Health

[SteveH]

Diet and nutrition are particularly important during the dark days of winter. In addition to colds and flu, many people experience fatigue and depression at this time of year – but essential nutrients can help.

While it's quite common to top up your vitamins, certain minerals and botanicals can also ward off winter ills and make recovery swifter. Nutritionist Dr Pam Mason and Jane Wragg, from ADACT Medical, have shared eight less common items that should be on your shopping list..................

cont  https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/8-essential-nutrients-to-fight-fatigue-and-ward-off-colds-and-flu?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589&utm_campaign=Daily-2312025&utm_medium=email&utm_source=IYA-DailyDigest&utm_term=news-link&source=email&sourceUserIid=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Well worth reading the whole article,... in my opinion.........

Well, I've become enthralled by the idea of enhancing or boosting the immune system. My body has been the living embodiment of the "quademic" that the NHS spent all winter warning us about. It's been a relentless stream of colds and coughs and one explosive tummy.

Our immune systems already do a fantastic job fighting viruses and other nasties. If I collected all the air I breathed out over the course of a minute it would contain 100 to 10,000 bacteria, 25,000 viruses and a single fungi, according to Prof John Tregoning, immunologist at Imperial College London.

"You're breathing these things in all the time, there's just a swirling mass of pathogens [organisms that cause disease] in the air," he says.

But there's plenty of foods, supplements and activities that are touted for their "immune-boosting" properties. Can we dial up our protection?................
 
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2m8d44v4go

[SteveH]

Many don't know they have prediabetes - so what is it and what can be done?
Millions of people have the condition which can lead to type 2 diabetes

Many people are unaware they're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to higher than normal blood sugars, as prediabetes doesn’t have any symptoms. Diabetes UK's latest data suggests that 6.3 million Brits are living with the condition.

The figures also show that 4.6 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, up 200,000 from last year to reach the highest level on record. The charity estimates an additional 1.3 million people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Their analysis suggests that one in five adults in the UK are living with either diabetes or prediabetes. “These latest figures highlight the hidden health crisis we’re facing in the UK, and underline why the Government must act now.......................

cont  https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/many-dont-know-they-have-prediabetes-so-what-is-it-and-what-can-be-done?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589&utm_campaign=Daily-1322025&utm_medium=email&utm_source=IYA-DailyDigest&utm_term=news-link&source=email&sourceUserIid=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

At-home tests for men worried about prostate cancer can give inconsistent and inaccurate results, BBC News has found.

The tests, which resemble a Covid lateral flow strip, turn positive if a high level of a protein called PSA is detected in a drop of blood.

Of five rapid tests analysed by the BBC, one did not work, three were negative or all-clear, but one returned a false positive result - all from the same blood sample.

Prostate Cancer UK said it had significant concerns about the sale of the tests given their "questionable accuracy" and the absence of a doctor to interpret the results............  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgl00gn15y8o

[Hugo]

If anyone has concerns then I would suggest that they go to their GP and ask for a PSA test and not do a DIY test on yourself.      T      If anyone has done a DIY test the GP will only ask for another one to be done so that they can diagnose any problem

[SteveH]

The number of measles cases in the European region doubled last year to reach the highest level in 25 years, health officials say.

A joint report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN children's fund, Unicef, said children under the age of five accounted for more than 40% of the cases reported in Europe and central Asia.

"Measles is back, and it's a wake-up call," Hans Henri Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, said. "Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security."

The MMR vaccine - which immunises people against measles, mumps and rubella - is 97% effective in fighting off the dangerous virus.

Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes.

Common symptoms include:..............  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy9dyp8e81zo

[SteveH]

This  article confirms what I was recently advised to do by an NHS specialist, well worth reading

BE PATIENT: It might test your patience, but waiting for your morning cuppa has huge benefits.....

If you kick off your day with a cuppa and a handful of vitamins, you may want to rethink your morning routine based on the advice of one wellness expert. Agnieszka Kozlowska, owner of Miracle Leaf Wellness, has warned that you would be just as well throwing these vitamins down the drain as washing them down with caffeine.

Kozlowska explained the factors determining how effective your morning supplements are and revealed how long you should wait for your cuppa after taking them. She said: "Taking iron with tea or coffee can reduce their effectiveness, as drinks like these can block your body from fully absorbing certain nutrients, especially iron........... https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/revealed-how-long-you-should-wait-to-drink-tea-or-coffee-after-popping-vitamins

[SteveH]

Supermarkets will be banned from displaying unhealthy snacks near tills or on their website homepages from next year after the Senedd narrowly approved obesity-tackling plans.

The new rules mean junk foods including pizza, chocolate, and cereal will have to be removed from shop entrances and the end of aisles, while sugary drink refills and some buy-one-get-one-free deals will also end.

The restrictions are aimed at stopping impulse buys at key selling spots in businesses with 50 or more employees, with shops found breaching them to face a fine.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said the rules, which will come into force in March 2026, would help "tackle Wales' growing obesity problem".

Smaller shops and those specialising in one product – such as sweet shops and chocolatiers – will be exempt.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz7v43w3yq0o

[SteveH]

While it’s natural to slow down with age, staying as fit and healthy as possible becomes increasingly important once retirement beckons and beyond. As the American comedian, George Burns, said: “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”

For those over 60, mindful movement and self-care is essential – and it's time to admit that you can no longer get away with the bad habits of youth. Yet, a physiotherapist has warned that attempting too much too soon can cause unnecessary strain or even result in long-term injury.

MORE USEFUL ADVICE......... https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/over-60-six-things-a-physio-wishes-youd-stop-doing?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589&utm_campaign=Daily-0642025&utm_medium=email&utm_source=IYA-DailyDigest&utm_term=news-link&source=email&sourceUserIid=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

US President Donald Trump says he will soon announce "major" tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, a move that could end decades of low-cost global trade in medicines.

For years, most countries, including the US, have imposed few or no tariffs on finished drugs, thanks in part to a 1995 World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreement aimed at keeping medicines affordable.

This shift comes after Trump introduced a blanket 10% tariff on other imports last week, as part of a broader effort to bring manufacturing back to the US.

His new "reciprocal" tariffs - including a duty of 104% on goods arriving from China - came into force on Wednesday, intensifying a global trade war and further shaking markets.

Pharmaceutical buyers, so far spared from such measures, are now preparing for what may come next.

The US has typically imported vast quantities of finished medicines from India, Europe and China without buyers paying tariffs - although active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), used to make drugs, do face some duties.

Speaking at a fundraiser dinner for his Republican Party on Tuesday, Trump said: "We're going to be announcing very shortly a major tariff on pharmaceuticals. And when they hear that, they will leave China."

He also told reporters on board his Air Force One plane last week that "pharma" tariffs would arrive "at a level that you haven't really seen before", saying these would be announced "in the near future"............ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cedyylj1v32o

[SteveH]

The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people to use services responsibly over the Easter bank holiday.

The long weekend is expected to coincide with usual pressures on the NHS, which means waiting times at emergency departments may be longer than usual.

The Trust is reminding people to consider other healthcare options before dialling 999, such as NHS 111 Wales, pharmacies, GPs, and Minor Injury Units.

These can assist with less urgent medical needs.

The NHS 111 Wales website also provides health information, a symptom checker, and a 24-hour advice line.

The Trust is asking people to collect any necessary medication and ensure they have first aid supplies to manage minor injuries at home.

They are also encouraging people to check in on elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends, and neighbours, ensuring they have the medication and support they need over the Easter period.

Judith Bryce, assistant director of operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: "As always, we anticipate a busy Bank Holiday period, which is why we're urging everyone to help ensure our resources are available for those with the most serious or life-threatening conditions over Easter.

"If you contact us for a non-emergency, you may be diverting critical time and resources away from someone in urgent need.

"It's also important to understand that arriving at the hospital by ambulance does not guarantee faster treatment in the emergency department.

"Please make informed choices and consider the full range of healthcare services available to you."