men’s health
A blog about all aspects of men’s health.
talkhealth launches talkgreen!

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new sustainable healthcare platform talkgreen! talkgreen is your one-stop-shop for all things sustainable healthcare. Whether you’re new to transparency or have been going green for sometime, talkgreen helps you to put …
Continue ReadingThe Numbers That Actually Matter On Your Health Journey

On your journey to better health, you will likely hear mixed opinions about the numbers that you need to monitor. Some specialists think that your weight is the ultimate indication of health while others focus on the number of steps …
Continue Reading4 smart ways to monitor your own health

Are you a healthy person? Though this seems like a simple question, it can prove very difficult for many people to answer. Indeed, what defines a person as “healthy.” Is it their weight? Their athletic ability? Their stamina? Or is …
Continue Reading4 healthy ways for women to deal with the ageing process

Though no one likes getting older, the ageing process affects all of us at some point eventually. While this may seem obvious, the reality is that many people struggle to age gracefully. Indeed, some individuals so hate the idea of …
Continue ReadingMake homemade alternatives to eat more nutrient dense & sugar reduced lollies

You’ll already know that manufacturers process food so that we keep buying. This means they put excess refined sugar in most foods. Although recent law for a 20% sugar reduction in food produced by 2020, has meant that manufacturers have …
Continue ReadingWhat is the no-scalpel vasectomy?

Vasectomies are one of the most popular methods of sterilization for men. And for good reason–they are a simple outpatient procedure, often done right in the doctor’s clinic, with minimal downtime. For a man who knows he does not want …
Continue ReadingHow Chronic Illness Impacts a Family

A chronic health condition can impact the family in a significant way. Parents with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, have to deal with anxiety and frustration. They worry about the future of their kids and feel frustrated …
Continue ReadingTips for Managing Joint Pain

Experiencing any pain can be debilitating, more so, if it affects your joints. Joint pain such as that caused by arthritis can significantly affect mobility, especially since it can worsen over time. What do you do when joint pain becomes …
Continue ReadingFinding Health Insurance Options During the Pandemic & Beyond

Whatever your current healthcare situation, if you are in the marketplace for new insurance or searching the insurance landscape due to upcoming changes, it’s good to consider as many plans and options as possible. Since choosing an insurance plan for …
Continue ReadingHow can you naturally help to reduce inflammation in the body?

Inflammation in our body can be good for us – it is an essential element of our innate immune response, and its task is to trigger a defense reaction. But sometimes persistent stressors (such as bad diet or lifestyle) lead …
Continue ReadingWhat Does it Mean When Your Joints Hurt? 7 Classic Signs of Joint Inflammation

It is significant to keep your joints in good shape. With inflammation in them, it is hard even to walk, lie down, sit, grab something, or do many other basic things because of agonizing pain. To survive for the whole …
Continue ReadingToxic aluminium link with autism and Alzheimer’s – latest research

Toxic aluminium link with autism and Alzheimer’s – latest research
Continue ReadingHomemade Healthy Ginger Beer

A Beginner’s Guide To Migraines: Symptoms, Triggers & Causes

If you’ve never experienced a migraine before, you might not know that much about them. In fact, you probably think that they’re just a ‘bad headache’, as many people do. But for millions of sufferers across the UK, they’re much …
Continue ReadingThree Superfoods You’ll Be Seeing in 2020

“Superfood” is a term that is thrown around very liberally these days, and whether you believe the fad or not, there is no doubt that a healthy and balanced diet is beneficial to everybody. These “superfoods” are extremely nutrient-rich and …
Continue ReadingAluminium and fluoride in tap water raises risk of dementia – scientific research from Scotland

New scientific research has revealed a greater risk of dementia in people drinking tap water in Scotland loaded with aluminium and fluoride. The research concluded that higher levels of aluminium and fluoride were related to dementia risk in a …
Continue ReadingWhen You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go : Invisible Illness & Public Toilet Troubles

‘When you gotta go, you gotta go’. Everyone goes, everyone uses a toilet and some of us just happen to go in bags. So what? Why is it still so embarrassing to talk about it? I’ll admit I’m embarrassed just …
Continue ReadingHaving trouble getting all your MICRO and MACRO NUTRIENTS cleanly?
?Have you tried MICRO ALGAE??As well as containing Proteins, Lipids, and Carbohydrates, it’s also a powerhouse of Vitamins A C & E, various B Vitamins, and minerals Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, and Iodine.?THE BENEFITS✔️I use Micro Algae in place of …
Continue ReadingThe importance of hydration

Now that exercising has become a social status symbol and there are so many people training for the very first time in their lives just to look good and compete with the “Joneses”, it is interesting to realise how the …
Continue ReadingAspergillosis – a hidden threat

Understanding Aspergillosis. What is Aspergillosis and how is it caused? Aspergillosis is a disease caused by Aspergillus, which is a variety of mould found in the air, soil, rotting plants, leaves and compost. We all breathe in Aspergillus fungal spores …
Continue ReadingHow to reach your health goals this year

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, give up smoking, or just try something new, New Year’s Resolutions are tough! According to statistics, most people who set resolutions were likely to give up by 12th January. Here are some tips to …
Continue ReadingTop tips for beating the January blues

January can be a difficult time. Once the festive season is over, there are still two solid months left of dark, cold days to endure. For many of us, January is also a time where we feel our worst, and …
Continue ReadingPigging out for Christmas

This is everybody’s favourite time of the year when people are merry, bright and over indulge themselves with loads of office, family, friends and street parties going on every single week. It is equally the time for indulgence and over …
Continue ReadingHow to better look after your health this Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of year but Christmas can be difficult for those of us with mental and physical health issues. Here are some of our top tips for looking after yourself and making sure you have a merry …
Continue ReadingLiving with Essential Tremor: How to Minimise Symptoms

Living with essential tremor is never easy. If you are looking for a way to minimise your symptoms, read this quick guide. A diagnosis of essential tremor can be life-changing. This neurological condition causes shaking in the hands, head, voice, …
Continue ReadingSelf Care Twitter Chat Highlights

To mark Self Care Week (18-24 November 2019) we hosted a live Self Care Twitter Chat, where individuals and organisations were invited to discuss self-care routines, mental health issues and more. We received a massive response, reaching over 119,817 views …
Continue ReadingHow To Reduce The Side Effects of Finasteride

Finasteride is a drug taken to slow down or prevent hair loss. In some cases it has been known to promote hair regrowth, although this is not the ultimate aim for those taking this particular drug. It works by preventing …
Continue ReadingWhat Happens to Your Body After Quitting Drinking

Regardless of the amount of alcohol you consume, your body will undergo many changes when you quit drinking. Alcohol plays a significant role in many cases of accidents, trauma injuries, and even deaths from homicides, drowning, and burns. Drinking is …
Continue ReadingKey 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 ReadingKeeping your immune system strong

The colder months have now arrived, and we’re experiencing more colds & flu virus’ ? than ever. ? Although scientists don’t yet understand why we are more susceptible to this in the winter months, we do know that the cold …
Continue Reading5 effective ways to prevent loneliness this winter

According to a recent study, lonely people who suffer with heart problems are up to three times more likely to die one year after being hospitalised and discharged. However, it’s not just those with heart problems that are affected. Loneliness …
Continue Reading4 Myths About Ear Infections You Need To Know

What is an ear infection? An ear infection is an infection which can affect any part of the ear. The middle ear is located directly behind the eardrum and this sort of infection is usually caused by trapped bacteria 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 Reading5 easy ways to get active during winter

Darker mornings and evenings, freezing cold weather and constant rain all make it very difficult to motivate ourselves into staying fit and healthy during winter. If you’re struggling to stay inspired to stick to a fitness regime, or would just …
Continue ReadingPumpkin gnocchi and sage butter

I have been thinking about Halloween recipes this weekend – this is likely to be the last one I post this year. I adore gnocchi but I do find it very filling. It is a dish for a day where …
Continue ReadingHow to look after your mental health

As today is World Mental Health Day and this week is Mental Health Awareness week, we wanted to share with you a few ways that can really help improve your mental health. Mental health is something that affects lots of …
Continue ReadingHow to manage stress when applying for medical interviews

Applying for medical interviews is an incredibly stressful time for junior doctors. You have to find time to prepare for your interview whilst doing long on-call shifts and nights. Modern medical interviews have become viva exams where you can be …
Continue ReadingHow to overcome autumn anxiety

This week marked the official start to autumn and for many of us, the change in season brings lots of new changes and challenges. The days get shorter, which means less sunlight and vitamin D, and the weather gets colder …
Continue Reading7 reasons you have brain fog & what to do

Brain fog is a term you may have used before to describe a moment where you forget what you were saying or doing but it could be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. Brain fog can be associated …
Continue ReadingMyths and facts about bladder incontinence – Urological Health campaign

We recently worked with Health Awareness on the 2019 Urological Health campaign. A printed publication was enclosed within every copy of the Guardian newspaper and the content is available online at www.healthawareness.co.uk/urology. The campaign featured exclusive content from key thought …
Continue ReadingAntidepressants, students & mental health care, sugar tax & tea-drinking benefits

Missed out on all the latest health news this week? Catch up now… Most common antidepressant does little to relieve depression symptoms New research suggests that the most common antidepressant actually does little to relieve symptoms of depression. The largest …
Continue ReadingFive signs you might have iron deficiency anaemia – Health News IE

We recently worked with Mediaplanet on the 2019 Health News IE: Blood Health campaign. A printed publication was enclosed within every copy of the Irish Independent newspaper and the content is available online at (www.healthnews.ie). Our article, written by Deborah …
Continue ReadingDiet drink risks, suicide rates, vegans & strokes & more

Check out our health roundup, featuring all the latest health news from this week. Two diet drinks a day can increase death risk by 26% Consuming two or more diet drinks a day can increase your chances of dying by …
Continue ReadingHRT & breast cancer risks, women & confidence, UK healthcare spending & more

Welcome to this week’s healthcare roundup for 26 – 30th September. Menopause HRT increases risk of breast cancer Researches from Oxford University have found that Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) could increase the risk of cancer, even after a decade …
Continue ReadingThe Importance of Magnesium

According to the Mental Health Foundation, these days more than 32% of people in the UK keep thinking about work all the time, ¼ actually places their own personal health at risk just to meet deadlines and 1/5 believes that …
Continue ReadingHow much does the UK spend on healthcare compared to other countries?

The Office for National Statistics has released figures today that show how much the UK spends on healthcare in relation to its international peers. In 2017, the UK spent £197 billion, which works out £2,989 per person on healthcare, the …
Continue ReadingGuts UK explore the ‘Science of Digestion’ in their free event

Gut health charity, Guts UK are hosting an exciting new event for the public on Thursday 12th September starting at 5.30pm at The Revell Ward Suite, Huddersfield, Football Stadium, Stadium Way, HD1 6PG. The event is called ‘Exploring the Science …
Continue Reading95% of the body’s detoxification enzymes are found in the Liver.

? To look after your Liver, start by reducing toxins like refined sugar, saturated fat, carbonated drinks, smoking, alcohol, pollution, cleaning products. ? Try giving your body a rest from heavy meats and Monosaccharide carbs, by replacing a meal with …
Continue ReadingHeatwave warning, hospital food, multiple medicine risks & more

Have you missed out on the health news this week? Get up to date now with our weekly health news roundup. Met Office issues heatwave health warning for Bank Holiday weekend The Met Office has issued a level three heat …
Continue ReadingDealing with Stress – How to prevent anxiety from ruining important relationships

Chronic stress is a bummer. It can have a devastating effect on the body. It can lead to low energy, loss of libido, stomach problems, headaches, insomnia and more. Not only will the body be an absolute wreck when experiencing …
Continue ReadingDaily wellbeing practice in setting boundaries for greater self compassion, respect, and happiness

?????♂️???♀️??? “Daring to set boundaries is about the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” – Brene Brown ? I am learning to love and accept who I am right now. It is a practice I have been …
Continue Reading? Anxiety ?

? As a sufferer of Anxiety my whole life, I have learned and practiced some affective strategies that have enabled me to overcome the fear-based personality that was once stopping me from living a happy and free life, and reaching …
Continue ReadingBirth rates, what food to eat to avoid heart attacks, breast cancer breakthrough & more

If you’ve missed the latest health news from the week beginning 29th July, catch up now in our roundup. Butter, red meat & cheese increase heart attack & stroke risks Too much butter, red meat and cheese are actually bad …
Continue ReadingGoing Vegan? ?

You may already know of the many benefits of going Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Flexitarian; ? To name a few: * Better digestion * Improved metabolism * Improved energy levels * Improved circulation * Healthy weight loss * Improved detoxification ability …
Continue ReadingSupermarkets & obesity, baby health visits, MS scans & more

We hope you enjoyed the hot weather this week and managed to stay safe in the sun. Here are our top health stories for this week. Are supermarkets designed to make us fat? The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) …
Continue ReadingNHS Texting Results, Skin Cancer Rates, Child Mental Health & More

Have you missed out on the health news this week? Catch up now. In other news, we’ve heard the weather is set to turn this weekend so have your umbrellas at the ready! NHS plans to text patients results The …
Continue ReadingFeeling run down? Tired all the time? Running on empty?

Getting really good quality sleep can make an enormous difference to our health and wellbeing. Here are my top ten tips for getting a really good night"s sleep. Some may be surprising!
Continue ReadingAlexa health advice, joggers & air pollution, fizzy drinks & cancer & more

In case you’ve missed all the latest health news this week, check out our highlights! Amazon Alexa now offers NHS health advice That’s right, people will soon be able to receive expert health advice from their Amazon Alexa, following a …
Continue ReadingWhy new ‘breakthrough’ in hair loss technology might not be such a crowning glory…
If you’ve got an interest in hair restoration, or you’re worried about losing your own locks, chances are you saw the news last week announcing a ‘critical breakthrough’ in the fight against hair loss. Newspapers and websites trumpeted a ‘cure …
Continue ReadingAndrogenic alopecia: causes and treatment

With 50% of the male population alleged to be affected by the condition to a certain degree, it’s difficult for the notorious pattern of hair loss to not have caught your attention. It’s so peculiar a fact for this condition …
Continue ReadingHeatwave health warning, babies eating too much sugar, cervical cancer decline, eczema & more

Have you missed the latest health news this week? There has been a lot happening and we’ve summarised it all for you here. Have a lovely weekend and make sure you stay safe in the sun. Met office issues health …
Continue ReadingThe Financial Benefits of Quitting Smoking

It’s a habit that many of us want to be rid of, however, according to the latest NHS statistics, almost 15% of adults in the UK are still classified as smokers. It’s no doubt an incredibly tough habit to kick, …
Continue ReadingWhat’s The Difference Between A General Dentist And An Orthodontist?

Before going any further, let’s get one thing straight: All orthodontists are, in fact, dentists – but not all dentists are actual orthodontists. You should be able to make informed decisions about dental treatment options, which is why it’s vital …
Continue ReadingGoing On Holiday with ME / CFS and Fibromyalgia

I used to really look forward to my holidays, but when I became ill with ME, the thought of going away… honestly – it became a bit of an ordeal for me. This can happen when you are struggling with …
Continue Reading5 Common STD Signs & Symptoms

STDs hold the rare distinction of being both extremely common and deeply misunderstood. Indeed, while sexually transmitted infections occur frequently, many people don’t know the signs and symptoms associated with these conditions. The good news is, modern medicine has made …
Continue ReadingListen To Your Body – It Knows What It’s Talking About

Many things contributed to my recovery from ME. Many, many things actually: Getting the nutrition and supplements right to support my body in starting to fire up the processes that it had forgotten how to do properly Protecting my weak …
Continue ReadingHow to know if your prostate is infected

Prostates are usually talked about in relation to cancer, and whilst this is the most common cancer in men – affecting roughly 1 in 8 men – it is not the only medical problem that your prostate could face. Prostatitis …
Continue ReadingNarcissistic Personality Disorder
Never Enough: The Narcissist’s Insatiable Curse If you have gotten to know a person with narcissism, you are bound to recall how you felt during and after your interactions with them. Not all narcissists are alike. But the term does …
Continue ReadingCorrect portion size, diet, sandwich carers, cancer & more

This week in health – 18 January 2019. This week we look at diet, portion size, research into concussion with premiership footballers, and teenage cancer and more. A snapshot of some of the key stories in health can be found …
Continue ReadingRunning Machine: Why are regular runners leaning towards treadmills for training?

Treadmills take out the factor of weather and its unpredictability out of one’s fitness routine completely. These are convenient running machines that have found their way into every celebrity’s fitness routine, athlete’s regular workout and beginner’s fancy. Every gym is …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 21 December 2018

It’s only four days until Christmas Day, but that hasn’t slowed the flow of health news. Instead, it seems to have spurred a number of health professionals to call for stronger actions to dissuade people from eating unhealthy foods. This …
Continue ReadingWalking with the Ramblers – the perfect way to keep fit in the great British countryside

Walking in the great British countryside can be one of the most relaxing and refreshing ways anyone can spend their free time. A little gentle exercise, fresh air and – in many places, wonderful views – are all well known …
Continue Reading‘Problems Peeing’ Ask the Expert clinic poses a host of questions
Unsurprisingly, many people who experience problems peeing don’t exactly shout from the rooftops about it. That’s probably why our Ask the Expert clinic on the subject, held from 3 to 6 December, attracted lots of questions from anonymous members seeking …
Continue ReadingA guide to foreskin problems
Foreskin problems are not to be taken lightly. If you notice a foreskin problem, either on yourself, or on your child, it’s important that you get it seen to right away. When boys are born, their foreskin will often be …
Continue ReadingImprove your quality of life

Businesses and professionals whose daily focus is on helping people coming to the end of their life are well placed to help us all live to the full. Hospice workers, end-of-life carers and funeral directors come face-to-face daily with the …
Continue ReadingValuable advice given in our prostate & testicular health online clinic
Our recent Online Clinic on Prostate & Testicular Health (5-16 November), supported by iMEDicare Ltd., Bladder & Bowel UK and The Urology Foundation, proved to be extremely valuable for a number of people who posted their questions anonymously. Understandably though, …
Continue ReadingImproving Self Esteem
When self-esteem is lower than it should be, self-advocacy almost always suffers too. After All, when we are not feeling worthy of our own admiration and love, we likely do not expect others to recognize our worth, either. It’s hard …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 16 November 2018

There’s been a plethora of health stories published this week and, thankfully, some is good news. In this round-up we have… NHS promises flu vaccine shortage will be resolved soon Although the government has advised older people to get the …
Continue ReadingOur Prostate & Testicular Health Online Clinic remains open for your questions
Our ongoing Online Clinic on Prostate & Testicular Health, supported by iMEDicare Ltd., Bladder & Bowel UK and The Urology Foundation, has already seen a variety of questions from men wanting to learn more about how to manage their condition. …
Continue ReadingNew support programme for anyone with IBS

Did you know that as many as 10-20% of people in Britain today suffer with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS? These are the figures that healthcare organisations and charities such as The IBS Network quote. This means that potentially a …
Continue ReadingChoosing Self Care for Life

It’s Self Care Week in the UK – probably the single national awareness week that best matches talkhealth’s raison d’être. The Self Care Forum, which organises it and is targeted more than 22 million people around the country, says the …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 9 November 2018

Autumn has well and truly arrived here at talkhealth HQ, and the leaves are falling from the trees almost as fast as new health stories are being published in the media. While focusing on the UK, British health journalists are …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 2 November 2018
After an amazing summer of weather at talkhealth HQ, who would have believed it could continue into November? Healthiest and unhealthiest high streets in the UK The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) has compiled a league table of British high …
Continue ReadingNew infographic reveals the true cost of healthcare in the UK

Our beloved health service has been supporting people in the UK when they need care the most for an impressive 70 years, but do we take the NHS for granted? The NHS in England alone costs £110 billion to run, …
Continue Reading7 in 10 people with liver disease in the UK don’t even know they have it

Nearly 75% percent with liver disease don’t know it, according to research published in the Lancet(1). For many, the first indication is following admission to Accident and Emergency when the disease is advanced and chance of survival is very low. …
Continue ReadingSaving Starfish

An old man was walking along a beach when he noticed a young woman off in the distance. As he got closer, he noticed that the woman was collecting starfish that had washed up on the beach and tossing them, …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 21 September 2018
The wind has picked up and the nights have cooled down since our last health news round-up, but we’re still enjoying the odd sunny hour or two at talkhealth headquarters, too. The week’s health news has been as mixed as …
Continue ReadingHere’s what could be causing erectile dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is among the most taboo subjects in our society. Yet it is an incredibly common occurrence, with an estimated 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffering and 1 in 10 of all men …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 24/08/2018

With another week coming to a close, talkhealth are back with another round-up of the weekly news. This week we will be looking at a range of different news stories in the world of health, including drinking levels, prostate treatment, …
Continue ReadingThe hidden cost of caring

In its 2018 Survey of unpaid carers Carers UK states that 72% of unpaid carers in the UK said that they had suffered mental ill health as a result of caring. This carer fatigue or compassion fatigue has been recognised …
Continue ReadingTalking through your doctor-patient relationship

Communication cuts across every aspect of good healthcare but it’s also one of the most difficult things to get right consistently. I think we can do better. I know from working as a doctor, and from experiences as a patient, …
Continue ReadingThe Gift of Anxiety

Generally, anxiety isn’t one of our top-ten on any gratitude lists. It can bring a lot of misery to our days, and often sends us mixed messages about what is safe and what isn’t. It can raise our blood pressure, …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 03/08/2018

With another week coming to a close, talkheath’s weekly round-up of the top news in the world of health is here. This week, health news has been dominated by the prolonged heatwave currently affecting the UK. With this in mind, …
Continue ReadingFibromyalgia – “Just Because We Don’t Complain, Doesn’t Mean We Aren’t in Pain”

Good day my lovely followers! I hope that everyone is doing as well as possible. I know that some of you have been able to power through and get some kind of work done or you may have even been …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 27/07/2018

With another week over, talkhealth have brought together all the top health-related news stories in our round-up article. This week, we will be looking at the legalisation of medicinal cannabis, the ongoing heatwave, and the latest news on smoking and …
Continue ReadingThe lowdown on sleep apnea

Wind back the clock a few years and sleep apnea wasn’t really a thing. Or, it was in health circles, but most of the general public had absolutely no idea of what it actually was. Suffice to say, times have …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 20/07/2018

As another week comes to a close, talkhealth have brought together some of the biggest news stories in the world of health. This week, we will be looking at a new fund to help combat the disability employment gap, how …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 13/07/2018

Welcome to another rendition of talkhealth’s weekly round-up of the biggest news stories of the week. This week, we’ll be looking at topics including vitamin pills, diabetes and sexual health. So, let’s get started! Diabetes Type 1 Experts believe they …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 29/06/2018

With so much going on in the world of health it can be difficult to keep up to date with all the latest news and breakthroughs. Luckily, talkhealth’s weekly round-up should help you keep on top of all the latest …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 22/06/2018

Welcome to talkhealth’s weekly round-up of all the top news stories in the world of health. This week we’ll be covering a wide range of topics, including the current debate around medicinal cannabis, the expected rise in the number of …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 15/06/2018

As another week comes to a close, here at talkhealth we’ve rounded up all of the top news stories from the week in the world of health. From Professor Green talking about depression and the impact of loneliness through to …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 08/06/2018

We’ve come to the end of another week and, as such, talkhealth will be looking through all the top news stories from the world of health. This week’s roundup includes new treatments and research, and overview of the summer months …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 01/06/2018

Welcome to another week of talkhealth’s round up on the biggest news in the world of health. This week, we will be looking at subjects including new cancer research, new reports about obesity as well as the rising popularity of …
Continue ReadingWhy You Might Need Hip Surgery

The hip is a crucially important joint in the body. Problems with it create severe difficulties with walking and can subsequently affect the back, knees, ankles, and feet. Issues with the hips are often addressed with surgical intervention, even though …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 11/05/2018

Welcome to another week of talkhealth’s news round-up. This week, we will be looking at news around a new drug that could help cure male baldness, how delays in cancer treatment are having a huge impact on patients, and new …
Continue ReadingMay is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

May 2018 is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. It is a global campaign aimed at focusing attention on bladder cancer. Throughout the month talkhealth will be supporting the charity, Fight Bladder Cancer who are highlighting the impact of bladder cancer, promoting …
Continue ReadingHow multiple sclerosis (MS) makes you feel

Today’s video from MS Trust for #MSAwarenessWeek approaches the very difficult topic of how being diagnosed and living with MS makes you feel. In today’s video, we are joined by 17-year-old Chloe, 16-year-old Deon and Matthew and Haley, who are …
Continue ReadingInterview: An insight into living with MS

MS has a huge effect on the lives of those diagnosed with the condition. With this week being #MSAwarenessWeek, talkhealth have teamed up with the MS trust to help give others an insight into living with the condition. Today, we …
Continue ReadingExplaining MS symptoms

Trying to explain MS to someone who doesn’t have the condition can be extremely difficult; multiple sclerosis can have a huge impact of people in a variety of different ways, so convey this to someone with no experience of the …
Continue ReadingThe A to Z of Multiple Sclerosis

We’ve now reached the mid-way point of #MSAwarenessWeek, and the MS trust have released another video around the condition, in a bid to help raise awareness about the disease. Over 70% of those living with MS experience symptoms before the …
Continue ReadingAdvice for young people living with MS

Every day this week, the MS trust will be releasing a new YouTube video starring a young person who has been affected by MS. This is all to help aid #MSAwarenessWeek and aims to highlight the condition to younger people. …
Continue ReadingWho gets MS and why?

It’s MS Awareness Week, and to help raise awareness of the condition the MS Trust have put together a range of videos to help demystify the condition. With over 70% of those with MS experiencing symptoms before the age of …
Continue ReadingWork”Out” or Work”In” ?
I talk rather alot about working “In”as well as” Out” in my sessions but how do you know when to work “in” and not work “out”? It’s really simple protocol but as ever you need to be accurate and …
Continue ReadingLUV your sensitive skin with SunSense

Do you struggle to find the right sunscreen for your sensitive skin? Finding the right sunscreen can be problematic if you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes due to prickly heat or polymorphic light eruption and …
Continue Reading#ThinkHand campaign could be a game-changer
I feel like Thursday 22nd February 2018 is going to be one of those days when in years to come I’ll look back and know that I was part of what will hopefully be a game-changer in the world of …
Continue ReadingPersistence saved my life, it could save yours too

Losing weight, diarrhoea and loss of appetite are symptoms associated with a number of common health issues, and may not cause alarm for many but did for me when I suddenly started experiencing them in the summer of 2007. After …
Continue ReadingPilates where did it come from? Should you be Practicing Pilates?

Where Did Pilates Come From? Should you be practicing Pilates? Joseph Pilates was initially a frail young German who took it upon himself to become a very strong, educated, healthy man. Joseph took part in wide range of sports including fencing, …
Continue ReadingWhat Is Diversion Colitis?

I get asked this question a-lot across support groups as I have been quite vocal about diversion colitis since having this diagnosed. I have decided to do a video entry for this to explain about the condition and how it …
Continue ReadingWhat sort of impact could ‘Aussie Flu’ have on the UK?

A virulent strain of influenza, H3N2 has severely hit the UK this flu season. The number of patients combating the virus at one point rising by 78% in just a week, according to statistics from the Royal College of GPs. …
Continue ReadingTinnitus Awareness Week 2018

Tinnitus Awareness Week is running from 5-11 February this year. The aim of the week is to raise awareness of the condition, which affects approximately 1 in 10 of the population. A recent British Tinnitus Association survey found that just under …
Continue ReadingWhat to expect after your surgery

So, you’ve been told you need to have an ileostomy formed and the big day arrives for you to go down to theatre and have it formed. All the questions you were going to ask have flown through your ears …
Continue Reading#ThinkHand – Understanding why hand function is important for staying independent

Q1. What does it mean to be independent? For me, it means not having to rely on others in order to perform everyday tasks that many of us take for granted. Q2. What is the thing that scares me most …
Continue ReadingWeight Loss for Health

Since the start of January, the media has been full of weight loss plans and exercise regimes. My gym, which was quiet over Christmas, was full to the brim on Monday and I struggled to park the car at 6.30am …
Continue ReadingNo Time for Exercise? How about 3 minutes?
Are you tight for time and want to try Pilates? “I don’t have 10 minutes to myself” sound like you? To busy to book in at a club, drive to the club, and attend a class…. I know that time …
Continue Reading3 before GP

Patients are being urged to adopt a new three-step approach in order to help relieve pressures on GP services over the winter. The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) have launched a campaign called ‘3 before GP’ which refers to three questions patients …
Continue ReadingThe success of the Stoptober 2017 campaign

For another year, a focus on quitting smoking swept the nation with the Stoptober campaign. This is a 28 day long event run each October during which smokers are inspired to stop smoking. There is always a considerable amount of …
Continue ReadingThe operation to remove a cancerous testicle

The operation to remove a cancerous testicle – The surgeon’s view by Dr Ian Eardley, consultant urologist at Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust, Leeds. “When a man has testicular cancer, almost always it is best to remove the whole testis. The …
Continue ReadingOsteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects many of us. It gradually becomes more common as we age but can also occur in those who are younger with osteoporosis-associated conditions. But what can we do about it? Firstly lets look at …
Continue ReadingWorld Diabetes Day

There are two main types of diabetes with type 2 being the most common. In the last decade the number of obese people developing Type 2 diabetes has increased, despite the condition being preventable with a healthy diet and regular …
Continue Readingtalkhealth Allergy and Eczema research published in Mail On Sunday

In September we ran a survey to see if patients suffering with eczema are more likely to also have allergies or sensitivity to foods such as eggs, nuts, diary and wheat. The aim of the research was to find out …
Continue ReadingRecord low sales of antibiotics for use in animals

There’s much in the press about antibiotic resistance and rightly so. Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to modern medicine with estimates suggesting it could be responsible for ten million deaths per year by 2050 and cost the global economy …
Continue ReadingType 2 diabetes costing NHS £8.8bn each year

It is estimated that 600,000 people in the UK have Type 2 diabetes but have yet to be diagnosed. Including the undiagnosed, that’s around 4 million people in the UK alone. And since 1996, the number of people with diabetes …
Continue ReadingGlobal Handwashing Day – A Guide to washing your hands

To mark Global Handwashing Day here is our guide for washing your hands the right way. Handwashing is the easiest way to prevent the spread of germs and infections, such as the common cold, meningitis, diarrhoea and hepatitis A. It …
Continue ReadingLink between cancer and obesity higher in women

As someone who has recently lost weight (22 pounds or 9.7kg in new money) I was interested to read a recent study published in The Lancet. A recent cancer diagnosis within my family made me stop and think. I’m middle-aged …
Continue ReadingStoptober – Are you ready for the challenge?

This month thousands of people are taking on the Stoptober challenge, Stoptober is a 28 day non-smoking awareness campaign run throughout October. It has been said that you are five times more likely to quit smoking after 28 days! Smoking …
Continue ReadingSmokers twice as likely to develop debilitating skin disease

Tobacco smokers are twice as likely to develop a debilitating skin disease, according to new research published in the British Journal of Dermatology this week. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic and recurring inflammatory disease of the hair follicles, which …
Continue ReadingA Vision of Good Eye Health

Regular eye checks and a healthy lifestyle go hand in hand with healthy eyes, yet too often we overlook the health of our eyes until we start to experience vision problems. So what should we be doing to protect our …
Continue ReadingFind the Fun in Fitness for National Fitness Day 2017

This week, talkhealth will be joining thousands all across the UK in supporting National Fitness Day 2017. Wednesday 27th September will see people all across the country shoving on their running shoes or slipping on their swimming costumes to have …
Continue ReadingNational Meningitis Awareness Week

This week is National Meningitis Awareness Week, but how much do we really know about Meningitis and the different strains! As a parent to 18 year old twin daughters who recently lost a very dear friend (George Zographou) to Meningitis, …
Continue ReadingHow to Cope with What Life Sends Your Way

Stress is a part of life. Sometimes the stress that comes out of each situation is good and sometimes it’s bad. For instance, achieving a goal can become stressful but once you reach it you feel a sense of accomplishment, …
Continue Reading4 Ways to Stay Healthy

One of the things you will want to do is remain as healthy as possible. This can allow you to get more out of life and enjoy the good things it has to offer. Another reason to work towards the …
Continue ReadingOnline Doctor v Patient-to-patient Support

Do people seek information from HCPs online or do they prefer online support from fellow patients? Over recent years there has been a steady increase in the availability of patient-focused websites offering health information and support across a wide range …
Continue ReadingWhat does today’s tech-savvy, self-caring, knowledgeable patient look like?

There’s little doubt that the 21st century patient is very different to the 20th century patient of my era. Much has changed and technology has been the key driver for change. So what does the modern, tech-savvy, self-caring, all-knowing patient …
Continue Reading40-60 years old not even walking for 10 minutes once a month

According to a report by Public Health England (PHE), middle aged men and woman are not getting enough exercise. In fact a staggering 41% are not even managing a 10 minute brisk walk once a month! Dr Jenny Harries, Deputy …
Continue ReadingHow do you feel today?

Listening to Sheryl Sandberg this week on Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, made me really think about our community and those that live day to day with a chronic condition. Sheryl is the Chief Operating Officer at Facebook and for …
Continue ReadingManage your health with Patient support Programmes

For those living with chronic health conditions, self-management is crucial for managing and controlling symptoms day to day. Protecting your own health is a responsibility that can require some help and guidance to ensure you pursue the right treatment for …
Continue ReadingStart Each Day Awake and Refreshed Naturally

For many people, as they get older getting the proper amount of sleep just doesn’t seem possible. If you have trouble falling asleep every night or a few times in a week, you’re not alone. Scientific research shows that over …
Continue ReadingBrothers to brave Atlantic Ocean in row for skin cancer research

Two Lymington brothers are preparing to row the Atlantic Ocean in memory of their late father Peter Massey, who sufferer with basal cell carcinoma skin cancer and sadly passed away in 2015 aged 63. Jude Massey, 17, and Dr Greg …
Continue ReadingShould you take Vitamin D to combat colds and flu?

Yesterday (16 February 2017) it was widely reported on TV, in newspapers and across the Internet that taking Vitamin D could significantly reduce the incidence of colds and flu amongst the general population. In fact, some newsrooms went as far …
Continue ReadingIntroducing Action Against Allergy – our latest charity forum partnership

talkhealth are excited to announce that we are now hosting the forums for the charity ‘Action Against Allergy’. Log on to the AAA forums to join the general discussion, view charity news and individual to talkhealth we are especially delighted to announce a forum …
Continue ReadingBSF – Pollution: How it affects our skin

Concerned about the effects of pollution on the skin? Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation Spokesperson discusses the measures you can take at home to protect your skin. Dr Mahto explains, “As skin is your outermost barrier, …
Continue ReadingEven celebrities get rosacea

It is estimated that around 6 million people in the UK are currently living with Rosacea. It is a common but poorly understood condition and can often be mistaken for acne. Symptoms of rosacea include permanent flushing and redness of …
Continue ReadingShould GPs run a 7 day service?

The government are keen for GP surgeries to open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Doctors are being told that if they fail to meet their commitments to keep surgeries open for longer, they may lose extra funding. …
Continue ReadingTickly coughs and dribbly noses

It’s that time of year, and if you’re working in an office you’re probably surrounded by coughs and colds. A nasty cold bug started doing the rounds in the talkhealth office just before Christmas with about half of the team …
Continue ReadingReasons Why Paternity Tests Should Be Beneficial

Giving birth is one of the most exciting, memorable and painful experiences of your life. In the ideal world, you are accompanied by your loving partner; and you end up with a happy, healthy baby that you both can love …
Continue ReadingUncovering the Causes of Self-Medication

We live in a world with thousands of different kinds of drugs. Some of these are common in our daily lives (caffeine, nicotine) and some are more exotic (ayhuasca). It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, …
Continue ReadingDentists urge us to cut the cake culture in the office

Yesterday, (3 January 2017), the Royal College of Surgeons, Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) issued a press release urging workers to cut the cake culture that seems to have become established in many offices up and down the country. The FDS …
Continue ReadingNew Year Resolutions

We hope you’ve all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! In the talkhealth office today, we’ve been talking about our various New Year resolutions. It’s safe to say we’ve all over-indulged this Christmas and several …
Continue Readingtalkhealth backs the new sepsis awareness campaign

Today (15th December 2016) a new campaign has been launched by Public Health England (PHE) to help raise awareness of Sepsis – a condition which has been blamed for approximately 37,000 deaths a year and arises as a complication of …
Continue ReadingExciting new campaign SIX TIMES OPEN in association with the British Heart Foundation

Twins, Jonathan and David Stretton-Downes, have partnered with the British Heart Foundation to launch an exciting campaign called SIX TIMES OPEN. The official launch happened in November and was attended by representatives from the BHF. The story behind the campaign – …
Continue Reading6 Reasons You Are Tired All of The Time

Do you feel sluggish throughout the day? Tired of looking at everyone else and wondering how come they have so much energy? If so, don’t lose heart, many people feel this way. There are many reasons that you could feel …
Continue ReadingThis week in health news: prostate and testicular care

November is considered by many to be the month of men’s health awareness. Campaigns such as Movember have made waves in recent years, raising awareness and funds across the world for men’s health issues, in particular the issue of prostate …
Continue Reading5 Healthy Activities That Are Actually Enjoyable

Do you ever feel like all the things that are fun for you have over the years been proven bad for your health or waistline? We hear you. But it might delight you know that things aren’t actually as bad …
Continue Reading5 Things You Should Do If You Have a Problem with Alcohol

There is no clearly defined line that separates moderate drinking from problem drinking. If you feel ashamed of your drinking, hide your habit from others, or feel that you “need” to drink in order to feel better, you may have …
Continue ReadingNEW HUB: talkscars has officially launched

At talkhealth, we are are very excited to announce that our newest hub is now officially live. talkscars (and wound care), our newest health hub, will bring together articles, blogs and news on the latest developments and research in the …
Continue Reading8 Facts you should know about laser eye surgery

There are different types of laser eye surgery There are three main types of laser eye surgery, LASEK, LASIK and Smile. LASEK involves removing the epitheral layer to perform the surgery, which then grows back within a few hours. Recovery for …
Continue Reading3 Things You Need to Know About Finding Home Care for Your Parents

As children, we want nothing but the best for our parents. Sometimes, that means letting them live at home instead of an assisted care facility. Your parents will have a better time spending their days with the family – including …
Continue ReadingRefusal to treat obese patients and smokers: should this plan be put on hold?

In April of this year, the Vale of York clinical commissioning group (CCG) voiced their plans to make people wait for up to a year for treatment for non-life-threatening conditions such as hip and knee replacements if their body mass …
Continue ReadingWhere have all the O’s, B’s and A’s gone? You can help fill the gaps – #missingtype?

NHS Blood & Transplant need your blood. You may have seen their latest campaign entitled #missingtype. The campaign has been designed to attract blood donors new and old. The campaign is running across several social media channels including Twitter and …
Continue ReadingRosacea – A Day in the Life of

Sarah Jagger, Celebrity makeup artist and rosacea sufferer, recently embarked on a venture which aimed to shed new light on the struggles those with rosacea will experience day to day. As a part of Galderma’s ‘Experience my Rosacea’ campaign, Sarah …
Continue ReadingThis Week in Health: The Power of Pokémon

The resurgence of Pokémon has taken the world by storm in the past week, and you would be hard pressed trying to find someone who had no knowledge of it. The Pokémon Go app has in its first few days …
Continue ReadingBecome a Live in Carer – What’s involved?

The option of live in care is an alternative to the traditional nursing home. It normally entails the carer living in the home of the client on a full time basis for the duration of the care contract. 24 hour …
Continue ReadingThe EU Referendum: what does this mean for our NHS?

This Thursday, the entire nation will have the opportunity to cast their vote in arguably the most important referendum of our lifetime. On the 23rd June, millions will be deciding whether the UK should REMAIN or LEAVE the EU. …
Continue ReadingDon’t suffer in silence: World Continence Week

Bladder incontinence is a problem which affects 6 million people, just within the UK. The condition causes people to feel embarrassed and isolated, with many being too scared to leave the house. Urinary incontinence is described as the unintentional …
Continue ReadingThis Week in Health News: British Flowers Week

‘Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.’ American Environmentalist and author, Luther Burbank was a firm believer in the healing power of flowers. Flowers have become one of …
Continue ReadingWhat is causing my chest pain?

There are numerous causes for chest pain and fortunately most chest pain is harmless. However it is important to be aware of the more serious causes of chest pain and if you have any worries at all you should seek …
Continue ReadingArthritis Awareness Month

During the month of May, people around the country have been doing their part to raise awareness and sharing their experiences for National Arthritis month. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms of arthritis in the …
Continue ReadingThis Week in Health News: The First Penis Transplant in the USA, and Should Men Over 40 Avoid Having Children?

A prominent health news story over the last few days has been the reporting on the first penis transplant in the USA. The story may make many readers wince, but as the doctors who performed the operation have pointed out, …
Continue ReadingWhat is Super Gonorrhoea and How To Avoid It?
Super Gonorrhea is a drug resistant sexually transmitted bacterial infection. When one is infected the normal symptoms would include thick yellow discharge from the genitals, pains during urination and bleeding between periods. These symptoms are not observed immediately; it takes …
Continue ReadingHow Healthcare Apps are Helping to Improve Clinical Trials

Smartphones are changing our lives every day. Almost every industry is affected by the mobile revolution in one way or another. At George Clinical, we are in the business of clinical trials and we see how even the clinical …
Continue ReadingVaricose Veins Affect up to 1 in 5 Men

Varicose veins are a common problem and while there is a tendency to associate the condition with women, one recent review found that an estimated 10-20% of men have varicose veins, with that number increasing at an alarming rate. Varicose …
Continue ReadingThis Week in Health News: Treatment for Skin Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease; The Junior Doctors Dispute Wares On

Over the last few weeks, we’ve covered a number of positive health stories about potential breakthroughs in the treatment of deadly diseases including cancer. The potential good news continues this week, with the announcement of a new combination of drugs …
Continue ReadingTransgender Health

Like a huge and unwieldy behemoth, the NHS is finally trying to get its act together and negotiate its way around the plight of transgender patients. However, services are already stretched to the limit, with waiting lists getting longer and …
Continue ReadingHow will the 2016 Budget affect your health?

Today, George Osborne delivered his 8th budget as Chancellor. Tell us what you think of the 2016 budget. Do you think the Chancellor went far enough with his health initiatives? The key health-based initiatives announced are: A new Sugar Tax. …
Continue ReadingPrevention of Pressure Sores on Elderly Patients Living in Care Homes
Pressure sores are a common and substantial concern for elderly patients living in care homes, with over 700,000 people affected every year. For the NHS, they are the single most costly chronic wound, and most often occur in patients over …
Continue ReadingEarly Symptoms of HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is responsible for causing AIDS (Auto-Immune Deficiency Syndrome). If you have contracted HIV infection, finding its early symptoms can help you slow the progression of disease down, while manage to control the disease efficiently. Acute Retroviral …
Continue Reading5 Facts about Diabetes

1. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases globally Type 2 Diabetes is by far the most common type of diabetes and is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as hyperglycaemia, it is caused by excessively high blood …
Continue ReadingThis Week in Health News: Printing Body Parts, Mental Health, and the ‘War’ over Junior Doctors’ Contracts

In the last few weeks, the NHS has been going through one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history. As you will probably have already seen, the struggles continued last week even as the crisis over junior doctors’ …
Continue ReadingIs there no safe way to get a suntan?

This week, actor Hugh Jackman revealed on social media that he has recently undergone treatment for basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. He’s been treated for the condition a number of times before, and has this …
Continue ReadingMeet Speedo Mick … charity fundraiser extraordinaire

Amongst other things I’m a Wycombe Wanderers football fan. A league 2 club with no money but fans who totally believe in and support the manager and the squad week in and week out. And this weekend just gone was …
Continue ReadingAll You Need to Know About High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a disease that plagues worldwide (WHO, 2015). Every now and then, a new patient is diagnosed with high cholesterol, and asked to make major changes in life if he wants to live longer. Cholesterol: The Basics Cholesterol …
Continue ReadingEffective Treatment of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is one of the most common yet silent sexually transmitted diseases (Gerbase, et al., 1998). With effective treatment, the disease can be nipped in the bud before it spreads in the body and becomes serious. Genital Herpes Genital …
Continue ReadingControl Your High Blood Pressure

Every now and then, at least one person is declared a patient of hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension is a disease when the blood pressure of a person elevates as compared to average. All …
Continue ReadingSugar Consumption
Our Love Affair With Sugar: Sweet Treat or Public Enemy Number One? Sugar is getting a lot of negative press of late. Books like David Gillespie’s “Sweet Poison” and Dr. Robert Lustig and John Yudkin’s “Pure, White, and Deadly” have …
Continue ReadingHIV is not AIDS

Charlie Sheen’s very recent and very public admission that he is carrying the HIV virus has hit all the headlines. Of course although a very private thing for him he felt he had to ‘come out’ to put an end …
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