidence regarding the impact on gender dysphoria, mental or
psychosocial health. The effect on cognitive and psychosexual development remains unknown."
Dementia is an extremely deceptive disease that develops slowly and may go unnoticed in people, said NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch, while
urging people to look out for the vital warning signs of this condition among family and friends over Christmas.
Common early symptoms of dementia may include emotional change, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word,
being confused about time and place, the health service has cautioned.
An increasing number of people have been diagnosed with dementia in England since the start of the pandemic, following a drive by the NHS England to increase
diagnosis rates.
In November 2023, NHS staff diagnosed 463,797 people aged over 65 with dementia, up more than 41,000 compared to the same period last year, according to the
figures revealed by the health service.
NHS England's decision to forgo commissioning puberty suppressing hormones (PSH) for children and young people, citing insufficient evidence of their safety
and clinical effectiveness, follows a comprehensive review conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2020.
The clinical report underscores that "PSH treatment options will not be part of routine commissioning" for people under the age of 18 in England grappling with
gender incongruence or dysphoria.
The NHS England review analysed nine observational studies on Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone Analogues (GnRHa) and found no statistically significant difference
in gender dysphoria, mental health, body image, and psychosocial functioning among children and adolescents treated with GnRHa.
Duncan Rudkin, chief executive of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), acknowledged the challenges faced by pharmacy professionals regarding prescriptions
for puberty suppressing hormones, stating:
Depression is a serious mental illness that affects millions of people each year. It can be very difficult to deal with, and often leaves the sufferer
feeling helpless. If you know someone who is struggling with depression, there are ways you can help them. In this blog post, we will discuss seven ways you can
help someone with depression.
ENCOURAGE THEM TO GET HELP
If you know someone who is depressed, one of the best things you can do is encourage them to get help. Depression is a serious illness, and it is important to seek
professional help if you are struggling with it. There are many different types of treatment available for depression, and a mental health professional can help
determine which type of treatment is right for the individual. If you've found a good treatment center, encourage your loved one to check them out and they might
even give it a chance. Just make sure not to pressure them into it, as this can cause more harm than good.
Bipolar disorder can be a very challenging mental illness to deal with. It is characterized by severe mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. Many
people with bipolar disorder struggle to live normal, productive lives. However, there are various treatments available that can help manage the symptoms of this
condition and improve quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the different treatments for bipolar disorder and how to properly deal with the symptoms.
MEDICATIONS
One of the most common treatments for bipolar disorder is medication. There are a variety of different medications that can be used to treat the symptoms of bipolar
disorder. The type of medication that is prescribed will depend on the individual's specific situation. Some common medications that are used to treat bipolar
disorder include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. However, it is important to note that these are serious medications and should only be taken
under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional. So, never attempt to take these medications on your own.
One of the most challenging aspects of living a healthier lifestyle is trying to accomplish your goals while simultaneously dealing with a hectic schedule.
Life is often full of responsibilities, and things can get so hectic that it's difficult to keep track of anything else outside of one's work.
As a result, many people sacrifice their physical and mental health for work-which isn't worth it in the long run. While it might not be easy to manage a hectic
schedule, there are ways to ease the burden. Here are some of the most popular best-practice tactics when dealing with a busy schedule.
Write things down-even the things you'll do for fun
One way to help deal with a hectic schedule is to ensure you write everything down. While some might think that it makes everything feel robotic, the fact that you
can write down the things you plan to do for fun means you have something to look forward to.
It also has the added benefit of bracing yourself mentally for various tasks. It's not easy to be spontaneous with fun events if you're already tired from work.
Fortunately, writing things down and making them a part of your schedule can help your body adjust.
The recent data released by the NHS England revealed that in 2022/23 nearly 86 million antidepressant items were prescribed to around 8.6 million identified
patients.
According to the statistic published on 'Medicines Used in Mental Health' of the 5 British National Formulary (BNF) sections, 4 had increases in items and identified
patients across 2022/23.
The only BNF section to decrease since 2021/22 was hypnotics and anxiolytics. Items fell by 2% to 14 million and identified patients fell by 2 per cent to 1.9 million
in 2022/23
The data also revealed that Prescribing of Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants and drugs for ADHD increased by 32 per cent in adults over 18 and 12 per cent in
children 17 and under.
"2022/23 was the first time that more adult patients have been prescribed drugs from this section than child patients, in the time period covered by these
statistics," said the report.
A new Attention-Deficit-Hyperactive disorder (ADHD) taskforce has been launched by National Health Services England (NHSE) to counter the challenges faced
by many suffering from the neurodevelopmental condition.
The ADHD taskforce aligns with the NHS Long Term Plan's vision to revolutionise mental health services, with a specific emphasis on bolstering community-based
care and reducing reliance on inpatient services.
The NHS has partnered with the government to tackle the escalating demands including increasing funding, improving system efficiency, altering the service
provision model, and clinical prioritisation by bringing together expertise from across a broad range of sectors, including the NHS, education and justice,
to help provide a joined-up approach in response to concerns around rising demand.
Over the past two decades, there has been a significant expansion in the acknowledgement and successful medical interventions for ADHD, leading to a steady
rise in clinical requests throughout the UK.
Erection problems are common conditions that can affect adult men of any age. General awareness about erection problems has grown in recent years, and men's
partners and society at-large generally view it as a common condition. Indeed, 75% of men and their partners agree that they are a normal part of life for a man.
But despite progress to normalise the condition, the research points to the fact that men still feel responsible for erection problems.
The survey's key findings underscore the multi-faceted social pressure men feel to perform socially, professionally, emotionally, and sexually. 90% of men feel
expected to provide financial support, 80%+ feel they should be in control of their feelings, and 92% think it is expected of them to perform in bed.
Despite erection problems being commonplace, expectations about sexual performance complicate the situation and make a major impact on the lives of those it affects.
When men are confronted with erection problems, 60% expressed feeling disappointed. This disappointment, combined with the difficulty that 1 in 3 men have spoken
about it, has a strong impact on well-being. 36% of men feel their mental health has been impacted by erection problems and leads to a feeling of guilt, and 74% of
men feel responsible for difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)'s independent committee has called for more research to ensure liposuction for treatment of chronic lipoedema is safe and effective enough for use on the NHS.
Lipoedema is more prevalent in women and very rarely affects men. It is characterised by an abnormal, usually symmetrical, accumulation of fat in the legs, hips, buttocks, and occasionally arms. It is a separate condition to obesity and lymphoedema.
The cause of lipoedema is unknown, but hormonal changes, weight gain and genetics are thought to be involved. The size and shape of legs, and the resultant mobility issues and pain, can have a profoundly negative effect on quality of life, and physical and mental health.
The interventional procedures advisory committee reviewed evidence from several sources, including eight before-and-after studies. The committee was informed that
several different liposuction techniques are used and that they may have different safety and efficacy profiles.
Adding to the growing evidence of global medicine shortages, a new study has revealed that the European generic medicines market is "not in shape" to help
Europe meet its public health priorities.
In the past decade, the rate of generic medicines withdrawals has risen by 12 per cent, while there has been a three per cent decrease in the launch of generic
products, as per Teva Pharmaceuticals' recent analysis of IQVIA data.
Within the mental therapeutic area, seven per cent of generic products disappeared between 2013 and 2023, while there was a seven per cent decrease in the
availability of generic cancer medicines in just six years (2017-2022).
These medicines were listed on the Union List of Critical Medicines to help avoid potential shortages, as the European Commission (EC) said this could cause
"significant harm to patients and pose important challenges to health systems."
While mature generic products constitute the majority of the List, they remain susceptible to withdrawals, despite containing products crucial for safeguarding
Europe's public health, the Teva analysis report noted.
Since 2013, the number of generic products for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder has declined by 25 per cent, with Hungary and Bulgaria
experiencing the biggest loss at 83 per cent and 58 per cent respectively.
Are you looking to infuse your day with tranquility and vitality? Look no further than the delicate and nuanced world of green tea blends. Whether you're a
seasoned connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the vast ocean of tea, the artistry and serenity found in a well-crafted green tea blend are unmatched. Read on
to discover the variety of green tea blends and how they can elevate your tea-drinking experience to new heights of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Health Benefits: Nourishing Body and Mind
Beyond their exquisite taste, green tea blends offer a myriad of health benefits that can nourish both body and mind. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, green
tea is known to boost metabolism, improve heart health, and enhance cognitive function. Green tea can contribute to helping you relax and unwind, while also
providing a gentle energy boost to tackle your day with clarity and focus. Additionally, the ritual of preparing and savoring a cup of green tea can be a mindful
practice that promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has made the its 'Education revision programme' accessible for new registrations who are preparing for the GPhC/PSNI
November 2022 assessment.
The programme offers a wide range of practice calculations questions, some mock exams, practical tips on revision, and an opportunity to chat to other PDA members
who are preparing to sit the assessment.
PDA's charity partners, Pharmacist Support also offer a range of options including- Counselling and peer support; Financial support; A listening friend service and
Addiction support.
Candidates can also access the Wardley Wellbeing Service here. This is a resource to help candidates to prioritise their mental, physical and emotional health
through individual and group training.
The PDA has also reminded all candidates that there have been some changes made by the GPhC to address problems that occurred in the June 2022 sitting.
Drug addiction poses a serious challenge since it impacts one's physical and mental health. However, the good news is that individuals who complete a drug
rehabilitation program can overcome this problem. If you are interested in providing rehab services, there are a couple of things you should know. Read on to
learn how to operate a rehabilitation clinic flawlessly.
KNOW THE NEEDS OF YOUR CLIENTS
The main purpose of drug rehab is to help different people overcome addictions. It is designed to heal the body and mind from the negative effects of addiction.
It also teaches the affected individuals to learn to live without using substances. Therefore, your first step is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of each
client to formulate a personalized treatment plan. Everyone has unique needs in their recovery journey.
Your rehab program can start with detox which is designed to rid the body of substances, although it does not treat addiction. The person affected undergoes
different therapies during treatment. Therapy helps them deal with the issues that cause substance abuse and teach them healthier ways of life. Various therapies
will be applied throughout the entire treatment process. Therefore, you must choose a suitable therapy for each individual. For instance, motivational interviewing
and cognitive behavioral therapy are the most common.
The result of the common registration assessment for pharmacists, held jointly by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and Pharmaceutical Society of
Northern Ireland (PSNI), have been published with an overall pass rate of 80 per cent.
A total of 2,697 candidates sat the registration assessment in four countries on 29 June and 2,147 candidates passed the assessment.
This summer's pass rate has fallen to 80 per cent compared with the 82 per cent pass rate for the summer 2021 registration assessment, and the 61 per cent pass rate
for the Autumn 2021 registration assessment.
GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin said: "We would like to congratulate the successful candidates and we look forward to them joining our register and continuing to
the next stage of their career.
"However, we appreciate that the June registration assessment was a difficult and stressful experience for many - and we are extremely sorry about the problems
faced by a number of candidates on the day.
"For those who did not pass, there is a guide on our website [PDF 255 KB] outlining all the options that may be available, such as provisional registration and
the right to appeal. There are also links to organisations and resources that can provide support with mental health and wellbeing.
Injuries can be devastating, not only physically but emotionally as well. It's hard to adjust to the new reality of your life after you have been injured,
and it's even harder when you feel like no one understands. But there are certain things that every injured person needs to hear in order to keep going. These six
important things to know to make things easier:
1. YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Everyone has gone through something similar, so don't feel like you have to carry this burden all by yourself. Reach out for help and support from family, friends,
and professionals who can understand what you're going through and provide guidance as needed. In addition, there are many support groups available that can help
you connect with others in similar situations. Also, don't be afraid to seek out therapy or counseling if you need it. For example, if you are going through a
traumatic experience, PTSD counseling can help you process your feelings.
2. IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY
It is understandable that you may feel overwhelmed or angry. You are allowed to have these emotions and it does not make you weak or ungrateful for all of the help
that you have received. Allowing yourself to express and process these emotions in a healthy way is important for your mental health. Find someone who will listen and
allow yourself the time and space to be honest about how you feel. In addition, it's important to take time for yourself and find healthy ways to cope such as
exercise, art or music therapy, or simply engaging in activities that make you happy.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on Thursday (30th November) announced the launch of a new suicide surveillance system, bolstering its
efforts to tackle emerging methods of suicide and clamp down on those seeking to sell dangerous products to vulnerable people.
For now, the DHSC will work with the National Police Chiefs' Council to gather near to real-time data from across the country on deaths by suspected suicide
by gender, age group and method.
The data will be obtained from individual police forces in England and the government will get it within three months of a suspected suicide, the DHSC said in
its release.
Previously, the only suicide data available at a national level was provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), but it could take up to 2 years for
the official ONS data to come through.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has said that multi-buy deals on paracetamol violate the existing voluntary sales guidelines.
The professional body is urging the government to pass legislation that prohibits retailers from making such offers on medicines for pain relief.
They have also sent letters to MP Maria Caulfield who is the Minister for Mental Health and Women's Health.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is requesting to take action on the legislation at the earliest.
The concern raised is that multi-buy offers such as 'buy one get one free' can encourage people to buy and store excess packs, which may lead to accidental
or impulsive overdose.