If you’re someone who spends time outdoors you probably have a positive body image and high self-esteem. Surprising? You’d better believe it. Fresh air isn’t just good for your health, it can also help you feel confident about how you … Read More
Take placenta-eating celebrity fad with a pinch of salt – it ‘could be deadly’
Years ago, on ITV’s Where There’s Life, I invited women into the studio to chat about eating their placentas. One of them brought in placenta stew, cooked in red wine with carrots and onions. I think I tasted the gravy … Read More
It may sound daft to adults but the importance of babbling to babies has been revealed
My family has always made fun of me for lapsing into baby talk whenever I meet a baby. You know that high-pitched sing-songy way of speaking with lots of swooping sounds and emphases. Well, I do it because I think babies like … Read More
How infertility leaves men “emasculated” and “jealous” with their lives in tatters
I’ve been writing about fertility and infertility, for years. It’s hard to believe now, but when I first broached the subject of infertility it was seen as “the woman’s fault”. There was no information on male infertility. At that time only … Read More
Childhood bullying won’t scar your kid for life because they are more resilient than we think
Now here’s some good news for parents and schoolchildren alike – research shows bullying won’t necessarily scar your child for life. Children are usually more resilient than we think and most bounce back after being bullied. It seems many parents worry more … Read More
Shocking study reveals women are less likely than men to receive CPR in public
Here’s one of the worst examples of gender bias I’ve come across in medicine – and I’ve come across quite a few in my career. Namely the fact that women are less likely than men to receive CPR if they have a heart … Read More
Teenage exercise can benefit your health later in your life
Who would have thought school netball practice and playing hockey matches at weekends would be an insurance policy to cut my risk of cancer and heart disease in later life. New research says it’s still having an effect as I get older. … Read More
Good news for men as operation gives hope to those suffering with prostate problems
Now here’s some news that’s worth sharing. The husband of a friend of mine has had a prostate op which has been a spectacular success. So since few men talk about prostate problems and I think more should, I’d like to start … Read More
It’s time to say nuts to Type 2 diabetes as a handful a day provides multiple benefits
I’m keen on nuts and eat a handful every day. I do this for the essential oils (mainly omega-6s) but also for their protein and vitamins – plenty of roughage too. All good for preventing heart disease. A handful of … Read More
The truth about the crazy “vagina facial” fad involving a cucumber sweeping the internet
Of all the crazy fads I’ve ever come across, this is the craziest. Please don’t do it! The current trend sweeping across the internet encourages you to clean your vagina by inserting a cucumber (peeled), twisting it around for about 20 minutes – … Read More