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Medicare Supplement plans, otherwise known as Medigap plans, is a health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill the gaps in Original Medicare Plan coverage.

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.

The 14th Community Pharmacy Conference by Sigma Pharmaceuticals has been timely, prime minister Rishi Sunak said, noting that it coincided with the launch of Pharmacy First, a new initiative that enables patients to receive treatments for seven common conditions directly from a pharmacist without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. "We are all grateful for the tremendous contributions that pharmacists make to our NHS. The fantastic work you do is critical to the success of Pharmacy First and many other initiatives," Sunak said in a written message. The conference was organised from 25-29 February at Sun City in Johannesburg, South Africa, under the theme 'community pharmacy in an integrated NHS'. In a recorded video address to the Sigma Conference, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said community pharmacies are 'critical' to the Labour party's mission to make the NHS 'fit for the future'. "You should be playing a much more significant role. Labour's reform agenda will get pharmacists working to the top of their licence. We want community pharmacists to play a greater role in healthcare, with more focus on their expertise in prescribing and medicines management," he said.

Medipharmacy has been bought out by PI-Gen Pharma Limited, an arm of the independent pharmacy group Enimed, for a total of £7.1 million, after the business entered into administration. In a report published on Companies House on January 30, administrators at FRP confirmed that the transaction was completed on 18 January, with PI-Gen beating five other bidders to acquire the insolvent NHS pharmacy chain. The report added that PI-Gen submitted a cash offer of non-refundable £500k for Medipharmacy's goodwill, £2.1m for its freehold properties, and a further amount for its fixtures and fittings, motor vehicles and stock. An FRP spokesperson told The Standard that Medipharmacy, which operated a chain of 25 NHS community pharmacies across London, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex, had faced increasing cashflow challenges in recent months. According to the administrators' report, Medipharmacy's revenues had grown exponentially from £27.9m in 2022 to £69m in 2023 but didn't deliver corresponding improvements in profitability.

The Tonsil stones, those white or yellow clumps nestled amidst your Tonsils Stones, can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. While harmless in most cases, their bad odor and irritation can be bothersome. Thankfully, several safe and effective methods can help you dislodge those pesky stones. Understanding the Basics: Tonsil stones form when dead cells, bacteria, and mucus get trapped in the crevices of your tonsils. While they often dislodge on their own, some folks experience persistent stones requiring intervention. Here's how to tackle them: Home Remedies: Gargling with warm salt water: Mix 1/2 teaspoon table salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle several times daily, allowing the solution to bathe your tonsils and loosen the stones. Water flossing: Use a water flosser on a low-pressure setting to gently dislodge stones with targeted streams of water. Coughing: Try forceful coughs to dislodge the stones. Be gentle and avoid excessive coughing to prevent irritation. Cotton swab (use with caution): Only do this if you can see the stone clearly and it's easily accessible. Use a clean, wet cotton swab to gently nudge the stone loose. Avoid pushing it deeper or scratching the tonsils.

Psoriasis vs Eczema, while both causing itchy, inflamed skin, are distinct conditions with different underlying causes and treatments. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and management. Symptoms: Psoriasis: Thick, red, scaly patches: Often on elbows, knees, scalp, but can affect any area. Silvery scales: Easily removed, revealing inflamed skin beneath. Eczema: Dry, itchy, red patches: Often on inner elbows, knees, hands, face, but can be widespread. Fine, scaling: Less prominent compared to psoriasis. Causes: Psoriasis: Autoimmune condition: Immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing rapid growth and buildup. Genetic predisposition: Family history increases risk. Eczema: Atopic dermatitis: Combination of genetic and environmental factors. Dry skin: Major contributing factor. Treatments: Psoriasis: Topical medications: Steroids, retinoids, vitamin D analogues to reduce inflammation and cell growth. Light therapy: Ultraviolet light exposure to slow skin cell production. Eczema: Moisturizers: Regular use hydrates and protects the skin barrier. Emollients: Oil-based creams to soothe dryness and itching. Key Differences: Cause: Psoriasis is autoimmune, while eczema is complex and involves both genetics and environment. Symptoms: Psoriasis typically has thicker scales and less itching, while eczema is drier and itchier.

Magnesium, a mineral superstar, plays a crucial role in over 300 bodily functions, impacting everything from muscle and nerve health to energy production and mood regulation. Aiming for the recommended daily intake (310-420 mg for adults) is essential for optimal well-being. Luckily, incorporating these Magnesium-Rich Foods into your diet can help you reach your goals deliciously. Daily Magnesium Requirements: Men: 400-420 mg Women: 310-320 mg Pregnant women: 350 mg Breastfeeding women: 360 mg Remember: While these foods are great sources of magnesium, a balanced diet incorporating various food groups is essential for optimal health. If you have concerns about meeting your magnesium needs or have underlying health conditions, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. By incorporating these delicious and diverse magnesium-rich foods into your diet, you can power up your body and mind, naturally.

The Muscle spasms, often referred to as cramps, can be a sudden and unwelcome visitor, causing pain and discomfort in various body parts like the Back, Neck, Stomach, And Shoulder. While seemingly random, these spasms often have identifiable triggers. Here's a breakdown of potential culprits for each area: Back: Muscle strain or overuse: Repetitive activities like heavy lifting, poor posture, or strenuous exercise can overload back muscles, leading to spasms. Stress: Tension and anxiety can tighten muscles, making them more susceptible to spasms. Neck: Poor posture: Slouching, hunching, or cradling a phone against your ear for extended periods can strain neck muscles, leading to spasms. Stress: Similar to the back, neck muscles can tense up in response to stress, triggering spasms. Stomach: Dehydration: Electrolyte imbalance due to insufficient water intake can affect stomach muscle function and trigger spasms. Diet: Certain foods, like caffeine or carbonated drinks, can irritate the stomach and contribute to spasms. Shoulder: Rotator cuff injury: Damage to the tendons and muscles surrounding the shoulder joint can cause pain and muscle spasms. Overuse injuries: Repetitive motions like throwing, swimming, or weightlifting can overload shoulder muscles, leading to spasms.

Lower back pain is a common experience for women of all ages, but the specific causes can differ depending on life stage.By understanding the potential causes of Lower Back Pain at different stages of life, women can make informed decisions about their health and seek appropriate care to manage this common yet complex issue. Here's a breakdown of potential culprits throughout their lifespan: Adolescence and Young Adulthood (12-30 years): Muscle strain and overuse: Repetitive activities like sports, heavy lifting, or poor posture can strain back muscles and ligaments. Menstrual pain: Cramping and inflammation associated with periods can radiate to the lower back. Scoliosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine can contribute to back pain, though often asymptomatic in mild cases. Menopause and Beyond (50+ years): Arthritis: Degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis can affect the spine, leading to pain and stiffness. Vertebral fractures: Weakened bones are more susceptible to fractures with falls or minor impacts. Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.

Dopamine and serotonin, often hailed as the "happy chemicals," play crucial roles in shaping our mood, motivation, and overall well-being. While both influence happiness, their functions and nuances differ significantly. Understanding these differences can shed light on our emotions and behavior. The Interplay: A Delicate Dance While Dopamine vs Serotonin have distinct roles, they don't work in isolation. They interact and influence each other, creating a complex system within our brains. For example, dopamine can stimulate serotonin production, further enhancing mood and well-being. Conversely, low serotonin levels can indirectly affect dopamine function, making it harder to experience pleasure and motivation. Maintaining the Harmony Understanding the delicate dance between dopamine and serotonin empowers us to make informed choices towards optimal well-being. Here are some tips: Engage in activities that naturally boost dopamine, like exercise, achieving goals, and spending time with loved ones. Prioritize healthy sleep and a balanced diet rich in serotonin precursors like tryptophan. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage stress and support serotonin production. Seek professional help if you suspect imbalances that significantly impact your daily life.

Losing weight is not an overnight success and not a magic pill that a heavy-weight person eats and after a few minutes or second that person looks slim fit. Losing Weight Is Not Easy and a very long path that is filled with lots of milestones, difficulties, and circumstances by which every person gets afraid and forgets the dream of losing weight. Gaining weight is very easy but in losing the weight no one will stand for a long time. Losing excessive weight is just like a war in which everyone drops their weapons, the people who will stand for a long time only succeed. You're absolutely right. While both building muscle and losing weight require dedication and effort, the challenges presented by each are vastly different. Here's a deeper dive into why shedding pounds often proves more complex: Psychology: Visible Progress: Muscle growth tends to be more visually apparent, offering tangible motivation and reinforcement. Seeing definition emerge or weights increasing on the bar provides a clear sense of progress. In contrast, weight loss results can be slower and subtler, making it harder to stay motivated, especially on plateaus. Social Pressure: "Bulking" or gaining muscle for aesthetic purposes is often celebrated and encouraged in fitness circles. Conversely, societal pressures around thinness and weight loss can be intense and negatively impact self-esteem, making it harder to stay committed.

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