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Tag: Health

Guess who’s working on a health data-slurping digital tool. Bzzt! Nope, it’s the UK Department for Work and Pensions

Loknath Das, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The UK’s Department for Work and Pensions is drawing up plans for an internal service that allows it to automate slurps of medical data on claimants to dole out health-related benefits. In an ad posted on the UK’s Digital Marketplace, DWP said the work was currently in alpha and it now wanted a supplier to deliver a technical proof of concept to expose NHS data to the department’s systems. The aim, it said, is to cut down the time and cost involved in gathering information the department needs to make a…

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Letters: working together on mental health

Loknath Das, , , , ,

 Claire Murdoch: ‘Mental health is everyone’s responsibility.’ Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian As a mental health nurse since 1984, stories like this never get easier to read (“Suicidal children face long delays for mental health care”, News). One delay is one too many but context is vital too. Your article was based on a small audit from a single London hospital, using outdated information going back four years. There was precious little explanation about how mental health services are improving or what is driving demand for care. In London alone, the…

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Labor promises independent health policy body for ‘big, structural reform’

Loknath Das, , , , , , , , ,

Shadow health minister Catherine King says independent health body will be similar to the Productivity Commission. Photograph: Alex Murray/AAP A Labor government would set up a permanent policy-making body called the Australian Health Reform Commission to address challenges such as chronic disease, cost barriers, long hospital waiting times and workforce shortages. The shadow health minister, Catherine King, will announce the promise on Wednesday to implement an independent body similar to the Productivity Commission, with commissioners appointed for five years. King says if Labor is elected, the commission’s priorities would be directed through…

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Michael Phelps to be honored for destigmatizing mental health

Loknath Das, , , , , , , ,

Famed Olympian Michael Phelps is about to add yet another accolade to his trophy room, and he’ll be coming to Boston to accept it. The Ruderman Family Foundation, a locally based nonprofit whose work advocates for disability inclusion, just announced it has named the repeat-gold medalist as the newest recipient of its annual Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion. The highly decorated swimmer has been selected as this year’s honoree because of the strides he’s made in opening up about his personal battle with depression and anxiety, encouraging others to seek help and exercise…

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Health advice for the New Year from a real wellness expert

Loknath Das, , , , , , , , , ,

As it is the New Year many so-called wellness experts are dispensing supposedly transformational health advice. Articles about New Year’s detoxes (and all the required accoutrements, conveniently for sale) and diets are aplenty. After much much reflection I have decided that I am one of the most equipped to give said advice as I am a doctor who has been studying wellness for some time. I’ve also attended a conference (nothing was designed to improve your life experience, although coming back from death was a big focus) and, given my…

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Health and nutrition author Libby Matthews shares her wellness routine

Loknath Das, , , , , , , , ,

Talk us through your daily routine Every morning I start the day with coffee (key when you have a toddler). Then I have breakfast and go for a big walk with my daughter. If she is at daycare I will work from home and in the afternoon my daughter, partner and I will either take her to the park or go for a walk before dinnertime. What kind of work outs do you enjoy the most? My favourite type of workout is circuit training where I really have to push…

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