That's Christmas 365: How to Make Sure Your Christmas Turkey Isn’t Rotte...

That's Christmas 365: How to Make Sure Your Christmas Turkey Isn’t Rotte...: Learn how to choose, store and defrost your Christmas turkey safely, avoid spoiled birds, and spot warning signs, including a real-life caut...

A man’s guide to the menopause

Most information and advice about the menopause and its management is aimed at women. 

o how can men know what to do, or what to say, if their wife, partner or work colleague is struggling with troublesome symptoms at this time of life?

In the Autumn 2025 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Mr Mike Savvas, consultant gynaecologist, provides men with reliable, trustworthy information about the menopause. 

He covers the main symptoms caused by hormonal changes, possible treatments and other management approaches, and how the menopause can impact on relationships at home and at work.

“Most men want to support the menopausal women in their life – whether this is a relative, friend or work colleague, but it can be difficult to know where to begin,” Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange told That's Health.

“Understanding the menopause is the first step towards providing that support.”

The Menopause Exchange’s subscribers include women, men, healthcare professionals, complementary therapists, workplace managers, employees and journalists. 

Other articles in the Autumn 2025 issue of The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter include non-hormonal treatments for sweats and flushes, nutrition at the post-menopause, and HRT prescriptions, as well as news,

 Ask the Experts Q&As and information about Norma Goldman’s webinars, talks and workshops.

The Menopause Exchange, which was established in 1999, is unbiased and independent and isn’t sponsored by any companies or organisations. 

Their free quarterly newsletter contains articles written by top UK medical experts, including menopause consultants, GPs, specialist menopause nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, complementary practitioners, a menopause counsellor and a pelvic health physiotherapist.

To join The Menopause Exchange, anyone can sign up for free on our website, http://www.menopause-exchange.co.uk. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter (@MenopauseExch).

Menopause webinars: Our readers may be interested in attending or organising an online webinar presented by Norma, who has been giving presentations for over 26 years. 

These are suitable for women at or approaching the menopause, women who have had premature ovarian insufficiency (before age 40), an early menopause or a hysterectomy, or anyone with an interest in women’s midlife health. 

Her indepth knowledge has helped thousands of women enjoy a more comfortable perimenopause and menopause. Norma is now presenting online ‘Understanding the Menopause’ webinars to men. Knowing about the menopause can help men to better support their wife or partner, employees and/or work colleagues.

Norma also presents an ‘Understanding the Menopause’ webinar, geared towards workplaces, which they host, and a separate workplace webinar to line managers, HR teams, occupational health personnel, menopause champions and others responsible in the workplace (companies and organisations) for the wellbeing of employees.

In all webinars, attendees will be able to ask questions and will receive a factsheet.

To attend an ‘Understanding the Menopause’ webinar, organise one for your workplace or for more information email norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk or call 020 8420 7245.

UKMSA welcomes London Assembly’s report into Men’s Mental Health in London, highlightings how partnership working helps people create more Sheds across London

The UK Men’s Sheds Association welcomes the London Assembly’s report into Men’s Mental Health in London, which shines a much-needed light on the challenges many men face across the capital including loneliness, stress and a lack of accessible community spaces.

Men’s Sheds are mainly volunteer-led spaces, where men come together to make, mend and build friendships. 

They offer informal, practical spaces that support wellbeing simply by giving men a place to belong.

“Following the premature death of my daughter from a car crash, I fell off the rails. I felt that I did not want to do anything or mix with anybody. 

"After finding Men in Sheds, I have rebuilt my life, and I have found a group of new and diverse friends. It has also renewed my love of woodwork. The group talk about many subjects, and it feels like a safe place to discuss many difficult subjects,” said Dave, Shedder, 62.

However, many London boroughs still have no Sheds, and volunteers need access to affordable premises and local support to open more.

Caroline Ellis, CEO of UKMSA, said: “London can be a fantastic city, but it can also be a lonely one. Sheds offer men a place to turn up, get involved and feel part of something. We welcome the Mayor’s focus on men’s mental health and the recognition that community-led spaces must be part of the solution. With the right partnerships, we can support volunteers to open more Sheds across the capital.”

For Age UK Bexley, that is what Men in Sheds projects are all about: fostering supportive social networks whilst giving members the chance to be creative in the wood workshop. 

"In our last impact survey in September 2025, 100% of our members surveyed agreed with the statement “I have formed new social connections or friendships since joining the shed”. 

"We see new members join at moments of significant life change, including bereavement, and it’s inspiring to see how much joy, purpose, and camaraderie they find amongst their peers in the Shed," said Emily Willey, Service Manager, Age UK Bexley

https://menssheds.org.uk

Is There a Link Between Dyslexia and Migraine Attacks?

Explore the possible link between dyslexia and migraine attacks, what current research suggests, and practical ways to manage visual stress and reduce triggers.

For years, people have reported experiencing both dyslexia and migraines, leading to the natural question: are the two conditions connected? 

While scientists haven’t found a direct cause-and-effect relationship, research does suggest that some people with dyslexia are more likely to experience migraines than the general population. 

Here’s what we currently know, and why understanding the overlap can make day-to-day life a little easier.

Understanding Dyslexia and Migraine: Two Conditions With Brain-Based Origins

Dyslexia is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language. Migraine, meanwhile, is a complex neurological condition involving sensory hypersensitivity, changes in the brain’s pain pathways, and, sometimes, aura symptoms such as flashing lights, zig-zag patterns, or temporary visual loss.

Although the two conditions are very different, both involve variations in brain networks that handle sensory and cognitive processing. This shared neurological basis is one reason researchers believe they may appear together more often than chance alone would predict.

What the Research Suggests

1. Higher Rates of Migraine in People With Dyslexia

Some studies have found that people with dyslexia report migraines at a slightly higher rate than the general population. This doesn’t mean dyslexia causes migraines. Rather, both conditions may stem from certain shared patterns in brain function, particularly in the visual and language-processing regions.

2. Visual Stress May Play a Role

Visual stress, sometimes referred to as visual discomfort or Irlen-type symptoms, is more common in some people with dyslexia. This can include sensitivity to:

Striped or high-contrast patterns

Flickering lights

Harsh brightness

Text that seems to “move” on the page

Interestingly, these same sensory triggers can provoke or intensify migraine attacks. When a person has both dyslexia and migraines, these visual sensitivities can stack up, making reading or screen work more likely to trigger symptoms.

3. Cognitive Fatigue Can Increase Migraine Risk

People with dyslexia may need to use more effort or energy to read for long periods, especially when dealing with dense text, unfamiliar vocabulary, or prolonged screen time. 

Cognitive fatigue is a known migraine trigger, meaning that sustained concentration can sometimes contribute to an attack.

What’s Not Yet Proven

Despite promising insights, researchers still emphasise that:

Dyslexia does not cause migraines.

Migraines do not cause dyslexia.

Many people experience one condition without the other.

Any link is likely due to overlapping neurological traits rather than a direct connection.

Practical Ways to Reduce Migraine Triggers When You Have Dyslexia

If you or someone you know experiences both conditions, a few small adjustments can make daily tasks far more comfortable.

Adjust Your Visual Environment

Reduce screen brightness and increase text size.

Use warmer or softer screen tones rather than stark white backgrounds.

Try tinted overlays or reading rulers if visual stress is an issue.

Consider gentle lighting rather than bright overhead bulbs.

Manage Your Screen and Reading Time

Take short visual breaks, 20 seconds every 20 minutes can help.

Break reading tasks into manageable chunks.

Use audiobooks and text-to-speech tools to reduce strain.

Keep an Eye on General Migraine Triggers

Good management of lifestyle factors can reduce attack frequency:

Maintain steady hydration.

Keep a consistent sleep pattern.

Avoid skipping meals.

Manage stress with relaxation techniques or gentle movement.

When to Seek Support

If migraines are frequent, severe, or getting worse, speaking to a GP is important. They can help rule out other causes and offer treatments ranging from preventative medications to non-drug therapies.

If reading is becoming increasingly difficult or visually uncomfortable, an eye specialist or dyslexia-informed assessor can offer additional strategies.

While there’s no definitive, direct link between dyslexia and migraine attacks, the two conditions can overlap in meaningful ways, particularly through visual sensitivity and cognitive fatigue. 

Understanding these connections can empower people to create more comfortable, migraine-friendly reading environments and reduce unnecessary pain.

Why You Should Never Buy Weight-Loss Injections from Internet “Pharmacies”

Learn why buying weight-loss injections from unregulated online “pharmacies” is dangerous. 

Understand the risks of counterfeit products and how to obtain treatment safely in the UK.

The rise of injectable weight-loss medicines has created a booming black-market trade online. 

Search for them and you’ll find dozens of so-called “pharmacies” selling pens at bargain prices, promising fast, frictionless delivery and no GP involvement. 

It looks convenient. It looks cheap. It looks tempting.

But none of it is safe.

Here’s why you should never buy weight-loss injections from unofficial websites, social media sellers, or any outlet that isn’t a regulated UK pharmacy.

1. Most online sellers are not pharmacies at all

A genuine UK pharmacy must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Many “online pharmacies” don’t appear on that register, even though they use professional-looking branding. Some operate from warehouses overseas. Others hide behind shell companies.

If there’s no GPhC registration, it’s not a pharmacy — and it should be avoided completely.

2. Counterfeit pens are now widespread

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has repeatedly warned that fake weight-loss pens are circulating in the UK. These counterfeits vary widely:

Some contain no active ingredient

Some contain too much

Some contain entirely different drugs

Some have contaminated or unsterile contents

People have been hospitalised after using counterfeit pens purchased online. The risk is not hypothetical.

3. You won’t get a proper medical assessment

Injections such as semaglutide or liraglutide are prescription medicines for a reason. They affect blood sugar, digestion, and appetite, and they require:

Screening for suitability

A medical history check

Monitoring for side effects

Dosage adjustments

Clear instructions on safe use

Dodgy websites bypass all of this. A multiple-choice questionnaire is not a clinical assessment. When you skip proper oversight, you carry all of the risk.

4. You could have an undiagnosed condition that makes the drug unsafe

These injections aren’t suitable for everyone. They can interact with other medications and pose risks for people with:

Gallbladder disease

Thyroid conditions

Certain gastrointestinal issues

A history of pancreatitis

Eating disorders

A qualified prescriber checks for these issues. An online seller that only wants your money will not.

5. Incorrect dosing can be genuinely dangerous

Weight-loss injections require a precise dosing schedule that increases gradually. Fake or unregulated sellers may supply:

Pens already at the wrong dose

Vials with no instructions

Counterfeit products labelled incorrectly

Overdosing can cause severe vomiting, dehydration, dangerously low blood sugar, and hospital admission. Underdosing simply doesn’t work, wasting money and potentially reinforcing unhealthy dieting patterns.

6. There’s no recourse if something goes wrong

If you buy from an illegal seller:

You have no consumer protection

You cannot complain to a regulator

You cannot return the product

You cannot prove what was in the injection

You’re effectively dealing with criminals. Their priority is profit, not your health.

7. The real medicines are in short supply — which fuels scams

Weight-loss injections have been in high demand worldwide. That shortage has pushed people towards online sellers, and scammers know it. They prey on frustration, medical desperation, and the desire for quick results.

If it’s “in stock” online when everywhere else is sold out, be suspicious.

8. Legitimate weight-loss care is a full package — not just a pen

Real treatment involves:

Proper medical supervision

Lifestyle guidance

Regular monitoring

Safety checks

Support with side effects

You’re not just paying for the medicine, you’re paying for professional oversight. Illegal sellers remove all of that and leave you entirely on your own.

How to obtain weight-loss injections safely in the UK

If you believe these medicines might benefit you, they should only ever be obtained through:

Your GP

An NHS specialist weight-management service

A regulated online pharmacy with GPhC registration

A reputable private clinic with proper prescribing controls

If in doubt, you can check a pharmacy or clinic’s regulatory status through the GPhC or MHRA.

Weight-loss injections are prescription medicines, not cosmetic quick fixes. Buying them from unregulated internet “pharmacies” puts your health, safety, and money at risk.

If something sounds too cheap, too quick, or too easy, it probably is.

Your wellbeing is worth far more than a counterfeit pen.

DHSC publishes medicines-shortage leaflets and posters

On 26 November 2025, DHSC released a set of new resources, leaflets and posters, designed to help manage ongoing issues around medicine shortages in the UK. 

The materials include:

A patient leaflet, intended to be handed out by pharmacists or GPs when patients are unable to receive their usual medicine because of a national supply issue. 

The leaflet explains why shortages happen and points patients to where they can get advice and support. 

A poster for pharmacists and GP practices, providing guidance on what to do when facing a shortage, including where to find the latest national advice on supply issues. These posters are meant to be displayed in staff-only areas at community pharmacies, GP surgeries and other primary-care sites. 

Importantly, the leaflet is supplementary: it is meant to support, not replace, conversations between patients and healthcare professionals when medicines are unavailable. 

Why is this needed — the context behind shortages

Medicine shortages have become a persistent problem across the UK. While most supply issues are managed by the system, a significant minority of medicines remain difficult to obtain, sometimes for prolonged periods. 

The reasons for shortages are complex and multifactorial: supply-chain disruptions, manufacturing delays, increased demand, regulatory complications and economic pressures all play a part. 

The impact on patients and healthcare services can be serious: lack of access to essential medicines, delays in treatment, stress and uncertainty for patients, and additional workload for pharmacists and prescribers. 

Against this backdrop, where shortages are increasingly common and disruptive, improved communication and transparency have become more important than ever.

What the leaflets and posters aim to achieve

The newly published materials by DHSC serve several key purposes:

Transparency and explanation, helping patients understand why their usual medicine might not be available, and reassuring them that shortages are often national issues, not local failures.

Guidance for healthcare professionals — giving pharmacists, GPs and pharmacy staff clear steps to follow when supply disruptions occur, and pointing them to up-to-date, official sources for management advice.

Support for patient-professional communication, encouraging open dialogue about shortages, alternatives, and possible next steps (e.g. alternative medicines, revised prescriptions, or delays).

Standardisation of messaging, ensuring that across the NHS and community pharmacies, patients and professionals receive consistent, clear information about supply problems.

In short: the resources help reduce confusion, anxiety and misinformation for patients — and ease the burden on busy pharmacy and GP teams struggling to manage shortages.

How this fits into wider government and NHS strategy

The release of leaflets and posters is part of a broader effort by DHSC and NHS England to manage and mitigate medicine supply issues. 

Recent government guidance outlines long-term plans to increase resilience in the UK’s medicines supply chain — through earlier detection of supply risks, improved collaboration across manufacturers, suppliers, regulators and the NHS, and stronger international partnerships. 

The new leaflets and posters signal a commitment not only to technical supply-chain fixes, but also to transparency and better communication with patients and frontline healthcare workers. That human element – of keeping people informed and supported when the system fails to deliver — matters.

What this means for patients and how you can act

If you’re a patient in the UK and your pharmacy tells you a prescribed medicine is unavailable:

Ask if they have given you the official leaflet. It may explain why the medicine is missing and point you to sources of information or support.

Talk to your pharmacist or GP about possible alternatives or next step, the leaflet doesn’t replace that conversation.

Remember that your shortage may reflect a national supply issue, not a problem with your pharmacy.

If you’re a pharmacist or work in primary care:

Display the poster in a staff-only area so colleagues know what to do when shortages occur.

Use the guidance to stay up-to-date with national supply-status updates and to support patients proactively.

Why this announcement is significant

By publishing patient-facing and professional-facing materials, DHSC is recognising that medicine shortages are not just a logistical or supply-chain problem, they have real human impacts.

Good communication is essential in times of uncertainty. These leaflets and posters are a small but meaningful step toward transparency, patient reassurance, and supporting the NHS workforce coping with rising pressure.

For anyone affected, patients, carers or clinicians, this move may offer a bit more clarity and support when prescriptions go unfilled.

Useful Downloads

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/medicines-shortages-leaflets-and-posters 

The Pros and Cons of Taking Collagen: Is It Worth Adding to Your Routine?

Discover the key pros and cons of collagen supplements, from potential skin and joint benefits to the limitations and side effects, to help you decide if collagen is right for you.

Collagen supplements have become one of the most talked-about wellness trends in recent years. From powders stirred into morning coffee to fruity gummies and capsules, they’re everywhere. 

But are they genuinely beneficial, or are we simply buying into clever marketing?

Here’s a balanced look at the potential advantages and drawbacks, so you can decide whether collagen deserves a place in your daily routine.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It gives structure to skin, hair, nails, bones, joints, and connective tissues. 

Naturally produced collagen declines with age, which is one reason skin loses elasticity and joints become stiffer.

Supplements generally contain hydrolysed collagen, broken down into smaller peptides that are easier to absorb.

The Pros of Taking Collagen

1. May Improve Skin Elasticity and Hydration

Some studies suggest collagen peptides can help reduce fine lines, improve skin moisture, and support elasticity. Many people take collagen specifically for a more youthful appearance.

2. Supports Joint Health

Collagen plays a key role in cartilage strength. Supplements may help reduce joint discomfort, particularly for those with osteoarthritis or who take part in high-impact sports.

3. Can Promote Stronger Hair and Nails

Anecdotally, many users report fewer nail breakages and improved hair thickness after consistent use.

4. Potential Benefits for Gut Health

Collagen contains amino acids such as glycine, which may support the gut lining. While evidence is still emerging, it’s a popular choice for those focusing on digestive wellness.

5. Easy to Add to Everyday Foods

Unflavoured collagen can be mixed into tea, coffee, porridge, yoghurt, smoothies, or soups without altering the taste. It’s one of the simplest supplements to take regularly.

The Cons of Taking Collagen

1. Evidence Is Still Developing

While studies are promising, collagen research is not yet comprehensive. Many claims come from small or industry-funded studies, so results should be viewed with caution.

2. Not Suitable for Vegans

Collagen supplements are derived from animal sources such as bovine (cow), marine (fish), or porcine (pig) collagen. Vegan “collagen boosters” exist, but these do not contain actual collagen.

3. Quality Can Vary Widely

Not all collagen is created equal. Poor-quality products may contain fillers, flavourings, or lower collagen concentrations. Marine collagen is often considered the most bioavailable, but it also tends to be more expensive.

4. Possible Digestive Upset

Some people experience bloating, stomach discomfort, or a feeling of heaviness when taking collagen — especially when starting or when using large doses.

5. It’s Not a Quick Fix

Collagen takes time. Most people need to use it consistently for six to twelve weeks before noticing visible benefits. It’s not a fast-acting beauty or joint remedy.

Should You Try Collagen?

Collagen can be a helpful supplement, particularly if you’re looking to support healthy skin, joints, or nails. However, it isn’t a miracle cure, and expectations should be realistic. 

As with all supplements, it’s sensible to choose a reputable brand, check the ingredients, and consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you have allergies, medical conditions, or concerns.

For many, collagen becomes a small daily habit that delivers subtle yet worthwhile improvements. For others, it may simply not make enough of a difference to justify the cost.