October - 2022

Millions invited to take part in UK scheme to diagnose diseases earlier

A project to diagnose and treat diseases early – or even prevent them from developing – has been launched in the UK, with 3 million people to be invited to take part this autumn. The project, called Our Future Health, will eventually recruit 5 million or more people from all walks of life, with participants sharing their health records and giving blood samples, as well as having their weight, blood pressure and cholesterol measured, and their DNA analysed. Prof Sir John Bell,

Sleeping less than five hours linked to multiple diseases in later life

Adults over 50 who get less than five hours of sleep at night may have an increased risk of developing at least two chronic diseases, research suggests. Evidence from self-reported data indicates that compared to those who slept for up to seven hours a night, people who reported getting five hours or less shut eye were 30 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with diseases – such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease – over the span of 25 years. Based on the findings, published

World Mental Health Day 2022: When is it and what is the theme?

Mental health is a concern at the best of times – and these are not the best of times. From climate anxiety to cost-of-living stress through to personal matters, the brain strain is real and needs addressing. World Mental Health Day 2022 is here to set the record straight for the one in eight people worldwide living with a mental-health issue, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). With this year’s focus on prioritising mental wellbeing, here’s what you should know

Swapping screens for exercise for just 30 minutes a day could transform mental health

New research shows that swapping just half an hour of screen time for exercise every day could massively boost our mental health. In the study a group of 642 people scrolled less often and exercised more. As a result, they became less stressed and felt less depressed. In fact, participants felt happier after just two weeks of switching screens for physical activity. The research idea was sparked after professor Dr Julia Brailovskaia became concerned about people's mental well

Common antidepressants may increase the risk of heart disease and early death

Common antidepressants may raise the risk of heart disease and an early death, a study suggests. Almost a quarter of a million Britons were followed for over a decade and a link was found between people on the medication and heart disease. For people on the common antidepressants known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) - such as citalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine and paroxetine - the risk of developing cardiovascular disease was 34 per cent higher than in peo