Red Whale Primary Care Pod

Send us a textGrab your trainers, your dog lead, or even shake your jingle bells, and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom.  In the first of two episodes this month, Fi and Nik discuss : Spotting adrenal crisis. Adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease can be easy to miss. We've recently updated our article on this, so we thought we’d share it as a Pearl, distilling the 2024 NICE guidance for you.Recurrent bacterial vaginosis: time to consider partner treatment? Bacterial vaginosis is the commonest cause of pathological vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age. But it’s not an easy diagnosis for us to confirm – although we can suspect it clinically and manage empirically.  We’ll give you a refresher on BV infection and diagnosis in primary care and then think about managing recurrent BV, where there’s a new development.Listen as soon as you can to ensure you have full access to all the free resources. Further Pearls from November will be covered next time.Useful LinksAdrenal insufficiency and Addison’s diseaseFor professionals:The Society of Endocrinology – adrenal crisisFor patients:Addison’s Disease Self-help Group (include sections on emergency kits and sick day rules; there doesn’t appear to be a patient group for other forms of adrenal insufficiency) GP Trainee Essentials support package information, and the Red Whale CalendarSend us your feedback podcast@redwhale.co.uk or send a voice message Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here. Follow us: X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInDisclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast....

Explore the complexities of genital warts, from diagnosis to treatment options in primary care. Learn about the nuances of managing and referring cases, including critical signs to watch for. Delve into the world of addictive behaviors, distinguishing between addiction and impulse control. Gain insights into the impact of social media on youth, highlighting significant risks like mood disorders and self-harm. The hosts provide practical tips for moderation and self-management, emphasizing the importance of understanding these challenges in a healthcare setting.

Send us a textGrab your trainers, your dog lead, or your drink of choice and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom.  In the first of two episodes this month, Fi and Nik have special guest Lucy Cox, the Red Whale women’s health course lead to discuss : Managing menopause after breast cancer. A diagnosis of breast cancer is life-changing at any age. Women in this situation will commonly seek our advice and we really want to help them at this vulnerable time, but for pre- and perimenopausal women conflicting media coverage over the safety of different menopause treatment options after breast cancer have created a recipe for confusion and frustration for patients and clinicians alike... We'll also briefly cover ultra-processed food. Joe Wicks’ recent documentary ‘Licensed to Kill’ has brought this topic back into the spotlight. While the scare-tactic language in the title and promo are perhaps not the best way to support people to make sustained change, the programme contained some important points and may well result in questions coming primary care’s way. We have an exclusive clip of Nik talking to Hussain all about this on Boggled Docs.  Listen as soon as you can to ensure you have full access to all the free resources. Further Pearls from October will be covered next time.Links:Boggled Docs: Ultra-processed food: licensed to kill? GP Trainee Essentials support package information, and the Red Whale CalendarSend us your feedback podcast@redwhale.co.uk or send a voice message Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here. Follow us: X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInDisclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast....

The discussion begins with upcoming changes to cervical cancer screening, shifting to a five-year interval for most people. They emphasize the significance of HPV testing and its impact on cancer prevention. Varicella vaccination is on the horizon, set to be included in the UK childhood schedule. Listeners learn about the evolving guidelines on post-exposure prophylaxis for chickenpox, emphasizing the new oral antiviral approach. The hosts also explore who is at high risk and how to assess exposure, making the conversation informative and engaging for healthcare professionals.

As autumn approaches, a significant spike in asthma admissions, especially among children, is highlighted. The importance of personalized asthma action plans and routine follow-ups after exacerbations is emphasized. Key findings from recent asthma mortality reviews reveal critical care gaps, while coroner cases raise alarms about inadequate assessments. Listeners also explore effective ways to switch treatment regimens for better asthma control. Join the discussion to grasp essential strategies for improving asthma management.

Hussain Al-Zubaidi, a clinical expert in obesity medicine, shares insights on updated NICE guidance regarding nutrition and weight management during pregnancy. He discusses the implications of BMI on pregnancy risks and offers practical advice on sensitive conversations with patients. Hussain also explores dietary approaches for managing gestational diabetes and emphasizes the importance of exercise. Additionally, he delves into the role of cognitive behavioral therapy in addressing menopausal symptoms, tackling access issues and the importance of mental health support.

Explore the latest advancements in gonorrhoea prevention with a newly available vaccine that could cut risk significantly. Learn about rising infection rates and first-line treatment updates, including ceftriaxone as the go-to antibiotic. Transitioning to emotional well-being, discover the critical issue of emotionally-based school avoidance, its impacts on students, and essential support strategies for families and schools. The necessity for a coordinated response in addressing mental health, especially during school transitions, is also highlighted.

Dive into the world of hyperhidrosis, a condition that affects quality of life and is often shrouded in stigma. Discover the latest advancements in Hepatitis C treatments, boasting a cure rate over 95%, and learn how to normalize testing to combat transmission. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of patient education and the role of healthcare professionals in addressing these issues. With light-hearted anecdotes and insights, this conversation is both informative and relatable for anyone in primary care.

This discussion dives into the intersection of contraception, weight, and GLP-1 medications. It highlights crucial guidance for women on 'skinny jabs' and their contraceptive needs. The hosts also tackle the controversial message that there is no safe level of drinking alcohol, unpacking its implications for public health. Misunderstandings surrounding alcohol consumption are addressed alongside practical advice for screening and brief interventions. Join in for some enlightening insights into these pressing health topics!

The podcast dives into the recent ban on single-use disposable vapes, addressing concerns over youth vaping while exploring vaping's potential benefits as a smoking cessation tool. It highlights the nuanced debate around these devices, discussing their effectiveness and risks. Listeners also learn about essential resources for GP trainees and the complexities of Achilles tendon injuries, including treatment options and common misconceptions. Expect engaging humor and insights on upcoming health events along the way!