Displaying items by tag: Health

A UK study has revealed a significant decline in cancer death rates among middle-aged individuals since the early 1990s, despite an increase in cases. Cancer Research UK, a key contributor to the study, noted a 37% decrease in male cancer deaths and a 33% decrease in female cancer deaths from 1993 to 2018. The research found notable reductions in death rates for many, including a 54.3% decrease in cervical cancer fatalities among women, largely due to the HPV vaccine and better screening. Similarly, lung cancer deaths dropped significantly, particularly in men, partly due to reduced smoking rates. There were substantial mortality reductions in both men and women aged 35-69 years, reflecting the success in cancer prevention, earlier detection, and improved diagnostics. However, there was a notable increase in cancer diagnoses in this age group, attributed to such factors as obesity, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure.

Published in Praise Reports

The world’s oral cholera vaccine stockpile has run dry, while at least 16 countries face outbreaks. Africa experiences a disproportionately high cholera mortality rate; in three countries the number of cases quadrupled in one year, and 1,600 died. Manufacturers have already allocated upcoming vaccine doses elsewhere until mid-March, with growing demand surpassing supply. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is calling for more manufacturers, and more technical support to help them. The shortage leaves communities unprotected, heightening the risk of preventable cholera deaths. This scarcity echoes past challenges, for example when a temporary one-dose vaccination measure was adopted in 2022. The current outbreaks are exacerbated by humanitarian crises and environmental factors like droughts, floods, and inadequate public infrastructure.

Published in Worldwide
Thursday, 22 February 2024 21:38

Study of Covid vaccinations supports their safety

A global study on Covid vaccines has identified small increases in heart, blood, and neurological disorders among recipients. Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca shots were linked to higher risks of certain conditions, including nerve-wasting and brain-swelling disorders. Despite this, the absolute risk remains low, with only 2,000 cases among 13 billion doses administered. Notable findings include a threefold increase in myocarditis and a higher risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Concerns over neurological events following vaccination were outweighed by the significantly higher risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, AstraZeneca shots were associated with an increased risk of two types of thrombosis. While the study shows potential risks, it underlines the benefits of vaccinations in preventing Covid-related deaths.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 01 February 2024 20:31

Disposable vapes to be banned for children's health

The Government is set to ban disposable vapes in an effort to reduce vaping among youth, following an alarming rise in use by 11- to 17-year-olds. The ban will target the marketing and sale of vapes to children, with Rishi Sunak ensuring access to vaping alternatives for adult smokers. Despite being less harmful than cigarettes, vaping’s long-term health impacts remain uncertain. The vaping industry criticises the ban, fearing it will fuel a black market and put children at greater risk. The proposal, seen as a balance between protecting children and aiding smokers, follows a trend in countries like Australia, France, Germany, and New Zealand. Additionally, nicotine pouches will be banned for minors. The Government will consult on specific measures, such as sales methods for refillable vapes. New fines will be introduced for illegal sales to minors, and a £30m package will support enforcement. The ban has faced varied reactions; some advocate stricter import and access controls as more effective solutions.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 01 February 2024 20:28

Covid still evolving

Four years into the Covid pandemic, the virus continues to evolve rapidly, affecting the UK population and healthcare system. Approximately 1.2 million people in England and Scotland are now estimated to have Covid; the latest significant strain is the JN1 variant of Omicron. Despite lower peaks than in previous years, the virus still causes multiple waves, exacerbated by reduced vaccination scope and emerging variants. Hospitalisations have declined, with fewer than 5,000 weekly admissions in England since early 2023, thanks to vaccine effectiveness. The anti-vax movement has influenced public perception, but vaccines have significantly reduced Covid mortality. Long Covid remains a concern, affecting almost two million people in the UK and adding financial strain to healthcare services. Excess deaths in 2023 were still above the five-year average, indicating ongoing challenges for the NHS, including treatment backlogs. The pandemic has underscored health inequalities and the importance of comprehensive public health strategies. Future measures include seasonal vaccines and improved indoor air quality to combat evolving variants.

Published in British Isles

Health experts have issued a stark warning as measles cases surge in England, largely due to a rise in unvaccinated children. In 2023, there were 1,603 suspected measles cases in England and Wales, a significant increase from the previous two years. The West Midlands is currently experiencing the most severe outbreak, with 198 confirmed and 104 probable cases, primarily among unvaccinated school-age children in Birmingham. Its Children’s Hospital reports treating over fifty children for measles in the past month, the highest number in decades. Measles, a highly contagious disease, requires 95% vaccine coverage to achieve herd immunity. However, vaccination rates have dropped below 90%, increasing the risk of severe infections, brain damage, and even death. Professor Sir Andrew Pollard stresses the urgent need for more vaccinations to prevent hospital admissions and fatalities. The UK, which has lost its measles-free status due to declining MMR vaccinations, faces potential outbreaks if vaccination rates do not improve. The NHS is urging parents to ensure their children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine to curb the spread of this serious disease.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 18 January 2024 21:47

Covid jab skipped by 44%, study finds

A study published in the Lancet, focused on the summer of 2022, highlights that over 7,000 hospital admissions related to Covid-19 could have been prevented if the population had been fully vaccinated as recommended. The study analysed health records of the entire UK population over five years old. It found significant under-vaccination rates across the UK, with the highest in Northern Ireland (49.8%) and the lowest in Wales (32.8%). Different groups were recommended varying numbers of vaccine doses based on age and health conditions. The study also noted a correlation between under-vaccination and increased rates of severe illness, hospitalisation, and deaths from Covid. The research aims to inform public health campaigns and identify groups with lower vaccination rates, such as younger people, men, and those in poorer areas or from ethnic minorities. The potential of using large-scale NHS data for broader medical research was also emphasised. For more details, see the full article at the ‘More’ link below.

Published in British Isles

The junior doctors’ strike, the longest-ever in  NHS history, resulted in the postponement of over 113,000 patient operations and appointments - bringing the total since December 2022 to  1,333,221. Patients are bearing the brunt of this action, facing multiple cancellations, eroding confidence in healthcare. NHS leaders warn that the strike's impact could linger for months. As colder weather increases the demand for hospital treatment, the strain on staff remains considerable. Experts suggest that the number of cancellations could be twice as high as reported, as hospitals refrained from booking pre-planned operations during strikes. The British Medical Association has called for a 35% pay raise for junior doctors, citing a 26.1% real terms pay cut between 2008 and 2022. When the Government offered an 8.8% pay rise and an additional 3%, the doctors rejected it. NHS consultants recently took strike action and negotiated a 4.95% pay increase to add to the Government's 6% offer. The strike's aftermath will continue to affect healthcare services, prompting calls to end such actions.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 30 November 2023 21:53

New strain of swine flu detected

A new strain of swine flu, influenza A(H1N2)v, has been detected in a human in the UK for the first time. The patient, who had not worked with pigs, visited their GP in North Yorkshire with breathing problems and has since fully recovered. The source of the infection remains unknown. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is closely monitoring the situation and enhancing surveillance in GP surgeries and hospitals. Globally, there have been fifty cases of this strain since 2005, but the UK case is genetically distinct. This strain is similar to those found in pigs but differs from recent human cases of H1N2 elsewhere. The incident has prompted a collaborative effort between the UKHSA and veterinary authorities to investigate and protect public health. Although this case does not immediately suggest a pandemic risk, it raises concerns as zoonotic diseases have historically led to pandemics. Authorities are tracing contacts and urging pig keepers to report any signs of swine flu.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 30 November 2023 21:22

Australia: apology to thalidomide victims

Prime minister Anthony Albanese has issued a national apology to survivors of the thalidomide scandal and their families, marking the government's first acknowledgment of its role in the tragedy. Thalidomide, initially a sedative but widely used as a morning sickness drug in the 1950s, led to severe birth defects in at least 10,000 babies globally. A report in 2019 revealed that 20% of cases could have been prevented with earlier action. Survivors have long sought acknowledgment and compensation, pointing to the examples set by Canada (in 1991) and the UK (in 2010). 140 survivors have registered for a financial support programme which gives a one-off payment of £260,000 each, with subsequent annual payments of between £2,600 and £30,000. Mr Albanese has now reopened the application process for those who might have missed it previously.

Published in Worldwide
Page 1 of 15