Latest news with #prescriptions
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
I get a burning sensation around my right breast when I go for a walk – should I be worried?
AROUND 1.2billion prescriptions are dispensed here yearly. Almost half of the calls to pharmacies are from patients asking if their medicine is ready. But it has just got a lot easier to find this information via the NHS app. Millions can now track if their prescription is ready to collect or has been dispatched. It is a new feature that NHS England says nearly 1,500 high street chemists are offering. The NHS app, which now has 37.4million users has made ordering prescriptions streamlined. About 5.5million repeat prescriptions are ordered through the app each month. These are sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy. Digital prescription barcodes are created for those who do not have a nominated pharmacy. Scotland is developing its own app, Digital Front Door, which is expected by the end of this year. These apps help free up time for both GPs and pharmacists so they can see more patients. Here's a selection of what readers asked me this week. Cardiologist explains when chest pains aren't a heart attack FEAR OVER IRON LEVEL Q: FOR the past two and a half years, my nine-year-old daughter has struggled with increasing her iron levels. She has been on iron supplements, increased vitamin C and iron-rich foods. Although her iron levels have gone from eight to 33, at the highest, it has recently taken another dip. She is often tired but has ten hours of sleep each night and she has very little stamina for any physical activity. She is not overweight or inactive, though. We are frustrated at getting no real answers or solutions. What more can we do? A: It sounds as though you are taking some sensible steps to try to help your daughter overcome her iron deficiency, but the problem keeps coming back. My assumption is that the numbers you have shown are a measurement of her ferritin levels, an indication of iron stores and the most reliable initial blood test for iron deficiency. In general, a ferritin level of less than 15 micrograms/L indicates there is very little iron available for use in the body, while levels of less than 30 micrograms/L means there is less iron available for various functions, including red blood cell production. If left untreated, this can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, so it is important to get to the bottom of this. An inadequate diet is the commonest cause of iron deficiency, but it sounds as though your daughter is eating plenty of iron-rich foods and taking vitamin C, which helps the body to absorb iron. Some conditions of the gut lead to poor absorption of nutrients, for example, coeliac disease. Has she been tested for this? Also conditions which cause the body to lose small amounts of blood can cause iron deficiency. Periods are an obvious cause, but your daughter is too young (but this could exacerbate the problem in the future). Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and colitis) and even taking anti-inflammatory medicines (ibuprofen) frequently can cause small but persistent blood loss. It sounds as though your daughter will need to restart some oral iron medication again while these are investigated. When the blood level is back to normal, the iron treatment should continue for at least three months to build up iron in the body. If the problem persists with no clear answers, then she may need to be referred to a paediatrician for further investigations. WALKING IS SO PAINFUL, BUT WHY? Q: I AM a male, 73, and I get a burning sensation around my right breast to my right shoulder blade when I go for a walk. This can stay a few minutes, then go. It doesn't normally return until the next time I go for a walk. 3 I have had scans and tests, which found nothing. It's been like this for a few years and is very uncomfortable. A: Any pain in the chest area or back which is brought on by physical exertion and alleviated by rest should be considered to be angina until proven otherwise. Angina is a symptom of heart disease. Because the arteries are narrowed by plaque build-up, not enough oxygen-rich blood can get to the heart muscle when it is working hard. Angina can feel like pain, pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, and it may also radiate to the arms, back, neck, or jaw. It is triggered by activities that increase the workload of the heart, such as walking, climbing stairs, or even emotional stress. You mention having had tests, but were you referred to a specialist chest pain service? In a patient with suspected angina, you would typically have blood tests and an ECG and usually a coronary angiogram or a myocardial perfusion scan. Sometimes a GP can rule out angina based on their thorough history-taking and examination, for example, they can tell that the pain is musculoskeletal in origin. Other times it is very clear that angina is the diagnosis and medication can be started immediately. Other potential causes include pain originating from muscles and joints or compression of nerves. Q: I HAVE had pain in my lower abdomen for approximately two months. I have very little pain, if any, when lying down or slouching. 3 The pain starts almost immediately when I am sitting upright or standing. It can be severe. I am 72 and otherwise reasonably healthy. When I walk, I feel that I have to press/hold my abdomen in. A CT scan and blood/poo tests have come back clear. I have asked my GP if there is any referral he could make, and he says no. I am desperate and willing to pay privately if absolutely necessary, but don't know which type of specialist I should see. Could the problem be muscular somehow? I do also get lower back pain sometimes when bending. A: It sounds as though you definitely need some help from somewhere. As your abdominal pain is made worse by standing or sitting upright and alleviated by lying down or slouching, it suggests that either posture or the pressure within the abdominal cavity plays a role in causing the pain. It's worth checking that your GP is confident that they have ruled out any serious disease with the CT scan and other tests, including hernias, inflammatory bowel disease, ovarian or bowel cancer. If you have an inkling that the pain might be muscular, it might be worth seeing a physiotherapist who would be able to assess this issue. It is possible to have abdominal pain from a herniated disc or nerves being trapped around the spine, too, which a physio can also assess for. If the physio does not believe this to be the cause of the pain, then a gastroenterologist or general surgeon might be the next best step. It is also possible for nerves in the abdominal wall to become entrapped and this can be made worse by certain movements or postures. Finally, if you have had abdominal surgery in the past, then it is possible to have developed adhesions from scar tissue that causes pain
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Why doctors get bad handwriting?
Di writing of many healthcare professionals dey hard to understand sotay dem don even push plenti Brazilian states to pass law wey go require doctors to type prescriptions for computer or, at least, write am make e dey clear wit no abbreviations. But wetin explain di shape of our handwriting? And why some pipo get a perfect handwriting, while odas own be like say dem no fit write wetin pesin fit read at all? Anthropologist Monika Saini, professor for di Department of Social Sciences for India National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, tok say handwriting require coordination between di eyes and motor skills. "I go tok say handwriting na one of di most complex skills wey human beings don develop" she tell di BBC World Service CrowdScience programme. Saini main academic interest na to understand di factors wey make each of us unique for our handwriting. "Writing depend on utensils and our hands. And wen we tink of hands, we dey tok about somtin wey dey veri delicate, made up of 27 bones, wey dey controlled by more dan 40 muscles, most of dem dey for di arm and dey connected to di fingers by a complex network of tendons", she explain. Dis mean say our handwriting dey partly influenced by our anatomy and di genetic characteristics we inherit from our parents. In oda words: your height, di way you sidon, di angle of your notebook or paper, di firmness of your hand, weda you dey right- or left-handed... All dis dey influence di shape of di letters and words we dey produce. But small cultural influence dey wey dem no fit ignored. Abi na for house, for early childhood, wey we dey learn to hold pencil or pen, wit di help of our elders. Di way dem use dis utensils, dem dey pass am on wen di pikin take im first strokes wit pencil. Den school kon join - and a new wave of influence from teachers and classmates enta di mata. As di years go by, our writing go kontinu to change. One of di reason na becos, afta years of training and learning, many of us start to write less on a daily basis. And lack of habit, combined wit di rush of evriday life, fit make us less attentive to di way we write letters, syllables, words, sentences, paragraphs... We no fit also ignore di role of new technologies, wey dey make us type more dan we write wit hand. As part of one of her research projects, Ms Saini bin wan get beta understanding of di most important factors for pesin handwriting. To do am, she prepare a simple text on climate change and ask a group of volunteers to copy di sentences and make dem use di writing style wey dem sabi well-well. Afta dem collect di papers, di anthropologist fit assess elements like di size of di letters, shape of each symbol, di space between words or di pesin ability to follow straight lines in paragraphs. Using image recognition programmes, e dey possible to compare di writing wit di model wey i tok about bifor " di researcher explain. Wen a parent teach dia pikin to write, e dey highly likely say we go find similarities between di two scripts. But pesin handwriting dey also influenced by di time dem bin spend for school or by di style of a particular teacher." Di brain during writing Neuroscientist Marieke Longcamp, from di University of Aix-Marseille for France, dey studying how we take sabi how to write. To do am, she use magnetic resonance imaging machines, wey dey allow pesin brain to be view in real time as dem dey perform certain activities. For one of di study, dem give di volunteers tablet (writing material) wey fit record dia writing movements while dem dey examine dem. Ms Longcamp report say e dey possible to observe di activation of different parts of di brain, wey dey work togeda to make di complex act of writing possible. Regions like di premotor cortex, primary motor cortex and parietal cortex dey involved for di planning and control of hand gestures," she tells CrowdScience. Structures wey dey for di base of di brain, like di frontal gyrus, wey dey involved in certain aspects of language, and di fusiform gyrus, wey dey process written language dey influence writing." 'Anoda fundamental structure na di cerebellum, wey dey coordinate movements and corrects our gestures', Marieke Longcamp add. Di neuroscientist point out say writing depend essentially on two senses: vision and proprioception. "Proprioception dey takes into account information from di muscles, di skin and di whole body. All dis dey encoded wen we write", she explain. How writing influence learning? For dis context, e dey curious to see how di development of technology fit influence di way we understand information. For many centuries, good old-fashioned writing na di only way to take notes, study, memorise and learn different tins. But dis don change radically in recent years wit di arrival of computers, tablets and smartphones. Today, many young pipo dey learning to write wit keys and screens, instead of pencil, pen and paper. Dis transition get any impact on learning? Professor of psychology and neuroscience Karin Harman James, from Indiana University for di United States, dey seek to answer dis question. She dey study how our hands, and di way we hold and manipulate objects, influence brain development and di way we learn. According to dis specialist, difference dey in terms of brain function between to look a letter or words and to uss di body motor systems to interact wit dis pieces of written information. 'I bin want to understand how di interaction of objects wit our hands dey enable us to activate di brain motor systems', she explain to CrowdScience. For one study, Ms James bin recruit four-year-old wey no sabi how to write. For di laboratory, dem bin teach dis young volunteers one of three tins: how to complete strokes to form a letter, how to type a letter and how to write a letter. Wen dem complete di first part of di activity, dem go do MRI scan for dem. "We bin show di children different letters while we bin dey scan dia brains. E reach one point, all dem need to do na to look di letters wey dem bin learn to make for di laboratory", di neuroscientist describe. "We observe say di children wey bin learn di letters by hand show brain activation for di areas wey dey linked to dis skills. No be so e be for di oda two groups, wey complete di strokes or type am", she compare dem. But di relationship between writing and learning no stop for dere. Ms James bin also assess students. Dia task na to attend a lecture for subject wey dem no sabi anytin about. Dem kon fill one questionnaire on how well dem bin take taken note of wetin di teacher bin teach dem. Di next day, all di volunteers bin take di test based on di content wey dem don teach dem. 'We bin compare di results of students wey bin take notes by hand, and wit computer or on tablet', she explain. Di neuroscientist explain say na common practice for American universities for lecturers to share slides wit students. And some of dem don get di habit of opening dis file on tablets and taking notes by hand, using digital pens, for di slides demsefs. 'For our work, di students wey bin use di tablet to write for di screen get beta results for di tests', di professor of psychology and neuroscience explains. "We fit explainam by di fact say di students no only get di original material, for di slides, but dem fit also write dia own notes by hand. But writing wit pen and paper also prove beneficial. Di volunteers wey bin use dis method bin get beta results pass di pipo wey type dia notes for computer", Karin Harman James add. In oda words, according to di latest available data, if you really want to learn somtin, di best tin to do na to write by hand, weda on paper or tablet. You fit improve your writing? But all dis debate bring us back to di discussion for di beginning of di article: Pipo wey dey write fit write beta so day pesin fit read am to understand and learn? As part of di CrowdScience programme, Cherrell Avery, one handwriting trainer for London (UK), bin give some advice wey fit prove useful. Her first piece of advice na to 'go slowly'. We dey write too fast and we no dey pay attention to di shape of letters and words. Ms Avery also add say di need to understand each pesin style, including di best writing utensil, na how to hold di pen/pencil, di right posture and di type of paper, among oda factors. For her opinion, e dey possible to improve your handwriting through exercise. 'Of course, one single training session no go reach to make significant changes,' she tok. But wit a little insistence, e dey possible to create a "muscle memory" wey dey encourage a new writing style. "At first, na a conscious effort. But little by little, e go become a habit and you no go even think about dis new way of writing", Cherrell Avery tok. Finally, Ms Avery say writing dey important to us, evritime becos e represent an 'extension of our personality'. "E be like say we dey leave a bit of oursef for di page".
CBS News
5 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Rite Aid customers want to know next steps as Giant Eagle takes over some prescriptions
Rite Aid customers want to know next steps as Giant Eagle takes over some prescriptions Rite Aid customers want to know next steps as Giant Eagle takes over some prescriptions Rite Aid customers want to know next steps as Giant Eagle takes over some prescriptions As Rite Aid locations shut down across Southwestern Pennsylvania, many customers are trying to figure out their next steps to get their prescriptions. Some customers won't have to do anything. That is, if they're okay with their prescriptions and their information being transferred to Giant Eagle. For 78 of the locations closing in Pennsylvania and Ohio, it will be transferred to Giant Eagle. Mary Castillenti is a little frustrated that the Rite Aid in O'Hara Township is set to close, and before it does, she made sure to get there early Friday morning, to be first in line to transfer her prescriptions to another pharmacy. "It's like one more thing," Castillenti said. "I just want to make sure it goes to where I want it to go." After the drugstore chain filed for bankruptcy again, it announced transactions to sell its prescriptions to stores like CVS and Walgreens. Now, Giant Eagle said it reached a deal to do the same. The process will happen in waves in June, with the 78 locations closing. The first 30 will take effect by the end of next week. Giant Eagle will also take over the physical pharmacies at two of the Rite Aid locations, yet to be announced. It's unclear what retailers will take over prescriptions from the other closing locations in the region. Jannah Drexler, a spokesperson for Giant Eagle, said that on the effective date set for a Rite Aid location to transfer its information, it will automatically be sent to the closest Giant Eagle. "Their prescription information that they house in those stores, due to regulatory reasons, has to have another designated home," Drexler said. If you want to go to a different Giant Eagle location, you can. If you don't want to use Giant Eagle, you can transfer it to another retailer, either before the effective transfer date through your Rite Aid location, or after, through Giant Eagle. "We're really trying to make this as smooth a transition as possible for them," Drexler said. Drexler said the company is reaching out to affected Rite Aid customers to let them know about the change and is actively trying to expand its pharmacy team to meet the new demand, including with some of the Rite Aid employees. They'll also be extending hours at many locations. KDKA reached out to Rite Aid for comment, but didn't hear back by airtime. First Rite Aid locations to send prescriptions to Giant Eagle
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Millions to benefit from new prescription feature on NHS app
Millions in England can now track their NHS prescriptions via the NHS app, receiving "Amazon-style" updates on medication status. This feature aims to reduce the burden on pharmacies, freeing up staff to focus on patient care by lessening calls and visits inquiring about prescription status. Nearly 1,500 pharmacies, including Boots, have adopted the technology, with expansion to almost 5,000 expected within the next year. The app allows patients to track their prescriptions in real-time, showing whether they are ready for collection or have been shipped. This service is expected to reduce unnecessary trips to pharmacies and improve overall efficiency.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Panic as nationwide pharmacy chain to disappear amid bankruptcy and mass closures
Rite Aid is disappearing — but your prescriptions won't. The struggling pharmacy chain is barreling toward collapse after a second bankruptcy filing, hundreds of store closures, and the likely sale of its pharmacy assets to rivals like CVS and Walgreens.. But health officials and retail partners say patient medications will be safely transferred as stores shut down. After eliminating $2 billion in debt in its first restructuring in 2023, the company failed to regain financial stability. Now, it looks like the chain won't survive this round. Rite Aid has announced the closure of 142 stores in recent weeks, and is selling its pharmacy assets at the rest of its 1,240 locations to other retailers. Shoppers should prepare to see their local Rite Aid either rebranded — for example as a CVS — or closed, with prescriptions transferred to a nearby pharmacy. Dozens of rival retailers have submitted bids to take over these operations. The likely disappearance of all Rite Aid stores has customers on edge. For many, the chain had become a trusted source for medically necessary prescriptions. 'This is going to cause a pharmacy desert in my neighborhood and prescription nightmare,' one worried customer wrote on Reddit. Another chimed in: 'I have no idea where I'll be getting my prescriptions sent now.' Rite Aid stores has already ended its loyalty program, and will stop accepting gift cards, returns, and exchanges after June 5. Some recent developments, however, may offer shoppers a bit of relief. Multiple retailers — including CVS, Walgreens, Albertsons, and Kroger — have submitted court filings to take over Rite Aid's prescription business. These deals are not yet finalized and must receive approval from the bankruptcy court. In a statement to a Rite Aid spokesperson said the company is negotiating with its former competitors to ensure prescription access 'without interruption.' 'This process will ensure our pharmacy customers will experience a smooth transition while preserving jobs for some of our valued associates,' the spokesperson said. The company also noted that stores will remain open while the agreements move through the courts. CVS is expected to take on the most customers, having bid on the prescription files of 625 Rite Aid pharmacies across fifteen states. 'We're well-positioned to serve our existing customers and patients, as well as those who may be transitioning to us from Rite Aid,' a CVS spokesperson assured customers in a statement to 'We're working closely with Rite Aid on plans to ensure that the transition will be seamless for patients and customers and access to pharmacy care is not interrupted.' Walgreens, which acquired the second most filings said it is working to 'meet the needs of the patients and communities we serve.' Sarah Foss, global head of legal and restructuring at Debtwire, has been closely following the court filings. She told that CVS and Walgreens have a financial incentive to keep the stores running smoothly. 'In essence, CVS is cherry-picking the assets it wants taking on what it believes are profitable locations,' Foss said. Still, the pharmacy industry has seen better days. CVS and Walgreens have quickly shut hundreds of their own stores in recent years as they struggle through slumping sales in their retail departments, ongoing lawsuits from their involvement in opioid scandals, and increasing digital competition. In 2015, the combined market value of Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens topped $100 billion. Today, the total value of all three companies is under $10 billion.
