Health and Fitness
HPV Vaccination achieves high coverage rate
More than 70 per cent of 12-13 year old girls have already had their first HPV (human papilloma virus) jab since the vaccination campaign started in September, Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo announced today. This figure will rise as more results come in.
eBay to clamp down on illegal online Botox promotions
eBay has agreed to remove illegal Botox adverts from its popular website after Which? discovered over 240 instances of unlawful advertising of the product in just five days. Sixteen companies and individuals were found advertising the prescription only medicine to the public, with many unaware they were breaking the law.
Beat your New Year blues
With the New Year upon us there isn’t a better time to make some healthy changes and get in shape. But the cold wet weather isn’t always conducive to getting out there, as muscles and joints simply say no.
Almost half of men are worried about their weight
Making a New Year resolution and improving your life, and your looks is not the exclusive right of the young according to research by Saga Magazine. Losing weight and seeing more of the world are at the top of the agenda for over 50s in 2009.
‘Man flu doesn't exist’ says new research
It's official man flu doesn't exist! But according to new research it should be renamed woman flu as the fairer sex turn out to be the worst winter whingers. Men are less likely to create a fuss or crave attention when they fall ill and it is in fact women who are the biggest moaners. Most admit to exaggerating their cold and flu symptoms just for attention or to get a day off work.
Take care before starting that New Year diet
Need an excuse to rethink the New Year diet? How about hair loss? The start of every New Year prompts thousands of people to cut back in a bid to lose weight as they aim to turn over a new leaf. However, a recent survey* showed that many of these do so without considering the importance of vital vitamins and minerals, with 71% of women and 80% of men admitting they didn’t take a nutritional supplement while on a diet. Some diets even warn participants that hair loss may be a consequence.
Be prepared - The flu season has officially begun
The flu virus has started a month early and is currently sweeping the nation. More than 20 outbreaks have been reported in schools, hospitals and care homes and the NHS Direct has seen a threefold rise in the number of calls about colds, flu, fever and sore throats in December compared with September. GP consultations about flu-like symptoms have risen from 16.5 per 100,000 consultations in the last week of November to 27.6 per 100,000 in the first week in December.
Have an energy fuelled 2009
The short days and long dark nights of January and February can leave even the hardiest of us feeling down in the dumps and New Year’s resolutions, of getting to the gym and socializing more, can quickly fall by the way side. Make 2009 different and have a happy energy packed start to the year with a few simple changes to your diet.
Dead loss weight-loss products
After an indulgent Christmas, people may be tempted to turn to weight-loss products like healthy food ranges and slimming drugs. They're often not worth paying for, says Which?
New back pain solution for the NHS
An economic evaluation published in the British Medical Journey has concluded that Alexander Technique lessons are an effective and cost-effective option for the NHS. The evaluation found that a series of six Alexander Technique lessons followed by an exercise prescription is more than 85% likely to be a cost effective option for primary care providers treating patients with chronic non-specific low-back pain.
Beat the Christmas calories with fibre-rich foods
As Christmas approaches and the non-stop party season begins, it's traditionally a time when the nation reaches for more indulgent foods higher in sugar and fat - inevitably leading to the pounds piling on. But, just increasing the amount of fibre in your diet can really help towards keeping you feeling fuller for longer, cutting cravings for sneaky indulgent snacks and ensuring you have enough get up and go to see you through to the New Year.
Detox in a box
Celebrities across the globe swear by them and Jennifer Lopez recently announced she lost her baby weight through a diet delivery service. Detox in a Box delivers a chilled hamper full of satisfying and delicious meals for a whole week, direct to clients’ doors.
Exercise is good for mind as well as body
Taking exercise is great for the soul as well as the body, according to a recent poll of fitness fans. The survey, carried out by health club Fitness First, proves the long held belief – taking exercise really does make you happy.
Belly dancing for beginners
Belly Dancing was once a thing of burning sands and the burning passions of the harem. Now, increasingly, it is coming to be recognised throughout the Western world as an exciting form of exercise for health and relaxation – for anyone of any age. Belly Dancing offers many benefits to practitioners in terms of both health and fitness. It can aid posture, breathing and balance, as well as stimulating the senses, releasing muscle tension and improving co-ordination.
Britain's health perception gap
The PruHealth Vitality Index reveals a clear gap between Britons' perceptions of what it means to be healthy and having a real understanding of the impact of lifestyle, diet and fitness levels on current and future health.