Global Wellness Day: Small Changes That Can Transform Your Health

Global Wellness Day: A Reminder to Put Your Health First.

Celebrate Global Wellness Day by making simple lifestyle changes that support your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Discover easy ways to prioritise your health.

Every year, people around the world come together to celebrate Global Wellness Day, a movement dedicated to living a healthier, happier and more balanced life.

Held on the second Saturday of June, Global Wellness Day is built around a simple but powerful idea: one day can change your whole life. It encourages people to pause, reflect and make positive choices that support their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

In today's fast-paced world, many of us spend our days juggling work, family commitments, household tasks and endless digital distractions. It can be easy to put our own health at the bottom of the priority list. Global Wellness Day serves as a gentle reminder that looking after ourselves is not a luxury – it's essential.

Wellness Means Different Things to Different People

Wellness isn't just about going to the gym or following the latest diet trend. True wellness is a holistic concept that includes physical health, mental wellbeing, emotional balance and social connections.

For some people, wellness may mean taking a daily walk in the fresh air. For others, it could involve reducing stress, improving sleep, spending more time with loved ones or making healthier food choices.

The key message of Global Wellness Day is that small, sustainable changes can have a big impact over time.

Simple Ways to Mark Global Wellness Day

You don't need expensive equipment or a major lifestyle overhaul to take part. Here are a few simple ideas:

Take a walk in nature. Or even take a walk around the estate you live in.

Switch off your phone for a few hours.

Drink more water throughout the day.

Try a relaxation technique such as meditation or deep breathing.

Enjoy a healthy, home-cooked meal.

Spend quality time with family or friends.

Go to bed a little earlier and prioritise sleep.

Even one positive action can help you feel more energised and focused.

A Good Time for a Health Check-In

Global Wellness Day is also an excellent opportunity to reflect on your current habits. Are you getting enough exercise? Are you managing stress effectively? Are you making time for activities that bring you joy?

Wellness is not about perfection. It's about making choices that support your overall health and wellbeing, one step at a time.

As Global Wellness Day reminds us, investing in our health today can lead to a happier, healthier future. Whether you make one small change or several, there's no better time to start than now.

After all, your wellbeing is one of the most valuable investments you will ever make.

New research highlights stark inequalities in access to life-saving liver transplants

Important new research published reveals a stark reality for people with chronic liver disease in England: despite facing a high risk of death after emergency hospital admission, the vast majority are not receiving a potentially life-saving liver transplant.

Published in the peer reviewed journal Frontline Gastroenterology, the nationwide study of over 82,000 patients found that just 0.64% received a liver transplant within a year of their first emergency admission, while nearly 38% died in that time.

The findings also expose significant inequalities in access to potentially life-saving treatment. Patients living in the most deprived areas were around half as likely to receive a transplant as those in the least deprived communities, and access varied depending on where people lived and the type of hospital they were admitted to.

People with alcohol-related liver disease, the most common cause of liver disease in the study, were the least likely to receive a transplant.

Pamela Healy, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust, who were one of the research study’s partners, told That's Health: “This research lays bare the stark reality facing people with liver disease. 

"Too many are reaching crisis point, being diagnosed for the first time during an emergency hospital admission in A&E, and then, sadly, dying. 

"Only a tiny proportion go on to receive a life-saving transplant. The clear inequalities linked to where someone lives, and their level of deprivation are deeply concerning and must be addressed.”

Lead author Professor William Bernal of King’s College Hospital Trust added, “Our study shows liver transplantation is used far less often than might be expected after emergency admission with chronic liver disease, and that access is uneven. With such high mortality, there is an urgent need to improve both equitable access to transplantation and the overall care these patients receive.”

The study also highlights that patients admitted to hospitals with a transplant centre were significantly more likely to receive a transplant, underlining the importance of timely referral pathways and access to specialist services.

While liver transplantation can dramatically improve survival, the researchers emphasise the number of transplants available is limited. They call for action not only to address inequalities in access, but also to improve early detection of liver disease, prevent avoidable harm, particularly from alcohol, and ensure better care during and after hospital admission.

Pamela Healy added, “Ultimately, we cannot rely on transplantation alone. We must do much more to prevent liver disease, diagnose it earlier and ensure everyone has fair access to the care and treatment they need, wherever they live.”

Read the full study here: https://fg.bmj.com/content/early/2026/05/28/flgastro-2026-103636

https://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk

Charge of the Light Brigade! Light Protest Calls Out Government Over the Neglect of People With Very Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)

The most severely ill people with ME have sent images to light up London because the Health Secretary has left these patients in the dark.

#MEAction UK projected messages onto locations in central London on 3rd June 2026 to urge James Murray, the Health Secretary to establish specialised NHS services for the most severely affected Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) patients.

The very severely ill are often bed bound, tube fed and live in the dark, isolated from life with a lower Quality of Life score than other major diseases, including heart failure and cancer.

The tragic deaths of Maeve Boothby O’Neill, Sophia Mirza, Merryn Crofts, Kara Jane Spencer, Ella Copley, illustrate how medical care for the very severe is non-existent. The coroner at Maeve Boothby O’Neill’s inquest said, ‘that provision of care for patients with severe ME such as that which Maeve suffered from was and is non-existent’.

"The most severely ill people with ME have sent images to light up London because the Health Secretary has left these patients in the dark. The sickest ME patients are dying without specialised care. We need action now" said #MEAction UK Chair Denise Spreag.

Lizzy who has had ME since she was 14 said, "I have had ME for 17yrs, since I was 14, and despite remaining positive, there is no denying how much I have lost to it. Moments with family, life events that only come around once, my independence, mobility, my hobbies, hopes, voluntary work. A career, relationships, even my ability to digest foods.

"We have faced stigma, lack of specialist medical care, and medics from other specialties having to step in to try to help before it’s too late. I have so much to give, so many skills, interests, so much knowledge, and drive, if only I was well enough to apply it fully. We deserve better."

Another very severe ME sufferer, ‘C’ said, "33 years like this. No medical help, whatsoever, too ill to see family or friends. It could have been so different!"

The decision to set up this service lies with James Murray, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. #MEAction UK calls on the Health Secretary to stop stalling and start the service.

As someone who suffered from ME for a decade but who had a spontaneous recovery, my heart goes out to people suffering from Very Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

https://meaction.org.uk

How My Wife Helped Me Finally Get Rid of a Stubborn Keratin Build-Up on My Forehead

After a prescribed cream failed to help, an unexpected skincare recommendation dramatically reduced a stubborn keratin build-up on my forehead. Here's my personal story.

For several years, I had an unsightly patch of keratin build-up on my forehead that simply refused to go away.

It wasn't painful, and it wasn't causing any serious health problems, but it was one of those things that you notice every time you look in the mirror. The area looked rough, raised and slightly thickened, and despite my best efforts, it seemed determined to stay exactly where it was.

Like many people, I did the sensible thing and sought medical advice. My doctor prescribed E45 cream, a trusted moisturiser that is commonly used to help manage dry skin conditions and irritation.

Unfortunately, in my case, it made absolutely no difference.

I used it as directed and gave it plenty of time to work. Weeks passed, but the keratin build-up remained unchanged. It was frustrating because I had hoped a prescribed treatment would finally solve the problem.

That's when my wife suggested trying something different.

She recommended Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Day Cream. To be honest, I was doubtful. After all, I had already tried a medically prescribed cream without success, so I wasn't expecting a cosmetic skincare product to achieve what a prescription hadn't.

Nevertheless, I decided to give it a go.

Within a couple of weeks, I noticed the first signs of improvement. The skin felt smoother, and the thickened patch appeared less prominent. As the weeks went by, the improvement became increasingly noticeable.

The rough texture gradually reduced, and the affected area started to blend much more naturally with the surrounding skin.

Today, I would estimate that around 95% of the keratin build-up has disappeared. What had been a long-standing cosmetic concern has been reduced to the point where it is barely visible.

Of course, this is simply my personal experience. Everyone's skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have a persistent skin condition or any concerns about changes to your skin, it is important to seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

However, my experience does highlight an interesting reality about skincare. Sometimes finding the right product involves a degree of trial and error, and solutions can occasionally come from unexpected places.

In my case, the breakthrough didn't come from the cream prescribed by my doctor. It came from a recommendation made by my wife.

And I'm very glad I listened.

Disclaimer: This article describes a personal experience and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional regarding diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.

New SensaCath Range Designed to Support Discreet and Confident Self-Catheterisation

Clinisupplies has launched SensaCath, a new intermittent catheter range designed to support comfort, discretion and independence for people who self-catheterise.

For thousands of people living with bladder conditions, intermittent self-catheterisation is an essential part of daily life. While it can help people manage their health and maintain independence, many users are looking for products that fit more naturally into their everyday routines.

Healthcare manufacturer Clinisupplies hopes to address that need with the launch of its new SensaCath® intermittent catheter range, designed to support discreet, comfortable and confident bladder management.

Developed with input from both users and healthcare professionals, the new range focuses on practical design features that aim to make self-catheterisation easier to manage at home, at work and while travelling.

Paul Cook, CEO of Clinisupplies, said the company wanted to create products that help people focus on living their lives rather than managing their condition.

"At Clinisupplies, we believe continence products should help people live more freely, not become the focus of their day," he explained to That's Health.

The launch includes two products tailored to different user needs.

SensaCath® Compact for Women has been designed with discretion in mind. Its compact size and neutral appearance allow it to be carried and used more discreetly, while an optional handle can provide additional grip and reach where needed. 

The catheter is supplied ready to use and features a hydrophilic coating designed to support smooth insertion and removal.

For male users, SensaCath® Flex Compact for Men offers a pocket-sized solution intended for use both at home and on the move. The product incorporates a soft, flexible tip designed to follow the natural shape of the urethra, helping to support a more comfortable catheterisation experience.

Beyond the products themselves, Clinisupplies says the range has been designed to support both users and healthcare professionals. Features have been developed to be straightforward to demonstrate during training sessions, while users may benefit from improved confidence and independence when managing their bladder health.

The company has also highlighted sustainability considerations in the design process. The SensaCath range uses recyclable materials where possible and incorporates right-sized packaging to help reduce waste.

As awareness grows around the importance of dignity, independence and quality of life in continence care, innovations such as SensaCath demonstrate how thoughtful product design can make a meaningful difference to everyday healthcare experiences.

For people who self-catheterise, small changes in comfort, convenience and confidence can have a significant impact on daily life.

https://www.clinisupplies.co.uk/

"I'm Not Making This Up!" a new awareness campaign shines a light on nystagmus

The Nystagmus Network has launched its nystagmus Awareness Day 2026 campaign under the theme "I'm Not Making This Up!" 

The slogan is a rallying call for greater understanding of a relatively rare, complex and often invisible visual condition that affects around 2.4 in 1,000 adults and children.

Nystagmus is a little-understood condition that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Yet one of the most common and painful experiences reported by people living with it is being disbelieved. People are told to "just get their eyes tested", accused of exaggerating or dismissed by professionals who have never encountered the condition before.

Why "I'm Not Making This Up!"?

The theme was chosen to give a direct voice to the nystagmus community. The staff team at the Nystagmus Network hear time and again from the people they support stories of them not being believed. Because the condition is not always visible to others and people who have it look pretty much the same as everyone else, many people spend years, sometimes even decades, trying to be believed and properly supported.

Sue Ricketts, Executive Information and Development Manager at the Nystagmus Network, told That's Health: "People living with nystagmus are some of the most resilient people you will ever meet. They navigate a world that wasn't designed with their vision in mind and they do it every day. 

"What they shouldn't have to do is fight to be believed on top of dealing with their impaired vision. That is what this campaign is about. We want to make sure this doesn’t keep happening."

What is nystagmus?

Nystagmus is a serious, lifelong, incurable form of visual impairment where the eyes constantly move uncontrollably, affecting focus, depth perception and facial recognition. At least 1 in 1,000 babies are born with nystagmus. 

Many other people acquire nystagmus beyond infancy and into later life. Support is needed in the early years, at school, in employment and in everyday life.

Campaign Activities

Throughout Awareness Day, the Nystagmus Network will be running:

A social media challenge inviting people to share their own "I'm not making this up!" moment using #ImNotMakingThisUp

Training sessions for healthcare professionals, educators and employers

A fundraising appeal to support the organisation's vital work across support, awareness and research

How to Get Involved

Visit https://nystagmusnetwork.org/awareness/ to read stories, take part in the campaign, and make a donation. Follow us using #ImNotMakingThisUp.

Trunks Across the Thames: A Colourful Elephant Trail Bringing Communities Together for Thames Hospice

Thames Hospice launches Trunks Across the Thames, a free public elephant art trail featuring 90+ sculptures, community creativity and a special story narrated by Alex Jones.

This summer, a herd of magnificent elephants is set to stampede across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, and they’re carrying an important message of hope, compassion and community.

Thames Hospice has officially unveiled Trunks Across the Thames, a spectacular free public art trail that will transform towns and public spaces into a giant open-air gallery from 13 July.

The family-friendly trail will feature 30 larger-than-life elephant sculptures, each individually designed by talented artists from across the UK. Alongside them, more than 60 smaller elephants created by local schools and community groups will showcase the creativity and spirit of the communities that support the hospice.

But Trunks Across the Thames is about far more than colourful artwork. At its heart is The Tale of Hope, a specially created story celebrating kindness, connection and the power of community. Adding an extra touch of magic, the story is narrated by popular television presenter Alex Jones, who has generously lent her voice to the project.

Dr Rachael de Caux, CEO of Thames Hospice, described the trail as an opportunity to bring people together while raising awareness of the vital care the charity provides every day.

The project has attracted support from a wide range of organisations, with Amazon and Iron Mountain Data Centers serving as headline sponsors. Additional support has come from Maidenhead Golf Club, along with local authorities including the Slough Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Art lovers will also have the chance to see a sculpture created by internationally renowned artist and author Charlie Mackesy, best known for his inspirational book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. His specially designed elephant will be unveiled for the first time at the Royal Windsor Flower Show on 6 June before joining the trail later this summer.

The initiative has been created in partnership with Wild in Art, the organisation behind many of the UK's most successful public art trails, which have raised millions of pounds for charitable causes while encouraging people to get outdoors, explore their local areas and connect with their communities.

From a health and wellbeing perspective, projects like Trunks Across the Thames offer more than just entertainment. Walking trails encourage physical activity, spending time outdoors can support mental wellbeing, and shared community experiences help combat loneliness and social isolation.

As excitement builds towards the July launch, residents are being encouraged to keep an eye out for artist reveals, elephant sightings and trail updates.

One thing is certain, this summer, a herd of elephants will be spreading hope, creativity and community spirit across the Thames region, all while supporting the invaluable work of Thames Hospice.

http://www.trunksacrossthethames.co.uk