Know GvHD marks GvHD Day on February 17, 2026, with “Together through GvHD” campaign

Image courtesy gvhdhub.com

Know GvHD will mark GvHD Day on Tuesday February 17, 2026, uniting patients, caregivers, ambassadors, societies, and the wider community to raise awareness of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and the long-term impact it can have on those affected.

GvHD Day aims to shine a light on the ongoing physical and psychological effects of GvHD and its treatment, as well as the continuing need for education, support, and connection. 

Many people remain unaware of the long-term biological, physical, and emotional challenges associated with GvHD, the supportive care options available, and where patients, caregivers, and families can find trusted information and practical guidance. GvHD Day 2026 seeks to address these gaps by making easily-accessible, patient-focused resources available to the entire GvHD community.

Together through GvHD

This year’s campaign – Together through GvHD – is rooted in connection, understanding, and hope. It is a reminder to every patient and caregiver affected by GvHD that they are not alone and that support, information, and community are within reach.

Connect. Share. Feel supported.

As part of the campaign, Know GvHD is bringing together a range of supportive resources and peer networks for people affected by GvHD. This includes a new Support Groups section on the website, featuring links to trusted organizations and communities where patients and caregivers can find help, connection, and shared experiences.

The campaign also includes a dedicated WhatsApp support group, hosted by Know GvHD patient ambassadors. This supportive and welcoming space allows people living with GvHD to connect with others who understand, share experiences, ask questions, and find reassurance from peers navigating similar challenges.

Be part of GvHD Day

To help drive awareness and visibility on February 17, Know GvHD is inviting supporters to take part in a simple but meaningful activity:

Download a Know GvHD poster from the website or order printed copies

Take a photo with the poster

Share the photo on social media and tag Know GvHD

This collective action reflects the spirit of Together through GvHD, highlighting the importance of connection, visibility, and community for everyone affected by GvHD.

Helping patients at every step of their journey

Know GvHD is also introducing Know GvHD business cards, designed to raise awareness of the website as a trusted hub where patients and caregivers can:

Access clear, reliable education

Connect with others who understand GvHD

Find ongoing support and reassurance

Posters and business cards will be distributed across blood and marrow transplantation centers, hospitals, and relevant societies, helping ensure that patients encounter Know GvHD at key moments in their journey. Information on how to order business cards is available on the website here: https://know-gvhd.com/gvhd-day/

Help spread the word

Please share and disseminate Know GvHD resources, including:

Patient stories

Patient interviews

WhatsApp invite link

Downloadable poster and business cards

Know GvHD website link

When sharing on social media, please use these official hashtags:

#GvHDDay #GVHDAlliance #GvHDConnect4Hope

Together, the community can raise awareness, strengthen connections, and help build a more supportive future for everyone affected by GvHD.

Together through GvHD, because no one should face GvHD alone.

For more information on GvHD Day, please visit:

https://know-gvhd.com/gvhd-day

https://scientificeducationsupport.com

https://gvhdhub.com

Improved Pregnancy Outcomes for Women With Thyroid Conditions? BTF Has it Wrapped!

The Wrapped Brand Agency has been appointed by the British Thyroid Foundation (BTF) to develop a new nationwide awareness and education campaign aimed at improving conception and pregnancy outcomes for women who are affected by thyroid conditions.

The partnership will focus on translating new UK clinical guidance into clear, accessible resources for women and healthcare professionals, helping ensure thyroid conditions are identified and managed effectively before, during and after pregnancy.

Thyroid conditions affect around one in 20 people in the UK and disproportionately impact women. Poorly managed thyroid levels can make it harder to conceive and increase the risk of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy. 

Yet many women struggle to access clear, trusted information at a time when reassurance and practical guidance matter most.

Working closely with the BTF and women with lived experience, Wrapped will help develop patient-friendly resources and bite-sized educational content designed to build confidence, reduce anxiety and encourage early action, including speaking with a doctor, monitoring thyroid levels and following appropriate treatment plans. The campaign will also support GPs and midwives with simple, credible materials to help them confidently signpost patients and deliver guideline-led care.

The work aligns with newly published national clinical guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on managing thyroid disorders in pregnancy, creating an opportunity to reach women earlier and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Mark Robinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Wrapped, told That's Health: “This project is about turning complex clinical guidance into something human, reassuring and genuinely useful. 

"Too many women are left feeling anxious, confused or unsupported when managing thyroid health alongside pregnancy. 

"We believe our role is to help bridge that gap, creating clear, accessible resources that empower women to take control of their thyroid health and support healthcare professionals to have confident, informed conversations.

“This partnership is also very personal for us at Wrapped. My daughter lives with an underactive thyroid, so we understand first-hand how important timely information and support can be. 

"We’re proud to be working alongside the BTF to help more women feel informed, supported and hopeful at such a critical time in their lives.”

Anna Woollven, Communications and Fundraising Manager at the British Thyroid Foundation, told us: “Every week we hear from women who have experienced difficulties conceiving or during pregnancy because their thyroid condition wasn’t managed as well as it could have been. Many tell us they struggled to find clear, trustworthy information when they needed it most.

“By working with Wrapped, we’re creating resources that reflect real patient needs and make it easier for women to understand what steps to take, while also helping healthcare professionals share consistent, evidence-based guidance. Our goal is simple: to help women access the right care at the right time, feel more in control of their condition, and improve pregnancy outcomes across the UK.”

The campaign will combine patient insight, clinical evidence and lived experience to deliver a joined-up programme of digital and printed resources, supported by targeted awareness activity. It aims to increase understanding of thyroid health in pregnancy, encourage earlier conversations with healthcare professionals and reduce the risk of avoidable complications through better monitoring and management.

https://www.btf-thyroid.org

https://wrappedagency.co.uk

Boots health and beauty bargain box opening

My wife and I have the Boots app on our phones and we received a notification of a bargain flash sale of a beauty box.

We bought one each and these are the contents of the boxes.

You can learn about Boots flash sales and the Boots app at www.boots.com.

Singles Awareness Day: Celebrating Independence, Self-Worth and Living Life Your Way

While the world is awash with roses, heart-shaped chocolates and candlelit dinners in mid-February, 15th February quietly marks something a little different: Singles Awareness Day.

Far from being a gloomy afterthought to Valentine’s Day, it has grown into a celebration of independence, friendship, resilience and self-love. Whether you are single by choice, circumstance, or simply focusing on other priorities, this day offers a chance to reframe the narrative.

What Is Singles Awareness Day?

Singles Awareness Day (often shortened to SAD — though thankfully in an ironic way!) takes place on 15th February. Originally seen as a tongue-in-cheek response to Valentine’s Day, it has evolved into a positive celebration of:

Personal growth

Independence

Friendship

Self-care

Freedom from social pressure

It’s not about being anti-relationship. It’s about recognising that being single is not a “waiting room” for life.

Why It Matters

Society can sometimes place heavy emphasis on romantic partnership as a marker of success or fulfilment. From films to advertising campaigns, the message can be subtle but persistent: happiness equals coupledom.

But in reality, single life can offer:

Greater flexibility and autonomy

More time to invest in career or creative pursuits

Stronger friendships and community ties

Financial independence

Personal development opportunities

Being single is not a gap in your story — it is part of your story.

Healthy Ways to Celebrate Singles Awareness Day

1. Invest in Yourself

Book that course. Start that fitness goal. Launch that side project. Use the day as a personal reset button.

2. Celebrate Friendship

Gather friends for dinner, a film night or even a pub quiz. Platonic love deserves just as much celebration.

3. Practice Intentional Self-Care

This might mean:

A long countryside walk

A favourite takeaway

Switching off social media for the day

Finally reading that book on your bedside table

4. Reflect on What You Truly Want

Singles Awareness Day can be a useful moment to assess your values. If you do want a relationship, what does a healthy one look like for you? If you are content as you are, what makes that fulfilling?

There is power in clarity.

Reframing the Narrative

Instead of viewing singlehood as “alone”, try reframing it as:

Self-directed

Unrestricted

Independent

Whole

Your value is not defined by your relationship status. Confidence grows when your sense of identity comes from within rather than external validation.

The Business and Cultural Shift

Interestingly, retailers and hospitality venues are increasingly recognising that not everyone is celebrating Valentine’s Day as a couple. Promotions aimed at “treat yourself” experiences, solo travel packages, and friendship-focused events have become more common.

It reflects a broader cultural understanding: modern life is diverse, and so are relationships.

A Final Single Thought

Whether you are happily single, newly single, or somewhere in between, Singles Awareness Day is an invitation to celebrate yourself — not in defiance of romance, but in recognition of your inherent worth.

Love is important. But so is self-respect, independence and joy in your own company.

And those are worth celebrating every day of the year.

International Childhood Cancer Day UK: Awareness, Support and Hope for Families

Every year on 15 February, International Childhood Cancer Day shines a light on one of the most challenging diagnoses a family can face. 

It's a day of awareness, but also one of courage, resilience and collective responsibility.

For readers of That’s Health, this is an opportunity not only to understand childhood cancer more clearly, but to consider how we, as communities across the UK, can offer meaningful support.

Understanding Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancers are different from adult cancers. They are rarely linked to lifestyle factors and often develop without warning. The most common types include:

Leukaemia

Brain and central nervous system tumours

Lymphomas

Neuroblastoma

Wilms’ tumour (a kidney cancer affecting children)

Thanks to advances in medical research and specialist care, survival rates in high-income countries such as the UK have improved significantly over the past few decades. However, treatment can be intensive, lengthy and emotionally draining for both children and their families.

The Reality for Families

A diagnosis does not just affect a child. It affects siblings, parents, grandparents and friendship circles. Many families face:

Long hospital stays

Time off work and financial strain

Emotional trauma and anxiety

Educational disruption

Long-term health effects from treatment

Paediatric oncology teams across the NHS provide extraordinary care, but families often rely heavily on charities for additional emotional, practical and financial support.

UK Charities Offering Support

Several organisations provide invaluable help to families navigating childhood cancer:

Young Lives vs Cancer/CLIC Sargent– Offers specialist social workers and financial guidance. 

https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk

Children with Cancer UK – Funds research and supports affected families.

https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk

The Brain Tumour Charity – Provides tailored support for children and young people with brain tumours.

https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org

Supporting these organisations, even in small ways, helps extend care beyond hospital walls.

The Importance of Early Awareness

While childhood cancer is rare, knowing potential warning signs can help prompt earlier medical attention. These may include:

Persistent unexplained pain

Unusual lumps or swelling

Ongoing fatigue or pallor

Frequent unexplained bruising

Persistent headaches or vomiting

Sudden vision or balance changes

These symptoms are usually caused by less serious conditions, but persistent concerns should always be checked by a GP.

Life After Treatment

Survival is not always the end of the journey. Many children who complete treatment experience long-term effects, including:

Learning difficulties

Hormonal issues

Heart or organ complications

Emotional and psychological challenges

Long-term follow-up care is essential, and awareness days like this remind policymakers and healthcare providers of the need for sustained investment in survivorship programmes.

How You Can Mark the Day

You do not need to organise a major fundraiser to make a difference. Simple actions include:

Wearing a gold ribbon

Sharing accurate information on social media

Donating to a UK childhood cancer charity

Supporting families in your local community

Encouraging open conversations about serious childhood illness

Small gestures of solidarity matter deeply to families who often feel isolated.

A Message of Hope

Medical research continues to improve outcomes year on year. Scientists are developing more targeted therapies designed to reduce harsh side effects and improve long-term quality of life.

International Childhood Cancer Day reminds us that behind every statistic is a child with dreams, hobbies, favourite foods and a family who simply want them to thrive.

Awareness brings understanding. Understanding builds compassion. And compassion, when turned into action, can help ensure that every child facing cancer receives the best possible chance at a healthy future.

Asbestos still present in 83% of state schools in England, experts warn

Image Courtesy BOHS

Occupational health experts are warning that asbestos exposure in schools continues to put teachers, pupils and staff at risk of fatal disease, after the Government’s latest school estates strategy failed to meaningfully address the hazard.

Asbestos remains present in 83% of state schools in England, with official UK statistics indicating around 15 school workers die each year from asbestos-related disease caused by past exposure. US research also suggests that up to 135 pupils may be fatally exposed each year.

Despite this, the Government’s Schools Rebuilding Programme and Education Estates Strategy make no substantive reference to asbestos, relying instead on the Condition Data Collection (CDC) process, which explicitly states that it “does not report on hazardous materials (principally asbestos).”

The Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM), the professional body for those managing asbestos risks, and the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) are concerned that this approach risks leaving schools ill-equipped to manage one of the most widespread and dangerous legacy hazards in the education estate.

National oversight of asbestos in schools has effectively ceased following the discontinuation of the Government’s Asbestos Management Assurance Programme (AMAP). The programme was intended to provide accurate national data on asbestos risks across the school estate, but its removal has left policymakers without a clear picture of the scale or condition of asbestos in schools.

Last year, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) served improvement or enforcement notices to one in every 15 of the 421 schools inspected over asbestos management failures. While the regulator has emphasised this does not necessarily mean staff or pupils were in immediate danger, experts say it highlights the significant pressures on head teachers trying to manage a hidden and technically complex risk.

Under current policy, asbestos is generally considered safer to leave in place than remove. However, under the Schools Rebuilding Programme, the presence of asbestos is only treated as an “exceptional factor” if it has already caused an exposure risk or would pose a direct risk to health unless parts of a school were closed. As a result, relatively few of the 3,000 CLASP schools, widely recognised as posing the highest asbestos risk, are included in rebuilding plans.

Jonathan Grant, Registrar of the Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM), told That's Health: “Asbestos management requires specialist knowledge, detailed risk assessment and constant vigilance. The loss of national oversight has left schools without the support and consistency they need. Expecting head teachers and school staff to manage this risk alone is unrealistic and unsafe.”

Research by the Government in 2019 showed while three quarters of head teachers had read official asbestos guidance, this dropped to 40% of caretakers and facilities managers, and fewer than one in five governors. 

Fewer than 2% of maintenance workers in schools who may disturb asbestos had appropriate training, while 13% had not even received asbestos awareness training.

Schools are also not required to inform parents or pupils about the presence of asbestos, meaning school communities may be entirely unaware of potential risks.

Kevin Bampton, Chief Executive of BOHS, told That's Health: “Prevention is the future of occupational health, yet asbestos – a known cancer-causing substance – is being systematically ignored in national school policy. This is not about expensive solutions; it is about transparency, competence and putting health protection at the heart of safeguarding.”

FAAM and BOHS are calling for immediate, low-cost and cost-free action to bring schools in line with normal asbestos management principles, including:

publishing asbestos management plans on school websites;

establishing a clear right to know for teachers, parents and pupils;

providing governors with accessible guidance on overseeing asbestos risk;

offering centralised specialist support for head teachers and facilities managers;

making asbestos management a core part of school safeguarding inspections; and

setting enforceable training targets for school workers likely to encounter asbestos. 

https://www.bohs.org

Age Concern Hampshire Announces New Foot Clinics to Boost Confidence and Mobility for Older People

Age Concern Hampshire is set to open new foot care clinics in Kingsclere, Farnborough, Lymington, and Bordon, helping older people stay confident, active, and mobile.

Healthy feet are key to balance and independence, yet many older adults struggle to reach their toes due to arthritis, impaired eyesight, or reduced mobility. 

Age Concern Hampshire’s clinics, run by qualified foot health practitioners, provide toenail cutting and basic foot health checks, helping prevent discomfort, falls, and injuries.

Michele Ralph, Foot Care Coordinator at Age Concern Hampshire, told That's Health: "Our Foot Clinics are about more than just foot care, they help older people feel confident on their feet and maintain their independence. We’re committed to making this vital service accessible to everyone who needs it."

Clinics are available across Hampshire, including Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Dibden/Hythe, Havant, Hedge End, Locks Heath, New Milton, Odiham, Overton, Petersfield, Ringwood, Tadley, Winchester, and Yateley. The new clinics in Kingsclere, Farnborough, Lymington, and Bordon will open soon.

To book an appointment, call 01962 868545 or visit their website for more information: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/our-services-hampshire/footcare