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Charles Flynn

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  1. Charles Flynn
    Like millions throughout the world I worshipped the Birth of Christ at Christ-mass last evening. The number of families of ordinary people joining in the celebrations over Advent and Christmas reveals that on this island those who deny Christ's message and portray people of faith as deluded are portraying a picture of island life which does not reflect the true picture.
     
    Christ is Alive!
     
    More than ever His message of love is needed. We should not live for ourselves but for others, sharing with our neighbours the gifts we have been given. Be thankful for your gifts and for those given to others.
     
    We can give thanks in the words of ’A Christmas Prayer’ by Robert Louis Stevenson:
     
    Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
    That we may share in the song of the angels,
    The gladness of the shepherds,
    And worship of the wise men.
    Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
    May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
     
    May you and yours enjoy a Joyful and Blessed Christmas.
  2. Charles Flynn
    Mr Christian has now agreed to ask the Douglas Town Council to meet us as a result of this press statement which was a response to his criticism quoted by IOM Newspapers of the 28th January 2008 of "experts", i.e. according to the newspaper identified as members of Island21. Mr Christian has told me he actually meant unidentified members of this Forum using anonymous user names.
     
    I am happy to report that Councillor Christian wishes to retain the service and reports that he does not are completely untrue.
     
    Island21 welcomes an opportunity to speak to Councillors who we trust will be prepared to listen to constructive ideas on how to regenerate and stem the losses of the current service.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Island21 Press Release on Council Leaders Statement
     
     
    Source: Island21
     
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
    Council leader scorns ideas to regenerate horse trams
     
    Members of the island sustainability forum Island 21 have reacted with incredulity to Douglas Council leader David Christian's response to their offer to provide free specialist marketing expertise for the horse tram service. Mr Christian has been quoted by a number of sources as saying, "There are a lot of experts crawling out of the woodwork telling the council how to do it – I don't know how we've managed to run it all these years".
     
    "Mr Christian would be well advised to rein in his sarcasm," said Island 21 chairman Charles Flynn, "especially considering that the council managed to lose a staggering quarter of a million pounds on the service last year. In the circumstances, rejecting free advice from experts whilst pouring ratepayers' money down the drain is the height of irresponsibility."
     
    Committee member Richard Falk, one of the most successful advertising copywriters in Europe, agreed. "There are hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money and more than a century of heritage at stake here, and all Mr Christian can do is make ironic remarks and trivialise the issue. Notwithstanding his inappropriate comments, I have emailed him requesting a meeting so we may discuss this matter, and share a number of ideas that I believe could increase revenues, but so far I have not had the courtesy of a reply. I remain extremely concerned about the future of the trams – whilst I am glad the idiotic suggestion of non-stop end-to-end journeys has been rejected, cutting the service and the season is not the answer. Reducing investment is the last thing you do to a brand in trouble – more effective revenue generation is the answer."
     
    Mr Falk has, however, succeeded in speaking to Adrian Earnshaw, the Minister for Tourism and Leisure, and the two men shared a number of ideas, which Mr Earnshaw hopes to take up with Douglas Council.
     
    "Sadly, this is all too symptomatic of the rather arrogant attitude of our local politicians," concluded Charles Flynn. "Mr Christian says he is always willing to listen to ideas, but when someone has the temerity to express differing views, this is how he reacts.
     
    "Does anyone really believe our elected Councillors are delivering value for money? When was the last time you even encountered one on your doorstep? I would be very interested to see a breakdown of Councillors' responsibilities and expenses, and believe this matter highlights some very serious issues as we approach a local election."
     
    - Ends -
  3. Charles Flynn

    Remembrance Sunday

    By Charles Flynn,

    Prayer for Peace Pope John Paul II
     
    To you, Creator of nature and humanity, of truth and beauty, I pray:
    Hear my voice, for it is the voice of the victims of all wars and violence among individuals and nations.
    Hear my voice, for it is the voice of all children who suffer and will suffer when people put their faith in weapons and war.
    Hear my voice, when I beg you to instil into the hearts of all human beings the wisdom of peace, the strength of justice and the joy of fellowship.
    Hear my voice, for I speak for the multitudes in every country and every period of history who do not want war and are ready to walk the road of peace.
    Hear my voice, and grant insight and strength so that we may always respond to hatred with love, to injustice with total dedication to justice, to need with sharing of self, to war with peace. O God, hear my voice, and grant unto the world your everlasting peace
     
    We thank you Lord, for all those who have died for their nation. Almighty God in whose hand are the living and the dead: we give you thanks for all your servants who have laid down their lives in the service of their country. Grant to them your mercy, and the light of your presence, that the good work you have begun in them may be perfected, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
     
    Most gracious God and Father, in whose will is our peace: turn our hearts and the hearts of all people to yourself, that by the power of your spirit, the peace which is founded on righteousness may be established throughout the world. Through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.
     
     
     
    Poem
    They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
    Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow,
    They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
    They fell with their faces to the foe.
    They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
    Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
    At the going down of the sun and in the morning
    We will remember them.
     
    For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon
     
    IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
    Between the crosses, row on row,
    That mark our place, and in the sky
    The larks, still bravely singing, fly
    Scarce heard amid the guns below.
     
    We are the dead. Short days ago
    We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
    Loved and were loved, and now we lie
    In Flanders fields.
     
    Take up our quarrel with the foe:
    To you from failing hands we throw
    The torch; be yours to hold it high.
    If ye break faith with us who die
    We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
    In Flanders fields.
     
    In Flanders Fields
    By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
    Published by Punch 8 December 1915
  4. Charles Flynn

    Doctors Aint Bovver'd

    By Charles Flynn,

    Doctors aren’t bovver’d!
    The July edition of the International Journal of Clinical Practice reports on research carried out at Birmingham University and Lund University in Sweden. 750 doctors from Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, France, Mexico, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea and the U.K. took part in a 'From the Heart' study.
    61% of doctors felt it was acceptable for only 47% of their patients reaching their cholesterol goals. “Although doctors appear to appreciate the risks associated with cardiovascular disease - which they identified as a greater cause of death than cancer - the importance of lowering cholesterol does not appear to be widely endorsed” says co-author Professor Richard Hobbs from Birmingham University.
     
    I wonder in any fact whether some of the literature, which speaks of the possible links of statins with liver cancer and with memory loss, have struck a cord with doctors, and so they are not totally convinced of BigPharma’s marketing extolling the remarkable safety of statins.
     
    The findings of the survey included:
    - Doctors in South Korea (80%) were most likely to be happy with the 47% patient success rate statistic, while doctors in Finland were least happy (48%)
    - Prescribing statins and recommending lifestyle changes was recommended by 46% of doctors. This was followed by lifestyle changes alone (43%) and statin therapy alone (10%). Only 1.5% recommended no course of action.
    -Doctors in South Korea (66%) and Portugal (61.5%) were most likely to recommend a combination of statins and lifestyle changes, with doctors in South Korea (23%) and Portugal (29%) least likely to recommend them.
    -Statins alone were most likely to be prescribed by doctors in Brazil (15%) and the UK, France and Mexico (11%) and least likely by doctors in South Korea (2.5%) and Denmark (6%).
    - The percentage of doctors using national, European or local guidelines to set cholesterol lowering goals averaged 81% and was highest in South Korea (100%) and Brazil (93%) and lowest in the UK (45%) and Singapore (52%).
     
    Doctors reported that cancer was feared far more than cardiovascular disease and patients indicated that they were more aware that smoking and obesity were the main risk factors rather than high cholesterol.
     
    There appears to be great scope for for health professionals to inform the public of the value of lifestyle changes - more greens, losing weight, exercise etc as well as following the recommended guidelines for taking statins in conjunction with medical advice on risk such as it may be.
  5. Charles Flynn

    Global Poverty

    By Charles Flynn,

    Anita Roddick has pointed me to this website - World on Fire:
     
    www.worldonfire.ca
     
    where singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan compares the
    the production costs of making a music video to the needs of global poverty.
     
    It’s worth a visit.
  6. Charles Flynn
    ASH WEDNESDAY
     
    HOMILY OF JOHN PAUL II
     
    Wednesday, 8 March 2000
     
     
    1. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me" (Ps 51: 10-11).
     
    Today, Ash Wednesday, this is how the Psalmist, King David, prays: a great and powerful king in Israel, but at the same time frail and sinful. At the beginning of these 40 days of preparation for Easter, the Church puts his words on the lips of all who take part in the austere liturgy of Ash Wednesday.
     
    "Create in me a clean heart, O God, ... take not your holy Spirit from me". We hear this plea echoing in our hearts, while in a few moments we will approach the Lord's altar to receive ashes on our forehead in accordance with a very ancient tradition. This act is filled with spiritual allusions and is an important sign of conversion and inner renewal. Considered in itself, it is a simple liturgical rite, but very profound because of its penitential meaning: with it the Church reminds man, believer and sinner, of his weakness in the face of evil and especially of his total dependence on God's infinite majesty.
     
    The liturgy calls for the celebrant to say these words as he places ashes on the foreheads of the faithful: "Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return"; or, "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel".
     
    2. "Remember, ... to dust you will return".
     
    Earthly life is marked from its beginning by the prospect of death. Our bodies are mortal, that is, subject to the inevitable prospect of death. We live with this end before us: every passing day brings us inexorably closer to it. And death has something destructive about it. With death it seems that everything will end for us. And here, precisely in the face of this disheartening prospect, man, who is aware of his sin, raises a cry of hope to heaven: O God, "create in me a clean heart and put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me".
     
    Today too, the believer who feels threatened by evil and death calls on God in this way, knowing that he has reserved for him a destiny of eternal life. He knows that he is not only a body condemned to death because of sin, but that he also has an immortal soul. Therefore he turns to God the Father, who has the power to create out of nothing; to God the Only-begotten Son, who became man for our salvation, died for us and now, risen, lives in glory; to God the immortal Spirit, who calls us to life and restores life.
     
    "Create in me a clean heart and put a new and right spirit within me". The whole Church makes the Psalmist's prayer her own. These are prophetic words that penetrate our spirit on this special day, the first day of the Lenten journey that will bring us to the celebration of Easter during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000.
     
    3. "Repent and believe in the Gospel". This invitation, which we find at the beginning of Jesus' preaching, introduces us into the Lenten season, a time to be dedicated in a special way to conversion and renewal, to prayer, to fasting and to works of charity. In recalling the experience of the chosen people, we too set out as it were to retrace the journey that Israel made across the desert to the Promised Land. We too will reach our goal; after these weeks of penance, we will experience the joy of Easter. Our eyes, purified by prayer and penance, will be able to behold with greater clarity the face of the living God, to whom man makes his own pilgrimage on the paths of earthly life.
     
    "Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me" - this man, created not for death but for life, prays in exactly this way. Although he is aware of his weaknesses, he walks sustained by the certainty of his divine destiny.
     
    May almighty God hear the prayers of the Church which, in today's Ash Wednesday liturgy, lifts up her heart to heaven with greater trust. May the merciful Lord grant us all to open our hearts to the gift of his grace, so that we can all take part with new maturity in the paschal mystery of Christ, our only Redeemer.
  7. Charles Flynn

    Travelwatch Update

    By Charles Flynn,

    - THE MANX PASSENGER WATCHDOG -
     
     
    Information Bulletin 1 – January 16th 2007
     
    A public meeting took place on Monday 15th January 2007 at the Empress Hotel in Douglas to consider the possible formation of an independent Manx Passenger Watchdog. Around 70 people attended and at the end of the meeting there was overwhelming support for setting up TravelWatch Isle of Man.
     
    Some 15 people volunteered to be actively involved in the work of setting up the new Watchdog. Efforts are already in hand to begin the work of turning the idea into a reality.
     
    Two websites have offered help in building up TWIOM during these early stages. The Positive Action Group – whose initiative it was to set up the initial meeting – will post news of TWIOM on their website www.positiveactiongroup.org TravelWatch North West will also post news of TWIOM on their website www.travelwatch-northwest.org.uk
     
    An early task is building up a supporter base. Already some 40 people have registered support for TWIOM. Anyone seeking further information or wishing to support TWIOM is invited to contact Brendan O’Friel, co-ordinator for TWIOM, on brendan@ofriel.fsnet.co.uk
     
    TWIOM intends to publish regular information bulletins for passengers and supporters to report progress.
     
    The url for travelwatch is temporarily:
     
    [url=http://www.positiveactiongroup.org
     
    These are early days and the inaugural meeting of volunteers will take place next week. A new website will appear over the next month once principles, priorities etc. have been established.
  8. Charles Flynn
    The Positive Action Group had Mrs Anne Craine MHK as their guest speaker last evening. Anne gave a very well presented and thought provoking talk on "Counting the Cost of Families in Crisis".
     
    She told us that she places great store on family values and the community. She went on to prove it.
     
    She spoke about parents today being seen more as "providers" rather than "carers", which in her view was the wrong way around. The nuclear family is breaking down. There are major health concerns over healthy eating with lunch box audits in many schools. She said that the IOM has the poorest dental health in the British Isles. Moreover, we have low levels of breast feeding which is essential for good bonding between mother and baby especially in the first 6 months.
     
    The Archbishop of Canterbury has pointed out in an article entitled "Good Childhood Family" that child rearing needs to be changed, and that infant deaths result from violence within often dysfunctional families.
     
    In the IOM 16,399 children and young persons receive child benefits. 2250 children are covered by the family income supplement. The budget for the DHSS for children is £13.6 million p.a.
     
    The Employment Bill supports parenting in the early years with maternity leave and also paternity leave rights, the latter being unpaid. Flexible working also helps.
     
    It is important to get the right balance in the early life of a child as the first two years of life is responsible for later patterns of behaviour. "Give me the child till he is seven and I will give you the man" is a truism.
     
    In the UK 67% of women return to work within six months of child birth (2001). In Mrs Craine's view the mother should have far more support at home. She asked " What is the sustainable level of our economy for our community?" She wanted far more being put into family values.
     
    Parents should prioritise care over provision. Maternity and paternity leave should be extended to two years Tax incentives, means testing and child benefitis should be reviewed to enable better parenting. Breast feeding should be emphasised to ensure the proper maternal relationship and to provide more self esteem in the later life of children. She was critical of parents, through no fault of their own but as the result of financial problems, both having to work to pay the mortgage, having to place their children in nursery schools rather than spending time with the mother at home. One example of good practice she thought was the Scandinavian model where children don't start school till they are seven. Mrs Craine felt Government policy was enticing children away from their families.
     
    During a long question time it transpired that there are some 147 tests for children between 5 and 16 years of age. Many within the audience , possibly everyone, supported the need for parents to be helped in bringing up children. There was a call for more discipline within the family to prevent the "yob" culture which seems to be prevalent. Youths do not seem to know about courtesy and right behaviour. Perhaps the parents themselves do not as well.
     
    One question which wasn't raised was the effect on children of not always being able to have contact with their grand parents. There are many instances in the IOM of grand - parents living in England and vice versa ,of grandparents living in the IOM with the grand children being across. It is always distressing to see the concern of each when this question is raised. Could I suggest a special travel fare deal to help with this problem?
     
    Any comments?
     
     
     
    E & O.E.
  9. Charles Flynn

    A Great Radio Find

    By Charles Flynn,

    I came across a wonderful website today -
     
    www.pandora.com
     
    It's for music fans as it only plays music. But it's different - it's your choice of music. Give it the name of an artist or a track and it makes the selection for you. Just like having your own juke box!
     
    Top of the pops returns for me!!
  10. Charles Flynn
    I have just been reading the current issue of The Pharmaceutical Journal . The Leading Article details the problems of funding Herceptin through Primary Care Trusts in the UK and speaks in particular about Ann Marie Rogers who took Swindon PCT to the Appeal Court to force the PCT to pay for this medicine. UK Government policies covering NHS prescribing is in a mess and so patients are in a lottery according to where they live as whether or not they can obtain life saving treatment.
     
    Primary care organisations have the responsibility of funding drugs and treatment but there are competing claims for scarce resources.
     
    Herceptin is not licensed for early stage breast cancer and is still under scrutiny by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. So there is still no certainty that every person wishing to be prescribed an unlicensed medicine would automatically have it funded although I understand the Manx NHS will do this for Herceptin currently.
     
    The PJ Leader suggests one way out of the problem for patients to receive access to expensive and unlicensed medicines irrespective of where they live would be for a central funding system to be set up.
     
    Prescribers who believe there is a good clinical case could apply direct to this fund. A small team of experts could then access the individual's clinical needs and fund the treatments if they share the prescribers view.
     
    Patients, prescribers, primary care organisations and indeed politicians would benefit from this.
     
    I am sure that one day we shall have similar dilemmas in the IOM so it right to take note of what is happening across on matters such as these.
  11. Charles Flynn

    Easter Day

    By Charles Flynn,

    Alleluia, alleluia.
    I am the first and the last, says the Lord, and the living one;
    I was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore.
    Alleluia.
     
     
    The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples
    and said, 'Peace be with you.'
    Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia.
    John 20,19,20
     
    Lord of all life and power,
    who through the mighty resurrection of your Son
    overcame the old order of sin and death
    to make all things new in him:
    grant that we, being dead to sin
    and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
    may reign with him in glory;
    to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
    be praise and honour, glory and might,
    now and in all eternity.
    Amen.
     
    I'd rather they would say "There He goes," than "There He lies".
     
    Christ is Risen!
     
    He is Risen Indeed!
     
    Alleluia! Alleluia!
     
     
    Shalom, to you and yours.
     
    Happy Easter.
  12. Charles Flynn
    This Sunday we think of and give thanks for our mothers.
     
    Mothering Sunday also known as Refreshment Sunday and the 4th Sunday of Lent came about in the 19th Century. During the Industrial Revolution the ordinary people were allowed to return home on this Sunday from where they were working so that they could worship at their Mother Church.
     
    Domestic servants were allowed to go home. Simnel cake was baked and taken home as a gift for the servant's own mother and family.
     
    Nowadays we often use the term Mother's Day and it is also the Spring Equinox when the clocks go forward.
     
    A prayer:
     
    Dear God,
    we thank you for mothers,
    we thank you for all those who care for us in quiet,
    often unrecognised ways;
    we thank you for all those
    who care for others in patience
    and love.
     
    We are sorry for those times
    when we have failed to care
    for others
    and pray that you will
    teach us
    to care as you do,
    and that you will hold
    all mothers and carers
    in the light of your
    presence and guide
    them to you.
    Amen.
     
    Let us also not forget those women who are not mothers for one reason or another and who might feel left out. All of us have our place in this world and sometimes we have to accept a different role than others but one which can bring rewards of a different kind and be equally fulfilling if we allow it to be.
  13. Charles Flynn
    On Friday I was invited as Chairman of the Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside & Environment to an illustrated talk from Peter Knowles, Forestry Warden at DAFF. Peter was speaking at a Friends of the Glens meeting at Glen Helen about a project which is about to get under way. It is about improving access in Glen Helen and in time the other Manx Glens for people who have difficulty in getting access to them.
     
    Friends of the Glens is a Registered Charity which encourages the public use of the glens through the provision of inclusive activites.
     
    The Glens are wooded rambling areas with pathways for access. Most of them are relics of our Victorian past. They are used by visitor and locals alike and are a natural refuge for wildlife. They are truly part of our national culture and heritage.
     
    Glen Helen is probably the "Flagship Glen". It is the best known, easy to find and one of the largest. There is the well known waterfall at Rhenass, and there are dramatic views over the river.
     
    However there are difficulties for those with mobility problems i.e. wheelchair users, the elderly and infirm, young families with toddlers and prams, the visually impaired and those with temporary disabilities. So the Friends of the Glens are planning to improve the path to the waterfall on one side of the river whilst leaving the other side as it is at present for those who like a rugged pathway.
     
    The standard which they will be using is that laid out in British Telecom's Countryside for All manual which is a good practice guide to Disabled People's Access in the Countryside.
     
    They are hoping to improve some 1200 metres of the main pathway with improved drainage etc and have an all access bridge as at Silverdale.
     
    They estimate the funding needed for completion to be around £50,000 even after support from the Forestry Division with fitting a bridge and supplying timber.
     
    They are lauching the Appeal to raise this money at Glen Helen at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday 26th April.
     
    Anyone who wants further information should access:
     
    www.manxglens.org.im
     
    c/o Forestry Division, Hope Road, St. Johns, Isle of Man. IM4 3AS.
     
    The Chairman of the charity is Mrs Lee Fallaize. I am sure she will be very pleased to give you any further information on this very worthwhile project.
  14. Charles Flynn
    Can knowledge be bad? Or does all knowledge have neutral value?
     
    What is your answer? Probably it will be the latter.
     
    This a question which is particularly relevant these days as scientists expand the frontier of what is known.
    They are increasingly likely to go into ethically questionable areas and discover things which could destroy us all.
     
    But is knowledge inherently bad or value-neutral?
     
    How to commit crime, murder , maim. Producing weapons of mass destruction, mutating virus's such as bird flu or HIV so that they become even more virulent might all appear to be bad but really are value-neutral. The knowledge itself is neutral even if human actions are bad.
     
    There is knowledge we would be better off not knowing. The invention of the car or of the plane has led to crashes which could not have happened before. This is a form of inherently bad knowledge.
     
    Incorrect knowledge is also bad. 2+2=5. A medical specialist not knowing his subject and making incorrect decisions is bad. Believing your car is in correct working order, when there is a screw loose which causes it to crash (not you, the car!) is bad in the context of knowledge.
     
    Another form of bad knowledge is bad memories - the painful loss of a loved one, the remembrance of war, or oppression, and other bad things which have happened is bad knowledge This sort of memory ruins lives for ever.
     
    As a society we pursue knowledge. There is so much around these days that not all of it is value-neutral, some of it must be bad.
     
    We must distinguish between them.
  15. Charles Flynn
    GREEN MANN DIRECTORY
     
    Watch out for the Green Mann.
     
    Island 21 is launching its Green Mann Directory in spring 2008. This is a first attempt to help people find sources of local food and Fair-trade items. It also has information about recycling and renewable energy including solar and wind turbines. In fact it is a mine of information for low-impact living and ‘going green.’
     
    The Green Mann Directory has been produced with help from the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Department of Local Government and the Environment (DLGE)
     
    It will be available at bookshops and newsagents around the island and also through the Green Centre in Douglas.
  16. Charles Flynn
    HAY FEVER SUFFERERS PUTTING HEALTH AT RISK
    Thousands of Isle of Man hay fever sufferers could be taking inappropriate medicines, putting their health at risk. The Isle of Man branch of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) is encouraging people experiencing the symptoms of hay fever to visit their community pharmacist after new research revealed that the public often misdiagnose the condition and fail to get the correct treatment.
     
    Allergic rhinitis, known as hay fever, is a condition which is caused by the pollen of specific seasonal plants, airborne chemicals and dust particles. It is commonly characterised by the symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and itching eyes.
     
    A survey, commissioned by the RPSGB, found that a staggering 73% of people who
    experience these symptoms fail to seek medical advice before selecting a treatment.
    Moreover, the research reveals the damaging effects hay fever can have on sufferers’ quality of life. The research finds that almost 40% of hay fever sufferers become irritable, and a third experience difficultly sleeping. Worryingly, 29% have difficultly concentrating and 14% said their symptoms affected their ability to read – findings which could have significant implications for school children and students, particularly as the hay fever season clashes with exam time. More than one in 10 said they are embarrassed about their appearance and avoid socialising, while one in 20 hay fever sufferers say they avoid leaving the home because of their condition.
     
    Thousands of Island residents are suffering unnecessarily. Pharmacists are trained to advise on the best treatment with the local pharmacy having a large choice of anti-allergy products available. Your local pharmacist will help you to recognise symptoms, identify triggers and select appropriate products. They may suggest some life-style changes to bring relief from hay fever and of course advise about potential side-effects of the medicines you may be taking.
  17. Charles Flynn
    Over five million hay fever sufferers across Britain are putting their health at risk by taking inappropriate medicines for their condition. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) is encouraging sufferers to visit their community pharmacist after new research revealed that the public often misdiagnose their own symptoms and fail to get the correct treatment.
    Some experts are predicting that this year’s hay fever season will be one of the worst ever with birch and grass pollen seasons overlapping, leading to ore people suffering from symptoms earlier in the year.
     
    Hay Fever
    Allergic rhinitis, known as hay fever, is a condition which is caused by the pollen of specific seasonal plants, airborne chemicals and dust particles, which only occur at certain times of the year, in people who are allergic to these substances. Cells on the lining of the nose and eyes release histamine and other chemicals when they come in contact with pollen. This causes inflammation in the nose (rhinitis) and eyes (conjunctivitis). It is commonly characterised by sneezing, runny nose and itching eyes.
     
    Research
    Research was carried out by YouGov between 02-04 April 2008, interviewing 1981 people including 547 hay fever sufferers. The GB population of adults 18+ is (according to ONS) 46,158,100. Therefore the number of hay fever sufferers in Great Britain aged 18 years of age and above (27.59%) is 12,735,019. Of these, 41.95% agreed that they may have been misdiagnosed, which equates to 5,342,340. Full research results are available on request.
     
    Pharmacy role in treatment
    Community Pharmacists currently provide a wide range of services and support to patients with allergic conditions and associated conditions e.g. allergic asthma. Their main role at present is the over the counter diagnosis and supply of medicines to manage mild allergic reactions and skin conditions but recent changes in Government policy is set to extend the role of the local pharmacist to increase the role of pharmacists in the management of allergic conditions. With over a third (35%) of hay fever sufferers saying that they go to their doctor to treat their symptoms, the new role of the pharmacy is expected to help improve the health of thousands of people as new services are introduced.
     
    General
    • Hay fever can aggravate other conditions, such as asthma, and cause serious health risks.
    • Many people may be suffering unnecessarily.
    • Hay fever (also called seasonal allergic rhinitis) is caused by an allergy to plant pollens.
    • Grass pollen is the most common cause (May to July).
    • The term is sometimes used when allergies are caused by other pollens such as from tree pollens (March to May).
    • Symptoms are due to the immune system reacting to the pollen.
    • Cells on the lining of the nose and eyes release histamine and other chemicals when they come in contact with pollen. This causes inflammation in the nose (rhinitis) and eyes (conjunctivitis).
    Statistics
    • There are almost 13 Million people suffering with hay fever in Great Britain.
    • Over 5 Million hay fever sufferers could be taking inappropriate medication for their condition - putting their health at risk – after misdiagnosing themselves.
    • 2 in 5 people suffer with irritability.
    • 29% have difficultly concentrating.
    • 1 in 3 have difficultly sleeping due to their symptoms.
    • 1 in 10 are embarrassed about their appearance and avoid socialising.
    • 14% have problems reading (implications for school children in particular).
    • 4% said their symptoms affected their sex life.
    • 73% of people who experience these symptoms fail to seek medical advice before selecting a treatment.
    • 1 in 20 avoid leaving their home because of the condition.
    • £87.6million spent on OTC medications in 2006 – a rise of 17% from the previous year.
    • The proportion of children diagnosed with hay fever or allergic rhinitis tripled between the early 1970s and early 1990s.
     
    Pharmacy Messages:
    • Pharmacists are highly trained health care professionals and experts in medicines. They can play a significant role in symptom management.
     
    Advice for sufferers:
    • Keep windows and doors shut if it gets too warm and try drawing the curtains to keep out the sun and keep the temperature down.
    • Avoid cutting grass, playing or walking in grassy areas and camping.
    • Change clothes and take a shower after being outdoors to remove the pollen on your body.
    • Wear wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes.
    • Keep car windows closed and consider buying a pollen filter for air vents.
    • Vacuum and dust regularly and avoid fresh flowers.
    • Keep pets out of the house during hay fever season and make sure any pollen on their coats is removed.
    • Do not smoke as it irritates the lining of your nose, eyes, throat and airways – which can make symptoms worse.
    Treatments
    • Antihistamines – inhibit the release of histamines, which are released during an allergic reaction and cause symptoms.
    • Steroids – reduce inflammation in the nose of eyes.
    • Sodium Cromoglycate – prevents allergic reactions in nose and eyes.
    • Decongestants – can unblock the nose.
    • Desensitisation – a form of vaccine against pollen.
  18. Charles Flynn
    I have had an email from Roger Tomlinson about the Positive Action Group forthcoming talk. Roger says:
     
    For our next event P A G is indeed fortunate in the choice of speaker.
    It is one of the U K's foremost political thinkers, Prof. Colin Hay of the
    University of Sheffield, where he is Professor of Political Analysis.
     
     
    His most recent book "Why We Hate Politics" forms the basis of the talk.
     
     
    Last month Colin shared a platform at a packed meeting with Nick Clegg,
    Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
     
     
    Colin enthuses about coming over here and learning about our system
    of government so please do try and make him feel welcome by coming
    along Monday 21st April 2008, 7.30 p.m., Sefton Hotel, Douglas.
     
     
    It is the week of our Local Elections so it is apposite to consider what we
    feel about politics and why there seems to be disaffection with the political
    process generally.
     
     
     
    If you are interested please contact:
    W Roger Tomlinson - Chair
    www.positiveactiongroup.org
     
    Monday, April 21st 2008
     
    7.30 p.m. Sefton Hotel, Douglas
     
    "Why We Hate Politics"
     
    A talk by Professor Colin Hay
  19. Charles Flynn
    Green Mann Directory Launch at Neb Café
     
    The Green Mann directory was launched at a function this evening . 10,000 copies have been printed and will be on sale for £1.50 at newsagents from Friday.
     
    Charles Flynn, Chairman of Island21 said:
     
    Ladies and Gentlemen,
    It is a great pleasure to see all of you here this evening for the launch of the Green Mann Directory for low impact living. Currently in this country we need three planets to maintain our current lifestyles. There are urgent issues to sort out for future generations.
     
    It was about two years ago that I first met Waveney Jenkins. She came to one of our regular Island21 meetings held in the DOLGE offices as she sees issues around sustainability - the protection of our environment, the maintenance of biodiversity, recycling and all the other countless issues such as climate change together with their economic and social implications are global issues which must be addressed to a large extent by local communities.
     
    Waveney and a wonderful group of people striving to do their bit on environmental concerns had met at the Neb café and had decided that a Green Directory would be a most helpful step in encouraging our island to do their part. Since then other people have got involved - some of them are well known to most of us, others have quietly given their time and talents to accomplish what we are here to launch today.
     
    On your behalf I thank all of them - those who have put together the Directory,Dympna Connolly, Muriel Garland, Tony Garland, Alice Quayle, Ffinlo Costain, Phillippa Williams, Frank Schuengel and others who have sent in ideas and made suggestions, those of you who have worked significantly on green issues and are mentioned in the directory - individuals, organisations, government.. I should particularly like to thank all our hardworking team at Island21 who have faithfully supported our work on sustainability. I must mention especially two people amongst so many. Our good friend Martin Hall at DOLGE who has provided a door to Government and once again Muriel Garland who has for many years done so much to keep the show on the road with all her efficiency and conscientiousness. I do not know what would have happened without this support. I have appreciated it for the seven years in which I have been involved and especially for my five years as Chair. There is still much to do - in fact as long as we humans inhabit the planet there will be work to do - going forward for countless generations.
     
    I hope some of you here this evening will sign up to help with Island21 or if you are not already a member with at least one of the brilliant organisations which work to make this island a better place.
     
    Finally but not least I should like to thank our sponsors, The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce who provided the initial funding for the Directory, DOLGE and DAFF who have come up with a significant sum to fund the booklet and also our anonymous donors. Moreover this evening we have had some wonderful help from Cath Foley and her team at the Neb Café here who have laid on the hospitality and also Shoprite who have freely supplied the organic wine.
     
    It only now remains for me to ask Valerie Fowler, Marketing Manager of DAFF and John Shimmin on behalf of DAFF and DOLGE to step forward and help Waveney untie these parcels of the catalogues so that they can be circulated throughout the island from Friday.
     
    I suggest we raise our glasses for a job well done and for further success in the years ahead.
     
    The Green Mann!
  20. Charles Flynn
    CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
     
    Between May 11 - 17 are seven days of fundraising that make a real difference to the lives of millions of people in developing countries as we help them help themselves out of poverty.
     
    Last year we raised an amazing £40,000 on the Island matched £1 for £1 by the Government, and this year we need your help to do even better.
     
    This year we are aiming to raise £42,564 from the Isle of Man public to help 7,500 in 10 remote villages in a neglected region east of Mavinga in Southern Angola. We are hoping the IOM Government’s Overseas Aid Committee will again generously approve a matching grant bringing the total to £85,000. This will be spent to improve food supplies (seed banks, new crops) as well as improving health by cleaner water (digging a well in each of the villages) and by training midwives. The project also includes mine awareness training and adult literacy.
     
    Almost half of Angola's population is under the age of 15 and life expectancy is only 41 years. It has the third highest child mortality rate in the world with one in four children dying before their fifth birthday. This year Angola celebrates five years of peace but the road to full recovery will take much longer. It will need international assistance for many years to come.
     
    Christian Aid has supported local organisations in Angola since 1985. It has classified Angola as a priority country as so much of its infrastructure has been destroyed. The work focuses on ensuring the government deliver on its promises to invest in infrastructure and development, the prevention of the spread of HIV and helping poor communities to improve their standard of living.
     
    So give Christian Aid a hand and donate what you can.
     
     
    Your valuable contribution to Christian Aid Week really will make a difference where the need is greatest.
  21. Charles Flynn
    THOUSANDS RISKING
    HOLIDAY HEALTH HELL NEW RESEARCH SHOWS
    New research released by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) today
    reveals 81% of Brits fall ill while on holiday – and many of them risk taking overseas
    medications without understanding the instructions, possible side-effects or dosage.
    The majority of holiday-makers have experienced common ailments like sunburn, insect bites,
    headache, upset stomach or diarrhoea while abroad. Despite this, most spend about £95 on
    new swimming costumes, clothes and make-up in preparation for their trip, but less than £20
    on basic healthcare items like pain killers, sun cream, insect repellent and condoms – products
    all readily available in pharmacies.
    Topping the list of holiday spoilers is sunburn, with half of all holiday-makers (49% of women
    and 57% men) suffering the easily prevented discomfort.
    A third (31%) have experienced diarrhoea and 43% suffered with an upset stomach. Almost
    one in five (17%) have experienced cold and flu symptoms and motion sickness.
    The irritation of insect bites affected more than half, and 18% were struck down with a bout of
    vomiting. One in 20 have had infected wounds while abroad.
    David Pruce, RPSGB Director of Practice and Quality Improvement, said: “It’s understandable
    that people going on holiday don’t think about their healthcare needs, but travelling abroad can
    expose you to health risks that don’t pose the same threat at home. By going away
    unprepared, you risk your family ending up in holiday hell
     
     
    “Pharmacists can advise you of the dangers and provide useful tips on how to keep your family
    healthy on holiday. They are a fantastic one-stop-shop resource – aside from being able to buy
    your holiday healthcare items, you can also access free, expert advice, without the need to
    make an appointment.
    “Making a quick trip to the pharmacy to organise your holiday health needs can make a big
    difference to what kind of holiday you have – helping ensure you and your family stay well.
    Pharmacies often operate outside normal opening hours and are located on the high streets,
    so you could easily pop in and sort out a healthcare kit while shopping for a new swimming
    costume.
     
     
    Survey
    Research was carried out online by YouGov from 29 May – 2 June 2008. The total sample size
    was 2,197 adults. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults
    (aged 18+).
    The survey shows that 53% of Brits abroad have suffered from sunburn (49% women versus
    57% men), a third (31%) experienced a bout of diarrhoea, 43% have suffered with an upset
    stomach, and almost one in five (17%) have experienced cold and flu symptoms and motion
    sickness. Over half have endured the irritation of insect bites, whilst a poorly 18% have
    experienced a vomiting bug and one in 20 have had infected wounds while abroad.
    The research reveals that seven out of 10 people have bought medication abroad to treat their
    condition or illness, and:
    • One in 10 18–25 year olds claim to have guessed the dosage
    • One in 10 said they did not fully understand the healthcare professional they spoke to
    • 20% of people bought medication off the shelf without seeking professional advice
    • 28% bought medication abroad as they thought they recognised the packaging
    • One in 20 bought medication without professional advice as they were in a hurry
    • Almost one in 10 (8%) admitted that they were unaware of the possible side-effects of
    the medication they bought
    • One in 12 people took medication without understanding the possible side-effects
    • One in 20 didn’t finish the course of medication once they returned home
     
    So please contact your local pharmacist.
  22. Charles Flynn
    CHLAMYDIA TREATMENT IN PHARMACIES WILL DELIVER
    CONVENIENT CARE FOR PATIENTS
    The decision by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to
    approve the reclassification of azithromycin for the treatment of chlamydia infection will mean
    convenient and effective care for patients, said the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great
    Britain (RPSGB). Azithromycin, currently licensed as a prescription-only medicine, is expected
    to be available for sale from pharmacies without a prescription later this year.
    Azithromycin is the first oral antibiotic to be approved for reclassification. It will be available for
    people 16 years and over if they have tested positive for the infection through an approved
    standard test and have no symptoms. It will also be available for their sexual partners.
    Charles Flynn, Secretary of the Isle of Man Branch of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain,
    said: "Local pharmacists do a tremendous professional job in advising about the provision of sexual health services.
    These days it is more important than ever for people to be able to access prompt and confidential
    advice when a problem occurs. Reclassifying azithromycin will expand on existing services and improve access
    to chlamydia screening and treatment for patients.
    "Chlamydia infection rates are increasing, particularly in those under 25 years of age. The
    development of appropriate sexual health services for this group should result in higher rates
    of detection of sexually transmitted infections and improved awareness of the importance of
    practising safe sex."
     
    p.s. Extra information:
     
    Some people do not want to go to their doctor or the GUM clinic. In this case they will be able to buy a Chlamydia testing kit - Clamelle is the name of it - from the pharmacy and with a sample of urine obtain the result from a lab. The cost of this will be £25. Then if the the result for chlamydia is positive, and the pharmacist can confirm it from the suppliers computer data base, they can purchase Clamelle tablets from the pharmacy(not necessarily the same one) provided they are over 16 and the pharmacist is satisfied it is appropriate and safe for them, and take the single dose course for treatment. The cost of this is expected to be £20.
     
    I hope that the DHSS will put some money into the service, so reducing this cost or even eliminationg it all together.
  23. Charles Flynn
    MEN’S MACHO ATTITUDE COULD COST 40,000 LIVES PER YEAR Community pharmacy could hold the key to saving the lives of 40,000 men every year*. New research from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) could shed light on the reasons behind the poor state of men’s health in Britain. The RPSGB commissioned study, designed to discover how men’s attitudes might affect their healthcare, revealed that 59% of men are reluctant to ask for help and only seek medical advice if they are ‘very ill or in great pain’. This factor is compounded by their commitment to looking macho and could contribute towards reducing their life expectancy by up to five years*. The research showed that almost two in five men (39%) believe that crying during films is not a manly trait, and one in six claimed that revealing a vulnerable side to their partner was a not anoption for them. Under general circumstances, asking for help is considered not to be a macho characteristic, particularly when changing a tyre (33%), requiring directions (13%) or needing medical advice (7%). One in seventeen men (6%) revealed that they believe they will beconsidered ‘soft’ if seeking medical help and one in seven (14%) were afraid of what they might be told. Despite men’s life expectancy in comparison to women’s improving over the last 20 years, the gap decreasing from 5.8 years to 4.3 years**, there is still a significant difference between the sexes. If men looked after themselves better and their life expectancy was as high aswomen’s, it is estimated that 40,000 less men would die each year. David Pruce, the RPSGB’s Director of Policy, said:
     
    “Men’s health has been improving over the last 20 years and this is very much down to a change in habits – men are smoking less and paying much better attention to their diets. What we need now is a change in attitude. Men need to snap out of the ‘big boys don’t cry’ mind-set and start taking health problems seriously. “The statistics show that the greatest threat to a man’s health is still himself! We really need to get men into the habit of getting themselves checked out by a health professional moreregularly. Men are at much greater risk than women of developing chronic illnesses like heart and respiratory disease – partly due to not being diagnosed early enough. “Men are often reluctant to visit their GP but visit a pharmacy quite regularly to pick up everyday essentials like aftershave, condoms and vitamins. While they are there, guys should speak to their pharmacist and ask them for advice or a health check – it’s so easy. There is no need for an appointment and most have private consultation rooms for discreet assessments. “The pharmacy is a great place to start. It’s free and they will always refer people to a GP if necessary.
     
    Charles Flynn, Secretary of the IOM Branch of The Royal Pharmaceuticl Society says:"It is a very important message affecting men and their families. The pharmacy is easy and convenient to go to and the pharmacist and his/her staff are keen to help and improve the health and the life expectancy of men. All advice is professional and freely available. It is confidential. Please men, take advantage of your local pharmacy. I promise it will be time well spent on the most important person in your life -YOU".
     
    Men’s health – the facts**: • Five thousand people are severely injured in accidents every year in the UK, 75% of them men. Males also score heavily in other indicators of aggression and rebellion - four times as many take their own lives compared to women and men make up 88% ofall drug offenders
    • Men are more likely than women to be overweight and the majority of men are tooheavy: 45% are medically defined as overweight and an additional 17% as obese • 28% of men still smoke • 27% of men drink alcohol at a level that could be harmful to their health • The suicide rate among men is increasing. The rate has doubled among 15–24 year olds in the past 25 years• Men are more likely than women to be mentally ill • Compared to the wider population, Indian, Bangladeshi, Black, Caribbean and Irishmen are at greater risk of heart disease and stroke
    Men’s health case studyA case study, Pharmacists convince men to take health seriously, is available via http://www.rpsgb.org/pdfs/pharmcasestudymenshealth.pdf, outlining the work of pharmacy in men’s health at Knowlsey Primary Care Trust, Merseyside.
     
    About the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) The RPSGB is the professional and regulatory body for pharmacists in England, Scotland and Wales. It also regulates pharmacy technicians on a voluntary basis, which is expected to become statutory under anticipated legislation. The primary objectives of the RPSGB are to lead, regulate, develop and represent the profession of pharmacy.The RPSGB leads and supports the development of the profession within the context of the public benefit. This includes the advancement of science, practice, education and knowledge in pharmacy. In addition, it promotes the profession’s policies and views to a range of external stakeholders in a number of different forums. Following the publication in 2007 of the Government White Paper Trust, Assurance and Safety - The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century, the RPSGB is working towards the demerger of its regulatory and professional roles. This will see the establishment of a new General Pharmaceutical Council and a new professional body for pharmacy in 2010. Website: www.rpsgb.orgRPSGB research Original RPSGB research carried out by YouGov between 10 – 13 October, interviewing 1981 UK adults (951 men and 1030 women). Raw data available on request. References*Office for National Statistics. 2005 figures show by age 80 there are 143,238 male deaths and 104,539 female deaths (male excess 38699) **Sources: NHS Direct, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk; Men’s Health Forum, www.menshealthforum.org.uk
  24. Charles Flynn
    Generally this would be welcomed by the profession as really it is just another extension of our present role.
     
     
    Pharmacists are experts in medicines and have a track record of supplying medicines such as emergency hormonal oral contraception over-the-counter and via Patient Group Directions.
     
    They already have the clinical skills and expertise that will help them provide information and advice to women to ensure the appropriate use of oral contraception.
     
    Supplying the oral contraceptive via a Patient Group Direction will widen and improve patient choice, access and convenience.
     
    Community pharmacies are easily accessible with no need for an appointment and located in places where people live, work and shop. Pharmacies also have convenient opening hours, often including the evenings and weekends when GP surgeries are closed.
     
    Regarding the necessary health checks, such as blood pressure testing and healthy lifestyle checks, these are already a part of pharmacist’s extended role.
     
    There is a pilot study in London ready to start next year so if this is successful it is likely at some stage it will happen on the island.
  25. Charles Flynn
    Like millions throughout the world I worshipped the Birth of Christ at Christ-mass last evening. The number of families of ordinary people joining in the celebrations over Advent and Christmas reveals that on this island those who deny Christ's message and portray people of faith as deluded are portraying a picture of island life which does not reflect the true picture.
     
    Christ is Alive!
     
    More than ever His message of love is needed. We should not live for ourselves but for others, sharing with our neighbours the gifts we have been given. Be thankful for your gifts and for those given to others.
     
    We can give thanks in the words of ’A Christmas Prayer’ by Robert Louis Stevenson:
     
    Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
    That we may share in the song of the angels,
    The gladness of the shepherds,
    And worship of the wise men.
    Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
    May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
     
    May you and yours enjoy a Joyful and Blessed Christmas.
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