Latest news with #TheIndependentPharmacy
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bird flu symptoms in humans to look out for following outbreaks around the UK
Bird flu has made a comeback across the UK with the latest outbreak reported in Dorset This resurgence has raised questions about the disease. Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, discussed the details about bird flu. Dr Grant clarified: "Bird flu, or avian flu, as it's also known, is an infectious disease that's passed among birds. "While most strains are harmless to humans, there are some instances where the flu can infect and even kill individuals. This is rare, but it does happen, with one person dying in the US in January." He further explained that there have been four strains since 1997 that have prompted the culling of infected birds to limit the spread among wildlife and humans. These strains are believed to have caused concern in 1997, 2013, 2014 and 2016. READ: Peregrine falcon dies after contracting bird flu For the infective strains, transmission can occur via contact with infected birds; whether dead or alive, touching their droppings or consuming infected meat. Dr Grant said: "If an individual believes they have contracted the illness, they should contact the NHS on 111 where a professional can assess symptoms over the phone. "In-person, a doctor can provide antiviral medicines that can help reduce the intensity of the illness, but quarantining is crucial in the meantime to minimise spread." Describing the symptoms, Dr Grant said: "While symptoms can range from person to person, there are some incredibly common ones experienced by most infected people. "In rare cases, the flu can even be symptomless, making it difficult to identify while still transmitting it to unsuspecting individuals." The most frequently reported symptom is a high fever of at least 38 degrees Celsius. This affects the body's temperature-regulating system, leading to fevers that can hinder daily tasks such as work. READ: Dorset warning after bird flu detected in sheep The gastrointestinal tract is also affected, resulting in diarrhoea. If not managed correctly, diarrhoea can lead to dehydration which worsens the symptoms. Dr Grant recommended Dioralyte Sachets to combat this. Bird flu can also cause changes in eye health, such as conjunctivitis and muscle aches. "The immune system releases white blood cells to fight the flu, which can cause inflammation, muscle pain and aches." Common flu symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath can also occur. "As bird flu continues to pose a risk around the UK, understanding the symptoms relating to the illness is crucial, helping people identify and avoid the harmful condition," Dr Grant said. "It'll be intriguing to see how farmers manage the spread over the next few months."
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
GP issues urgent warning over 'summer penis' phenomenon that could destroy intimate moments
British men may be enjoying a 'summer penis' thanks to warmer weather but doctors warn that as the mercury rises so too does risk of erectile dysfunction. Summer penis is a term given to the phenomenon where men find their manhood swells in size as the temperature climbs. This is a simple biological reaction to the heat with blood vessels in the member expanding instinctively to help cool the body. As a result, this can make the penis seem slightly larger or fuller than normal. However, Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senor clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, warned that warmer weather wasn't completely good news for men's nether regions. 'Across the UK, we've been blessed with some incredible spring weather as temperatures exceed 25C in some cities,' he said. 'While this is welcome news, the warm weather can also affect many health conditions, exacerbating symptoms. This includes erectile dysfunction (ED).' He explained that hotter temperatures can worsen impotency—which is where men are unable to get or keep an erection—in multiple ways. 'One of the main ways warmer weather can affect ED symptoms is through dehydration,' he said. 'When we become dehydrated, our bodies reduce blood volume, making it more difficult for men with penile issues to achieve and maintain an erection.' Dr Grant said another way the heat could ruin men's intimate moments was through simple tiredness and a lack of sleep. 'The warmer weather forces our bodies to work harder to maintain a safe internal temperature, which can often trigger fatigue,' he said. 'Poor sleep can have a direct impact on hormone production, limiting the amount of testosterone produced, which, in turn, worsens ED symptoms and makes achieving an erection more difficult.' He explained the combination has a knock-on effect on ED sufferers, increasing stress and worsening performance anxiety. Finally, while the warm weather may make some men crave for an ice-cold pint Dr Grant warned this will also make ED worse. 'When temperatures rise, so does alcohol consumption, as Brits make use of beer gardens and host get-togethers to enjoy the warm weather. 'However, alcohol can have an extremely negative impact on ED symptoms, lowering blood pressure and affecting blood flow to the gentile area. 'Long-term, unhealthy alcohol consumption can damage nerves and blood vessels, further impacting men with this condition.' Erectile dysfunction, also called impotency, is thought to effect about half of men over 40. While most cases of erectile dysfunction are isolated and nothing to worry about, repeated or sustained impotency should be checked out by a GP. It can be an indicator of serious health problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, diabetes, hormone problems and mental issues like depression and anxiety.
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Doctor warns people against dangerous 7-day crash diet for one key reason
Dr Donald Grant has warned against a dangerous seven-day crash diet which is circulating online after a study found Brits were interested in unhealthy eating habits A doctor has issued a warning about crash diets as a 'seven day' weightloss plan sweeps social media. Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, warned that while crash diets may initially seem effective, they carry significant health risks. Dr Grant explained: "In the digital age, social media is constantly feeding us advice on how we should amend diets and approaches to eating. Unfortunately, this can often give way to the rise of unsafe eating measures, such as crash diets, which can have both short-term and long-term health implications." One diet trend currently making waves online is a seven-day crash diet plan, reports Plymouth Live. Dr Grant detailed: "This diet consists of a set seven-day meal plan, where certain foods are limited, often leading to extreme calorie deficits and rapid weight loss." He continued: "This strict approach can lead to rapid weight loss through calorie deficits." Yet Dr Grant added: "The absence of dairy products could limit calcium intake, leading to deficiencies." Dr Grant cautioned that while the diet may be 'effective, it's extremely limiting and potentially harmful for both short and long-term health'. He concluded: "While this diet is currently trending, it's largely unsafe due to its heavily restrictive phases, which could lead to nutrient deficiencies, as it's not well-balanced. The extremely low calorie intake may prove effective for shedding weight, but it's not worth the health implications that come with it. "Maintaining the crash diet over a prolonged period could increase the risk of muscle loss, fatigue and deficiencies, while being especially dangerous for diabetics or pregnant women. Instead, people should combine healthy, well-balanced diets with regular exercise to achieve safe and honest results. Our study into the most Googled diets revealed many Brits are interested in unhealthy eating approaches such as the carnivore diet and keto diet, which ranked first and second, respectively." The health risks of crash diets The doctor said: 'In my opinion, crash diets are never worth the hassle. They are incredibly restrictive, often requiring people to adjust eating habits to create huge calorie deficits to instigate rapid weight loss. While this is often desired, it's also incredibly unhealthy for our bodies. Here's why. Nutrient deficiencies He said: 'To operate correctly, our bodies require a well-balanced selection of key nutrients, often obtained through various food types. The presence of a crash diet can limit specific foods, making it hard to obtain vital nutrients and minerals such as fibre. This can lead to extreme fatigue and affect our immune systems." Dehydration The doctor said: 'Rapid weight loss can often lead to dehydration. This is because most of the initial weight shed is water and not actually body fat. It's a tactic used by boxers and often criticised for its lack of safety. Dehydration can lead to many symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue and headaches, while increasing the risk of heat exhaustion. Impact on metabolism The doctor said: 'When we restrict calorie intake, our bodies react accordingly. Over time, the body can burn fewer calories, as the metabolism slows due to the change in eating habits. This can prove problematic as burning calories at a slower rate can make managing weight more challenging. Often, when people stop their crash diet, they regain most of the weight back anyway, so a healthier approach is advised."
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a GP and these six habits can reduce your risk of dementia'
A doctor has urged people to stick to six life-changing habits to help keep dementia at bay, advising that these easy-to-follow suggestions can help 'reduce risk and boost cognitive function' As a landmark study determines that controlling blood pressure could slash the risk of dementia, a doctor has urged people to stick to six simple habits to help stave off this life-altering syndrome. Dementia refers to a group of related symptoms which are associated with a progressive decline in brain functioning. There are many different types; however, the majority of cases are connected to Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia, as per the NHS. A sobering 2024 report commissioned by the Alzheimer's Society found that approximately one million people in the UK are living with some form of dementia. This figure is projected to soar to 1.4 million people by the year 2040. Symptoms to look out for include memory loss, language problems, hallucinations, difficulties controlling mood, and personality changes. Sadly, although there are treatments to manage a person's symptoms, there is currently no cure for dementia. There are, however, some measures we can take right now to reduce the risk of developing dementia in the long run. Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has advised: "A healthy brain is vital for most everyday tasks, helping with problem-solving, memory and learning new skills. However, as we age, our brain health can decline rapidly, leading to conditions such as Alzheimer's or dementia. Thankfully, a variety of habits can reduce risk and boost cognitive function. Let's take a look in further detail:" Making sure to exercise regularly According to Dr Grant: "Exercising regularly is crucial for our brain health, as it can trigger the release of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, helping to boost mood and focus. Additionally, exercise stimulates blood flow, enhancing oxygen delivery to the brain, which boosts general function. 'Through regular movement, people can lower their risk of neurodegenerative illnesses, including dementia, by combating brain shrinkage and slowing cognitive decline." Get experts' health advice straight to your WhatsApp! As experts react to the latest health threats and changing advice, the Mirror has launched its very own Health & Wellbeing WhatsApp community where you'll get health updates and news straight to your phone. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Staying social Dr Grant revealed: 'Socialising with friends or family is a great way to stimulate the mind and fight against cognitive decline. It's a great way to reduce stress, strengthen neural pathways, and improve memory. Interacting with others also tests our ability to process different emotions; without this stimulation, loneliness can cause brain health to deteriorate quickly. 'Interestingly, a Harvard study revealed that people with regular social lives had 70% less cognitive decline in comparison to other, less sociable individuals. Add structure to your sleep routine As explained by Dr Grant: ' Sleep is crucial for brain health, allowing us to consolidate memory and process emotions. It's also when the brain disposes of toxins or proteins it doesn't need, such as amyloid beta, which is strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease. "Therefore, I strongly advise people to establish a structured sleep routine, avoiding blue light and caffeine before bed and aiming to go to sleep at the same time each night." Prioritising nutrient-rich foods Urging people to put extra thought into their meal planning, Dr Grant said: 'When looking to prioritise brain health, people should opt for nutrient-rich foods - including omega-3 from oily fish, antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables, a healthy level of protein and vitamins. Foods rich in these brain-healthy nutrients are effective at combating cognitive decline. 'On the other hand, foods I'd recommend people avoid include highly processed goods, sugary foods and drinks with artificial sweeteners, as these can impact hormone balance and fatigue levels, potentially impairing brain functions." Stimulate your brain with engaging activities Dr Grant suggested: 'Activities or hobbies such as playing an instrument, engaging in puzzles or reading are all beneficial for stimulating the brain and enhancing cognitive function. These tasks boost memory while improving problem-solving techniques and creativity. 'While it can be difficult to juggle work and social lives with hobbies, they're incredibly important for mental stimulation, helping people better their brain health and reduce the risk of dementia or similar conditions. Getting out and about in nature As per Dr Grant: 'Finally, exposure to nature is an effective way to improve brain health. Our environment can affect our moods in varying ways, but beneficially for the brain, being around nature can reduce mental fatigue and enhance creativity. 'Being near water, or 'blue space,' has a similar effect, helping reduce stress by minimising cortisol levels and releasing endorphins, which improve our moods. As we age, taking time to exercise around nature could be a great way to minimise the risk of cognitive decline. 'Overall, while it's normal for brains to decline with age, there are various ways we can slow this process - including regular sleep routines, eating correctly and incorporating more movement into a daily routine. 'If anyone is struggling with their brain health, be that memory, concentration or otherwise, I strongly recommend they reach out to their GP who can provide more tailored advice.'
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Bowel cancer symptoms that are hard to spot but you should never ignore
As researchers investigate the rise of bowel cancer cases in young people, it's important to know the signs and symptoms of the disease and when to seek medical attention In the UK, around 120 new cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed every day. In a year that comes to around 44,100 diagnoses. Within that, 2,600 new bowel cancer cases are in people aged 25 to 49, and there's been a 42 per cent rise in cases among 25 to 49-year-olds since the early 1990s too. Work has been ongoing to examine why young people may develop bowel cancer, with experts believing that factors such as a lack of exercise, poor diet and obesity may play a role. Now, a new study has uncovered how exposure to a toxin produced by E. coli could contribute to the rise in cases of colorectal cancer in under-50s around the world. While E. coli is important when it comes to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, some strains can produce the bacterial toxin colibactin. The toxin is capable of altering DNA and these DNA changes are more common in younger adults who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer compared to those who are diagnosed later on in life. Experts looked at 981 colorectal cancer genomes from patients with both early and late-onset disease in 11 different countries. They found colibactin can leave behind specific patterns of DNA mutations that are 3.3 times more common in early-onset bowel cancer cases than in those diagnosed over the age of 70. 'These mutation patterns are a kind of historical record in the genome, and they point to early-life exposure to colibactin as a driving force behind early-onset disease,' explained Ludmil Alexandrov, a professor at UCSD. With the rise of bowel cancer cases in people aged 25 to 49, it's crucial that everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease. Although some symptoms of bowel cancer can be caused by other conditions, it's important to get any changes checked, especially if you have experienced symptoms for three or more weeks. Bowel cancer symptoms Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said bowel cancer symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other health conditions. Dr Grant warned: "With symptoms often overlapping with other health conditions, it can be difficult to spot the signs of bowel cancer." The NHS states symptoms of bowel cancer may include: changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you needing to poo more or less often than usual for you blood in your poo, which may look red or black bleeding from your bottom often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet tummy pain a lump in your tummy bloating In some cases, bowel cancer can cause anaemia. As a result, this may lead to additional symptoms such as tiredness, headaches and breathlessness. Having these symptoms can signal that you may have another health condition, though you should seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms that aren't 'normal' for you.
