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Why schools need to take the issue of solar safety more seriously – explains the expert

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Despite the UK’s rainy climate, this happens to one in six risk skin cancer. Children, specifically, needs to be especially careful as they’re more likely to suffer from severe sunburn than in younger years doubles risk of later developing skin cancer.

But recent research my colleagues and I carried out research which found that lower than half of primary schools in Wales have a proper sun safety policy.

Due to the continuous increase in skin cancer rates 8% per 12 months in England and Wales it’s an issue that is not going to go away, and the disease currently accounts for half of all cancers. In 2020 alone, the cost of skin cancer treatment in England was: estimated exceed £180 million.

There is hope, nevertheless. It is estimated that approx 90% of skin cancers are attributable to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This means they will be prevented through safer behavior.

However, there are still many individuals in the UK downplay link between sunburn and skin cancer. Research paints a disturbing picture, revealing differences in sun protection awareness and behavior amongst different groups. Especially, menpeople living in low-income neighborhoodsbelonging to lower socio-economic groups AND people of color They are sometimes found to be less informed about solar safety and more likely to put themselves in danger.

Because childhood is a key time for learning healthy behaviors, teaching all children from an early age about sun protection could also be a technique to reduce future rates of skin cancer. AND World Health ORganisation recommends formal school programs as the key to prevention.

Overall, there have been school interventions shown positively influence knowledge and behavior regarding solar safety. For example, schools in Australia with a written policy reveal higher sun protection practices than those without one.

However, the situation in UK schools varies. issued by the British Government’s Department of Education statutory guidelines for England that children should leave primary school knowing about sun safety and the way to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, teaching about sun safety in schools shouldn’t be a legal requirement. In Wales, although sun protection is really helpful under the Healthy Schools Wales Network scheme, there may be again no mandatory requirement to have a sun safety policy or teach skin cancer prevention. There are also no central UK resources to help schools on this area.

Severe sunburn during childhood more than doubles the risk of developing skin cancer in the future.
Alonafoto/Shutterstock

My colleagues and I wanted to understand how many schools had a sun safety policy – ​​a proper document that outlines the school’s position on educating and ensuring sun safety. We also wanted to understand whether the existence of the policy varied by area or school characteristics and what support schools needed.

In 2022 we sent a survey to all 1,241 primary schools in Wales. A complete of 471 schools responded.

What we found

We found that only 39% of responding schools had a proper sun safety policy. And of them, not all of them enforced them. Schools where more children were on free school meals and had lower attendance rates were less likely to have sun protection policies.

We asked schools that shouldn’t have such a policy to provide the reason why they shouldn’t have such a policy. Thirty-five percent of schools were “not aware of the need”, while 27% of schools “had not yet addressed it”. Thirty schools (13%) said that solar safety policies aren’t currently a priority. It is evident that much stays to be done to raise awareness of schools and their principals about the role they’ll play on this area.

Of course, schools are busy places. So, when asked what would encourage them to create a sun safety policy, 73% of schools responded to development assistance and 56% said that they had resources to help teach about sun safety.

Previously, each the Cancer Research UK charity and the Wales-based charity Tenovus Cancer Care offered support and guidance to schools, but this support isn’t any longer available. A charity based in England Skin has a comprehensive and free accreditation program for sun-secure schools. Some schools told us they based their policies on resources provided by local authorities, but this was not consistent across Wales.

UV levels are about to rise in the UK and it is time for schools to start desirous about sun protection. Having a proper school policy on solar safety determines the school’s position on solar safety. If that is enforced and communicated properly, it becomes clear to everyone (principals, teachers, carers and students) their individual responsibilities to stay secure.

However, as lower than half of schools in Wales have formal policies and never all are enforced, there may be a scarcity of awareness of the importance of this issue and the potential role of schools.

It is due to this fact time for sun safety rules to turn into compulsory in primary schools across the UK. This can assist improve the knowledge and behavior of all age groups. However, schools need to be supplied with appropriate support and guidance to help them educate children about sun safety and protection while at college.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Recipe for change: eliminating health disparities and economic empowerment – the essence

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Via Griffin/Getty Images

Throughout the 12 months, the Global Black Economic Forum held quite a few select conversations focused on solutions to the most pressing economic and social issues facing marginalized communities. One of those issues – too often missed – is the link between Black health and wealth. If we do not start eliminating health disparities and inequalities today, we cannot give you the chance to construct wealth for the future.

This intersection was the focus of an event we hosted in August as a part of our cooking talk series. It was held on Martha’s Vineyard, round the corner National Medical Scholarships (NMF), the Black World Economic Forum had the opportunity to satisfy with NMF’s unapologetic leader, Michellene Davis. Recognized by Modern Healthcare magazine as certainly one of the 25 most influential minority leaders in healthcare, Michellene’s profession has involved policy advocacy and social change.

Her organization is devoted to increasing the variety of Black, Indigenous and physicians of color through fellowships, service-learning programs, mentoring opportunities and clinical research leadership training.

The conversation revealed two easy and interconnected data points: In the next decade, the United States will experience:huge shortage of doctors while becoming a majority non-white nation. These two trends highlight the need for greater diversity on this field. Studies have shown that patients of color see racially and ethnically diverse physicians. Treatment results are frequently higher.

However, the percentage of black doctors in the US is growing at an alarmingly slow rate – it has only increased by 4% over the last 120 years.. In the face of conservatives’ regressive and destructive attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, there has never been a greater need for us to redouble these efforts. The more we are able to improve health outcomes, the higher we’ll give you the chance to seize and compete for economic opportunities in the future. Given the urgent need to deal with health care workforce disparities and their direct impact on Black economic outcomes, it’s equally essential to acknowledge the broader economic opportunities that may drive wealth creation in our communities.

The competition for certainly one of the best economic opportunities in the history of tourism and hospitality – the 2026 FIFA World Cup – was the focus of our other curated conversation. Organized round the corner East Point Congress and Visitors Bureau, we sat down with its president, Chantel Francois. In her position, she is responsible for the development of the tourism industry in the city of East Point, Georgia. Previously, she led economic development and tourism promotion efforts in Atlanta, Trinidad and Tobago.

Francois described how local businesses run by entrepreneurs of color can leverage global events like the FIFA World Cup to extend their brand visibility, increase sales, and even start their very own businesses. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with event organizers, teams and athletes in constructing company awareness. This cooperation can also be crucial as the city government works with many stakeholders to make sure the safety of tourists and maximum economic opportunities for the area people.

When it involves such major events, it is usually essential to instill a way of community pride in each sector wherein an organization competes. This pride translates into a robust bond with travelers that may make them proceed to interact with small businesses or spark curiosity in them to learn more about the community. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has the potential to place tens of millions of dollars into the pockets and communities of individuals of color, and it’s crucial for businesses to begin planning now in the event that they have not already.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Phenergan for children under 6 years of age is currently banned due to fear of hallucinations. Here’s what you can use instead

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The Australian Drugs Regulatory Authority has issued an order safety warning over Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine promethazine.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has stated that over-the-counter products mustn’t be given to children under six years of age due to concerns about serious unwanted effects similar to hyperactivity, aggression and hallucinations. Breathing may additionally change into slow or shallow, which can be fatal.

When high doses are administered to young children, difficulties in learning and understanding, including reversible cognitive deficit and mental disability, may additionally occur. – said the TGA.

The latest warning follows international and Australian concerns concerning the drug in young children, which is commonly used to treat conditions similar to hay fever and allergies, motion sickness and for short-term sedative effects.

What is promethazine?

Promethazine is a “first generation” antihistamine that has been sold over-the-counter in Australian pharmacies for a long time for a spread of conditions.

Unlike many other drugs, first-generation antihistamines can cross the blood-brain barrier. This means they affect your brain chemistry, making you feel drowsy and sedated.

In adults, this will likely be useful for sleep. However, in children, these drugs can cause serious unwanted effects on the nervous system, including those mentioned on this week’s safety alert.

We’ve known about this for a while

We have known concerning the serious unwanted effects of promethazine in young children for a while.

Advice regarding 20 years ago In the United States, the drug was not beneficial for use in children under two years of age. In 2022, an Australian Medicines Advisory Committee made its own suggestion to increase the age to six. New Zealand released similar warnings and advice in May this yr.

Over the last ten years, 235 cases of serious unwanted effects from promethazine have been reported in each children and adults reported to the TGA. Of the 77 deaths reported, one was a toddler under six years of age.

Reported unwanted effects in each adults and children included:

  • 13 cases of accidental overdose (leading to 11 deaths)
  • eight cases of hallucinations
  • seven cases of slow or shallow respiration (leading to 4 deaths)
  • six cases of decreased consciousness (leading to five deaths).

TGA security alert comes after an internal investigation by the manufacturer of Phenergan, Sanofi-Aventis Healthcare. This investigation was initiated in 2022 advice from the Medicines Advisory Committee. The company has now updated its information for consumers and healthcare professionals.

What can you use instead?

If you have allergies or hay fever in young children, non-sedating antihistamines similar to Claratine (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) are preferred. They provide relief without the chance of sedation and other disturbing unwanted effects of promethazine.

If symptoms of a chilly or cough occur, parents must be reassured that these symptoms will normally subside with time, fluid intake, and rest.

Saline nasal sprays, adequate hydration, a humidifier or elevating the kid’s head can relieve the congestion related to hay fever. Oral products containing phenylephrine marketed for nasal congestion must be avoided because evidence shows that this is the case This article was originally published on : theconversation.com

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Health and Wellness

7 things you can do if you think you’re sweating too much

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Sweating is a way for the body to chill down, a bit like an internal air conditioner.

When your body temperature rises (since it’s hot outside or you exercise), sweat glands throughout your skin secrete a watery fluid. When the liquid evaporates, it takes heat with it, protecting us from overheating.

But sweating can vary from individual to individual. Some people could get a bit of dew under their arms, others may feel like they may fill a swimming pool (perhaps not as dramatically, but you get the thought).

So what’s a traditional amount of sweat? And what’s too much?

Why do some people sweat greater than others?

How much you sweat depends upon many aspects aspects including:

The average person sweats at a rate of approx 300 milliliters per hour (at a temperature of 30°C and humidity of roughly 40%). However, because you can’t measure the quantity of your individual sweat (or weigh it), doctors use a unique measure to evaluate the impact of sweating.

They ask if sweating interferes with on a regular basis life. Maybe you stop wearing certain clothes due to sweat stains or you feel embarrassed, so you don’t go to social events or work.

If so, it’s a so-called disease state excessive sweatingwhat affects tens of millions of individuals everywhere in the world.

As you might expect, people affected by this condition most frequently report problematic underarm sweating. However, sweaty hands, feet, scalp and groin might also be an issue.

Excessive sweating could also be a symptom of one other disease, e.g hyperthyroidism, fever or menopause.

But excessive sweating cannot have an obvious cause, and the causes of this so-called primary hyperhidrosis are somewhat mysterious. People have a traditional variety of sweat glands, but scientists consider they simply produce excessive amounts of sweat when exposed to triggers reminiscent of stress, heat, exercise, tobacco, alcohol and spicy spices. There might also be a genetic link.

Okay, I’m sweating loads. What can I do?

1. Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants, especially those with aluminumThey are the primary line of defense and have been designed to scale back sweating. Deodorants only stop unpleasant body odor.

Aluminum chloride, hexahydrate, aluminum chloride or weaker tetrachlorohydrex aluminum and zirconium glycinate they react with sweat gland proteins to form a plug. This plug temporarily blocks the sweat ducts, limiting the quantity of sweat reaching the skin’s surface.

These products may contain as much as 25% aluminum. The higher the proportion, the higher these products work, however the more they irritate the skin.

Make sure you buy antiperspirant, not deodorant.
Okrasiuka/Shutterstock

2. Beat the warmth

This could seem obvious, but staying calm can make an enormous difference. This is because you have less heat to lose, which causes your body to provide less sweat.

Avoid highly regarded and long showers (you’ll have more heat to lose), wear loose clothing fabricated from breathable fabrics reminiscent of cotton (this can help sweat evaporate more easily), and carry a small hand-held fan to assist your sweat evaporate.

When exercising, try it ice bandanas (ice wrapped in a shawl or cloth after which applied to the body) or wet towels. They can be worn across the neck, head or wrists to lower body temperature.

Also try to switch when or where you exercise; If possible, try to seek out cool shade or air-conditioned places.

If your sweating remains to be affecting your life after taking the primary two steps, consult with your doctor. They will help you find the most effective strategy to cope with this problem.

3. Medicines

Some medicines may help regulate sweating. Unfortunately, a few of them can also cause uncomfortable side effects reminiscent of dry mouth, blurred vision, abdominal pain or constipation. So consult with your doctor about what’s best for you.

Your GP might also refer you to a dermatologist – a health care provider like me who makes a speciality of skin conditions – who can recommend a wide range of treatments, including among the following.

4. Botulinum toxin injections

Botulinum toxin injections usually are not used solely for cosmetic reasons. They have many applications in medicine, including: they block the nerves that control the sweat glands. They do this for months.

The dermatologist normally gives injections. But they’re only subsidized by Medical care in Australia under the arms and if you suffer from primary hyperhidrosis that can not be controlled with the strongest antiperspirants. These injections are given as much as thrice a yr. It just isn’t subsidized within the case of other diseases, e.g. hyperthyroidism or other areas, e.g. face or hands.

If you don’t qualify, you can get these shots privately, but it would cost you a whole bunch of dollars for treatment that can last as long as six months.

A healthcare worker giving a man a Botox injection under his arm
In some cases, injections can be found under Medicare.
Satyrenko/Shutterstock

5. Iontophoresis

This involves using a tool that passes a weak electric current through water to the skin decreased sweating in your hands, feet or armpits. Scientists aren’t sure how exactly it really works.

But it’s the one way to manage sweating within the hands and feet, which doesn’t require drugs, surgery or botulinum toxin injections.

This treatment just isn’t subsidized by Medicare and never all dermatologists provide it. However, you can buy your individual device and use it, which is frequently cheaper than using it privately. You can ask your dermatologist if that is the proper option for you.

6. Surgery

There is a procedure where the nerves within the hands are cut, which prevents them from sweating. This is very effective however it may cause sweating somewhere else.

There are also other surgical options that you can talk to your doctor.

7. Microwave therapy

This is newer treatment which stimulates the sweat glands to destroy them in order that they can now not work. This just isn’t quite common yet and is kind of painful. It is out there privately in several centers.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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