The Health and Healing Narrative

Promoting understanding between people and practitioners.

The Health Literacy Series

Statins: Separating Myth from Medicine

By Derek Miao, clinical pharmacist and medical writer If your doctor recently recommended a statin, you may be wondering what it is and why it matters. You may also have heard conflicting information or myths about statins — so what’s actually true? Let’s dive in and break it down to plain language! Contents DISCLAIMER: While I…
Understanding Lab Results: Why “Abnormal” Doesn’t Always Mean Something Is Wrong

By Dr Alisha Naaz, PharmD For many patients, the most stressful part of a medical test is not the needle, the waiting room, or even the diagnosis. It is the opening of a laboratory (lab) report. A routine blood test is done. A few days later, the results of the report arrive through the NHS…
10 Common Vaccine Myths Debunked: Essential Facts Every Parent Should Know

There’s a lot of misinformation circulating about vaccines, especially online, and it can be hard for parents to separate fact from fiction. From fears about harmful ingredients to concerns about autism, these myths can create unnecessary anxiety. In reality, vaccines are rigorously tested, safe, and one of the most effective ways to protect children from…
How to Advocate for Yourself as a Patient in the NHS: A Practical Guide

If you’ve ever left an appointment feeling uncertain or unheard, you’re not alone. Navigating the healthcare system can feel complex and rushed, even for experienced patients. Self-advocacy is about taking an active role in your own care, understanding your rights, and knowing how to navigate the system safely. It doesn’t mean you’re being demanding; it…
Childhood Vaccines: The Ultimate Guide For Parents

With the winter months very much underway, and the seasonal sniffles doing the rounds, now seems like a better time than ever to talk about vaccinations. And in a world where the “anti-vax” movement has become more visible and misinformation spreads quickly online, revisiting the basics is more important than ever. Childhood vaccination schedules aren’t…
Jess’ Rule: The Change in GP Care That Could Save Young Lives

20 GP visits. No answers. With cancer rates rising in young people, Jess’ Rule is a wake-up call for patients and GPs alike: never dismiss persistent symptoms as ‘nothing.’
The £50,000+ A Year Care Bill: The Hidden Cost of Growing Old

In the UK, healthcare is free at the point of use. Yet families face bills of over £1,000 per week for standard nursing care. That’s more than £50,000 a year, and many households are unprepared. QUESTION: Why is this the case if healthcare is free? ANSWER: Because it’s healthcare that’s free. Social care isn’t. And though local…
Accessing ADHD Care: Private vs NHS Options Explained

It is a known fact that waiting times for ADHD assessments in the UK vary greatly. According to ADHD UK’s 2023 report, children may wait 5 weeks to 5 years. Adults may wait 12 weeks to over 10 years. With waits this long, many people turn to private assessments. These typically cost several hundred pounds,…
A Doctor’s Guide To Spotting Pseudoscience: The Top 10 Health Information Red Flags To Watch For

Top 10 red flags to spot pseudoscience in health claims.
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!