Aim to save ‘thousands of lives’ by offering health MOTs at NHS vaccination services
One stroke is prevented and 37 people with irregular heart rates are diagnosed for every 5000 people offered heart checks at vaccination centres
The NHS will offer a range of tests including blood pressure, heart rhythm and cholesterol checks when people have their COVID-19 booster or flu jabs at vaccination centres this autumn.
The new policy, announced by NHS Chief Operating Officer Amanda Pritchard, hopes to make ‘every contact count’ by providing opportunities for health checks during other appointments.
With prevention a major focus of the NHS Long Term Plan (NHS, 2019), Pritchard said, ‘The NHS is not just a sickness service but a health service which is why we want to make every contact count, using every opportunity to keep people well rather than just seeking to make them better. We want to offer a fully integrated care system, where we can reach out to people in the communities they live in – not just diagnosing and treating conditions, but working in partnership with the public and intervening before advanced disease occurs, keeping people healthy and well.’
Figures show that one stroke is prevented and 37 people with irregular heart rates are diagnosed for every 5000 people offered heart checks at vaccination centres, and more than 1000 strokes could be prevented every year if everyone over 65 was offered an annual heart rhythm check.
Dr Deb Lowe, NHS Clinical Director for Stroke, said: ‘People who have atrial fibrillation are at higher risk of having a stroke, but through early detection their risk can be significantly reduced with the right medication. Incorporating health checks at vaccination sites so patients can access them conveniently is a great initiative – ensuring every contact counts and encouraging individuals to be aware of their blood pressure and pulse could save lives and reduce disability caused by stroke.’
New advertising rules to help prevent childhood obesity
Regulations will come into force at the end of 2022 to introduce a 9pm watershed for advertisements of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS). The rules will apply to TV and UK on-demand programmes, and there will be restrictions on paid-for advertising of HFSS foods online.
Evidence shows exposure to HFSS advertising can affect when children eat and what they eat and, over time, excess calorie consumption can lead to children becoming overweight or obese. It is hoped that the restrictions will protect children from developing long-term unhealthy eating habits and improve the nation's health.
Public Health Minister, Jo Churchill, said: ‘We are committed to improving the health of our children and tackling obesity. The content youngsters see can have an impact on the choices they make and habits they form. With children spending more time online it is vital we act to protect them from unhealthy advertising.’
‘These measures form another key part of our strategy to get the nation fitter and healthier by giving them the chance to make more informed decisions when it comes to food. We need to take urgent action to level up health inequalities. This action on advertising will help to wipe billions off the national calorie count and give our children a fair chance of a healthy lifestyle.’
The new regulations will apply to food and drink products of most concern to childhood obesity and will ensure the healthiest in each category will be able to continue to advertise. Foods such as honey, olive oil, avocados and marmite are excluded from the restrictions.
Lower carbohydrate diet can be effective short-term for type 2 diabetes
A report has concluded that for adults living with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity, there are beneficial effects of a lower carbohydrate diet for up to 6 months for some of the outcomes considered, including improving blood sugar management (Public Health England, 2021).
Low carbohydrate diets have gained increasing attention in recent years, but as there is no agreed definition of a ‘low’ carb diet, the report compared ‘lower’ and ‘higher’ carbohydrate diets.
The report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and Diabetes UK is based on a thorough assessment of existing evidence around weight change, blood sugar management, blood fats and medication use. Those on lower carbohydrate diets lost more weight than those on higher carbohydrate diets in the first 3 months but not after, so it is unclear if the benefits of a lower carbohydrate diet are due to this early weight loss.
Douglas Twenefour, co-chair of the joint working group and Deputy Head of Care of Diabetes UK, said: ‘We know that for most people with type 2 diabetes, managing their weight is key to managing their condition. Health professionals should support any evidence-based dietary approach that helps achieve long-term weight reduction, and this can include a lower carbohydrate diet. It is vital that people get the support of their healthcare team, so that any impact on diabetes management or medications can be closely monitored.’
The evidence wasn't strong enough to recommend a lower carbohydrate diet for longer than 6 months.
Dr Alison Tedstone, Chief Nutritionist at PHE, said: ‘It's not clear whether a lower carbohydrate diet is effective in the longer term. We also don't know whether it would work for all adults living with type 2 diabetes, and not just those living with overweight or obesity.
Adults living with type 2 diabetes choosing a lower carbohydrate diet should aim to include wholegrain or higher fibre foods, a variety of fruits and vegetables and limit saturated fats.