Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Positive test results for tuberculosis (TB) at a Llanelli school has prompted the offer of a screening of all pupils and staff. In October and December, 339 pupils and 100 members of staff at Ysgol y Strade were screened for TB, as part of investigations by Public Health Wales and the Hywel Dda Health Board. This occurred after a staff member was diagnosed with the infection. Following theses screening sessions, six pupils and three members of staff gave positive blood test results. For more on this story, click on the link in the headline for the Llanelli Star.

Carmarthenshire Council staff are being invited to take part in a round of health screenings to assess their risks of developing osteoporosis, prostate cancer and heart problems. The health screenings are being organised by the council’s Occupational Health Unit as part of its commitment to keeping the workforce healthy. The assessments include an ultrasound bone density heel scan - particularly useful in women, who are more prone to developing osteoporosis. The simple three-minute scan measures bone density profile and provide a good indication of the risk of suffering hip fractures later in life. Male staff aged 45 and over, are being offered a finger-prick blood test which measures the presence and concentration of prostate specific antigen in their circulation. There will also be cardiovascular assessments which give an estimate of the degree of artery wall damage in the coronary vessels of the heart using a standard blood pressure device. Any real health issues that come to light ...