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…
Vaccinating your child on time is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard their health and the health of those around them. The NHS offers a free schedule of essential vaccinations, protecting children at key ages from serious diseases. Here’s a clear guide on child vaccinations, including what they are, when…
Summer in the UK is often a welcome change – longer days, warmer weather, and a chance to enjoy the outdoors. However, the warmer months can also bring a range of common summer illnesses. While summer is often associated with better health due to increased sunlight and outdoor activity, certain health conditions tend to spike…