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The drop in vaccination rates is believed to be driving a surge in measles cases in England, mainly in the West Midlands. As of 18 January, 216 confirmed cases and 103 probable cases have been reported in the region since 1 October 2023, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed. The majority of cases (around 80 per cent) were from Birmingham, with children aged under 10 years being infected the most. UKHSA Chief Executive, Professor Dame Jenny Harries has warned that the outbreak could spread further to other towns and cities if urgent action is not taken to increase Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake in areas at greatest risk.

Almost all community pharmacies in the West Midlands and East Midlands have begun treating people for seven common conditions, as part of the newly launched Pharmacy First scheme. NHS England on Sunday (4 February) revealed that more than 95 per cent of community pharmacies in the West Midlands (1130) and over 97 per cent in the East Midlands (840) have joined the ground-breaking initiative. The scheme allows highly trained pharmacists to assess and treat patients for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (under the age of 65) without the need for an appointment or prescription. With this major expansion of pharmacy services, the health service is aiming to free up 10 million GP appointments a year, while making it easier and more convenient for people to access care.

Pharmacy owners discussed the key concerns and priorities for the future at the Community Pharmacy England's (CPE) digital briefing event held last week (on 7 May 2024). More than 500 pharmacy owners and their representatives registered for the event, which provided them an opportunity to learn more about the committee's work in key areas and share their views on important issues. Major concerns raised by them included underfunding, dispensing at a loss, and challenges in implementing Pharmacy First. Attendees described the new service as "slow", "challenging" and "underfunded", while also highlighting the importance of improving GPs' understanding of the service.

NHS England has confirmed the initial sites that will test and implement Martha's Rule in the first phase of the programme. This follows the announcement in February regarding NHSE funding for the major patient safety initiative for this financial year. The scheme is named after Martha Mills, who died from sepsis at the age of 13 in 2021. She had been treated at King's College Hospital, London, where a failure to escalate her to intensive care and a lack of response to her family's concerns about her deteriorating condition contributed to her death. Martha's Rule aims to provide a consistent and understandable way for patients and families to seek an urgent review if their or their loved one's condition deteriorates and they are concerned this is not being responded to. NHS England on Monday (27 May) announced that the scheme will be implemented at 143 hospital sites across the country by March 2025.

Healthcare professionals in the UK are being advised to avoid prescribing the migraine and antiseizure medication topiramate, commonly known by the brand name Topamax, to women and girls unless they fulfil the requirements of a Pregnancy Prevention Programme. This guidance follows new safety measures introduced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) following a major safety review, which highlighted a potential increased risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities in children exposed to topiramate during pregnancy. The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) evaluated studies that examined the risks associated with using topiramate during pregnancy. These studies indicated that children born to mothers who took topiramate during pregnancy had an approximately 2 to 3 times higher risk of intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Based on CHM's recommendations, the MHRA now advises that topiramate should not be prescribed for treating epilepsy during pregnancy unless there is no suitable alternative.

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.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reiterated its concerns about tobacco companies' continued targeting of young people through various channels such as social media, sports, and music festivals, as well as the introduction of flavored products. In a joint report with industry watchdog STOP released on Thursday, the WHO accused these companies of attempting to ensnare a new generation in nicotine addiction. While facing stricter regulations on traditional cigarettes, major tobacco firms and newcomers have turned to alternatives like vapes, arguing they are intended for adult smokers. However, the WHO and STOP highlighted in their report that these products often appeal to youth, with their attractive designs and fruity flavors making them more appealing to children than to adults in many countries.

As the general election campaign heats up, major political parties - including Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats - have released their manifestos, detailing their plans and visions for the future of community pharmacy. While the Conservative Party promises to expand Pharmacy First initiative, Labour pledges support for small businesses, with plans to overhaul the business rates system. The Liberal Democrats' election manifesto commits to developing a fairer and more sustainable long-term funding model for pharmacies. Announcing their plans recently, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that they are investing in community care services to secure the future of the NHS and make healthcare more accessible. The Conservatives plan to fund these initiatives by cutting NHS managerial positions back to pre-pandemic levels and halving the government's management consultancy expenditure.

Thorrun Govind, a former chair of the English Pharmacy Board of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, has joined Brabners' regulatory & professional conduct team. With nearly a decade of experience as a GPhC-registered pharmacist, Govind will provide guidance on regulatory and professional conduct issues. Govind's expertise extends to healthcare advisory and disputes involving NHS Trusts and social care organisations. She has been recognised as the 'Young Pharmacist of the Year' by Pharmacy Business Magazine and is a frequent commentator on public health and healthcare law for major television networks. Her appointment underscores Brabners' commitment to offering top-tier legal services to the healthcare industry.

The latest GP Patient Survey 2024 by the National Health Services (NHS) involving 2.56 million patients has revealed encouraging insights into patient experiences with pharmacy services across England. Along with pharmacies, GPs, and dentistry services were also surveyed highlighting the vital role these services provide in healthcare delivery. Among the key findings, 89.3 per cent of respondents reported utilising at least one pharmacy service in the past year, highlighting the widespread reliance on these facilities. Of those who used pharmacy services, an overwhelming majority of 86.8 per cent expressed satisfaction with their experience. The survey identified 'picking up prescriptions' as the most commonly accessed service, with 75.8 per cent of patients utilising this facility.

A total of 7,599 whooping cough cases have been recorded in England from January to May 2024, according to new data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). In January 2024, there were 555 cases, followed by 920 in February, 1,427 in March, 2,106 in April, and 2,591 in May. While the majority of cases (over 53 per cent) occurred in individuals aged 15 years or older, who typically experience milder symptoms, a significant number (262) were reported in babies under 3 months old, who are at the highest risk of severe complications and death from whooping cough. Since the outbreak began in November last year, there have been nine infant deaths (one in December 2023 and eight between January and May 2024). Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a bacterial infection affecting the lungs. This cyclical disease peaks every 3 to 5 years, with the last increase seen in 2016.

Are you pressed for time and can't go to a gym to become fit? Then try, DynaPro's professional grade jump rope that can really get your heart pumping and help you burn calories in a relatively short period of time. The benefits of this simple yet effective fitness equipment ranks as a perfect cardio exercise, muscle mass builder, and as one of the most efficient ways of improving cardiovascular health, bone density, breathing efficiency. Even with a busy schedule, you can still workout and get in shape using a skipping rope. Read the complete article here to reap the benefits of skipping a rope.

DynaPro Direct has launched an attractive and effective range of power resistance bands. These durable rubber loops are extremely effective at boosting range of motion and improving flexibility, without costly investments in heavy equipment that requires a spotter for safe use. Unlike traditional weight machines, they fit easily in a gym bag pocket, make good complements to other essential mobility tools like mini exercise bands, door anchor and jump rope. These resilient bands help you strengthen and stretch every major muscle group in your body, without burdening tendons, joints and bones. These powerlifting bands can go a long way toward keeping you fit and lean. Available with 5 different color-coded resistance levels: Red (5-30 lbs); Black (10-60 lbs); Purple (30-80 lbs); Green (50-125 lbs); and Blue (70-170 lbs). Grab these power exercise bands at DynaPro Direct's official site at prices starting from $11.99.

Frequent Urination: Are you experiencing bladder control issues? Read out at Mynahcare about major causes and symptoms related to frequent urination.

Can constipation cause erectile dysfunction? Jury is still out. However, it is no surprise that a majority of men suffer from both together. Modern science may not have the answer to why this happens, but Ayurveda certainly does. The Vedic philosophy says that constipation can cause erectile dysfunction.

Hyderabad has many general, government, private, nursing and multi-specialty hospitals. The cost for major procedures is low and patients from other countries and central India travel to get treated in Hyderabad. It is a popular destination for medical tourism. Corporate hospitals in Hyderabad have good infrastructure and latest equipment. In the latest study it was found that Hyderabad is the preferred destination for people from UAE, USA, UK, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. In India, patients from Central India, North Karnataka, South Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odissa get treated in Hyderabad.

Find best Hospitals in Hyderabad and their doctors list by speciality with address, appointment phone numbers, reviews, services, email and Website Detail.

Pathology testing plays a crucial role in the health care system, making up 70 per cent of the scientific basis for medical diagnosis - but the turnaround on test results can takes days for people living outside major cities.

When it comes to wheelchairs, young children have a different set of needs than adults. Aesthetically, devices designed for kids are often sleek and colorful, and functionally, they are typically lightweight and adjustable. As any parent knows, young people don't stay the same size for long and since a wheelchair is a major purchase we don't want a simple growth spurt to render it useless. That's why our kids wheelchair category offers models that feature seat width and depth adjustability, elevating legrests, and other versatile features. If you're looking for a safe, affordable mobility solution for the child in your care, you're in the right place.

If you are just starting your fitness journey or have hit a plateau, a great place to start is with resistance bands. These versatile fitness equipment not only increase your strength, mobility, stability, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance but also make enormous difference in your workout routine. Doing exercises with resistance bands is a great intro to doing movements in a safe manner before jumping into weights. If you already lift weights, using resistance bands will challenge your muscles differently and effectively. Here are some of the best ways to use your bands during a workout. This full body workout will hit all your major muscles with just one piece of fitness equipment. Check out these top workout moves and maximize your strength training results.

Small but significant breakthrough studies on people who have been able to overcome or control HIV were presented at a major world conference on ways to stem the three-decade-old disease. One study focused on a group of 12 patients in France who began treatment on antiretroviral drugs within 10 weeks of becoming infected with human immunodeficiency virus, but then stopped the therapy after nearly three years.