Thursday 30 August 2018

Government proposes energy drinks ban for children

Government proposes energy drinks ban for children  The sale of energy drinks could be banned in England to anybody under 18, amid fears they are damaging children's health, the prime minister has said. The government has launched a public consultation on its plans to make it illegal to sell the drinks to children. Energy drinks contain high levels of sugar and caffeine and have been linked to obesity and other health issues.
The government is asking for views on what age the ban should apply to, but gave under 16 and under 18 as options. BBC News

NHS campaign aims to encourage patients to check free prescription eligibility - The Pharmaceutical Journal

NHS campaign aims to encourage patients to check free prescription eligibility  A nationwide campaign to help crack down on patients claiming free prescriptions when they are not eligible is to be launched on 10 September 2018.
‘Check before you tick’ is being run jointly by NHS England and the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) to encourage patients to check their eligibility, using a new online eligibility checker, before ticking the free prescriptions box. It will also highlight the possible consequences of making an incorrect claim. Pharmaceutical Journal

Millions miss out on vital diabetes health checks

Millions miss out on vital diabetes health checks Fewer than half of the population in England who should be receiving the preventative NHS Health Check have had one, according to a new analysis by Diabetes UK. The charity has analysed NHS Health Check data and found that less than half of over 40-year-olds eligible for an NHS Health Check in the last five years have actually received one.
Launched in England in 2009, the programme offers a five-yearly check-up to everyone aged 40 to 74 with the aim of spotting early signs of type 2 diabetes, stroke, kidney disease, heart disease and dementia. OnMedica

How to start mental health conversations with your employees - People Management Magazine

How to start mental health conversations with your employees With one in six people experiencing a common mental health problem in any given week, creating an open and supportive work culture has never been more important. Starting a conversation on mental health may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.
From regularly checking in with your team to encouraging them to open up, you can support them in a few, simple steps ... People Management

Children forced to travel hundreds of miles for NHS mental health treatment

Children forced to travel hundreds of miles for NHS mental health treatment NHS England figures reveal some under-18s sent as far as 285 miles for inpatient services. Children and young people with serious mental health problems are receiving treatment as far as 285 miles away from their homes, despite a pledge to end such practice, because bed shortages in some areas are so severe.
Experts say sending highly troubled under-18s to units far from their family and friends can be frightening for them, reduces their chances of recovery and increases their risk of self-harm. Guardian