Thank heavens the Liverpool Care Pathway has been abandoned. It was designed to transfer the standards of care for the dying from hospices to hospitals but it has failed abysmally. Many relatives discovered that all treatment had been stopped without warning, … Read More
Study reveals one in nine men will die of a heart attack before they reach age 70
The frightening truth is that sudden cardiac death claims thousands of lives each year. Furthermore, it’s most likely to strike people with no symptoms and no history of heart disease. And the scary stats from a US study are that one in … Read More
Childbirth can be terrifying and women need more help in dealing with their fears
A certain amount of fear of childbirth is normal. Even as a doctor I was anxious about the outcome of my labour, especially the well-being of my babies. Plus, until you’ve done it once it’s a journey into the unknown. Even … Read More
Painful skin conditions can ruin your life – but help is at hand
When I was a practising dermatologist, I worked on a research project looking at the common skin condition nettle rash or hives, known in its chronic form as chronic urticaria. Classically nettle rash, the kind you get after being stung … Read More
How fasting reduces the chance of breast cancer returning by a THIRD
There’s lots of evidence that fasting for short periods (no longer than 24 hours) is good for you. If you fast regularly you have less chance of a heart attack, stroke or cancer. What’s going on here is that fasting gives … Read More
1.2 million dying patients treated when there’s no real benefit
There are a lot of people like me who would not want any heroic measures from doctors as death draws near. We prefer nature to take its course. But so great is pressure from families to keep their loved one … Read More
Aspirin could slash bowel cancer risk by up to a fifth, say scientists
How can a chemical as simple as aspirin have so many medical uses? Beats me, but here’s another. Anyone taking a baby aspirin (75mg tablet) can feel smug because it won’t just keep your blood healthily thin, it will protect you … Read More
Magnets could replace stitches and staples – and revolutionise surgery
Until now a surgeon, when an operation is over, has closed the incision using stitches or staples. Furthermore, a surgeon has often had to “tie off” blood vessels and other structures to stop them bleeding with sutures or a hot … Read More
Daily Mirror – A return to the Marigolden years as surprise BBC hit The real Marigold Hotel is back
When eight celebrity pensioners were sent off to see whether they could get a better retirement in India, it wasn’t obvious that The Real Marigold Hotel had all the makings of a TV hit. But as Miriam Margolyes, Wayne Sleep … Read More
BBC – All-star cast checking into The Real Marigold Hotel for new series and Christmas specials
BBC One announced hit travel documentary series The Real Marigold Hotel will move to the channel when it returns to screens in early 2017. The new cast of famous senior citizens embarking on a journey of a lifetime include entertainer … Read More