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The routine, twice-weekly asymptomatic Covid-19 testing by pharmacy staff can be paused from the end of August. The health regulator announced that regular asymptomatic testing for Covid-19 will be paused in all remaining health and care settings from 31 August 2022. Currently all pharmacy staff test twice-weekly for Covid-19, using a self-administered Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test at home. "Prevalence of Covid-19 in the community has fallen and remains at a comparatively low level as we emerge from the current Omicron wave. This means that the likelihood that individuals entering healthcare settings are infectious has also reduced and the relative risk of onward transmission into these settings is lower."

The global company in information and data analytics, Elsevier launched a platform, PharmaPendium for drug candidates. It is an effective tool that provides data including complete Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) approval packages for drug development. The platform is supported by the FDA, the Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and the top 20 global pharma companies. Olivier Barberan, Director of Translational Medicine Solutions spoke about how "improved access to highly relevant data plus predictive tools enhances regulatory success, safeguarding the massive investments of pharma companies." "Translation of preclinical research findings to humans in an efficient but safe way is one of the greatest challenges facing drug developers. We designed the new PharmaPendium to solve this," he added.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced that free COVID-19 lateral flow tests will be supplied through community pharmacies for at-risk groups. The service will operate from 6 November for patients aged over 12 years who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Community pharmacies that have participated in this new initiative will be paid £4 plus VAT for each box of five lateral flow device test kits provided. Alastair Buxton, Director of NHS services at Community Pharmacy England said: "This is not going to be a high-volume service, but community pharmacy teams are well placed to provide LFD test kits to eligible patients with them having made over 25.5 million supplies of COVID-19 LFD test kits in 2021/22.

As an unprecedented demand for Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test kits continues through the Pharmacy Collect service, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is planning to distribute 10.5 million tests per week via Alliance Healthcare this month. By the end of this week (January 8), the UKHSA aims to distribute more than 8 million tests to Alliance Healthcare - sole distributor to pharmacies. The announcement comes after many in the pharmacy sector voiced concerns over shortage of test kits. Earlier this week, it emerged that Alliance Healthcare closed for four days shortly after receiving around 2.5 million tests on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, the UKHSA indicated that Alliance Healthcare has been delivering 86 per cent of its orders within 24 hours of the pharmacy order, nearly half of that on the same day. Besides, a plan to switch on a Parcel Force delivery contingency is being finalised by UKHSA, which would enable supply of a further 3.5 million test kits.

Following concerns raised about cracked cartridges and insulin leaks, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a national patient safety alert for the NovoRapid PumpCart prefilled insulin cartridge and the Roche Accu-Chek Insight Insulin pump system. The regulator have asked patients to check the pre-filled glass insulin cartridge for cracks before use. It advised against using the cartridge if it has been dropped even if no cracks are visible and urged to closely follow the updated handling instructions in the pump user manual when changing pre-filled glass insulin cartridges. In some of the reported leakage incidents, the cartridges were found to be cracked and provided an inadequate supply of insulin to patients. Leakages also occurred in cases where no cracks in the cartridge were visible, the regulator said. In some patients there were consequences of not receiving enough insulin from their pump system, including reports of severely high blood sugar and diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. Healthcare professionals are being advised to contact patients over the next six months using said device to discuss their individual needs and source an alternative pump where appropriate. "Because of the rare risk of insulin leakage from the Roche Accu-Chek Insight Insulin Pump, patients should check the pre-filled glass insulin cartridge for any cracks prior to usage," Dr June Raine, MHRA chief executive, said.

Enterosgel is a versatile safe drug-free alternative to current anti-diarrhoeal medicines found on pharmacy shelves. Enterosgel is different from other anti-diarrhoeals within this category, as it is suitable for children aged one year and over, so can be taken by the whole family. This intestinal adsorbent can be used for both acute diarrhoea due to gastrointestinal infections and for chronic irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D). Why should community pharmacists stock this brand? Unlike anti-diarrhoeals which work by slowing gut motility, Enterosgel is an intestinal adsorbent which physically binds harmful substances from the gut, that can cause diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal symptoms and expels them naturally with the stools. Because it is a medical device not a medicine, has no pharmacological action and is not absorbed by the body, it is a safe option for children and adults and can help reduce the likelihood of side effects which can be an issue with anti-diarrhoeal medicines. Enterosgel has a unique composition of an adsorbent mineral gel based in water, it contains no additional preservatives or additives so is easy to recommend from vegetarians to people with allergies or intolerances. The gel is mixed with water and taken orally in between meals; it is tasteless so well tolerated even by children.

The Department of Health of Social Care (DHSC) has re-determined that all six Madopar (Co-beneldopa) preparations meet the special container criteria as outlined in Part II Clause 10 of the Drug Tariff. "The NHS dictionary of medicines and devices (dm+d) has now been updated with special container status applied to the complete pack sizes of all Madopar preparations," said PSNC. "The special container rules apply immediately to all branded or generically written prescriptions for Madopar dispensed from December 2022 onwards." The following products will be treated as special containers for prescriptions dispensed from December 2022 onwards:

Erectile dysfunction is a very common form of medical condition that occurs in males over time. Usually, this problem is found in people who take too much medication, and ED is probably a side effect of any one of them. However, in seventy-five percent of males, the cause of erectile dysfunction is unknown, and finding the accurate reason for it is very complex. It can be a result of any neural complications, diabetes, or any surgeries that include the prostate of our body. ED can also be treated by using a vacuum device and surgeries on the private parts. However, it can be eradicated completely without any surgeries, and here are some tips that will help you in overcoming erectile dysfunction without surgery and lead a happy life. DO EXERCISE Exercise is a great way to overcome any health issues, and also to safeguard yourself from health issues in the future. Physical activity also helps you in controlling obesity, which is one of the reasons behind ED. By not doing regular exercises, you expose yourself to various cardiovascular problems, which contribute to ED. Studies show that light aerobic exercise for 30-40 minutes a day for at least four times a week for at least 6 months has considerably reduced ED in people. STAY SLIM Studies have shown that a person who has a waist near 42 inches is more likely to suffer from ED than a person with a waistline of 32 inches. Therefore, if you are obese it's time that you lose some weight. Excessive fat in the body is the birthplace of various diseases. Obesity is also responsible for vascular problems and diabetes which are two primary causes of ED.

There are a lot of different beauty procedures that you can try in order to achieve healthy-looking skin. It's essential to consult with a dermatologist or other skin care professional to find out which procedures will work best for you, depending on your skin type and concerns. This article will briefly describe some of the different procedures that are available. Here are some contemporary beauty procedures to consider. 1. SKIN NEEDLING Skin needling, also known as micro-needling, is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to improve the overall appearance of your skin. It involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures on the skin's surface. Additionally, the effects of skin needling can last long after the initial treatment, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more lasting solution. This helps to stimulate collagen production and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, scarring, and other skin imperfections. Skin needling can be done independently or with other treatments such as radiofrequency therapy or chemical peels. It's important to note that skin needling should only be performed by a licensed professional. 2. RADIOFREQUENCY THERAPY If you're unhappy with the way your skin looks, it may be time to consider a radiofrequency therapy treatment. Radiofrequency therapy uses electromagnetic waves to heat up the deeper layers of your skin, stimulating collagen production and improving blood circulation. This can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Additionally, radiofrequency therapy can also help to improve the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. It's a relatively safe and non-invasive procedure, and there is little to no downtime.

thx for sharing! i would like to use that

That is good option indeed but I guess with a complex training and suggestions u can temporally get rid of that( here for more info https://betterme.world/articles/does-cellulite-go-away/ ). While there is no guaranteed way to completely eliminate cellulite, there are various methods that can help reduce its appearance. Here are some options: Exercise: Regular exercise can help strengthen and tone muscles, reducing the appearance of cellulite. Healthy diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Massage: Massaging the areas with cellulite may help improve circulation and reduce its appearance. Topical treatments: Creams and lotions containing caffeine, retinol, or antioxidants may help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Medical procedures: More invasive procedures such as laser therapy, radiofrequency treatments, and liposuction may also be options for reducing cellulite, but they can be expensive and may come with risks. It's important to remember that cellulite is a natural part of the body and many people have it, regardless of their weight or fitness level. While these methods may help reduce its appearance, it may not completely go away.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has finally published its response to the 2022 consultation on hub and spoke dispensing. Considering the consultation evidence and further discussions, the government has expressed its intention to progress the proposals for enabling hub and spoke models across different legal entities as soon as possible. This will be achieved by using the enabling powers outlined in Part 2 of the Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021 (MMDA) to amend the Medicines Act 1968 and the HMRs. Furthermore, the DHSC has decided to proceed with the implementation of the two models of hub and spoke dispensing that it consulted on. The government response to the consultation reads: "Having considered the responses, the government intend to proceed to implement the necessary changes to medicines legislation to remove the current restrictions that prevent the hub and spoke dispensing models from operating across different legal entities found in section 10 of the Medicines Act 1968.

The UK based Pharma giant Futura Medical Plc's lead product, Eroxon, a topical Stim-gel is now available on NHS prescription in England and Wales for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The Muti-Drug Resistant (MDR) approved alternative to PDE5i, Eroxon is available as an over-the counter off shelf at retailers like Boots and Superdrug; and is available on NHS prescription in England and Wales as a CE-marked medical device. Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get and maintain an erection, typically concerning men over the age of 40 due to both, psychological and physical causes such as anxiety, depression, diabetes, and obesity. According to UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA), the approval of the medication is based on evidence from 2 Phase three clinical studies, which showed that 60 per cent of patients taking Eroxon achieved Minimal Clinically Important Differences (MCID) at 12 weeks.

Cardiac surgery encompasses surgical procedures conducted on the heart and its blood vessels. The most common form of heart surgery is coronary artery bypass grafting. Additionally, heart surgery is employed for repairing or replacing heart valves, implanting devices to support blood flow and enhance heart function.

The National Health Services England (NHSE) is poised to revolutionise diabetes management with the introduction of the 'artificial pancreas', also known as the Hybrid Closed Loop system, to treat type 1 diabetes. This pioneering initiative, endorsed by the National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE), represents a global first in healthcare innovation. With 269,095 individuals grappling with type 1 diabetes in England, the Hybrid Closed Loop system is set to cater to tens of thousands of children and adults across the nation. This cutting-edge device operates by seamlessly monitoring blood glucose levels and autonomously adjusting insulin dosage through a pump, by eliminating the need for regular insulin injections. Furthermore, it holds the promise of averting life-threatening hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemia episodes, mitigating significant risks associated with the condition. To facilitate the identification of beneficiaries, NHSE has allocated a substantial sum of £2.5 million, ensuring that those who could benefit from this innovative solution receive the necessary support.

Despite being more connected than ever, the majority of Europeans are experiencing feelings of loneliness. The STADA Health Report 2024, released on Monday, revealed that over half (52 per cent) of Europeans "always, often or occasionally" feel lonely. Although the younger generation reports the highest levels of overall happiness, they are the ones most affected by this current loneliness epidemic. Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of Europeans aged 18 to 35 reported feeling lonely, compared to 41 percent of those aged 55 and older - according to the report, based on a survey of over 46,000 respondents aged 18 to 99 across 32 countries. Extensive screen time is contributing to increased loneliness among younger people. Europeans under the age of 34 are much more likely to spend long hours on their devices (41 per cent) than those aged 35-54 (22 per cent) and those over 55 (13 per cent). The survey found that people who spend a "long" or "fair" amount of time on social media were significantly more prone to feelings of loneliness compared to those who restrict their screen time. Moreover, extensive screen time was also associated with more intense feelings of loneliness.

Holland & Barrett, the UK's leading wellness retailer, has become the latest retailer regulatory member of PAGB, the consumer healthcare association. PAGB represents the manufacturers of branded over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, self care medical devices and food supplements in the UK. Holland & Barrett's decision to PAGB follows its recent introduction of a selected range of OTC and healthcare products in its stores across the UK. These include painkillers, cough and cold medicines, children's health essentials, hay fever relief, as well as skin and gastrointestinal products. With this expansion, the retailer aims to not only help customers to stay well, but also provide relief when needed.

PAGB, the prominent consumer healthcare association, has appointed a new Vice-President following the departure of Richard Holme from PAGB's Board earlier this year. Brian R. Fischel, who currently serves as Regional Director & General Manager for UK and Ireland at Reckitt, is set to take on the new Vice-President role at PAGB. Bringing extensive international experience as Vice-President at UK trade association representing manufacturers of branded over-the-counter medicines, medical devices and food supplements, Fischel has over eight years at Reckitt managing various global health territories. His election in the leadership role in June positions him alongside Bas Vorsteveld, President, and Mike Knowland, Vice President, completing PAGB's executive team. Michelle Riddalls, CEO of PAGB, expressed optimism about Brian's appointment, emphasising his alignment with PAGB's strategic objectives.

Cardiac surgery involves surgical interventions on the heart and its blood vessels. The most common type of heart surgery is coronary artery bypass grafting. Furthermore, heart surgery is used to mend or substitute heart valves, implant devices to aid blood circulation, and enhance heart function.

"Dental Chairs and Equipment Market Outlook in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) to 2018"

FDA budget requests $4.7 billion The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requesting a budget of $4.7 billion to protect and promote the public health as part of the President's fiscal year (FY) 2014 budget. Industry user fees would fund 94 percent of the proposed budget increase, including new fees to support the landmark Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and strengthen the FDA's ability to oversee imported food. The remainder of the budget increases would support programs which are necessary to preserve the safety of medical products and meet the agency's growing duties. Recognizing the need for fiscal constraint, the budget includes spending cuts in several areas, including a $15 million decrease in budget authority for human drug, biologics, and medical device programs.