MHAP tricks - MHA Phlebotomist Updated: 2024 | ||||||||
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Exam Code: MHAP MHA Phlebotomist tricks January 2024 by Killexams.com team | ||||||||
MHAP MHA Phlebotomist Course Outline: Anatomy and Physiology: Overview of human anatomy, including the circulatory system, veins, and arteries. Understanding the structure and function of blood cells. Phlebotomy Techniques: Proper and aseptic techniques for venipuncture (drawing blood from veins). Capillary puncture techniques (fingerstick and heelstick). Blood collection equipment and their proper use. Blood Collection Procedures: Understanding the order of draw for different types of blood collection tubes. Identification and labeling of blood samples. Specimen handling, transportation, and processing. Infection Control and Safety: Standard precautions for preventing the transmission of infections. Proper hand hygiene techniques. Disposal of sharps and biohazardous waste. Medical Terminology: Understanding common medical terms and abbreviations used in phlebotomy. Interpreting laboratory requisitions and orders. Patient Interaction and Communication: Establishing rapport with patients and addressing their concerns. Explaining the phlebotomy procedure and obtaining consent. Dealing with difficult or anxious patients. Quality Assurance and Legal/Ethical Considerations: Compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards. Quality control procedures in the laboratory. Maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy. Exam Objectives: The objectives of a phlebotomy certification exam typically include: Assessing the candidate's knowledge and understanding of phlebotomy techniques and procedures. Evaluating the candidate's understanding of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology relevant to phlebotomy. Testing the candidate's knowledge of infection control, safety protocols, and quality assurance in the phlebotomy process. Assessing the candidate's ability to interact with patients professionally and effectively. Evaluating the candidate's understanding of legal and ethical considerations related to phlebotomy practice. | ||||||||
MHA Phlebotomist Medical Phlebotomist tricks | ||||||||
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Medical MHAP MHA Phlebotomist https://killexams.com/pass4sure/exam-detail/MHAP Question: 77 “It"s time for Lab Test! The classic game show where you match tubes to tests! I"m your host Kimi Stry! Ok, players ready to pass your Lab Test? The test is uric acid; what's the match?” A. SST/Chemistry lab. B. Lavender/ Chemistry lab. C. Green/Serology. Answer: A A blood sample drawn for a uric acid would be drawn in a SST and sent to the chemistry laboratory. Question: 78 “It"s time for Lab Test! The classic game show where you match tubes to tests! I"m your host Kimi Stry! Ok, players ready to pass your Lab Test? The test is A1C; what"s the match?” A. Green/chemistry lab. B. Lavender/chemistry lab. C. Red / hematology lab. Answer: B A blood sample drawn for an A1C (hemoglobin A1C) is drawn in a lavender top tube and sent to the chemistry laboratory. Question: 79 79. Which of the following phrases describes the pre-analytical phase of laboratory testing? A. The phase of laboratory testing that involves phlebotomists B. One of two phases necessary for laboratory testing C. The phase involving all processes of laboratory testing D. All of the above Answer: B The pre-analytic phase of laboratory testing is the first of the two phases that cover all processes of laboratory testing. The first phase includes test ordering, specimen collection, and processing of the samples. The second phase is the analytic phase, which includes the actual testing and reporting of results. Question: 80 Which of the following examples is a pre-analytical variable? A. Patient did not maintain the designated fasting period for a fasting sample. B. Light sensitive sample not protected from light. C. Elevated result not reported immediately D. A and B Answer: D A patient eating during the fasting period necessary for a fasting specimen and not protecting a light-sensitive specimen from light, are two examples of pre- analytical variables. Pre-analytical variables account for most laboratory errors. Question: 81 Blood gas samples, gastrin samples, ammonia samples, and lactic acid samples are all blood samples that require which special transportation considerations? A. All must be transported in ice water. B. All must be transported warmed. C. All require protection from light. Answer: A Some blood analytes break down quickly; transporting the specimen in ice water slows that process. Other tests that require chilled transportation include renin, catecholamine, and parathyroid. Question: 82 82. A physician just called Phil the New Phlebotomy Tech"s supervisor. The physician was very upset, because he didn"t receive a critical lab result. This is an example of what kind of variable? A. Pre-analytical B. Analytical Answer: B Not informing a physician of laboratory results is an analytical variable. Question: 83 “It"s time for Lab Test! The classic game show where you matching tubes to tests! I"m your host Kimi Stry! Ok, players ready to pass your Lab Test? The test is RA; what"s the match?” A. Red/Hematology B. Blue/Chemistry C. Red/Serology Answer: C Blood drawn for an RA would be drawn in red-topped specimen container and sent to serology. Question: 84 Labeling a sample at the bedside is an example of which variable control? A. Pre-analytic B. Analytic Answer: A Requiring phlebotomists to label specimens at the bedside to avoid specimen mix- ups and unlabeled specimens is a method of controlling a pre-analytic variable. Question: 85 85. What is point-of-care testing? A. Testing that is done to pinpoint an area of patient care B. Testing that is done in the presence of a patient C. Testing that can only be done by the patient D. None of the above Answer: B Point-of-care testing (POCT) is testing that is done in the presence of a patient. POCT can be done by the patient in their own home or by a provider in a care setting, such as a doctor"s office or public health event. Question: 86 The preanalytical testing phase includes all of the following EXCEPT: A. Specimen collection B. Verifying test results C. Specimen labeling D. Specimen processing Answer: B The preanalytical testing phase includes specimen collection, specimen labeling, and specimen processing, but notverifying test results. The preanalytical phase of specimen testing happens from the time the physician orders the test until the results are delivered to the physician. Verifying test results belongs to the analytical phase of testing and involves a review of the acceptability of test results. For More exams visit https://killexams.com/vendors-exam-list Kill your exam at First Attempt....Guaranteed! | ||||||||
Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of sexual expression. However, if it becomes compulsive, there are many ways a person can stop masturbating, such as exercising and avoiding pornography. In most cases, masturbation is a normal sexual practice that does not cause any physical or emotional distress. Masturbation can relieve stress and help a person determine what they enjoy sexually. However, it can become a problem if it is interfering negatively with a person’s life. In the sections below, we discuss why it may be beneficial to stop masturbating, how to stop, and how to recognize when it may be becoming a problem. In some cases, masturbation can lead to negative emotions or interfere with certain aspects of a person’s life. For example, if a person limits their interaction with others or misses work to masturbate, it may be time to consider how to stop masturbating. Although uncommon, frequent masturbation can cause skin irritation and swelling of the penis. When this is the case, it may be necessary to stop masturbating to ease the symptoms. If masturbation is becoming a problem, there are strategies and techniques to help a person stop. A combination of techniques may be helpful, including the following: 1. Avoid pornographyExposure to pornography may trigger the desire to masturbate. People who want to stop masturbating should avoid pornographic movies, images, and websites. If a person can place a barrier between themselves and pornography, it can help them break the habit. It is now very easy to access pornography in just a few seconds. However, people can try to limit their access to pornography by using filters on electronic devices that block certain types of content, such as pornographic material. Although a person can unblock such websites, taking the time to do so can give them time to regain control of their impulses and allow the urge to pass. 2. Stay activeIt can be helpful for a person to find ways to occupy their time that does not trigger the desire to masturbate. Finding outlets for energy release can replace the time spent masturbating. People can consider taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill, such as learning a musical instrument or trying a new sport. Developing new goals can help a person refocus their energy and find excitement and fulfillment in other things. It may also be helpful to determine when the urge to masturbate is highest and plan other activities for that time. 3. Seek professional helpWhen masturbation is negatively affecting a person’s life, it may be helpful to seek advice from a mental health professional who specializes in human sexuality. It is possible that additional issues, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, are the underlying problem. Talking with a therapist or psychologist is useful to work through negative feelings and learn behavior modification strategies to stop masturbating. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists offer resources to find help. 4. Spend more time with othersSome people may masturbate because they feel lonely or have nothing else to fill their time with. Spending less time alone reduces the opportunities to masturbate. Spending time with others will not only keep a person occupied, but it might also redirect their focus. There are several ways to decrease solitude. People can meet up with friends or family, take a class, or join a gym to stay socially engaged with others. 5. ExerciseExercise is an effective way to both lower tension and positively focus energy. Activities such as running, swimming, and weight lifting can strengthen the body and release endorphins that promote feelings of well-being. Feeling happier and more relaxed may reduce the urge to masturbate as frequently. 6. Find a support groupWhen masturbation is compulsive, it might be due to various reasons. For example, it may be due to:
However, having support from a trusted group of people may be helpful for some people to quell the habit. Finding a support group can give them the space they need to express concerns and develop positive coping strategies. When a person talks openly about the challenges they face, others can help them feel validated. This can decrease any feelings of guilt or shame associated with compulsive masturbation. Masturbation does not typically cause side effects. However, if masturbation is compulsive, constant, or vigorous, it may cause the following side effects:
Myths that masturbation causes blindness or infertility are not true. Masturbation becomes a problem if it is negatively affecting a person or impacting other areas of their life. For example, if it starts to interfere with their ability to orgasm or have sexual relationships with a partner, it may be worth addressing the habit. Compulsive behaviorIn some instances, masturbation can be a compulsive sexual behavior. A compulsive sexual behavior involves an intense and repetitive preoccupation with sexual urges, fantasies, and behaviors. It is worth noting that this is not the same thing as having a high sex drive. Compulsive behavior causes psychosocial issues or distress. This makes it hard for a person to actually enjoy the behavior. When masturbation is a compulsion, it is a mental health issue. According to a case study report in the Journal of Psychiatry, compulsive masturbation is usually either an impulse control condition or a type of sexual dysfunction. Feelings of guiltFor some people, masturbation also causes feelings of intense guilt. One study in the journal Sexual Medicine, which involved 4,211 men attending a sexual medicine outpatient clinic, found that 8.4% of the men reported feeling a sense of guilt after masturbating. All the participants completed a questionnaire and a structured interview regarding their frequency of masturbation and associated feelings. Feelings of guilt may also lead to other issues. For example, higher levels of guilt was linked to increased alcohol use, which may cause other mental and physical health concerns. In most cases, masturbation is a normal part of sexuality. Masturbation frequency varies greatly from person to person, and there is no “normal” frequency. However, if masturbation begins to interfere with other parts of a person’s life or starts to cause distress, it might be helpful to stop or reduce the frequency. There are several ways to stop masturbating, including avoiding pornography and focusing on other activities. However, if someone suspects that they have a problem with sexual compulsion, it is best to seek professional help. This course available in English, Russian and Spanish provides continuing safety and quality education to radiotherapy professionals. Participants improve their understanding of safety in radiotherapy, learn techniques to reduce and avoid radiotherapy incidents and understand the value and use of incident learning systems. The course aims to help participants:
The course covers major incidents in radiotherapy, learning and reporting incidents, process maps, severity metrics, basic causes and safety barriers, failure modes and effects analysis, fault tree analysis, and safety culture. Each of the course’s 12 modules includes  a short quiz to help participants review their  understanding of the material. The course is estimated to take five hours to complete. Participants who wish to do so can receive a certificate of completion. Many people living with insomnia can lie in bed wondering how to fall asleep. When this happens, a person can try using the tips below. Some are long-term lifestyle changes, while others are short-term solutions to try at the moment. 1. Create a consistent sleeping patternGoing to bed at different times every night is a common habit for many people. However, these irregular sleeping patterns could interfere with sleep because they interrupt the body’s circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is a selection of behavioral, physical, and mental changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. A primary function of the circadian rhythm is to determine whether the body is ready for sleep or not. This is heavily influenced by a biological clock that releases hormones to induce sleep or wakefulness. Going to bed at the same time every night helps the body clock predict when to induce sleep. Learn more about the best time to sleep and wake up here. 2. Keep the lights offCues such as light also influence the circadian rhythm, which helps the brain and body judge when it is nighttime. Keeping the room as dark as possible when going to bed might help bring on sleep. 3. Avoid napping during the dayTaking naps during the daytime, particularly those that last longer than 2 hours, can also disrupt the circadian rhythm. One study found that college students who napped at least three times per week and those who napped for longer than 2 hours each time had lower sleep quality than their peers who did not. After a poor night’s sleep, it is tempting to take a long nap. However, try to avoid this, as it can adversely affect a healthful sleep cycle. Learn about the ideal nap length here. 4. Get some exercise during the dayPhysical exercise has a positive impact on sleep quality. One 2017 meta-analysis found 29 studies that concluded that exercising may be able to improve the quality or the duration of sleep. Another 2021 study found that exercising for 60 minutes 4-5 times a week for a period of 8-12 weeks can significantly improve primary insomnia, which is the difficulty in falling or staying asleep. However, it may be a good idea not to exercise too close to a person’s bedtime, as that may actually disrupt sleep. When taking on an exercise routine, it can be difficult to know where to start. Learn more here. 5. Avoid using your cell phoneThe idea that using a mobile device, especially before bed, might be detrimental to sleep is not new. One 2021 study found that using a mobile screen for more than 8 hours a day or for at least 30 minutes before going to bed can negatively affect sleep. Keeping the mobile device near the pillow while sleeping had a similar association with worse sleep quality. Like this study, much of the current research has been based on students and young people, so it is unclear whether or not these findings extend to other age groups. Studies also tend to focus on problem phone use. People who do not use their mobile devices in this way may not be as susceptible to sleep disturbances. More research is necessary for this area to understand the extent to which phone use can impact sleep. 6. Read a bookReading books can be relaxing and may help prevent anxious taught patterns that could interfere with a person’s sleep. A 2021 randomized trial study examining the impact of bedtime reading on sleep showed that sleep improved for 8-22% more people in the intervention group that read before bed compared to the control group that did not. However, while reading before bed can be relaxing, it may be best to avoid actually reading in bed. A person with insomnia who wakes up in the middle of the night should read in a different room using a dimly lit light. It is also a good idea to avoid books that might cause strong emotional responses, which could prevent a person from relaxing sufficiently in order to fall asleep. 7. Avoid caffeineCaffeine is a stimulant. It stimulates wakefulness and can disrupt sleep patterns. It takes about 3-5 hours for the effects of caffeine to wear off. Therefore, it is best to avoid caffeine for at least 4 hours before going to bed. In some people, consuming caffeine at any time of the day could have a negative impact on sleep quality. For these people, it may be best to avoid caffeine altogether. 8. Try meditation or mindfulnessMeditation and mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, which can often disrupt sleep. Using these techniques can help calm an anxious mind, distracting the person from busy thoughts and allowing them to fall asleep more easily. A study in older adults with sleeping difficulties found that mindfulness meditation improved sleep quality compared with people who did not practice mindfulness. 9. Don’t wake yourself upWhen a person relaxes before bed, they will usually feel sleepy. A person who is having a hard time falling asleep may actually want to avoid doing things like brushing teeth, removing make-up, washing their face, or entering a brightly lit bathroom right before they get in bed. It is better to do these activities at least half an hour before bedtime and then take some time to relax in a dimly lit, non-stimulating space before heading to bed. This way a person does not disrupt their natural pre-bed sleepiness. 10. Change your eating habitsWhat a person eats, particularly in the evening, can have an impact on their sleep. For example, eating a large meal within 1 hour of going to bed may impair a person’s ability to sleep. Specifically, certain foods might prevent a person from getting quality sleep. For example, though the evidence on this is mixed, some research indicates that eating refined carbohydrates could interfere with sleep quality or trigger insomnia. Additional research shows that avoiding processed foods and eating a healthy diet comprised of low glycemic index (GI) foods can have a positive influence on the ability to fall and stay asleep. Good foods to eat include whole grains, nuts, low and nonfat dairy, fruit, and vegetables. However, no matter what a person eats, digesting a meal can take at least 2–3 hours. Lying down during this period can cause discomfort or feelings of nausea and slow the digestive process in some people. It is best to allow the body enough time to digest a meal before lying down. The exact time this takes will vary from person to person. 11. Get the room temperature rightBeing too hot or too cold can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to sleep. The temperature at which people feel the most comfortable varies, so it is important to experiment with different temperatures. However, the National Sleep Foundation recommends a bedroom temperature of 60–67°F (16–19ºC) to promote sleep. 12. Try aromatherapyPeople have long used aromatherapy to induce relaxation and sleep. Lavender oil is a popular choice for helping with sleep. However, the evidence for this is mixed, and the benefit may depend on the way the oil is administered, such as topically vs. as an inhalation. Learn more about aromatherapy here. 13. Find a comfortable positionA comfortable sleeping position is essential for sleep. Frequently changing positions can be distracting, but finding the right spot can make a big difference to the onset of sleep. Most people find that sleeping on their side is the best position for a good night’s sleep. Learn about the benefits of side sleeping here. 14. Listen to musicAlthough this may not work for everyone, some people benefit from listening to relaxing music before going to bed. In a 2019 study, subjects who listened to music before bed reported sleeping better than those who did not. However, a person’s response to music will depend on their personal preferences. Sometimes, music can be too stimulating and induce anxiety and sleeplessness. 15. Try breathing exercisesBreathing exercises are a very popular relaxation technique. Practicing deep breathing or doing specific patterns of breathing can help people de-stress and take their minds off anxious thoughts. This can be a powerful tool for getting to sleep. A common option is 4-7-8 breathing. This involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. This type of deep, rhythmic breathing is relaxing and can promote sleep. 16. Take a hot bath or showerTaking a bath or shower can be relaxing and help prepare the body for sleep. It can also help improve temperature regulation before bed. Doing this 1-2 hours before bed for at least 10 minutes may be particularly beneficial, according to research. Learn more about the benefits of hot and cold showers. 17. Avoid reading e-booksE-books have become increasingly popular over the past few years. They have backlit screens, which make them ideal for reading before bed in a dark room. However, this could negatively affect sleep. One study gave young adults a printed book and an e-book to read before bed. The researchers found that when using the e-book, the participants took longer to fall asleep. They were also more alert during the evenings and less alert in the morning compared with when they read the printed book. Such results suggest that e-books could have a negative impact on sleep. However, the study only involved 12 participants. The researchers also used a study design that meant that the participants read both types of books. It is difficult to determine whether or not exposure to both reading conditions biased the results. Few reliable studies exist in this area, and more research is necessary to draw any firm conclusions. 18. Take melatoninMelatonin is known as “the sleep hormone.” The body produces it to induce drowsiness and sleep in line with the body clock. People can also take it as a supplement to increase the chance of getting to sleep. Learn more about melatonin for sleep. 19. Use a comfortable bedThe National Sleep Foundation recommends that to get a good night’s sleep, people may want to sleep on a mattress and pillows that are comfortable and supportive. Investing in a comfortable mattress could have a positive impact on sleep quality. 20. Avoid noisy environments, if possibleNoise can be distracting, prevent the onset of sleep, and lower the quality of sleep. A 2016 study found that participants had significantly worse sleep in a hospital setting than at home. The authors of the study found that this was primarily due to the increased level of noise in the hospital. 21. Avoid excessive alcohol consumptionDrinking large amounts of alcohol before bed can have an adverse impact on sleep. On the one hand, it is a sedative that induces sleepiness, but on the other hand, it can negatively affect the quality of a person’s sleep. For people already living with insomnia, even a small amount of alcohol could make the condition worse. Cutting back on alcohol is a common New Year's resolution -- and studies show that about 25% of people who commit to giving up drinking each year are successful in the long term. When it comes to how you can find yourself in that 25%, it's important to understand why you're drinking in the first place, to surround yourself with people who will help you quit and to celebrate your wins along the way. Here are some tips to help you stop drinking. For more health tips, check out this self-care routine for better sleep and the best foods for healthy kidneys. There's no one right way to go about quitting drinking -- it's all about figuring out what works for you and your lifestyle; that starts with a plan. Here are a few things you should consider and actionable steps you can take. Examine your current relationship with alcoholThe first thing you have to do is take a step back and evaluate your habits. That means looking at your relationship with alcohol so you can understand why you drink, when you drink and how much you drink.
Learn how alcohol affects your bodyÂAlcohol can wreak havoc on your body. According to the NIAAA, alcohol pretty much affects you head to toe. Alcohol can make it hard to think clearly, cause strokes or high blood pressure, lead to cirrhosis and weaken your immune system. It may also mess with your sleep, and poor sleep hygiene can lead to further health concerns, like obesity and diabetes. Knowing all the negative effects alcohol has on your physical and mental health can make it easier to understand why you're better off without it. Set a goalÂGoals can help you stay on track, but sometimes one big goal feels too out of reach. Consider setting smaller goals for yourself -- and celebrate them as you go. Rather than one overarching "I want to quit drinking" goal, start by telling yourself you're going to cut back. Maybe you only drink on weekends for now. Maybe you do a dry January to really jump-start the plan. American Addiction Centers recommend no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men, so keep that in mind as you're setting a goal to cut back. Create a support systemIt's so much harder to go at this alone, so loop in the people you trust. Everyone needs a cheerleader in their corner rooting for them. Let your friends and family know your goals: Once you have a plan in place for your goal, tell your close friends and family -- as long as they're the kind of people who will be supportive. Tell them why you've decided to cut back on drinking and let them know how they can help you. If you want them to hold you accountable, let them know that and decide how they can best help you. You might even be able to convince some of your people to go on this journey with you, which can make it more bearable. Create your community: Seeking out like-minded people can also help you succeed. There are plenty of online communities of people who have quit drinking who will welcome you and help you stay on track. You can also find a local Alcoholics Anonymous group for support if you have one nearby. Now is your chance to spend time with friends who aren't drinkers and won't tempt you -- you might even find new friends or rekindle old friendships now that your priorities have changed. Seek professional help: Talking to a medical professional, whether it's your doctor or a therapist, can also be extremely beneficial. They will always be supportive of you finding a healthier lifestyle and can provide you with resources, support and any encouragement you need. Don't be afraid to approach them with the topic, as they are ready and willing to help you succeed. Have a plan for when you go outÂIt can be tricky to handle social situations as you cut back on drinking, especially if you're around other people who are drinking or who are used to you drinking. As with any part of this process, go in with a plan. If you'll be out with close friends or family you're comfortable with, let them know ahead of time that you're not drinking. If you're going out to a function that doesn't give you an opportunity to say something ahead of time and you don't want to call attention to yourself, you can head straight to the bar or to a server and order yourself a nonalcoholic drink. It's easier to blend in with a glass in your hand, even if it's just a Coke. If you find yourself in a situation where someone offers you a drink, just politely decline. Most of the time, people will back off, and if they don't, stand firm and say you're not drinking tonight. You don't owe anyone your reasoning behind why you're refraining. Out of sight, out of mindÂIf you're really committed to cutting back, one of the best things you can do is get the booze out of your house. If it's not within reach, you'll be less tempted to drink. This is also a good opportunity to find alternatives to some of your favorite drinks. You could try a bit of mixology and create mocktails to drink at home so you still feel like you're having something fancy, or you could find an alternative drink that satisfies you, whether it's soda, iced tea or something similar. Be prepared to have these things on hand for when a craving strikes so you can nip it in the bud. Plan for the side effects of quitting alcoholDepending on what your alcohol habit was like, you may experience fewer or more withdrawal symptoms as you cut back. Symptoms include things like headaches, anxiety, tremors or shakes, insomnia, fatigue, mood changes, gastrointestinal disturbances, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure or heart rate, hyperthermia, rapid abnormal breathing, hallucinations and seizures. Fortunately, these withdrawal symptoms shouldn't last very long -- about a week -- but listen to your body in case something feels abnormal during this time. Try to stay focused on your end goal, and call your doctor if something doesn't feel right. Celebrate your winsÂGive yourself credit where credit is due as you start to hit your alcohol-free milestones. Celebration helps keep you motivated, so make sure you're rewarding yourself for goals achieved. Consider setting up a reward chart with things you really want -- maybe it's a dinner out at a new restaurant or a pair of shoes you've been eyeing. Set targets for each reward and enjoy them when you get there. You could even go all-out and reward yourself with something big with a major milestone like a year alcohol-free -- a vacation sounds lovely, for example. There are calls for the Western Health and Social Care Trust to reverse a decision to close specialist services for taking blood samples from patients. Two phlebotomy hubs that were set up in Londonderry and Omagh during the Covid-19 pandemic as a space dedicated to withdrawing blood are now set to close. They were set up to reduce footfall and stop hospitals from being overwhelmed. The trust has said the service can no longer be provided at the two hub locations as funding has now ended. The hubs in both Omagh and Derry are to close by the end of July, with services returning to their pre-Covid working arrangements, the trust has confirmed. That means that blood withdrawal services that took place at the hubs will now return to hospitals and GP surgeries. The British Medical Association's chair in Northern Ireland, Dr Tom Black, has said this move has the potential to overwhelm GP surgeries at a time when they are already struggling with workloads. "We are very concerned that if the hub goes this means that we could have even more traffic coming through our treatment room," Dr Black said. "To be frank, it is already full and we couldn't cope with more work - so there are real concerns in general practice about this." Dr Black said the closures of the hubs are just one of many cuts that the health service is seeing every day. "This is putting pressure on patients and putting more pressure on staff. "We are seeing the value of the health service diminishing because there is simply not enough funding going in." SDLP assembly member Mark H Durkan described the hub in Derry as "a Godsend to many people" and said any closure of phlebotomy hubs was a "backward step". "Every medical professional I have spoken to over the past week about this has agreed that this is a completely backward step," Mr Durkan said. "The trust is saying that their plan is to revert to the pathways that were in place pre-Covid but the whole landscape of healthcare has changed drastically since then. "The hub should be looked at as an exemplar and the model should be rolled out elsewhere, rather than rowed back on." Now that you know how salt can help you, here’s a look at how too much salt can hurt you: Short-Term EffectsWhen you consume too much salt, you may see some effects relatively quickly. Increased Water Retention If you eat too much salt, your kidneys may not be able to filter excess sodium from your bloodstream. Sodium builds up in your system, and your body holds onto extra water in an attempt to dilute the sodium, according to research published in Nutrients in September 2019. This can cause water retention and bloating. High Blood Pressure Excessive salt can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure in some people, according to an article published in September 2020 in Pediatric Nephrology. Thirst A meal that’s high in salt can leave you feeling thirsty later in the day, since your body wants to correct the imbalance between your water and sodium levels, reported the Pediatric Nephrology study. Long-Term EffectsEating a high-salt diet over a long period of time can put you at risk for certain health conditions. Elevated Cardiovascular Health Risk Excessive sodium consumption has been shown to increase blood pressure, which in turn raises the risk for heart disease and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The risk for heart disease is higher when a high-sodium diet is accompanied by a low-potassium diet, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. That’s because potassium helps excrete sodium from your body and help to relax blood vessels. Higher Risk of Osteoporosis The more salt you eat, the more calcium your body loses through urination. And unfortunately, if you don’t have enough calcium in your diet, the body will take it from your bones, increasing the risk for problems like osteoporosis, reports the Harvard School of Public Health. Potential Increased Risk for Stomach Cancer There’s also evidence suggesting that a high-salt diet increases the risk for stomach cancer, according to research published in March 2022 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. | ||||||||
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