How do you get shingles and who should be vaccinated against it?

Oct 25, 2016 17:25 pm UTC| Health

From November 1, the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine will be available for free to people aged 70 to 79 years. Shingles is a dreaded and common disease of the elderly; lets look at how and why you get it, and who should...

How an old antidepressant could provide the next brain cancer breakthrough

Oct 25, 2016 11:38 am UTC| Health

In 1998, I received an intriguing handwritten note. It came from David Wilkie, emeritus professor at University College London, and asked if I thought the antidepressant drug clomipramine could affect brain tumours. I had...

To keep older people active, pedestrian accessibility must improve

Oct 25, 2016 11:02 am UTC| Insights & Views Health

At the Habitat III conference in Quito, the foundation of the Federation Internationale de lAutomobile called for a children-first approach when designing the worlds roads with pedestrians in mind. But there is another...

What's the point of paracetamol?

Oct 25, 2016 02:32 am UTC| Health

Paracetamol has been around for over 50 years. Its safe and many guidelines recommend it as the go-to treatment. At least, thats the conventional view of the drug. Its a view so ingrained that its rarely questioned. The...

How to choose toothpaste

Oct 24, 2016 06:24 am UTC| Health

Choosing a toothbrush is relatively simple: dentists recommend brushing with a small-headed soft-bristled brush, for two minutes, twice a day. But how on earth do you decide between the 50-odd toothpastes on the...

Is the government pushing for private health insurance over comprehensive care in the NHS?

Oct 19, 2016 17:53 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics Health

Theresa May has little time for those arguing for NHS funding increases. After all, unlike most government departments, NHS funding has increased over recent years, offering protection against inflation at least. Other...

How listening to music could help you beat insomnia

Oct 18, 2016 08:59 am UTC| Health

In our hectic world, a good nights sleep is worth its weight in gold when it comes to improving physical and mental well-being. Much more than a basic method of energy conservation, sleep is a state during which muscle and...