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
I have a bone to pick with backers of fad diets
I’ll keep on saying fad diets are dangerous till I’m blue in the face. Now one of the country’s most eminent and sensible authorities on nutrition and health has spoken out against them. Susan Lanham-New is Professor of nutritional sciences … Read More
Obese and smokers face longer delays in waiting for surgery
Is it ever right to make smokers and obese people wait for treatment on the NHS? I have to admit I’m ambivalent. On the one hand I believe in free medical care for all, but on the other I know that … Read More
Cycling puts you on the road to good health
Yes, we all know exercise is good for you but exactly to what degree? The answer is it’s crazily good. We already know physical inactivity increases the risk of many diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some … Read More
How deep breathing helps you relax, sleep and stops you being anxious
Slow, deep breathing helps you relax. It gets you off to sleep. And it quells feelings of anxiety. But why should such a simple thing be so calming? Whenever I’ve written or talked about this subject the explanation I’ve given … Read More
Could social media be behind the drop in teenage pregnancies?
I remember when the UK had the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe and we were wringing our hands because all attempts to lower it failed. Now we find the number has halved in the past eight years. Among … Read More
Times have changed – kids now prefer being at school to the holidays
As a child I couldn’t wait for the school holidays and the freedom from lessons and discipline. They never felt too long and were often cruelly short. Turns out it’s not at all the same for our present generation of … Read More
Dangerous, unproven treatments are putting lives at risk – here’s what to look out for
Bad medicine, dishonest medicine enrages me. Very often it’s dangerous. Very often it’s expensive. Very often it’s unproven. And very often it’s preying on the insecurities of parents who want to do the best for their children. How some doctors … Read More