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Regular health screenings are an essential part of maintaining wellness, and one vital test for women is the Pap smear. Known for its role in early detection of cervical cancer, the Pap smear is a simple yet powerful tool that can potentially save lives. In this blog, we will explore the significance of Pap smears, what the procedure involves, and how often you should get tested. The Importance of Regular Local Screenings Staying on top of your health requires vigilance, and regular local screenings play an indispensable role in this effort. Local screenings, like Pap smears, are essential in detecting potential health issues at their earliest stages, making treatments more effective and improving outcomes. By participating in these routine checks, you not only safeguard your health but also contribute to broader public health efforts by identifying and addressing potential outbreaks or health trends within the community. Whether that's HPV and Pap tests in Singapore or a mammogram in the US, local screenings are crucial for maintaining overall wellness. This is especially true for Pap smears, as they play a significant role in detecting and preventing cervical cancer.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) recently announced a valuable addition to their e-library collection: the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines, authored by renowned experts Mark Horowitz and David Taylor. Designed to assist pharmacists and clinicians in recognising and appropriately treating withdrawal effects of medications, the guidelines have garnered praise from industry figures like Peter Pratt, National Speciality Advisor for Mental Health Pharmacy and RPS Fellow. This initiative responds to the increasing demand for guidance on safely reducing or discontinuing psychiatric medications, providing comprehensive support for clinicians and patients alike. Drawing on insights from contributors to The Lancet Psychiatry, the handbook offers step-by-step instructions for tapering antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, and z-drugs, along with troubleshooting strategies.

We cannot deny the benefits and uses of regenerative medicines as they have been so in demand in recent times. One such effective medicine with a lot of potential health benefits is BPS-157. The peptide is thought to be extremely beneficial for those struggling with various neurological or health issues. Another medicine with the same beneficial effects is the Semax peptide. Well, the benefits of both these peptide-based medicines and their other aspects will be discussed in detail in this blog along with answering your question about the BPC-157 buy, Semax effects, and polypeptide. ALL ABOUT BPC-157: BPC-157, a pentadecapeptide consisting of 15 amino acids, is a synthetic peptide that is known for its positive effects on the human body. The peptide is derived from human gastric juice. A protein is present in the human gastric juice through which this peptide is derived and synthesized. It is called a Body Protection Protein as it exerts several therapeutic effects on the human body. Not only have health benefits or therapeutic effects, the peptide has healing and regeneration powers. It also helps in the preventing formation of gastric ulcers. This peptide is of great interest to researchers due to its numerous positive effects and benefits. DOSING LEVELS OF BPC-157: Not much about the dosing levels of BPC-157 has been researched yet but always try to concern the relevant persons before taking the medicine. The dosage of BPC-157 depends on the health and body conditions of the person taking it along with other related factors.

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.

Deaths caused by hepatitis C has declined by 35 per cent in England between 2015 and 2020, latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed. It showed that estimated prevalence of chronic hepatitis C in England has continued to fall to around 81,000 in 2020 from 129,000 in 2015, showing a considerable progress has been made towards eliminating the virus as a public health problem by 2030 in England. Commenting on the data release, health and social care secretary Sajid Javid, said: "It is fantastic to see the significant progress that has been made in eliminating hepatitis C in England. Deaths and prevalence of the virus have fallen consistently thanks to improvements in diagnosis, access to treatments and the hard work of the NHS. "This is another example of the UK being at the forefront of tackling serious diseases. We are on track to eliminate this virus by 2030 and I urge anyone who may be at risk to get tested as soon as possible."

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.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has welcomed the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's leadership in introducing a new approach to the evaluation of antibiotics. On Tuesday (12 April), NICE published a draft guidance to tackle antimicrobial resistance under which two new antimicrobial drugs - cefiderocol and ceftazidime-avibactam - became the first to be made available as part of the UK's innovative subscription-style payment model. Commenting on the announcement of the new draft guidance, Richard Torbett, chief executive of the ABPI, said: "This is an important milestone in the UK's global leadership on AMR. Antibiotics underpin modern medicine, but the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance remains one of the biggest global health challenges we face. "To tackle this, it is critical that the appropriate frameworks are in place for companies to invest the billions of pounds required to discover the new antibiotics needed for patients.

As part of efforts to streamline spending and enhance resource allocation within the healthcare system, the NHS has chosen to cease providing the free vaccinations for all, which were initially introduced in 2020. Approximately 12 million British citizens will not have access to free flu vaccinations and Covid-19 boosters during the upcoming winter, according to NHS. Furthermore, the NHS plans to defer flu vaccine distribution to October, aiming to heighten protection for those aged 65 and older and other eligible groups in the high-risk winter months. However, this has stirred panic among pharmacies, given their advanced planning based on the initial start date of September 1 for vaccinations. On Tuesday (Aug. 8), the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) released NHS guidelines indicating that Covid-19 booster shots, starting from autumn, will not be provided to individuals aged 50 to 64 who are in otherwise good health. Similar guidance had already been released for flu, rendering 12 million middle-aged Britons ineligible for free jabs, JCVI said. Prior to the pandemic, influenza vaccinations were available to healthy adults aged over 65, alongside children and younger adults with medical conditions. Amidst the pandemic, the distribution of flu vaccinations was expanded to include individuals aged 50 to 64, in alignment with the criteria for Covid-19 boosters.

Britain's health regulator is poised to announce that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will be made available over the counter for the first time, the Daily Telegraph has revealed. The newspaper first reported on Tuesday (February 1) that watchdogs were set to propose a reclassification of the medication so women are able to access it in a pharmacy without a prescription. Every year, some 1.5 million women experience difficult menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance and a variety of emotional problems. But only a tenth of them are prescribed HRT, following a consultation with a GP or specialist. According to the newspaper, the latest proposal aims to improve convenience so that women are able to access HRT more easily, without needing a GP appointment.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has made a new recommendation in its final guidance this week that could benefit almost 30,000 adults suffering from moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids. The Department of Health and Social Care's executive non-departmental public body, NICE, has recommended linzagolix, also known as Yselty by Theramex to treat uterine fibroids. Linzagolix is recommended for use as a longer-term treatment (more than 6 months) and is not for people who need short-term treatment, for example, before planned uterine fibroid surgery. According to Jonathan Benger, NICE's Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, expressed his approval of the new recommendation, stating, " What makes Linzagolix particularly noteworthy is its flexibility; it can be taken either with or without hormone therapy. "This means that clinicians can now offer a more personalised approach to care, tailoring treatment to the specific needs and circumstances of each patient. "For many women, this will represent a significant improvement in managing this often challenging and distressing condition."

Health secretary Sajid Javid and chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak have both resigned on Tuesday (July 5) after a slew of scandals undermined the government of prime minister Boris Johnson. Javid and Sunak sent resignation letters to Johnson within minutes of each other in which both took aim at his ability to run an administration that adhered to standards. The resignations came as Johnson was apologising for appointing a lawmaker to a role involved in offering pastoral care, even after being briefed that the politician had been the subject of complaints about sexual misconduct. In his resignation letter to Johnson, Javid said "it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership - and you have therefore lost my confidence too". He was appointed to lead the Department of Health and Social Care in June 2021, when his predecessor Matt Hancock quit after being caught having an affair with an adviser, in breach of social distancing guidelines.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has published a new professional guidance for prescribing practice on Monday (June 6) which it says will be "for the benefit of all independent prescribers across the UK". Based on collaboration with multi-professional stakeholders, the document is a guidance tool for prescribers wanting to expand their prescribing scope of practice. Commissioned by the Welsh government, the document was developed through an expert group with representatives from many healthcare professions, including from Higher Education institutions, professional bodies, regulatory bodies, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, NHS Education for Scotland, Health Education and Improvement Wales, and representatives from hospital, community and GP practice. RPS president Claire Anderson said: "It's fantastic to see the growth in prescribing, both across the profession and more widely, to improve patient care.

Personal injury law, being a set of legal provisions and procedures, can often be difficult to understand; however, knowing the fundamentals is an entirely different game and can greatly impact your claim. If you have a small wound or a car accident, understanding your rights as the victim as well as the best course of action to take is essential. This is what you should know if you want to protect yourself. Documentation About Injury The documentation process is very crucial in ensuring that you win a personal injury case. This consists of maintaining receipts for medical expenses, treatment receipts, and any communication made to do with your injury. You can also use photographs as proof, such as pictures of your injuries, the site of the accident, or the extent of the property damage. Additional information in the form of specifications on how the injury has impacted your daily life, employment, and even mental health enhances the application. This kind of evidence can go a long way in pressuring an insurance company or a judge to take your injuries seriously. Every piece of documentation related to the injury is important, but it is critical to have help on how to format it while filing for the claim. A personal injury attorney must be hired as soon as possible because they play a major role in determining the results of the case. It is always recommended to consult with an attorney who has extensive experience handling these types of claims, as it is critical to adhere to all legal guidelines and procedures. Not only can they explain the general legal proceedings to you but they can also do all the negotiations with insurance companies for you and even defend you in court if required to do so.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)'s diagnostic advisory committee has recommended the use of HM-JACKarc or OC-Sensor quantitative faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) in a draft guidance release for consultation on Wednesday (5 July). Under existing NICE guidance, FIT was already offered to some people presenting to primary care with symptoms suggestive of colorectal cancer, while others were immediately referred on the suspected cancer pathway. The new draft guidance will now see everyone receive a FIT. A sample is sent in the post to a laboratory where the amount of blood in the faeces is measured. The results are usually available within a week and people with 10 or more micrograms of haemoglobin in their faeces should then be referred for further investigation. Further assessment using colonoscopy, or CT colonography, is required to diagnose cancer. The tests cost between £4 and £5 per sample, and can correctly identify about 9 out of 10 people with colorectal cancer. The committee agreed it is important that GPs can refer people for colonoscopy without a positive FIT result if they think it is necessary and where symptoms persist. The institute believes that the recommendation of the tests should reduce the number of unnecessary colonoscopies, thus freeing up appointments for more non-urgent referrals. This should lead to 50% fewer referrals for urgent colonoscopies being made by GPs in primary care settings each year.

Water is the lifeblood of any business - employees must stay hydrated and productive, and it's needed for many industrial processes. That's why businesses need to filter their water and remove any harmful contaminants. Here are six major reasons why businesses should filter their water. HEALTH HAZARDS Unfiltered water can contain harmful contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious health problems. If these contaminants get into the water supply, they can make employees sick and lead to absenteeism. In some cases, these contaminants can even be deadly. Therefore, if you notice that your employees are getting sick more often, it could be because of the water they're drinking. Other signs could be discolored water, strange taste or odors, or water that contains sediment. Regular water testing and investing in a quality water filtration system can help to remove these contaminants and keep your employees healthy. On the other hand, there are regulations and guidelines in place to make sure that the water supplied to businesses is safe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates public drinking water, and businesses are required to follow these regulations.

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.

Victoza (liraglutide) 6mg/mL pre-filled injection pens, previously used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have been out of stock in the UK since August 2023. Novo Nordisk has confirmed to The Pharmaceutical Journal that the product has now been discontinued as part of their broader strategy to consolidate their portfolio. The Danish pharmaceutical company said that they are in close dialogue with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which is expected to release guidance outlining timelines, alternative treatments, and recommended next steps for healthcare professionals. However, the company clarified that they have no plans to discontinue Saxenda (liraglutide) pre-filled injection pens, though this product has also faced supply restrictions in the UK since shortages began. The DHSC initially announced a national shortage of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including Victoza, in June 2023. At that time, prescribers were advised to limit use of these drugs for their licensed indications and to avoid initiating new GLP-1 RA therapies for T2DM patients during the shortage.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have authorised community pharmacies throughout the UK to dispense original full packs of Valproate-containing medicines upon prescription. The necessary changes in regulations came into effect on 11 October which was strongly supported by 85 per cent of respondents concerned about risks to the unborn baby if valproate-containing medicines are used in pregnancy. The decision was made to ensure patients receive safety warnings and pictograms, including a patient card and the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL), contained in the manufacturer's original full pack. Valproate is a treatment for epilepsy and bipolar disorder but is also associated with birth defects and neurological disabilities.

Recent NHS data sheds light on the evolving landscape of fit note certification, indicating a gradual expansion of roles beyond traditional medical practitioners to pharmacists and nurses. This uptake in numbers coincides with the Department of Work and Pensions's (DWP) call for evidence in relation to fit note reform which will remain open till 8 July 2024. According to figures published by NHS Digital, during the nine-month period from April 2023 to December 2023, pharmacists certified a significant number of fit notes. Approximately 1.4 per cent of fit notes of the 8 million were issued by pharmacists while the rest were issued by the GP surgeries reflecting the impact following legislative amendments in July 2022, which extended certification authority to pharmacists, nurses, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. In June 2022, the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) advised pharmacists not to sign fit notes where the required therapeutic, diagnostic, or examination skills lie outside their scope of competence. The association remarked that healthcare professionals needed mandatory training under the Health Education England before they are fit to issue fitness notes to the public.