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This page comprises mainly links to sites concerned with particular diseases but also deals with things such as painkillers. To see extracts from articles on various conditions see the next page
There are many reasons why you 'connected' folk might seek medical information on line - time, convenience, difficulty getting an appointment, not wishing to bother the GP with a small complaint, embarrassment etc. The top searches are said to be for skin complaints, muscles, joints and bones, digestive, colds/flu, anxiety, migraine, Pregnancy, Sexual health, infections and Nutrition. But, although there is lots of useful information on line, it is important to also seek the opinion of a medical professional. The advertisements at the top of this page MAY be useful but may also be trying to sell something. A first port of call should undoubtedly be the two NHS sites : NHS Choices) and NHS Direct See the links below. Beware of depending entirely on on-line information or 'escalating' a problem from one symptom to something worse (as we used to do when looking up the dusty old family medical encyclopaedia). But, after all that, it may be best to make an appointment.
There is a lot in this. After all, hospitals are full of sick
people
2020 and 2021 are, of course, the years dominated by the Coronovirus Pandemic.
By February 2021 the situation around the world is
still desperate for the magic bullet which will stop it in its tracks.
Hopes are pinned on vaccines, which may have to be regularly used and
updated. There have been previous pandemics with terrible levels of
mortality. It remains to be seen whether modern science to tackle
this one (as it has done, in many countries, for Polio, Measles and
Smallpox. I will not attempt to the wealth of information about this
latest threat to health (and to the economy of 'developed' countries)
********************
A family doctor from Swansea describes how one of his
patients was admitted
to hospital the day after his 100th birthday with reduced movement of
his
right arm that was attributed to a small stroke. "When
he subsequently
came to the surgery, I was surprised that his right hand grip was as
strong
as ever," he writes. Further careful examination revealed signs of
repetitive
stress injury of the shoulder joint from having shaken so many
well-wishers'
hands. He was, needless to say, delighted to hear of his much less
serious
diagnosis."
This reflects the more general hazard in this age group where an
eminently
treatable condition is misinterpreted as being due to some incurable
"chronic
degenerative" disease. Those with pain and stiffness in the joints may
too
readily be labeled as suffering from "arthritis" when a simple blood
test
would reveal the true cause to be
polymyalgia,
which
responds well to a small dose of steroids.
The Care Quality Commission was
established under the Health
and Social Care Act 2008. It is the independent regulator for adult
social
care and healthcare services in England. Its primary purpose is to
register
service providers and to then ensure their ongoing compliance against
the
Essential Standards of Quality and Safety in Care via an inspection and
regulatory regime.
The main government health site is at
http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx
/
From there you can
find an A to Z of conditions, an encyclopaedia, a symptom checker and
the
addresses of services near your postcode. If you are hard of hearing
you
can click CC at the bottom of any explanatory videos to display
subtitles.
The old 0845 4647 number is being replaced by calling 111 free from a land line or mobile phone if you need help fast but it is not a 999 emergency call.
you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency
you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call
you need health
information or reassurance about what to do next
The official Health Service website - NHS Direct http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
(in various languages) includes
Health encyclopaedia; Common health questions;
Self-help guide;
Find a local health service;
Mind & body magazine;
Send an enquiry
Useful links include
Department of Health. Health and care in Northern Ireland. National
Library for Health; HealthSpace : A secure place on the Internet where
you can store all of your personal health information. It also includes
Choose and Book; NHS 24 (Confidential health advice and information
service for Scotland). NHS Direct Wales. NHS in England (Health
information for England only, including how to find a local service in
your area)
AgeUK on 0800 169 29
39 produce a book entitled
"Feeling Good"
For a of useful government sponsored link click Carers
The Queen now dispatches, on average, more than a dozen 100 year Birthday telegrams a day, an almost twentyfold increase on the 200 a year when she first ascended the throne. The birthday itself will no doubt be a happy occasion, although it carries the risk of centenarian hand (or arm) syndrome.....
After a trial in Scotland, the facility to make an appointment with the doctor via digital TV is being introduced countrywide. Eventually, it should also be possible to order repeat prescriptions in this way. People who have cable, Freeview or Sky TV will be able to access this service via the 'Looking Local' portal.
Prescription Charges.
For people who have to pay for prescriptions costs can mount up if they have to have quite a few. Did you know that you can get a PPC (Prescription Prepayment Certificate from the NHS. People who have to pay for more than 3 prescription items in 3 months, or 14 items in 12 months, could save money by buying a PPC. From 1 April 2008, the charge for a single prescription item is £7.10, whereas a 3-month PPC will cost you £27.85 and a 12-month PPC £102.50. The most convenient way to pay for your 12 month PPC is by Direct Debit meaning you can spread the yearly cost over 10 monthly installments. The site to contact is http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1127.aspx (corrected)
Technology to assist people with special
needs :
Bentley Fielden retail a range of portable wheelchair ramps to help increase accessibility for wheelchair users. They stock standard, folding and travel ramps to mention but a few
http://www.welcomemobility.co.uk A wide range of daily living aids
http://www.moreability.co.uk/ Provides bathroom equipment, making it easy to use, giving your freedom and dignity
www.age-enable.com UK family run company providing useful products for the elderly to enable them to enjoy living independently at home and make senior living easier. From walking sticks to pill boxes, grab rails to shower stools. With free delivery on orders over £30
https://www.stairlifthelper.co.uk/prices/
Need help with costs? Take a
look at this site
which summarises information about Disabled Facilities Grants with
contact information for every council. You can see this tool under the
Disabled Facilities Grant section of this page: http://www.stairliftsreviews.
http://www.stairliftexperts.co.uk/ Comparison site for these important items
http://www.stairliftadvisor.co.uk/ Get free help and advice about buying a stairlift.
GENERAL HEALTH SITES
https://purple.com/blog/
Loneliness and depression :
An excellent article covering most aspects of depression can be found at https://www.insurancewith.com/medical-conditions/mental-health-travel-insurance/depression-guide/
SOBS Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide. 0300111 5065 Support for those left behind.
CALM. Campaign Against Living Miserably. 5.a.m until midnight. 08457 90 90 90. Daily webschat for men (who are statistically more likely to commit suicide).
Yoga and Exercise www.moveitorloseit.co.uk 0800 612 0450 (Julie Robinson)
http://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/
How long will you live ? An Insurance company calculator http://media.nmfn.com/tnetwork/lifespan
Microsoft Health Vault www.healthvault.com Store your records, trace your weight progress etc. A lot of selling, American style
http://www.healthtalkonline.org/ Discussion forum on many health matters
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en.html A useful North American site
https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/ Although I am sure most of my 'bits' are pretty worn out I always carry a Donor Card with me and have registered with the Organ Transplant folk here. You never know, they might find something useful ! Sorry about the gall bladder. It is already taken.
*************
Alphabetical List of Conditions and sites .
ALCOHOLISM http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
A pill designed to
reduce alcohol consumption among problem
drinkers looks set to be made available to NHS patients in England and
Wales.
Nalmefene should be made available to people who
regularly drink high
amounts of alcohol, the National Institute for Health and Care
Excellence
(NICE) said..Costing just over £3 a tablet, it is already
prescribed
in Scotland.
ALCOHOL REHABILITATION
https://family-intervention.com/resources/recovering-alcoholics-resources/
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/alcohol-abuse/
Alcorehab
(USA)
ALZHEIMERS
www.alzheimers.org.uk
http://www.foodforthebrain.org/content.asp?id_Content=1820
This site has a useful test which rates your ability to
remember things.
If one gets a particularly low score they suggest that you get your
ability checked. They recommend a vitamin B supplement to help
ward off
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or full blown Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
They
sell the supplement as well as a test kit. But, in general, I
feel
that they are doing a good job in this difficult area. I have
to admit
my score was 47 which, at 80, just about scrapes home. But I never had
a
good memory, anyway. It is one reason I am fond of computers !
http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/2015/06/beating-apathy-in-dementia.html
The therapy of Music
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/02/art-speaks-music-dementia-effective-therapy
In my opinion all care homes should have internet access and provide
iPads
!
Additional
links, which may help carers :
DEMENTIA FRIENDS
http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/
Join a group trying to help people with dementia. Receive
training
DEMENTIA CARE www.thegoodcaregroup.com Looking for dementia care in the UK can be difficult at the best of times. The Good Care Group aim to make this transition into care easier, offering a alternative to live in care homes.
ANKYLOSING SPONDILITIS NASS,CO.UK Back pain caused by infection of the spine.
http://www.singforyourlife.org.uk A lottery supported charity which provides a Music Box to care homes.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA See also https://withinhealth.com/learn/articles/eating-disorders-and-addiction
ARTHRITIS https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/ http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/ www.arthritis.org/ (USA)
ATAXIA
www.ataxia.org.uk
0845
644 0606
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (uneven heartbeat) http://www.atrialfibrillation.org.uk 01789 451837
AUTISM. Google have found a use for Google
Glass..To help autistics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
BEREAVEMENT
Traumatic and Sudden Loss: How to Cope
Things to Know About Being
an Executor of an Estate (USA site)
You’re Not Crazy, You’re Mourning: Grief from the Loss of Your Pet
BLIND RNIB.org.uk
Royal National Institute for the Blind.
RNIB
(blind, shop)
See also Eyesight below
http://www.headstar.com/eab/
Get regular reports on technological help for blind and partially
sighted
people
BLOOD PRESSURE Http://www.bpassoc.org.uk/
BLOOD Hereditary Haemochromatosis Excess iron in the blood. Haemochromatosis due to frequent transfusions is another matter.
CANCER
www.cancerresearchuk.org
www.macmillan.org.uk
Help with cancer, including financial help.
http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/
The various NHS screening programs
CARE
Elderly
Care: A Guide for Families New to Caring can be found at https://supercarers.com/
The
guide offers lots of helpful information such as:
http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/guide/
http://www.nursing-home-directory.co.uk/. Helping you find the right care
http://www.caredirections.co.uk
https://www.Carehome.co.uk
A care home assessment site
Https://Vida.co.uk An
organisation which will look for suitable home persona; care in London
and Sussex. (CQC approved) A set hourly rate.
https://
CELIAC
DISEASE.
Intolerance to wheat, barley and
rye www.coeliac.org.uk
See
also : https://www.verywell.com/
CORONOVIRUS
As of October 2020 the world still awaits the development of a vaccine
which could stem the progress of this scourge. Whilst America has
approved the safety of Remdisivir, which may reduce hospitalisation
times one of the greatest hopes is the OXFORD VACCCINE.
Cochlear Implants As I have discovered, are a great boon to people born deaf or who become profoundly deaf over the years. A microphone and speech processor is worn over the ear and this is connected by a number of fine wires directly to the cochlear in the inner ear. This requires microsurgery and currently this is in the hands of a skilled surgeon who has to use a drill to navigate through the skull and down past things like the jugula and nerves. This video explains how a robot might be safer https://youtu.be/x5MVpHbKYBs
http://www.hiddenhearing.co.uk Main supplier of 'private' (more expensive) hearing aidsRNID, Now called Action on Hearing Loss They do a hearing test if you call 0845 600 55 55 or Click HERE
National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) 0808 800 8880 www.ndcs.org.uk
HEARING DOGS Free to people with severe deafness. www.hearingdogs.org.uk 01844 348100
http://www.hearingdirect.com. Provide in the ear and behind the ear digital hearing aids at reasonable prices. They give a 30 day money back guarantee
TINNITUS http://www.tinnitus.org.uk/
A Youtube video suggesting people with tinnitus get in touch with Action on hearing loss. (actors ?)
***********
DEMENTIA : see Alzheimer's above
Feb 2015
Various devices are now available
to help people keep an eye on elderly relatives who live alone (as long
as
they agree)
DIABETES
www.diabetes.org.uk
DIABETES http://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes
DRUG
USE
UK Government information site on all drug and alcohol problems.
There has been a rapid increase in deaths from drug use. Not just
heroin but also synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl.
The following links are mainly for the USA. It would seem
that
many people have become addicted to prescription drugs, such as
Oxycontin. But, in the States, these can be more expensive than
heroin, which is even more addictive. See the following for more
information and help:
A very useful site from a contact in the USA https://withinhealth.com/learn/aticles/eating-disorders-and-addiction
https://www.
https://www.
https://www.addictioncenter.com/
https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/addiction-and-suicide/
Prescription drug dependency is happening in the UK, too : see
this article from The Independent : http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/prescription-drugs-heroin--warning-rehab-ukat-a7776986.html
See also Alcoholism above
DYSLEXIA Search : http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/search/node/dyslexia
EATING DISORDERS: See Anorexia above
ECZEMA www.eczema.org.
ENDOMETRIOSIS. Cells growing outside the womb during the monthly cycle, causing pain and tiredness. The cause is often not spotted by the GP.
EYESIGHT
See my article at Glasses.htm
on this site re buying
prescription glasses
http://lasik-eyes.co.uk/ This is an independent review centre for Laser Eye Surgery. You can join a forum and see what people say about the procedure. you can also enter your postcode and find convenient clinics
www.optimax.co.uk for permanent contact lenses.
Treatmentsaver.com is an innovative health care comparison website for laser eye treatment, cosmetic surgery and dental clinics throughout the UK
**********
GAMBLING www.gamblingtherapy.org and www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk help with a gambling
HEART
www.bhf.org.uk
(British Heart Foundation) and
www.heartuk.org.uk
HUNTINTON'S DISEASE New developments
(Dec17) see next page
INCONTINENCE http://www.allaboutincontinence.co.uk
LIVER www.britishlivertrust.org.uk. British Liver Trust
LUNG British Lung Foundation www.blf.org.uk
LUNG www.lunguk.org (their anti smoking campaign)
SMOKING. An American site https://www.blacknote.com/
SMOKING, Many helpful suggestions at http://tobaccofreelife.org
LUNG http://www.healthline.com/health/copd
MENTAL HEALTH
MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION (MND) And a daily blog
NARCOLEPSY http://www.narcolepsy.org.uk/ Sudden attacks of sleepiness
OBESITY The NHS Body Mass Calculator (BMI) can be found at http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Healthyweightcalculator.aspx
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Obsessive-compulsive-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Also http://www.ocduk.org/
and
ocdaction.org.uk
PAIN and
see below for
painkillers
Treating
pain without opioids
www.britishpainsociety.org The professional body
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain from too much computing !)
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
http://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/articles/pain-management.htmlComputer neck
Just my own opinion
on this, which deals with computing related neck pain.
There is another good video showing suitable exercises at
Chiropractic
UK
BACK PAIN According to the Mature Times paper this is affects over a quarter of the adult population. They suggest
Don't slouch. Poor posture puts a strain on your lower back
Use correct lifting and moving techniques
Exercise regularly to keep muscles strong and flexible
Maintain a proper body weight to avoid straining muscles (and joints)
When doing daily activities try to
rotate tasks to avoid repetitive movements
As a fellow suffer, I cannot agree more with these comments.
The worst thing, I find is to slouch on sofas (and in a
computer chair). Sofas are designed for only one size of
person, who appears to have very long legs, so the average person sits
in a curved position (unless they put two or three cushions behind
them). With regard to exercise my doctor (who suffers
likewise) suggests that one uses certain floor based exercise
techniques and gave me a leaflet and what to do. When my back pain
eases I promise to start them !
Pain. Did you know that Heat Therapy stimulated blood flow, helping to decrease stiffness and relax sore muscles. Cold Therapy (the frozen peas technique) works by lowering the temperature of the skin, helping to reduce swelling but also numbing the nerve endings. For sudden muscle strains the suggestion is RICE Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. The frozen peas should be applied for 20 minutes every few hours. Compression is done with an elasticated bandage. After two days move to massaging with and external pain relief product e.g Ibuprofen, Transvasin Heat Rub or Spray (or if you can't stand the strong smell try Lloyds Cream)
************
PROSTATE
https://www.prostatecancer.org
PSORIASIS
http://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk
SAD www.sada.org.uk People who suffer from insufficient sunlight in winter
SEPSIS
A body reaction to a serious infection.
Can be life
threatening.
SLEEP : A helpful link from Cindy Page on problems of sleeping when you get older https://www.thesnoozle.
SLEEP www.circlecity.co.uk (Sleep and apnoea problems)
SMOKING
- Vaping
https://quitday.org/
and the Freedom From
Smoking site, which also supports QuitDay's cause to make a
world smoke-free Https://vapingdaily.com/health
https://www.migvapor.com/ecig-news/vaping-and-parenting/
www.stopsnoring.co.uk. have some ideas, too. But see also CircleCity above. http://www.snoremenders.co.uk/
STROKE: https://www.stroke.org.uk/Brain and Spine injury Foundation
http://www.brainandspine.org.uk
Swine 'flu rates increase during the winter. If you get swine 'flu you will be able to get Tamiflu from the surgery via a nominated helper. There is also a full page description including all the MYTHS about Swine Flu HERE
THYROID http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthyroidism (OVERactive thyroid) www.thyroiduk.org.uk (many case studies). More on Hypothyroisim (UNDERactive thyroid) Symptoms HERE
***********
PAINKILLERS.
These facts are quoted directly
from the Good Health section of the Daily Mail (the only bit
I read apart
from the Financial section !) As with my financial page I claim no
special
knowledge.
Recent studies have shown that many well advertised brands have
precisely
the same make up as their less expensive alternatives e.g Savers
Paracetamol
- 19p. Another study suggests that continual use of painkillers can
have
an adverse effect e.g. on migraine and suggested an occasional break
from
them. It is often recommended to not have Grapefruit at the same time
as taking some painkillers. Read the prescription.
Paracetemol : (Branded names : Panadol and Hedex) Tablet, capsule, syrup. It numbs the point of pain, such as a cut, and blocks the formation of prostoglandins, which are responsible for pain and inflammation. For headache, toothache, backache. Used for children in syrup form. Best if you suffer from stomach irritation, so better if you have ulcers. Will not reduce swelling in arthritic joints. One side effect (I found) can be a tendency to bruising
Ibuprofen : (Nurofen, Cuprofen) Tablet, capsule, syrup, cream and gel. The last two are for muscles and joints. Joint, muscle and dental pain. Can reduce swelling and lower temperature. It is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, blocking chemicals produced by the body as a response to pain. Read the instructions/consult doctor, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, stomach ulcer or other digestive problems. In fact, recently, Ibuprofen and mixed Ibuprofen/ Paracetamol tablets have become recommended less.
Codeine : Related to Morphine, blocking pain receptors found in the ends of nerves, stopping pain from reaching the brain. Good for one-off pain relief e.g. tooth extraction, menstrual pain. Some people may experience constipation.
Aspirin : (Disprin, Aspirin Clear). Often combined with other tablets such as Anadin. Sometimes coated, partly to protect the stomach from irritation but also to release more slowly. Use for pain relief, reduce inflammation and joint pain, cold and 'flu (lowers temperature). Use soluble aspirin in a gargle for throat infections. Use as a 'one-hit' drug for headache or toothache (but note the bleeding effect) rather than for a continual problem. In low doses can prevent clots and strokes - but consult the doctor. Like Ibuprofen it numbs the point of pain, such as a cut and blocks the formation of prostoglandins, which are responsible for pain and inflammation. it also breaks down platelets in the blood, making them less likely to clot. Can irritate the stomach causing stomach ulcers and bleeding. It can have a serious side effect in younger children and should not be given to them except under medical supervision. Can also trigger asthma attacks and some people are allergic to it. So avoid if subject to asthma, have stomach problems or are taking other anti-coagulants. Don't take before of after surgery (because of the increased bleeding) and do not continue for more than two days unless on doctor's advice.
All the above section re painkillers is quoted
directly from the
Daily Mail Health pages. I claim no special knowledge.
Aspirin. A study showed that people who routinely
take Aspirin are
more likely to suffer stomach and brain bleeding, although the benefits
for
people who have heart trouble or a stroke can outweigh the risk. See
Daily
Mail article
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2190294/Aspirin-Experts-reveal-taking-aspirin-day.html
***********
HEALTH INSURANCE A friend said that it is a shame that he cannot afford health insurance just at an age when he is likely to need it! Worth a look at https://www.moneysupermarket.com/health-insurance/ to find a specialist Financial Advisor who can help you through various possibilities. They are quite thin on the ground and you may have to increase the search area to 25 miles. There are BUDGET PLANS, which cover in-patient, day patient and possibly limited out-patient treatment. Some may limit the number of approved hospitals. STANDARD PLANS will cover Out-patient treatment but still may have a financial limit. Some may offer private ambulance services. COMPREHENSIVE PLANS will, in addition, cover other benefits such as Optical and Dental treatment and private GPs. You may be able to keep costs down by taking a higher excess e.g. agreeing to pay the first £500 of costs may reduce the premium by 40%. You can assume that pre-existing conditions are likely to be uncovered, as will conditions which have no known cure, such as diabetes and asthma.
N.B.
As well as the 'flu jab it is recommended that the over 65s get an
anti pneumonia jab at
the doctor's. Just ask.
A pneumococcal infection can cause septicemia and meningitis as well
as
breathing difficulties
************
Medical advances come thick and fast : The following page (click Here) concentrates upon articles extracted from newspapers and magazines dealing with drugs and procedures, some of which are still in the early stages of development but which, nevertheless, may give hope to some people who are suffering.
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