In Denmark, the gambling industry underwent significant changes in 2012, transitioning from a state monopoly to liberalization. Private companies were granted licenses to offer betting services and online casinos, leading to a surge in online gambling. Other European countries have followed a similar development path in recent years. Continue reading
Zara Molphy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Having dipped somewhat during the pandemic, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise again around the world. In England and Ireland in 2022, rates of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis exceeded levels recorded before COVID. The number of gonorrhoea diagnoses recorded in England was in fact the highest since annual records began.
26 June 2023 /Healthcare/ — The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is an annual observance held on 26 June to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. The day is also an occasion to reaffirm the commitment of the international community to the goal of a drug-free world.
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the need to address the stigma and discrimination that people who use drugs face. This is reflected in the theme of World Drug Day 2023, which is “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.” Continue reading
NEW YORK, May 12, 2023 /Healthcare/ — Loneliness is a growing problem in the United States. In fact, the Surgeon General has called it an epidemic. Loneliness can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health, and it can even shorten our lifespan.
There are many things we can do to learn about loneliness and what we can do to solve the epidemic. Here are a few ideas: Continue reading
Molly was 88 years old and in good health. She had outlived two husbands, her siblings, most of her friends and her only son.
“I don’t have any meaningful relationships left, dear,” she told me. “They’ve all died. And you know what? Underneath it all, I want to leave this world too.” Leaning a little closer, as though she was telling me a secret, she continued:
April 30, 2023 /Health/ — The uncomfortable truth: Race, gender, sexual orientation, age, body size, income, and other cultural factors have a significant bearing on whether you will be diagnosed and treated correctly. The history of systematic biases, prejudice in medical care can no longer be overlooked. The good news is regardless of whether you are a patient, healthcare provider, or administrator, there are steps you can take today to combat medical bias.
Medical bias is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on patients. It can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and even death. There are a number of factors that can contribute to medical bias, including: Continue reading
PocDoc, the Cambridge-based digital health platform today announces it has launched in 4 major community pharmacy chains across the UK, giving it access to over 300 locations nationwide.
In addition to Dears Pharmacy in Scotland, PocDoc is now partnered with Knights Pharmacy Group, Weldricks Pharmacy Group, Greenlight Pharmacy Group and Lincolnshire Co-op Pharmacy. Continue reading
XRP Healthcare Africa has announced a new partnership with The Burnratty Investment Group to revolutionize the African healthcare sector, by joining forces and working in unison with a focus on Africa. The collaboration will consolidate the highly fragmented African healthcare market by pursuing mergers and acquisitions of small and medium-sized private healthcare businesses that align with its strategic vision in Uganda East Africa, being its first point of interest. Continue reading
Hisham Mehanna, University of Birmingham
Over the past two decades, there has been a rapid increase in throat cancer in the west, to the extent that some have called it an epidemic. This has been due to a large rise in a specific type of throat cancer called oropharyngeal cancer (the area of the tonsils and back of the throat). The main cause of this cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which are also the main cause of cancer of the cervix. Oropharyngeal cancer has now become more common than cervical cancer in the US and the UK.
April 17, 2023 /Healthcare/ — There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine causes shingles. However, there is some evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine may trigger shingles in people who are already at risk for the condition. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. It can reactivate later in life, causing shingles.
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of shingles, including: Continue reading