Simple painkillers are better than spinal manipulation or anti-inflammatory drugs to cure a bad back, reported The Daily Telegraph and other newspapers. “Visiting a chiropractor for a bad back may be a waste of time and money,” the newspaper said. The Daily Mail adds, “Patients get better just as quickly if they simply stay active and take a mild painkiller such as paracetamol.” The story is based on a well-conducted study in people who had persistent, acute, mild back pain. The researchers compared stronger painkillers and spinal manipulation with continued conservative treatment (paracetamol and advice about avoiding bed rest and remaining active and so on). The study suggests that neither spinal manipulation nor strong painkillers are more effective than conservative treatment including paracetamol for acute back pain.

There is now hard evidence that meditation can cut stress, newspapers reported October 10 2007. The Daily Mail said that “five short sessions of meditation could be enough to help us achieve piece of mind”. The Daily Telegraph reported that “after meditation training of 20 minutes once a day for only five days, people, had measurably less anxiety and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol”. The papers said that levels of anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue had also gone down. The stories are based on a study comparing meditative practice (using integrative body-mind training) with relaxation training, in 80 Chinese students. The newspapers have reported accurately the positive outcomes of the research. The study is a small but well-conducted trial. Whether the findings can be generalised to the practice of individual meditation (as opposed to guided, group practice as is used here) and across cultures remains to be seen.

Expensive running shoes offer no benefit in terms of cushioning impact and overall comfort compared with 'cheap' trainers, reported The Times and other newspapers on October 11 2007. The researchers found that “no amount of built-in air bubbles, shock absorbers or other cushioning makes a difference to the overall pressure on the foot.” The stories are based on a study that compared the performance of low-, medium-, and high-priced running shoes in men while they were walking, and in a smaller group who ran. The interpretation by the newspapers that this study has shown that expensive trainers do not protect runners’ feet is not quite accurate as the “running” part of the experiment was small and the researchers themselves state that “it was not possible to reliably detect differences between pressure in shoes from different brands and across cost ranges”. Importantly, the participants in the study were normal runners. They didn’t have any gait abnormalities such as over or ...

Using mobile phones for more than 10 years doubles the risk of brain cancer, newspapers reported. They suggest that the risk may be greater in children whose thinner skulls and developing nervous system make them more vulnerable. The Daily Mail reported that “researchers found that long-term users had double the chance of getting a malignant tumour on the side of the brain where they held the handset”. The stories are based on a review of studies that looked at the difference in mobile phone usage between people with and without brain tumours for more than a 10 year period. The authors found 11 studies on people who had used mobile phones for more than a decade. Some of these showed that mobile phone use significantly increased the risk of some types of brain cancer while others did not. Further perspective is given to this by data from Cancer Research UK, which suggests that “brain tumours” are rare and occur in less than seven in 100,000 people. Contrary to newspaper reports, th...

Children who have TVs in their bedrooms are more likely to be overweight than those who do not," BBC News reports. A UK study found a link between children having a TV in their room and an increased risk of obesity. Researchers followed children from seven to 11 years old to see whether the number of hours watching TV, playing on the computer or having a TV in the bedroom influenced the risk of having higher body fat in a couple of years. It found that, compared to children who didn't have a TV in their bedroom at age seven, children who did had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and body fat at the age of 11. The association was higher for girls than boys. Although this is an interesting study with potentially useful findings, it cannot prove there is a direct connection between using screens and body weight. But it would seem plausible that at least some children who spend a lot of time staring at a screen are not meeting the recommended levels for physical acti...

"Four million people died in 2015 as a result of being too tubby, struck by cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other killer conditions," reports The Sun. This is based on a global study that looked at how the proportion of people who are overweight and obese has changed over time. This was determined by recording body mass index (BMI), where a BMI of 25-29.9 means being overweight and 30 or above is being obese. Researchers then assessed the link between having an unhealthy BMI and health outcomes including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. It found that, despite public health efforts, obesity is on the rise in almost every country and in both adults and children. Prevalence has doubled in most countries over the past 30 years. Researchers also estimated that having a high BMI accounted for 4 million deaths globally, 40% of which occurred in people who were overweight but not yet obese. This demonstrates that being overweight may almost be as risky to health a...

Two sets of US guidelines have revised the public health advice on physical activity to clarify that gentle exercise is not enough to improve health, The Guardian reported. Current guidelines suggest that 30 minutes of exercise a day is enough to offer health benefits, however the newspaper said that adults “need to add jogging and twice-weekly weight-training sessions if they want to cut their risk of heart disease and obesity.” The newspaper reports that “the lightest of activities such as dusting and the stroll to the car are being counted as exercise” and quotes the researchers as saying that people have “not accepted, and others have misinterpreted the original recommendation.” The expert panel process and the recommendations offered have clarified some of the more unclear recommendations that were published in 1995. The group of experts met in 2000 to prepare this update, and this was supplemented by panel members’ own searches of the literature. It is not possible to validate ...

Being able to manage levels of stress can cut the risk of stroke, the Daily Mail reported. People who have a “good sense of coherence”, a measure of “how well a person adapts to stressful situations”, are less likely to suffer a stroke. Those with a relaxed approach to problems have a 24% lower risk of stroke, the newspaper reported. BBC News quoted the lead researcher as saying: "This evidence raises the possibility that improving our ability to respond to stress may have benefits for vascular health.” The research was based on data from a large study originally set up to look at diet and cancer, and offers some evidence of a link between an individual’s ability to adapt to an adverse event and the risk of stroke. It is not clear how this outcome relates to stress as we more commonly understand it, and the news reports may have overstated a link between ‘stress’ and stroke. More robust studies that take into account all possible reasons why people might be at greater risk of str...

Being overweight may not be as unhealthy as it was 40 years ago," BBC News reports. New research has found a body mass index (BMI) of 27 is linked to the lowest rate of death – but someone with a BMI of 27 is currently classed as being overweight. BMI is a score calculated by dividing your weight (usually in kilograms) by the square of your height (usually in metres and centimetres). Currently, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is classified as being overweight. Researchers looked at 120,528 people from Copenhagen, recruited from 1976 to 2013, and separately compared those recruited during the 1970s, 1990s and 2000s. They were followed up until they died, emigrated, or the study finished. The BMI linked to the lowest risk of having died from any cause was 23.7 in the 1970s group, 24.6 in the 1990s group, and had further risen to 27 in the 2003-13 group. It may be the case that the suggested upward shift in optimal BMI is the result of improvements in preventative treatments for weight-rela...

Internet addiction is a "clinical disorder", says The Daily Telegraph today. The newspaper quotes a leading psychiatrist who suggests that “obsessive internet use is a public health problem, which is so serious it should be officially recognised as a clinical disorder”. The editorial which sparked this news story is a one-page opinion piece which responds to a call for work exploring the criteria for the diagnosis of psychiatric conditions. Any suggestions were to be considered by the American Psychiatric Association for inclusion in an update to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Health Disorders , currently known as DSM-IV . This editorial has effectively put the case for more research into internet addiction. For any emerging clinical or policy issue, getting agreement from experts on accurate and consistent diagnostic criteria is an important first step, and this editorial will be a component of that process. It is not clear from this paper what the extent...

Mind games may improve our performance at work”, reads the headline in The Times today. The newspaper reports that a new study has shown that volunteers who took part in “rigorous exercises designed to tax their mental agility… stimulated problem-solving abilities in the brain that can be applied to a variety of circumstances.” It says that other forms of mental exercise such as Sudoku or crosswords “have limited value because they help mental improvement only at similar tasks”. This story is based on a non-randomised controlled experiment using student volunteers to look at the benefits of a particular form of working memory training on “fluid intelligence” – the ability to solve new problems. Because the groups in this study were not randomised, it is not clear whether all of the benefit seen was due to the training received. More importantly, the study did not assess whether the training had any effect on their jobs or studies. Although this study by itself does not prove that bra...

Anorexia could be determined by exposure to sex hormones in the womb, reported The Times on New Year’s Eve. The female sex hormone oestrogen “may be overproduced by some mothers, affecting the baby’s brain and making it susceptible to the eating disorder”, the newspaper said. The newspaper reports are based on research into twins that has found that, although anorexia occurs more often in females than males, when they looked at twin pairs of different sexes, males who had shared the womb with a female were ten times more likely to develop anorexia in later life than if they had been in the womb with another male. However, anorexia is a complex psychological condition, and this research cannot prove that the higher rate of anorexia amongst girls, and boys of mixed twin pregnancies, is caused by higher exposure to sex hormones in the womb, and not by a number of other genetic, environmental or social factors.

"Depressed? No, you’re suffering from modern life," was the headline of a Daily Express article. The BBC, Daily Mail and The Daily Telegraph reported the same story: that an expert has said too many people are being diagnosed with depression when they are merely unhappy. The sources reported that Professor Gordon Parker of the University of New South Wales, Australia, ascribes this to a lack of a reliable diagnostic tool and to marketing of anti-depressants by drug companies. Most of the news sources, reported that the journal in which this opinion piece appeared also published a counter-argument from another expert, Professor Ian Hickle. He argued the opposing view, that depression is not overdiagnosed, and that increased diagnosis has led to benefits such as reduced suicides and increased productivity from those who are treated. These stories are based on two opinion pieces from experts in the field of psychiatry, which argued for and against the suggestion that depressi...

People with high-stress jobs have twice the risk of developing serious depression or anxiety compared with others in less stressful occupations, The Independent reported. The link between rising rates of depression and rates of work stress means that “one in 20 cases of depression or anxiety annually is attributable to high stress at work”, it stated on August 2 2007. Highly stressed jobs include head chefs and construction workers, the paper reports, and least stressful jobs include looking after children at home, “where there are no deadlines to meet, greater flexibility and no fear of public failure”. The researchers explain that “time pressure is the single most important cause of stress and of the illness to which it leads,” the newspaper said. The research supports the intuitive link between stress at work and the mental health of young working adults. Where did the story come from? The research was carried out by Maria Melchior and colleagues at the Institute of Psychiatry, K...

Professor Mark Williams, former director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, says that mindfulness means knowing directly what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment. "It's easy to stop noticing the world around us. It's also easy to lose touch with the way our bodies are feeling and to end up living 'in our heads' – caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour," he says. "An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means waking up to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. That might be something as simple as the feel of a banister as we walk upstairs. "Another important part of mindfulness is an awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they happen moment to moment. "It's about allowing ourselves to see the present moment clearly. When we do that, it can positively change...

Anger is a normal, healthy emotion. However, it can be a problem if you find it difficult to keep it under control. "You can control your anger, and you have a responsibility to do so," says clinical psychologist Isabel Clarke, a specialist in anger management. Dealing with anger "Everyone has a physical reaction to anger. Be aware of what your body is telling you, and take steps to calm yourself down," says Isabel. Recognise your anger signs Your heart beats faster and you breathe more quickly, preparing you for action. You might also notice other signs, such as tension in your shoulders or clenching your fists. "If you notice these signs, get out of the situation if you’ve got a history of losing control," says Isabel. Count to 10 Counting to 10 gives you time to cool down, so you can think more clearly and overcome the impulse to lash out. Breathe slowly Breathe out for longer than you breathe in, and relax as you breathe out. "You automatical...

Whatever it is that scares you, here are 10 ways to help you cope with your day-to-day fears and anxieties. These tips are for people who are coping with everyday fears. If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety-related condition, see our page on generalised anxiety disorder. You may also be interested in our selection of mental health apps and tools for issues like fear in the Digital Apps Library. 1. Take time out It's impossible to think clearly when you're flooded with fear or anxiety. The first thing to do is take time out so you can physically calm down. Distract yourself from the worry for 15 minutes by walking around the block, making a cup of tea or having a bath. 2. Breathe through panic If you start to get a faster heartbeat or sweating palms, the best thing is not to fight it. Stay where you are and simply feel the panic without trying to distract yourself. Place the palm of your hand on your stomach and breathe slowly and deeply. The goal is to help the min...

A panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. Panic attacks can also have physical symptoms, including shaking, feeling disorientated, nausea, rapid, irregular heartbeats, dry mouth, breathlessness, sweating and dizziness. The symptoms of a panic attack are not dangerous, but can be very frightening. They can make you feel as though you are having a heart attack, or that you are going to collapse or even die. Most panic attacks last somewhere from five minutes to half an hour. Check out our selection of mental health apps and tools for conditions like panic attacks in the Digital Apps Library. How to handle a panic attack Professor Paul Salkovskis, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Applied Science at the University of Bath, says it's important not to let your fear of panic attacks control you. "Panic attacks always pass and the symptoms are not a sign of anything harmful happening," he says. "Tell yourself that the symptoms you're experien...

Manage your stress levels If you have a lot of stress in your life, find ways to reduce it, such as learning a few time-management techniques or talking to your boss about changing your working hours. Introduce regular exercise and time to yourself. These are positive changes. Taking control of your time in this way can effectively reduce stress. If you have feelings of anxiety along with your stress, breathing techniques can help. Try this breathing exercise for stress. Use humour and enjoy yourself Try to see the funny side of situations and you'll often be able to cope better. Jokes have a way of making worries seem less important. Doing things that you enjoy is also good for your emotional wellbeing. Simple activities like watching sports with a friend, having a soak in the bath, or meeting up with friends for coffee can all improve your day. Doing something you're good at, such as cooking or dancing, is a good way to enjoy yourself and have a sense of achievement. Tr...

If you're stressed, whether by your job or by something more personal, the first step to feeling better is to identify the cause. The most unhelpful thing you can do is turn to something unhealthy to help you cope, such as smoking or drinking. "In life, there's always a solution to a problem," says Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health expert at the University of Lancaster. "Not taking control of the situation and doing nothing will only make your problems worse." He says the keys to good stress management are building emotional strength, being in control of your situation, having a good social network and adopting a positive outlook. Check out our selection of stress-busting apps in the Digital Apps Library. What you can do to address stress These are Professor Cooper's top 10 stress-busting suggestions: Be active Exercise won't make your stress disappear, but it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you're feeling, cle...

The symptoms of arthritis you experience will vary depending on the type you have. This is why it's important to have an accurate diagnosis if you have: joint pain, tenderness and stiffness inflammation in and around the joints restricted movement of the joints warm, red skin over the affected joint weakness and muscle wasting Arthritis and children Arthritis is often associated with older people, but it can also affect children. In the UK, about 15,000 children and young people are affected by arthritis. Most types of childhood arthritis are known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). JIA causes pain and inflammation in one or more joints for at least six weeks. Although the exact cause of JIA is unknown, the symptoms often improve as a child gets older, meaning they can lead a normal life. The main types of JIA are discussed below. Arthritis Research UK has more information about the different types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Oligo-articular JIA Oligo-articular JIA...

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis. It affects people of all ages, including children. Types of arthritis The two most common types of arthritis are: osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting around 8 million people. It most often develops in adults who are in their late 40s or older. It's also more common in women and people with a family history of the condition. However, it can occur at any age as a result of an injury or be associated with other joint-related conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness. Once the cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, the tendons and ligaments have to work harder. This can cause swelling and the format...

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis. It affects people of all ages, including children. Types of arthritis The two most common types of arthritis are: osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting around 8 million people. It most often develops in adults who are in their late 40s or older. It's also more common in women and people with a family history of the condition. However, it can occur at any age as a result of an injury or be associated with other joint-related conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness. Once the cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, the tendons and ligaments have to work harder. This can cause swelling and the format...

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis. It affects people of all ages, including children. Types of arthritis The two most common types of arthritis are: osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting around 8 million people. It most often develops in adults who are in their late 40s or older. It's also more common in women and people with a family history of the condition. However, it can occur at any age as a result of an injury or be associated with other joint-related conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness. Once the cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, the tendons and ligaments have to work harder. This can cause swelling and the format...

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis. It affects people of all ages, including children. Types of arthritis The two most common types of arthritis are: osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting around 8 million people. It most often develops in adults who are in their late 40s or older. It's also more common in women and people with a family history of the condition. However, it can occur at any age as a result of an injury or be associated with other joint-related conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness. Once the cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, the tendons and ligaments have to work harder. This can cause swelling and the format...

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis. It affects people of all ages, including children. Types of arthritis The two most common types of arthritis are: osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting around 8 million people. It most often develops in adults who are in their late 40s or older. It's also more common in women and people with a family history of the condition. However, it can occur at any age as a result of an injury or be associated with other joint-related conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness. Once the cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, the tendons and ligaments have to work harder. This can cause swelling and the format...

Treatments Asthma is usually treated by using an inhaler, a small device that lets you breathe in medicines. The main types are: reliever inhalers – used when needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms for a short time preventer inhalers – used every day to prevent asthma symptoms occurring Some people also need to take tablets. Read more about how asthma is treated and living with asthma. Causes and triggers Asthma is caused by swelling (inflammation) of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. This makes the tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily narrow. It may occur randomly or after exposure to a trigger. Common asthma triggers include: allergies – to house dust mites, animal fur or pollen, for example smoke, pollution and cold air exercise infections like colds or flu Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers can help you keep your symptoms under control. Read more about the causes of asthma. How long does it last? Asthma is a long-term conditi...

The main symptoms of asthma are: wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing) breathlessness a tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it coughing The symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse. This is known as an asthma attack.

Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults. There's currently no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control so it doesn't have a big impact on your life.

It's difficult to prevent back pain, but the following tips may help reduce your risk: do regular back exercises and stretches – your GP or a physiotherapist may be able to advise you about exercises to try stay active – doing regular exercise can help keep your back strong; adults are advised to do 150 minutes of exercise a week avoid sitting for too long when driving or at work take care when lifting – read some safe lifting tips check your posture when sitting, using computers and watching television – find out how to sit correctly and tips for laptop users ensure the mattress on your bed supports you properly lose weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise if you're overweight – being overweight can increase your risk of developing back pain

Often it's not possible to identify the cause of back pain. Doctors call this "non-specific" back pain. Sometimes the pain may be a result of an injury such as a sprain or strain, but often it occurs for no apparent reason. It's very rarely caused by anything serious. Occasionally back pain can be due to a medical condition such as: a slipped (prolapsed) disc – where a disc of cartilage in the spine presses on a nearby nerve sciatica – irritation of the nerve that runs from the pelvis to the feet These conditions tend to cause additional symptoms – such as numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation – and they're treated differently to non-specific back pain.

Overview Back pain is very common and normally improves within a few weeks or months. Pain in the lower back (lumbago) is particularly common, although it can be felt anywhere along the spine – from the neck down to the hips. In most cases the pain isn't caused by anything serious and will usually get better over time. There are things you can do to help relieve it. But sometimes the pain can last a long time or keep coming back. How to relieve back pain The following tips may help reduce your backache and speed up your recovery: stay as active as possible and try to continue your daily activities – this is one of the most important things you can do, as resting for long periods is likely to make the pain worse try exercises and stretches for back pain; other activities such as walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also be helpful take anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen – remember to check the medicine is safe for you to take first and ask a pharmacist if you...

As the causes of breast cancer aren't fully understood, at the moment it's not possible to know if it can be prevented. If you're at increased risk of developing the condition, some treatments are available to reduce the risk. Studies have looked at the link between breast cancer and diet. Although there are no definite conclusions, there are benefits for women who: maintain a healthy weight exercise regularly have a low intake of saturated fat and alcohol It's been suggested that regular exercise can reduce your risk of breast cancer by as much as a third. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can also improve the outlook for people affected by breast cancer. If you've been through the menopause, it's particularly important that you're not overweight or obese. This is because being overweight or obese causes more oestrogen to be produced, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.

There are several different types of breast cancer, which can develop in different parts of the breast. Breast cancer is often divided into: non-invasive breast cancer (carcinoma in situ) – found in the ducts of the breast (ductal carcinoma in situ, DCIS) and hasn't developed the ability to spread outside the breast. It's usually found during a mammogram and rarely shows as a breast lump. invasive breast cancer – usually develops in the cells that line the breast ducts (invasive ductal breast cancer) and is the most common type of breast cancer. It can spread outside the breast, although this doesn't necessarily mean it has spread. Other less common types of breast cancer include: invasive (and pre-invasive) lobular breast cancer inflammatory breast cancer Paget's disease of the breast It's possible for breast cancer to spread to other parts of the body, usually through the bloodstream or the axillary lymph nodes. These are small lymphatic glands that filter bact...

The exact causes of breast cancer aren't fully understood. However, there are certain factors known to increase the risk of breast cancer. These include: age – the risk increases as you get older a family history of breast cancer a previous diagnosis of breast cancer a previous benign breast lump being tall, overweight or obese excessive use of alcohol

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer. About one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. There's a good chance of recovery if it's detected in its early stages. For this reason, it's vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always get any changes examined by their GP. In rare cases, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. Read about breast cancer in men. Symptoms of breast cancer Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue. Most breast lumps aren't cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also see your GP if you notice any of the following: a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts discharge from either of your nipples, which may be streaked with...

The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas (a gland behind the stomach). When food is digested and enters your bloodstream, insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it's broken down to produce energy. However, if you have diabetes, your body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because there's either not enough insulin to move the glucose, or the insulin produced doesn't work properly. Although there are no lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is often linked to being overweight.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes – where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin type 2 diabetes – where the body doesn't produce enough insulin, or the body's cells don't react to insulin Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2. During pregnancy, some women have such high levels of blood glucose that their body is unable to produce enough insulin to absorb it all. This is known as gestational diabetes. Pre-diabetes Many more people have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. This is sometimes known as pre-diabetes. If your blood sugar level is above the normal range, your risk of developing full-blown diabetes is increased. It's very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as ear...

Although there is no cure for dementia at present, if it's diagnosed in the early stages, there are ways you can slow it down and maintain mental function. A diagnosis can help people with dementia get the right treatment and support, and help those close to them to prepare and plan for the future. With treatment and support, many people are able to lead active, fulfilled lives. The symptoms of dementia tend to worsen with time. In the much later stages of dementia, people will be able to do far less for themselves and may lose much of their ability to communicate. Read more about how dementia is diagnosed, or find out more about: Living with dementia Staying independent if you have dementia Looking after a loved one with dementia

Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. This may include problems with: memory loss thinking speed mental sharpness and quickness language understanding judgement mood movement difficulties carrying out daily activities There are many different causes of dementia. People often get confused about the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia and, together with vascular dementia, makes up the vast majority of cases. People with dementia can become apathetic or uninterested in their usual activities, or may have problems controlling their emotions. They may also find social situations challenging and lose interest in socialising. Aspects of their personality may change. A person with dementia may lose empathy (understanding and compassion), they may see or hear things that other people do not (hallucinations). Because people with dementia may lose t...

If you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it may be a good idea to talk to your GP about the early signs of dementia. As you get older, you may find that memory loss becomes a problem. It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, or certain illnesses and medications. This can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life or is worrying you or someone you know, you should seek help from your GP. But dementia isn't just about memory loss. It can also affect the way you speak, think, feel and behave. It's also important to remember that dementia is not a natural part of ageing.

The heart is a muscle about the size of your fist. It pumps blood around your body and beats approximately 70 times a minute. After the blood leaves the right side of the heart, it goes to your lungs where it picks up oxygen. The oxygen-rich blood returns to your heart and is then pumped to the body's organs through a network of arteries. The blood returns to your heart through veins before being pumped back to your lungs again. This process is called circulation. The heart gets its own supply of blood from a network of blood vessels on the heart's surface called coronary arterie

You can reduce your risk of getting CHD by making some simple lifestyle changes. These include: eating a healthy, balanced diet being physically active giving up smoking controlling blood cholesterol and sugar levels Keeping your heart healthy will also have other health benefits, such as helping reduce your risk of stroke and dementia.

If you have a heart attack or have had angioplasty or heart surgery, it's possible to eventually resume a normal life. Advice and support is available to help you deal with aspects of your life that may have been affected by CHD.

Coronary heart disease can't be cured but treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the chances of problems such as heart attacks. Treatment can include: lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and stopping smoking medication angioplasty - using balloons and stents to treat narrow heart arteries surgery

If your doctor feels you're at risk of CHD, they may carry out a risk assessment. This involves asking about your medical and family history, your lifestyle and taking a blood test. Further tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis of CHD, including: a treadmill test a radionuclide scan a CT scan an MRI scan a coronary angiography

Coronary heart disease is the term that describes what happens when your heart's blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries. Over time, the walls of your arteries can become furred up with fatty deposits. This process is known as atherosclerosis and the fatty deposits are called atheroma. Atherosclerosis can be caused by lifestyle factors and other conditions, such as: smoking high cholesterol high blood pressure (hypertension) diabetes

Overview Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of death both in the UK and worldwide. CHD is sometimes called ischaemic heart disease. Symptoms of CHD The main symptoms of CHD are: angina (chest pain) heart attacks heart failure However, not everyone has the same symptoms and some people may not have any before CHD is diagnosed.

There are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection, including: taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, aches and pains – aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration closing the curtains to help reduce light sensitivity using damp cotton wool to clean the eyes staying off school or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears In severe cases, especially if there are complications, you or your child may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.

Measles can be prevented by having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This is given in two doses as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme. The first dose is given when your child is around 13 months old and a second dose is given before your child starts school. Adults and older children can be vaccinated at any age if they haven't been fully vaccinated before. Ask your GP about having the vaccination. If the MMR vaccine isn't suitable for you, a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) can be used if you're at immediate risk of catching measles.

The measles virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can easily catch measles by breathing in these droplets or, if the droplets have settled on a surface, by touching the surface and then placing your hands near your nose or mouth. The virus can survive on surfaces for a few hours. People with measles are infectious from when the symptoms develop until about four days after the rash first appears.

Overview Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. It's now uncommon in the UK because of the effectiveness of vaccination. Anyone can get measles if they haven't been vaccinated or they haven't had it before, although it's most common in young children. The infection usually clears in around 7 to 10 days. Symptoms of measles The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you're infected. These can include: cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F) small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.

Use these links to get an idea of how to ease the most common causes of stomach ache. See a GP if you're worried. Type of stomach ache Possible condition Feeling bloated, farting a lot trapped wind Feeling full and bloated after eating, heartburn, feeling sick indigestion Can't poo constipation Watery poo, feeling sick, vomiting diarrhoea or food poisoning

Both bacterial and viral eye infections are contagious (usually from person to person). The only way to tell the difference between bacterial and viral eye infections is an eye exam from an ophthalmologist. Most eye infections are viral, and are very infectious. Bacterial eye infections are less common and are treated with antibiotic drops and pills, and treatment of the underlying cause, such as chronic blepharitis or lid infection. Viral eye infections are treated with artificial tears, mild steroid drops, and drops to prevent redness and itching. Special care is necessary to avoid giving the infection to others, including careful hand washing, throwing away eye make-up and contaminated contact lenses, and trying not to rub the eyes. Be careful of "persistent" or "chronic" eye infections — they may be something else entirely, such as chronic inflammation from blepharitis or dry eye. Don't stay on steroid drops for more than a few weeks. I just saw a patie...

Swabs were invented in the 1920s for the purpose of ear-cleaning. Due to relatively low public awareness, the practice has persisted even after doctors and manufacturers alike have pointed out how dangerous they are. The warning label on Q-Tip boxes reads "CAUTION: Do not enter ear canal. … Entering the ear canal could cause injury." Curious children often try to use them, which is particularly dangerous as their ears are delicate. According to a 2017 study, more than 260,000 children (under the age of 18) were treated for cotton swab-related ear injuries from 1990 to 2010. What can potentially go wrong when using swabs for cleaning ears? Swabs are inserted into the ears in order to "clean" the cavity. But this can actually have the opposite effect and end up pushing ear wax deeper into the ear canal. As a response, people are more likely to insert the swab deeper as well. "Anything that fits in the ear could cause serious harm to the eardrum and canal wit...

>>>>Since involuntary shaking of hands is widely associated with Parkinson's disease, it can cause panic and concern among people when they experience it out of the blue. However, the disease is only one of the many causes that can leave your hands trembling. Sometimes my hands tremble when I'm pouring tea or trying to hold something steady. Should I be worried? Involuntary shaking or trembling movements are known as tremors. Hand tremors during delicate activities are considered to be quite common. "Some degree of tremor during movements is normal for everyone," stated the Washington University Physicians website. The tremor present in all people is referred to as a physiologic tremor, typically influenced by lifestyle factors. What are the factors? And what happens if the tremors persist even if these factors are controlled? 1. Fatigue: Have you been cutting down on your nightly rest? Tiredness, lack of sleep or reduced quality of rest may also be ...

>>> The functioning of the body is highly dependent on hormonal balance, particularly if you happen to suffer from conditions like thyroid disease. Even when you take measures to ensure a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine, you may be exposed to everyday things that can affect the production of your hormones. Here are five of them that may surprise you: Beauty Products Studies have pointed out some cosmetic products may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals. If you suffer from thyroid disease or endocrine conditions, in particular, it is recommended you avoid products with ingredients such as formaldehyde, lead, oxybenzone and more. These disruptors may be present in everyday makeup such as lipstick, sunscreen, nail polish, eye makeup, etc. You may also be exposed to them if you make regular trips to the beauty salon. For example, formaldehyde has often been used in permanent hair straightening treatments despite numerous associated health risks. Physical Touch ...

There’s nothing like a drink to help lighten the mood on a first date, but otherwise, we’ve been taught alcohol can hinder romance. Too much alcohol is never healthy, but a little booze could actually be helpful for romance, your sex life, and even your marriage. Here are five surprising ways that alcohol can help your sex life, from a better orgasm to a higher sex drive. 1. Couples Who Drink Together, Stay Together Nothing brings a couple closer together than alcohol, whether that’s mutual love for drinking or shared abhorrence, and research published last year in The Journals of Gerontology found that, as couples age, happiness is closely tied to shared drinking habits. As a result, drinking together, or abstaining from alcohol together, is beneficial for a long-term relationship, Reuters reported. On the other hand, having a opposite drinking pattern from your spouse, such as having one spouse who drinks while the other abstains completely, is likely to result in more dissatisfied...

||What Causes Dry Skin on Penile Shaft? Even a dry spot on penis can make you feel uncomfortable, but it is important to know what causes this condition to find a right remedy. You may have to deal with this situation due to different dermatological conditions that may affect your penis and scrotum only or affect your whole body – you will find rashes on your body, including your genitals. 1. Irritation or Allergy Have you recently had sex with your partner using a latex condom? Some men are allergic to latex and often end with dryness on penile shaft after using latex condoms. You may also be applying some lotions, creams, or powders on your penis. If you don't wash that cream or powder properly, this may cause a red scaly rash on your penis. Some of the common culprits are benzocaine, Benadryl cream, or Triple antibiotic ointments. You may as well be allergic to detergent residue on clothing – this may also lead to dry skin on penile shaft. Similarly, using a strong soap to was...