New research suggests that air pollution is increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and asthma. A team based at King’s College London found that spikes in air pollution contributed to a significant increase in the number of cases of heart attacks, strokes and acute asthma symptoms. Researchers analysed data collected in London, Manchester, Birmingham, […]
England’s chief medical officer, Prof Dame Sally Davies, has called for a ban on snacking on public transport in a bid to tackle rising rates of obesity. In her final report, Prof Dame Davies suggested that the government needs to introduce more stringent measures to hit obesity targets. In addition to prohibiting snacking on public […]
The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, is considering introducing compulsory vaccination for children in England, as recent statistics confirm uptake rates have fallen. Speaking at the Tory Party conference in Manchester, Mr Hancock suggested that he is thinking about the measure in a bid to tackle falling rates of immunisation and protect children from preventable illnesses. […]
New figures from Public Health England suggest that sugar consumption is far short of government targets. Ministers wanted to reduce sugar content in foods by a fifth by 2020, but the latest statistics show that this is very unlikely to happen. Despite the introduction of the sugar tax on fizzy drinks leading to a 29% […]
The family of a teenager who died after eating a chicken burger at a popular chain restaurant is calling for new laws to be introduced to protect people with severe food allergies. Owen Carey, 18, died after suffering a reaction to a grilled chicken burger at Byron Burger at the O2 Arena, London. Owen had […]
Leading doctors in the UK are recommending undertaking muscle-strengthening exercise twice a week to promote better health. Doctors believe that this type of activity should be combined with aerobic exercises to enable people to stay active and healthy for longer. New exercise guidelines have been released, and for the first time, advice is targeted at […]
More pharmacies in England are set to offer on-the-spot heart checks. From October, pharmacies across the country will be providing free checks, including blood pressure and cholesterol tests. The move is part of a broader plan to provide more services in the community and reduce pressure on GP surgeries and A&E departments. Initially, selected pharmacies […]
Research conducted in the US has suggested that optimists live longer. A new study has revealed that those who have a positive outlook are likely to outlive those with a more pessimistic approach to life, with optimists having a better chance of living to the age of 85 or over. Researchers analysed data collected for […]
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has announced a raft of measures to protect the public against measles. The move comes after the UK lost its measles-free status amid a decline in immunisation rates. Measles can be prevented by means of a double-dose immunisation, which is provided as part of the NHS routine vaccination programme for […]
Women in Wales are being given access to virtual reality headsets as part of a trial to determine the effects of VR on pain management during labour. University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff is currently trialling a programme, which involves offering expectant mothers the chance to use a VR headset. The aim is to see […]