Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Keep on top of your mental health
The 15th-21st of May is mental health awareness week in the UK. We know that each year in England, one in four people will experience some sort of mental health problem.
Long-term mental health problems can increase our risk of developing heart disease, which is one of the reasons why it is important that we look after our mental health by combating stress, maximising our ability to cope, and seeking support.
Here are some tips to keep our mental health in check:
Create balance
When we are busy and have lots of responsibilities such as work, family commitments and looking after a house we can be more susceptible to suffering from mental health conditions.
Often, in times of overwhelm, the first things to suffer are our nutrition, exercise and sleep. These three things are important for optimal mental health. Try to balance your day-to-day demands with some exercise, me-time, time to prepare meals and implement a good sleep routine.
Use your support network
If the above point sounds like too much to manage on your own, ask for help. Having someone you can talk to about your mental health can help you to better deal with any challenges you are experiencing.
People are often more than happy to offer support but may not realise you are struggling if you don’t let them know. This could be a friend, family member, or mental health professional.
Check in
Checking in with ourselves and noticing trends in our behaviour and the way we feel can help us to know when we may need to seek help or put something in place to support our mental health.
Apps such as Thought Diary or Daylio offer an easy way to track our wellbeing over time.
For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at:
Scots prioritising working, watching TV, socialising and gaming instead
1 in 3 Scots say they are too busy working to look after their own health and mental wellbeing
15% confess they fritter away hours binge-watching soap operas instead of doing things to improve their fitness or manage stress and anxiety levels, while1 in 10 say socialising and watching sport on TV is more important to them than their wellbeing
Most people in Scotland say they struggle to look after their health and wellbeing, with many blaming a lack of time or confusion over what is actually good for them
In light of this, dietitian Jennifer Low and Yakult Plus are educating people on the ‘power of small’ and how quick and easy everyday changes can make a big difference to overall health
Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) people in Scotland say they are too busy working to look after their own health and wellbeing.
Meanwhile, 15% confess they fritter away hours binge-watching soap operas instead of doing things to improve their fitness or manage stress and anxiety levels.
1 in 10 people in Scotland say socialising (11%) and watching sport on TV (11%) is more important to them than looking after their wellbeing, while more than 1 in 20 (6%) people say they are too busy gaming to look after their health.
The new research by Yakult Plus reveals that Scots struggle to look after their health and wellbeing, with many blaming a lack of time or confusion over what is actually good for them.
15% of Scots admit that not having enough time is the top reason for struggling to look after wellbeing, with nearly 1 in 10 (8%) saying they have just five minutes or less a day to spend on looking after diet and nutrition.
Over 1 in 10 people (12%) say that they have less than five minutes a day to commit to mental wellbeing, while almost 1 in 20 (4%) say they have just five minutes a day to spend on exercise.
Other reasons people struggle to look after their wellbeing are confusion around the conflicting information available (14%) or simply not having the willpower (13%).
More than 1 in 20 people (6%) blamed feeling defeated due to positive changes never lasting long, confusion over who or what sources to trust (5%), not knowing where to start (4%), or being confused by health myths online (2%).
On the research, dietitian Jennifer Low commented: “There is so much misinformation about diet and health and the research reveals many people are confused about the best ways to look after their overall health.
“It seems many also feel like they don’t have the time required to look after their wellbeing, as they are prioritising other areas of their lives. Whilst things like watching TV and gaming are forms of self-care and sadly for some, maybe the only form of rest they know, it’s also sad to see that so many people have so little time to spend on things like exercise, healthy eating, and sleep – which can benefit gut health as well as overall health.
“Small changes however, such as a gentle walk or including more fruit and vegetables each day, can have a big impact on your health. There is no need to take part in the latest diet or exercise fad or download the latest app.
“I would encourage people to start small, making one easy change at a time, thinking about what they can add to their life and diet, and build from there.”
Alongside the poll of consumers, the research from Yakult Plus also included a survey of nearly 500 dietitians conducted through the British Dietetic Association (BDA). It echoed the findings of the consumer survey – that 1 in 3 (36%) people say to dietitians that they find it complicated to look after their health, with one of the top reasons being a lack of time (16%).
The survey of dietitians revealed however that 9 in 10 (86%) of the dietitians questioned believe people may actually be overcomplicating looking after their wellbeing.
The research was commissioned by Yakult Plus to mark the launch of Yakult Plus and highlight how quick and easy everyday changes can make a big difference to one’s overall health.
Like all Yakult products, Yakult Plus is bursting with 20 billion friendly bacteria, scientifically proven to reach the gut alive, but in addition, is rich in vitamin C which supports the immune system and helps lower fatigue and also contains fibre that can feed the bacteria in the gut. Quick to enjoy every morning, it fits in easily to your routine.
Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.
Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food. But anxiety can be made easier to manage.
Focusing on anxiety for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people’s awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem.
At the same time, we will keep up the pressure to demand change – making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole.
Mental Health Foundation’s Alexa Knight said: “I was thrilled to join the Mental Health Foundation earlier this year, having worked in health policy all my life. Many of us have struggled with our mental health in recent years, and it feels like there’s never been a more important time to support and protect our mental well-being.
“The Mental Health Foundation’s approach – preventing mental health problems before they happen and supporting everyone to thrive – really resonates with me. And the icing on the cake is being part of Mental Health Awareness Week! I have joined in with Mental Health Awareness Week for many years and am delighted to now be part of making it happen.
“This year for Mental Health Awareness Week we are focusing on anxiety. We all feel anxious from time to time.
“Anxiety is a natural response to the uncertain world around us. For example, in the current cost-of-living crisis, more than a third of adults feel anxious about their financial situation. But it’s important that we recognise and respond when we feel anxious, so that our anxiety doesn’t become overwhelming.”
Celebrities and medical experts including comedian Tom Davis, Dr Ranj Singh and Dr Linda Papadopoulos support new UK government campaign to boost mental health
Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (15 – 22 May), Better Health – Every Mind Matters from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities is launching a new campaign backed by BAFTA award-winning comedian, Tom Davis, TV and NHS doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, and leading psychologist, Dr Linda Papadopoulos, to encourage the nation to make the first move for their mental health and get active.
New research released today has revealed that three quarters (75%) of adults surveyed report feeling anxious, but less than half (45%) are aware that physical activity is proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety.
The campaign is the latest action taken by government to improve people’s mental health. The government is already increasing investment in mental health services by at least £2.3 billion a year by March 2024 so that an additional two million people can get the support they need.
Last year, the draft Mental Health Bill was published, intended to modernise the Mental Health Act so that it’s fit for the 21st century and better supports people with serious mental illness, and the government has committed to publishing a Major Conditions Strategy to tackle conditions that contribute most to morbidity and mortality across the population in England, including mental ill health.
For Mental Health Awareness Week, BAFTA award-winning comedian and actor, Tom Davis, has opened up about his own mental health alongside NHS and TV doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, in support of the Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign. In a new film released today, the pair discuss how they deal with anxious thoughts and call on the nation to make the first move for their mental health by getting active.
https://youtu.be/yV-ZUPgt9Kc
Comedian and Actor, Tom Davis, comments: “Anxiety is no laughing matter. I’ve had a colourful career, from working on building sites, to the shop floor, to being a comedian in front of thousands, and I’ve struggled with anxiety in every role.
“There’s a big difference, though, to being outside your comfort zone versus feeling overwhelmed by it and letting your anxious thoughts hold you back. And being active for just a few minutes each day can make a huge difference.
“It’s important to find something that you enjoy and do it regularly. I love boxing and try to go often, but even taking my daughter to the park can really clear my head and help to keep those anxious jitters at bay.
NHS and TV doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, has also shared his tips on how to ease anxiety (see NTEs) and advice on how the public can start getting active for their mental health: “Anxiety is part of everyday life, and it can help us focus or take extra care when needed, but when it gets too much, it can have a really big impact on how we want to live our lives.
“Physical activity is one of the simplest, but most effective, things we can do to help alleviate anxious feelings, calm racing thoughts, and give us something to distract from negative thinking.
“Regular physical activity is best, but even a few minutes each day can help. I personally love dancing because some good music instantly lifts my mood!”
New research among 2,000 adults in England has revealed around four in 10 report having trouble sleeping (38%), feeling less confident (37%) and having less energy due to anxiety (35%).
For just under a quarter (24%), anxiety has stopped them from attending social events and almost one in 10 admit it’s even impacted their relationship, as they spend less time with their partner (8%).
Physical activity releases feel good hormones and improves mental health but, according to the new research, less than half of adults are aware that it’s proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety (45%), reduce stress (45%) and distract from negative thoughts (42%). Four in 10 adults are not doing the NHS recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
The research revealed that over a third (35%) of adults tend to use distraction techniques to relieve feelings of anxiety, including watching TV (47%), browsing the internet (36%) or even isolating themselves from others (33%). However, those who do regular physical activity report that it helps to boost their mood (68%), confidence (61%) and relieve anxious feelings (61%).
With almost one in five not doing any form of physical activity (19%), the research also revealed that not feeling motivated (41%), not enjoying physical activity (25%), and not having enough free time (19%) were the top barriers to getting active. Only 13% of us are aware of the NHS recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
Leading psychologist, Dr Linda Papadopoulos commented: “People are often surprised to know the benefits that just a few minutes of movement can have on our mind; you don’t need to do a full body workout to reap the rewards.
“Being active increases feel good hormones, like endorphins, and can boost confidence. I always recommend getting outside for a brisk walk or gentle jog because being in nature can help us feel happier and more relaxed. And the best bit is it’s free!
Minister for Mental Health, Maria Caulfield, said: “We know poor mental health can significantly impact our quality of life, so I’m pleased to see this campaign highlighting the simple steps we can all take to reduce its impact – such as spotting and addressing the signs of anxiety early on.
“But we know sometimes more support is needed, and that’s why we’re currently investing £2.3 billion every year to expand and transform mental health services in England so that two million more people will be able to get the mental health support they need.”
Delivered by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, the Better Health–Every Mind Matters campaign offers NHS-approved tips and advice to help people manage their anxiety, including links to free NHS apps, such as Couch to 5K and Active 10, that will help them make the first move.
The Better Health – Every Mind Matters website also gives people the opportunity to sign up to anxiety-easing emails, offering expert advice to help them stay on top of their mental wellbeing and show them how to make these new steps part of their routine.
Social media:
#everymindmatters
#moveforyourmentalhealth
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
#MHAW / @NHS
Scots looking after their mental health can also find support at NHS inform’s Mind to Mind | NHS inform
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Walking for Heart Health
May is National Walking Month, which encourages us to leave the car at home and find ways to incorporate more walking into our days. Walking a little each day can offer a great benefit to our overall health and wellbeing, including our heart. It is a low-impact form of exercise so most people can give it a go.
Right now is also the perfect time of year to get outside as the evenings lighten and temperatures start to warm up. Here are some ideas to help you clock up more steps this May and beyond.
Set a goal
Setting a goal and planning can really help you make walking a daily habit. A good example would be aiming to walk for twenty minutes a day, five days a week.
Plan your week every Sunday evening and schedule in your walking times to make sure they happen.
Walk with a friend
Finding a walking partner can really help you stay motivated and committed to your scheduled walks.
Another benefit of walking with a friend is you are more likely to try harder, so if you are heading out on a longer walk, walking with someone else will push you to try as hard as you can. It is also a great opportunity for catching up and checking in with a friend.
Make it fun
Get the kids involved by going on a scavenger hunt or wildlife spotting walk.
You could simply head out with the family and look out for certain colour cars, anything to add an element of fun.
People in health and social care settings will no longer be advised to wear facemasks from Tuesday next week (16 May).
The return to pre-pandemic guidance means that mask use will be based on clinical need based on infection prevention and control advice, meaning staff, patients, service users and visitors will not be routinely asked to wear facemasks in health and social care settings.
It follows a review of the guidance introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to protect staff, patients, service users and visitors, and recognises that Scotland has entered a calmer phase of the pandemic.
Chief Nursing Officer Alex McMahon said: “Due to the success of vaccines in protecting people, and the availability of treatments, now is the right time to revise the advice on wearing masks in health and social care settings and return to pre-pandemic guidance.
“We recognise that some staff may have concerns around the withdrawal of this guidance and would expect organisations to undertake individual occupational health assessments and risk assessments as appropriate.
“We continue to be vigilant in our response to Covid-19 and encourage everyone to make sure they are up to date with the boosters available to them. We are grateful for the tireless work of health and social care teams during these challenging times and to everyone who has helped them by adhering to the guidance.”
A further £3.6 million has been allocated to Hospital at Home to support more than 150 extra virtual beds.
Hospital at Home can provide a safe, patient centred alternative to an acute hospital admission. It provides a better outcome for the patient, who receives treatment in the safety and comfort of their own home, as well as reducing pressure on hospital sites.
The investment for 2023-24, which will take the total funding in the service to more than £10.7million since 2020, will increase patients managed through Hospital at Home by 50% – an additional 156 beds.
Funding will be available to existing services, and areas yet to develop Hospital at Home, with improvement support provided by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
Health Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Hospital at Home has already proved to be very successful and most importantly, beneficial to patients and the wider system.That’s why we have allocated a further £3.6 million so more people can be managed at home rather than in hospital.
“Patients have spoken very positively about the service and it also reduces pressure on A&E and the Scottish Ambulance Service by avoiding admissions and accelerating discharge. Hospital beds will always be available to people who need them, but this is a better alternative for many.”
Belinda Robertson, Associate Director of Improvement, Healthcare Improvement Scotland said: “We’re delighted the Scottish Government will continue to fund the development of Hospital At Home services. An increasing number of patients are experiencing the benefits of receiving acute hospital care at home.
“More and more NHS boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships are embracing Hospital At Home by establishing and developing services. We will continue to support NHS boards and Partnerships to further develop the services they provide, and share learning across all Hospital At Home services.”
Since 2020 the Scottish Government has made available more than £8 million to support the development of Hospital at Home.
Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (15 – 21 May), a leading vet charity is advocating keeping pets and their owners together through the cost of living crisis.
Nearly all pet owners (94%) say that owning a pet makes them happy, according to new figures from the upcoming 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report – and their support has been vital, especially as many people have been forced to make drastic cutbacks to stay afloat.
While worrying figures have shown that as many as 770,000 owners are going without necessities in order to keep caring for their pets, almost half of owners (44%) have also said that their four-legged friend has been a lifeline during the cost of living crisis.
Nearly all (90%) pet owners felt having a pet improved their lives, a comfort which is especially important as many feel the impact of the cost of living crisis. This figure is higher especially among dog (91%) and cat owners (89%).
The findings also highlight the benefits of having a pet on overall health, with 87% stating owning a pet makes them mentally healthier. While over two thirds (67%) feel it makes them physically healthier – a figure that is even higher among dog owners (86%).
Meanwhile, at a time where many people are having to juggle energy bills and soaring living costs, which can prove isolating, furry friends are essential when it comes to providing companionship. For example, the figures show that over four in five pet owners (85%) say that owning a pet makes them feel less lonely.
PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lynne James, said: “Pets are family, and we know that pet owners will go to great lengths to ensure they can continue to care for their beloved pets. It vitally important that with everything pets do for us, we make sure that they have everything they need to live healthy and happy lives.
“Our latest figures show pets are invaluable, especially when their owners are going through hardship. As the cost of living crisis worsens, the work of charities like ours becomes vital, not only to provide essential veterinary care, but also to keep pets and their owners together in their time of need.
“In 2022, we provided veterinary care for over 390,000 pets, whose owners would otherwise have struggled to afford the cost and may even have had to resort to other options such as rehoming – the mental health consequences of which are unimaginable.
“As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, I’d like to encourage pet owners who are struggling due to rising costs, and who are concerned about being able to afford the cost of veterinary treatment to reach out to us. Our website includes a free eligibility checker to find out whether they’re able to access our services, which is a great place to start.
“We also have lots of free advice on how to reduce the cost of caring for pets, while ensuring they remain healthy and happy – something we hope will take a mental load off for many pet owners through the cost of living crisis.”
PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK.
To help keep pets and people together, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heart-breaking decision.
Medical specialist tells MSPs about the multiple health benefits of swimming
AN EXPERT in the medical benefits of swimming has told an influential group of MSPs how encouraging the population to take up the sport could transform Scotland’s health.
Dr Mark Harper is renowned for his research in the area and was one of a series of guest speakers at an “Everyone Can Swim” event at the Scottish Parliament.
He told some of Scotland’s key political figures how 15% of people in the UK are taking five or more medicines a day, in some cases to deal with the side effects of another medicine and how taking up swimming can act as a medicine in its own right.
Dr Harper, who swam competitively as a Masters swimmer, told the audience: “There is one medicine that everyone should use and its exercise. For a lot of people, swimming is one of the only things they can do.
“If someone is frail or has a loss of balance, swimming is really the only option. It improves heart and lung health while strengthening joints and lowers diabetes.
“Swimming, as a life skill and an exercise, can have hugely positive impacts on people’s lives and it’s important that people in Scotland are taught to swim from a young age.”
The event was hosted by Scottish Swimming, which in partnership with Scottish Water delivers the Learn to Swim programme for children – a Framework that is creating Scotland’s “Generation Swim”, as a lasting legacy for the nation.
It has already helped more than 100,000 youngsters to be safer and more confident in the water and aims to reach a further 100,000 by 2025, helping them to unlock long lasting health benefits.
Across Scotland there are 37 National Learn to Swim Framework providers, working across 160 pools, with currently 76,500children learning to swim each week.
Dr Harper, a Consultant Anaesthetist at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals whose research has focused on cold-water swimming, told the Holyrood audience that one in three adults in England can’t swim, yet 7.5 million take to the water outdoors every year. He cited swimming lessons as the only way to keep people safe in the water.
Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “To have an expert of Dr Harper ‘s calibre reinforcing the huge benefits of swimming really helped the message cut through with the audience.
“All of us at Scottish Swimming share his mission to ensure awareness is raised about the major health advantages that swimming offers, along with the other benefits it can bring to so many lives.”
Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water said: “Our drive to create Generation Swim is about leaving Scotland with a long-lasting legacy.
“Teaching children how to be safer and more confident in the water is a first step to unlocking significant health and wellbeing dividends. It was brilliant to hear Dr Harper underline that so emphatically.”
The ‘Everyone Can Swim’ event featured a range of high-profile advocates for the importance of swimming and its impact on safety, health and communities.
Speakers included popular triple Olympian Hannah Miley MBE; Alan Lynn, former national coach of Scottish Swimming and Head of Performance Development at British Swimming; and Fulton MacGregor MSP, who sponsored the reception.
Dr Harper is a consultant anaesthetist at Sussex University Hospitals in the UK and Kristiansand in Norway. He is a leading expert in the prevention of hypothermia in surgical patients and the therapeutic uses of cold-water adaptation and open-water swimming.
Learn to Swim is a National Framework committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which children can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability, or skill level. It aims to develop competent swimmers, as well as encouraging youngsters to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and fun at its heart.
For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, visit:
Co-funded study in partnership with Breast Cancer Ireland to investigate screening for disease spreading to the brain
Edinburgh charity Make 2nds Count is co-funding a new study focusing on the spread of secondary breast cancer to the brain.
The funding collaboration, in partnership with Breast Cancer Ireland will bring the study to patients with secondary breast cancer across the UK and Ireland.
The £219,560 grant will enable researchers to investigate screening asymptomatic patients for brain metastases in the hope that early detection will improve survival rates.
Patients with HER2-positive secondary breast cancer are at much higher risk of the disease spreading to the brain but there is currently no regular screening regime to identify any metastases before symptoms show.
The HER2-CNS SURVEILLANCE study aims to investigate the feasibility of recruiting HER2-positive secondary breast cancer patients with no signs of brain metastases, conducting an initial MRI brain scan for brain metastases detection and then randomising patients into two groups: one to receive six-monthly MRI brain scans for a year and another who will not receive the additional scans – the current standard.
Initially, the aim is to recruit 69 patients from six cancer centres across the UK – Liverpool, Birmingham, London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff – plus one in Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.
The study is expected to last for up to three years and the Co-Chief Investigators are Professor Carlo Palmieri, Professor of Translational Oncology at The University of Liverpool and a Consultant in Medical Oncology at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool, and Dr Sara Meade, a Consultant Oncologist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
Some preliminary data on the frequency of brain metastases detection in patients having a brain scan with no symptoms will be collected. Qualitative themes will also be embedded into the research which will discuss attitudes towards the study with eligible participants, barriers to recruitment and whether randomisation is a barrier or facilitator to enrolment.
The Sussex Health Outcomes, Research & Education in Cancer (SHORE-C) Group at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School will be responsible for these qualitative research themes.
Secondary breast cancer claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK – an average of 31 deaths every day. Make 2nds Count is dedicated to raising awareness of this little-known form of the disease, also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It is incurable, although it can be treated, and currently affects around 61,000 people in the UK.
Professor David Cameron, Chair of the Make 2nds Count Board of Trustees: “Overall, this research will subsequently enable a larger study that will explore the benefits of regular brain scanning for detecting brain metastases early in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients when no symptoms are present.
“A key driver of Make 2nds Count is the ability to bring fresh hope to secondary breast cancer patients and their families. So we’re thrilled to be able to fund this initial research which we believe could lead to more positive outcomes for greater numbers of patients.”
Professor Carlo Palmieri, Professor of Translational Oncology at The University of Liverpool, Consultant in Medical Oncology at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Co-Chief Investigator of the study: “I am really pleased that we will be able to launch this important research into metastatic breast cancer.
“It will set out to discover if regular brain scanning of those with secondary breast cancer is a viable and useful option when monitoring this cohort of patients. We are very grateful to Make 2nds Count for recognising how useful this research will be.”
Dr Sara Meade, a Consultant Oncologist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Co-Chief Investigator of the study: “This project is vital to the fight against HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
“Early detection of disease in the brain will help to prevent neurological decline and facilitate earlier treatment for our patients. We are incredibly grateful to Make 2nds Count for their support.”
Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Irelandcomments, “As Ireland’s leading breast cancer charity, Breast Cancer Ireland is delighted to partner with Make2ndsCount to co-fund this incredible body of research into brain metastases through the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre’s collaboration with the charity and the University of Liverpool.
“We have always been acutely aware of the benefits of international collaboration in this field, and are proud to have recently launched #MetastaticMatters, an education and awareness campaign specifically focussing on those living with metastatic breast cancer, typically the most challenging area from a scientific research perspective.
“We’re excited to see the impact of this collaboration between some of the finest research experts in the world, and firmly believe that research and information sharing such as this are the best opportunity for scientific breakthroughs in relation to this ever-challenging disease.”
