Health Wellbeing Items

Mums know best for advice on life and love

From assessing our latest boyfriend to sympathy when we’re suffering with the flu, our mums are still our first port of call for love or health advice. A family report by genesreunited.co.uk found we turn to family over friends for key life advice.

Does a hysterectomy boost iron levels on the brain?

Too much iron on the brain is associated with brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's - and now researchers has found women who had had a hysterectomy may over-produce iron during the menopause, risking more age-related illness.

Stock up on supplements for vitamin D

If you are fair-skinned, it might be worth stocking up on the vitamin D supplements, especially now cooler temperatures have started. Researchers took the vitamin D levels of around 1,200 people and found that around 730 people were deficient.

Free signup for new foodie networking website

If you like good food, good wine and good company, take advantage of the special launch offer from Dinnerfriends.co.uk. The new social network website is offering free membership to the first 500 women to sign up, saving you up to £100.

Guess and Too Many Women join forces to raise funds

Too Many Women is a charity, dedicated to raising £1 million for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre and they have joined forces with Guess Watches and launched a limited edition Sparkling Pink watch to raise some much needed funds.

Do beta blockers stop breast cancer spreading?

Beta blockers could play a key role in saving a large number of lives, as scientists investigate a theory that the heart drug prevents breast cancer spreading. Cancer Research UK present their findings at the Royal Society of Medicine today.

Red wine could help fight breast cancer

The ‘healthy’ ingredient in red wine could help in the fight against breast cancer, after scientists found that it can stop the cancer cells from growing. New research has found that resveratrol can actually block the effects of oestrogen.

Women 'have a stronger immune system than men'

Here is another win for us in the battle of the sexes - scientists have found that women have stronger immune systems than men and it's down to a single chromosome. The X-chromosome related microRNA may prove key to understanding immunity and cancer.

Two to three cups of coffee per day 'decreases depression risk'

Is your morning cuppa actually keeping depression at bay? A study has linked increased caffeine intake, particularly coffee, with decreased risk of women developing depression of as much as 20%, backing up previous research on caffeine.

30% of scars cause embarrassment and upset

While the physical symptoms of accidents can be treated easily, the emotional upset of an incident can last a long time. Research shows scars also make women, in particular, self-concious and embarrassed, heightening their upset.

Women's 'behind-the-wheel' risks revealed

Millions of women are putting lives at risk by applying their make-up behind the wheel of a car, a new poll claims. Diamond insurance found a quarter of women use the morning drive to slap on their foundation and touch up their lipstick rather than concentrating on the road.

Don’t suffer incontinence in silence

Incontinence affects over 4 million women in the UK but it is still one of the big taboos with many too embarrassed to talk about, a new campaign though is hoping to break those barriers and make people aware of a new and effective treatment.

Breast screening does not cut the number of mastectomies

New research has found that breast screening is associated with an increase in mastectomy rates, despite women being told the opposite. Screening has long been said to reduce the both number of associated deaths and the need for mastectomies.

Mastectomies could become less common

New findings by scientists could help more women avoid mastectomies by undergoing chemotherapy before having surgery for breast cancer. The study found that whether chemotherapy is given before or after surgery does not impact long term outcomes.

New 'safer' contraceptive drug under development

Researchers say they have uncovered a new contraceptive for women which is more focused and safer to use. Unlike the commonly used ‘pill’ the new method is not hormonal and instead focuses on mechanisms that directly result in the release of an egg.

Time for a rethink on trans-fats?

So trans-fats are bad, right? If only it were that simple! There are trans-fats in dairy and beef that scientists believe can actually give you a health boost, protecting you against heart disease and even having anti-cancer properties.

Mastectomy 'unnecessary in early stage breast cancer'

Early diagnosis is essential for breast cancer survival - hence the importance of checking your breasts regularly. Now research suggests young women with early stage cancer don't necessarily need a mastectomy to increase survival chances.

Flaxseed 'has no effect on menopause symptoms'

Bad news ladies - flaxseed may not be a miracle cure for the menopause, despite previous reports singing its praises. It was hoped flaxseed could ease hot flushes, not just during the menopause but also for breast cancer patients.

Kidney stone surgery levels double

Bad habits such as smoking and drinking are being blamed for rise in the number of women being sent for kidney stones surgery. An expert from Barts Hospital said the number of women having kidney stone surgery had doubled compared to five years ago.

New surgery for post-breast cancer reconstruction

Reconstructive surgery is now available on the NHS for breast cancer survivors. The new TUG (transverse upper gracilis) Flap technique features micro-surgery that removes excess fat from the inner thighs to reconstruct the breasts after a mastectomy.

Age, not menopause, increases heart health risk

Several studies have looked at perceived links between the hormonal surge of the menopause and heart disease, the UK's biggest killer. But Johns Hopkins researchers concluded that ageing alone, not the menopause, explains the spike in deaths.

Recession forces one in four to postpone pregnancy

Have your baby plans been affected by the recession? A poll of women aged 30 plus found that one in four have shelved baby plans due to their financial situation. Red magazine’s Fertility Report surveyed more than 2,500 readers aged 30-45.

Are you having a mid-life health crisis?

For most people, a mid-life crisis normally involves buying a ridiculous convertible sports car. However, according to new research from BUPA, middle-aged Britons are actually experiencing more of a mid-life health crisis around the ages 45-54.

Go nuts to help prevent breast cancer

They are packed with protein and the healthiest nut out there. Now a study has concluded that the risk of breast cancer can be reduced by simply adding walnuts to your diet. It is known that many foods have anti-oxidant and anti-cancerous properties.

Hormones affect your career path

We are all ruled by our hormones at certain times of the month. But who'd have thought they can affect your career, too? When it comes to deciding your career of choice it appears that sex hormones can strongly influence people's occupations.