Resources

Hypercholesterolaemia, typically characterised by elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, remains a significant modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Before pharmacological intervention, UK guidelines emphasise the importance of making lifestyle changes — especially dietary modification — which can yield clinically meaningful reductions in cholesterol levels. This article equips community nurses with practical, evidence-based nutritional strategies to support patients in managing hypercholesterolaemia. Key areas include increasing dietary fibre intake and striving towards a Mediterranean-style diet. Controversies around saturated fat, seed oils, and dietary cholesterol are addressed through a nuanced, food-matrix lens. The article also explores the roles of phytosterols, cooking oils, coffee, and body weight in lipid management. With appropriate support, nurses can help patients implement simple, sustainable changes to lower cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Self-care or self- management of health has become essential for sustainability of health and social care services but can be challenging to engage with for several reasons. Frustration can arise when people are unable to self-manage, perhaps through lack of confidence, willingness, outside influences (such as family members), lack of knowledge about a particular condition or procedure, disease symptoms, or even issues with digital inclusion. It can become difficult to work with people where there are barriers to self-management due to lack of time or resources to fully explore and address these alongside the person, or lack of access to professional training for skills such as coaching, which are essential to achieving effective self-management.

Viscopaste and Ichthopaste Bandages and Zipzoc Medicated Stocking have a heritage to be proud of and have been trusted by clinicians for decades to treat patients successfully. But despite their longevity in the armoury of many healthcare professionals, there is often still some uncertainty around product selection, with clinicians asking, ‘how do I know which product to choose for my patient?’ Despite using the products for many years, clinicians and patients are often unable to explain the specific modes of action of zinc oxide and ichthammol. This can result in a knowledge gap in relation to product choice and the healing success that they observe. This feature provides the reader with a better understanding of when it might be desirable to choose one of these products over another. But first, let’s look at the main raw ingredients of zinc oxide and ichthammol.

I work part time for Sutton Health and Care — Sutton community services. I support residents and staff in three supported living homes.

I start the day with the Sutton Health and Care Home Support Team. We review hospital admissions, accident and emergency department attendances and discharges, and arrange to review those individuals. I then add any additional people to my caseload and check if there have been any changes in the health of people I plan to visit. I visit each home on a specific day. I catch up with staff who may refer additional patients.

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative condition and poses significant challenges to an individual’s quality of life (QoL). As the global prevalence of dementia continues to rise, understanding and enhancing QoL for people living with dementia becomes even more 
important. This article explores the concept of QoL in the context of dementia, its application in community nursing practice, and the pivotal role nurses can play in improving QoL. An overview of the challenges, considerations, and evidence-based strategies to improve QoL are explored. Through person-centred care, education and advocacy, community nurses can make a significant difference in supporting the wellbeing and dignity of people living with dementia.