Wales urged to incorporate COPD detection in lung screening programme
Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, Health and Social Care Spokesperson for Plaid Cymru, commented: 'This new policy proposal sets clear and actionable goals for Wales to lead the way within the UK in preventing avoidable hospital stays and improving care for people living with COPD. By working together to build on potential lung screening infrastructure in Wales, we have the opportunity to better detect undiagnosed COPD earlier.'
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Cambrian News
2 hours ago
- Cambrian News
Wales urged to incorporate COPD detection in lung screening programme
Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, Health and Social Care Spokesperson for Plaid Cymru, commented: 'This new policy proposal sets clear and actionable goals for Wales to lead the way within the UK in preventing avoidable hospital stays and improving care for people living with COPD. By working together to build on potential lung screening infrastructure in Wales, we have the opportunity to better detect undiagnosed COPD earlier.'
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The 7 best ways to combat hay fever as peak season hits – from ‘diaphragm dumbbells' to supplements
Scroll down to find out which clever gadget could help your breathing BREATHE EASY The 7 best ways to combat hay fever as peak season hits – from 'diaphragm dumbbells' to supplements Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE sun is shining, the sky is blue – yet for millions of us, this time of year can be pure hell. Instead of making the most of the warmer weather, we're inside, battling itchy eyes and runny noses and we just . . . can't . . . stop . . . sneezing. Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, affects one in four of us. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up It's a reaction to pollen, which triggers inflammation and increased mucus production – hence the watery eyes, coughing, nasal issues and scratchy throat, mouth and ears. It can also aggravate lung conditions such as asthma, which affects 7.2million people in the UK, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects 1.2million. Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead for charity Asthma + Lung UK, tells Sun Health: 'If you are allergic to pollen and come into contact with it in the air, the muscles around the airways tighten and the airways' linings become swollen and inflamed with a build-up of mucus, making it difficult to breathe.' So, what can you do if you want to enjoy the summer without feeling like your face or lungs are under attack? Here are some simple tactics to consider . . . PROTECT EYES 5 Try the wraparound sunglasses from Credit: supplied SENSITIVE, irritated eyes need extra protection during hay fever season, says dermatologist Dr Eva Melegh. She suggests: Ditch mascara: The sticky consistency makes it a trap for pollen. Wear sunglasses: The larger they are, and the more they wrap around the eyes, the better. Wipe the lenses and frames regularly with a clean cloth to remove any build-up of pollen. Try the wraparound sunglasses from price £22.95. Use a calming gel or mask on the skin around the eyes: Try Hydrosil Dry Eye Gel (£10.95, which contains soothing plant sterols to calm irritation and can be worn overnight and under make-up. Or Optase Cooling Eye Mask (£10.99, is perfect for ten minutes of quick relief. Using eye drops to soothe red and itchy eyes: Try A. Vogel Pollinosan Hay Fever Eye Drops (£13.99, They contain chamomile, hyaluronic acid and sterile water. MUSCLE TRAINING HAY fever can inflame your airways and make it harder to breathe. One option, backed by physios and medics, is inspiratory muscle training (IMT) using a resistance-based device such as the POWERbreathe Plus (£59.99, It's been described as 'dumbbells for your diaphragm', as it improves the strength of your respiratory muscles. Studies show that when asthma patients breathe into the device for five minutes a day for at least three weeks, their symptoms improve by 75 per cent and their medication use drops by 79 per cent. Dr Simon Taggart, consultant chest and general physician at Spire Manchester Hospital, says: 'In addition to your usual use of antihistamines and your preventer device, the POWERbreathe helps to strengthen your breathing during pollen season.' Speak to your GP, as some devices are available on the NHS with a prescription. hayfever recommendations from a boots pharmacist THE AIR THAT YOU BREATHE 5 Air purifiers can create a cleaner and fresher home environment Credit: supplied TRY to keep your windows closed on days with high levels of pollen and pollution, ventilate your home when cooking or cleaning, and consider getting an air purifier if you live in a badly affected area, says Dr Gareth Patterson, an NHS GP. Try 4 Speed White Air Purifier (£32, which creates a cleaner and fresher home environment. Or, Coway Airmega Mighty (£164.99, is a portable, quiet air purifier that removes pollen, dust and other allergens. And MedicAir Pro Mini (£599, is a medical-grade purifier that employs the highest-rated HEPA filter to keep the air free of pollutants, including pollen, pet fur, smoke and mould. EASE YOUR WHEEZING 5 The Shaker Medic Plus is said to help clear sticky mucus from your chest Credit: supplied WHEEZING when pollen hits? This clever gadget could help. The Shaker Medic Plus (£44.99, is a drug-free device said to help clear sticky mucus from your chest — ideal when either hay fever or asthma flares up. It uses gentle vibrations as you breathe out, shaking loose gunk from your lungs so you can cough it up more easily. The result? Easier breathing, fewer flare-ups, and less risk of infection. It's pocket-sized, easy to use and a smart extra tool when the pollen count soars. BE PREPARED MANY of us check the weather forecast before heading out — so try doing the same for pollen levels. Dr Gareth Patterson says: 'If you suffer from hay fever or seasonal asthma, this is triggered by exposure to tree and plant pollen, so always check the daily pollen count and avoid spending time walking, exercising outdoors or gardening when levels are high.' The Met Office issues nationwide pollen forecasts for the coming five days. WHAT SUPP? 5 Some people swear by anti-hay fever supplements Credit: supplied EVER tried any anti-hay fever supplements? The evidence on how effective these are is mixed, but some people swear by them. Try probiotics. Research suggests that imbalances in gut bacteria can cause inflammation, which may trigger allergies and hay-fever. A report published in Frontiers In Nutrition found that probiotics may help by modulating the immune system. Try Wellbio Live Cultures (£16.95, which contains ten billion gut-friendly cultures. Vitamin C has antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In a study in the International Journal Of Otorhinolaryngology And Head And Neck Surgery, 1g daily alleviated hay fever symptoms. Try Vitamin C 1,000mg, right, (£3.50, from Quercetin is a plant flavonoid found in foods. 'It has anti-allergic and antihistamine properties,' says registered sports nutritionist Rob Hobson. 'Research shows that quercetin may help to reduce allergies'. Try eating apples, berries, cherries, grapes, onions, capers, green tea and leafy green veg. PUT IT TO BED 5 The AllerGuard Home Starter Pack creates a barrier against allergens Credit: supplied FROM pollen to dust mites, allergens will also lurk in your bedroom. The average mattress, for example, can harbour up to ten million dust mites, which can wreak havoc on hay-fever sufferers. Vacuum your home daily, and consider buying anti-allergy bedding. Try Silentnight Anti-Allergy Duvet, Pillow and Mattress Protector (£11.99, which is approved by the British Allergy Foundation and filled with specially treated hollowfibre that protects you from pollen, bacteria and dust mites. Or the AllerGuard Home Starter Pack (from £229.50 at includes pillow, duvet and mattress protectors made from light, breathable fabric that has been woven tightly enough to create a barrier against allergens.
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Llinos Medi MP presses Government on Gaza healthcare system
Ms Medi, of Plaid Cymru, has also signed a cross-party letter calling for an inquiry into the UK's involvement in Israel's military assault in Gaza. At Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday (June 4), Keir Starmer labelled matters in Gaza "appalling and intolerable", and reiterated calls for a ceasefire. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Ms Medi said: 'We can all see that a genocide is happening in Gaza. It is time the Government called this for what it is. 'We are witnessing the systematic dismantling of Gaza's healthcare system, with Israel recently destroying the only kidney dialysis facility in northern Gaza. 'What is the Government doing to prevent Gaza's healthcare system from being decimated further and to re-establish hospitals and lifesaving medical services?' In response to Ms Medi's comments, the minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, said: 'While the blockade remains in place, there is very little that any outside partner can do to try and ensure proper health services in Gaza. 'I will not mislead the house by suggesting otherwise. 'The aid that has come in from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is far too little and far too geographically concentrated to be able to provide the kind of provision that Gazans are entitled to and that they should have, and is a clear necessity under International Humanitarian Law.'
