Emma Hammett's posts
Key findings of the Health Profile for England report
The Health Profile for England report was published in September 2018 and is a comprehensive report covering life expectancy, major causes of death, mortality trends, child health, inequality in health, wider determinants of health and current health protection issues. The data and …
Continue ReadingFlu – the new vaccine that’s good news for older people
Boots starts offering their vaccinations this week. This year there is an improved flu vaccine (which also boosts the immune system for older people) and this is the one we are being offered in the UK this coming winter. This …
Continue ReadingHeart Attacks Affect Women Too
The British Heart Foundation are campaigning for more people to recognise the signs and symptoms of heart attacks in women. Many people have the misconception that heart attacks only happen to men and this has led to thousands of women …
Continue ReadingThe season of sniffles – common causes of breathing difficulties in young children and how to help
Autumn is the prime time for colds, coughs, sneezes and sniffles. As the weather steadily becomes colder and damper, existing breathing issues such as asthma can become unstable and need more careful management. Added to which, infections and viruses such …
Continue ReadingAnaphylaxis and adrenaline auto-injectors a comprehensive guide
Anaphylaxis is an extremely severe allergic reaction. Reactions usually begin within minutes and progress rapidly, however, they can occur up to 2-3 hours after exposure and exercise can also initiate symptoms a while after exposure to an allergen. Common allergens …
Continue ReadingEverything you need to know about cervical screening but were too embarrassed to ask
Cervical Screening Awareness Week aims to highlight the importance of regular cervical screening for women’s health. It’s an annual event – which runs from 10th to 16th June 2019 this year – and is organised by Jo’s Trust, a charity …
Continue ReadingVaccinations for travellers, a guide to keeping you well when travelling abroad
Vaccinations are viewed as a necessity of childhood. However, there are many jabs to consider in order to keep us healthy as adults, especially when travelling. The vaccines you need when travelling depend on factors such as your age and …
Continue Reading13 ways to avoid being bitten by these 12 common and not so common culprits
The warmer summer months sees a swell in the insect population of the UK – as we can discover to our cost. Bites and stings can be painful as well as cause a reaction. In some cases a severe one, …
Continue ReadingCold Water Shock
On a hot day, plunging into a cool pool or the sea may well be a very appealing prospect. However, every year people die from a physiological reaction known as cold water shock. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution campaigns to …
Continue ReadingStaying safe around water this summer – a guide for children and their parents
Having fun in the sun during the summer holidays often includes water, be it in a paddling pool, Lido, villa pool, lake, river or the sea. However, whilst it is refreshing to take a dip, staying safe is vital. Sadly, …
Continue ReadingHow to Prepare for Festival Season
Whichever festival you’re attending, whether music or literature focused, abroad or in the UK, day-long or spanning a week, the safety risks remain the same… Festivals are exhausting and the late nights, strange food and different living conditions can take …
Continue ReadingTicks and the Danger of Lyme Disease for you and your dog
All dog walkers should be aware of the dangers of a serious bacterial infection called Lyme disease, which is passed on by ticks to them and their dog. Dogs, cats and humans can all get Lyme disease. Although it’s uncommon …
Continue ReadingCan Alexa Save My Life?
Scientists have recently discovered that Amazon Echo, Alexa and even smartphones could soon be used to identify cardiac arrests in its owners. How? An AI-powered tool which could be installed on smart phones and speakers could detect irregular gasps of …
Continue ReadingStrokes can happen to anyone at any age, what causes them, how to spot them and what to do
A stroke (or CVA Cerebral Vascular Accident) is a disturbance to the blood flow of the brain caused by a blockage or bleed in one of the blood vessels supplying the brain. Blockages to the brain are a lot more …
Continue ReadingThe Heart of the Matter – everything you need to know about heart health for British Heart Week 2019
British Heart Week 2019 takes place from 7th to 15th June. To mark this event we offer a round up of all our heart health articles. From performing CPR to keeping your blood pressure in check, to dealing with a …
Continue ReadingDiabetes – signs and symptoms and how to help with a hypo
The facts One in 15 people in the UK have diabetes. This includes one million people who have Type 2 but haven’t yet been diagnosed. In the UK, someone is diagnosed with diabetes every two minutes. Worldwide According to the …
Continue ReadingSepsis: Life-Threatening Yet Difficult to Spot
Sepsis is responsible for 52,000 deaths in the UK each year. A distressing 250,000 people contract the condition, which can have life changing implications; such as amputations, internal organ failure and brain damage. Why has sepsis been in the news? …
Continue ReadingSupport for Carers
Unpaid carers are a lifeline to those they look after and are of huge benefit to society as a whole. A staggering 7 million of us in the UK are carers and so the relief to NHS services is truly …
Continue ReadingWhy bank holidays are so dangerous and 14 tips for safer DIY!
The bank holidays in May are the traditional time to undertake longer home or garden improvement projects. You have the extra day, the weather is better and there is work to be done to ensure your home – and in …
Continue ReadingHealthy Fasting for Ramadan 2019
There are 2.8 million Muslims in Britain and many will be following Ramadan, a month-long fast. To ensure you remain healthy when fasting, it is sensible to plan ahead and understand how fasting can affect your health. Read on for …
Continue ReadingWhy Dog Owners Should Learn First Aid
Why dog owners should learn first aid For many people, their dog truly is their most loyal companion and best friend. As a dog owner, you are fully responsible for the health of your furry friend, just as you are …
Continue ReadingTeenagers and First Aid
Teenagers are risk takers! Teach them first aid Teenagers and young people are the most likely to push boundaries and take risks. Rather than restricting their freedom, why not equip them with the skills and confidence to help each other …
Continue ReadingHow Grapefruit Could Have A Disastrous Effect on Your Medication
How Grapefruit Could Have a Disastrous Effect on Your Medication Have you ever seen the following contraindication on your medication – Do not take this medicine with fruit juice – and wondered why? This article helps explain why grapefruit and …
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