Thursday 28 September 2023
That's Food and Drink: Boutique lunch raises almost £3,000 for Francis Ho...
That's Food and Drink: Boutique lunch raises almost £3,000 for Francis Ho...: “Francis House is an amazing charity, and we were proud to be sponsors of the Boutique Lunch. A glamorous Boutique Lunch at Gusto Italian Re...
Flu shots? Get 'em when you get you groceries!
A way to avoid the seasonal flus that usually sweep through the country is to get yourself a flu shot, either at your doctor's surgery, or your pharmacy, like Boots, a local independent pharmacy or a pharmacy linked to your favourite supermarket, so long as they have a pharmacy attached to them.
Morrisons.com offers a special deal for More Card members. Normal shoppers will pay £14, but those with More Card membership will only have to pay £12.
However, NHS flu shots are dispensed without cost at Morrisons pharmacies.
Morrisons pharmacists accept flu vouchers from Bupa, Flu Xpress Ltd, healthyperformance, etc.
To learn about where your nearest Morrisons Pharmacies are check here https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/
(Image courtesy of LuAnn Hunt from Pixabay)
Tuesday 26 September 2023
Abbott Takes Action Against HIV Epidemic
Through the combination of testing, treatments and advocacy, significant progress has been made globally since the start of the HIV epidemic in 1981. And with an HIV diagnosis no longer considered a dire prognosis, the global effort to combat HIV has shifted its focus to preventing and reducing new HIV infections.
Still, challenges persist. Most notable, of the almost 40 million people globally who have HIV, 15% of them are unaware of their status. Testing is the gateway to helping minimize this percentage of individuals, but the tests must be available and accessible to make an impact.
Abbott is helping to close this gap through diagnostic tests like the Panbio HIV Self Test, to help increase access to testing locally while simultaneously combatting societal barriers that inhibit individuals access to testing and therefore treatment. The Panbio HIV Self Test is currently available in 14 countries and can be purchased at local pharmacies, allowing individuals to access testing quickly and discretely when and where it’s needed.
"The closer we get to the moment an individual is infected, the better the outcome," said Luis Gonzalez, Senior Director of Global Medical and Scientific Affairs at Abbott. "Empowering individuals with their HIV status enables timely access to treatment and prevention – both of which help lower transmission rates and get us closer to eliminating HIV."
Abbott's commitment to battling the HIV epidemic in Brazil highlights its dedication to using their life-changing technologies and global presence to improve the health of our global community. In the ongoing fight against HIV, Abbott's technology guides the way toward a hopeful, healthier future for impacted individuals.
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
(Image courtesy of Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay)
Friday 22 September 2023
Diabetics face critical medicine shortages as their drugs are snapped up for weight loss treatment
‘Wonder’ weight loss drugs, such as Wegovy, have hit the headlines in recent weeks. They can help people shed 10%-15% of their bodyweight, largely by supressing their appetite. But some of these weight loss jabs are based on semaglutide, first developed for treating type 2 diabetes. This means the boom in demand for ‘magic bullet’ weight loss jabs is contributing to a major shortage in key diabetes medication, says a leading expert in the field.
Leading blood testing expert, Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: "There's now a global shortage of semaglutide-based drugs for treating diabetes. Key among these is Wegovy’s sister drug, Ozempic, used by the NHS as a treatment for managing blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases in the UK. This will result in both acute and chronic medical complications if left unmanaged."
He went on to say: "Both Wegovy and Ozempic are produced by the Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. The problem is that Ozempic has increasingly been prescribed off label (outside of its approved licence) for weight loss as an alternative to Wegovy. Now Novo Nordisk is warning of shortages of Ozempic stretching into 2025.
"Ozempic and Wegovy became a social media phenomenon earlier this year as a weight loss cure, with demand for semaglutide spiralling after celebrity endorsements. That’s not what Ozempic was intended for and has resulted in demand far outstripping supply.
"Now Novo Nordisk’s official weight loss drug, Wegovy, is finally available in the UK on the NHS and as a private prescription. However, though this will relieve the demand on critical Ozempic stocks, supplies of all semaglutide-based treatments remain limited. Patients being treated for type 2 diabetes need to know that there are sufficient stocks of this treatment and, if not, patients need a plan to mitigate against supply disruptions.
"Novo Nordisk now has a market cap of $419.79bn, making it the world's 17th most valuable company. Astonishingly, the market value of the Danish company has exceeded the size of Denmark’s domestic economy (£395.40bn).
"We're keen for Novo Nordisk to continue concentrating on the production of vital diabetes treatments, over other semaglutide-based products. The company has stated that it will prioritise treatments for existing patients, rather than focusing on introducing new people to Wegovy weight loss treatments.
"We support Diabetes UK in urging clinicians to follow Department for Health and Social Care guidance, which states clinicians should not prescribe these drugs outside of their licensed use until the supply issues are rectified.
"It’s not only in the UK restricted supplies are causing problems; there’s also a worldwide shortage. America’s FDA lists Wegovy and certain Ozempic dosages as being in short supply. So too does Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which says supplies of Ozempic will remain limited to diabetes treatments only until at least the end of December 2023, and that patients prescribed Ozempic for other conditions should contact their doctor to have their treatment reassessed.
"The shortage doesn’t only impact on semaglutide-based drugs. All “GLP-1 analogues”, as this family of drugs are known, are in short supply. These include the brands Ozempic, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Victoza, Saxenda, Byetta and Bydureon. This appears to be pan-market disruption, complicated by exceeding demands."
He went on to say: "‘All these drugs signal to your body to make more insulin (the hormone that controls the amount of sugar in your blood) reduce the amount of glucose (gluconeogenesis) that your liver makes, slow down the digestion of food, so that it takes longer for your body to absorb the sugar from meals, reduce your appetite by increasing satiety.
"It’s the final effect that's created this unexpected surge in demand. But, there's some welcome news of another GLP-1 analogue drug just about to reach the UK. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved the use of tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro) for treating type 2 diabetes in England and Wales. Supplies of this new drug should come on stream within three months.
"Again, it’s vital this new medication is prioritised as a further treatment for type 2 diabetes, rather than for any other purposes. It, too, is likely to be in hot demand by people seeking to lose weight the easy way. In the US, clinical weight loss trials show Mounjaro is even more effective than Ozempic, with patients achieving 26.6% weight loss over a period of 84 weeks.
"By 2030, diabetes cases in the UK will have risen by 50% compared against 2007 levels, according to Diabetes UK. Unmanaged or undiagnosed diabetes is one of the leading causes of death. Diabetes is usually linked to factors like weight, lifestyle, age and family history.
"One in ten people will have diabetes by the end of the next decade, and one in three will be at a much increased risk of developing it. The truly frightening fact is that it's quite common for people to have diabetes and not be aware of it.
"Fortunately, there's a simple blood test that will categorically confirm whether or not you have type 2 diabetes, even in its earliest stages, long before any symptoms have developed. This home test checks your levels of HbA1c.
"This biomarker is used to confirm whether you have (or are at risk of developing) diabetes. For anyone who already knows they have diabetes, regular HbA1c checks are also essential to monitor progress.
"The London Medical Laboratory’s “Diabetes - Diagnosis and Monitoring test” can be taken at home via the mail, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 95 selected pharmacies and health stores."
For full details visit https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product/diabetes-check
Youth Sport Trust believe it’s time to re-imagine why and how we teach PE.
The Youth Sport Trust believes passionately that PE and sport play a genuinely fundamental role in the education and development of all children, and they know from over 25 years of working with schools they make a significant contribution to young people’s wellbeing, engagement and learning.
"At a time of increasingly sedentary and online lifestyles, when poor mental health is increasing, the 'Levelling the playing field: the physical education subject report' from OFSTED is much needed, but it’s results should be a matter of public concern," the spokesperson opined.
They went on to say: "We're alarmed, but not surprised, to read that the amount of PE delivered in schools drops as children progress through their school career, with only around half of secondary schools allocating the same 2 hours of PE recommended by government to all year groups.
"With only 47% of children achieving the Chief Medical officers recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day and 2.2 million officially classed as inactive, the value and contribution of PE within the curriculum must be addressed. If we want an active, healthier nation, PE must be focussed on helping young people firstly develop a positive relationship with - and then enjoyment of, one or more sports and activities."
They went on to say: "As a charity we're very clear it' time for more fundamental change in the way we think about PE. The world children are growing up in today demands a focus on physical, social and emotional development.
"If there was ever a case for a subject being valued more for its contribution to learning across the curriculum, PE can make it. Equally, the gains that can be accrued from at least two hours a week of quality, purposeful and inclusive PE do not diminish with age and in fact they become more important as play and movement are gradually engineered out of children’s lives. It is time to re-image the whole curriculum, giving PE a much greater role in supporting young people in their development.
"While this report paints a more positive picture in primary schools, reflecting what can also be done with both political will and investment through the Primary PE and Sport Premium, much of the return on that investment is being lost because of the neglect of the importance of PE in secondary schools.
"Reference is made in the report to the importance of the breadth of activities offered within the PE curriculum. We are excited to see progress towards equal access in PE, with football being offered in nearly every school, a reflection of both the success of the Lionesses, but also the determination of the FA to drive growth through investment and a strategic approach.
"But we are disappointed to see the lack of variety in the sports used as the vehicle to physically educate. Our 2023 Youth Summit concluded with a set of recommendations by and for young people reinforcing this point. Young people want to be active and believe their voice can help inform choice and as a result, increase participation.
"There are also very important refences in the report to the quality and experience of PE for the 80% of pupils identified as having Special Educational Needs who attend mainstream schools. We are pleased the report highlights the importance of ensuring staff are equipped and confident in inclusive practice.
"The Youth Sport Trust is proud to lead a consortium of organisations commissioned by the Department for Education under the banner of Inclusion 2024, to increase opportunities for disabled young people to enjoy PE, school sport and physical activity and have resources and support available to schools to assist.
"This is helping drive better outcomes for young people and is a reminder of what could be achieved with a more fundamental root and branch review initial teacher training and teacher development in PE – both have become squeezed in recent decades with an inevitable impact."
They concluded by saying "The Youth Sport Trust welcomes this report and the focus it will bring to PE in schools, but we do believe it’s time to re-imagine the whole curriculum, and it’s time to re-imagine why and how we teach PE."
That's Food and Drink: What's the Whey forward? It's Performance Diet Whe...
That's Food and Drink: What's the Whey forward? It's Performance Diet Whe...: There are many different brands of whey protein that are available but, in our opinion, Performance Diet Whey V2 is "the Whey Forward.&...
Tuesday 19 September 2023
That's Food and Drink: Are You Taking the Phizz?
That's Food and Drink: Are You Taking the Phizz?: Phizz are taking on Berocca as the UK's fastest growing effervescent brand; the young, science-led team works with a PhD neuroscientist ...
Friday 15 September 2023
That's Food and Drink: Top TV Chef Theo Michaels teams up with SmarterNat...
That's Food and Drink: Top TV Chef Theo Michaels teams up with SmarterNat...: SmarterNaturally is a new Super Soup uses super strength broccoli in a bid to lower blood sugar and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Top TV chef...
Tuesday 12 September 2023
That's Food and Drink: Asda set to launch biggest ever Tickled Pink Breas...
That's Food and Drink: Asda set to launch biggest ever Tickled Pink Breas...: Asda is ready to launch its biggest ever Tickled Pink campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October with over 200 exclusive pink p...
Saturday 9 September 2023
Tesco pharmacies to begin offering free winter flu jabs
Booking system now open at tesco.com/flujab
From next Monday, 11th September, Tesco pharmacies will begin offering a free NHS flu jab to over 65s, and other groups who are eligible. Those who aren't eligible for a free NHS Flu Jab, there's good news! Tesco is offering a £13 Private Flu Jab Service to customers aged 12 years of age and over.
To help more people access the vaccination, Tesco Pharmacy is operating an online booking system at tesco.com/flujab so customers can book a slot at a date and time that suits them.
With longer opening hours than GP surgeries and many high-street pharmacies, customers can receive their vaccinations at a time that fits around their schedule including evenings and weekends, or even combine it with their weekly shop and perhaps a visit to the Tesco café?
Last year, only 35% of pregnant women and 49% of those in a clinical risk group were vaccinated. By offering the greatest possible number of time slots, Tesco’s pharmacists hope to encourage more of those who would benefit from a free vaccination to get the flu jab.
The flu jab will be given by a trained Tesco pharmacist in a private consultation room.
Adrian Price, who is the Tesco Superintendent Pharmacist said: “We want to make getting your jab as easy as doing the weekly shop. More than ever, it will be vital to keep your family safe and well from flu. You will reduce the risk of catching flu and passing it on to older or more vulnerable family members.”
For people with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart disease, flu can be severe or even deadly. The flu jab was associated with a 50% reduction in mortality during flu season for people living with type 2 diabetes, according to research carried out over a seven-year period.
For people with heart and circulatory diseases, having the flu vaccine cuts the risk of a heart attack by 27% and of dying by 25%.
Data revealed that in the winter of 2019/20, there were some 6,600 excess deaths from heart and circulatory diseases in the UK, with flu likely to have been a contributory factor.
Last year Tesco launched its ‘Let’s Talk’ service that saw its pharmacists and pharmacy team members trained by Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK.
Besides to providing regular Pharmacy services, the Tesco Pharmacy team are now uniquely able to provide specialist information and support for customers to help lower the risk of cancer, heart and circulatory diseases, and type 2 diabetes.
Friday 8 September 2023
Formula Swiss Challenges 'Unjust ' Actions by the UK's Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)
The VMD has been stopping shipments of their products to clients, alleging they are "unauthorised veterinary medicines," despite the fact that these products are fully legal and registered in the UK.
One such product is their Formula Swiss Raw CBD Oil Drops in Hemp Seed Oil 500 mg, 0.2% THC.
This product has been correctly registered in the Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications portal with the UK cosmetic product number UKCP-81209741 since 2021.
"For the VMD to categorize it as a pet product without even checking their own database is both absurd and frustrating," said a spokesman for Formula Swiss.
"Our products are clearly described and registered for topical usage, not for veterinary medicine," said Robin Roy Krigslund-Hansen, CEO at Formula Swiss.
He went on to say: "The actions of the VMD are not only incorrect but also damaging to our brand and our loyal customer base."
The spokesman added: "Formula Swiss is now considering taking legal action to stop the VMD from further wrongdoings and any potential damage to our brand. We urge the VMD to correct their errors immediately to prevent unnecessary legal actions and to uphold the integrity of regulatory bodies."
Saturday 2 September 2023
That's Food and Drink: Tinnitus. Are there foods and supplements that can...
That's Food and Drink: Tinnitus. Are there foods and supplements that can...: I suffer from Tinnitus. Probably due to working in a noisy environment when I worked as a foundry as a laboratory/foundry technician back in...
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