October - 2019

People 'more likely to feel pain on humid days'

People with long-term health problems such as arthritis are more likely to feel pain on humid days, a study has suggested. Folklore suggests the cold makes pain worse - but there is actually little research into the weather's effects. And this University of Manchester study of 2,500 people, which collected data via smartphones, found symptoms were actually worse on warmer, damper days. Researchers hope the findings will steer future research into why that is. Hearing someone

Blood pressure pills 'work better at bedtime'

To get the best out of your daily blood pressure medication, take it just before you go to bed, say researchers. It's a simple tip that could save lives, they say in the European Heart Journal. The pills offer more protection against heart attacks and strokes when taken at bedtime rather than in the morning, a large new study suggests. Experts believe our body's biological 'clock' or natural 24-hour rhythm alters our response to the medication. Synchronise pills to your body

Biggest NHS flu campaign under way

About 30 million people - nearly half the UK population - are being offered the flu vaccine, in the biggest winter vaccination campaign the NHS has seen. For the first time, all primary school pupils can have the vaccination free. Alongside children - so-called super-spreaders - the over-65s, pregnant women and those with existing illnesses will also be offered the vaccine. Meanwhile, the government said it was confident the flu campaign would not be disrupted by a possible n

Teenage girls on the pill at greater risk of depression, study finds

Teenage girls who take the contraceptive pill are at greater risk of suffering symptoms linked to depression, according to a new study. Ever since the pill became available in the UK in 1961, researchers have been trying to understand the connection between oral birth control and mood. While previous studies have linked the contraceptive to everything from breast cancer to blood clots and weight gain, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital, University Medical Center Gron

Parents warned about 'potentially harmful' teething products

British parents are being warned about the ‘potential dangers’ of popular teething products, which dentists say could put infants’ health at risk. Anyone who has ever stayed up all night with a teething baby will testify they’ll do almost anything to help soothe the pain, with many turning to teething gels and powders. But the British Dental Association (BDA) is urging parents to ‘be on alert’, following new research revealing 9 of the 14 teething products contain ingredients