How Can Employers Watch Out for Their Workers’ Mental Health During the Cost-of-Living Crisis?

The current cost-of-living crisis is affecting thousands of UK households which may place additional stress on individuals, especially if they were struggling with money prior to the economic crisis. In particular, monetary stress on workers may lead them to perform poorly at work which in turn impacts overall business performance.

Employers have a responsibility to prioritise the health and safety of their workers, and this includes their wellbeing and mental health. Particularly as the cost-of-living crisis is causing havoc in people’s lives, how can employers watch out for their workers’ mental health during this time?

Mental health and the cost-of-living crisis

Research shows that people’s mental health is declining as a result of cost of living concerns, according to 66% of therapists in one survey. Mental health has worsened due to people cutting down on activities that usually made them happier such as going to the gym or sports clubs, as well as losing sleep because they are too stressed and worried about whether they can pay their bills or not.

These findings indicate the significance of mental health and employers need to start acknowledging this to not only help their workers, but also to encourage retention and boost morale and motivation. So how can employers achieve this?

Targeted support

Despite a general support system being easier to enforce and maintain, offering targeted support may actually be more effective and beneficial for employees considering that not all of your workers will be substantially affected by the cost-of-living crisis. For instance, workers in lower income households may face increased burden and pressure compared to high income workers. Specifically, single parent workers, younger workers, and workers with an existing mental health condition are the groups to especially look out for during this economic turmoil.

Implementation of a financial wellbeing policy

If your company has not already implemented a financial wellbeing policy, now is the time to incorporate one into your company culture. If a financial wellbeing policy was already in place before the cost-of-living crisis, now may also be the time to revise the policy and improve it. A successful financial wellbeing policy could include the following:

  • Financial benefits programme
  • Worker protection such as group life insurance
  • Financial education for workers in the form of webinars/seminars, discussions, online courses
  • Financial advisor who workers can turn to and ask for financial advice and help whenever needed

Wellbeing training

Introducing wellbeing training to both new and existing employees can help them understand their own and others’ wellbeing better, especially when it comes to recognising signs of poor mental health and knowing how to support others in distress. For managers especially, wellbeing training is crucial in helping them recognise poor performance in their team and whether it may relate to mental health. As a result, managers are thus better equipped to respond and deal with poor performance due to mental health.

For example, it may be worth considering offering improved flexibility in terms of starting and finishing times for workers which allows them to manage their work-life balance efficiently, which may have been impacted due to tighter budgets because of the cost-of-living

And there you have it – just a few ways in which employers can support their employees’ mental health during the cost-of-living crisis.

attractive african american woman touching cheek in winter forest

How to Keep Flawless Skin While on the Go This Festive Season

You’re travelling the world, celebrating the festivities, taking fabulous views and flavours from as many new countries as possible. Relaxing by the pool in luxury bikinis with a drink in hand. The last thing you need from this holiday is tight and dry skin causing discomfort.

While you might have your home routine planned meticulously, it is easy to let these habits slip when entering different time zones, environments, and exploring past your bedtime. From a missed skincare routine step to a completely different diet, travelling can wreak havoc on your skin.

Here, we will explore some ways to maintain good skin without the need for your extensive routine of moisturisers and more.

 

Vitamins

Vitamins are a great way to maintain good skin while travelling, especially if your diet will be changing regularly, so you might need vitamin capsules to offer supplements to your diet for the next few weeks. The most important vitamins for your skin are D, C, E and K.

Vitamins such as vitamin C are great for the hydration and appearance of your skin. And you can get these from either vitamin enriched fruits such as Guava (for vitamin C) or through pill or serum supplements. However, serums can sometimes be irritating for sensitive skin types. Finding a vitamin form which works for you before travelling is the best way of maintaining good skin no matter your travel. It is worth noting that when travelling, liquid vitamins will need to be calculated with your toiletries, limiting how much you can take, whereas the pill form can be taken in your hand luggage without limits.

And not only are vitamins good for your skin, but they can help protect your health while travelling. When exploring new continents, the last thing you want is an upset stomach or a running nose hindering your fun. You will be encountering new people, environments, and new germs. By taking vitamins, you can give your immune system that added boost it needs.

 

Embrace the local cuisines

Whilst travelling, you get the opportunity to explore a variety of cuisines, and these foods can actually help you maintain your perfect skin. In fact, the Mediterranean diet is known to help prevent acne. This is due to its reliance on fresh produce which can regulate the oil production in the skin, as well as stabilise hormones and reduce inflammation. The fatty fish and olive oil used in many Mediterranean recipes are perfect for soothing the skin. This diet also includes a reliance on nuts, including almonds, which boosts your magnesium intake and helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid. So, leave behind those bottles and instead opt for a change in diet, which allows you to keep your skin looking healthy and glowing.

Or if you are travelling to and around Asia, a heavily plant-based cuisine can also aid your skin. In fact, one of the main saving graces of Asian cuisine is the soybean-based food Tofu. Tofu is high in isoflavonoids which can help reduce the thinning of the skin as we get older – being beneficial in the long run. Whereas, in the first instance, the reliance on leafy greens, which are high in antioxidants, helps bring your skin back to bright and bouncy. These vegetables also have high levels of vitamin A, which helps reduce dry skin, vitamin C, which protects against sun damage, and vitamin E, which reduces inflammation.

And this means you don’t have to take anything specific with you on your travels, but instead, you can learn all about the local cuisine and culture while helping your skin look radiant.

 

Embrace the natural shine

Travelling, especially for extended periods of time, should be stress-free. So why not embrace the travelling light culture and leave your makeup at home instead, opting for a full skin detox during your holidays. Embrace the natural look and allow your skin to repair itself in the sun. Sunlight not only helps release serotonin, but it can also be useful for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Moderate sun exposure can boost your vitamin D levels, which can help reduce the inflammation in your face. As well as helping your body produce melatonin, allowing you to sleep better at night, which has its own skin-helping benefits.

And by exposing your skin, you can reap the benefits your natural body has to offer your skin. In fact, sweat can even offer you anti-aging effects – you can reduce the likelihood of wrinkles by relaxing in the sun! Sweat can also help kill harmful bacteria on your skin’s surface. However, if sweat is trapped on the skin, as when you wear makeup or don’t wash the sweat off quickly enough, you can run the risk of irritating your pores.

Whether drinking more water while out in the sun, relaxing by the pool or trying new foods, keeping your skin looking and feeling its best while travelling doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Instead, leave the elaborate skincare routines behind and embrace your natural skin as you relax in the sun and reap the benefits other countries have to offer.

How Can Dentists Attract More Local Clients Into Their Clinic?

Connecting with more clients is one of the most practical ways to grow your dental clinic. The more patients you serve, your chances of attracting new clients increase. Another benefit is that you can establish your clinic’s reputation and reliability more quickly if you have more clients.

However, if you’ve recently opened a dental clinic, you may find it challenging to attract new clients. Fortunately, this article will show you how to increase patient volume in a dental office. Here are some strategies to help you attract more clients:

1. Create An Effective Website

Today, most dental patients start their search online before visiting a physical clinic. So, it helps to have an online presence to connect with your potential clients. And the best way to achieve that is by building a website.

Significantly, a website can help promote the visibility of your dental clinic. It also ensures you connect with more clients to grow your clinic. However, it’s best to ensure your website runs smoothly so people looking for dental services can find you.

One of the best ways to enhance your website is to invest in search engine optimization (SEO). For instance, ensure your website is optimized for mobile devices. Mobile devices are flexible and convenient. People use them to search for online services instead of desktop computers.

On the other hand, website visitors may abandon a site that takes too long to load the necessary information. Hence, it’s best to improve your website’s loading time. By boosting the speed of your website, you can encourage more people to visit your clinic.  

Another excellent strategy to enhance website performance is providing a search bar. Visitors can easily access specific information on your site instead of scrolling from one page to another. In addition, it can enhance the experience and satisfaction of your visitors.

2. Take Advantage Of Content Marketing

You can create a well-looking website to connect with more clients. But all your efforts will likely go down the drain if you don’t publish anything there. Therefore, investing in content marketing is essential for your website.

Content marketing is a promotional or advertising method where you create materials to publish on your website. These include videos, images, eBooks, blog posts, etc. Such information help attracts more people to your site, thus increasing its visibility.

However, any content you post on your website must be valuable to your target audiences. And since you’re into dental care, it helps to post content about the latest innovations in dental care. You can also post about common oral diseases and how dental clinics can treat them.

In addition to publishing helpful content, it would be better to use the right keywords. This may help your content rank high in search engines. Meanwhile, you can use specific software to determine the most searched keywords relevant to the dental sector.

Alternatively, you can read your competitors’ online materials to see their keyword choices. After noting the keywords, ensure you evenly distribute them into your content.  

3. Participate In Local Events

Promoting your dental office at community events can be a terrific way to meet new people and expand your clientele. There are many ways to participate in local events. For instance, you can sponsor a charity community event, support the elderly and orphans, engage in fundraising, or participate in the oral health drive.

People love associating themselves with a brand that strives to improve the world. Hence, helping your community while promoting your clinic can boost its credibility. Additionally, it helps to encourage your staff to wear clothes with your brand when participating in community events. That way, people can build meaningful connections with your dental clinic.  

4. Focus On Getting Positive Testimonials

Most individuals will search for your brand online before visiting your physical office. But before they do, they’ll first read online reviews. For that reason, focusing on having positive testimonials is a must since it helps build your reputation.  

Meanwhile, no new client will likely engage with a dental clinic without reviews. So, when you focus on getting positive testimonials, you’ll encourage potential clients to visit your dental clinic. An excellent way to ensure your clients leave positive opinions on your website is to offer premium services. This ranges from how you assist them to providing quality services.

Takeaway

Today, numerous dental clinics can be found everywhere. And that brings about competition among dentists. Therefore, keeping the above strategies in mind can help you attract more clients and overcome market competition.

6 Harmful Effects of Air Pollution on People’s Health

In this day and age, everyone knows that air pollution can be extremely harmful. Yet, still, not enough seems to be being done to reduce air pollution levels.

Motor vehicles, industrial facilities, and household combustion devices, among other things, all contribute to air pollution. Pollutants like particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulphur dioxide are all major public health concerns.

So, make no mistake, the air we breathe is becoming more and more dangerously polluted. Here is a look at just six harmful effects that air pollution can have on people’s health.

1. Air Pollution Can Kill

According to the World Health Organisation, nine out of ten people in the world now breathe air that is polluted, which results in approximately seven million deaths every year.

Those fatalities are attributed to both indoor and outdoor pollution and include both natural and man-made sources of air pollution.

2. Air Pollution Can Cause Asthma

Air pollution can cause various health conditions that can be fatal. That includes asthma. And children with asthma are affected the most.

For instance, in a landmark legal case in the U.K. in 2020, a south London coroner stated that the failure to reduce pollution levels to the legally required limits was a contributing factor in the death of a nine-year-old girl who suffered from severe asthma.

Her death, in 2013, was caused by severe asthma, acute respiratory failure, and air pollution exposure.

The coroner even specifically mentioned that the girl’s exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide pollution, which exceeded the WHO’s guidelines, was partially responsible for her tragic death. The principal sources of those air pollutants came from motor vehicle emissions.

Indeed, it is already known that up to 14% of children around the world aged between five and eighteen have asthma that is related to air pollution. Wrongful death lawsuits could potentially be brought against those responsible for air pollution that results in individual fatalities.

If you have a loved one who you believe was a victim of wrongful death, regardless of the cause, you should contact a wrongful death attorney.

3. Air Pollution Can Cause Other Health Problems in Children

Children who are exposed to air pollutants can be harmed in other ways in addition to potentially developing asthma. For instance, air pollution has been linked to childhood cancers and cognitive impairment.

Air pollution can also negatively affect the brain growth of foetuses.

4. Air Pollution Can Cause Strokes

According to the WHO, one-third of global deaths from strokes, heart disease, and lung cancer are caused by air pollution. Strokes are a serious life-threatening medical condition. They occur when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off.

When someone experiences a stroke, it is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment.

5. Air Pollution Can Cause Heart Disease

Heart disease is a major cause of death around the world each year. Symptoms to watch out for include chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling sick, feeling faint, and having pain throughout your body.

6. Air Pollution Can Cause Lung Cancer

Lung cancer starts in the lungs but can spread to lymph nodes as well as other organs in a person’s body, such as the brain. In the U.K. alone, over 43,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.

There are few signs in the early stage of lung cancer, but many people who suffer from the condition develop symptoms like persistent coughs and breathlessness, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood.

While there are multiple causes of lung cancer, heart disease, and strokes, sadly, air pollution is one leading cause.

Aerobics

Aerobic Activity Can Reduce the Risk of Metastatic Cancer by 72%

Aerobics

A new study at Tel Aviv University found that aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of metastatic cancer by 72%. According to the researchers, intensity aerobic exercise increases the glucose (sugar) consumption of internal organs, thereby reducing the availability of energy to the tumor.  

The study was led by two researchers from TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine: Prof. Carmit Levy from the Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry and Dr. Yftach Gepner from the School of Public Health and the Sylvan Adams Sports Institute. Prof. Levy emphasizes that by combining scientific knowhow from different schools at TAU, the new study has led to a very important discovery which may help prevent metastatic cancer – the leading cause of death in Israel.

The paper was published in the prestigious journal Cancer Research and chosen for the cover of the November 2022 issue

Prof. Levy and Dr. Gepner: “Studies have demonstrated that physical exercise reduces the risk for some types of cancer by up to 35%. This positive effect is similar to the impact of exercise on other conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. In this study we added new insight, showing that high-intensity aerobic exercise, which derives its energy from sugar, can reduce the risk of metastatic cancer by as much as 72%.  If so far the general message to the public has been ‘be active, be healthy’, now we can explain how aerobic activity can maximize the prevention of the most aggressive and metastatic types of cancer.”

The study combined an animal model in which mice were trained under a strict exercise regimen, with data from healthy human volunteers examined before and after running. The human data, obtained from an epidemiological study that monitored 3,000 individuals for about 20 years, indicated 72% less metastatic cancer in participants who reported regular aerobic activity at high intensity, compared to those who did not engage in physical exercise.

The animal model exhibited a similar outcome, also enabling the researchers to identify its underlying mechanism. Sampling the internal organs of the physically fit animals, before and after physical exercise, and also following the injection of cancer, they found that aerobic activity significantly reduced the development of metastatic tumors in the lymph nodes, lungs, and liver. The researchers hypothesized that in both humans and model animals, this favorable outcome is related to the enhanced rate of glucose consumption induced by exercise.

Prof. Levy: “Our study is the first to investigate the impact of exercise on the internal organs in which metastases usually develop, like the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. Examining the cells of these organs we found a rise in the number of glucose receptors during high-intensity aerobic activity – increasing glucose intake and turning the organs into effective energy-consumption machines, very much like the muscles. We assume that this happens because the organs must compete for sugar resources with the muscles, known to burn large quantities of glucose during physical exercise. Consequently, if cancer develops, the fierce competition over glucose reduces the availability of energy that is critical to metastasis. Moreover, when a person exercises regularly, this condition becomes permanent: the tissues of internal organs change and become similar to muscle tissue. We all know that sports and physical exercise are good for our health. Our study, examining the internal organs, discovered that exercise changes the whole body, so that the cancer cannot spread, and the primary tumor also shrinks in size.”  

Dr. Gepner adds: “Our results indicate that unlike fat-burning exercise, which is relatively moderate, it is a high-intensity aerobic activity that helps in cancer prevention. If the optimal intensity range for burning fat is 65-70% of the maximum pulse rate, sugar burning requires 80-85% – even if only for brief intervals. For example: a one-minute sprint followed by walking, then another sprint. In the past, such intervals were mostly typical of athletes’ training regimens, but today we also see them in other exercise routines, such as heart and lung rehabilitation. Our results suggest that healthy individuals should also include high-intensity components in their fitness programs. We believe that future studies will enable personalized medicine for preventing specific cancers, with physicians reviewing family histories to recommend the right kind of physical activity. It must be emphasized that physical exercise, with its unique metabolic and physiological effects, exhibits a higher level of cancer prevention than any medication or medical intervention to date.”

Stressed tired dizzy young lady, professional business woman employee office worker touching head feeling fatigue,

Cost of Living: The Impact On Our Mental Health

By Faz Parkar, Clinical Lead at Onebright

Public spending and borrowing increased across the world during the pandemic and as a result, this has led to tax rises that have contributed to the cost-of-living squeeze, while most people’s salaries have remained unchanged.

As the cost of living continues to increase, people across the UK are feeling the strain more now than ever. This, coupled with the challenges many have faced because of the Covid-19 pandemic, means more people are struggling to maintain good mental health.

With money worries growing and feelings of uncertainty surfacing, people can start to feel depressed and anxious about their financial situation, so it is important to find help before it has a negative impact on daily life.

 

Poor mental health can affect anyone, no matter what their circumstances

Depression and anxiety disorders can affect anyone, but certain financial stressors may increase our vulnerability to mental health difficulties.

If we think about the cost of living, we can think about the work of American Psychologist, Maslow, and his hierarchy of needs. Why the link between the two? Because the cost-of-living crisis is having a negative effect on the ability of an increasing number of people to meet basic human needs.

Maslow’s well-established theory explores how it is difficult to achieve personal growth (a sense of belonging, self-esteem, self-actualisation) if basic physiological and safety needs cannot be met. For example, the ability to pay for food, clothing or heating and rent/mortgage payments. These factors can have an impact on people’s mental health because basic physiological and safety needs are unexpectedly under threat or may continue to be under threat due to growing financial pressures.

When basic needs are not being met, hopes are dashed and many start to experience hopelessness. Eventually, motivation is lost and this unfortunately leads to a spiral into depression, as illustrated by Abraham Maslow’s famous ‘Theory of human motivation’ (1943) and his ‘hierarchy of needs’.

Although money doesn’t always guarantee happiness, it certainly can help to cover our basic needs and can motivate us to achieve more for ourselves.

Regardless of whether we have a common mental health problem, such as mild to moderate depression or an anxiety disorder, the cost-of-living crisis is creating a lot of uncertainty for people, and significant worry can also cause people to feel depressed.

 

Managing negative feelings

Everyone can have problems from time to time, regardless of who you are, or what you do. Problems are an aspect of life. The issue isn’t having a problem, it is how we respond when we have such problems.

How do you know if you are struggling with your mental health due to your financial situation? Some people may feel shame or embarrassment and try to hide the problems. Shame often implies that the person has done something wrong or improper, the truth is, the majority of people have not done anything wrong or improper.

There are many reasons that we are in the midst of a global economic crisis – a pandemic, outbreaks of war, broken fuel supply, manufacturing and supply chain disruption are only some of the reasons, therefore people need to reconsider any guilt or blame they may be attributing to themselves.

If people are already having difficulty coping with uncertainty, the cost-of-living crisis is essentially supercharging their anxiety levels due to all the ‘what-if’s’. If someone is already having a very negative view of themself or the world, their mood is likely to be very low with motivational difficulties and they may lose motivation and a sense of purpose.

Key symptoms of depression involve negative thoughts and withdrawal. Sometimes people will find it hard to even get out of bed or they might find themselves struggling to find the motivation to do normal chores, housework, work, or engage in hobbies. 

Add on to that the cost-of-living crisis, and it can lead to a sense of hopelessness – that things will never get better and things are too difficult. Unfortunately, this has the potential to lead some people to self-harming behaviour or suicidal thoughts.

 

Practical tips for improving mental health in a cost-of-living crisis

Whilst the rising cost of living may not be ideal circumstances, no one has chosen on purpose to struggle financially. Many of the factors are external and not within our control.

Coping with feelings of embarrassment can be done by challenging why you feel this way.

People may have made past decisions that have been unwise. Whilst reflection is healthy, excessive thinking about “why did I do that” doesn’t change anything and often maintains us in a cycle of self-destruction.

Sometimes, it is worth acknowledging that the situation is not ideal and out of our control.  This step will help someone to validate their difficulties. A simple “hey, that sounds difficult” or a “sorry to hear you are having a tough time” may sound hollow.

The first steps that we can take to alleviate that stark outlook might include exploring what meanings the person has placed on themselves when finding it hard to cope. Imagine a parent who is not able to buy enough food for their family. Might they have beliefs and assumptions about being useless, a failure or a bad parent? There are a number of thoughts leading from this that can easily cause a range of negative emotions resulting in low mood, anxiety and depression.

Helping someone learn how to question themselves can help them identify that a thought is a thought, not a fact. Simple questions to ask include:

  • What evidence is there that this is true?
  • Is there any other time you have found this to be incorrect?
  • Could there be any other perspectives to look at this from?

So rather than relying on emotional response and biased thinking, people can seek out more accurate and realistic information. This can then be used to create a powerful revised or alternative thought that is based on actual evidence in which we can have confidence in, and hopefully a reduction in the distressing emotion.

 

How do we encourage people to have a conversation about this and ask for help if needed?

First, we need to normalise that this is a widespread problem and it is not a reflection of themselves, their worth or value as a person. Despite how modern life is portrayed by the media through TV adverts and the constant flow of lifestyle messaging on social media, it is normal for people to have problems from time to time.

Encourage people to approach their friends, family, or employers to talk about things or ask for help if needed. If someone is hesitant or reluctant to discuss their difficulties, then we may want to try to help them see the benefits of discussing the problem and asking for help. Try to think about what the opportunities are that may be present because of this situation, rather than focusing on the negative outcomes and blocks to progress. 

 

Act now – don’t wait for motivation to come to you

At times, we may feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. There is a misconception that motivation will come and then we will act, however, I would encourage people to act first, and then see what effect that has on our motivation.

There may be tasks you are aware of that need doing, such as calling the bank, or energy company, or planning a budget, or selling unused items around the house for example. Prioritise which task’s might be most important and then schedule them into a weekly diary. The same principle applies for other activities for general and mental wellbeing, such as engaging in an activity or hobby that you may enjoy.

Why do we need to do this? Well, if doing things when we feel motivated or in the mood works for you, then carry on. However, if you are finding that important tasks are not being done and you have lost interest and motivation in your hobbies, then why would you want to continue using a strategy that you know does not work or give reliable results. The choice is to continue doing something that you know does not work or choose to do something a bit different that may work.

To summarise, decide what needs to be done over the week, plan and schedule it in, and then try to stick to the plan even though you may not feel like it at the time. If it is important to you or your situation, then act on it, do not wait for motivation which may never arrive.

Closeup shot of a group of medical practitioners joining their hands together

Driving Towards Value-Based Care

Tim Morris, VP Go-to-Market for Elsevier Clinical Solutions

 

What is value-based care and why is it important?

The concept of value-based care is not new, however, it has come to the forefront of healthcare systems globally in recent years. The value-based care model rewards healthcare providers with incentives based on the quality of care they provide to patients and has been shown to improve healthcare outcomes and cost efficiencies.

Healthcare delivery is at a crossroads. In many circumstances, costs are rising but are not necessarily leading to a higher quality of care. As healthcare providers look ahead, they need to prioritise a broader shift from treating a condition, to solving a patient’s health needs.

 

Has COVID-19 impacted the transition to value-based healthcare?

COVID-19 undoubtedly had a huge impact on healthcare systems globally and affected performance in regard to value-based practice. Many patients fell behind on care, avoiding visiting their healthcare professional (HCP), which added significant risk to those with pre-existing conditions. In tandem, inpatient numbers increased at overwhelming rates, and cancer screenings and elective surgeries were delayed.

The disruption caused by COVID-19 has accelerated the focus on costs, equity of access to care and the need to reduce variability in healthcare outcomes. This has prompted healthcare leaders and policymakers to rethink how care is delivered to improve patient outcomes in the most cost-effective way.

The key learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic are aligned with the transition to value-based care and include the need for:

  • Transparent measurements of key outcomes
  • More robust IT systems, benchmarking, and research tools
  • The delivery of digital healthcare
  • Increased use of digital tools

 

What are the main barriers preventing the adoption and implementation of value-based care and how can healthcare organisations overcome them?

While the value-based care model is gaining momentum, there are still several implementation barriers such as fragmentation of care delivery, lack of measurement of outcomes, interoperability challenges and lack of resources.

Globally, the traditional fee-for-service reimbursement model has been most commonly used in recent years. Through this model, healthcare providers charge based on the number of appointments supplied, treatments administered, tests ordered, and prescriptions given. This has resulted in many healthcare providers placing an emphasis on rewarding volume over value, focusing on the number of services they can provide to their patients rather than improving outcomes.

In such cases, value-based care, which reimburses based on the quality of care provided and patient outcomes, is often harder to implement as clinicians may not see the overall value of the patient outcome. Clinicians may view the shift to value-based care as a loss of income. This results in a division between healthcare providers wanting to move to value-based care, and healthcare professionals being unable to see the immediate benefit.

Providing access to outcomes data will help to overcome these barriers. A key step in the implementation and evolution of value-based health care is the identification of the outcomes that define value for a specific population. Strengthening the orientation of healthcare systems for the provision of value-based healthcare by linking payments to outcomes, rather than care processes, will help to drive transformation.

 

Outline the importance of taking a patient-centric approach to value-based care

Implementing a value-based care model with a patient-centric view is not just about reducing the cost of care for the patient, but also using an evidence-based approach to improve healthcare outcomes. If you’re only reducing cost, using that to improve patient value is not necessarily the same thing.

It’s essential to always put the patient front and centre when driving transformation. Healthcare providers must shift away from thinking of the patient as a customer as treating patients with the most expensive drug, does not always lead to the best outcomes.

 

Why should healthcare providers adopt an interdisciplinary approach to value-based care?

Value-based healthcare implementation and effectiveness can benefit from an interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare, management, and extended venues of care. This combines the knowledge and experience of the clinician within the hospital, primary care healthcare professionals, nurses in the community and the patient themselves.

Interdisciplinary care aligns with how patients experience their health and empowers them to contribute to decision-making. Improved collaboration can lead to improved patient care as it encourages HCPs to think differently about their roles within the larger care team and about the services that the team provides, facilitating a more holistic approach to care.

Measuring the associated healthcare outcomes across all healthcare elements will help to drive ongoing improvements. Unless healthcare providers look at the cost across all areas of care delivery, they will not fully understand the total cost of care.

Tim Morris
smiling doctor and young man meeting at hospital

Sperm Decline: How To Improve Sperm Health

Sperm counts worldwide have plummeted by 62 per cent since 1973, according to a recent study published in the journal Human Reproduction Update.

Dr James Hopkisson, Medical Director at TFP Fertility Group, one of the UK’s largest IVF providers and fertility specialists with clinics across Europe, answers questions surrounding sperm count and what factors could help improve sperm health.

 

What is a semen analysis?

A semen analysis is an assessment of the number, motility and morphology of sperm in what is ejaculated.  It should be carried out in a specialist laboratory and the normal parameters are dictated by a population survey by the World Health Organisation. 

A sample should be ejaculated into a sterile pot provided by the lab, usually after two to three days abstinence, to optimise sperm quality.  The sample needs to be delivered to the lab within an hour of production to be analysed.  If this proves difficult you can do your sample at the Fertility Unit so as not to have the anxiety of bringing the sample in.

 

What happens if I have low sperm motility or a low sperm count? 

If you have a low count, motility or morphology it is worth repeating 2-3 months later after lifestyle change.  Sperm count can fluctuate so sometimes it is not something to worry about. 

If there are persistent issues with a sperm count then referral to get advice on types of treatment available is required. If there is no sperm in the ejaculate (azoospermia) other tests may be required such as hormonal assessments, genetic tests and a medical examination of the testes including ultrasound.  These will require review by your doctor and referral onto a fertility specialist.  This can either be in the NHS or at a fertility clinic such as TFP Fertility Group.

 

What does sperm morphology mean? 

Morphology is what a sperm looks like down the microscope. A sperm has a head, a midpiece and a tail. We can look at different parts of the sperm and see if they look “normal”.

 

What does a normal-shaped sperm look like?

A bit like a tadpole. It should also be swimming in a characteristic way.

 

Is there anything I can do to improve the health of my sperm?

Yes, there are many:

  • Avoid binge drinking alcohol
  • Minimise caffeine intake
  • Loose fitting underwear
  • Avoid long hot baths
  • Healthy lifestyle, Vitamin C Zinc and selenium.  L-Carnitene may be beneficial
  • Anti-oxidants may also help, but the evidence is not strong
  • High protein diets and gym supplements: always be careful and check what is contained in them
  • Never use anabolic steroids: although you may want to be beach ready for the summer, they will suppress sperm production and sometimes this is not recovered.

If concerned seek the opinion of an expert, at TFP Fertility Group we have a group of doctors and scientists who can help, advise and reassure you.  Our labs are quality tested and we have andrologists and lab teams that can help provide semen analysis.

Dr James Hopkisson

Dr James Hopkisson is one of TFP Fertility Group’s two medical directors. He is an RCOG Subspecialist in reproductive medicine and surgery and has been involved with IVF and fertility management since 1993.

He completed his research and training in Oxford before moving to Nottingham to take up his consultant post and lead the NHS Fertility service at QMC. His research looked at the development of endometriosis and the endometrium and he has extended his interest since to become an experienced laparoscopic (keyhole) surgeon in endometriosis, adhesions and fibroids.

He has authored or co-authored 30 papers and book chapters. James sat on the RCOG Subspecialty Committee and is the lead for subspecialty training in reproductive medicine in Nottingham, the programme for training the next generation of specialist doctors in fertility.

Human Health

How Healthy Are We? Chilling Statistics Reveal Decline in Workplace Health

Human Health

An Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG) survey highlighted burnout and fatigue affecting 43% of employees equally within remote or on-site locations. Employee health and the rising burnout rates are among the primary challenges faced by employers today. Similarly, a PwC’s Pulse survey recording CHROs responses observed 51% of their respondents as having either anxiety or burnout, and see this as a huge challenge. This further highlights how significant the employee health crisis is.

“Around 6 in 10 US adults have one chronic disease,” notes Ausrine Cebatore, VP of Sales and Strategic Partnerships at Kilo Health. “4 in 10 have two chronic ailments. Employers are trying to change these statistics, but with limited success.” So what are the primary health concerns workers today experience? Understanding this is the key facet that can enable companies to invest better in their employee health.

 

How is workplace health declining?

Ischemic heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of workplace deaths, as recorded by the World Health Organization. Ergonomic inefficiencies, long working hours, and noise are recorded as possible reasons for this.

A Workplace Health Report conducted by Champion Health noted poor mental health affected 1 in 5 employees. This has directly resulted in a decline in productivity which has cost businesses heavily. This report has also highlighted that almost 60% of employees recorded new musculoskeletal pain. Extended hours spent sitting at a desk working was a prime reason behind this. Only 18% said they took regular breaks every 30 minutes. The pandemic has only worsened most of these statistics. 

A 2020 American Psychological Association survey recorded almost 70% of Americans experiencing stress due to the economic situation and their work. Parents were noted to have higher levels of stress among these cohorts. “We spend an endless number of hours a day working,” highlights Cebatore. “This has left us with very few hours to balance our lives with our work. This is why we are waking up to a time of The Great Resignation and Quiet Quitting.”

Workplaces often address health needs only through simple awareness campaigns, not through proactive methods employees require. Additionally, many employees have felt that their diverse concerns may not be heard, resulting in unusable health benefits.

For instance, a McKinsey survey reported that 65% of full-time US employees have one basic health need unmet. This resulted in them missing approximately 5 days of work per year for this. These rates were higher among employees of color and LGBTQ+ employees.

The concerns relating to employee health are diverse. This means that companies need to start listening to their employees when tailoring their benefits package. 

 

How can companies invest in employee health?

When companies overlook their employee health, it’s not only employees that suffer. Employers also see high losses in terms of output. Health-related absenteeism can cost companies heavily in terms of productivity. Mental health issues alone are expected to cost businesses 16 trillion dollars in output by 2030. A notable concern for many of the employees is the limited and unusable health benefits present in their workplaces. A Pew Research Center survey recorded that 43% of their respondents have left their jobs, citing limited benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

Companies often make the mistake of placing a one-size-fits-all health benefits package when employees sign their contracts. Unfortunately, a lot of these cannot be used or are not inclusive. For instance, employees who are disabled might require more accessibility to workplaces and more flexibility with their health insurance. Similarly, parents would need coverage for their families.

Additionally, a big ask following the times of the pandemic has been the need to have more flexible work times. Many employees think that commuting takes up a lot of their time, which could have been used to invest in their health. 

Management of finances also helped reduce employee stress. Around half, 51% of employees, rated their financial benefits as good in the latest Bank of America’s Workplace Benefits Report. This report also noted that 46% of employees recorded financial wellness as a key component of overall wellness. Increasing wellness budgets to cover a wider range of health benefits is crucial. Companies then record lower losses in their yearly financial turnouts.

 

Future of workplace health

The global corporate wellness market is expected to reach $66.20 billion in value by 2027, as observed by Allied Market Research. This means that new tools are being developed to improve employee health and increase economic turnover. Telemedicine and smart devices are some tools that will see an increase in their use within the workplace. Tailored nutrition plans, access to counselors, workout classes, and health monitoring are simple, intuitive tools employees can use to manage their health.

Understanding that time off or time spent to nurture other aspects of one’s individuality helps increase workplace productivity. 91% of employees in a study conducted by the American Psychological Society found themselves wanting to do their best within companies that invested in their wellness.  

“Kilo Health’s survey showcased that 87% of Americans know the basics of taking care of their physical health,” Ausrine Cebatore concludes. “This essentially means that the right tools are required to facilitate employee health and encourage a more holistic employee experience.”

What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clot forms in one or more deep veins in the body. It usually occurs in the lower part of the body due to venous lesions or poor blood flow in the veins. Although clot formation is most frequent in the legs, it can appear in any other body part, such as the brain, kidney, or gut.

Most people have intermittent leg pain that can last from months to years. This discomfort happens because blood pools, and the pressure in the veins increases. Clots can partially or completely block blood flow, causing chronic leg swelling.

DVT is most frequent in persons over 60 but can develop at any age. DVT symptoms include leg discomfort, swelling, cramping, changes in skin colour (red or purple), and a sense of warmth in the legs. But, DVT can be asymptomatic.

A blood clot can occur by anything that inhibits blood from flowing or clotting normally. The following are some of the most common causes of DVT:

– A sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, or prolonged sitting. Muscle contractions promote blood flow. When people do not move their legs for a long time, these contractions do not occur, and blood flow decreases.

– Overweight/obesity. Increases pressure in the veins in the lower part of the body (legs and pelvis).

– Smoking. Tobacco affects blood flow and clotting.

– Pregnancy or recent childbirth. Leg and pelvic pressure increase during pregnancy. The risk of developing clots is latent for up to six weeks after delivery.

– Recent leg, pelvic, or hip surgeries or fractures. Surgeries can damage the veins and cause inflammation or infection.

– Cancer. Some types of cancer increase the substances that cause blood clotting. Also, some cancer treatments can affect blood coagulation.

– Having a family history of DVT or blood clots. If someone in your family had either or both of these conditions, you are more likely to develop DVT.

– Diseases that affect the way blood clots.

– Genetics. Some people have changes in their DNA that cause their blood to clot more easily (e.g., Factor V Leiden).

– Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, or vasculitis.

– Hormone therapies or taking birth control pills. Both of these methods increase blood clotting.

– Having a pacemaker or central venous catheter.

– Having COVID-19. Some clinical studies have linked COVID-19 to an increase in DVT cases.

A blood clot in a vein can occasionally happen without any apparent risk factors. It’s referred to as an unprovoked VTE.

Although DVT is not life-threatening, blood clots can break free and travel through the bloodstream. When clots lodge in the lungs, they can block blood flow and cause a disease known as pulmonary embolism (PE). The therapy aims to prevent the clot from growing and breaking off. Early detection and treatment of DVT can prevent the condition from worsening. If you have any of the symptoms of DVT, visit a specialized vein clinic to receive proper treatment and avoid future complications.

Treatment options may include:

Anticoagulant medications. They can be administered orally or by injection,

Thrombolytics. These are injected intravenously or by a tube placed directly into the clot.

Filters. If you cannot use clotting agents, you may have a filter placed in your abdomen. It prevents clots released from reaching your lungs.

Compression stockings. These specialized stockings go up to the knee. They prevent blood from accumulating in the legs.

The doctors will perform a physical exam to assess your health and determine what is causing your DVT. Any questions? Just ask! The specialists at the vein clinic in Fort Worth will identify the best therapy for you.

A Retrospective And Prospective Analysis Of The Medical Equipment Market

Medical equipment and technology are vital in managing patients’ healthcare daily. Without these tools, medical professionals like nurses and doctors will find it very difficult to diagnose and treat their patients as it encompasses everything from tongue depressors to complicated machinery.

Many resources have debated over how to accurately depict the medical equipment market, with some expecting it to develop far faster than others. However, the one thing that all the sources agree on is that there is no chance of the market slowing down its growth any time soon.

For someone to understand this ever-growing market more, an evaluation of the retrospective and prospective analysis would be an excellent place to start:

The Retrospective Analysis And Insights

Looking back at everything that has happened in the field of medicine in recent years, it becomes clear that medical professionals have identified more needs from their patients than their current equipment and techniques could handle.

In part, analysts attribute the growth to the increased need for diagnosing patients with chronic conditions and the need for patients to do in-home-based care for themselves. Another factor that came into play was the need to remotely assist patients and minimise patient contact through robotics and artificial intelligence technology.

With that said, scientists have spent hours upon hours furthering studies on improving patient diagnosis and care. Although patients don’t always realise how much work goes into making these improvements towards the medical equipment industry, it remains one of the fastest-growing sectors of business.

Countries that experience great hardships during medical emergencies discovered that they would need to add more equipment and technology to their medical units to keep up with the demand. It thus caused a sharp and sudden increase in the market, as noted by online wholesale vendors such as CIA Medical, among others.

According to research published by the platform Statista, the fastest-growing section of medical technology includes in-vitro diagnostics at 13% growth in 2017, closely followed by cardiac care at 11.6% for the same period. Furthermore, when all the various sections of this report are evaluated, most will show an overall improvement in sales.

The Prospective Analysis And Insights

Future predictions for growth among the various sectors of the medical equipment market look rosy for all the manufacturers in the industry. Although different factors could influence how consumers buy medical goods, there is no indication of any adverse effects on the prospective outcome and numbers.

In the U.S.A., for example, the budget for research and development in the coming years has increased to over USD$30 billion, setting the stage for significant improvements in medical equipment they will use in the future. Additionally, other countries will soon follow suit as technology opens new doors and the FDA approves more medical devices for use.

One of the countries that recorded a steep increase in their medical equipment market is the Pacific Asia region, which is on the heels of their American counterparts. Collaborations between governments have also made it possible to fuel the ever-increasing market growth statistics.

Another huge driver for the market is the competition between the various manufacturers to develop new technology in the medical equipment market. Experts from all these companies constantly evaluate opportunities, challenges, driving forces, and other hurdles the business and its opposition may face. By anticipating these, they can ensure a steady increase in their own sales and development while being aware of the trends in the market and the movements of their competition.

Even with many countries worldwide spending a fair amount on purchasing or developing new equipment, it is no secret that the more advanced economies will account for a more significant part of the growth in the market in the coming years. With more financial backing, these countries can afford to hire more professionals and have a sizeable budget for these development teams.

In terms of the stock market sectors, the healthcare industry has seen the most growth among all sections, as reported by U.S. News. They also mention the impact that the aging population has on the rate at which this sector is expanding, saying that a great deal of the future focus will be on improving and maintaining the health of the senior population.

Bringing The Views Together

Economists who analyze present and past indicators for growth will agree that the medical equipment market is set to blow all other sectors out of the water. As there will always be an increasing number of patients needing care, this market won’t show decreasing numbers according to most predictions.

A steady growth rate in the past with spurts of development during crises has solidified the industry as being top of the priority list for most countries. Whether these countries have considerable financial backing for their research and development teams, they will continue collaborations with other scientists from around the world to keep their focus on improving diagnostics and treatment options for patients.

Cycle to Work

51% of Employees Want to Cycle to Work: How Cycling to Work Can Be Affordable & Accessible

Cycle to Work

If you want to start cycling to gain all the amazing benefits of it, but the investment is putting you off, the Cycle to Work scheme might be just what you need. Keeping healthy doesn’t have to come at a high cost, and the scheme is proving that.

Here, with some insight from the road bike helmet division at Leisure Lakes Bikes, we take a look at what the Cycle to Work scheme actually is and how you can benefit from it too.

 

Promoting healthier journeys to work

Cycling is a massive health booster, and the UK government is realising that. In order to promote healthier journeys to work and reduce road congestion and pollution, the government introduced the Cycle to Work scheme in January 1999 as part of the Finance Act 1999.

Since then, the scheme has had well over 1 million people across the UK benefit from it.

But the initiative has recently been seen in a new light due to a major global event. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in cycling, with an increase of as much as 200% on the weekend and 100% on the weekdays.

People want to keep the cycling momentum going and incorporate the activity into their daily life. Research by Cyclescheme shows that 51% of employees want to cycle to work. But there is one thing that is getting in their way – affordability. The same research shows that 40% of would-be cyclists don’t see cycling as accessible and affordable. That’s where the Cycle to Work scheme can help.

 

How does the Cycle to Work scheme work?

The main purpose of the Cycle to Work scheme is to reduce the price you pay for a bike that you use to commute. In essence, your employer ‘buys’ a bike for you to ride, which you then ‘hire’ from them through salary sacrifice.

First, check with your employer to ensure they’re partaking in the scheme. If they’re not, it might be worth highlighting the benefits for both sides. You’re paying less for a bike, while your employer can save money on paying national insurance contributions for an employee who partakes in the scheme (13.8% of the bike’s value).

Here is how it works:

  • You choose a bike and accessories, such as a road bike helmet, front and rear lights, and cycling apparel, from one of the over 2,000 bike retailers that are signed up for the scheme.
  • You contact your HR department, and they issue you a certificate detailing the total amount, which you then send to the retailer as payment.
  • The amount will be deducted from your gross salary across several months.
  • At the end of the payment period, you can become the bike owner by paying a fair market value to keep it.

The fair market value you pay to own the bike depends on the original price and how long you’ve been using it. Below is a breakdown outlined by BikeRadar of what you will pay at the end of the scheme to own the bike.

 

Bike usage

If initial price is less than £500

If initial price is over £500

1 year

18% of the original value

25% of the original value

4 years

3% of the original value

7% of the original value

6 years or more

0% of the original value

0% of the original value

 

For example, if the initial cost for the bike and accessories is £1,000 and you’ve used it for a year, you will pay 25% of the original value, which is £250. However, if you use it for four years, you will only pay 7%, which equals £70. For more than a six-year-old bike, you will pay 0% or £0.

 

How much money can you save?

When you loan a bike through the Cycle to Work scheme, you’re not paying tax and National Insurance contributions on the monthly fees. That means the salary sacrifice comes from your gross salary, not your net salary.

If you were to purchase outside of the scheme, you would spend much more due to tax. The savings vary based on the cost of the bike and accessories you choose and your tax bracket. For a basic rate taxpayer, you will save 33.25% of the purchase price, and for a higher rate taxpayer, you can save up to 43.25%.

The Green Commute Initiative calculator helps you find out exactly how much you will pay and save based on your annual salary and the total cost of the bike and accessories. Below is an example of a breakdown of using the scheme over the course of four years.

Salary

£25,000

£60,000

Initial cost of bike and accessories

£1000

£1000

Net salary deduction over 12 months

£14.17

£12.08

Net cost of bike and accessories (excl. fair market value)

£680

£580

Saving on cost of bike and accessories

£320

£420

Total saving as percentage

32%

42%

 

For example, if you’re earning £25,000 per annum and your bike package costs £1,000, you will be paying £14.17 each month over the course of four years. In order to gain ownership of the bike given that you’ve used it for four years, you will also pay £70 fair market value as per the fair market value table above. In total, you would have paid £750 for your bike package, meaning you’re saving £250 on the purchase. The savings are even bigger for a higher taxpayer bracket.

 

The Cycle to Work scheme is a great imitative to increase your cycling activity, especially if you don’t have time to get on a bike otherwise. So, hop on a bike and cycle to work!