Christmas18

Ph'estive LPC Webpage

Welcome to LPC Christmas page. Our traditional Ph'estive page. Following the success of last years page the Comms team decided to again outsource our Christmas content to our committe members!!
The brief was simple submit someting Ph'estive. This year the committee have taken to the internet to find an eclectic mix of festive articles, videos, recipes and images.

The Comms team hope you enjoy the page and would like to wish you all a Merrry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

Seasonal Greetings and Best Wishes for 2019
From all the members of the LPC

Once again, Christmas has come around again, and on behalf of your LPC, I’d like to wish you all a very happy Christmas, and a peaceful & prosperous New Year.

As I think back and reflect over the past year it’s worth remembering how challenging it’s been for contractors in so many ways. We’ve continued to face extraordinary financial pressure this year due to the flat remuneration package based on the level after the cuts together with spiralling costs.

The biggest challenge to community pharmacists has continued to be the ever increasing numbers of products that are so difficult to get hold of - and the fact that many of these products can only be obtained above the DT or even the concession price. Uncertainty over Brexit will undoubtably make this situation worse.

Hopefully, during the coming year, we should see the first iteration of a New Contract that begins to reward us properly for all those clinical interventions we make daily.; and expand our clinical role to take pressure off the NHS and provide real benefits to patient care.
Your LPC will keep you informed as things develop.

Merry Christmas Everyone, Please enjoy our festive fun website. Please enjoy over a well earned cup of coffee and perhaps a mince pie or two!

’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the shop, Not a printer was stirring; they’d come to a stop. Prescriptions were ﬁled in their boxes with care, In hopes the bank holiday soon would be there.

The workers were bound towards home for the break, With visions of turkey, and mince pies to bake. I was still closing up and lost deep in thought, Trying to ensure that I’d done all I ought.

When out on the step there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the dispensary: What was the matter?Away to the shopﬂoor I ﬂew like a ﬂash, Tore open the door and out I did dash.

The street lamps shone down on the new fallen snow, Tinting bright orange the cold pavement below. When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a thumping great sleigh and eight smelly reindeer.

With a plump, white haired driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.   “Good evening” said he,“Sorry to be late,   “I need some advice. You help would be great.”

He tied up the reindeer and swept in through the door, His red robes with fur-trim trailing the ﬂoor.   With his pink cheeks so plump and his belly so fat, Could this be a customer for orlistat?

But he said “Have you something for aches in the back?   I’m not getting younger and then there’s this sack. I’ve only tonight to deliver this load, And I’m just about ready to take to the road.”

I asked about drugs and other conditions, Oﬀered analgesia, and admonitions. On climbing down chimneys with gifts, heavy-weighted,   And suggested some help, but then St Nick stated:

“Elves are wonderful craftsmen, but not very strong,
They can’t really help me, well not for too long; I’ll have to continue, I’m not very sure how,
It’s something Elf and Safety should never allow.”

“And what can you give me for dire indigestion? Can I eat more healthily, that is the question.” We discussed nutrition from mince pies and booze I quietly reminded him of drink-driving rules.

I suggested more carrots and fewer mince pies, Reducing fat in his diet and portion size.
I pointed out binge drinking was very unwise, And extolled the huge beneﬁts of exercise.

“And now,” he said, smiling, “I’ve more questions for you,
Have you been a good pharmacist, the whole year through?
Have you cared for your patients, whoever they be?
Kept up to date and done your CPD?”

I replied that I’d tried to do all that I could, To use all my knowledge for everyone’s good. Being professional, as all pharmacists should St Nick listened gravely, nodding where
he stood.

He left with an antacid and paracetamol,
But the leaﬂets I gave him, the reindeer ate ’ em all,
“Just remember,” I called, “beware of the sherry Let the deer do the driving if you are too merry.”

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a cry, And away they all ﬂew, hooves and heads all held high.
And I heard him exclaim, as they cleared the wall, “I’ll see you next year, happy Christmas to all!”

Next morning I woke to a wonderful sight, St Nicholas had ﬁlled my stocking that night. With a note saying “thanks to my own pharmacist,
You’ll never again be on my naughty list!”

—BY SARAH MARSHALL WITH APOLOGIES TO CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE

If you enjoy running, then here are five top tips for running through the winter months and festive period.

Layer correctly. Don't over do it! Specialist clothing is also available that is designed to help you to run throughout the cold weather season.
Hydrate. Although it's cold outside, you will still sweat and become dehydrated.
Play it safe. If it's freezing, wear a hat and gloves. You can always take them off. Plus, reflective clothing for running in the dark is useful.
Warm up and cool down. Make sure your muscles are warm before heading out for your run. Afterwards, walk for a few minutes and it is imperative that you stretch indoors.
Have a plan B. If it's really snowy and icy outside, look for an alternative. Research to see if there is a local gym that you can attend to use their treadmill. Or consider cross training that day.

I hope you enjoy your run.

A partridge in a pear tree
Several Partridges are professors in the fields of medicine, pathology or pharmacy. Linda Partridge is the director of the Institute of Healthy Ageing at University College London.
The institute carries out multidisciplinary research into the biology of ageing and ageing related diseases. It has been demonstrated that there are similarities in the way that different organisms age so models, such as fruit flies, nematodes and mice, are being used to conduct experiments to give insights into the ageing process in humans.
Recent laboratory discoveries are that single gene mutations, restricted food intake and changes to the insulin-signalling pathway can prolong life, thus providing potential targets for drugs that can prevent the biological damage that occurs with ageing.
The work of this particular Partridge and her colleagues may lead eventually to the ultimate Christmas gift for us all: a longer and healthier life.

Two turtle doves
The word “dove” has an ancient Germanic origin. However, in modern street language “dove” or “doves” are used as slang for various forms of methylenedioxymethamfetamine (MDMA).
Indeed, many street names for illicit drugs are avian-related.
“Eggs”, for example, has referred to temazepam capsules (before they were withdrawn because addicts were injecting their liquid or gel contents and losing their limbs as a result of ischaemia) and “birds” is the slang term for amobarbital.
Coincidentally, “leapers” (see later) in street parlance describes amphetamines so the innocuous carol could be construed as having darker pharmaceutical connotations.

Three French hens
The French hens featured in the carol were likely to be chickens. The domesticated hen lays eggs until a certain number have accumulated in the nest, so if some are removed it will carry on laying.
Hens’ eggs are used in the preparation of influenza vaccines. The virus is grown in embryonated hens’ eggs, and subsequently inactivated and purified so that it retains its antigenic properties. It takes about six months to produce a vaccine.
Cell culture techniques offer a faster alternative, with more consistent efficacy, quality and purity.
Recently, an influenza vaccine has been licensed which uses a mammalian cell line rather than eggs for antigen production. Cell culture methods are also being developed for generating H5N1 vaccines in the event of an avian influenza pandemic.
This avoids the problems of rapid chick embryo death caused by the virus and a potential shortage of eggs should poultry have to be culled.

Four calling birds
Originally the fourth verse of the carol referred to four colly birds, “colly” meaning as black as coal. Thus the term was an archaic one for blackbirds.
The blackbird is known for its mellifluous song but it also has a strident alarm call when disturbed.
An alarm was raised this year over the stress levels being experienced by pharmacists. A 60 per cent increase in prescription volume in the past decade and pressure to take on new roles and meet associated targets have led to a significant increase in workload.
The Pharmacists’ Defence Association is carrying out an audit to try to quantify the problem. Early results indicate that 78 per cent of pharmacists have reported that they often or always work “intensely”.
A similar proportion commented that they felt under such pressure that they are worried about their patients. Almost a third of respondents have been stressed enough to lose sleep.

Five gold rings
Gold in the form of a wedding band has been used in folk medicine to heal styes, warts, cuts and ringworm and to protect the wearer from epilepsy.
In orthodox medical literature it has been reported that gold wedding rings might delay erosion of adjacent joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Possible mechanisms for this effect include gold molecules passing through skin, mimicking a disease modifying antirheumatic drug, and a mechanical effect, limiting the flow of inflammatory substances.
Gold rings have also been reported to have adverse effects on wearers. In North America, following the 1939–45 war, industrial radioactively contaminated gold was inadvertently used to make jewellery and, decades later, wearers of radioactive gold wedding bands developed dermatitis and malignant lesions on their ring fingers.

Six geese a-laying
Goose grease was used as an ointment for centuries to treat burns, itches and rashes.
Culpeper describes goose grease being used to soften skin, “help gnawing sores, stiffness of the womb, and mitigate pain”. Mixed with turpentine it was used to treat colds and fevers: a forerunner of the decongestant rubs used today.
Older pharmacists may even recall goose fat being smeared upon brown paper, which was then applied to the chest or back as a poultice. Sore throats were cured with a spoonful of goose grease.
Geese may yet prove to have modern day medicinal uses. Antibodies against West Nile virus are being harvested from geese and have been found to cure rodents infected with the virus.

Seven swans a-swimming
I was reminded recently of the old adage regarding the paradox of the swan: calmness and serenity above the water and frantic paddling beneath. In some ways pharmacists are expected to be like this.
Although our traditional white (coat) plumage is no longer compulsory, we are required to remain cool and professional on the exterior while juggling all the demands placed on us.
Britain’s first case of avian influenza occurred when a single swan infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain was found dead on the Scottish coast in April 2006. To date there have been 387 cases in humans worldwide, two thirds of which have proved fatal.
Should the infection reach pandemic proportions pharmacists will need swan-like composure as never before. This year (2008), the Government proposed giving pharmacists extra emergency supply powers during a flu pandemic.

Eight maids a-milking
The milkmaid who has had the greatest influence in medicine was Sarah Nelmes.
She worked in the Gloucestershire village of Berkeley where Edward Jenner — who developed the smallpox vaccine and is regarded as the founder of immunology — practised as a doctor.
Smallpox was widespread in the 18th century and outbreaks led to high mortality, disfigurement or blindness. Jenner noted that infection with cowpox, a relatively mild disease that could be contracted from cattle, seemed to offer protection against smallpox.
In 1796 Sarah Nelmes had fresh cow pox blisters on her hand, which Jenner used to infect eight-year-old James Phipps. The boy became slightly ill but recovered after a few days. Several weeks later, in an experiment that would have had him struck off nowadays, he deliberately inoculated the child with smallpox. James did not contract the disease.
Jenner spent his life promoting smallpox vaccination. It soon became compulsory and vaccination hospitals were established, but not all doctors were as thorough in their methods as Jenner.
Poor medical hygiene, lack of isolation and deliberate contamination of vaccines meant that vaccination was a risky business. In echoes of the controversies of recent years there was an outcry against the procedure, particularly as the disease became less prevalent and the benefit of vaccination less clear.
In 1934, the disease was eliminated from the UK. However it was not until 1980 that the disease was eradicated worldwide. Recently, however, the threat of smallpox as a biological weapon has been highlighted.
In 2007 the Food and Drug Administration approved a new smallpox vaccine that can be produced quickly using cell-culture techniques should it prove necessary.

Nine ladies dancing
The first lady to become a full member of the Pharmaceutical Society was Isabella Clarke Keer in 1879.
Twenty six years later, on on 15 June 1905, as the women’s suffragette movement was getting under way, a group of more than 50 female pharmacists met at her home. Their aim was to start up a trade union-style organisation that represented their interests and worked towards equal pay and better working conditions.
Prevailing attitudes by male pharmacists of the time were that the fairer sex was inferior, weak and liable to blush when faced with intimate issues, such as the use of suppositories.
Women were perceived as a “petticoat peril” threatening the future of pharmacy. In 1905, there were only 195 women on the register, comprising about 1 per cent of the membership. They formed what would become the National Association of Women Pharmacists, a group that is still active in pharmacy to promote the interests of women today.
Women now represent more than 50 per cent of the profession, and the figure is rising. However they are still under-represented in senior pharmacy posts and less active in pharmacy politics than their male colleagues.

Ten lords a-leaping
One lord who has had an enduring effect on pharmacy was Jesse Boot (1850–1931). He founded Boots The Chemists and was given a peerage in 1929.
He began by taking over his father’s herbalist shop in Goosegate, Nottingham, in 1877 and selling remedies at prices the poor could afford.
The first pharmacist was appointed in 1884. By 1900 there were 181 branches and the company was also manufacturing pharmaceutical products. Now as part of Alliance Boots the company is the dominant pharmaceutical chain in the UK and has more than 110,000 employees, including 5,500 pharmacists.

Eleven pipers piping
Like drums, wind instruments, such as the pipe, have been played all over the world for thousands of years. Early pipes included the shepherd’s pipe and the first flutes were made out of mammoth and swan bone and date back at least 36,000 years.
Asthma patients are often encouraged to take up playing a wind instrument to improve their breathing and there is some evidence to support this.
However, playing a wind instrument may not always prove beneficial and there are reports of a variety of medical problems occurring in wind musicians such as musculoskeletal problems, haemoptysis, diminished pulmonary function, raised intracranial pressure leading to stroke and increased intraocular pressure.
Research has indicated that playing a didgeridoo reduces daytime sleepiness and snoring in people with moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, probably by strengthening muscles in the upper airways.
(For partners of snorers it might not be too late to include a didgeridoo in a letter to Saint Nicholas!)

Twelve drummers drumming
Drums have been played in ancient cultures all over the world since at least 6000BC.
Drum circles are becoming increasingly popular both here and in North America. Participants play, copy and compose rhythms on hand drums and other percussion instruments.
Studies have shown that such recreational music making can reduce burnout and improve mood states in such diverse groups as long-term care workers, nurses and business men.
Reversal of the human stress response has been demonstrated as a consequence of group drumming. This has been linked to modulated natural killer cell activity, reduced gene expression levels of stress induced cytokines and decreased cortisol levels.
Drumming is being used for people with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer patients and autistic children. Drums are also being used by people with Parkinson’s disease and stroke victims to improve muscle control and co-ordination

Written by Sarah Marshal (PJ) 2008

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Indeed centuries before the arrival of Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight. The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.

In ancient Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.

Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra’s birthday was the most sacred day of the year.

I	Ingredients 100 g soft butter 100 g caster sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp almond extract 100 g self-raising flour 25 g ground almonds 120 g mincemeat For the brandy buttercream 75 g soft butter 75 g icing sugar 35 ml brandy To finish Festive sprinkles – optional

Instructions

Pre-heat your oven to 190ºC/170ºC fan.
Beat together the butter (100g) and caster sugar (100g) until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs (2 eggs) one at a time, beat after adding each egg until full combined.
Add the almond extract (1 tsp).
Sift in the self-raising flour (100g) and ground almonds (25g) and mix until fully combined.
Divide the mixture equally between 6 cupcake cases.
Use the back of a teaspoon to make a dip in the centre of each cupcake.
Add a generous teaspoon of mincemeat into the centre of each cupcake (120g in total).
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top of the cupcakes is golden (sadly the skewer test doesn’t work on these due to the mincemeat centre).
Place onto a cooling rack to cool while you make the buttercream.
Make the buttercream by beating 75g butter until soft. Add the icing sugar (75g) a spoon at a time (as this helps to prevent sugar flying everywhere) and beat until fully combined.
If you’ve been using a mixer you want to switch to doing the next bit by hand. Add the brandy (35ml) very gradually to the butter/icing sugar mix. Beat in each addition until fully combined before adding more.
Place the buttercream into a piping bag and pipe into the cupcakes.
Top with a few festive sprinkles.

Click the image to enlarge.

- Norwegian scientists have hypothesized that Rudolph’s red nose is probably the result of a parasitic infection of his respiratory system.

- Most of Santa’s reindeer have male-sounding names, such as Blitzen, Comet, and Cupid. However, male reindeers shed their antlers around Christmas, so the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh are likely not male, but female or castrated.

- During the Christmas season, nearly 28 sets of LEGO are sold every second.

Each year there are approximately 20,000 “rent-a-Santas” across the United States. “Rent-a-Santas” usually undergo seasonal training on how to maintain a jolly attitude under pressure from the public. They also receive practical advice, such as not accepting money from parents while children are looking and avoiding garlic, onions, or beans for lunch.

- Ancient peoples, such as the Druids, considered mistletoe sacred because it remains green and bears fruit during the winter when all other plants appear to die. Druids would cut the plant with golden sickles and never let it touch the ground. They thought it had the power to cure infertility and nervous diseases and to ward off evil.

- Mistletoe (Viscum album) is from the Anglo-Saxon word misteltan, which means “little dung twig” because the plant spreads though bird droppings.

Christmas stockings allegedly evolved from three sisters who were too poor to afford a marriage dowry and were, therefore, doomed to a life of prostitution. They were saved, however, when the wealthy Bishop Saint Nicholas of Smyrna (the precursor to Santa Claus) crept down their chimney and generously filled their stockings with gold coins.

The Viking god Odin is one precursor to the modern Santa Claus. According to myth, Odin rode his flying horse, Sleipnir (a precursor to Santa’s reindeer), who had eight legs. In the winter, Odin gave out both gifts and punishments, and children would fill their boots or stockings with treats for Sleipnir.

According to data analyzed from Facebook posts, two weeks before Christmas is one of the two most popular times for couples to break up. However, Christmas Day is the least favorite day for breakups

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), there are 2,106 million children under age 18 in the world. If there are on average 2.5 children per household, Santa would have to make 842 million stops on Christmas Eve, traveling 221 million miles. To reach all 842 million stops, Santa would need to travel between houses in 2/10,000 second, which means he would need to accelerate 12.19 million miles (20.5 billion meters) per second on each stop. The force of this acceleration would reduce Santa to “chunky salsa.

For many more fascinating and fun festive facts please click here.

Merry Christmas