Category: NHS

The Foundations of Good Health: Fruits, Vegetables, and Fibre

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, complemented by a variety of high-fibre foods, is one of the foundations of good health. Eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily is not just a number to aim for – it’s essential for a healthier life. Here’s a deeper dive into why these dietary staples are so crucial for your health:

1. The Powerhouse Pair: Fruits and Vegetables

Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre, yet low in calories, fruits and vegetables are the unsung heroes of a health-conscious diet. Regular consumption of this dynamic duo can significantly diminish the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and certain cancers. The presence of vitamin C, along with a symphony of phytonutrients, bolsters the body’s health defences, offering a spectrum of benefits that go beyond basic nutrition.

2. The Fibre Effect: Sustenance and Protection

High-fibre foods act as the body’s natural sweep, promoting a robust digestive system and offering protection against cardiovascular diseases, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer. The satiating nature of fibre aids in weight management by reducing the propensity to snack on high-calorie foods, thereby fostering a healthy weight profile.

Understanding Portions

A ‘portion‘ might seem abstract, but it translates into tangible items on your plate. For instance:

– A medium-sized apple or banana counts as one portion.

– A half-cup of chopped vegetables or fruit fits the bill.

– One cup of leafy salad greens or a quarter cup of dried fruit also qualifies.

– When it comes to high-fibre foods, think whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and of course, a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Diversity is Essential

Embracing a rainbow of fruits and vegetables ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients, each with its unique role in health and disease prevention. The different hues are indicative of the diverse vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they contain, each contributing to the complex tapestry of a healthful diet.

Integrating Healthy Habits

Adopting a diet that includes these vital food groups is a significant step toward maintaining a healthy weight and mitigating the risk of chronic diseases. However, it’s most effective when part of a holistic approach to health that includes regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and other healthy lifestyle choices. By making these food groups a daily habit, we pave the way for better health.

The UK government must be more proactive about addressing drug shortages

In a letter published in the British Medical Journal, I discuss why the UK government must be more proactive about drug addressing shortages in the NHS.

The lack of drugs such as methylphenidate required for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the latest of many medication shortages we have seen in the UK in recent years.1 These shortages are now too frequent and waste the time of NHS staff such as general practitioners and pharmacists who have to spend time counselling patients and sourcing alternative drugs instead of focusing on more relevant work. They are also very stressful for patients who risk going without key drugs with potentially adverse consequences for their health. For people with ADHD, for example, this could mean going without medication that they require to function effectively at work and school and in their personal relationships.

We need a much more proactive approach from the government, which needs to work with drugs manufacturers and wholesalers to ensure that the NHS has adequate supplies of key drugs to prevent such problems occurring in the future. This could include better data on drug supply and demand to identify problems before they occur; improving local manufacturing capacity in the UK for essential drugs needed by the NHS; price incentives for suppliers; and international collaboration to ensure continuity of drug supply. Moreover, immediate support mechanisms should be put in place for primary care teams grappling with the increased workload caused by these shortages. Patients too could benefit from help such as national helplines or online support to allow them to cope better with the consequences of drug shortages.

Until we see active intervention by government, working in partnership with the NHS and industry, patients in the UK will continue to be affected and the time of NHS staff will continue to be wasted because of drug shortages.

Digital Tools for Enhancing Infectious Disease Screening in Migrants

The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) has highlighted a stark reality: migrants in Europe are disproportionately affected by undiagnosed infections, including tuberculosis, blood-borne viruses, and parasitic infections. Many migrants also fall into the category of being under-immunised. The call to action is clear — innovative strategies must be developed to deliver integrated multi-disease screening within primary care settings. Despite this call, the United Kingdom’s response remains fragmented. Our recent in-depth qualitative study published in the Journal of Migration and Health delves into the current practices, barriers, and potential solutions to this pressing public health issue.

Primary healthcare professionals from across the UK participated in two phases of this qualitative study through semi-structured telephone interviews. The first phase focused on clinical staff, including general practitioners, nurses, healthcare assistants, and pharmacists. The second phase targeted administrative staff, such as practice managers and receptionists. Through these interviews, a complex picture emerged, revealing a primary care system capable of effective screening but hamstrung by inconsistency and lack of standardized approaches. Many practices lack a systematic screening process, resulting in migrant patients not consistently receiving care based on established NICE/ECDC/UKHSA guidelines.

The barriers to effective infectious disease screening are multifaceted, stemming from patient, staff, and systemic levels. Clinicians and administrative staff pinpointed the stumbling blocks: overly complex care pathways, a lack of financial and expert support, and the need for significant administrative and clinical time investments. Solutions proposed by respondents include appointing infectious disease champions among patients and staff, providing targeted training and specialist support, simplifying care pathways, and introducing financial incentives.

Enter Health Catch-UP!., a collaboratively developed digital clinical decision-making tool designed to support multi-infection screening for migrant patients. The primary care professionals involved in the study responded enthusiastically to this digital innovation. They recognized its potential to systematize data integration and support clinical decision-making, thereby increasing knowledge, reducing missed screening opportunities, and normalizing infectious disease screening for migrants in primary care.

The conclusion is unequivocal: current implementation of infectious disease screening in migrant populations within UK primary care is suboptimal. Yet, there is hope. Digital tools like Health Catch-UP! could revolutionize disease detection and the effective implementation of screening guidance. However, for such digital innovations to succeed, they must be robustly tested and adequately resourced. It’s not just about having the right tools but also ensuring the entire healthcare system is aligned to support their deployment. With the right commitment, we can ensure that migrants receive the care they need and deserve, safeguarding both their individual health as well as public health in the UK.

Staying healthy this winter and making the most of the NHS

With England’s NHS under immense pressure even before the full onset of winter, here are some tips on how you can make the most of the NHS, use health services more appropriately, and obtain the care you and your family need to protect your health and wellbeing.

  1. Attend for appointments for medication reviews and for the management of long-term conditions when invited. This is important because it helps to ensure that your medication is up-to-date and that your condition is being managed effectively.
  2. Take-up the offer of Covid-19 and flu vaccinations if you are eligible. Vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself from these serious illnesses. Also take up any other NHS vaccinations you and your family are eligible for.
  3. Use the NHS app to book appointments, view your GP medical record and order repeat prescriptions. This is a convenient and efficient way to manage your healthcare.
  4. Be aware of the range of options for NHS care – including opticians, pharmacists, self-referral services (e.g., podiatry, Talking Therapies, smoking cessation), and NHS 111. This can help you to access the care you need quickly and easily.
  5. Use the NHS electronic prescription service so that your prescription is sent directly to a pharmacy. This can save you time and hassle.
  6. For queries about hospital care, contact the hospital Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) team rather than your GP. The PALS team is there to help patients and their families with any concerns or questions they have about their hospital care. The contact details are usually present on the hospital’s website.
  7. Apply for online access to your hospital records if this is available. This can give you access to your medical information at any time, which can be helpful if you need to manage your own care or if you need to see a new doctor.
  8. Don’t Smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
  9. Exercise regularly including outdoors so that you get some sunlight exposure. Exercise is important for overall health and well-being, and sunlight exposure helps to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.
  10. Eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day and eat plenty of high-fibre foods. Eating a healthy diet is important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
  11. Limit your sugar and salt intake. Consuming too much sugar and salt can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health problems.
  12. Limit your alcohol intake to a safe level. Consuming too much alcohol can damage the liver and increase the risk of other health problems.
  13. Take time to improve your mental health; including by meeting regularly with friends and family. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is important to take steps to protect and improve your mental well-being.
  14. Check your own blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease, so it is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly.
  15. Take your medication as prescribed. It is important to take the correct dose of your medication at the correct time in order to get the best results.
  16. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial, especially when using heating systems that can dehydrate.
  17. Manage Stress: Stress can have a negative impact on your immune system. Consider incorporating mindfulness or relaxation techniques into your daily routine.
  18. Telemedicine: Use telehealth options when appropriate, to save time and minimise exposure to potential infections.
  19. First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit and know how to use the basic items. This can be particularly useful for minor injuries and illnesses.
  20. Home Safety: Falls and accidents are common during the winter due to icy conditions. Making your home slip-proof can prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
  21. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Important contact numbers should be easily accessible, whether it’s on your fridge or saved in your phone.
  22. Regular Hand Washing: Promote good hand hygiene, especially if interacting with vulnerable populations like the elderly or very young.
  23. Know the Signs of More Serious Conditions: Understanding the early symptoms of conditions like strokes, heart attacks, and other acute illnesses can save precious time in an emergency.
  24. Air Quality: Try to keep up the air quality in your home and at work; for example, through ventilation.
  25. Supplement Vitamin D: Sunlight exposure may be limited, so consider vitamin D supplementation if you are in a group that this is recommended for.
  26. Community Support: If possible, check on neighbours and family members who might be vulnerable during the winter months, whether due to age, health conditions, or social isolation.
  27. Use of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication: Understand when to use OTC medications for minor illnesses and when to seek professional advice.
  28. Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential for good health, so it is important to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  29. Listen to experts on health issues and not random people on social media. There is a lot of misinformation about health issues circulating on social media, so it is important to get your health information from reliable sources, such as the NHS website or healthcare professionals.