Two personal experiences of how the NHS treats acute emergency patients has convinced me we have a service second to none for acute medical cases. But then again I live in central London. Each time the paramedics have offered me … Read More
Possible link between exposure to lead and autism in children needs exploring
Over the years, I’ve kept my eye on research that throws light on the cause of autism. In a new study, scientists say being exposed to lead while in the womb or just after being born might possibly increase a child’s … Read More
Parents of premature babies can feed, wash and give them medication under pioneering scheme
When a premature baby is put in an incubator it is traumatic for both the parents and child. Mum and dad feel they cannot get close enough to bond, and the baby misses out on skin-to-skin contact that is important in the … Read More
Are you more likely to suffer side effects from statins if you know you are taking them?
I always suspected the side effects of statins, like muscle aches and pains, were exaggerated. And now a study has thrown light on how we experience the side effects of drugs. It’s not what you’d expect, according to a recent report … Read More
Red meat linked to increased risk of death from nine diseases
I recently put a newsflash on my page about the dangers of red meat. Here are the details. I for one would miss red meat, in particular roast lamb, if I was forced to go without. But that day may be … Read More
There’s an amazing new HIV treatment – but to get it depends on where you live
I was over the moon when a new HIV/AIDS treatment was found to prevent people who were disease-free – but could be at risk – from getting the HIV infection. The end of AIDS is in sight, I thought. Well maybe, but … Read More
How to make sure you stay healthy when you travel – follow these top tips
For your peace of mind when heading abroad you need a good first aid kit. It should contain lots of sunscreen, insect repellent with 20% or more of DEET, and a variety of dressings, blister remedies and bandages, motion sickness … Read More
It might not just be junk food making you fat – your sleeping habits could also be to blame
Could the obesity epidemic be all down to poor sleep? Experts believe a good night’s shut-eye is as important a factor as any other in ensuring people control their weight and waistlines. Disrupted sleep patterns are a common feature of modern living … Read More
You must be wise to the dangers of the Lyme disease tick
The dangers of Lyme disease were covered on this page in March last year but I’m writing about it again to urge you to seek immediate treatment if you suspect you have it. If not treated promptly it can become … Read More
We must change drug laws to end needless deaths
I could have shaken Nancy Reagan when she spearheaded the “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign in the US. How useful is that? Unrealistic. Authoritarian. Unsympathetic. Uncaring. Totally out of touch with the real world. I’m totally against drug laws that can lead … Read More