July - 2021

Don't sweat it! Is perspiring good for us?

Sweating is not generally considered to be a good look. Often associated with body odour, most people rely on a daily dose of antiperspirant to stay fresh and dry. Others embrace sweating, labelling it as "detoxifying". They even encourage the process via Bikram yoga – stretching in a 37°C+ (98°F) room – or regular sauna sessions. Love it or loathe it, sweating is often unavoidable during the summer – but is it good for us? Perspiring is entirely natural. It can even be life-

Chronic health issues for third in late 40s - study

About one in three middle-aged people has multiple chronic health issues, a long-running British study suggests. The 1970 British Cohort Study has been periodically tracking the lives of about 17,000 people born in England, Scotland and Wales in a single week. Nearly 8,000 of them were surveyed for the University College London work, published in journal BMC Public Health. And 34% had two or more chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure and mental ill-health, at a

Lockdown weight gain averaging half a stone - survey

More than 40% of adults in England have gained weight during the pandemic, a survey suggests, with the average gain being half a stone (just over 3kg). Public Health England (PHE), which surveyed 5,000 people, says Covid lockdowns and disrupted daily routines have made it challenging for people to eat healthy and keep fit. Snacking and comfort eating were given as the main contributor by about half of those who said they were fatter. PHE recommends a summer fitness drive. Its

Child winter respiratory illness on rise in summer

Parents are being warned to look out for the signs of a common childhood respiratory illness, RSV, cases of which unusually appear to be rising rapidly in the summer. RSV is a very common winter virus - but social distancing and lockdowns kept it at bay earlier this year. And this means young children have not been exposed and developed immunity. Public Health England said it would just cause mild illness for most but some under-twos were at higher risk. These can include inf

Norovirus cases three times higher than usual, warns Public Health England

Cases of norovirus were almost three times higher in the last five weeks when compared to normal levels, Public Health England (PHE) has warned, following the easing of lockdown restrictions. Norovirus, which is highly infectious and causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is normally associated with the winter months. However, cases of the bug are increasing across England and "it is possible that unusual or out-of-season increases could be seen in the coming months following further

19 July: England Covid restrictions ease as PM urges caution

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged caution as most legal restrictions on social contact are lifted in England. There are now no limits on how many people can meet or attend events, nightclubs reopened at midnight, and table service will not be necessary in pubs and restaurants. Face coverings will be recommended in some spaces, but not required by law. Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said government experts had recommended that only some under-18s be vaccinated. The PM, c