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NHS Fife Library & Knowledge Service

Public Health Reports Digest

January 2019

Welcome to the latest Public Health Reports Digest compiled by NHS Fife Library & Knowledge Service which highlights recent publications and journal articles which we hope

you find of interest.

Some of the items highlighted in this digest are available with an ATHENS username and password only. NHS staff and partners can obtain an account by registering on the NHS

Scotland Knowledge Network (TKN) at www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk

In the Media, Recent Reports, and From the Journals Items from the media, recently published reports and articles from the journals are listed in topic order. CTRL + Click on the links below to view items on the listed topic.

Alcohol Health & Social Care Obesity & Healthy Eating Public Health

Cancer Health Inequalities Older People Sexual Health

Children & Young People Health Protection Pharmacy Smoking

Dental Health Medical Conditions Physical Activity Suicide & Self Harm

Drugs Mental Wellbeing Population Statistics Women’s & Infant Health

Alcohol

Fears over life-saving drug unfounded, finds review University of Manchester, 15 January 2019 The article discusses the drug Naltrexone which is used to treat alcoholism, many doctors hold back from prescribing the drug, often citing liver toxicity as a reason. These fears are unfounded according to its first ever systematic review by the University of Manchester who state it is safe and cost effective.

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Press release: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/fears-over-life-saving-drug-unfounded-finds-review/ Study: Monica Bolston et al, Serious adverse events reported in placebo randomised controlled trials of oral naltrexone: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Medicine, 15/1/19 17(10) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-018-1242-0

Cancer

'Less toxic' chemotherapy hope BBC News, 9 January 2019 Scientists have begun testing to make chemotherapy less toxic to the body. The hope is it will lessen side effects such as hair loss and nausea by placing a 3D printed filter in the vein which will remove excess drugs once it has targeted the tumour. Researchers believe reducing 50% of excess drugs could have a significant effect. Research has only been carried out on animals but if successful they wish to test on humans at a later date. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46782190

pertuzumab (Perjeta) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland. Scottish Medicines Consortium, 14 January 2019 Press release from Healthcare Improvement Scotland regarding the use of pertuzumab. This drug is used for treating breast cancer. Detailed advice and public summary can be downloaded via the link below. Available: https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/medicines-advice/pertuzumab-perjeta-resubmission-smc2120/ New report shows more young people surviving cancer Teenage Cancer Trust, 17 January 2019 This is the first time a charity has specifically reported on cancer survival rates (England) for the age range 13-24. The mortality rate is decreasing. Mortality rates of all cancers combined in 13 to 24 year olds have decreased from 42.9 per million in 2001 to 32.3 per million in 2015. The largest decrease had been sufferers with leukaemia from 2001 -2015. Available: https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/about-us/news/new-report-shows-more-young-people-surviving-cancer Smear Test fears causing hidden health crisis for millienials Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, 21 January 2019 Report from charity on plummeting smear test uptake. Figures show 68% of the 2,005 of 25-35 year old women would not tell the nurse of any concerns. Other figures include fear, embarrassment and not feeling in control. The charity is launching its #SmearForSmear campaign during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (21-27 January) to tackle the decline and acknowledge the fact that going for a smear test can be difficult. Available: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/node/1076499

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Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer Scottish Government, 22 January 2019 Guidelines from the Scottish Government to support clinicians identifying patients who are likely to have cancer. They also provide help detecting patients who are not likely to have cancer ‘embedding safety netting as a diagnostic support tool.’ Guidelines available from the link below. Available: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-referral-guidelines-suspected-cancer-january-2019/ Teen one of first UK proton-beam NHS patients BBC News, 23 January 2019 A fifteen year old boy with a rare form of brain cancer is beginning proton beam therapy in a new dedicated treatment centre. Previously this kind of treatment was only available abroad but there is now a new 125million pound centre in Manchester’s Christie hospital. The radiotherapy directly targets cancer without damaging surrounding tissue. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46958785

Children & Young People

Build screen time around family activities, not the other way round, parents told Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, 4 January 2019 The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child health have published screen time guidelines for parents and clinicians. They state there is not enough evidence to suggest screen time is harmful; however they have produced guidelines dependant on the child’s age, individual need and family and social activities. They suggest there should be no screen time during the hour before bed. The press release emphasises letting parents be parents. Press release: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/news/build-screen-time-around-family-activities-not-other-way-round-parents-told Guidelines: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/health-impacts-screen-time-guide-clinicians-parents Depression linked to social media twice as high among girls University College London, 4 January 2019 New research based on a cohort of 11,000 young people in the study. Participants gave information on their social media use, online harassment, sleep patterns, self-esteem and body image. 14 year old girls were the heaviest social media users, two fifths using social media more than 3 hours a day. The link between social media use and depression was found to be higher in girls. Press Release: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2019/jan/depression-linked-social-media-twice-high-among-girls-0

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Study: Yvonne Kelly et al, Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health: Findings From the UK Millennium Cohort Study, 4 Jan 2019, The lancet https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2018.12.005 Mental health: poor NHS provision is failing young people Parliament UK, 11 January 2019 This information is made available by the commons select committee and discusses mental health and young people. The overriding message is that young people are not getting the help they need with mental illness. Full reports can also be accessed through the link. Available: https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-accounts-committee/news-parliament-2017/mental-health-young-report-publication-17-19/

New report shows more young people surviving cancer Teenage Cancer Trust, 17 January 2019 This is the first time a charity has specifically reported on cancer survival rates (England) for the age range 13-24. The mortality rate is decreasing. Mortality rates of all cancers combined in 13 to 24 year olds have decreased from 42.9 per million in 2001 to 32.3 per million in 2015. The largest decrease had been sufferers with leukaemia from 2001 -2015. Available: https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/about-us/news/new-report-shows-more-young-people-surviving-cancer Child health high on the agenda, but political uncertainty and public health cuts pose risk to progress, warns RCPCH President Royal college of paediatrics and child health (RCRCH), 23 January 2019 This is a report on child health in the UK. It highlights progress made since the 2017 report. Full report available from link below. Available: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/news/child-health-high-agenda-political-uncertainty-public-health-cuts-pose-risk

Dental Health

Dental statistics, NHS registration and participation Information services division, National statistics, 22 January 2019 Figures compare between deprived and non deprived areas. Overall 94.2% of the population were registered with an NHS dentist. Further information available in the link below. Available: https://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Dental-Care/Publications/2019-01-22/2019-01-22-Dental-Summary.pdf

Drugs

New drug driving laws and roadside testing to improve road safety

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Scottish Goverment, 15 January 2019 From the 21st October 2019 there will be a zero tolerance approach to eight drugs most associated with illegal use, including cannabis, heroin and cocaine. This will make it easier to hold drug drivers to account as there will no longer be a requirement to prove that someone was driving in an impaired manner. Available: https://www.gov.scot/news/new-drug-driving-laws-and-roadside-testing-to-improve-road-safety/

Health & Social Care

MPs want hunger minister role introduced BBC News, 10 January 2019 A group of MP’s are calling for the government to introduce a hunger minister as a response to the ongoing food uncertainty. This causes concern especially for children. 2017 UNICEF figures show 19% of children under 15 are now living with adults who are struggling to buy food. The job would include investigating the scale and causes of hunger, food malnutrition and implementing a strategy to improve the situation. The article also touches on the link between hunger and obesity. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-46810707 Complaints about care services in Scotland, 2014/15 to 2017/18 Statistical Bulletin Care Inspectorate, January 2019 Detailed report and statistics of complaints concerning Scottish care facilities. PDF available below. Available:http://www.careinspectorate.com/images/documents/4793/Complaints%20about%20care%20services%20in%20Scotland%202014-15%20to%202017-18.pdf

Health Inequalities

MPs want hunger minister role introduced BBC News, 10 January 2019 A group of MP’s are calling for the government to introduce a hunger minister as a response to the ongoing food uncertainty. This causes concern especially for children. 2017 UNICEF figures show 19% of children under 15 are now living with adults who are struggling to buy food. The job would include investigating the scale and causes of hunger, food malnutrition and implementing a strategy to improve the situation. The article also touches on the link between hunger and obesity. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-46810707 Free sanitary products scheme expands in Scotland BBC News, 17 January 2019

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Funding will be given to councils who will work with organisations to meet local needs. Libraries and leisure centres are among venues that will have free products after they were offered in schools, colleges and universities last August. The Scottish government has committed 4 million to tackle period poverty. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-46904775

Health Protection

Government launches world leading plan to tackle air pollution Gov.uk, 19 January 2019 The UK is the first major economy to adopt air quality goals based on WHO recommendations. Clean Air Strategy 2019 can be accessed through the link below. Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-world-leading-plan-to-tackle-air-pollution Ten threats to global health in 2019 World Health Organisation, WHO, January 2019 Article discusses main threats to health. Who’s 5 tear plan is available to download. Topics include vaccine hesitation, pollution and influenza pandemics. Available: https://www.who.int/emergencies/ten-threats-to-global-health-in-2019 Smear Test fears causing hidden health crisis for millienials Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, 21 January 2019 Report from charity on plummeting smear test uptake. Figures show 68% of the 2,005 of 25-35 year old women would not tell the nurse of any concerns. Other figures include fear, embarrassment and not feeling in control. The charity is launching its #SmearForSmear campaign during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (21-27 January) to tackle the decline and acknowledge the fact that going for a smear test can be difficult. Available: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/node/1076499

Experts call for urgent action over new superbug threat Glasgow Caledonian University, 24 January 2019 Researchers from Glasgow Caledonian University have warned that Scottish hospitals are at risk from a new superbug unless attitudes towards vital screening change. The research comes from the University’s Safeguarding Health through Infection Prevention (SHIP) research group and involved a survey taken by 450 nurses across health boards in Scotland and 261 members of the public. The article further discusses the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), and attitudes to rectal swabs, which is the most reliable method of sampling the bacteria. Available: https://www.gcu.ac.uk/newsroom/news/article/index.php?id=269038

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Antibiotic resistance plan to fight 'urgent' global threat BBC News, 24 January 2019 Article discusses how the government plans to contain and control antibiotic resistance, which is as much of a global threat as global warming. The government plans to change the way it funds drug companies to discover new medicines. It also plans to reduce antibiotic use in humans by 15% over the next five years. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46973641

Moving the Needle: Promoting vaccination uptake across the life course Royal Society for Public Health, January 2019 This report discusses the importance of childhood vaccination and the effects of negative online literature surrounding the issue. Rerport statistics suggest 1 in 4 people falsely believe you can have ‘too many’ injections. 2 in 5 parents are exposed to negative vaccination comments through social media. Full report available below. Available: https://www.rsph.org.uk/our-work/policy/vaccinations/moving-the-needle-promoting-vaccination-uptake-across-the-life-course.html

Medical Conditions

Biomarkers identified to help diagnose heart condition BBC News, 7 January 2019 Researchers have identified two biomarkers which could help in the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). This heart condition is often only detected after a patient suffers a stroke. The study carried out at the University of Birmingham found three clinical risk factors and two biomarkers had a strong connection with AF. Researchers hope a blood test will discover the condition and treatment can begin. News article available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46758997 Exercise pill mimicking effect of gym workout could prevent Alzheimer’s disease The Mirror, 7 January 2019 In a study conducted on mice, researchers have discovered a hormone called irisin which is released by the muscles during physical activity is reduced in patients who suffer with Alzheimer’s. Study backs up evidence that physical activity is beneficial for the mind and body. News article: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/exercise-pill-mimicking-effect-gym-13825095 Study (log in may be required) Mychael V Lourenco et al, Exercise-linked FNDC5/irisin rescues synaptic plasticity and memory defects in Alzheimer’s models, Nature Medicinevolume 25, pages165–175(2019) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-018-0275-4

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FDNA Publishes Study in Nature Medicine Defining New Artificial Intelligence Standard in Healthcare Business Wire, 7 January 2019 Collaborations between artificial intelligence, scientists and researchers have produced a groundbreaking study using facial analysis to detect genetic disorders. The findings support priscision medicine and will be of significant value to personalised care. The research has taken three years to produce. Press release: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190107005812/en/FDNA-Publishes-Study-Nature-Medicine-Defining-New Study (log in may be required) Yaron Gurovich et al, Identifying facial phenotypes of genetic disorders using deep learning, Nature Medicinevolume 25, pages60–64(2019) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-018-0279-0 More donor livers could be used for transplantation thanks to exciting new development, NICE says NICE, 16 January 2018 A procedure assessed by NICE has been praised as an exciting development. A perfusion machine can keep a liver viable for transfer for longer by reducing the rate of tissue deterioration. The organ can also be flushed with blood and oxygen helping more patients and decreasing transplant waiting times. Available: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/article/more-donor-livers-could-be-used-for-transplantation-thanks-to-exciting-new-development-nice-says

Every three seconds someone in the UK could be having a life threatening asthma attack-new figures Asthma UK, January 2019 The charity’s research revealed that on average, adults and children with asthma reported having two asthma attacks every year - a much higher number than existing figures suggest. The research is based on more than 10,000 asthma sufferers and suggests total number of asthma attacks could be 10 million per year. This number is much higher than previously thought. The article offers advice and raises awareness of the condition. Available: https://www.asthma.org.uk/about/media/news/every-three-seconds-someone-in-the-uk-could-be-having-a-life-threatening-asthma-attack--new-figures/

Scottish Stroke Statistics Information Services division, National services Scotland, 29 January 2019 Available: https://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Stroke/Publications/2019-01-29/2019-01-29-Stroke-Summary.pdf

Mental Wellbeing

Depression linked to social media twice as high among girls University College London, 4 January 2019

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New research based on a cohort of 11,000 young people in the study. Participants gave information on their social media use, online harassment, sleep patterns, self-esteem and body image. 14 year old girls were the heaviest social media users, two fifths using social media more than 3 hours a day. The link between social media use and depression was found to be higher in girls. Press Release: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2019/jan/depression-linked-social-media-twice-high-among-girls-0 Study: Yvonne Kelly et al, Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health: Findings From the UK Millennium Cohort Study, 4 Jan 2019, The lancet https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2018.12.005

North-east researchers to explore Brexit’s mental health impact Robert Gordon University, 7 January 2019 A team of researchers from nursing and midwifery and social studies will collaborate in a study focusing on Brexit and mental health. The study will work with Edinburgh charity Fenkins who work with the Eastern European community within Scotland. Between 2016-17 there was an estimated 15% increase in EU nationals leaving public body jobs. This study aims to find out how we can better support EU Nationals living in the UK. News release: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/news/143-news-2019/1622-north-east-researchers-to-explore-brexit-s-mental-health-impact Mental health: poor NHS provision is failing young people Parliament UK, 11 January 2019 This information is made available by the commons select committee and discusses mental health and young people. The overriding message is that young people are not getting the help they need with mental illness. Full reports can also be accessed through the link. Available: https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-accounts-committee/news-parliament-2017/mental-health-young-report-publication-17-19/

Obesity & Healthy Eating

Cheap junk food to blame' for obesity in Wales BBC News, 8 January 2019 Article reporting on obesity statistics in Wales and the link to by one get one free junk food offers in supermarkets. Obesity in Wales is currently higher than any other nation with 59% being over weight. The Welsh Government are currently reviewing proposals to help residents stay a healthy weight. The government is working on a three month consultation of its strategy ‘healthy weight, healthy Wales.’ Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46784821

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The lifesaving food 90% aren’t eating enough of BBC News, 11 January 2019 Researchers, at the University of Otago, in New Zealand, and the University of Dundee discuss the benefits of fibre in our diets and say we should eat 25g minimum per day. There are many other health benefits, even though it is best known for relieving constipation. It suggests if you shifted 1,000 people from a low fibre diet (less than 15g) to a high-fibre one (25-29g), then it would prevent 13 deaths and six cases of heart disease. News article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46827426 Study: Andrew Reynolds PhD et al, Carbohydrate quality and human health: a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, 10/1/19, The Lancet. https://www.clinicalkey.com/service/content/pdf/watermarked/1-s2.0-S0140673618318099.pdf?locale=en_US Find your balance - get portion wise! British Nutrition Foundation, Jan 2019 Link to the British Nutrition foundation website for helpful resources on getting the right portion sizes and balancing a healthy diet. Available: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/find-your-balance/portionwise.html A bit of meat, a lot of veg - the flexitarian diet to feed 10bn BBC News, 17 Jan 2019 Scientists have been researching how we will feed billions more people in the decades to come while maintaining the planet. "the planetary health diet" - does not completely banish meat and dairy, but suggests we get most of our protein from nuts and lentils etc. A few portions of chicken and fish are allowed through the week but red meat is once in a while. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46865204

Older People

Exercise pill mimicking effect of gym workout could prevent Alzheimer’s disease The Mirror, 7 January 2019 In a study conducted on mice, researchers have discovered a hormone called irisin which is released by the muscles during physical activity is reduced in patients who suffer with Alzheimer’s. Study backs up evidence that physical activity is beneficial for the mind and body. News article: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/exercise-pill-mimicking-effect-gym-13825095 Study (log in may be required) Mychael V Lourenco et al, Exercise-linked FNDC5/irisin rescues synaptic plasticity and memory defects in Alzheimer’s models, Nature Medicinevolume 25, pages165–175(2019) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-018-0275-4

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Cheap common drugs may help mental illness BBC News, 9 January 2019 Researchers from University College London have revealed how cheap drugs that treat conditions such as diabetes and heart problems could be used to treat mental illness. Researchers say this could have enormous potential. The research is in the early stages and has yet to go to clinical trials. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46809517 Study shows vitamin D supplements are of no benefit to the over 70s Newcastle University, 14 January 2019 A Newcastle University-led study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has backed previous research which shows there is no gain for older people taking vitamin D. The study was conducted with 400 people over the age of 70. Press release: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest/2019/01/vitamindresearch/

Study: Terry J Asprey et al, Randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in

older people to optimize bone health. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume

109, Issue 1, 1 January 2019 https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqy280

Pharmacy

pertuzumab (Perjeta) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland. Scottish Medicines Consortium, 14 January 2019 Press release from Healthcare Improvement Scotland regarding the use of pertuzumab. Used for treating breast cancer. Detailed advice and public summary can be downloaded via the link below. Available: https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/medicines-advice/pertuzumab-perjeta-resubmission-smc2120/ Fears over life-saving drug unfounded, finds review University of Manchester, 15 Jan 2019 The article discusses the drug Naltrexone which is used to treat alcoholism, many doctors hold back from prescribing the drug, often citing liver toxicity as a reason. These fears are unfounded according to its first ever systematic review by the university of Manchester who state it is safe and cost effective. Press release: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/fears-over-life-saving-drug-unfounded-finds-review/ Study: Monica Bolston et al, Serious adverse events reported in placebo randomised controlled trials of oral naltrexone: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Medicine, 15/1/19 17(10) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-018-1242-0

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12

Pharmacists warn of a 'surge' in shortage of common medicines BBC News, 18 Jan 2019 Report discusses pharmacys in England. The report states there are 80 medicines in short supply including anti depressants and anti inflammatory drugs. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46843631

Physical Activity

No related articles this month

Population Statistics

Organ donor registrations hit new high Scottish Government, 26 December 2018 Highest number ever recorded of people signed up on the organ donation list. In 2018 there were 148,000 new registrations. There are now 2.8 million registered which is 51.7% of Scotland’s population. Available: https://news.gov.scot/news/organ-donor-registrations-hit-new-high

Public Health

Is this the biggest unaddressed public health issue of our time? The Scotsman, 10 January 2019 Scotland’s medical officer Catherine Calderwood discusses adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) and how they can affect health in adult life. People who have had four or more adverse childhood experiences are likely to suffer later in life. The article suggests the ACE may be the most unaddressed public health issue of our time. People in this category are more likely to have issues with smoking, depression and a higher suicide risk. Available: https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/is-this-the-biggest-unaddressed-public-health-issue-of-our-time-catherine-calderwood-1-4854214 MPs want hunger minister role introduced BBC News, 10 January 2019 A group of MP’s are calling for the government to introduce a hunger minister as a response to the ongoing food uncertainty. This causes concern especially for children. 2017 UNICEF figures show 19% of children under 15 are now living with adults who are struggling to buy food. The job would include investigating the scale and causes of hunger, food malnutrition and implementing a strategy to improve the situation. The article also touches on the link between hunger and obesity. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-46810707

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Morbidity, mortality and missed appointments in healthcare: a national retrospective data linkage study BMC Medicine, 11 January 2019 Based on the data found in this study, conclusions and recommendation for healthcare professionals is to better engage with those frequently missing appointments. These patients are more likely to have more than one long term condition and are at higher risk of death if appointments are missed. Ross McQueenie et al, Morbidity, mortality and missed appointments in healthcare: a national retrospective data linkage study. BMC Medicine, 11 January 2019 Volume 17:2 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-018-1234-0

Government launches world leading plan to tackle air pollution Gov.uk, 19 January 2019 The UK is the first major economy to adopt air quality goals based on WHO recommendations. Clean Air Strategy 2019 can be accessed through the link below. Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-world-leading-plan-to-tackle-air-pollution

New drug driving laws and roadside testing to improve road safety Scottish Goverment, 15 Jan 2019 From the 21st October 2019 there will be a zero tolerance approach eight drugs most associated with illegal use, including cannabis, heroin and cocaine. This will make it easier to hold drug drivers to account as there will no longer be a requirement to prove that someone was driving in an impaired manner. Available: https://www.gov.scot/news/new-drug-driving-laws-and-roadside-testing-to-improve-road-safety/

Moving the Needle: Promoting vaccination uptake across the life course Royal Society for Public Health, January 2019 This report discusses the importance of childhood vaccination and the effects of negative online literature surrounding the issue. Rerport statistics suggest 1 in 4 people falsely believe you can have ‘too many’ injections. 2 in 5 parents are exposed to negative vaccination comments through social media. Full report available below. Available: https://www.rsph.org.uk/our-work/policy/vaccinations/moving-the-needle-promoting-vaccination-uptake-across-the-life-course.html

Sexual Health

Two cases of resistant gonorrhoea diagnosed in the UK Public Health England, 9 January 2019 Both cases have been found in females and this strain of the disease has come from Europe. In both cases the patients have been resistant to the antibiotics. Public Health England are stressing the importance of safe sex.

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Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/two-cases-of-resistant-gonorrhoea-diagnosed-in-the-uk

Smoking

Going up in smoke: Has Scotland stubbed out cigarettes? Polly Bartlett, STV News, 13 January 2019 Article discusses the changing attitudes towards smoking with the news that one of the world’s biggest cigarette manufacturers Malboro plan to phase out tobacco and produce smoke free products. Despite more than half of Scotland’s smokers given up, we still have the highest rate in the UK. Available: https://stv.tv/news/scotland/1434445-going-up-in-smoke-has-scotland-stubbed-out-cigarettes/

Suicide & Self Harm

Mental health: UK could ban social media over suicide images, minister warns BBC News, 27 January 2019 The article focuses on the negative impact of harmful material online, especially to young people. It features quotes from the health secretary and social media companies’ response to the problem. The article centres on the suicide of 17 year old Molly Russell who showed no obvious signs of mental illness. It was later discovered she had been exposed to suicide related content on her Instagram account. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47019912

Women’s & Infant Health

Baby heart monitor training made mandatory in Scotland

BBC News, 9 January 2019 Training in monitoring fetal heart rates during labour is to me made mandatory in Scotland after the high profile campaign from the families of babies who died at Crosshouse Hospital Kilmarnock. A study by the Royal College of Gynaecologists found that in 70% of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in the UK, different care could have led to a different outcome. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-46803359 Some HRT tablets 'linked to higher blood clot risk' BBC News, 10 January 2019 New research from The BMJ by the University of Nottingham has linked some HRT tablets with a higher risk of blood clot. The overall risk is low and researchers suggest the safest form of HRT (patches and gels) were underused. Women should discuss any concern with their GP. The article describes HRT is safe overall but includes some small potential risks. New article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46814797 Study: Yana Vinogradova et al, Use of hormone replacement therapy and risk of venous thromboembolism: nested case-control studies using the QResearch and CPRD databases.

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The BMJ, 9 January 2019 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k4810

Free sanitary products scheme expands in Scotland BBC News, 17 Jan 2019 Funding will be given to councils who will work with organisations to meet local needs. Libraries and leisure centres are among venues that will have free products after they were offered in schools, colleges and universities last August. The Scottish government has committed 4 million to tackle period poverty. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-46904775 Smear Test fears causing hidden health crisis for millienials Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, 21 Jan 2019 Report from charity on plummeting smear test uptake. Figures show 68% of the 2,005 of 25-35 year old women would not tell the nurse of any concerns. Other figures include fear, embarrassment and not feeling in control. The charity is launching its #SmearForSmear campaign during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (21-27 January) to tackle the decline and acknowledge the fact that going for a smear test can be difficult. Available: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/node/1076499