Sunlight offers numerous benefits to our mental and physical well-being, from brightening our mood to boosting vitamin D production. However, it is essential to remember that excessive, unprotected sun exposure can lead to skin damage and skin cancer. The importance of sun protection While sunlight can have positive effects on our mental health and overall …
Type 2 diabetes is a growing health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. In the UK alone, 4.3 million people are living with the condition, and an additional 2.4 million are at risk of developing it. The good news is that making better dietary choices and implementing lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the likelihood of …
Meagan Good, an actor, director, and activist, has partnered with FORCE, SHARE, Black Health Matters, and Eisai Inc. to raise awareness about endometrial cancer, the most prevalent type of uterine cancer. People of all generations and cultures will be empowered by the initiative to detect symptoms early on when they may be more treatable. Meagan …
Tinnitus is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is the perception of sounds coming from within the body rather than from an external source. Although it may be irritating and affect daily life, it is rarely a sign of a severe underlying problem. This blog post will explore tinnitus, its causes, …
The birth of the National Health Service (NHS) on 5 July 1948 marked a pivotal moment in British history. It was a bold and pioneering initiative that aimed to make healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status. The creation of the NHS was the culmination of years of hard work and a vision …
A story is doing the rounds on Facebook about a female student in Kenya who claims to have infected a total of 324 men with HIV on a revenge tip. According to the Kenyan Daily Post, the woman shared her story on the Kenyan Scandals Facebook page. They say she sent her story to their …
Genital mutilation (FGM) must be treated as child abuse and referred to the police a new report drawn up by professional bodies representing midwives, nurses, gynaecologists, and obstetricians advises The document states that the National Health Service (NHS) should also start systematically recording data on all FGM cases and share information with social services, schools …
Women who work night shifts for 30 years or more are more than twice at risk of developing breast cancer, says a new Canadian study. The research, led by Queen’s University in Kingston found that nurses, care workers, call-centre handlers, cleaners, some shop workers, and others who work night shifts for a long time can …
Electronic cigarettes are to be classed as medicines under new proposals to tighten up the regulation of nicotine-containing products. From 2016, they will be licensed and regulated as an aid to quit smoking. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that use a liquid-filled cartridge that can contain mint, vanilla or other flavourings. The contents are vaporised into …
A new study shows gene flaws that raise the risk of breast cancer are surprisingly common in black women with the disease. This is the first comprehensive testing in this racial group. The study found that one-fifth of these women have BRCA mutations, a problem usually associated with women of Eastern European Jewish descent but …
The father of Amy Winehouse will launch a major new drug and alcohol education programme today. Mitch Winehouse will demand changes to the way children are taught about drugs and alcohol in school. Mitch Winehouse has warned that a generation of children are being put at risk by “woefully underfunded” drug and alcohol education. Mr …
In the wake of the horsemeat scandal, new research has revealed a link between eating too much processed meat and premature death. Some 3% of all premature deaths may be due to the consumption of too much processed meat, the study suggests. Processed meats include sausages, bacon, ham, salami and pepperoni. The study involved almost …
Dentists are misleading patients into paying for treatment that is covered by the NHS, a major investigation has found. According to a report by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), around 500,000 patients a year are given inaccurate information by dentists about their entitlement to some procedures on the NHS. As a result they may …
New evidence has emerged that suggests chemicals routinely found in the environment could be damaging fertility in some men, the BBC reports. Scientists in Scotland and France found that fertility in a subset of men could be affected by chemicals such as those from cosmetics, detergents and pollutants. Some chemicals in the environment can interfere …
Doctors in Peta, Uganda are appealing for help to save the life of a boy suffering from a rare condition which caused his legs to swell up and resemble those of an elephant. Vincent Oketch is fighting for his life after developing a flesh-eating infection which could prove fatal if it remains untreated. The Mirror …
A horrifying investigation by The Sunday Times has revealed that as many as 100,000 women in Britain have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) with medical practitioners in the UK, some of whom have performed the extremely illegal procedure on girls as young as 10. Practitioners willing to perform the procedure or willing to set up …
HIV/AIDS is a huge epidemic in our community regardless of sexuality. Earl’s Post-Prison Playdate was created as part of an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign addressing lifestyle issues affecting our community. The film explores the risky behaviour of black men once they leave prison. Fresh from the prison, a virile young ex-con returns home with newfound sexual …
As children of the swinging sixties grow up, the number of older people who admit they take illegal drugs has risen dramatically, a study has found. Until now, illicit drug use has not been common in older people. However, it is likely to become more common as generations that use drugs more frequently reach an …
Aspirin has a proven ability to prevent cancer which should be factored into new patient guidelines, according to the British lead author of a major new study. Professor Peter Rothwell believes the evidence shows aspirin’s anti-cancer benefits may be bigger than its protective effect on the heart and arteries. His research, published in two Lancet …
Women who have regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer are more likely to survive if they are ever diagnosed with the disease, a new Swedish study suggests. The researchers found a 92% cure rate after a smear test diagnosis, compared with 66% for symptoms-based diagnoses. The study in bmj.com looked at all women …
A new smartphone app shows how awful you could look in 10 years if you exceed the weekly alcohol limit. The “drinking time machine” app has been designed to shock people, especially women, into cutting down on their drinking. It can be downloaded free as part of the Scottish Government’s Alcohol Behaviour Change campaign, which …
The Government have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer. The first campaign of its type in England – Be Clear on Cancer – says people should not “flush away” their toilet worries. It urges anyone who has blood in their stools or loose stools for more than three weeks …
If you have ever wondered why you are so ratty in the morning, a bad night’s sleep or lack of sleep could be the cause. A wellness expert has emphasised the importance of sleep in maintaining optimum health and wellbeing. Marianne J Davey, director of the British Snoring & Sleep Apnea Association, said a good …
Health campaigners are calling for an “absurd loophole” on tobacco advertising to be closed by changing the law so cigarettes are sold in plain boxes. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) made the plea after research found that just over 25% of regular smokers aged 16 to 25 thought a branded cigarette pack was less harmful …
