Over the past decade, ketamine has surged beyond its origins in raves and festival culture to become a widespread recreational drug across the UK. In England alone, an estimated 299,000 people aged 16–59 reported using ketamine during the year ending March 2023 – the highest number on record, driven largely by young adults. Usage has…
Despite common myths about germs in the summer, and also because several viruses actually do have lower activity levels during the warmer months, many people experiencing symptoms may be confused about what they’ve come down with. However, it is still possible to contract a cold, flu, or COVID-19 during the summer. Have COVID-19 symptoms…
Blood is essential for life, and there is currently no artificial substitute. When someone loses blood due to an accident, surgery, or medical condition, they need donated blood to replace it. Some conditions, such as sickle cell disease or certain cancers, require regular transfusions to manage symptoms and prolong life. The UK needs around 135,000…
We often hear the phrase “balanced diet,” but what does it actually mean? Is it just about eating your five-a-day? Does it mean avoiding sugar altogether? In short, a balanced diet is about giving your body the nutrients it needs in the right proportions to maintain health, support energy levels, and reduce the risk of…
Vitamins are essential nutrients that our bodies need in small amounts to function properly. They support everything from immune system health to vision, bone strength, and blood clotting. While a balanced intake of vitamins is necessary to maintain good health, more isn’t always better. In fact, consuming excessive amounts of certain vitamins can be harmful…
Whooping cough (Pertussis) vaccine What it protects against: Pertussis – a bacterial infection that causes violent coughing, pneumonia, brain damage, and even death in young babies. The vaccine offered is combined with diphtheria and tetanus (e.g., ADACEL or Boostrix IPV). Why it’s important: Babies don’t receive their first pertussis jab until 8 weeks old. Maternal…
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a complex, long-term condition that significantly impacts many aspects of life. In the UK alone, approximately 390,000 people live with ME/CFS, including around 25% who are severely affected – often housebound or unable to work. The NHS, NICE, government agencies, and patient advocates increasingly…
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to overhaul your lifestyle for better health. But what if you didn’t need to make drastic changes to see a difference? What if small, manageable habits – practised daily – could lead to profound and lasting improvements in your physical and mental wellbeing?…
Summer holidays are a wonderful time for families to relax, explore, and spend quality time together, but summer meal planning for families isn’t always straightforward. With the school canteen closed, many parents face the added pressure of preparing three meals a day (plus snacks!) for several weeks. For families on a tight budget, healthy summer…
The MMR vaccine – protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella – is one of the true public health triumphs of the modern era. Here, we explore its history, the impact of these diseases, vital UK statistics, and why you should trust and act on vaccination. Before the vaccine Measles in the UK Pre-1968 (before…