Article Library
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease affects 8% of the population and this figure is set to rise in the future. This month Kidney Research UK discusses the role Primary Care can have in the fight against CKD.
The role of diet in Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common, inherited genetic condition characterised by abnormally high cholesterol levels which increases the risk of early development of coronary heart disease. A healthy diet confers cardioprotective benefits and is an important component in the treatment of this high risk group.1 Plant stanols/sterols may prove to be an effective adjunct to the cholesterol lowering treatment of heterozygous FH children and adults.7
Balloon Sinuplasty™ Technology: A surgeon’s perspective
We speak to Consultant ENT Surgeon Sam Jayaraj about Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology and the way it has changed chronic sinus treatment.
Reflections On a Career In Colorectal Surgery
Paul Durdey qualified in Medicine in 1977. He pursued a career in colorectal surgery. As he comes towards the twilight of his career he discusses his colorectal surgery as a career, the outline of his training the types of diseases he has dealt with, the evolution of surgical procedures and the role nurses play in his work.
Ethicon Women’s Health & Urology - Bringing hope to hundreds of women
Ethicon Women’s Health & Urology (EWHU) is a specialised business within the global provider of medical solutions, Johnson & Johnson. It is dedicated to providing innovative solutions for common women’s health problems and to providing easy-to-understand information so that women may weigh up their options and, along with their doctors, make informed decisions about their choice of treatment.
Leeches, Aloe Vera and Red Hot Pokers: a brief history of haemorrhoid treatment
Ever since we started walking on two legs humanity has had to contend with haemorrhoids. They’re even referred to in the Bible! Consultant surgeon Karim Muhammad gives us a history of haemorrhoid treatment.
Could our climate be bad for our sinuses?
In the UK we are famous for talking about the weather but maybe it accounts for more than our choice of umbrella or sunglasses. As hay fever season gets well underway we ask if our weather could be affecting our sinuses and increasing our chances of contracting sinusitis.
The possible link between strokes and cholesterol
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease however the association with stroke is inconsistent. Here, we provide an overview of the debate on cholesterol and stroke and the importance of lowering cholesterol in the overall context of reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
A minimally invasive hysterectomy
Minimally invasive hysterectomy which can promote faster return to normal activities, reducing pain and trauma and minimising scarring can now be performed as a day case.
The common childhood illnesses series – Ear Infections
In this issue, Sonia Hall of the Practice Nurse Association continues the series of childhood illnesses with a look at ear infections.
Statins: how effective and safe are they?
Statins are powerful LDL cholesterol-lowering drugs which can significantly lower the risk of mortality and cardiovascular events. Statins are among the safest drugs and one of the most studied medicines available today. Like all medicines, statins carry potential side effects, which are usually mild, easy to recognise, reversible and very rarely dangerous.
How some simple lifestyle changes may improve the chances of haemorrhoidal treatment being successful
Consultant Colorectal Surgeon Michael Lamparelli FRCS advises how being overweight can contribute to or exacerbate problems with bowel evacuation and haemorrhoids and how it should be addressed when dealing with patients presenting these conditions.
The different types of Sinusitis
We look at Sinusitis - a common condition which can seriously impact on daily life; what to look out for and how it can be treated.
Fibroids – a common condition with a simple solution
Fibroids affect millions of women in the UK, usually between the age of 30 to 40 years of age. Fibroids are explained as growths within the muscle and connective tissue of the uterus and are usually non-cancerous. There is now a procedure available in the UK called the GYNECARE VERSAPOINT® which is both minimally invasive and quick.
Gynaecological procedures in the GP's surgery
An increasing number of women in certain parts of the country have been able to have small gynae procedures – such as hysteroscopy and endometrial ablation - undertaken in the familiar setting of their GP's surgery.
STARR (Stapled TransAnal Rectal Resection) surgery for Obstructed Defecation Syndrome – A patient's story
We speak to a patient about his experience with STARR Prolapse Surgery to treat Obstructed Defecation Syndrome and find out over two years later how successful it was and if he has any regrets.
Europe’s first disease risk reduction claims for Plant Stanol Esters and Plant Sterols
Disease risk reduction claims relating to Plant Stanol and Plant Sterol enriched foods are amongst the first to be authorised by the European Commission confirming their cholesterol lowering properties and that high cholesterol is a major risk factor in the development of Coronary Heart Disease1.
The common childhood illnesses series – Chickenpox
With the traditional Chickenpox Season just around the corner, Sonia Hall of the Practice Nurse Association discusses the varicella-zoster virus, who is most at risk and what complications can occur.
Constipation and Rectocele: which treatment approach is best?
Consultant colorectal surgeon David Jayne BSc MB BCh FRCS MD discusses the recent success of STARR in the treatment of constipation associated with rectocele and internal rectal prolapse, and considers which patients may benefit most from the procedure.
The common childhood illnesses series - Rubella
Sonia Hall of the Practice Nurse Association discusses the viral infection which can be highly dangerous if contracted by pregnant women.
Managing common gynaecological conditions
Gynaecology has been identified as one of the top five specialities accounting for around two thirds of all long waits in the NHS. It is now possible to undertake a number of investigative procedures in the primary care setting.
Combating Obesity - The effect of excess weight on cholesterol levels
Obesity is a growing public health concern and appropriate management and education on the complications that can arise from this health related disease are key to tackling the problem. This article will focus on the link between obesity and high cholesterol levels and how practical steps can be taken to manage these public health issues.
Sucralose for people with diabetes
It has been proposed that sucralose has no effect on blood glucose (BG) or insulin levels and thus can be suitable for people with diabetes as an alternative to sugar in their diets. This abstract of a study looks at the proposal in actual type 2 diabetic patients.
The common childhood illnesses series: Mumps
Having recently been suspected of having mumps as an adult, Sonia Hall, of the Practice Nurse Association, begins a series of articles covering common childhood illnesses by discussing the infection that gives kids the hamster look.
Please read the label: Helping patients to improve their diet
Nutrition-related health problems, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity, present a significant challenge to government and healthcare professionals alike. Despite a number of innovative and interesting programmes, obesity rates continue to rise at an alarming pace. This article will explore front of pack food labeling, an initiative designed to help consumers make more informed choices about the foods they’re eating.
GYNECARE THERMACHOICE® - a real alternative to hysterectomy
For years, women suffering from really heavy periods (menorrhagia) have either had to put up with the embarrassment and discomfort of the condition, or undergo either dilation and curettage, or a full hysterectomy. Both are invasive surgical procedures.
Embarrassing illnesses – in the spotlight again
Health professionals are familiar with the raft of diseases and disorders which fall under the heading of 'embarrassing illnesses'. Despite the fact that few patients want to talk about them the public is endlessly fascinated as repeat seasons of 'Embarrassing Illnesses' and 'Embarrassing Bodies' on television have proved.
Weighing up the options
An abstract on the recent American research project, ‘Families On the Move’, which demonstrated that reducing calorie intake by using sucralose sweetened products and increasing physical activity can help maintain a healthier weight.
Stress Urinary Incontinence – there's a better solution
Many women suffer from occasional Stress Urinary Incontinence – generally speaking it's a minor embarrassment. But for a significant number of women, usually those who have had children, it's a real problem which affects quality of life.
Is the recession ruining our health?
As news of property crashes, job losses and recession continue to grab the headlines, fellow health professionals are worried that the current economic downturn could have a dramatic impact on our health.
The efficacy of a high strength patch: The Cease Study
The aim of NRT is to help wean smokers off the habit of smoking by providing them with some of the nicotine they are used to getting from cigarettes.
A spring in their step? Or dragging their feet...?
As the weather improves and the mercury climbs a little higher in the thermometer, so people start to wear less. And, in the case of women in particular, that often means leaving off heavy boots and thick tights - this is the time of year when your patients should be thinking about looking after their feet and legs.
Reduce the risk of diabetes with the help of a teaspoon
With new statistics1 revealing that the rising level of obesity has sent diabetes cases soaring by almost three quarters in just six years, now’s the time to start making steps towards reducing our sugar consumption. - 1. Diabetes UK
Pelvic Organ Prolapse - it's common; it's treatable
Pelvic Organ Prolapse affects as many as one in three women past the age of 45. Now a new minimally invasive surgical technique offers promising long-term results.
Cholesterol - what it is and how to lower it with the new Portfolio Diet
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and particularly coronary heart disease (CHD - the main form of CVD) is the biggest killer in the UK, causing over 117, 000 deaths a year: approximately 1 in 5 deaths in men and 1 in 6 deaths in women - British Heart Foundation Statistics - Mortality (2008) http://www.heartstats.org.
Depression - recognising the signs
Sonia Hall of the Practice Nurse Association examines why this is such a hot topic.
Published in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing's Practice Nurse Association
