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Health | Health and Fitness

Money worries put Brits at risk of avoidable sight loss

A staggering 75 per cent of Brits are putting off having their sight tested due to concerns over the cost of eyecare, glasses and contact lenses, according to a new survey commissioned by sight charity The Eyecare Trust and healthcare provider Simplyhealth for National Eye Week (9-15 November).

Don’t let illness ruin your family’s winter holiday fun

Whether it’s a nasty cut or scrape from running around outside, a stomach upset from unfamiliar food, or an ear infection from the swimming pool - having a child fall ill whilst on holiday is every parent’s worst nightmare.

Simple remedies to calm kids’ coughs

It can be very upsetting to hear your toddler coughing, especially if it causes them discomfort and disturbs their sleep. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society recommends simple honey and lemon based cough syrups to children over 12 months to help ease and soothe the unpleasant symptoms of a cough and help baby sleep better.

The sore throat advice that’s hard to swallow

Many of us accept that the winter weather goes hand-in-hand with an unwelcome influx of coughs and colds, but statistics reveal that the majority of Britons will actually face the misery of at least two or three bouts this year.

Third of men don’t wash their hands after visiting the toilet

If you need evidence that men truly are the dirtier sex then here it is. A new survey out today on the hand-washing attitudes of the nation has revealed that males are leading the way in unhygienic practices ahead of their female counterparts.

Expanding waistlines also affecting the nation’s eyesight

It is common knowledge that expanding waistlines are linked to life-threatening conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. But many of us are unaware that obesity is also linked to blindness and other serious eye health issues.

Life expectancy at birth remains highest in South of England

Life expectancy at birth in the UK for 2006-08 was highest in the South of England, according to new figures released today by the Office for National Statistics.

British kids ignore basic hygiene rules

High profile campaigns to improve general hygiene are not getting through to British kids according to new figures.

Recession stress equals increased PMS says new survey

Bullies are making life a misery for a third of workers, suggest new statistics. According to The PMS Survey conducted by Magnesium-OK, the nutritional supplement for hormone balance, female bosses are more likely to be to blame than male.

Measles, mumps and rubella: Would you know the symptoms?

If you’re a parent, you’ll know what it's like to feel worried and powerless when your baby or young child is sick. But if they have a high temperature or a rash – at what point should you be concerned that it could be something more serious than a common cold or stomach upset?

Tried and tested stop smoking tips revealed

Pretending to smoke a pencil instead of a cigarette, using a toothpick to keep hands occupied or substituting your fag fix for fun in the bedroom - silly as they might sound, these are just some of the tried-and-tested methods that have proved successful for real-life quitters.

Fabulous at 40

The old adage of ‘being over the hill' in later life may need to be revised as it seems the stresses and strains of modern life is hitting the younger generation the hardest.

A natural solution to hormone imbalance

If your hormones are running wild and you’re seeking ways to regain equilibrium in both body and mind, Perfect Harmony may be for you! Suitable for women of all ages suffering from hormone related issues such as emotional imbalance, PMT or menopausal symptoms, Perfect Harmony is a totally natural herbal formula designed to help stabilise hormones and create a state of balance from within.

Lack of sleep linked with baby blues

A recent survey shows that only one third of new mums get help from their partners when baby wakes at night. Babies waking erratically throughout the night with teething pain can leave mums feeling sleep deprived during the day as they struggle to look after a tired, grizzly baby.

TLC for your immune defences

As we slip into winter, catching a dreaded cold or worse can seem inevitable. While there’s no escaping the fact that we are 80% more likely to catch a cold in winter*, the good news is that our body’s natural defences are designed for tackling such viruses. Keeping your immune system in tip top condition can help you stay one step ahead of those nasty bugs.

The future of caring – know the facts

There are currently six million people across the UK who provide unpaid care to someone they know – a figure that will only increase with Britain’s ageing population.

Less wealth leads to better health for 10m Brits

Ten million people in Britain feel more fit and healthy than they did this time last year as a result of the recession, according to Britain Under Pressure research commissioned by Friends Provident.

NHS to ban use of premium rate call charges

The use of phone numbers that charge the public or patients a premium rate to contact the NHS are to be banned in England, Health Minister Mike O’Brien announced this month.

Top teen concerns are losing weight and fitting in

Today’s teens are most worried about losing weight and fitting in. But more teenagers from low income families worry about bullying, drugs, and smoking compared to peers from high income families.

70,000 lives saved by NHS Stop Smoking Services

At least 70,000 lives have been saved by NHS Stop Smoking Services in the ten years since they were established, according to new figures released this month.

Football to put the boot into cancer

A new scheme supported by football clubs across England will help educate men about the symptoms and risks of ‘male’ cancers and encourage them to present earlier with their symptoms, Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham announced today.

More help for vulnerable families

Young first time mothers are being helped to improve the life chances of their babies and fathers are more involved in the early years of their children’s lives thanks to the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) programme, independent research published today has found.

Helping to change the face of hospital food

With hospital food being the butt of many jokes over the years – and even the focus of a current well-read internet blog - Lifespan Catering Services has well and truly shattered the myth of it being bland and boring.

Leeds supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Leeds Building Society is delighted to support Breast Cancer Campaign by selling pink ribbons throughout October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Over 50s healthcare needs change

Recent research conducted by Saga Health has shown the healthcare needs of the over 50s are changing, with hygiene and cleanliness of hospitals growing in importance over the last two years.

Recession stress equals increased PMS?

The recession could be having a negative impact on women’s emotional and physical wellbeing, according to the PMS Survey* of over 2,000 women by Magnesium-OK, the nutritional supplement for hormone balance.

How breast aware are UK women?

UK women of all ages are being urged throughout October to be more ‘breast aware’ and make sure they regularly check themselves for signs of cancer.

Brits risk health by working through illness

Over half of people living in Britain are so scared of losing their job in the current climate that they are risking their health by working through illness.

Sleep yourself healthy

15 million people in the UK are at risk from health problems associated with lack of sleep. Research at the University of Warwick and University College London has found that sustained sleep deprivation can double the risk of heart problems.

Breastfeeding – what you should know

Breastfeeding is natural and has benefits for both mums and babies. It should be easy and trouble-free, and a good start helps to ensure that it’s a happy experience.

Back to reality – Are you prepared for the new academic year?

The kids are back at school, your house is blissfully quiet, and you can finally turn your thoughts toward necessary household chores that backed up over the summer. But you’re still worried.

Online therapy to boost mental health for silent sufferers

A pioneering project to help people with mental health problems is launched today. The phone line and web site will allow sufferers to contact NHS mental health specialists without the need for a face-to-face meeting. The one year pilot taking place in North Lincolnshire, is among the first of its kind in Britain to offer access to mental health support and treatment through an online NHS therapy clinic.

Retirement home gets residents digging with a new garden

Residents at a care home in Reigate are digging for victory again with a £10,000 garden designed to keep them young at heart. A sensory garden, meadow, fountain and back-friendly raised borders will be unveiled this Saturday at Priors Mead Retirement Home, Reigate.

The importance of good digestive health

This week is the UK’s 11th annual Gut Week (24th–30th August), which aims to raise awareness of gut disorders and the importance of good digestive health.

How to find the right contraceptive for you

With the myriad of contraceptive choices now available to modern women, finding the right one for you and your body is not always easy. Whether you’re returning to using contraception after having kids, or are keen to ensure you do not have a baby when you are not ready, it is important to choose the right one for you and your body.

Arthritis in children – Know the facts

Arthritis is often thought of as a condition that affects only older people. Yet in fact 27,000 young people under 25 live with the disease in the UK. About three quarters of children who get ongoing arthritis are girls, most often developing their symptoms between the ages of two and six.

Baby blues for new parents

Conflicting advice and peer pressure leaves new parents spending the first year feeling confused and isolated, according to a new study.

Stars come out for Reigate retirement home

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has awarded Priors Mead retirement home in Reigate with an ‘excellent three star rating’ – the highest possible in the industry.

Over 65s urged to review their medication

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain is urging older people to review the medication they are taking, as new research released by the Society reveals that millions of over 65s in Britain are taking a cocktail of medicines without fully understanding what they are, or the side effects they may be suffering from.

Simple measures keep older people fit and healthy

Simple measures such as good footcare, sight tests and light exercise can help older people live better, Care Service Minister Phil Hope said today as he launched the Older People’s Prevention Package.

How Mandy Smith got her health back on track

Body Energy is a unique treatment which has helped model and make-up artist Mandy Smith to get her health back on track. For over 20yrs Mandy suffered ill health which, at one stage, saw her weight plummet to a mere 5.5 stone.

Awareness campaign launched as measles rises

Measles vaccination rates are still far lower than levels needed to protect the population. This is despite the finding of a new Department of Health survey that over 90 per cent of parents are aware it is the best way to protect their child.

NHS apprenticeships to boost jobs for young people

Health Secretary Andy Burnham has announced NHS organisations will receive a total of £25 million to create 5,000 new NHS apprenticeships by March 2010.

Driving Luton to go smoke free

Luton Borough Council and Luton Stop Smoking Services (LSSS) have joined forces to deliver a new project, which aims to keep commercial vehicles in the town smoke free and raise awareness of the health risks of smoking.

UK teenagers turning to alcohol to relieve boredom

British teenagers are turning to alcohol to relieve boredom according to a new survey launched this week by alcohol charity Drinkaware. Nearly one in 10 young people aged 16 and 17 (8 per cent) drink at least once a week simply because they are bored*.

‘Dodgy Cigs’ roadshow visits Staffordshire

This weekend the Stop Smoking Service will show smokers in Newcastle-under-Lyme they are getting more than they bargain for if they buy ‘dodgy’ tobacco products.

Should alternative therapy practitioners be regulated?

A consultation on whether, and if so, how, practitioners of acupuncture, herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine should be regulated was launched this week by the Department of Health.

Women encouraged to consider financial implications of cancer

We all worry about our health to a certain degree, but when it comes to more serious issues such as cancer it’s still easy to take an ‘out-of-sight, out-of-mind’ approach. While many of us will know a female friend or family member who has been affected by the disease, we may still think it will never happen to us.

Tom Shanklin ‘drop kicks’ his way to perfect vision

Welsh Rugby Union and Lions star, Tom Shanklin, is looking forward to the start of the new season following successful vision correction surgery with laser eye specialist, Ultralase, in Cardiff.

Less support for smoking ban in pubs than in restaurants

When it comes to legally stopping smoking in public places there is less customer support for a ban in pubs than in areas such as restaurants.

Brits unaware of the signs of skin cancer

With many British families packing for their annual summer holiday, basking Britons could face a cloud on the horizon this summer with many unaware of how to check for skin cancer, research from Friends Provident reveals.

National Pandemic Flu Service goes live

A new self-care service which will give people with pandemic swine flu symptoms fast access to antivirals was launched today by Health Secretary Andy Burnham.

The Siberian secret to stress-free living

With 13.5 million working days lost as a result of stress last year, it seems anxiety comes hand in hand with our hectic modern lifestyles. But as our stress levels soar, help could be found in a traditional herbal medicine that has been celebrated for its ability to help deal with physical and emotional stress for over 2,000 years.

Health MOTs cause concern on check-up from Which?

Private health checks or ‘MOTs' can be poor value for money and could even be bad for people's health, according to an investigation by Which?

Are family pets good for child development?

Owning a pet can help children learn vital life skills according to new research out today. Half of Brits think that having a companion, such as a cat, dog, rabbit, fish, hamster or reptile around the house helps to teach kids lessons in responsibility.

Keeping older people fit and healthy

UK’s top summer pain hot spots

Nationwide research released today has identified the UK’s summer pain hot-spots, with Portsmouth, Newquay and Bournemouth the cities that locals themselves rate as the biggest pains in the country.

Sun, sea, sand and seaweed

When we’re in need of relaxation, the first thing we usually think of is booking a holiday, because we know soaking in the sunshine and dipping our toes in the sea will help us to unwind.

Summertime slumber

Many of us associate the winter with dark mornings that make it difficult to wake up, but in reality a good night’s sleep can be more elusive during the summer months.

Don’t be too vein to look after your piles

As we reach, or look forward to retirement for a rest, our veins continue the busy job of returning blood to the heart. Did you know that veins can weaken as we age? Haemorrhoids and varicose veins are both a result of veins weakening and could stand in your way of enjoying your retirement.

Support for people who care for friends or family

Carers across the country will be given better access to healthchecks, more support from the NHS and more opportunities to take time off thanks to a £16 million demonstration programme announced by Care Services Minister Phil Hope today.

Embarrassment leads to taking health risks

A shocking 1 in 10 people say they have had unprotected sex because they were too embarrassed to buy condoms from a pharmacy. This disconcerting statistic is the finding of latest research by new online pharmacy mastersdirect.com, revealing people’s opinions about their most embarrassing health problems.

Time to rest your legs?

Do you have legs that twitch when trying to relax or sleep and often painful sensations creating an overwhelming urge to move? You are not alone. This is a problem affecting over 1.5 million people in the UK alone (thought to be a conservative estimate with figures of over double believed to be more realistic) who suffer from a condition known as Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).

Be prepared for summer health hazards

Though most of us love the summer – especially with the heat wave weather we’ve been having – living in a hot hazy climate either here or abroad is also associated with a range of holiday health horrors that can leave us ill-equipped to enjoy the weather.

APOS Treatment available in the UK for the first time

Bupa is making APOS Treatment for knee and lower back pain available in the UK for the first time. The breakthrough treatment can eliminate the need for prescription pain relief for seven out of 10 people.

Shingles – Speed of diagnosis is critical says MediCare

Most people have had Chickenpox – usually when they are children, and sometimes they are deliberately exposed to it, the main reason being because it is thought to be preferable to have Chickenpox early on in life so children can build an immunity to the infection.