ghpglobal health & pharma Q1 2025 www.ghp-news.com Clean Vegan Pharmaceuticals Company of the Year 2024 – USA & Excellence Award in Topical Creams & Serums 2024 – USA “Luxurious Green Formulations” From prescription topical creams to serums, and orally delivered active products, Melanoderm Labs is an innovative provider of clean vegan pharmaceuticals that address a plethora of cosmetic skin concerns. We delve deeper into the company’s offerings as it wins two prestigious titles in our Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards 2024. Melanoderm Labs
Welcome to the Q1 2025 issue of Global Health & Pharma magazine, providing you with all of the latest news and features across the healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape. Editor’s Letter With regards to the healthcare industry, Forbes shared an article in January this year referencing the trends of 2025 ahead. We’re due to see AI-driven solutions continue, and increasingly, make a positive impact on the industry as generative AI enhances patient and member advocacy, while other techniques – such as home-based care transitions, and more – allow companies to be even more focused on positive results. Investing in AI has never been more prevalent as businesses and individuals continue to experiment and join forces with AI solutions and processes. This can also be said for the pharmaceutical industry as many companies find themselves streamlining their services and experiments with digital means. It is with great delight that we share our features and reports of these industries with you. We hope you find this issue to be transformative and inspirational, and we look forward to welcoming you back again in a few months’ time for our Q2 issue. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: ghpnews.digital AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
Contents 4. Discovery Medical Network and TECHealth, An Emergency Services Company® Join Forces to Re-Engineer Emergency Medicine Staffing Solutions for Rural & Community Healthcare 5. All-Female Surgical Team at Pittsburgh’s Allegheny General Hospital Performs Cardiac Surgery in Honor of International Women’s Day 6. Melanoderm Labs: Clean Vegan Pharmaceuticals Company of the Year 2024 – USA & Excellence Award in Topical Creams & Serums 2024 – USA 8. Men’s Health in Crisis: 66% of Men Avoid Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles Despite Rising Pressures 9. The Future of Ageing: How Science is Rewriting the Rules of Longevity 10. The Power of Massage During Pregnancy 11. Why Health Professionals Need to Change Their Approach for Patient Wellbeing
NEWS Discovery Medical Network (DMN) and TECHealth, An Emergency Services Company®, two industry leaders in healthcare operations, announced a strategic partnership to address the critical challenge of emergency medicine staffing, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This collaboration aims to make high quality emergency care viable to rural and community hospitals while streamlining the process to adequately evaluate Emergency Department (ED) needs and develop an effective, long-term ED strategy. Rural and community healthcare facilities require a more comprehensive solution that supports access to quality medical, surgical, and emergency care regardless of where a patient lives. A Match Made for Emergency Healthcare By combining DMN’s deep-rooted expertise in physician recruitment, contracting, onboarding, and continuing education with TECHealth’s extensive experience in Discovery Medical Network and TECHealth, An Emergency Services Company® Join Forces to Re-Engineer Emergency Medicine Staffing Solutions for Rural & Community Healthcare emergency medicine services, staffing, and ED operations, this partnership offers a unique and powerful solution for hospitals and providers alike. “We are excited to partner with TECHealth to provide a more comprehensive solution to the challenges facing emergency medicine staffing,” said Bruce Miller, Executive Vice President at Discovery Medical Network. “By working together to match providers seeking emergency care roles with under-supported hospitals, we can continue to enhance patient outcomes in communities across the country, while addressing staffing and operational challenges.” Through their partnership, DMN and TECHealth will provide solutions that: • Streamline the Staffing Process: Simplify the complex process of emergency care physician and/ or nurse practitioner recruitment, credentialing, and onboarding, saving hospitals time, resources, and in some instances cost savings. • Foster Strong Provider-Hospital Relationships: Cultivate sustainable partnerships with rural providers and hospitals, offering collaborative placement strategies for long-term relationships between providers and emergency medicine facilities. • Support Community Healthcare: Focus on addressing the specific needs of community-based healthcare providers, ensuring access to high-quality, comprehensive, convenient care in underserved areas. • Create Supportive ER Culture: The primary key to success is creating a facility and team where quality physicians and staff want to work. This focus drives the successes of supporting staff, culture, support tools,
Students from local high school provided with bird’s eye view of operating room as part of program designed to inspire careers in medicine In recognition of International Women’s Day (March 8), Allegheny General Hospital, the flagship academic medical center of Allegheny Health Network (AHN), welcomed students from Avonworth High School to observe an all-female surgical team performing a cardiac procedure. The visit by Avonworth students is part of the hospital’s formal Open Heart Surgery Observation Program, which is designed to inspire careers in medicine. Led by Candice Lee, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon at AGH, the all-female surgical team includes a cardiac fellow, surgical advanced practice provider, anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist, perfusionist (heart and lung bypass machine operator), surgical technologist and circulating nurse. Dr. Lee and her team performed a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure, an open-heart surgical technique that bypasses blocked coronary arteries by grafting a healthy blood vessel (usually an artery in the chest wall and a vein taken from the leg) to create a new pathway for blood to flow to the heart muscle, restoring oxygen supply and preventing cardiac incidents like a heart attack. AGH’s all-female surgical team is emblematic of a nationwide movement to advocate for greater representation of women in medicine, especially the surgical fields – since Dr. Lee joined AHN in 2020, having an all-female heart surgery team has become a more routine occurrence at the hospital. Even so, women have been – and continue to be – underrepresented in surgical specialties nationally. In fact, data from the Association of American Medical Colleges suggests that women make up less than 17% of the surgeons within the seven most common surgical specialties. “It’s a special honor to be in the operating room among such talented, highly skilled female clinical professionals,” said Dr. Lee. “Women are notably underrepresented in surgical specialties, but it’s our hope that today’s event will serve as a powerful reminder for future generations of young women that they are more than capable of achieving their career goals in the field of medicine.” International Women’s Day, which takes place during Women’s History Month, is recognized on March 8, and is considered a global celebration that honors women, advocates for gender equality, and pays tribute to the female pioneers who paved the way for socio-economic advancements around the world over the decades. All-Female Surgical Team at Pittsburgh’s Allegheny General Hospital Performs Cardiac Surgery in Honor of International Women’s Day facility, EMR, and other operational components. A supportive culture acts as a clarion call for other like-minded physicians and staff to join the team and leave a mark with leadership, clinical care, and the patient experience. A Shared Commitment to Excellence This partnership not only marks an exciting milestone in DMN and TECHealth’s history of providing holistic healthcare solutions; it also aligns perfectly with their mission to serve rural Texas hospitals by bringing best-inclass patient-centered emergency medicine to rural communities. The foundation of this unique program is a shared commitment to excellence and dedication to helping health care facilities deliver exceptional care while also ensuring their staffing needs are met while closely monitoring the financial cost to do so. The result is a re-defining approach to delivering emergency care while providing an excellent patient and clinical staff experience. “By combining our strengths, we can offer a strategic partnership that connects likeminded hospitals and healthcare providers in communities facing a shortage in emergency care. Our multi-step hiring process allows us to carefully vet and match physicians and nurse practitioners with intention, aligning the individual needs of each provider and each facility,” said Steve Tatum, Executive Marketing Director at TECHealth.
6 From prescription topical creams to serums, and orally delivered active products, Melanoderm Labs is an innovative provider of clean vegan pharmaceuticals that address a plethora of cosmetic skin concerns. We delve deeper into the company’s offerings as it wins two prestigious titles in our Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards 2024. Health and beauty care should be straightforward, effective, and backed by safe scientific discovery. This is one of the reasons why Melanoderm Labs has been bestowed with its titles as it continues to strive for the cutting edge of its industry. With the end consumer in mind, Melanoderm Labs creates and markets pharmaceutical products which have the ability to help people of varying ages with skin concerns, conditions, and goals. Melanoderm lead pharmaceutical formulator comments, “Our company sources only high quality ingredients from sustainable global sources to ensure that our pharmaceutical skin medications are safe & targeted based on skin types, and skin concern. Our bases are truly vegan, clean, and anti-inflammatory. Our pharmacists have created over 100 formulations and products to ensure patients enjoy a beautiful & successful clear-skin journey.” With regards to the ever-evolving research and development within Melanoderm Labs’ world of pioneering pharmaceuticals, the company shares, “Recent innovative developments include utilizing InSilico modeling for proven pharmaceuticals like mandelic acid, methylene blue, mometasone, tacrolimus, sucralfate, verapamil, metronidazole, estrogen, progesterone, and tazarotene to formulate more effective topicals with enhanced transdermal penetration.” By harnessing the synergistic power of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, powerful retinoids, and therapeutic APIs, we aim to create prescriptive solutions for acne, aging skin, eczema, rosacea, keratosis pilaris, scar treatment, hair growth, and hyperpigmentation. Balance is effected by an impressive array of botanical anti-inflammatories like bakuchiol, niacinamide, colloidal oatmeal, urea, vitamins K1& K2, copaiba oil, pracaxi oil, manuka honey, arnica, squalane, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, marine algae, allantoin, polysaccharides, tranexamic acid, glutathione, silk peptides, and fullerene. Melanoderm Labs’ products are suitable for all skin types and shades as well as being vegan and clean. Melanoderm Labs’ products include: Acne Drops Melanoderm Labs’ Acne Drops are an ultra-effective anti-acne oral liquid which help to clarify and treat the skin. Containing concentrated doses of vitamins A and C as well as ceramides and lipoic acid, these drops will help individuals glow from the inside out. Lash Growth Serum This innovative, aqua-based formula was created to aid growth and boost volume for both lashes and brows – helping us to feel even more beautiful than before. Fortified with three luxurious lash growth peptides, biotin, latanoprost, red clover & Indian gooseberry, this serum delivers softer, longer, and fuller lashes and brows. As the serum extends the anagen growth phase while fortifying and moisturizing each individual hair, we can each elevate our beauty regime to achieve the luscious brows and lashes of our dreams. This premium aqua-based formula can be used along with lash extensions. Fade Cream Addressing hyperpigmentation concerns, the Fade RX cream is a light-weight skin lightener that has been specifically designed for age-spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. As the cream is supported by its protective anti-oxidant botanical base, making good use of niacinamide, tranexamic acid, star-flower, vitamin C, bearberry, tetrapeptide-30, and more, the formula is able to sooth and calm hyperpigmentation which may be caused by a variety of skin conditions. Therapeutic APIs include tretinoin, mometasone, mandelic acid and lactic acid. Tretinoin Lux RX Cream This truly luxurious 3rd generation retinoid & tretinoin compounded cream is anti-wrinkle & fortified with capillary protection. It is formulated with proprietary anti-aging actives in a transdermal vegan herbal base including the DNA transforming prescription Clean Vegan Pharmaceuticals Company of the Year 2024 – USA & Excellence Award in Topical Creams & Serums 2024 – USA Melanoderm Labs “Luxurious Green Formulations”
GHP Q1 2025 retinoid Tazarotene, Tretinoin, Vitamins K1 & K2, stabilized lipid penetrating Vitamin C, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, wrinkle relaxing Peptides, bio-mimetic Ceramides, Renovage™ for DNA & telomere protection, & phytosphingosine skin-loving lipids. This anti-aging wrinkle cream is hypoallergenic, free of gluten, parabens, mineral oils and petrolatum. Eczema Calm RX Cream This soothing steroid cream is a showstopping, life-changer for those who have eczema-prone and sensitive skin – even if the skin is irritated. As this rich, vegan emollient formula of antiinflammatories and antioxidants sooth and repair the skin, we are relieved of the pain and irritation that comes with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Boasting a well-crafted mix of carvacrol, tacrolimus, squalane, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide, blue lotus, and so much more, the Eczema Calm RX is set to be a game changer for those who suffer with dry, flaky, inflamed, and irritated skin. Defy Age Cream Luxurious, estrogen-based cream for anti-aging has never been so clean. This anti-oxidant and humectant cream is free of all parabens, toxic chemicals, and is completely hypoallergenic to suit any skin type. Fortified with tretinoin, plant azulene antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, Renovage™ for DNA & telomere protection, plus skin-loving lipids, the Defy Age cream has become a major player in the world of clean, vegan skincare. This popular product does more than take care of our skin as we age, it presents a way to feel softer, pampered and enriched. Further expanding on Melanoderm Labs’ commitment to clinical excellence, the chief aims are “As a private compounding pharmacy, our goals are quality centric in order to manufacture effective topical and oral formulations for acne, pigmentation, and aging skin, utilizing clean luxurious vegan-based transdermal delivery bases free of harmful ingredients. Our products have higher levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herbal extracts to maximize protection of the skin’s barrier function against external environmental skin stressors.” For the future ahead, Melanoderm Labs has already expanded into advanced microneedle drug delivery systems for managing hyperpigmentation, aging skin, and hair growth. Novel formulations include polynucleotides, exosomes, API’s and other prescription therapeutics to provide doctors with enhanced aesthetic patient outcomes. Upcoming plans include further improving current formulations utilizing novel natural vegan ingredients. The company will continue to create and market products which not only deal with skin concerns and goals for people who have light coloured skin but also those of color who are on the darkest end of the Fitzpatrick skin shade scale. Awarded with its two respected titles in this year’s Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Awards program, Melanoderm Labs continues to make waves in its industry. It’s a pleasure to be part of the company’s journey and we look forward to what comes next. Company: Melanoderm Labs Web Address: https://melanodermrx.com/
8 GHP Q1 2025 Rising health and societal concerns and insufficient workplace support are leaving UK men struggling as cost-ofliving pressures mount. International wellbeing provider Westfield Health’s report highlights the urgent challenges men are facing in the UK. The findings reveal a troubling rise in mental and physical health struggles among men, exacerbated by financial stress and gaps in employer-provided support. This week, Wes Streeting publicly committed to a “Men’s Health Strategy” following the release of the Government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ plan. Westfield Health’s report findings now emphasise the critical need to address the unique challenges that men face. Over 1 in 4 men (25.8%) report a decline in their mental health over the past year, with more than two-fifths (41.4%) stating that these challenges have negatively impacted their productivity at work. Financial worries top the list of stressors for men (44.2%), followed by workplace stress (35.6%) and anxiety about the future (32.6%). Burnout is also predominant, with nearly a quarter (24.2%) of men feeling its impact on their mental health. Additionally, over 1 in 10 (11.3%) are dealing with physical health issues that further strain their wellbeing. Despite these struggles, 66.8% of men have not sought help for their mental health in the past year. Of those who have, men are more likely to consult their GP (17%) than turn to family or friends (8.4%). Dave Capper, CEO of Westfield Health, shares his opinion on the government’s recent actions: “While we welcome the decision to help more people back to work with increased mental health support and NHS funding, we are wary that without a more robust system for rehabilitation and a real commitment from workplaces to prioritise employee health, these new measures could fail to tackle the root cause.” “It must be recognised that employers have a crucial role to play here, by fostering wellbeing-first work environments and offering support that’s tailored to their workers’ health needs. Research shows that a wellbeing culture helps people to thrive at work — leading to happier, healthier, and more productive teams.” The future of the country is causing significant anxiety Rising costs are severely impacting men’s mental health, with 68.6% worried about the cost of living and over half (50.9%) citing high interest rates as a significant concern. Looking ahead, nearly 36% of men are worried about a potential recession, and 30.8% fear the NHS may not be there when they need it. Businesses are falling short with wellbeing support Despite the growing need for support, over 1 in 4 (27%) employees report no access to wellbeing support at work, and where resources are available, they are often underutilised. Shockingly, over half of male employees with access to wellbeing programs have never used them. “Men’s health is in crisis, and employers must take proactive steps to address the growing needs of their workforce,” says Vicky Walker, Group Director of People at Westfield Health. “The data shows that while some support is available, it’s often underutilised or doesn’t fully align with what men value most. Clear communication and better alignment of benefits to men’s needs can make a world of difference.” For UK businesses, investing in men’s health is not just about compassion—it’s also good for the bottom line. A third (33.3%) of men took time off in 2023 due to mental health issues, and 56.6% took days off for physical illness. Without proper interventions, absenteeism and reduced productivity could have significant financial consequences. What do men actually want from workplace support? “Offering tailored benefits like private healthcare, health check-ups, and flexible working hours can help employers foster a healthier, more engaged male workforce,” says Walker. The top ten benefits men value from employers highlight the importance of a tailored strategy. These include: 1. Access to private healthcare (39.9%) 2. 24/7 GP service (24.2%) 3. Health check-ups (22.1%) 4. Access to a gym (18.6%) 5. Mental health days (18.4%) 6. Health cash plan (17.6%) 7. Access to counselling (17.1%) 8. Mental health first aiders (12.8%) 9. Flexibility to manage their health (12.5%) 10. Access to other mental health support (11.7%) Businesses must act decisively to bridge the gap in support. Collecting regular employee feedback, tailoring benefits, and promoting available resources are essential to ensuring men’s health is a workplace priority. “The cost of inaction—both financial and human—will only increase if we fail to address these issues,” Walker warns. “By empowering men to take charge of their health, employers can create a resilient and productive workforce.” To find out more about employee health and the impact of absence, visit https://www.westfieldhealth.com/blog/the-impact-of-absencebusinesses-lose-19-5bn-per-year-to-poor-health Men’s Health in Crisis: 66% of Men Avoid Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles Despite Rising Pressures
9 GHP Q1 2025 • Your immune response and ability to handle stress Armed with this knowledge, we can adjust your diet, lifestyle, and supplementation plan to counteract genetic weaknesses and optimise health. 2. Personalised Exercise & Fitness Testing Exercise isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people respond better to endurance training, while others need strength-based workouts to maintain muscle mass and mobility as they age. Through fitness profiling, we determine: • The ideal type and frequency of exercise for your body • Risk factors for injuries, inflammation, and joint health • The best way to build strength, maintain flexibility, and improve longevity 3. Gut Health, Nutrition & Microbiome Science Did you know that the 2kg of bacteria in your gut (the microbiome) plays a key role in: • Energy levels and metabolism • Skin health and inflammation control • Mental clarity, memory, and mood Through nutrigenomics and microbiome analysis, we create a personalised nutrition plan that optimises digestion, reduces inflammation, and enhances overall vitality. Why Longevity Medicine is the Future We now know that the way we age is a choice. The science has given us the tools to make better choices. At Harley Street’s AgeDefying Clinic, we empower our clients to take control of their ageing process, using data, science, and personalised strategies to optimise their health at every stage of life. Forget outdated ideas of anti-ageing. This is the era of age-defying science – living longer and living better. About the Author Dr. Aamer Khan, MB ChB, is a former GP and leading expert in anti-ageing treatments and longevity as founder of The Harley Street Skin Clinic London and the Cellular and Regeneration Clinic. He integrates innovative therapies with traditional treatments to address various health concerns, aiming to improve overall wellbeing, health span, and extend lifespan. Dr. Khan’s commitment to advancing regenerative medicine is evident in his work, where he combines cutting-edge scientific approaches with personalised care to optimise health outcomes. or centuries, ageing has been perceived as an inevitable decline – a relentless ticking clock that brings wrinkles, fatigue, and deteriorating health. But what if we told you that this traditional view of ageing is outdated – that the biological clock isn’t fixed, but rather something we can influence, slow down, and even reverse? Thanks to groundbreaking advancements in personalised medicine, genetics, and longevity science, we are now in an era where ageing is no longer something to fear, but something we can actively manage and optimise. Growing older doesn’t have to mean growing old. By leveraging the latest scientific breakthroughs, we can help people live healthier, longer, and more vibrant lives, inside and out. Why We Need to Rethink Ageing Historically, the signs of ageing – fine lines, greying hair, joint stiffness, were seen as inevitable markers of time passing. But today, longevity experts know that how we age is not just about genetics; it’s about lifestyle, environment, and science-driven interventions. Consider this: • Our biological clock can be reset at a slower pace, meaning our bodies don’t have to decline at the same rate as our chronological age. • Inflammation and oxidative stress are two of the biggest drivers of premature ageing, but they can be controlled through diet, exercise, and targeted therapies. • Gut health (the microbiome) plays a critical role in everything from energy levels and nutritional uptake, to skin quality, proving that beauty truly does start from within. • New advancements in DNA profiling and precision medicine allow us to predict, prevent, and mitigate age-related diseases long before symptoms appear. In the past, medical science focused on treating illness reactively waiting for disease to strike before taking action. But longevity science flips this model on its head, focusing on prevention, optimisation, and personalised health strategies to keep people thriving for longer. What Does It Mean to Be ‘Age Smart’? The real secret to longevity isn’t found in a single product, treatment, or miracle cure – it’s about understanding your unique genetic make-up and making informed, data-driven decisions. Longevity experts now take a holistic, science-backed approach to ageing. We assess everything from genetic predispositions to lifestyle factors to build a fully personalised longevity roadmap. Three Pillars of Longevity Science: 1. Precision Medicine, nutri-genomic & DNA Profiling Your genes hold the blueprint for how your body ages—but they don’t determine your fate. By analysing DNA markers, we can assess: • How your body processes nutrients, sugar, and fats (metabolism & weight management) • Your risk factors for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia By Dr. Aamer Khan The Future of Ageing: How Science is Rewriting the Rules of Longevity F
10 GHP Q1 2025 regnancy is an incredible journey, but it also comes with its fair share of physical and emotional challenges. As the body changes to accommodate a growing baby, many women experience aches and pains, uncomfortable swelling, and sudden changes in mood. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Urban, the UK’s leading app for booking at-home wellness treatments, to explore how massage can offer much-needed relief during pregnancy, supporting both body and mind. Relieving Aches and Pains ”It’s remarkable how the body adapts to accommodate a new life,” says Urban osteopath Concetta. “While a growing belly, enlarged uterus and back pain are widely recognised, other changes might take new mums by surprise, such as: inward curving of the spine (known as lordosis or ‘swayback’), drooping of the shoulders, and changes in the curve of the mid-back region and neck”. Although these changes are a normal part of pregnancy, they can lead to aches and pains arising. A prenatal massage is a great way to help to ease pressure on your joints and lower back, creating a feeling of release. “I had an incredible experience with Eva. Her expertise in pregnancy massage made me feel completely at ease and relieved so much tension and discomfort. She was attentive to my specific needs, making every moment relaxing and therapeutic. Highly recommend her to any expecting moms looking for safe, soothing relief – an absolute gem!” – Review for a prenatal massage with Eva Reducing Swelling Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs (also known as oedema) is another common pregnancy symptom that typically becomes more noticeable in the third trimester. But why does this happen? As your womb expands, it puts pressure on the circulation in the lower part of your body, making it harder for blood to flow efficiently. This can lead to buildup in your legs, ankles and feet. On top of that, your body naturally retains more fluid during pregnancy, which further contributes to swelling in your lower limbs. Gentle exercise and rolling massage techniques stimulate lymphatic flow, helping to flush out any toxins and alleviate fluid retention. (To note: massage isn’t advised during the first trimester.) “Amazing massage. Really helped to reduce my postpartum swelling in my legs. Will be booking another soon for sure.” – Review for a manual lymphatic drainage with Iwona Easing Stress During pregnancy, studies show that oestrogen levels progressively rise, reaching up to 100 times their pre-pregnancy levels by the third trimester. With such dramatic hormonal changes, it’s no surprise that expectant mothers may experience intense mood swings and heightened feelings of stress. The solution? We recommend an hour or two of stress-melting massage therapy… P Massage has been found to boost serotonin levels by 28% while reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) by an average of 31%. This means a soothing head-to-toe pregnancy massage could be the perfect way to lift your mood, ease tension, and restore a sense of balance. “Judit has been amazing throughout my pregnancy. I count down the hours to these massages!” – Review for a prenatal massage with Judit Safe and convenient Treatments with Urban Urban prenatal massages are specifically designed for mums-tobe in their second and third trimesters, with therapists specially trained in pregnancy-safe techniques to make sure you’re safe and comfortable. And the best part? With Urban, there’s no need to trek to a spa or clinic to enjoy that relaxing pregnancy massage – simply book through the app, and a qualified professional will arrive at your doorstep in as little as 60 minutes. Available daily from 7am to 11pm across London and the South East, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow, Urban fits seamlessly into your schedule and makes wellness more accessible than ever before. It’s city-life, with a human touch. Book in your pregnancy-safe massage at urban.co The Power of Massage During Pregnancy
11 GHP Q1 2025 There have long been calls for NHS reform to tackle the myriad issues it currently faces. From long waitlists to staff shortages, these issues are compounded by financial constraints arising from a government working hard to balance the books and bring down debt. Many, if not all, of these challenges are complex in the extreme, and countless governments have searched high and low for quick fixes or structural ways to reform the service beloved by many across the UK. Much has been made of legacy systems and outdated IT, as well as the compounding effect of locum work and high agency fees to fill gaps in rotas. It is clear that for the long-term success and survival of the NHS, and its reputation as a world leader in healthcare outcomes, changes need to be made. There is however, one area that provides an obvious, if not easy, way to tackle many of these issues. Improving our health. This may sound churlish in the extreme to say this, but it is a real issue that is making it harder than ever for the NHS to keep up. The aging population, and the shocking rise in chronic diseases, means that more and more patients are regularly having to use the NHS for routine treatment. It is estimated that more than half of those between the ages of 65 and 74 have at least one chronic condition, and this rises sharply in higher age brackets. These are the figures we should be focusing on. Prevention over cure Luckily, this is already being recognised. Amid a national crisis of chronic illness and declining healthy life expectancy, there have been calls from Health Secretary Wes Streeting for a shift toward preventative medicine in the NHS. The NHS has also launched a consultation ahead of its new 10 Year Plan, which will focus on three areas, one of which being a focus on preventing sickness not just treating it. The good news is that many of these chronic conditions, such as diabetes, are preventable and in some cases, reversible. Many chronic diseases are either caused or worsened by lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of activity, smoking and alcohol and have a significant impact on healthy life expectancy. These lifestyle factors are mostly within our control, but long-term behaviour patterns are hard to change, which is where the support of a well-trained Health Coach can make a significant impact. If we want to live healthier lives and have a health service that isn’t overburdened by avoidable illness, our focus must shift to prevention. There are already a number of health coaches operating within the NHS, and official guidance recognises that there is “compelling evidence that demonstrates health coaching has a positive impact on the outcomes of patients with chronic diseases such as, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease”. While this is a good step in the right direction, there is clearly far more that needs to be done. Training and upskilling of health professionals is vital One area that I feel would make a significant difference is the training and upskilling of health professionals. By providing this By Ann Garry, CEO and Co-founder of Health Coaches Academy Why Health Professionals Need to Change Their Approach for Patient Wellbeing training to individuals who already have a good understanding of patient care and health issues, we can create an environment where patients are supported and given consistent messages about lifestyle change throughout their treatment journeys. This is not to say that all doctors or nurses will have time to act as a Health Coach for every patient, but by expanding the skill to more practitioners, there will automatically be a greater focus on long term, tangible outcomes that not only improve health, but also begin to tackle the strain the NHS is undoubtedly under. We have already worked with dozens of health professionals to do just this, from emergency medicine doctors with 10 years experience to a nurse who had worked with the NHS for 28 years. Each of them has been able to use the skills they have learned to help people manage chronic conditions and improve health. It is clear from the feedback we have received over the past few years that NHS and healthcare professionals benefit hugely from a more holistic approach to the treatment and support for patients. This a real opportunity to help patients make positive lifestyle changes and take back control of their health. With this in mind, Health Coaches Academy recently launched a specialised training programme for health professionals. It is a 12week course, is accredited by the well-respected Personalised Care Institute (PCI) and Association for Coaching, and is recognised by the NHS. The course covers the first Pillar of Health Coaches Academy’s Level 5 Health & Wellness Coaching Diploma, and includes the foundations and practice of coaching. It aims to give health professionals an introduction to the impact that health coaching can make, as well as showing them how it can be implemented into their daily roles. Health professionals are some of the hardest working people around, and certainly among the most selfless, this new approach could help that work become even more rewarding and productive than it already is.
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