Mike Cummings, College of Medicine Lead for Acupuncture within Medicine and Medical Director of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, expresses his views on whether doctors should prescribe acupuncture… The evolution of this debate[1], should doctors recommend acupuncture for pain?, has…
A new study by a Brazilian university suggests drinking three cups of coffee daily could help to decrease coronary calcification – but drinking too much could have a negative impact. Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo found that people…
Professor Sonia Williams holds the Emeritus Chair in Oral Health Services Research at the University of Leeds and was awarded the MBE for her work in child and ethnic minorities dental health. Here, Professor Williams explores how integrated oral health…
They are the simplest of legumes…but new research from a Canadian university suggests that lentils could help fight high blood pressure. A research team at the University of Manitoba found that blood vessel health could be improved by eating the…
COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2018 In this issue, my principle focus is on cancer and the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). I also continue the theme of my December 2017 blog that CAM practitioners should be properly recognised by the public…
Join us for an evening exploring the legacy of the Peckham Experiment, an innovative health care system which proceeded the NHS, and what it means for the health and wellbeing of local residents in south London today. A screening of A…
GP Dr Amit Bhargava explains why the north-west Sussex town of Crawley has one of the lowest rates of emergency admissions in the country – and has been recognised as the most dementia-friendly community in the UK. The town, close…
The NHS Chief Medical Officer is advising people to switch off electronic screens including phones and tablets to reduce the effects of light pollution. Dame Sally Davies said the bright light from screens is just one of a ‘daily cocktail…
Dr Elizabeth Thompson, Academic Director for the Diploma for Integrative Medicine, which launched in Bristol in 2017, explains how the course is helping students develop a critical and enquiring approach to a variety of therapeutic interventions: The Diploma Development Team…
The College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP) has hit back at recent media reports claiming that mixing herbal pills and remedies with prescription medicines ‘puts health in danger’. Major national newspapers including the Daily Mail, Guardian and the Telegraph ran…
Dance and dance fitness can play a significant role in keeping the nation healthy says former Royal Ballet star Darcey Bussell. The Strictly Come Dancing judge will tell delegates at a conference in April that dancing can have an impact…
Medical Director for the charity Pathway, Dr Nigel Hewett OBE has been instrumental in recognising the need for healthcare systems to practise ‘Inclusion Health’. Here, Dr Hewett explains why medical professionals must work together to bring down the high mortality rates experienced by…
A recent Radio 4 programme explored how iodine makes an essential contribution to modern health including sources of iodine, global approaches to the nutrient and whether pregnant women should take supplements to boost the body’s levels: The phrase ‘essential ‘element’…
A powerful compound found in the spice turmeric could boost memory and even ease depression, according to new research. The US study showed that the compound curcumin can help to prevent protein build-up in parts of the brain that are…
A blood test that can potentially detect eight forms of cancer at their earliest stage has been described as ‘enormously exciting’ by scientists. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland revealed that while more work was still needed, they had…
GP Sir Sam Everington OBE, Chairman of Tower Hamlets CCG, examines whether the UK’s life expectancy rates could be dramatically improved by focusing on social determinants and a better use of technology: In the East End of London the difference in life…
Dr Michael Dixon appeared on the Today programme on Radio 4 on 5th January 2018…below is a transcript of the comments Dr Dixon made in discussion with presenter John Humphrys: ON MOVING AWAY FROM PRESCRIBING TABLETS “Too often we reach…
GPs should start prescribing activities like gardening, tango dancing and fishing – instead of doling out a pill for every ill, health chiefs say. Family doctors are being urged to take up “social prescribing” after research found it cut GP…
Sitting down to eat meals at the same time every day could help to prevent dementia, according to new research. A study carried out by the University of California looked at how regular meal-times had a positive influence on gene…
Swollen lips could be a red flag to GPs that a patient is suffering from Crohn’s disease, according to a leading gastroenterologist. The condition is a chronic inflammatory condition, as is Crohn’s, and Kingston Hospital consultant Dr Rishi Goel says there could be some…
NHS doctors are to begin prescribing food to patients as part of a drive to tackle the hunger and malnutrition suffered by people living in poverty. Vouchers for fruit and vegetables will be offered by GPs in a number of…
Bogdan Chiva Giurca, Social Prescribing Student Lead and a medical student at Exeter Medical School, believes the new generation of medics must engage now with social prescribing to help build a more sustainable future for the NHS… The importance of…
A vegetable oil that is marketed as being less expensive and healthier than some other cooking oils could lead to a build-up of plaques in the brain associated with dementia. In a new study, canola oil was also found to…
Dr Ruth Chambers, OBE, highlights how a pilot scheme is helping patients with social, emotional and practical needs across North Staffordshire… The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Hub social prescribing project was launched as a six-month pilot in February 2015…
What is Social Prescribing? Social prescribing is a way in which people with care and support needs, perhaps due to long term health conditions or simply being older or less active, can gain access to a variety of support from…
