News & Views: Articles

What is World Narcolepsy Day? World Narcolepsy Day is recognised on 22 September every year [1]. Established in 2019 by 24 patient advocacy organisations, World Narcolepsy Day aims to raise awareness of narcolepsy to help reduce diagnostic delays, decrease stigma and improve outcomes [1]. What is narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a rare, chronic neurological condition that impairs the ability …

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Psoriasis is a common inflammatory disease that affects around 1.8 million people in the UK and 125 million people worldwide. August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, an event that aims to educate people about the disease, its causes and the various treatment methods available [1, 2]. Psoriasis presents as scaly plaques on the skin [3]. Although psoriasis primarily affects …

Continue reading “Shining a light on psoriasis: Beneath the surface of a chronic autoimmune condition”

  As we continue to strive towards more sustainable practices in our work, the Environmental Team at Porterhouse is eager to raise awareness for an initiative that aligns with our ISO 14001 certification in Environmental Management and objectives to reduce our carbon footprint and be kinder to our planet: Plastic-Free July. Every year, millions of …

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  World Sickle Cell Day (19 June) is observed annually with the aim of increasing public knowledge of sickle cell disease, and the challenges experienced by patients, their families and caregivers. To help improve understanding of sickle cell disease, our article looks at the pathology of the disease, its prevalence and available treatment. Sickle cell disease …

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  Many of us know someone living with diabetes. It is a major public health concern, with 4.3 million people diagnosed in the UK alone [1]. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas cannot produce insulin at all [2]. Type 2 diabetes (which represents 90% of diabetes cases in the UK [1]) develops over …

Continue reading “Diabetes Awareness Week: Spotlight on diabetic retinopathy”

  While the positive effects of regular exercise on physical health are widely recognised, not as many people are aware of its impact on mental health. This week (13 to 19 May) for Mental Health Awareness Week, the 2024 theme #MoveYourWay highlights the benefits of exercise on both mental and physical health. At Porterhouse, as …

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  What is lupus? Lupus is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease that affects at least 5 million people worldwide [1]. Multiple organ systems are affected, ranging from relatively mild skin involvement to severe organ damage, such as kidney and heart failure [2]. Although the aetiology of lupus remains poorly understood, interaction between environmental and genetic factors …

Continue reading “Making Lupus Visible: Shining a light on a complex autoimmune disease”

  April 17 is World Hemophilia Day – a day created by the World Federation of Hemophilia to educate people about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of haemophilia, as well as the challenges faced by those living with the condition. Haemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting. [1] Left …

Continue reading “World Hemophilia Day: The importance of equitable access for all”

  8 March is International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion and encourages people around the world to share the importance of women’s inclusion whether it’s in the workplace, in decision making or in society in general. According to the official IWD website: “When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge …

Continue reading “Gender Inclusion in Scientific Authorship: The only way is up! “

  What is Rare Disease Day? Rare Disease Day represents the global movement aiming to improve equity in healthcare, social opportunity, and diagnostic and therapeutic access for the estimated 300 million people living with a rare disease worldwide [1]. Celebrated on the last day of February each year (the rarest day for leap years, such …

Continue reading “Rare Disease Day 2024: A spotlight on lysosomal storage disorders”

  At Porterhouse, as a global agency delivering insight-driven healthcare communication services, we understand that to have a positive impact on the lives of patients and healthcare professionals, it’s essential to have a diverse workforce that represents the world that we live in. We are proud therefore to support International Women and Girls in Science …

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  As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to consume the world’s attention and resources, a looming and burgeoning global catastrophe is emerging alongside: antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or ‘the silent pandemic’. What are antimicrobials and AMR? Antimicrobials are drugs that are prescribed to prevent and treat infectious diseases. Antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics are collectively referred to …

Continue reading “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together”