December - 2020

Parents warned of 'sharp rise' in eating disorders

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is urging parents to look out for signs of eating disorders in children and young people. Its snapshot survey suggests in some parts of Great Britain doctors have seen a three or four-fold increase in cases compared to last year. Specialists say the pandemic is a major reason behind the rise. NHS England says though record numbers are getting care for eating disorders, more will need support. The Royal College of Paediatrics a

Covid-19: Five ways to stay positive through the winter

The last few months have been awful for so many people, with millions dealing with grief, stress, financial difficulties, job losses and isolation caused by the pandemic. Now Christmas is over and the long dark winter months are here - a time that can be tough for many people even in normal times. But the country's leading mental health experts say there are things that many of us can do to give ourselves a lift. Here are some of their tips. Get moving Getting outdoors for ex

Is the Covid vaccine safe?

UK hospitals have started giving people the first doses of the Pfizer/BioNtech coronavirus vaccine. While many people want an injection as soon as possible, others are worried about putting something unknown into their bodies. How do we know a vaccine is safe? Safety trials begin in the lab, with tests and research on cells and animals, before moving on to human studies. The principle is to start small and only move to the next stage of testing if there are no outstanding saf

Covid: Free Vitamin D pills for 2.5 million vulnerable in England

More than 2.5 million vulnerable people in England will be offered free Vitamin D supplements this winter. The vitamin, which helps to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy, will be delivered to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, and care homes. Skin makes Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight - but the elderly and those with dark skin need topping up. The coronavirus pandemic means many more people than normal have spent time indoors. The groups most at risk are re

Coronavirus: What it does to the body

The coronavirus emerged in only December last year, but already the world is dealing with a pandemic of the virus and the disease it causes - Covid-19. For most, the disease is mild, but some people die. So how is the virus attacking the body, why are some people being killed and how is it treated? Incubation period This is when the virus is establishing itself. Viruses work by getting inside the cells your body is made of and then hijacking them. The coronavirus, officially