Category Archives: Health & Medical

Patient Verification In United Kingdom – Requirements Put Forth by NHS

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The European healthcare sector has been facing backlashes since digital medical services took over as a solution to public health concerns. In order to offer instant medical help to patients, the European Commission put forth the EU4Health program. This initiative focused on raising €5.1 billion to transform the health sector and bring in easy-to-access digital services.  So patient verification could become more

Similarly, England’s National Health Services (NHS) is taking efficient measures to verify patient identity in the UK. The most common of them include developing digital healthcare services to decrease the pressure frontline healthcare professionals undergo. The blog covers guidelines provided by the NHS regarding patient verification in the United Kingdom (UK). 

Identifying Patients for United Kingdom (UK) – Guidelines by National Health Services (NHS)

While healthcare businesses are putting in efforts to digitize services, NHS is also providing guidelines regarding patient verification in United Kingdom. As the medical records, payment details, and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) will be available online, the healthcare sector needs efficient measures to identify patients in the United Kingdom (UK) for ensuring authorized access. 

Moreover, the NHS has also established a login service for people where they can prove their identity once in whatever way they feel convenient. The healthcare sector here should establish efficient mechanisms to validate patient identity for UK records. The measures taken by the NHS massively focus on building trust among citizens and encouraging them to use digital medical services. 

Furthermore, the requirements of NHS’s login regarding identity management involve principles approved by the government. Moving on, the know your patient in United Kingdom (UK) standards as the NHS proposed involves the following checking mechanisms. 

Vouching – Verification of Entered Information 

Among the three approved methods to identify patients in the United Kingdom (UK), vouching is the first in line. As per the guidelines by the NHS, it is imperative to validate people before providing them with digital medical records. Data breaches and fraudulent medical claims are two of the most crucial reasons for placing this patient verification in the United Kingdom (UK) restriction. 

Vouching gives patients the liberty to easily validate their identity and sign up on the General Practitioners (GP) online services platforms. This way, they won’t have to remember file numbers or bring authentication documents to visit the doctor. The patient verification in the United Kingdom (UK) is carried out by medical staff. The healthcare professionals make sure there are no deceptions during patient onboarding. For further assurance of safety and convenience, the NHS proposed ID verification for pharmacies in the United Kingdom (UK) and information authentication in the rest of other healthcare centres.

Moving on, vouching is essential to verify patient identity for the UK and provides the following advantages:

  • Remote and paperless patient  onboarding 
  • Easy access to medical services for people with long-term ailments like diabetes
  • Leverages authority to GPs for allocating the treatment to patients during virtual consultancy

Vouching with Confirmation – Question/Answers Process

In the previous method, the healthcare professionals were responsible for carrying out patient verification in the United Kingdom (UK). The process involved the authentication of information and medical records. 

However, in vouching with confirmation, the identification mechanisms are slightly different. If patients are already in records and the doctor or any member knows them, the process to verify patient identity for the UK becomes more simple. The healthcare professional simply has to ask questions regarding information from the treatment or medical records.  

Moving on, the vouching for confirmation process involves patient age verification in the UK as well as their identity validations. However, while questioning the person following measures should be taken.

  • No confidential details should be revealed unless the patients verify their identity 
  • The questions should be more specific and less general
  • The questioning process should be discrete and performed by any authorized personnel

Validation of Identity Documents

In some cases, patients are unable to provide medical documents for identity verification. Therefore, they should at least provide a photo, driver’s license, bank statements, or passports to complete the KYC Verification in UK. Document verification is commonplace to comply with the know your patient in the United Kingdom (UK). However, where it provides convenience, challenges like people forgetting to carry IDs with them arise. 

To minimize the chances of this from happening, digital patient verification in the United Kingdom (UK) enables remote identification. Ultimately the healthcare sector can ensure data security, authorized access, and seamless patient onboarding.

In the End

NHS falls among the four major National Health Service systems in the United Kingdom. This publicly funded healthcare association is responsible for establishing guidelines regarding patient verification in United Kingdom along with how the healthcare sector can ensure data security. England’s NHS is seen striving to provide digital medical aid to remote people. It also empowers healthcare professionals to verify patient identity for UK while bridging the gap between people through trust.

7 Supplements To Help Alleviate Anxiety

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URL: https://www.pexels.com/photo/medicines-on-the-table-3850790/

Feelings of dread, irrational fears, and an inability to focus are typical anxiety symptoms. At its worst, anxiety can be debilitating, preventing you from working effectively and sleeping well. It’s estimated that over 27% of US adults struggle with anxiety and almost 42% of young adults aged 18-29 are similarly burdened.

Anxiety is a growing problem in an uncertain world. But there’s help at hand and you don’t need a prescription for it! Let’s look at 7 supplements to help alleviate anxiety and get you feeling more like yourself.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

While not yet cleared for use as an anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing medication) by the FDA, a recent Forbes health survey revealed that 51% of US adults using CBD do so to reduce anxiety. And numerous studies have confirmed CBD’s effectiveness in calming anxiety.

Working with the endocannabinoid system in your body, CBD serves to move you closer to homeostasis (a state of balance in bodily systems). That balance has a positive impact on mood, immune response, and stress, among many other consequences of organic imbalance. When CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout the body, your nervous system responds by creating a more balanced, hospitable physical environment. You may find that you can order CBD products online or that your local dispensary will even deliver CBD to your door!

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

Derived from a relative of the coffee plant native to Southeast Asia, Kratom contains two compounds that are gaining rapid notoriety for easing anxiety – mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Acting on receptors bound to nerve cells, these compounds provide an effect similar to anxiolytic medications.

While research into this plant is limited, its use in Asia over centuries (possibly millennia) indicates its efficacy. But one study has recently found that Kratom has a positive effect on anxiety and other mood disorders.

THC and CBD (Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol)

THC is the intoxicating and psychoactive component of cannabis. When combined with non-intoxicating CBD in a 1 to 1 ratio, the resulting effect positively impacts anxiety. But for those who don’t desire the intoxicating effect of THC, a higher CBD content serves to reduce it. Cannabis producers are refining their crops to make it easier for you to find products specifically tailored to your needs.

THC and CBD, when taken together, provide a relaxing effect on nerves that extends to muscles, reducing anxiety-related physical responses like tension in your neck and shoulders, grinding your teeth, and clenching your jaw. If you struggle with these symptoms, a higher CBD dosage will benefit you, should you choose to try this supplement. Not everyone cares to vape, so try an edible, a tincture, or a salve instead.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish oil is a prized supplement known to have tremendous health benefits but it also plays an important role in reducing anxiety. In fact, science is increasingly pointing out the value of nutrition in battling mood and mental health disorders.

Omega-3 fatty acids have a prophylactic effect on the brain, protecting it from inflammation. Over-the-counter medications can’t treat brain inflammation, as they can’t cross the blood-brain barrier, designed to protect the brain from toxins and pathogens. Add them to your diet as a supplement or find them in foods like fish, walnuts, and avocado.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

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The tiny chamomile flower is a mighty anti-anxiety helper, long known to calm nerves and impart a sense of overall relaxation. People all over the world regularly consume a cup of chamomile tea to help them sleep.

Chamomile’s effect on anxiety is believed to be linked to its effect on the neurotransmitter, GABA, also affecting the output of serotonin (reduced levels of both are associated with anxiety.) And while clinical evidence is scarce, chamomile has been used for millennia as an agent for calming nerves and it is commonly used as a sleep aid.

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

Saffron is the rarest, most costly spice in the world. But it’s also an ancient medicinal aid, promoting digestion, calming anxiety, and reducing inflammation. Derived from the yellow stamen of the crocus flower, people have turned to saffron for both flavor and health for millennia.

Saffron has been proven to be as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac) for the treatment of depression. Taken as a tea or in the form of a supplement, this natural remedy is safe and effective for reducing anxiety.

Lavender (Lavandula)

When we think of lavender, we think of the scent and the soothing effect of this beloved flower’s delicate perfume. In fact, the best way to use lavender as a natural helper for anxiety is aromatherapy.

The scent of lavender activates the limbic system, which governs our emotions. This system includes the hypothalamus, the part of the brain in charge of transmitting anxiety signals to the hippocampus, which regulates anxiety. This simple, sweetly scented flower has helped millions of people with anxiety, naturally.

Alleviate anxiety with these 7 natural supplements. Add crucial self-care like exercise, mindful nutrition, and an anxiety-soothing home environment and you’ll be feeling better in no time!

7 Ways to Alleviate Anxiety

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Anxiety leads to a vicious cycle where the very thing that causes your anxiety leads to more anxiety. If lack of sleep causes your anxiety, you will end up getting less sleep because you are thinking of how to get more sleep. This, in turn, breeds more anxiety because you can’t get the sleep you need.

However, there is good news. There is more research done on anxiety, and people are now opening up about their situation. Many are learning how to cope through other people sharing their experiences. Others are recognizing that they do not have to be alone in such times and can get help in various ways. Here are a couple of ways to help alleviate anxiety.

1.   Perform Deep or Diaphragmatic Breathing

Lack of control can quickly lead to anxiety. You can quickly feel despair if you are in a situation where whatever you do, you cannot control the outcome. An excellent way to reduce anxiety in such a situation is to take control of the little things you can handle—for example, breathing.

Through deep or diaphragmatic breathing, you are consciously controlling an automatic process, helping you grasp a little control over the situation.

While breathing, take in as much air as possible and exhale slowly. By breathing out slowly, you are engaging the parasympathetic nervous system that helps control rest and digestion, reducing your anxiety. On the other hand, the sympathetic nervous system controls fight or flight, which is triggered by heavy breathing, which can lead to more anxiety.

2.   Use Your Words

Self-reflection is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety. Describe your feelings verbally and audibly to yourself. Ask yourself questions that force you to self-analyze.

  • What feeling am I experiencing?
  • Does this situation warrant this reaction?
  • Am I projecting this emotion due to a prior situation?

Because of our innate evolutionary trait of self-preservation, we often project many of our emotions. We take longer to perceive that danger is over, making it easy to project emotions wrongly. Self-reflecting helps identify such situations and deal with them.

3.   Get Active

Yoga and exercise are up there as some of the best ways to reduce anxiety. Physical activities raise brain chemicals that control mood. Exercising also helps keep your body and mind healthy, reducing anxiety levels. But perhaps most importantly, exercising triggers your brain psychologically, telling it you are doing something to get yourself out of a bad situation.

By taking steps to self-heal, you will feel relaxed, which helps reduce anxiety.

4.   Practice Guided Imagery

Most of the time, anxiety is brought about by imagining and overthinking worst-case scenarios in your head. That is why one anxiety symptom is replaying past events in your head and how you could have handled them, imagining future situations, and how you hope to manage them.

Use your imagination to induce feelings of safety and well-being. Guide your imagination and think of a person or a place that gives you joy and calmness. Picture it in detail: smell it, hear it, touch it, feel the ground beneath your feet, the wind on your face, or whatever feeling the place or person evokes. Breathe slowly and imagine you are inhaling that image and feeling you have created.

5.   Take Advantage of CBD Oil

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CBD oil presents a natural remedy to anxiety and depression medication. CBD is a cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike cannabinoids like THC, which causes the high feeling associated with marijuana, CBD offers a calming effect. As more and more states legalize marijuana, it is now easier to find an online CBD store to make a purchase.

CBD increases serotonin levels in the body, which plays a vital role in mood, sleep, healing, and even sexual desire. Its antipsychotic properties help reduce overthinking, hallucinations, and delusions. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help you relax and sleep better. Due to such benefits, it is no surprise that there are now many cannabis delivery services in California and elsewhere to get your anxiety remedy to your door.

6.   Eat the Right Diet and Vitamins

Eating and hydrating well can help reduce anxiety in general. But increasing specific vitamins like B1 and B12 can also significantly improve your mood. The brain uses vitamin B1 (Thiamin) to convert glucose to energy. Without it, the brain will not have enough energy to function correctly, leading to mood swings and anxiety.

On the other hand, vitamin B12 aids in the formation of red blood cells, which transports oxygen to brain cells to create energy. Without it, your brain will not have enough oxygen, resulting in less energy to function properly.

Foods that contain high levels of B1 and B12 include:

  • Beef
  • Liver
  • Whole grains
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Cereals

7.   Understand Your Triggers and Know Yourself

The best way to reduce anxiety is by knowing yourself. Identify what triggers your anxiety and learn ways to cope with it. Some of the most common triggers of anxiety include:

  • Stress at work
  • Friends or family
  • Medication
  • Crowds
  • Phobias
  • Pain

Alcohol can also be a trigger, as it is a depressant and can make you feel amazing for a short while, but awful when it is out of your system. This is also the reason why many people with anxiety or depression may end up being alcohol addicts, as they want to chase that short-term feeling.

Caffeine may be a stimulant, but it can excite your body, increasing your heart rate. As mentioned earlier in this post, quick breathing could activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to a flight or fight reaction.

There are many ways to battle anxiety, but the best way is to understand your body and how to adapt to different situations that come your way.

Are Smoking Habits Genetic?

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With a staggering 1.1 billion people worldwide smoking cigarettes, it’s no surprise that nicotine addiction has become one of the most studied addictions in modern science. Both a physical dependence and psychological habit, smoking tobacco is the leading cause of preventable, premature deaths and illnesses in the world.

Scientific Evidence Suggesting a Genetic Link

A widespread addiction with high mortality rates poses the question: Is genetic predisposition at play? A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that genetic factors play a role in developing smoking habits and addiction. These findings revealed that heritability estimates for smoking initiation range from 0.32 to 0.78, indicating a moderately heritable trait.

Similarly, researchers from the U.S., U.K., and New Zealand conducted a long-term study based on a previously developed genetic profile that leads to heavy smoking habits. The study monitored 1,000 individuals from birth to age 38 to determine if a genetic predisposition led to adolescent nicotine addiction and dependence as adults. It was found that those with a high-risk genetic profile who had tried smoking as teenagers were likelier to develop a habit in adulthood, while those with a low-risk profile were less apt to smoke as adults, even if they had in adolescence. Lead author of the study, Dan Belsky, notes, “(Genetics) didn’t predict who tried cigarettes, but they did tell you who among those that did try a cigarette – who got hooked.”

(picture from unsplash.com)

There’s clearly an undeniable link between genetic factors and smoking habits, but exactly what genes contribute to the development of this addiction? Although tobacco usage tendencies cannot be attributed to a single gene, a few genes have been noted in association with nicotine addiction. For example, variations in the gene responsible for the metabolism of nicotine and those related to dopamine signaling have been associated with heavy tobacco use.

Additionally, research suggests a correlation with a variant of the gene CHRNA5, indicating that this genetic variant may significantly increase the likelihood of developing a tobacco addiction. A 2014 study found that individuals who possess this variant have a much more enjoyable experience with cigarettes since this gene reduces tobacco’s unpleasant effects.

Something else to consider is the effect of heavy smoking on the area of the brain known as the habenula. This region is known as the brain’s emotional center and is associated with feelings of anxiety, fear, reward, aversion, avoidance, and related behaviors. Damage to the neurons in this part of the brain can result in intense negative feelings and emotions. One may attempt to soothe these unpleasant feelings by indulging in more nicotine, leading to addictive tobacco smoking.

Sociocultural Influence

Although many scientists and researchers have found a genetic link contributing to nicotine addiction, one must also consider the impact and role of environmental factors. Sociocultural influences play a significant role in the development of smoking habits among both adults and adolescents. For example, teens are more likely to try cigarettes if their peers, parents, or siblings smoke. Negative family relationships may also lead to adolescent smoking habits that can carry over into adulthood.

(picture from unsplash.com)

In addition, peer pressure, media, and advertising may contribute to the development of smoking habits. Certain social situations, TV shows, and movies tend to glamorize smoking, portraying it as cool or rebellious. This social pressure can fuel adolescents’ and adults’ desire to conform, contributing to widespread nicotine addiction.

Regardless of the cause of smoking behaviors, it is a harmful habit that can bring deadly consequences. Smoking can bring adverse effects to almost every organ in one’s body, with an increased risk of cancer being one of the most significant risk factors. For those looking to combat the negative effects of nicotine, a comprehensive detox regimen and exercise can help speed up the process.

In conclusion, the debate of whether or not smoking habits are influenced by genetics is complex and ongoing. Research suggests a strong correlation between smoking initiation and genetic factors, but more remains to be uncovered. In addition to the heritability of smoking habits, one must also consider the impact of environmental and sociocultural influences.

5 Reasons Swimming Is the Best Sport for Your Health

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Being healthy and having fun go hand-in-hand when you are swimming. This supersport can benefit your health better than most other forms of exercise for a number of reasons.

1. Swimming Provides a Total Body Workout

Swimming utilizes almost all the major muscle groups in the body, making it an exceptionally thorough form of exercise. In addition, it also:

  • Increases the heart rate without adding undue stress to the body, especially the joints
  • Tones muscles and improves overall strength
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight
  • Works the heart and lungs due to the cardiovascular benefits

While swimming does not build bone density because that requires weight-bearing exercise, it does improve bone strength, especially in post-menopausal women.

2. Swimming Helps Treat Injuries and Health Conditions

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Swimming is one way to continue getting gentle exercise, even while injured. It even helps the body heal due to the extremely low-impact placed on the body and joints. While swimming, 90% of body weight is supported by water.

With health conditions such as arthritis, inflammation often occurs, especially within and around joint spaces. This inflammation can restrict movement and cause swelling and pain. Swimming has a multitude of benefits for arthritis, including 

  • Strengthening and supporting the muscles which can further aid in preventing arthritis from worsening.
  • The movement itself is what helps prevent arthritis from worsening and with swimming, you get the action without the pain and discomfort that comes along with many other forms of exercise.
  • Water-based exercises help improve the utilization of the affected joints in osteoarthritis as well as decreasing pain.
  • People who have rheumatoid arthritis see more health improvements with hydrotherapy than with other forms of exercise.

3. Swimming Improves Mental Health

Exercise releases endorphins, which are the chemicals in our brain that make us feel happy. Swimming can help alleviate anxiety as well as boosting our mood. In a 2014 pilot study of people with dementia, those who swam regularly for 12 weeks, showed an improvement in mood.

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Swimming regularly can also help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The reason behind this is simple: swimming is a very calming and soothing activity due to the meditative quality of this unique form of exercise.

This activity allows more oxygen to flow to your muscles and forces you to regulate your breathing. Studies have also shown that swimming can influence the brain through a process known as hippocampal neurogenesis, where the brain replaces the cells that are lost through stress.

4. Swimming Helps Prevent Heart Disease

Exercise in general will, of course, help prevent heart disease, but swimming for just 30 minutes a day can help provide the following health benefits:

  • It can help to control cholesterol levels by reducing the bad cholesterol such as LDL and VLDL, which can cause high cholesterol levels in the blood.
  • Swimming can boost your metabolism – 30 minutes in the pool is equivalent to 45 minutes of land-based exercise, and it lowers blood pressure levels as well. 
  • It lowers the heart rate and improves breathing as well as circulation.

5. Swimming Helps You Lose Weight

As with most cardiovascular exercises, swimming burns calories resulting in weight loss when added along with a healthy diet plan. The added benefit with this activity is that the resistance from the water itself adds even more calorie-burning benefit, helping people get in shape.

Specific swimming exercises can even target your core, which further aid in reducing belly fat, such as

  • Flutter kicks which target the lower abs
  • Butterfly kicks which target the obliques

Compared with walking, swimming improves body weight, body fat distribution, and insulin levels. 

See the Benefits for Yourself

Small changes in our lifestyle can make a huge difference. Exercise is a beneficial change to our overall health and wellbeing, and swimming is at the top of the list. The best part is that swimming can be done at any age. Other sports can even be incorporated into your swimming session, including walking and running in the water. Whether you are doggie paddling or doing fancy butterfly strokes, your body will be getting healthier with each movement. When you add in the lack of stress on the joints, you can easily find yourself doing a mini-marathon and not even know you’ve done one!