Black History Month is a time to honour the leadership and lasting impact of black pioneers in healthcare, whose resilience and contributions continue to shape a more inclusive NHS today. How Black History Month began Black History Month is every October, and was first celebrated in the UK in 1987 by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who…
As October begins, so does Stoptober – the UK’s leading annual campaign encouraging smokers to quit for 28 days. Organised by the Department of Health and Social Care, Stoptober has already helped over 2.5 million people make a quit attempt since its inception in 2012. This year, the campaign aims to support the remaining 5…
What is RSV? Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the respiratory tract, and it’s particularly widespread among babies and young children. Most children will have had RSV by the age of two, and in many cases, RSV causes symptoms similar to a cold (runny nose, cough, sneezing), with children recovering without…
In today’s world, our phones are almost extensions of ourselves. They wake us up in the morning, keep us connected to family and friends, help us work or study, and provide endless entertainment. While these small devices bring tremendous convenience, they also pose risks to both physical and mental health when used excessively. Developing healthy…
Understanding how long antibiotics take to work, and what they are used for, is vital for patients. The NHS provides clear guidance to help people use these medications responsibly and effectively. When do antibiotics start working? Antibiotics start acting against bacteria from the moment you take them, but feeling better can take longer. According…
Did you know that according to a 2022 YouGov survey, one in eight Britons (13%) reported feeling tired all the time? Plus, a more recent survey found that 55% of Britons were hyper-fatigued, meaning they were exhausted all the time, with this figure rising to 65% for 25–34-year-olds. Feeling persistently tired or fatigued can be deeply unsettling,…
Is your child starting or going back to school in September? With school rules and a growing pressure to buy trending or branded items, the average back-to-school shop can cost a shocking £300 or more! Here are some easy eco-friendly swaps you can do to make the school year more sustainable and affordable for your…
Missed or lighter period / implantation bleeding For those with regular cycles, a missed period is often the earliest and most reliable indicator of pregnancy. Some may notice very light bleeding – implantation bleeding – around the time of the expected period, but lighter and shorter in duration. When detectable: Usually from about 4 weeks…
When it comes to managing pain or fever, two of the most commonly used medications in the UK are paracetamol and ibuprofen. While both help relieve symptoms, they work differently and have distinct recommendations under NHS guidance. What are they, and how do they work? Paracetamol is a mild pain reliever and fever reducer.…
When you or someone you’re caring for becomes unwell, it can be difficult to decide the best place to go for help. Should you head straight to Accident & Emergency (A&E), call NHS 111 for advice, or seek help from your GP or a walk-in centre? Knowing the difference can help you get the right…