Category Archive

First of all, what is the low-FODMAP diet? Well, each letter of that acronym stands for a group of foods: the F for fermentable, O for oligosaccharides (wheat, garlic, onion), D for disaccharides (milk, ice cream), M for monosaccharides (apples, pears, honey) and … Read More

I know methylene blue only from my days as medical student studying the pathology of vital organs. It’s a dye and has been used in medicine for more than 140 years for a variety of things – from staining bodily … Read More

There have been quite a few surveys where the parents of overweight children refuse to admit their offspring are fat. Parents tend to see their fat children as normal, though it’s not known why. Now, these same parents have been shocked by … Read More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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