We all have an image of someone choking, going puce, running around and gasping. That may be true for some people, but someone who has a complete blockage of their windpipe due to an obstruction, is likely to be silent and may struggle to get someone’s attention and alert them as to what it wrong. As […]
Every year, thousands of people in the UK get a bout of cold, (which is not the same as influenza), but can still leave you feeling unwell for 7-10 days. This year, there seems to be a particularly nasty version doing the rounds – the Queen has only just recovered after weeks of staying indoors at Sandringham […]
Community healthcare professionals lack knowledge on severe allergic reactions in children, according to a recent study published in the journal, Clinical and Experimental Allergy. School first aiders, community pharmacists and GP practice nurses overestimate the risk of fatal reaction for children with food allergy, suggests a new study, yet some are unable to treat allergic […]
In the latest Tom Hanks movie, Pilot Sully was a hero as he landed the aircraft on the Hudson River, saving all on board. Crash investigators, however, questioned whether he had made an error of judgement, and whether he could in fact have landed safely at a nearby airport. As nurses, we often have to […]
The problem of antibiotic resistance is real and it has to be tackled on many fronts. The scale of the problem should not be underestimated. It is no longer a worry for the future, it is happening right now in many parts of the world including the UK. We are already seeing bacteria becoming resistant […]
‘Many of the people who call our helpline are distressed and anxious. We welcome anyone affected by pancreatic cancer and lots of callers are relatives who are quite protective of family members who have just been diagnosed and will try to shield them from some of the statistics that may be discovered on websites. They […]
Mouth cancer kills nearly 2000 people in the UK each year. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) of which there are over 100 different types, is more commonly associated with cervical cancer and genital warts, but it can also cause oral cancer, particularly of the back of the tongue and tonsils. The virus incorporates itself into the […]
Bonfire night celebrations are great fun for adults and kids alike. Unfortunately, darkness, fireworks, trailing fancy dress costumes and undercooked bangers can be a hazardous combination. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, around 1000 people end up in hospital every year due to injuries caused by fireworks in the four week […]
When does the flu season start and why should people have the jab done now? How long does it take to ‘work’? The Flu season tends to begin as the months get colder. The vaccine can take between 10 to 14 days to become effective so the sooner eligible individuals receive their jab once vaccine […]
Herbalism is an ancient form of medicine. Herbs and plants can be used to treat a wide range of conditions ranging from burns, to ulcers, flatulence, laryngitis, insomnia and psoriasis. Here are some common herbs and their uses. Never take herbal supplements if you are on medication without checking with your doctor first. Echinacea: Echinacea […]