Community pharmacies have an impact on the lifestyle of patients with prostate cancer



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The levels of cardiovascular health and physical activity of prostate cancer patients improve after successful interventions of community pharmacies, new research in the British Medical Journal reports.

In the first study of its kind, researchers from the University of Surrey, funded by the Movember Foundation in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, developed and tested the feasibility of community pharmacies offering programs to improve the levels of diabetes. And physical activity of men with prostate cancer and those who have successfully completed the treatment of the disease. NICE recommends that men with prostate cancer undergo a 12-week exercise program to reduce symptoms after treatment and improve overall well-being, which is difficult to sustain in hospitals.

Nine teams of community pharmacies in southern England have been trained to conduct health badessments and lifestyle prescriptions for men with prostate cancer or those who have undergone treatment. The pharmacy teams checked the weight, BMI, blood cholesterol and blood pressure of 116 men and badessed their upper limb strength (grip strength), lower limbs (chair sitting position) and their overall fitness. To help improve the levels of strength and fitness, a computer algorithm developed by the research team used this evaluation data to generate a personalized lifestyle prescription, including counseling and counseling. Physical and dietary activity, for the benefit of the participants. In support of lifestyle changes, pharmacy teams regularly phoned to help participants and give them advice.

After a period of three months, participants were asked to return to the pharmacy to badess progress. It was found that moderate and vigorous physical activity levels in the group had increased significantly by 34 minutes over three months. An average weight reduction of 1 kg was observed in the participants, with a BMI down 0.3 kg / m2 and a cholesterol lowering 0.4 mmol / l. The grip strength increased on average by 0.2 kg (which means that the men were stronger in the arms) and more seats sitting against candles reflected better leg strength. These results indicate that the support offered by community pharmacies can really contribute to improving the physical condition and well-being of men.

Sara Faithfull, professor of cancer nursing at the University of Surrey, said: "It has been proven that exercise and diet reduce the symptoms of prostate cancer treatment and reduce the risk of cancer. It's understandable that men who have managed to beat cancer are reluctant to get into an exercise program themselves, so they need help to know what to do and what to do to make a difference. "

"Community pharmacies can have a truly positive impact on this problem by providing valuable advice and support to increase activity levels and ensuring that more informed dietary decisions are made. measurable improvement in just three months, but we need to take a closer look at how this could be effective in the long run. "

Heather Blake, Director of Support and Influence at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "We know that regular exercise and healthy eating can help some men manage many of the side effects of cancer treatments. prostate, as well as improve their mental health and well-being.

"We are therefore pleased that this study shows that community pharmacies can help men with prostate cancer improve their physical activity and cardiovascular health, and we need to determine how this improvement can be sustained over longer periods of time."

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