Category Archive

There’s a small glimmer of hope that at some time in the coming months we might be able to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak by trying out drugs that are already in use against other viruses. All of these drugs are … Read More

However, experts say hygiene and infection control must be the priority and the Royal College of Nursing has published a “pet ­protocol” for dogs in healthcare settings, welcomed by the British Veterinary Association. Among other things, it wisely says dogs should … Read More

Readers often send me letters asking about weight-bearing exercise. What does weight bearing mean? And why is it so good for us? The simple answer is you’re weight bearing whenever you’re standing. The great benefit of standing is that the … Read More

Occasionally medical research throws up something ­intriguing that might, just might, affect your everyday life. Would you believe a painkiller could make you feel less affectionate? I’m not sure I entirely believe it but assistant professor Dominik Mischkowski, a psychologist … Read More

The coronavirus is a recent preoccupation but coronaviruses have been around for many years and were first discovered in the 1960s. They include viruses contributing to the common cold and a variety of animal and avian coronaviruses, such as infectious … Read More

When over 140 million people worldwide opt to wear contact lenses they put themselves into a vulnerable group. Contact lens wearers are prone to eye problems – particularly if they go for extended-wear lenses. Some complications of contact lenses can … Read More

The grief of losing an unborn baby is impossible to imagine. To suffer more than one ­miscarriage is almost more than flesh can bear. There are various research projects under way that are trying to fathom why miscarriages happen at … Read More

When you next you go on holiday try to think about learning a few words of the local lingo. It could keep your brain ticking over. Indeed it could do more than that, it could make your brain resistant to … Read More

Can religion and medicine always happily co-exist? Most doctors will respect a patient’s religious views but I find myself at a crossroads. Would I feel torn to resist giving a treatment that has no benefit if the request for it … Read More

Almost everyone on the planet is worried about the coronavirus. Our anxiety is more acute because we know so little about it. To help ease your fears, here’s my round-up of what we know, how serious an outbreak in Britain … Read More