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Touch can reduce pain, depression and anxiety, say researchers

Whether it is a hug from a friend or the caress of a weighted blanket, the sensation of touch appears to bring benefits for the body and mind, researchers say. The sense of touch is the first to develop in babies and is crucial in allowing us to experience the environment around us as well as communicate. Indeed, the loss of touch from others during the Covid pandemic hit many hard. However, while myriad studies have suggested touch is...

Study reveals molecular changes in brain cells with Lewy bodies

A new study from Van Andel Institute scientists offers a first look into the complex molecular changes that occur in brain cells with Lewy bodies, which are key pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease and some dementias. The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications , ...

MedUni Vienna researchers discover possible trigger of chronic inflammatory bowel disease

As the cause of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is not yet known, treatment for sufferers is currently aimed at alleviating the often agonizing symptoms. The discovery by a MedUni Vienna research team that the trigger for IBD could be found...

Health benefits of rosemary

Health benefits of rosemary By Fiona Hunter Fragrant and versatile in cooking, rosemary is also believed to be good for your hair. Read on to find out more about this and other health benefits from our consultant nutritionist What is rosemary? A member of the sage family, rosemary is an evergreen bushy herb with highly aromatic needle-like leaves a...

Best creatine supplements and the health benefits, according to an expert

From increased muscle mass and strength to improved recovery time

7 ways you didn’t know you could use hydrogen peroxide

Want to know how you can use hydrogen peroxide around the home? We’ve found 7 uses.

What is melasma? We asked the experts everything you need to know and how to treat it

Plus, the best products to buy to tackle it

Why you can’t keep off the weight you lose

You’ve lost 10lb and you’re feeling good. Your clothes fit better. You look trimmer. But more importantly, you know you have done your health a massive favour. “Over a quarter of our population is obese, two thirds of us are overweight or obese, and many illnesses are linked to weight,” says Dr Harvinder Chahal, a consultant in endocrinology, diabe...

Five gynae red flags women should never ignore

The average woman outlives her male counterpart when it comes to longevity, but no one claims we have it easy when it comes to our health. From having to deal with periods and childbirth to the heartbreak of infertility and the inconvenience of menopause symptoms, much of our intimate health is sensitive to discuss, if not downright taboo. But we s...

Should you take a break from social media to look after your mental health?

Should you take a break from social media to look after your mental health? - The unspoken rules of social media can be challenging to keep up with.

I was told I was 'very positive'. Doctors weren't referring to my attitude

I'd had HIV for 10 years without knowing.

Doctors say how many steps you should walk a day to lower the risk of death

Doctors say how many steps you should walk a day to lower the risk of death - Thousands of people all wore an accelerometer device on their wrist for seven days to measure exercise levels

How much weight can you lose in a week?

How much weight can you lose in a week? By Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist Subscribe to our app - try 3 months for free When it comes to weight loss we all know the formula – get more active and eat less calories, and weight loss will be your reward. But is it as simple as that and can you lose too much weight for it to be healthy and sus...

How do we find the right words to tell a cognitively impaired doctor they are not fit to practice?

Decades ago, during a staff shortage, I was promoted to a more senior role where I was responsible for a ward full of sick patients requiring many consequential decisions. With my bare experience, I knew I had to stay within my limits. One day, I met a young non-English speaking patient with profound weakness and weight loss. She underwent a battery of tests to finally uncover an aggressive cancer. But the diagnosis was just the start. Every...

How to check the battery health of your Android phone

Take a look at your Galaxy's battery health and see how it's doing with the help of some quick tips. Discover how you can see if its end is near.

Stem cell therapy safe and potentially beneficial for spinal cord injury patients

A Mayo Clinic study shows stem cells derived from patients' own fat are safe and may improve sensation and movement after traumatic spinal cord injuries. The findings from the phase 1 clinical trial appear in Nature Communications . The results of this early research offer insights on the poten...

Weird 'gut-eye axis' links the retina and intestines, and may help explain glaucoma

A type of immune cell that travels from the gut to the eyeballs may help to explain why some people with glaucoma continue to lose their vision after treatment.

After struggling with hair loss, I opted for hair transplant surgery—four months later, here's what I think you should know

From a beauty editor who has tried it (and no, it's not just for men)

Best skincare products for rosacea to calm redness and soothe irritation

We asked the experts, and these are the products you need in your arsenal if you have rosacea

Aspartame: How dangerous is it for your health and what does it do to your body?

Aspartame: How dangerous is it for your health and what does it do to your body? - Health groups ‘advising a bit of moderation’ on aspartame consumption

The 10 biggest sleep myths you thought were true

Protein Is Vital for Building Muscle. Here's How to Work out How Much You Need

Everyone knows we need protein to build muscle, but how much is enough?

Cup of black tea could help prevent Covid infection, study finds

Cup of black tea could help prevent Covid infection, study finds - Black tea reduced the virus by 99.9 per cent in the mouth, researchers found

People should adopt ‘old-fashioned’ ways of staying healthy – Sir Chris Whitty

Making it easy and attractive for people to exercise is one of the most effective ways of maintaining independence, the Chief Medical Officer said.

It's loved by celebrities and trainers alike - so, is there any truth in the claim Pilates can transform your body?

A deep dive into the current research.

Olympic champion Suni Lee back in form after gaining 45 pounds in water weight due to kidney ailment

Olympic champion Suni Lee back in form after gaining 45 pounds in water weight due to kidney ailment - Olympic gymnastics all-around champion Suni Lee revealed that at the height of dealing with a kidney disease last year, she retained 45 pounds in water weight that made her question whether a return to top form was even possible

‘Sometimes It Feels Like Everyone Has ADHD’: The Rise of the Midlife Diagnosis

There’s been a fourfold increase in the number of adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis since 2020, with #adhd content now big business on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. Yet the condition remains widely misunderstood. Is rising visibility a good thing? Or do attempts to raise awareness risk pathologising – or even monetising – our everyday struggles?

I felt hopeful after my GP referred me. Four years on, I'm still waiting to be seen

It has always felt like an uphill battle to be properly seen and heard.

‘I started resistance training at 65 and significantly reversed my severe osteoporosis’

'I wanted to train for longevity'

Struggling with stubborn weight gain? Try these 12 ways to rev up your metabolism

Eating and movement go hand in hand

What eating bread really does to your body – and the healthiest supermarket loaves to buy

We’re hardwired to love bread in all its forms – sandwiches, bread baskets, hot buttered toast! – because it’s sustained us for 10,000 years. But recently, bread has developed a reputation as a nutritional bad guy. In the continuing craze for low-carb diets, it’s accused of contributing to weight gain and metabolic problems, and spiking our blood s...

The healthiest convenience foods and the ones to avoid – from baked beans to supermarket bread

It’s five o’clock, and the white-knuckle ride through the aisles is in full swing. I, along with what feels like half the neighbourhood, am grimly slaloming my way through the obstacle course that is my local supermarket. Yes, I want to get my groceries at the farmer’s market and the local independents too. But the reality is, a good chunk is going...

9 health benefits of cardamom

9 health benefits of cardamom By Jo Williams – Registered nutritionist Cardamom can balance blood sugar, improve digestion and kill bacteria. Learn more about the benefits of this aromatic spice. What is cardamom? Cardamom – named the 'queen of the spices' – belongs to the same spice family as ginger. It's cultivated in India, Sri Lanka and Central...

How much should I weigh?

In association with Nutracheck How much should I weigh? By Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist Subscribe to our app - try 3 months for free Shedding pounds to improve your health and reach your ideal weight can be a challenge, but how do you know when you get there? Why is weight used as a measure of health? The reason we’re so obsessed with weight is n...

I swear by this potent skincare ingredient for my face, but these are the 6 best retinol body lotions for your routine

This way for tighter, brighter skin

What is an STI test and when should you have a screening?

STI diagnoses are on the rise, particularly among young people – here’s what you need to know

"I debunk wellness misinformation for a living… So, why did I fall for it?"

Given my career, I thought I’d be the last person duped by rogue wellness influencers. And yet…

I had no idea my "healthy" breakfasts were actually full of sugar - 6 ways switching has made me feel (and look) better

Eggs are my new go-to.

8 heart disease risk factors, according to experts

It's the leading cause of death in the United States, but what are the top heart disease risk factors?

Long Covid may be the body trying to fight off other viruses

Long Covid symptoms may be driven by the reactivation of dormant viruses such as herpes, scientists have suggested, after finding evidence of inflammation in the blood of sufferers. At the last count by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last year, some 1.9 million people reported symptoms of long Covid, which can include fatigue, brain fog a...

From tiredness to sweating – subtle warning signs something could be wrong with your heart

From tiredness to sweating – subtle warning signs something could be wrong with your heart - It’s important to get unusual symptoms checked out, even if they seem mild. By Imy Brighty-Potts.

Navigating school attendance: Parents weigh physical and mental health in decisions

By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD Parents are frequently asked to decide whether their child should attend school or stay home because of sickness. This decision is often straightforward if the child has a contagious disease or is seriously ill. For example, a vomiting child or one with a high fever should b...

What causes ADHD and anxiety? How a common brain mechanism could explain why some teenagers develop disorders

Researchers say they have identified a characteristic pattern of brain activity among adolescents who have multiple mental health disorders.

The warning signs of a peptic ulcer – and how to treat them

At the age of 73, Bruce Springsteen has long been renowned for his extraordinary stamina as a performer. In 2016, he performed a 34-song set which clocked in at more than four hours. But the rock legend, who has earned the nickname The Boss, has been undone by a peptic ulcer, a sore in the stomach lining or small intestine. Having already cancelled...

The problem with finding affordable travel insurance when you reach 60

There are advantages to being an older traveller, including the free or reduced-price access they get to many sights and attractions in Europe. But there are disadvantages too. In particular, the significantly higher prices which kick in when arranging travel insurance and steep increases for pre-existing medical conditions. We aren’t just talking ...

Forgetful type? You only need to apply these 15 SPFs once a day

Sunburn? Don't know her...

Greek, flavoured or fermented: How to make sure the yogurt you’re buying is actually good for you

Do you take yours Greek, flavoured, fermented, or packed with probiotics? Sucked from a pouch, spooned over compote, frozen into a pot or free from “bits”? There is a yogurt for every food foible, nutrition trend and health concern. According to market researchers Mintel, it may even be the answer if you’re feeling blue since 25 per cent of Gen Z y...

Top 5 health benefits of avocado

Top 5 health benefits of avocado By Jo Lewin – Registered nutritionist Subscribe to our app - try 3 months for free From toast toppings to desserts and smoothies, avocado is often touted as a health food. Registered nutritionist Jo Lewin takes us through the nutritional highlights of this versatile fruit Interested in trying our FREE 7...

"I never knew addressing my gut health issues could lead to weight loss - seven months later, I'm stronger than ever"

All hail Tim Spector.

What to do if you wake up at night and can't get back to sleep, according to expert

Getting a decent night's sleep is important for our health, but a lot of us don't get the recommended eight hours. Three-quarters of Brits get less than eight hours of sleep, while one in six get by on less than six hours each night, according to YouGov. Meanwhile across the pond, over 17 per cent of adults had trouble staying asleep most days or e...