At last, Spring / Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to switch up our wardrobes. Whether you’re embracing the barefoot movement or banishing the boots for Birkenstocks, it’s a perfect time to get your feet in shape for the Season ahead!

Our feet often get a poor deal in our self-care routines – a new survey has revealed that a third of us (33%) would leave a problem with our feet or toenails for over a month before seeking treatment or advice. 13% of people have also put off having a pedicure because they’re too embarrassed of their feet.

So, we need to give our feet some love and start to build them into our daily health rituals.

Here, expert podiatrist Dina Gohil explains the importance of caring for our feet and reveals her new 6-step ultimate foot MOT for healthy, happy feet every day:

Why is it important to look after your feet?

Your feet are your body’s foundation. They comprise 50% of your body’s skeletal structure and 25% of all the bones in the human body are located below the ankle. This incredible human design helps us to tread the equivalent of four laps (approximately three billion steps!) around the globe during our lifetime and put twice our body weight on our feet every time we step. When your feet are in good health, you may not even think about them. However, when they are in pain or look unsightly, it can not only affect your psychology mindset and lower your energies, but may also be a sign of wider health problems such as poor circulation, low immunity or even diabetes. (40% of people surveyed didn’t realise this). It’s important not to think of your feet as separate identities but more as an extension of your body. So, it’s time to stop neglecting your feet and giving them the attention they deserve with a regular footcare routine!

Dina’s guide to the ultimate foot MOT:

Step 1: Check-in 

Take the time to look over your feet and toenails, notice any changes to the appearance of your feet, or if there are any aches and pains, as it’s important to address any issues early.

Some common foot problems that people can experience include dry, hard skin, calluses which can form in areas of high pressure and friction such as the toes, balls of the feet and heels, fungal skin and nail infections, ingrown toenails due to poor cutting techniques, cracked heels known as fissures and verrucas.

Step 2: Rejuvenate Neglected Feet

Restore feet back to their former glory by removing any hard skin. To avoid build up and to help prevent callused and cracked heels, use a foot file or pumice stone during the week on a dry foot to gently get rid of any dead skin cells, followed by a good foot cream with urea in it like CCS Foot Care Cream. If the condition is severe, then see a podiatrist to help restore the feet’s skin safely.

 If your feet are in need of a little extra TLC, try an at-home treatment such as Footner Exfoliating Socks, to get rid of dry dead skin and bring your feet back to life. Pop them on and relax for 60 minutes, and within just 7-10 days any hard, dead skin on your feet will have peeled away, revealing a layer of soft, smooth and rejuvenated skin beneath. Not to be confused with moisturising socks, Footner Exfoliating Socks contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) which help loosen dead skin whilst moisturises in the formula condition the feet.

Step 3: Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise

To help maintain the smooth, soft feel, look to make footcare part of your daily routine. The easiest way to do this is to use a specially formulated foot cream (not a body cream!), everyday. Smooth it over your feet and gently massage the skin – try it just before you go to bed to repair your feet overnight, making it part of your wind-down routine.

Try CCS Foot Cream or Heel Balm – the best kept Scandi beauty secret used by podiatrists like myself for over 40 years. The Swedish formula contains urea, a moisturiser naturally occurring in the human body which helps reinvigorate the skin and keep it soft and supple.

Step 4: Nail SOS

Check your toenails weekly, and ensure your nails are cut regularly and well, using nail clippers or nail scissors. When cutting your nails, remember to leave a small white free edge. Make sure the tools you use to cut the nails are clean and not shared with anyone else.

Personal hygiene is the best way to prevent fungal infections. Wash your feet in warm, soapy water daily and always be sure to clean and dry your feet properly, between the toes, as this is a prime location for fungal infections to develop.

Address any signs of nail fungus early, including discoloured nails (e.g white marks or a yellow or brown tone) and a change in texture such as thick nails, with a treatment such as Nailner 2in1 – which uses a dual action, one to treat the nail and one to brighten.

Step 5: Footwear Fit For Purpose

The best shoes for your feet are the ones that fit comfortably in every dimension; depth, width and length according to your foot shape. Footwear that supports your ankle and midfoot when you walk or run, and shoes that are breathable, will help keep a healthy environment for your feet. So, in Summer spending too much time in unsupportive footwear such as flip flops (they’re really only okay for the beach or poolside!). Shoes that are too small or too big can cause both pressure and friction which can lead to problems for your feet.

Step 6: Showtime

With your feet restored and looking good, it’s time to show them off. Why not try this year’s colour of choice, Very Peri – I love Nailberry’s polish in Bluebell which is the perfect hue, formulated to be 12 Free, certified vegan, cruelty free and halal.

Now that you have given your feet an MOT, going forward it’s important to get into the habit of a regular footcare routine to maintain healthy, happy feet!

As Endometriosis Awareness Month (March 2022) shines a light globally on the plight of women from puberty to menopause suffering from the condition, consultant rheumatologist Dr Wendy Holden at Sapphire Clinics gives her expert insight into the disease:

“In the UK, around 1 in 10 women aged between 25 and 40 are currently living with endometriosis. In endometriosis, cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body, most typically elsewhere in the pelvis. These cells react to the changing hormones during the menstrual cycle. They grow thicker in size as oestrogen levels peak in the middle of the cycle and then they break away and start to bleed (like the lining of the womb during a period ). This blood is slowly reabsorbed by the body but the process can cause inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue.

“Many women with endometriosis don’t feel “heard” – it can be a difficult condition to diagnose as its symptoms can be similar to other conditions and a definitive diagnosis cannot be made without keyhole surgery. In fact, research shows that there is an average 7.5 year gap for women between the onset of symptoms and receiving a firm diagnosis.

“Pain, sleep, and anxiety are closely interlinked for many patients with endometriosis and one of the keys to managing the condition is to break this negative cycle.

“To explain, chronic pain interrupts sleep, lack of sleep means it’s more difficult to cope with pain during the day, focusing on everyday tasks is challenging and it’s harder to introduce positive lifestyle changes such as exercise – this in turn can result in poor mental health such as anxiety and depression. This can subsequently heighten the severity and impact of the pain.

Chronic Pain

“Pain as a result of endometriosis can be crippling. The condition sees the growth of tissue similar to that in the lining of the womb, but outside the womb itself (typically in or around the pelvic structures such as the bladder, ovaries, colon and rectum). Pain can be experienced by women in multiple ways, at different times and varying intensity including:

• Painful periods. The pain typically begins a few days before the period and usually lasts the whole of the period. It is different to normal period pain which is usually not as severe and doesn’t last as long.
• Painful sex
• Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis
• Pain on passing a bowel motion
• Pain on passing urine
• Low back pain

“So, managing pain linked to endometriosis is vital. First line treatment options include simple pain killers (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and opioids) or hormonal treatment (combined or progesterone only contraceptives) or a combination of both. For most women, symptoms can be controlled by a combination of these approaches or individually. However, some women may not achieve sufficient resolution of their symptoms despite best treatment. For these patients it is often necessary for them to be reviewed by specialists in women’s health to consider whether surgery may be an appropriate management option.

“However, even for those for whom surgery is an option, up to 50% of patients may get recurrent deposits of endometriosis or continue to have chronic pelvic pain. The management for chronic pain is challenging and there is always a pressing need to identify and develop novel therapeutics. One emerging treatment option for those with chronic pain refractory to first-line treatments is medical cannabis, which was legalised to be prescribed by specialist medical consultants under regulations published in the UK in November 2018.

“Medical cannabis is only available for patients who haven’t experienced sufficient relief of symptoms from conventional treatments, but in my experience, for eligible endometriosis patients, medical cannabis may result in pain relief, improved sleep and reduced anxiety.

Sleep

“Women find sleep is particularly disturbed during “flare ups” especially when endometrial tissue abnormally located outside the uterus responds to hormones and tries to shed during a period which results in inflammation of the surrounding tissues causing pain.

“We can all recognise that a poor night’s sleep can make it more challenging to overcome life’s hurdles. In fact, for those with chronic pain due to endometriosis, this can heighten the awareness of pain making it more unbearable. So, trying to get on top of sleep patterns is an important part of the treatment pathway for women with endometriosis. Good “sleep hygiene” is definitely worth implementing, starting with a regular bedtime and healthy wind down routine which could include limiting “blue screen” use (e.g. mobile phones and laptops) before bed, trying herbal tea with chamomile or a warm bath with lavender oil.

“If this fails to achieve the desired effect, there are licensed therapies which can be used in the treatment of sleep disorders and I would encourage anyone to talk to their GP about the diverse range of options available to them.

Anxiety

“Endometriosis can be hard to deal with emotionally, with many women feeling like they have been dealt a “difficult hand” with the long-term impact of chronic pain and fatigue affecting their ability to work and socialise. Moreover, those who experience pain during intercourse may find it hard to be intimate with their partner. Finally, a lot of women that I see are concerned about their fertility with endometriosis. Whilst many women with endometriosis conceive without difficulty, up to one-third will need reproductive assistance. These issues can be hard to cope with and can lead to anxiety and/or depression.

“So, I always advise patients to also address any mental health issues that arise as a result of or separately to endometriosis. Depending on the severity of the problems, for some patients this could be incorporating simple techniques into their daily routine such as exercise, mindfulness, meditation and breathing techniques.

For others, support in the form of talking therapies (such as cognitive behavioural therapy) and anti-depressants may be required. For this, the best port of call is your friendly, local GP”

ENDS

For further information or to interview Dr Wendy Holden please contact Caroline Beswick or Jo Gulliver at Trinity PR on 020 7112 4905, message 0770 948 7960 or email caroline.beswick@trinitypr.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Recent research

To date clinicians and researcher from Sapphire Medical Clinics in conjunction with the Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group have published 6 papers detailing the specific outcomes relating to quality of life in all patients that they see, with bespoke analysis of pain, anxiety and palliative care patients.

Their most recent paper on chronic pain was published in the Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology and described 190 patients treated for chronic pain¹.

This described some fascinating outcomes. Importantly, it demonstrated that at just one month, right through to the end of follow up in this study (6 months) patients noticed a reduction in their pain severity and its interference on daily living.

Moreover, patients also demonstrated significant improvements in general quality of life, anxiety, and self-reported sleep quality.

The total incidence of adverse events was 39.47%, with most being mild (19.47%) or moderate (12.11%)

References

1 Harris M, Erridge S, Ergisi M, Nimalan D, Kawka M, Salazar O, Ali R, Loupasaki K, Holvey C, Coomber R, Usmani A. UK Medical Cannabis registry: an analysis of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for chronic pain conditions. Expert review of clinical pharmacology. 2022 Jan 1:1-

• International Women’s Day (8 March) provides the ideal opportunity for employers in the healthtech sector to reassess gender diversity, according to Siilo CEO, Joost Bruggeman and COO, Esther Van Der Meer. Here both share their perspectives…

Esther Van Der Meer:

Any business which wants to fully meet the needs of its customers or end users needs to do everything possible to understand them – who they are, how they work and what they need. To achieve this, you simply must have a diverse employee base. It is essential for us to live up to this principal at Siilo – our objective is to support safer and faster communications and knowledge-sharing among medical professionals, and it makes a huge difference to our product when we feel fully engaged with the way doctors and nurses work, regardless of gender, race, age or culture.

In the short time since I joined Siilo in 2021, I made it a priority to retain a high level of diversity across our organisation. Not only are we on target for setting the male-female ratio within Siilo to 52/48 or better yet, 50/50, I’m also strongly focused on ensuring this balance exists in leadership positions. We know from both research and experience that diversity serves all of us and brings our organisation forward.

​I am strongly in favour of a women’s quota as a temporary means to speed up this process and would urge other businesses to consider this if they are serious about ‘levelling up’ and ensuring equal opportunities for all. This push is important because established patterns and the ​‘old boys network’ always end up slowing down an organisation’s innovation process. Importantly, I think it’s vital the industry as a whole actively promotes the fact that tech and health-tech are wonderful areas to study and work in.

I believe it is important to ‘champion’ women in the workplace – here at Siilo we’re very proactive in doing this, in both the healthcare and health-tech sectors. If you look at our communication channels, you’ll see that we interview and promote the work of both genders equally. Internally, we organise chat sessions with female role models. We still have some work to do, since it’s not always understood that when you organise something with women, men are also welcome to join in and engage. These patterns of thinking need to be addressed and improved.

Joost Bruggeman:

While gender diversity is important in every industry, female representation within the healthtech sector still remains way below par. Studies have highlighted how the number of women employed within the tech industry in the UK has barely improved since 2009, hovering at an unimpressive 17%. Frustratingly, a mere 10% of women are employed in leadership roles within the industry today[i].

As CEO and co-founder of one of Europe’s largest medical messaging app, these statistics make for depressing reading. I firmly believe our company’s success has been a result of ensuring gender diversity is a priority. With a male-female ratio currently at about 56/44%, we are on target to improve this to 52/48, once all open positions are filled. The reasons for doing this are clear.

Research and experience has shown how diversity serves all of us and brings our organisation forward. From a general point-of-view, it should make complete sense that any workforce is representative of society as a whole, but for our business in particular, it’s crucial we reflect our users – healthcare professionals who are, of course, as much women as they are men, and when we talk about GPs and nurses, a vast majority are female.

Experience has taught me that women are generally more involved in creating a ‘safe’ working environment for all people working within a company. I vividly recall my mentor Dr. Hermien Schreurs – a female role model who was both influential and important during my training as a surgeon – who, among other things, impressed upon me the need to fight for the patient in a safe educational climate. This was still unheard of at that time in healthcare. Women like her are pioneers that build on trust. I recognised that early on, and also that I wanted the same, safe environment for my colleagues at Siilo.

From a personal perspective, I have found women tend to bring a varied outlook to the table, without the gender bias. For example, I have found that when you put ten men in a room, you’ll likely get some competition and probably the kind that is potentially harmful to either people or strategy. Put an additional ten women in the room and the whole atmosphere evens out. I believe it’s key for the sector to promote and cultivate that.

Worryingly, in the last five years, I’ve not especially noticed an increase of women in the health-tech sector and, sadly, old-fashioned attitudes still persist. Yes, women are getting involved in healthtech-related fields, such as communications and knowledge exchange surrounding eHealth, but there needs to a greater push for their involvement in ‘hard-tech’. The sector needs to encourage more women to opt for more university studies in this field. We need to be able to engage with them earlier and generally be on their radar as they make key decisions around their future career path.

To help mark this month’s International Women’s Day, both Joost and Esther are encouraging employers within the health-tech industry to recognise and help ensure gender diversity is high on its agenda, and to consider the following steps to help encourage real progress and change as we move forward in 2022:

1. Hire more women in key positions and increase opportunities for promotion to help balance out the uneven employee status within the organisation. Incorporate a dedicated ‘women’s quota’ if needed as a temporary means to speed up this process.

2. Be sure to look for complementary so called ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ skills in both women and men and cultivate the importance of diversity among them. So much work still needs to be done in breaking down unconscious patterns, biases and attitudes.

3. Promote your organisation among female students and those newly graduated. Make sure they feel welcome to apply for an internship or a job.

4. Have a 0-tolerance policy towards sexism and misogyny in your organisation. Talking big about gender equality doesn’t mean a thing if you’re not willing to deal with it in real life.

5. Implement a mentoring programme or ‘buddy’ system of support from the outset and ensure it becomes an intrinsic part of company policy.

[i] https://www.theguardian.com/future-ready-leadership/2021/may/17/women-in-tech-why-its-time-to-reframe-the-conversation

• Nearly half of Brits don’t change their socks everyday, putting them at greater risk of fungal foot infections
• More than a third of Brits are unhappy with their feet – being voted as our ‘least favourite’ physical attribute
• Podiatrist warns of the risks of neglecting our feet and says we should look after our feet in the same way we do our teeth

A shocking 40% of Brits do not change their socks everyday, with 5% admitting they change them less than once a month, a new survey out today reveals[1].

The survey, which was commissioned by Nailner for National Feet Week (7^th – 13^th March), also highlighted that 39% of Brits check the health of their feet and toenails less than once a month, with more than 1 in 10 (13%) admitting they never check the health of their feet and toenails.

Well over a third (40%) of all Brits do not realise that problems with feet such as cracked heels, dry skin, odour and verrucas could be a sign of a health condition including low immunity, diabetes or poor circulation.

Podiatrist Dina Gohill, says “It’s shocking to learn how little care people are taking of their feet as they are great indicators of your overall health and wellbeing. Changing your socks everyday is one of the key steps to keeping our feet and toes in great condition. It’s normal to have a certain amount of fungus and bacteria living on our feet, but when this gets out of control, it can cause infections which can linger for months and months. The longer you wear your socks, the more you are creating an environment to encourage growth. Socks should be worn for no more than 12 hours before being washed and changed.”

More than a third (34%) revealed they are not happy with their feet, with this being voted Britain’s least favourite physical attribute.

And while it will come as no surprise that most people look after their feet during the Summer months, we completely neglect them throughout Spring and Autumn, which can cause long-term conditions that are harder to treat, warns Dina.

“We should give our feet the same care and attention we give our teeth or skin, and people should be looking after their feet all year round – after all, they carry us everywhere! While I understand the reasons people pay more attention to their feet in the Summer, forgetting about them for the rest of the year is likely to increase your risk of fungal nail infections, brittle nails and veruccas which can take longer to treat.”

But despite feet not being top of our priority list, we’re not afraid to give someone else “the boot” when it comes to feet and our love lives. Nearly 4 out of 10 Brits (39%) say that it’s very important or somewhat important that the person they are dating has nice feet, with almost a third admitting they’d consider breaking up with something because they had horrible feet or bad foot health.

Dina says, “As a nation, we really need to start practising a regular foot health regime – similar to our dental or skin care regime. Ideally, for soft and supple feet, you should apply a specially formulated foot cream every day. In addition, people should try to practise a self-care “ritual” on their feet at least once a fortnight. This includes a warm foot soak (in the bath or an at-home spa), filing away dry skin, keeping nails short and a gentle foot massage with a nourishing foot cream to keep skin supple and reduce cracked heels. Not only will your feet thank you for it, but it’s a great excuse to take some time out to relax and unwind too. It’s also important for people to check out any concerns about their feet with a GP or podiatrist – as problems such as overly sensitive or extremely dry or cracked feet could indicate a wider health issue such as poor diet, low immunity or even diabetes”

ENDS

For further information, please contact Caroline Beswick or Sophie Hammond at Trinity PR on 0207 112 4905 or email caroline.beswick@trinitypr.co.uk or Sophie.hammond@trinitypr.co.uk

– Karo Pharma has a range of foot care treatments, including Footner Exfoliating Socks, CCS Foot Care and Nailner.

– Please get in touch to request any product samples or photography.

– For expert comment on foot health problems from our brand ambassador, expert Podiatrist Dina Gohil at DG Podiatrist (BSc (Hons) MChS, HCPC Reg.), please contact  Sophie.hammond@trinitypr.co.uk

[1] An online survey was conducted by Atomik Research among 2010 adults in the UK. The research fieldwork took place on 5^th February – 7^th February 2022. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides to MRS code.

With the relaxing of travel restrictions ahead of half term (and fuelled with armchair-inspo from the Beijing Winter Olympics), many families will be flocking back to the slopes. However, there’s one big difference – the vast majority will have had a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. So, no matter how much lockdown walking or WFH Peleton hours we’ve clocked up, we might still be a little rusty on the piste.  And for the more mature skier (two thirds of skiers on holiday are over the age of 45[1]) there’s the unavoidable fact that time marches on – which may have caused health niggles such as joint pain and stiffness to creep in.

Skiing holidays are all about high-octane fun, but there is a more serious side to the pursuit. Whilst winter sports can be fantastic for cardiovascular health, helping to tone and refine muscles, it can put an enormous strain on the body. In addition, the risk of injury (sometimes serious, sadly) means that the slopes should be treated with respect and it’s vital to prepare your body.

Here, Mr Sean Curry, Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon at The London Orthopaedic Clinic at King Edward VII, gives his 5 top tips for getting into shape for the slopes and most importantly avoiding injury when you’re there:

1. Get fit-ski:

Whether you are a seasoned skier or a snowboarding virgin, a very important factor to prevent injury is your own personal physical fitness. Injury rates on the slopes increase mid to late afternoon where fatigue is the greatest.  So, it’s really important to prepare by increasing aerobic capacity, lower limb strength and flexibility. Try a mix of exercise at least six weeks (ideally 12 weeks) pre-trip including cycling, running, indoor cardio-equipment such as the rowing machine, swimming, yoga, stretching, plus body- weight workouts such as lunges and squats.  Where possible, it’s also important for you to maintain your ideal weight, to avoid putting more strain on your knees.

Consider a session with a specialist physio or musculoskeletal consultant for some ‘pre-habilitation’. Experts should also be able to give you simple exercises that you can do at home, to help increase thigh strength in particular, to make the first few days on the slopes less risky and more comfortable.

If you suffer from a joint problem it pays to get medical advice about your treatment options.  For joint pain, it may be worthwhile considering a nutritional supplement such as glucosamine. In the longer term, for a chronic condition such as knee osteoarthritis, an orthopaedic consultant may recommend a novel treatment such as Arthrosamid®, a single injection that can provide long acting and sustained pain relief and improve mobility.

1. All the gear…

Having the right equipment (rather than the latest fashion) is vital. For example, well-fitting boots will help to avoid cold feet, blisters and shin splints and wearing a helmet is essential to reduce the risk of serious head injury even at lower speeds.  Bindings must also be adjusted to allow release when you lose control, because when you fall your ski can act as a long lever and produce large rotational forces resulting in significant ligament damage to the knee and even fractures to the lower limb.   Suitable settings for skis and boards are a complex equation of age, ability, height and weight. So, when you’re at the ski hire centre, be honest about your weight and height and don’t overestimate your ability!

1. Warm up…and down (but leave the après ski ‘til later!):

Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury such as sprains, strains and ruptures. To prevent these injuries, warm up by slowly and gently stretch your muscles. Make sure you repeat these stretches after you’ve come off the slopes – especially if you have a long walk or drive back to your accommodation.  Adequate ‘warm-down’ will also make the following day’s exercise easier on your body.  And remember – après ski is named so for good reason!  While alcohol seems to warm you up, it actually dilates your blood vessels increasing blood flow to the skin thereby increasing heat loss.  Alcohol also slows your reactions and removes inhibitions – so puts you at a greater risk of injury.

1.  Ski easy:

When you’ve hit your stride after the first couple of days, it’s easy to overstretch yourself, which can make you more prone to injury.  However, if you’re careful and keep within your comfort zone (black runs, icy moguls and off-piste routes should only be attempted by experienced skiers), there are ways to ensure you can ski safely throughout your holiday. Why not:

• Consider lessons: the better your technique, the less chance you will put undue strain on your joints
• Take a rest day: the highest risk of accident is after 3pm¹ on the third day of your holiday, because muscle fatigue reaches its peak after 48 hours
• Take the lift at the end of the day: you will be tired, the pistes may be icy and crowded, and there will probably be bare patches in the snow – a perfect recipe for a fall.

5. Don’t ignore an injury

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer injury on the slopes, get medical attention ASAP.  Clinics in ski resorts are well versed in treating orthopaedic pain and specific injuries. So, it’s important to get the right travel insurance to make sure you’re covered for any treatment you may need when abroad. If your injury isn’t an emergency, but you think you’ve strained a muscle or caused any damage to your joints or bones, it’s important to rest up whilst you on holiday and when you get home. Minor sprains and strains can be treated easily at home by following the RICE rule: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. If pain or discomfort persists, get advice from your GP, a physio or an orthopaedic specialist to make sure you don’t cause further damage and to discuss treatment options.

ENDS

For further information or to interview Mr Sean Curry please contact Caroline Beswick or Jo Hudson at Trinity PR on 0207 112 4905, message 0770 948 7960 or email caroline.beswick@trinitypr.co.uk

[1] Ski Club of Great Britain

Chemotherapy Induced Alopecia (CIA) can be a very upsetting side effect of cancer treatment, which affects around 65% of people on this type of medication. For many patients, every time they look in a mirror at their thinning hair or notice hairs shedding in the shower or onto their pillow, it feels like a cruel, added insult that compounds what they’re already going through.

What is actually happening?

Chemotherapy drugs are powerful medications that are designed to attack rapidly growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, these drugs do not discriminate between those cells and other rapidly growing cells in your body, such as those responsible for hair growth (the hair follicle is an incredibly active structure with a multitude of active cells that produce the growing hair).

Chemotherapy may cause hair loss all over the body (not just on the scalp), including eyelashes, eyebrows, armpit, pubic and other body hair. Some chemotherapy drugs are more likely than others to cause hair loss, and varying doses can cause anything from ‘thinning’ hair to complete hair loss. The hair loss caused by Chemotherapy is known as ‘Anagen effluvium’, which means the hair is shed during the active growth phase. Due to the ‘toxic’ nature of Chemotherapy treatment, the hair ‘atrophies’ at the root and falls out.

What should you expect?

Hair usually begins falling out 2 – 4 weeks after your first treatment and once it starts, it may shed very quickly. You’ll start to notice a lot of shed hair on your pillow, in your hairbrush or comb, or in your sink or shower drain. Your scalp may also feel ‘tender’. Hair loss will continue throughout treatment and up to a few weeks afterward.

When will your hair grow back?

Fortunately, nearly 100% of all cases of hair loss from chemotherapy are temporary. Regrowth can be expected very quickly after treatment ends, normally within 1 – 3 months. The new hair is almost always initially a different colour and texture. It might be curlier than it was and will only regain its colour once the cells that control the pigment in your hair begin functioning again. Do be prepared for the fact that it will take a while before you have enough hair length to visit your hairdresser.

Can hair loss be prevented?

At present no treatment exists that can guarantee that everyone can avoid losing their hair. However, the most popular way of reducing hair loss (with some degree of success) is via Scalp Cooling Caps/Cold Caps (aka “scalp hypothermia”). During chemotherapy infusions, a closely fitted cap that’s cooled by chilled liquid is placed on the head to slow blood flow to the scalp.

This reduces the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy. The blood flow carrying chemotherapy drugs to hair follicles is therefore reduced, which can prevent or minimise hair loss.

Is there anything a Trichologist can do to help?

In this instance, the only true advice that can be offered (apart from the suggestion of the Cold Cap) are helpful ‘tips and suggestions’ that may aid healthy hair regrowth:

• Avoid anything that may further damage your hair (ie heat styling, harsh brushing etc.)
• Supplements may be beneficial so consider discussing the following with your consultant: Vitamins B, C (antioxidant), E, D, some proteins (keratin), amino acids (L-cysteine), zinc and iron.
• Stay hydrated; try to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day.
• Continue to use a shampoo throughout your treatment – and choose one based on ‘dermatological’ benefits rather than purely cosmetic benefits. This will help to encourage the best environment for a healthy scalp and hair growth.
• Avoid harmful hair colouring (for as long as you can) after chemotherapy – your hair will remain ‘fragile’ and the scalp could be more ‘sensitive’.
• Consider using a light hair oil to add shine and control to your hair.
• Once your hair has grown – and is looking a bit ‘shaggy’ around the edges – book an appointment for your first haircut. Psychologically and physically, this prepares you for a return to ‘normal’ hair routines.
• If you do find yourself suffering with any form of scalp irritation – it may be advisable to seek the advice of your consultant and/or a qualified Trichologist.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, chemotherapy is a demanding treatment, both physically and emotionally and Chemotherapy Induced Alopecia is obviously an entirely unwelcome side-effect. But, unlike some other hair loss issues, hold onto the fact that you can look forward to your hair regrowing – and although it can be very distressing at the time, upon the completion of your treatment hair will begin to regrow within a few months.

It won’t be long before you’re back at the hairdressers, sitting in the chair waiting for your colour and haircut to be done – and many patients will of course use this time, to reflect on this experience and the changes it caused.

With the seasons turning, the cooler weather and drier air can cause changes to our skin,  as it struggles to retain moisture. Common “tell-tale” signs include dryness, dull and sallow skin tone, flaking and irritation, as well as the flare up of some chronic conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.

1. Wrap up…carefully

Harsher climates can have a double negative effect on our skin – cooler air and cold winds can cause our skin to dry out and crack, whilst the skin can also become sweaty and clammy when we wrap up in Winter woollens. Many people with eczema find that wool and synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, cause overheating, sweating and irritation, which can set off an unbearable itch. One alternative is bamboo, which is a soft, breathable material that is great for regulating temperature (keeping you cool in Summer and warm in Winter) and has antibacterial properties. Another eczema and environmentally friendly option to reduce the “itch-scratch-itch” cycle is lyocell/TECNEL. Whilst the heat may have gone out of the sun, it’s still vital to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 in the Autumn/Winter period to help protect skin against the damaging rays.

2. Heads up

People who suffer from common scaly skin disorders of the scalp, such as psoriasis, eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff may experience Autumn flare-ups. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is very common and many people don’t even know they have it. Overall it has been reported to affect about 4% of the population and dandruff (which is mild seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp) can affect almost half of all adults[1]. It’s not only painful and itchy, but it can have a psychological impact, affecting people’s confidence. The good news is that treatments are easily available. Sebco™ contains coal tar solutions, sulphur and salicylic acid in a coconut base – ingredients that have been used by dermatologists and doctors for over 70 years. This ointment helps to soften and remove dry scaly skin on the scalp when used regularly. Another tip for good scalp health is to brush gently using a soft bristle brush or a wide tooth, silicone comb.

3. Hygiene and handwashing

Covid 19 has changed many of our habits – one of which is an increase in hand washing. Whilst this is without doubt a positive outcome to help reduce the spread of infections – frequent hand washing can cause the skin to become red and sore. It can also cause existing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis to flare up, causing the skin to flake and become itchy and sore. If the skin’s outer barrier layer becomes cracked and irritated, it can increase our susceptibility to infection. It’s crucial to dry the skin thoroughly after you’ve washed your hands – use a soft, clean towel and pay particular attention to smaller spaces in between your fingers. Apply an emollient cream such as Ultrabase® Cream which can be used to lock in moisture and reduce the redness and itchiness exacerbated by  skin problems, especially those associated with eczema and psoriasis. Its soothing emollient properties can help protect against dry and irritated skin and may leave skin feeling hydrated and nourished. You may find it useful to apply a generous layer of emollient to your hands just before bedtime, wearing a pair of clean cotton gloves to sleep in to maximise the benefit and reduce any mess from excess.

4. Addressing the anxiety cycle  

For many people the Autumn signals a “fresh start”, with renewed focus for the season ahead. However, change can of course lead to a rise in common mental health problems such as anxiety and stress, which can in turn exacerbate skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. The psychological impact of having a chronic skin condition like psoriasis can be significant. A digital study by PsoHappy app[2] suggests that people with psoriasis are 24% less happy than the average Briton, with 50% having low self-esteem and 41% saying they rarely felt confident. In addition, half of all adults with eczema have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression in the last 12 months[3]. So, how do we break the vicious cycle of anxiety and eczema flare ups? Totally eliminating stress from your life is sadly difficult to achieve and won’t “cure” your problem. However, looking after your emotional wellness may  help alleviate some of the common symptoms. Accepting your condition is one of the first steps to good mental health and there are many self-care options that you can try to reduce stress from breathing techniques, getting out in nature and gentle exercise such as yoga or tai chi, as well as making sure you get a good night’s sleep. Remember everyone is different – so try to find out what works for you. Some people also find it helpful to talk to other people in a similar situation – expert helplines and local support groups can be a really useful resource.

5. Radiate!

You may well hold out until November, but when the real Winter weather starts to “bite”, you know it’s time for the heating to go on!  Whilst there’s nothing like feeling cosy at home, central heating can really dry out your skin. Keep your home heated to at least 18°C (65°F) and try not to be tempted to turn up the dial so it’s overheated. To help make the air less drying you could also try using a humidifier. Also,  make sure that you’re well hydrated throughout the day – water is ideal, but if you need a hot drink, why not try a herbal or fruit tea? Also, go easy on the temperature if you indulge in a long hot bubble bath! Excessively hot water tends to strip your skin of its natural protective oils which can lead to dry skin, so it’s important to always remember to moisturise after a warm bath or shower.

For prescribing information for Ultrabase® Cream, please visit http://ultrabasecream.info/

For prescribing information for Sebco™, please visit http://www.sebco.info/

ENDS

For more information please contact Caroline Beswick or Kitty Weale at Trinity PR on 0770 948 7960 or email kitty.weale@trinitypr.co.uk

• Derma UK was formed in 2001 with the purpose of providing cost effective solutions to common dermatological conditions and ultimately creating a better quality of life for the patient
• sk1n.co.uk provided access to the wide range of trusted dermatological solutions offered by Derma UK, the company dedicated to the health of the body’s largest single organ – the skin.

[1] British Association of Dermatologists, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis [website], https://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/ patient-information-leaflets/seborrhoeic-dermatitis, (accessed 9th November 2020)

[2] . Netdoctor, How psoriasis affects your mental health [website], https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/beauty/skincare/ a27570/how-psoriasis-affects-your-mental-health/ (accessed 21st January 2021)

[3] Half of all adults with eczema experience anxiety or depression – BAD Patient Hub (skinhealthinfo.org.uk)

Cult-beauty product, Footner Exfoliating Socks, has partnered with Strictly Come Dancing stalwart Erin Boag to help people prepare for the return of the party season!  With a series of spectacular performances coming up on tour next year with her dance partner Anton du Beke, dancer Erin knows what it takes to prepare and keep your feet on point!

As Strictly fever returns and the Christmas party sequins look set to sparkle, many of us are looking forward to enjoying the thrill of a dance again. Here, Erin shares her top tips for maintaining her feet and being ready for a party night out.

“As a professional Ballroom Dancer my feet often take a hammering, but I am very lucky that my feet are still in very good condition, maybe that’s because I take good care of them.”

1. Hard skin on your feet is a real no no for me. You can try using a foot file on a dry foot, but to really help manage any build-up of hard skin, give your feet a head start by using Footner Exfoliating Socks. Footner Exfoliating Socks are the ideal at-home pedicure treatment for removing dry, dead skin. Pop them on and relax for 60 minutes, and within just 7-10 days any hard, dead skin on your feet will have peeled away, revealing a layer of soft, smooth and rejuvenated skin beneath.
2. ALWAYS dry between your toes after bathing, I know this sounds trivial but if you don’t do it, you can get dry, scaly, and cracked skin between your toes which never looks nice!
3. Keep your toenails short and well filed as you don’t want to get in-grown toenails, especially after they have been squashed in your shoes all day.
4. Always match your toenail polish to your fingernail polish, this is something I personally like to do as when wearing open toed shoes I think it would look odd if they didn’t match. Imagine red toenails and pink fingernails!!
5. Always use a good moisturiser on your feet. Often people moisturise their body but stop at their ankles and neglect the feet. A great tip is to use a nourishing moisturiser on your feet, try CCS Foot Care Cream, and pop your socks on overnight – I always wake up with beautiful soft feet in the morning!
6. As we look forward to the dancing season ahead consider doing some gentle foot stretches before and after a big night on the dancefloor. If possible, try and soak your feet in warm water too when you get home. Whilst dancing is fantastic, it can be tiring on the feet, so look after them. Also be sensible when choosing shoes, ill-fitting shoes or shoes without proper support can cause damage such as bunions in later life.
7. If possible, treat yourself to a good pedicure every now and then – this is a bit of a luxury, however normally well worth it as they will cover a lot of my recommendations in one go (i.e. removing hard skin, cutting toenails, moisturising and if you choose, a nice nail polish to finish it off)!

“I hope my top tips help you get your feet ready for party time!”

Erin Boag is ambassador for Footner Exfoliating Sock’s Party Feet campaign 2021.

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare across the UK cannot be underestimated. NHS England figures reveal a staggering 4.7 million patients were waiting to be treated at the end of February 2021[1] – the largest figure since records began in 2007.

To help tackle this problem, and as part of our continuing commitment to offering innovative solutions to address the most pressing needs of caregivers, here at Hillrom, we have expanded our portfolio of surgical solutions to include the PST 500 Precision Surgical Table. This is based on years of immersing ourselves in the world of surgeons in order to absorb and understand their needs and address the real and pressing challenges they face within the operating room (OR) environment. We believe this latest innovation, will help to drive much-needed efficiency by expanding procedural capabilities within OR – helping to tackle waiting lists for surgical procedures.

This new, versatile, easy-to-use table sustains the volume and variety of procedures that healthcare professionals face every day, ensuring patients are supported and workflows can be streamlined. The introduction of the PST 500 Precision Surgical Table to operating rooms up and down the country has the potential to improve time efficiencies, increase safety levels for both caregivers and patients alike and therefore, improve patient outcomes for those requiring procedures. Because the right surgical table isn’t just a table – it‘s the foundation on which care happens. And with a strong foundation, anything is possible.

In the operating room, the surgical table is where surgeons start patients on the path to recovery. It’s where nurses, technicians and specialists come together to keep operations running smoothly and it’s where patients are supported and positioned during this critical life moment.

With the Hillrom PST 500 there is no need for specialised, single-function tables. Simply configure the table and accessories to provide the ideal platform for each procedure.

With the PST 500, the table you use for general surgeries can also support numerous orthopaedic procedures and can easily accommodate bariatric, spine and neuro procedures with its flexible configurations and accessories.

We designed the PST 500 to be easy to use, so your surgical team can focus on what counts—the patient in front of them.

The best surgical care begins with a strong foundation of safety and support.

Learn more at Hillrom.com.

ENDS

For media and additional queries please contact Jo Gulliver or Kitty Weale at on 02071124905 or email kitty.weale@trinitypr.co.uk

About Hillrom

Hillrom is a global medical technology leader whose 10,000 employees have a single purpose: enhancing outcomes for patients and their caregivers by Advancing Connected Care™. Around the world, our innovations touch over 7 million patients each day. They help enable earlier diagnosis and treatment, optimize surgical efficiency and accelerate patient recovery while simplifying clinical communication and shifting care closer to home. We make these outcomes possible through connected smart beds, patient lifts, patient assessment and monitoring technologies, caregiver collaboration tools, respiratory care devices, advanced operating room equipment and more, delivering actionable, real-time insights at the point of care. Learn more at Hillrom.com

[1] NHS England 2021: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/rtt-waiting-times/rtt-data-2020-21/

Trinity is delighted to be working again with Contura International Ltd, (manufacturers of therapeutic hydrogels) to support the official launch of Arthrosamid® to the UK market. The brand’s presence was first ‘unveiled’ at the recent British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) Annual Congress last month (held in Aberdeen from 21^st-24^th September). Published data (from a study in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2021) showed that 70% of patients had a positive experience of treatment with Arthrosamid®, with a reduction in pain and stiffness, as well as improved physical mobility after a year¹.

Arthrosamid^{® –}  a novel injectable treatment for knee osteoarthritis that harnesses non-biodegradable hydrogel technology – offers an alternative to current surgical and drug therapies and fulfils an unmet clinical need for an effective, long acting, safe and minimally invasive treatment to alleviate pain associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

The treatment has the potential to change the present care pathway for managing OA, which effects approximately 8.5 million people in the UK². Around 1 in every 5 people aged over 45 in England is affected by knee osteoarthritis³ and current treatments are not long lasting or involve invasive knee replacement surgery. Despite a large suffering population, there has been very little innovation in the range of OA treatments on offer to meaningfully help patients – until now.

During the BOA Congress, Contura International Ltd, also hosted a thought leadership session to present the clinical data supporting Arthrosamid® to delegates and to discuss this new non-degradable viscoelastic hydrogel for adults with knee OA.

And, new consumer insight commissioned as part of the new campaign, also found that 44% of people rank joint & knee pain as their top concern about ‘getting older’, while only half of that amount (22%) are worried about the visible effects of ageing, such as wrinkles. Overall, people say they’d put up with knee pain for nearly 4 months (15 weeks) before seeking advice from their GP. And interestingly, over two thirds (68%) of people said they would be concerned about using painkillers on a long-term basis to help manage chronic pain

Rakesh Tailor, Chief Operating Officer at Contura International Ltd comments, “After 10 years of rigorous testing, biocompatibility analyses and clinical studies, and two decades after the idea to investigate the use of hydrogel in human joints was first suggested, we’re delighted that Arthrosamid® is now available as a treatment for pain associated with knee OA. The discomfort caused by OA can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and make everyday activities challenging. For patients under 70 who are deemed too young for knee replacement surgery, Arthrosamid^® particularly represents a game changing treatment option where just one injection provides long lasting pain relief and mobility without the need for surgery. We are excited to work with experts to establish what is potentially a new treatment algorithm for patients suffering with knee OA.”

www.arthrosamid.com

References: 1. Bliddal H, Overgaard A, Hartkopp A, Beier J, Conaghan PG, et al. (2021) Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis: Results of a 52 Week Prospective Study. Osteoarthritis and CartilageVol. 29 S278: 2021. 2. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg177/documents/osteoarthritis-update-final-scope2 3. birmingham-oa-1.pdf (versusarthritis.org)

Treatment with Arthrosamid^® is simple. The knee is prepared by cleaning the area around the injection site.

The knee is numbed with some local anaesthetic, before aspirating if necessary.

Using ultrasound guidance, Arthrosamid^® is injected into the knee.

Security and compliance should be front of mind for healthcare professionals

Digital messaging apps have become an important facet of everyday life, enabling people to quickly and easily stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues any time, anywhere. This convenience, however, doesn’t come without risk, and we have all experienced messages being sent to the wrong people or groups.

When communicating with friends, a mistaken message may be amusing or, at worst, embarrassing, but in the workplace, the consequences can be far more serious. In the medical sphere in particular, the potential for such errors poses a significant risk to patient confidentiality and data protection, which even threatens that most fundamental aspect of healthcare ethics, the Hippocratic Oath.

However, many medical professionals are unacquainted with this issue. A recent survey by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) revealed that 88.3% of its members regularly use instant messaging apps for sharing clinical information with medical colleagues, yet 29.3% admitted they were unaware of EU data protection regulations when sharing clinical data. A further 46.7% indicated there are no regulations in place at their institution regarding the sharing of clinical data via instant messaging.

This is worrying but not surprising. Technology moves at a rapid pace, so it stands to reason that it frequently advances more quickly than the government and industry can create new standards and procedures to address it. What’s more, instant messaging tools offer huge benefits to medical practitioners, so the demand for them is strong. This was clearly illustrated at the height of the pandemic, when information-sharing and fast decision-making was essential for helping healthcare professionals to learn how to deal with a hitherto unknown virus.

In these circumstances, frontline staff came to appreciate the value of being able to share details about individual patient cases, including photographs and other sensitive medical data. It facilitated rapid knowledge-sharing, without which many more lives would undoubtedly have been lost.

The answer, therefore, is not to simply banish messaging apps, just when they have proven themselves indispensable. The better solution is for technology providers to create messaging tools which are fit for purpose and which meet the demands of medical staff, all without the associated risks that come with universally available providers. In fact, the data-security challenge was recognised some time ago, and was a key influence behind the development of specialist healthcare apps such as Siilo – the only tool on the market which is compliant with GDPR and medical legislation. However, the importance of using specialist tools is not yet fully understood because there is a failure to differentiate between security and compliance.

The basic promise of ‘end-to-end’ encryption, which is offered by the best-known messaging apps, certainly provides a strong element of security – it means the servers of the vendor cannot decrypt the message data even if they wanted to because they don’t have access to the encryption keys that belong to this encrypted data. However, this only applies to data whilst it is ‘in transit’ from one phone to another. What happens when the data is ‘at rest’, i.e. delivered to a phone or other device? This is a question that even data protection officers in healthcare cannot answer.

After a phone receives a message, several synchronisations take place with common messaging apps: photos and videos are synced automatically to the photo library of the phone, where the media is not encrypted; all conversations are backed-up by default and automatically go onto the cloud services of the phone provider – where message data is also stored unencrypted. As such, all these unencrypted conversations are exposed to unauthorized third parties.

This is a huge problem because it becomes impossible for any medical professional sending an instant message on most services to be able to guarantee patient confidentiality. A way which is often used to get around this is to anonymise patient information within communications, but this also brings significant issues – if healthcare teams cannot clearly identify which patient they are communicating about, it will almost certainly lead to confusion and mistakes which could easily be prevented.

What this means is that off-the-shelf messaging apps are not suitable for use within healthcare. Using them offers no guarantee of patient confidentiality, and worse still may compromise their welfare. What’s more, the recent ransomware attack on the Irish Health Service’s IT system has again highlighted the importance of robust data security. Little wonder, perhaps, that Siilo experienced a 908% surge in app downloads in Ireland following the recent incident.

Digitalisation offers tremendous benefits to the healthcare sector, but it is essential that it is truly fit to meet the standards expected within the medical profession. For communications technologies, this means applying absolute rigour to ensure patient confidentiality cannot be compromised.

Joost Bruggeman is a former surgery resident at Amsterdam University Medical Centre and now CEO and co-founder of Siilo. For more information, please visit www.siilo.com 

CASE STUDY

 Philip Luce is CEO at Cromwell Hospital, London. The hospital started using Siilo as the pandemic took hold last year.

“Technology has been crucial during the pandemic to enable medical professionals to continue to provide the very best patient care. Here at Cromwell Hospital, Siilo is a key digital tool we introduced early on, that has proved invaluable as the pandemic developed.

“It has enabled consultants in multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) to safely and securely discuss patient cases, share notes, scans and test results remotely. This has been key in supporting our rapid access patient pathways, enabling patients’ test results to be reviewed, and consultants to collaborate in real-time to develop tailored treatment plans. This streamlines our patient pathways, helping to ensure our patients’ treatment has not been delayed.

“The ease of use and the speed in which teams were able to access and start using the app meant we were able to keep up with the pace and demands of such a unique and fast-moving crisis.

“It is really important that we have timely communication between our clinicians to enable speedy diagnosis and tailored treatment plans for our patients. It also means we don’t have to worry about breaching patient confidentiality, we’re able to communicate more efficiently and are able to ask questions to other medical professionals across organisational boundaries.”

Example of using Siilo to improve patient care

“Our consultant clinicians used Siilo to review the future treatment of a 46 year-old-patient who had been advised to stop chemotherapy, in place of radiotherapy treatment. The lead consultant created a new patient file, to review the information at hand, and subsequently the Breast Team collectively approved of the decision to pursue a different method of treatment.”

How crucial is this type of technology beyond Covid?

“The pandemic has changed the way we all work, and this includes at our hospital. Technology such as Siilo enables our consultants to communicate securely with one another in real-time – this is a great benefit to the delivery of rapid, quality patient care during Covid-19 and beyond the pandemic.

“Providing a platform for these conversations to take place virtually means consultants are able to ensure that patients are getting the right and best treatment for them and their condition. For our patients, this means they don’t have any delays in their treatment plan, and this can leave them with peace of mind during what can be a worrying time.”

5 Things to look for in your messaging service

• Fingerprint/Facial Recognition & PIN code security: To keep your patient data confidential, secure your conversations and data with a mandatory PIN code and Face- or Touch-ID.
• Image-editing features: To guarantee patient anonymity, cover names or faces in a photo with the Blur tool and point out critical aspects of a photo for colleagues with the Arrow tool.
• Processor agreements: Ensure data privacy and security compliance at the individual and organisational level with a Sillo Processor Agreement. To be GDPR compliant, the messenger service takes responsibility as the processor of your patient’s sensitive information on your behalf as a healthcare professional. This is automatically signed when you start using our application
• Identity & medical verification: To ensure you are sending information to the right contact, identify verified medical professionals at a glance with Siilo badges.
• Separation between personal/professional media: To prevent patient data from being uploaded to personal cloud services, save photos, videos, and files directly to the Siilo app rather than your device’s photo gallery.

For the full list of Winners please visit: https://value.hsj.co.uk/winners-2021

By Dr Punam Krishan, GP (@drpunamkrishan)

Nobody anticipated a pandemic and having never lived through one before, it has been a steep learning curve for all involved as we have tried to create “new normal” ways of living our life until such times actual “normality” returns. As a GP and mother to two young children myself, I can appreciate just how challenging it has been but one thing most parents and healthcare workers would agree on is that during the lockdown period, we saw less of the common childhood infections such as colds, tummy bugs, chicken pox etc. It has been an interesting time in the world of medicine as we have learned about the effects of social behaviours on health and the spread of infectious diseases but as we come out of restrictions, what can we expect?

Prior to the pandemic, I would routinely see young children coming in with runny noses, coughs, fevers, sore throats, rashes, tummy bugs to name a few of the common ailments. When children mingle and play together, sharing things, coughing and spluttering over each other, they spread germs. Whilst no parent enjoys it when their little one catches one of these common viral infections, we know that it does aid their immunity, helping them to build up antibodies to be able to fight those infections more effectively the next time. During lockdown then, when children were not around other, they did not have exposure to such infections and therefore we saw less cases.

Over time, our immunity can drop to certain viruses and bacteria and this is one of the reasons why, post-lockdown, we are seeing a rise in the number of young children with typical ailments we would normally see in winter months as they start mingling and socialising again. It has been an anxiety-provoking time for parents as all the common ailments have similar signs and symptoms to COVID which include fever, cough, runny noses and loss or change in sense of taste and smell. Because of the heightened awareness, coupled with anxiety about testing every time a child gets a fever, I can understand it can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I go through the same waves when my baby or son get poorly. However, I want to reassure you that if your little one is catching everything that is going around the school or nursery, try not to worry. Some children will be coming into contact for the first time with other contagious childhood infections such as chicken pox, this is normal. It is simply because they have not had exposure to the usual viruses that circulate but they will start to mount their immune responses again.

A recent survey[1] by PoxClin CoolMousse found that 62% of parents are worried about a rise in common illnesses this autumn. Furthermore, 65% are worried their children might have to miss even more school this autumn term, because of back-to-school bugs and seasonal illnesses.

One of the positives from the pandemic has been a heightened awareness of infection control. Pre-pandemic, as a collective, people didn’t stop to think of the impact of good hand hygiene or about catching their cough or sneeze and even wearing masks and social distancing in crowded spaces. We have all learnt more about how to keep ourselves protected and our kids have too. Teaching children from a young stage to protect themselves is an invaluable skill and whilst we cannot wait to see the back of COVID, we can focus on some of the positives.

There are things you can do ahead of the winter surge of non-covid common infections.

1. First of all continue to encourage your children to continue practicing good hand hygiene with hand washing and sanitiser. This will not only protect against COVID but will also be effective against other viruses and bacteria too.

2. If your child is old enough and willing to do so, continue to encourage face mask wearing in indoor and crowded spaces like public transport and shopping centres. Most of the common viruses travel through the air in droplets and enter via the nose and mouth. Whilst it’s not fun wearing them, in selected spaces, the protection will go a long way to prevention.

3. A fever, whatever the perceived source, requires a PCR test so do this every time to rule out COVID.

4. Do your best to strengthen the immune systems by ensuring the family is eating balanced and healthy, colourful rainbow plates and by exercising and prioritising good sleep. By doing this you are starting off in a strong position should any nasties get into the system.

5. Preparation is key! Ensure your medicine cupboard is stocked up with medicines for common ailments.

6. If you are worried in any way, speak to your pharmacist or call your GP.

One of the commonest infections we have seen a surge in is chicken pox. Again due to not interacting and socialising with other people, we had seen less of this over lockdown. It is important to remember that chickenpox is a common infection and although we see it more in young children, you can get it at any stage. Usually, it gets better on its own after 1-2 weeks but if you are worried about your child, then do call your GP.

Most cases of chickenpox start with some early signs like lethargy and mild fever. Remember if your child does develop a fever, you must do a PCR test to rule out COVID. The management involves encouraging your child to

1. Keep hydrated – small sips of water frequently. You can try ice lollies or frozen fruits too if they don’t feel like drinking.
2. Paracetamol is effective if your child is in pain or has a high temperature
3. I recommend Poxclin CoolMousse for any itching lesions – the mousse means it’s easy and hygienic to apply to a large surface area. It helps to cool the skin, reduce the irritation and inflammation, as well as reducing the risk of infection and scarring,You can pop this in the fridge to give it a soothing effect.
4. Gloves and socks are effective for younger children to avoid scratching the spots and jeep nails short as any cut to the skin can introduce bacteria leading to secondary skin infections.
5. Bathing in cool water can be soothing and remember to pat dry and not rub.
6. Keep clothes loose and cotton to avoid any irritation to the spots.
7. Plenty of cuddles and downtime.

[1] An online survey was conducted by Atomik Research among parents of under 18yo in the UK. The research fieldwork took place on 3-4 August 2021. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides to MRS code.

If you’re only using mint for your mojitos or Pimms you’re definitely missing out on this versatile herb! The benefits of mint extend far beyond the bar hosting a whole range of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To shed some light on this refreshing classic we have put together five reasons why mint deserves a place in your daily routine – from stomach to skincare – this year!

1. Tackling tummy troubles:

Peppermint oil has been linked with reducing pain, stomach upset, and other symptoms of IBS. Researchers have attributed peppermint’s relief of IBS symptoms, such as constipation and bloating, mainly to its antispasmodic properties. The menthol contained in peppermint has a relaxing effect on the intestinal smooth muscle[1].

Many of these benefits have been seen when taking peppermint in a capsule form not as food — make sure to check with your GP before adding any supplements to your daily routine. That being said, the soothing and relaxing properties of peppermint tea may lend a hand in addition to helping you stay hydrated during warm summer months.

2. Sorting summer skincare:

We all go a little over the top in the sun sometimes. That extra half an hour in the sun may provide that healthy, bronzed glow, but along with it sometimes comes that itchy, irritated heated skin! This is where the soothing element of mint comes into its own! Mint is an abundant source of menthol which has antibacterial properties and can be effective like after sun lotion for soothing and cooling sun-scorched skin.

To keep your skin cool after a hot summer day, Menthoderm® is the travel essential you never knew you needed, Menthoderm® is a menthol in Aqueous Cream that can help cool and soothe heated, itchy, and often dry skin!

3. It’s anti-inflammatory:

Mint contains phytonutrients with antioxidant-like properties, this can reduce damage caused by oxidative stress! Mint leaves contain a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid, which is easy to add to your diet in fresh salads, tzatziki or even in a cheeky cocktail! To get the most out of your mint it is best to add them raw or at the end of the cooking process as this helps them maintain their delicate flavour and texture.

4. Immune-boosting benefits:

In addition to its cooling and soothing properties, mint is a great source of vitamin A. Research has shown that Vitamin A may lower the risk of conditions like cataracts, diarrhoea, measles, and breast cancer[2].

Vitamin A is also involved in the production and function of white blood cells, which help capture and clear bacteria and other pathogens from your bloodstream. By including a good dose of vitamin A in your diet you can reduce your risk of infections and improve your recovery if you do get sick[3].

5. Helps you stress less:

Mint has historically been used in aromatherapy to help reduce stress and induce feelings of calm. The cooling effects help to relax the system internally, relieving stiffness in the body. For stress relief, try combining peppermint, lavender and geranium essential oils to a warm bath and having a good soak, this will help reduce stress by as the oils are absorbed through the skin.

Aromatherapy is also an option you can either do this by using peppermint in an essential oils diffuser or even adding a few drops to a sink of some warm water to create peppermint steam that can then be inhaled.

ENDS

Please contact Trinity PR for a sample of Menthoderm – to try out the cooling sensation for yourself! Samples are also available for reader goody bags and review. Menthoderm® is available to buy direct from www.sk1n.co.uk

Contact Kitty Weale at Trinity PR on 020 7112 4905 / 0770 948 7960 or email kitty.weale@trinitypr.co.uk for more information.

Notes to Editors:

Menthoderm® is a menthol in aqueous cream (paraben and SLS free) that can be used sparingly, but frequently to cool and soothe dry, irritated, or sunburnt skin. SLS has been known to sometimes cause irritation to the skin, which is why it is best to find a moisturiser or shower gel that is SLS free to reduce the chances of skin irritation. Menthoderm® 100g travel tube is a must-pack travel health essential!

[1] https://badgut.org/

[2] https://www.webmd.com/diet/mint-water-good-for-you#1

[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-a-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4

A new survey released to tie in with World Breastfeeding Week (1^st-7^th August 2021), has sadly revealed that nearly 1 in 10 (7%) British women would feel uncomfortable discussing their breastfeeding struggles with their partner.  The survey, conducted by Multi-Mam breastfeeding compresses, found the same number of women said they would also feel uncomfortable discussing these issues with their GP and 11% said they would even feel uncomfortable talking about their struggles with their mum.¹

Research has found that there is a strong link between breastfeeding success and a good support system, so it’s vital that women feel able to come forward and admit their difficulties and concerns and if necessary, seek additional help.  A hospital-based study 24 hours postpartum showed how;

“Strong approval of breastfeeding by the partner was associated with a high incidence of breastfeeding (98.1%), compared to only 26.9% breastfeeding when the partner was indifferent to feeding choice.”²

However, this can apply to a woman’s entire support system – sister, cousin, friend, fellow mama, partner or mother-in-law – all in all, support matters!

Lactation consultant Kitty Hackel suggests;

“Before baby arrives check out your local breastfeeding group. Borrow a good breastfeeding book from your local library, invite your partner to your breastfeeding preparation class and ask your mother or mother-in-law about their feeding experiences and open the conversation.”

To help get your breastfeeding off to the best start, Kitty Hackel goes on to offer the following advice:

Skin to skin contact with your baby

As long as there are no complications, the focus after birth is for you and baby to enjoy some bonding time.  Skin-to-skin with your baby can help regulate their temperature, heartrate and get breastfeeding off to the best start. Skin-to-skin will trigger your body to produce Oxytocin, aka: the love hormone.  Oxytocin will promote bonding between you and your baby and stimulate your milk production. This skin-to-skin time is the perfect setting to initiate your baby’s first feed. If you can’t have the golden hour straight away don’t worry, make it clear in your birth preferences that you wish to have this as soon as you can, bonding time is beneficial at any time, it is also lovely for Dad to have skin-to-skin and to help with bonding where possible too.

Watch your baby not the clock

Keep your baby with you as much as possible after birth so you can get to know them and their cues. Newborn babies will typically feed no less than 8 and sometimes more than 12 times each 24 hours for the first several weeks. This may look like feeding every hour, or feeding every 3 hours. Observe your baby for their hunger cues; sticking their tongue out, moving their head from side to side, rooting, opening and closing their mouth and bringing their hands to their mouth, these are all signs that your baby is hungry. Offer them the breast at this stage, it is a lot harder to latch on an upset baby, so try and feed them before they get to this point.

Limit the use of dummies!

Why are we as lactation consultants not big fans? Well, as a general rule, lactation consultants don’t like the use of soothers in the early days as they mean your body is losing precious chances of frequent breast stimulation. Put simply, milk supply works on a ‘supply and demand’ basis. Our bodies respond to baby’s stimulation and when you give a soother or dummy, your breasts and brain are losing the chance to tell the body to make more milk. You can’t put off frequent feeds and expect to make enough milk. Bring baby to breast at every cue, limit pacifiers and bottles in the early days and weeks. I recommend using this technique for somewhere between 5 and 6 weeks – trust your baby and trust the process.

Do not cover your baby’s hands

I get it, you’ve read that list of “must-have items for newborns” by your favourite blogger….. and it says ‘mittens’. Done. In the cart. You don’t question it any further… However, while mittens on a newborn are cute and they prevent scratches, there is a bit more to consider before deciding to use them.  When it comes to breastfeeding, babies use their hands as little radars to help them locate and latch onto the breast. Try not to get frustrated and discouraged when baby tries to get his/her hands involved at feeding time. Instead encourage them “what a clever little boy/girl you are”.

Another wonderful and little-known fact about babies hands and feeding, is that immediately after delivery, you leave the amniotic fluid on baby’s hands. The smell of the lubricating fluid secreted by the Montgomery Glands on the areola smells like the amniotic fluid baby has on their hands and this helps to guide them to the breast for their first feed!

Avoid supplemental feedings

All your baby needs is you! It is very rare that I see a baby requiring more than just breast in the first 24 hours. Your milk supply works on a supply and demand basis. If you fall into the ‘top up’ trap, your body will miss an opportunity to feed and in so doing, will lower its supply to meet its new reduced demand for the following days.

Positioning and attachment

There is a reason that we call it breastfeeding and not nipple feeding.

Babies should take in a mouthful of breast tissue. This will ensure less pain/nipple damage, better milk transfer and milk drainage, therefore better milk production.

Here are some of my favourite tips for latching your baby on:

✔place baby facing tummy to your tummy

✔Your baby should be with their nose at the level of your nipple (using pillows and altering position can help with this)

✔Tickle your baby’s nose and top lip with your nipple to trigger the reflex to open wide, like baby’s taking a big bite of a burger!

✔As soon as the baby opens wide, swiftly bring baby to your breast. Not the other way round or you will end up with a very sore back/neck

✔Your baby should have their chin and cheeks touching the breast

✔You want to hear your baby swallowing lots. About 1 swallow for every 2-3 sucks

This might take several tries to get that deep latch and that’s okay! Don’t settle for the first one if it doesn’t feel right. You and baby are both learning together.

Know what’s normal

While breastfeeding should not be painful, your nipples may feel tender during the first 2 weeks. This is very normal. Just as your body might be achy and sore when you first take up a new sport. Here are a few things you can do to ease this discomfort:

✔Follow my previous tips to ensure your baby is latching on deeply at the breast. You want your nipple to be at the point of baby’s soft palate not chomping down on your nipple with the hard palate of their mouth. OWeee!

✔Ensure you practice good hygiene. By simply washing your breasts with warm water and soap you may avoid minor infection very easily, and as a result reduce your risk of developing mastitis.

✔Our skin repairs best in a moist wound healing environment. Allowing your nipples to “dry out” can actually cause a lot more damage than good. MultiMam breastfeeding compresses are lovely for this, as well as providing immediate relief, their combination of ingredients have been proven to support the natural flora of the nipple. I loved keeping mine in the fridge for that extra soothing, cooling effect.

If things don’t seem to be going well, or feeding is painful seek out help. A lactation consultant can watch you feeding and give you tips and tricks to help improve your baby’s latch and encourage deeper attachment at the breast, encouraging more efficient milk transfer and a more comfortable mum.

Happy breastfeeding!

The 2QR-complex ingredient used in Multi-Mam Breastfeeding Compresses supports the natural healing process and restores the microbial balance of the nipple. The compresses are available at boots, online at amazon and at independent pharmacies.

ENDS

For more information call Trinity PR on 020 7112 4905 or email kitty.weale@trinitypr.co.uk or jo.gulliver@trinitypr.co.uk

References

1. Media Group survey of 2,000 women, conducted in February 2021

Summer has officially begun. It rolls around every year (eventually!), but when the hot weather FINALLY makes an appearance, us Brits are often not prepared to handle the heat! From our skin to sleep and energy, there are many health and wellbeing benefits to keeping your cool as the temperature rises. Read our handy hacks to help you chill as the temperature rises:

1. Skin soother

The skin is the body’s largest organ and can be particularly sensitive to the sun. Catching the rays for that extra hour may well provide the feel-good Summer vibes we all crave, but if over-exposed our skin can react with hot flushes, irritable sunburn and dry, itchy skin.

To soothe heated, red skin, why not opt for an aqueous cream which contains menthol. Menthol is an organic compound that has many health benefits including soothing skin with a cooling sensation. This age-old coolant is a great alternative to after-sun lotion and can  assist with alleviating the pain of sunburn by cooling the affected area. Try Menthoderm® – a Menthol in Aqueous Cream available in three strengths* (0.5%, 1% and 2%), and in a handy 100g travel tube (Paraben and sodium lauryl sulfate SLS free) to cool and soothe heated, itchy and dry skin.

2. Sleep easy

As a nation, we’re used to crawling under the duvet and wrapping up for the night. Even in Summer, that habit can be hard to break and many of us are reluctant to cast off our quilt. However, in high Summer, try this simple hack: stay cool by sleeping under just a sheet or, even better, just take the duvet cover off and use that! Thanks to new Outlast technology[1] (used by NASA originally) you can also buy temperature regulating, cooling mattresses, duvets and toppers made from material designed to absorb, store and release heat that the body emits during the different stages of sleep.

If you’re still really struggling to sleep in the heat, try soaking a flannel or hand towel in cold water and apply it to your face or wrists for an instant cool down. . For your legs and feet, smooth over a little bit of Menthoderm® over your skin for a cooling sensation.

And, if you share your home with some four-legged friends, don’t forget that they can suffer in heat too. You can also get new cool mattresses for dogs and cats…if only we could fit on too!

3. Drink it in…

On average, an adult can lose up to half or one litre of sweat every day, but in hot environments this can increase to almost a litre and a half an hour[2]. That’s why it’s essential to keep the body hydrated during hot weather. So, what’s the best get way to get plenty of H20? Cool water is a given, but what about the old wives’ tale about a cup of tea cooling you down? Well, there could be something in it! Although counter intuitive, drinking a warm beverage causes receptors in your mouth and throat to trigger a sweat response, allowing your body to cool down without having to ingest a large amount of the warm liquid.[3] Be careful of too much caffeine though which can have a diuretic effect.

Whilst a glass of rose or a cocktail is almost irresistible in the sun for those feel-good vibes, don’t go overboard! You’ll lose even more fluids if you’re drinking in the sun and won’t be able to replace them quickly enough – leading to dehydration (think killer hangover!) So, try to limit your intake overall in the sun and alternate your drinks with water or non-alcoholic versions – there are some great mocktails and “lo and no” wines and beers now available.

4. Get fruity

Everyone loves an ice cream on a Summer day, but scientists think that it can actually warm you up as heat is generated during the digestive process to break down the nutrients in this calorie-rich snack³. Try swapping the scoops for a natural frozen juice or ice-pop to  top up your vitamins for the day and increase your hydration levels in one hit.

Food plays an important role in regulating body temperature, so selecting foods with a high-water content like pineapple, mangos, oranges and watermelons could help you to stay cool. Cucumbers, which are 95 per cent water, are also an excellent choice for your Summer shopping list.[4]

5. Loosen up…

So, what to wear? It’s common knowledge that dark clothes absorb more heat than light colours, so to keep yourself cool try to choose white, pastel or muted shades. Light is also the way to go in terms of the fit. Looser fitting t-shirts, dresses and shorts will help you feel more comfortable and airier. No matter how good it may look, denim should probably be swapped out for materials such as cotton or linen.

As for bed clothes, as tempting as it might be to strip off when your room feels like a sauna, wearing some clothes to sleep in can actually help to draw sweat off your body and mean you don’t feel too sticky or damp. Try wearing just a thin, slightly baggy pair of PJ bottoms or shorts ideally in cotton or linen.

6. Fan-dom

Sadly, unless you can hang out in the freezer section of your local supermarket all day, finding a truly cool spot inside is tricky in the UK. Air conditioning is hard to come by, so most of us rely on fans – and take the trade-off between the ceaseless noise and the intermittent waft of cool air!  If that’s your cool-down method of choice, make sure you stock up early to avoid the inevitable rush for fans on that one unbearable week of humid weather.

[1] 8 Best Cooling Mattress Pads and Toppers Reviews 2021 (goodhousekeeping.com)

[2] Health Check: do ice cream and cold drinks cool us down? (theconversation.com)

[3] Health Check: do ice cream and cold drinks cool us down? (theconversation.com)

[4] UK heatwave: 11 foods that will help you stay cool | The Independent | The Independent

The 17 high-calibre winners of the 2021 HSJ Partnership Awards have been announced during an awards ceremony at the Evolution London Tuesday 29^th June 2021.

The HSJ Partnership Awards – now in their 4^th year – are independently judged by experts from across the healthcare sector, looking specifically for organisations from the private and charitable sectors that clearly strive to improve collaboration and innovation within the NHS.

A great variety of different sectors and industries from all over the country were represented throughout the evening. The diversity on display – both in terms of the projects undertaken and the teamwork showcased – demonstrated a growing dedication to working efficiently and effectively with the NHS, particularly during the incredibly challenging past 15 months.

The awards ceremony was hosted by the lively and engaging Ed Gamble who led the evening with the dedication and respect that the finalists and winners rightly deserved.

Of the 17 winners, Best Pharmaceutical Partnership with the NHS was awarded to Boehringer-Ingelheim and Oxfordshire CCG for their project “Integrated Multi-Disciplinary Respiratory Team”, the judges highlighted that this was a fantastic example of true partnership working with excellent outcomes for patients and that there is a great potential for this initiative to spread to other areas.

Further winners from the evening were:

• Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust were awarded Best Mental Health Partnership with the NHS their outstanding innovation focussing on “Fewer Incidents and Better Care in Inpatient Mental Health Hospitals”. The judges highlighted the profound difference this project made to patient safety in a non-intrusive manner. This initiative also delivers significant benefits to front line staff, who have been under great stress during the pandemic.
• A newly introduced award for this year, the Local Covid-19 Response Partnership Award, was won by Tower Hamlets Together. The project was highlighted for an inspirational example of local partnership working which had ambitious vision that engaged with staff, making a difference during the challenging times that were brought by the pandemic.

HSJ Editor Alastair McLellan said, “The HSJ Partnership Awards are always a wonderful showcase for the outstanding work across healthcare today. I am always extremely honoured to be involved in recognising high standards in healthcare. Congratulations to all our winners and nominees at this year’s awards.”

“It is always inspiring to hear of how organisations work together to help improve and continually contribute to innovation in the healthcare sector.”

The full list of award winners and those highly commended can be found on the HSJ Partnership Awards website https://partnership.hsj.co.uk/