Charlotte

The Connection Prescription: The Science Behind Loneliness

Last week, I came across an article in The Guardian about the link between loneliness and health. This article discusses a fascinating new study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, which found that social isolation and loneliness correlate with higher levels of specific proteins in the blood. These proteins are involved in inflammation and…
Chronic Pain and The Gender Gap: A Call for Change

Chronic pain is a complex condition that affects around 20% of adults worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of disability. Defined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines as an “unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage”, chronic pain…
The “Silent Killer”: What is Hypertension, and What Can We Do To Manage It?

Did you know that nearly half of adults with hypertension don’t even know they have it? Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a major health concern worldwide, affecting an estimated 1 in 4 adults. Frequently referred to as the “silent killer”, it can develop gradually without noticeable symptoms, making it easy to overlook.…
What Your Doctor Needs To Know: How To Make The Most Of Your Appointment

Make the most of your healthcare appointments with these top tips!
The IVF Postcode Lottery: What is IVF, and Why Does Access Vary in The UK?

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) has given hope to millions of people around the world who dream of starting a family, with over 10 million children having been born worldwide through IVF since 1978. Yet, funding for accessing this life-changing treatment in the UK often depends on where you live – a phenomenon referred to as…
Ozempic: The Weight Loss “Wonder Drug” That Has Taken The World By Storm

What Is Ozempic, and Why Is Everyone Talking About It? Ozempic, a brand name for the drug semaglutide, has recently catapulted into the spotlight. Often dubbed the “skinny jab“, it’s garnered the attention of celebrities, influencers, and the general public alike. Weight-loss treatments have always captured public interest, from thyroid extract in the 1890s, to…
Life, Death and Legislation: A Critical Look at the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

CONTENT WARNING – this article discusses assisted dying, suicide and death, which may be distressing for some readers. As Members of Parliament (MPs) prepare to debate the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill next week on the 29th of November 2024, the UK finds itself at a crossroads regarding compassion, ethics, and healthcare policy. The…
The Running Replacement: Could A Pill be The Future Of Fitness?

Picture all the health benefits of running a 10K run. Lowered risk of having a heart attack or stroke, effective weight management – the list goes on. Now, picture these health benefits, but without having to break into a sweat. Researchers in metabolism from Aarhus University in Denmark have developed a pill that does just…
1 in 11 Children Have It: Understanding Asthma – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) health condition that affects an estimated 262 million people worldwide. Within the UK alone it affects 6.5% of adults (4.3 million people) and is the most common long-term health condition in children, with 1 in 11 living with the diagnosis. It affects the airways that carry air into and out…
The Vape Debate: Is the UK’s Move To Ban Single-Use Vapes a Breath of Fresh Air?

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the vaping industry and sparked intense debate across the nation, the UK Government announced last week a ban the sale of all single-use (or disposable) vapes. Set to take effect from the 1st of June 2025, this decision marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to…