Health Matters - your guide to health and wellness
Practical, intelligent advice for better living, to help you look after yourself in mind and body.
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Pelvic pain management: everything you need to know
The British Pain Society reveals that 28 million adults in the UK live with chronic pain. We speak with Dr Sarah Aturia about chronic pain and roundup five things you need to know about managing pelvic pain.
Nearly 50% of people with joint pain struggle with intimacy
Nearly 50% of our respondents from our Joint Pain Matters report say joint pain has affected their romantic relationships. We explore the causes and provide tips to help keep the spark alive between you and your partner.
5 things you need to know about ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on your ovaries. Up to 10% of women in the UK will undergo surgery to treat an ovarian cyst. Here are the top five things you need to know about ovarian cysts.
What is endo belly and why does it happen?
We share vital information about an often poorly understood symptom of endometriosis – endo belly. Endo belly refers to the painful pelvic bloating that women with endometriosis can experience.
Could you be suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
It’s estimated that 250,000 people in the UK suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Could you be one of them?
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can have a serious effect on your quality of life. We consider common causes as well as available treatments.
Back problems: sciatica and brachialgia
We take a look at two common back problems, sciatica and brachialgia, exploring causes, symptoms and available treatments.
Should I get the flu jab?
Do you need to get a flu jab? Who is most at risk from the flu virus? We answer common questions about the flu vaccine and who should get one.
Vasectomy and vasectomy reversal
We take a look at all things vasectomy, including how it works, plus male vasectomy and vasectomy reversal success rates.
What is cryotherapy and how does it work?
Cryotherapy uses sub-zero temperatures to treat everything from warts to cancer – but what’s actually involved? We take a look at how it works.
Why am I so tired?
Feeling fatigued and don't know why? We consider the common medical, psychological and lifestyle factors that lead to chronic tiredness.
Thumb arthritis: Q&A
How do you know if you have arthritis of the thumb and what treatments are available? We speak to a consultant orthopaedic surgeon.
Vestibular rehabilitation: How does it work?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised therapy designed to help people suffering symptoms such as dizziness and lack of balance.
Blood cancer: Q&A
Consultant haemato-oncologist Dr Premini Mahendra answers your questions on blood cancer, covering types, symptoms and treatments.
The importance of bowel cancer screening
Consultant gastroenterologist Dr Simon Campbell highlights the benefits and the importance of screening and surveillance for bowel cancer.
Beginner's guide to mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a simple practice than can help with feelings of stress and anxiety. We explain the benefits and how to get started.
Anosmia: loss of taste and smell
Anosmia is the complete loss of smell, which has become notable recently as a common symptom of COVID-19. Our expert takes a closer look.
10 great health benefits of playing golf
Playing golf has amazing potential health benefits. We take a look at the top 10 reasons to pick up a club, from burning calories to boosting heart health.
The link between sleep and mental health
Lack of sleep can significantly impact your mental wellbeing. Our sleep specialist examines the connection between the two.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common skin condition, affecting around 2% of people in the UK. We consider the common causes and best treatments for psoriasis.
How cycling reduces your risk of heart disease and cancer
Did you know that people who cycle regularly are significantly less likely to develop cancer and heart disease? We explore the science behind the figures.
What it’s like to have radical surgery for endometriosis
What does radical endometriosis surgery entail, and when is it the right course of action? We speak to a specialist surgeon as well as one of his patients.
Healthy eating on a budget
Want to improve your diet without spending a fortune? We share 20 tips to help you eat more healthily and save money doing it.
Foot & ankle pain: Q&A
A consultant surgeon answers common questions about foot and ankle pain, covering common causes, how to manage your pain and when to seek treatment.
Endometriosis Matters
We surveyed more than 2,000 people living with the condition and the results are in. This is what it's really like to live with endometriosis.
7 great at-home workouts
Not quite ready to head back to the gym? We share seven types of exercise you can do from the comfort of your living room. From yoga to HIIT, barre to cardio.
Living with endometriosis: Hannah's story
It took years for Hannah Calvert to be diagnosed with endometriosis, but she has since had life-changing surgery and gone on to have her first child.
Lipomas: Q&A
Mr Amit Kumar, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Alexandra Hospital, answers commonly asked questions about lipomas.
Self-compassion and being kind to yourself
We consider the importance self-compassion, its positive effects on self-esteem, and 10 practices that can help you to be kinder to yourself.
Treating and managing shoulder pain
Depending on the cause and severity of your shoulder pain, there are a variety of options to manage and treat the issue with your joint.
Hip pain: symptoms, causes, management, treatment
Find out everything you need to know about hip pain, from how to treat it yourself at home to when it’s time to seek professional help.
Knee pain: Symptoms, causes, management, treatments
Find out everything you need to know about knee pain, from how to treat it yourself at home to when it’s time to seek professional help.
The top 7 warning signs of diabetes
If you’re worried that you or a loved one may have diabetes, this checklist highlights the seven main signs and symptoms to look out for.
How to have a healthy lifestyle
If you’re looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, small changes are the best way to get started. We share seven easy ways to keep you in good health.
How to get fit by walking
If you're looking to improve your health without drastic changes, have you considered walking to get fit? Our guide will help you get started.
At what age will I start losing my hair?
We take a look at male pattern baldness including early signs and the underlying causes as well as available treatment options.
The basics of healthy eating
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is easier than you might think. Make these 7 easy changes and you’ll be well on your way to good nutrition.
Modern technology and mental health
Can smartphones and social media encourage symptoms of anxiety and depression? We offer advice on how to step away from your screen.
10 health benefits of cycling
Regular cycling offers a variety of benefits to your health, both mental and physical. Discover the 10 most important health benefits of getting on your bike.
Seasonal nasal allergies
Nose and throat allergies are common conditions all year round, but especially in the spring. Our consultant explains why.
How to deal with loneliness during the coronavirus outbreak
Many of us are be feeling lonelier than usual right now. If you find yourself struggling, we're sharing tips to help you get through it.
How to stay active from home
We consider the ways you can stay active without leaving the house, helping you protect your physical and mental wellbeing while socially distancing.
How to stay positive during the coronavirus outbreak
Does ‘staying positive’ prove harder than it sounds? We share advice on coping with negative thoughts and cultivating good ones.
Accessing mental health support during social distancing
If you are struggling and need emotional support during lockdown, here are 10 free mental health services you can access without leaving home.
Stress management during difficult times
In times of uncertainty, feelings of stress and anxiety are completely normal. We share advice on managing stress in difficult times.
Working from home and mental health
We share simple tips and tricks to help make sure you look after your mental wellbeing while you are working from home.
How to boost your immune system
Having a healthy immune system is essential for your body to fight off infection. We take a look at 7 ways you can bolster your body’s defences.
Working from home: Top tips
20 of our top tips to keep you sane and productive if you’re working from home, from the pitfalls to avoid to the benefits to embrace.
8 ways to care for your teeth and gums
A healthy mouth can keep you happier and prevent uncomfortable conditions. Here are eight tips to encourage good oral hygiene.
5 reasons to quit smoking
Stopping smoking is hard, but it can be done. If you're looking for that last push, read our top five reasons to quit smoking. Remember, help is available.
How does tiredness affect the brain?
Consultant Health Psychologist Dr Sue Peacock explains how sleep – or lack of sleep – can affect our mental health and wellbeing.
5 tips for a healthy heart
There are lots of things you can do to prevent heart disease. We highlight five simple lifestyle changes that will help you look after your heart.
What is self-care and why is it important?
This buzzword shows no signs of going away, but what does self-care really mean and why does it matter? We take a closer look.
What to eat when you’re pregnant
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Mr Christopher C.T Lee shares his advice on what to eat – and what not to eat – when you’re pregnant.
Are we getting enough sleep?
Sleep is vital to both our physical and mental wellbeing. Find out if you’re getting enough and, if not, what you can do to sleep more and sleep better.
What foods are best for gut health?
While there is no real ‘gut health diet’, we’ve put together 15 of the best diet and lifestyle tips to help you improve or restore gut health naturally.
The pros and cons of a vegan diet
More people in the UK are going vegan than ever before. Is it just a fad, or are there real health benefits to be had? We take a closer look.
Crohn’s and Colitis Q&A
Our consultant gastroenterologist answers questions about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two forms of inflammatory bowel disease.
An overview of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
We answer common questions about this respiratory disease and consider the lifestyle changes that can help to manage symptoms.
Dispelling the myths of HIV and AIDS
Ahead of World AIDS Day, we're shedding light on the real facts about HIV and AIDS and dispelling some commonly held false beliefs.
Dental phobia: Overcoming fear of the dentist
Tips from an experienced psychologist on managing fear of the dentist’s chair, from pinpointing the causes to specialised hypnosis.
Do complementary therapies for arthritis really work?
Do you suffer from knee pain? Swollen joints? Stiffness in your hip? We discuss if complementary therapies can actually help with joint pain.
How much fibre should I be eating?
Are you eating enough fibre? We take a look at the recommended intake and offer tips on adding fibrous foods to your diet.
The dangers of belly fat and 4 ways to lose it
Carrying excess fat around the waist is associated with various health risks. But why is belly fat so dangerous? And what are the different ways to lose it?
Men and mental health: a damaging stigma
We consider the stigma around men and mental health and the importance of changing perspectives, and also share advice on how and when to seek help.
Blood pressure: Q&A
We share the key facts about blood pressure, including what the numbers mean and what you should do if yours is high or low.
Here's what binge drinking is doing to your health
Are you a binge drinker? Get the facts on binge drinking and the potential health risks, along with tips on monitoring your alcohol intake.
How to take care of yourself during the menopause
We speak to a consultant gynaecologist about self-care and staying healthy for women who are experiencing the menopause.
UTIs in children: what you need to know
Urinary tract infections are common among children. This handy guide for parents covers causes, symptoms, treatments and preventative measures.
Cholesterol Q&A
We share advice on cholesterol and what it means to your health, with tips on lifestyle changes that can help to lower your levels.
Why is gut health important?
Do you really know what your gut microbiome is? We consider the science and the ways you can boost the health of your own gut.
