Coping with an ANAL FISSURE

This superficial tear of the anal canal is common and often needs self-care rather than treatment

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Pandemic plans

Members of the World Health Organization (WHO), including the UK, have agreed a treaty to better tackle future pandemics, to avoid the disorganisation and competition for resources seen during the Covid outbreak.

Key elements include rapid sharing of data about new diseases, to ensure scientists and pharmaceutical companies work more quickly to develop treatments, and the WHO will have overview of global supply chains for masks, medical gowns and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

INCREASING LIVER DISEASE

Death from liver disease has risen more than 400% since the 1980s, especially in the last four years, while deaths from major illnesses such as cancer and diabetes have reduced. Liver disease is now a major cause of death in working-age adults - a record high in 2023 of 12,367. Excess alcohol, obesity, poor diet and viral hepatitis are primary causes.

Progression can be halted or reversed, and 90% of liver disease is preventable.

Ways to help

* A BALANCED DIET As constipation is a common cause, ensure you get lots of fibre by eating fruit, vegetables, pulses, and wholegrain bread, pasta or rice. Drink plenty of clear fluids.

* REGULAR BOWEL HABITS You don't need to open your bowels every day but don't ignore the sensation of needing to, as this makes the faeces drier and harder to pass.

* KEEPING CLEAN If possible, have a relaxing, warm bath after a bowel movement. Avoid hard/ fragranced paper or wipes, which can sting or itch. Wipe gently.

* PILLS AND CREAMS Painkillers, laxatives and local anaesthetic anal ointment may all help. Ask your doctor about calcium channel blocker tablets and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) ointment for persistent fissures.

You can avoid colonoscopy by swallowing a camera capsule