Blah Blah Blah Day: A Fresh Start for Your Goals

This year om April 17, something rather amusing appears on the calendar: Blah Blah Blah Day.

At first glance it sounds like a joke, a day dedicated to all the things people keep telling you to do but that you keep putting off. But beneath the humour lies a surprisingly powerful idea for health and wellbeing.

Blah Blah Blah Day is essentially about finally tackling the things that have been nagging at you, the “you should really…” reminders from friends, family, and even your own inner voice.

When it comes to health, those “blah blah blah” moments can be very familiar.

The Health Goals We Keep Putting Off

Most people start the year with good intentions. Yet by mid-January many of those resolutions have already begun to fade.

You’ve probably heard them before:

“You should book that health check.”

“You really ought to start walking more.”

“Maybe it’s time to improve your sleep routine.”

“You should cut back on stress.”

They can start to sound like background noise, blah, blah, blah, especially when life gets busy.

Blah Blah Blah Day is the perfect moment to turn those words into action.

Turning “Blah Blah Blah” Into Real Change

Instead of feeling guilty about unfinished goals, this day encourages a simple shift in mindset: pick one manageable step and start there.

For example:

Book that appointment

Whether it’s a dental check-up, eye test, or GP visit, preventive healthcare matters.

Move a little more

You don’t need to train for a marathon. A daily walk, stretching routine, or gentle exercise can make a big difference.

Improve your sleep habits

Switching off screens earlier or creating a calmer bedtime routine can improve both physical and mental wellbeing.

Take mental health seriously

If stress has been building, it might be time to talk to someone, take breaks more intentionally, or try mindfulness practices.

Progress, Not Perfection

One of the healthiest aspects of Blah Blah Blah Day is that it rejects the idea of perfection. You don’t have to fix everything at once.

Instead, it encourages people to:

Choose one small improvement

Take one practical step

Build momentum over time

Even small changes can have a powerful ripple effect on your wellbeing.

A Healthier Way to Start the Year

Blah Blah Blah Day reminds us that the things we dismiss as background noise often matter the most. Those repeated suggestions – from loved ones or from ourselves – usually come from a place of care.

So rather than letting them fade into the usual “blah blah blah”, take the opportunity to listen.

World Haemophilia Day: Raising Awareness of a Life-Changing Blood Disorder

Every year on 17 April, people around the world mark World Hemophilia Day, a global awareness campaign dedicated to improving understanding of haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. 

The day highlights the challenges faced by those living with these conditions and calls for better diagnosis, treatment, and support worldwide.

For many people, haemophilia remains a misunderstood condition. Increasing awareness helps ensure that those affected receive earlier diagnosis and the care they need to live full and active lives.

What Is Haemophilia?

Haemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. This happens because the body lacks enough of certain clotting proteins, known as clotting factors.

There are two main types:

Haemophilia A – caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII

Haemophilia B – caused by a deficiency of clotting factor IX

Without these clotting factors, even small injuries can lead to prolonged bleeding. In more severe cases, bleeding may occur internally, particularly in joints and muscles, which can cause pain and long-term joint damage if untreated.

Living With Haemophilia

Thanks to modern medicine, people with haemophilia today can lead far healthier lives than in the past. Treatments such as factor replacement therapy allow patients to replace the missing clotting factor, helping the blood clot more normally.

However, living with haemophilia still requires careful management. Individuals may need regular treatment, monitoring from specialist healthcare teams, and awareness of activities that could lead to injury.

Children diagnosed with haemophilia often grow up learning how to manage their condition safely. With proper care, many people with haemophilia participate fully in school, work, sports, and everyday life.

Why Awareness Still Matters

Despite medical advances, haemophilia remains underdiagnosed in many parts of the world. According to the World Federation of Hemophilia, many people living with bleeding disorders still lack access to proper testing and treatment.

World Hemophilia Day aims to:

Promote early diagnosis

Improve access to treatment globally

Support research into new therapies

Build stronger communities for people living with bleeding disorders

Greater awareness also helps reduce stigma and ensures that schools, workplaces, and communities understand the needs of those affected.

Supporting the Haemophilia Community

There are many ways to support awareness on World Hemophilia Day:

Share information about haemophilia and bleeding disorders

Support charities and patient organisations

Encourage conversations about rare diseases and access to care

Help educate others about recognising symptoms and seeking diagnosis

For families living with haemophilia, knowledge and community support can make a tremendous difference.

A Global Day of Understanding

World Hemophilia Day reminds us that rare conditions deserve attention and action. By raising awareness, supporting research, and advocating for better access to treatment, we can help ensure that everyone living with haemophilia receives the care and support they deserve.

Greater understanding today can help create a healthier and more inclusive future for those affected by bleeding disorders.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/haemophilia

https://haemophilia.org.uk/bleeding-disorders/haemophilia-a-and-b

World Voice Day: Why Looking After Your Voice Matters More Than You Think

Every year on 16 April, people around the world celebrate World Voice Day, an international awareness day dedicated to the importance of vocal health. 

While many of us rely on our voices every single day, few people stop to think about how much work they actually do, or how easily they can become strained or damaged.

For teachers, singers, call-centre workers, broadcasters and public speakers, the voice is a professional tool. But even for the rest of us, our voices play a central role in communication, emotional expression and social connection. World Voice Day is the perfect reminder that taking care of our voice should be part of our overall wellbeing.

Why Vocal Health Matters

Your voice is produced by the larynx (voice box) in the throat, where delicate vocal cords vibrate as air passes through them. Like any other part of the body, these structures can become tired, irritated or injured if they are overused or mistreated.

Common vocal problems include:

Hoarseness or raspiness

Vocal fatigue after speaking

Loss of vocal range

Persistent throat clearing

A sore or tight feeling in the throat

While occasional voice strain can happen to anyone, particularly after shouting at a football match or singing enthusiastically at a concert, ongoing problems should never be ignored.

Health professionals advise that hoarseness lasting longer than three weeks should always be checked by a GP, as it may indicate underlying conditions that require treatment.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Voice

Fortunately, looking after your voice does not require dramatic changes. A few everyday habits can make a significant difference.

Stay hydrated.

Drinking plenty of water keeps the vocal cords lubricated and helps them vibrate smoothly.

Avoid shouting or prolonged yelling.

Raising your voice repeatedly puts strain on the delicate tissues of the larynx.

Take vocal breaks.

If your job requires a lot of talking, short periods of silence can help your voice recover.

Limit irritants.

Smoking, excessive alcohol and even very dry environments can irritate the vocal cords.

Warm up before heavy voice use.

Singers and performers often do vocal exercises before performing, something public speakers and teachers can benefit from as well.

The Link Between Voice and Wellbeing

Our voices are closely connected to our emotional and mental health. Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension in the throat, affecting how we speak. Equally, losing your voice or struggling to communicate can have a real impact on confidence and social interaction.

Looking after your voice is therefore not just about sound, it’s about communication, identity and wellbeing.

Celebrating World Voice Day

World Voice Day is observed globally by speech therapists, medical professionals, singers and educators. Activities range from free vocal health workshops to awareness campaigns encouraging people to pay attention to how they use their voice.

One simple way to mark the day is by taking a moment to think about how you treat your voice each day. Are you drinking enough water? Giving your voice time to rest? Avoiding strain where possible?

Your voice carries your thoughts, emotions and personality out into the world. Looking after it is a small act of self-care that can make a big difference.

So this World Voice Day, give your voice the care it deserves, because when it comes to health and wellbeing, being heard matters.

International Moment of Laughter Day: Why a Good Laugh Is Seriously Good for Your Health

Every year on International Moment of Laughter Day, people around the world are encouraged to do something wonderfully simple: stop for a moment and laugh. 

Celebrated on the 14th of April 2026, the day was created to remind us that humour and laughter are not just pleasant distractions, they are powerful tools for improving health and wellbeing.

In an era of constant news alerts, busy work schedules and everyday pressures, many of us forget how beneficial a good laugh can be. Yet science continues to show that laughter is one of the easiest and most natural ways to boost both mental and physical health.

The Health Benefits of Laughter

When you laugh, your body experiences a cascade of positive effects. Laughter increases oxygen intake, stimulates the heart and lungs, and releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. These endorphins help reduce stress and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Research has also shown that laughter can lower levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. Lower stress levels are linked to improved immune function, better sleep, and a reduced risk of heart disease.

In addition, laughter can help relax muscles throughout the body. A good, hearty laugh can leave muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes afterwards, a simple but effective way to ease physical tension.

Mental Wellbeing and Connection

The benefits of laughter go far beyond the physical. Sharing a laugh strengthens relationships and builds social connections. Whether it’s joking with friends, watching a funny film, or sharing humorous stories with colleagues, laughter creates bonds and helps people feel more connected.

Psychologists often note that humour can act as a coping mechanism during difficult times. Finding moments of lightness during stressful periods can improve resilience and help people maintain a more positive outlook.

Ways to Celebrate International Moment of Laughter Day

Taking part in International Moment of Laughter Day doesn’t require elaborate plans. In fact, the simplest ideas are often the most effective:

Watch a favourite comedy film or television show

Share jokes or funny memories with friends or family

Read a humorous book or comic

Attend a comedy night or watch stand-up online

Spend time with people who naturally make you laugh

Even workplaces and schools are beginning to recognise the benefits of humour, incorporating light-hearted activities to reduce stress and improve morale.

A Simple Prescription: Laugh More

Healthcare professionals increasingly acknowledge that wellbeing isn’t just about diet and exercise. Emotional health, relaxation and social connection all play vital roles.

International Moment of Laughter Day is a reminder that sometimes the best remedy isn’t complicated. Taking a moment to laugh, genuinely and wholeheartedly, can brighten the day, lift the mood, and support better health.

So if you need an excuse to watch a silly video, share a terrible joke, or simply laugh with friends, this is it. 

Self-kindness coach launches 24-hour live broadcast in aid of Mind during Mental Health Awareness Week

A Twickenham-based former HR director who now works as a self-kindness coach is set to broadcast live for 24 hours in aid of Mind during UK Mental Health Awareness Week, bringing together leading authors and well-being experts to explore how kindness can transform mental wellbeing and workplace culture.

Kim Stokes, 44, founder of Kindness for Success, will host #24forKindness on 11-12 May, almost doubling the length of her 2024 15-hour livestream, which raised £2,000 for Mind.

This year’s event will feature a line-up of respected authors and experts, including:

Gifty Enright, Women’s Leadership Coach and author of Octopus on a Treadmill

Anita Cleare, parenting expert and author of The Work/Parent Switch

Graham Allcott, founder of Think Productive and author of KIND

Julie Smith, leadership coach and author of Coach Yourself Confident

Zoe Blaskey, author and host of the hit podcast, Motherkind

Nicky Denson-Elliott, professional feminist, writer and host of the award-winning podcast Women’s Business

Lynn Blades, founder of Legacy Leadership, an executive coaching consultancy for a diverse and inclusive 21st-century workforce.

Over 24 hours, the event will explore:

How self-kindness can move beyond awareness into practical daily habits

The difference between self-kindness and self-care

How self-kindness will improve your life.

Kim’s journey into mental health advocacy began after experiencing burnout in a senior corporate leadership role. 

Kim told That's Health: “I had climbed the ladder. On paper, I was successful. But I was exhausted, anxious, and at the bottom of my own priority list,” she says. “I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognise the woman staring back at me. I’d lost a stone because I wasn’t eating, and I was permanently exhausted. Self-kindness wasn’t something I practised, it was something I thought I’d ‘earn’ once everything else was done.”

After being made redundant, Kim took time to reflect and retrain, completing a Transformative Life Coaching Diploma and launching Kindness for Success to support overwhelmed working mothers before they reach crisis point.

“I work predominantly with women who are giving everything to everyone else,” she explains. “We can’t be kind to others sustainably if we’re not kind to ourselves.”

This year, Kim is building partnerships to amplify impact, hoping to extend fundraising beyond last year’s £2,000 target.

“Mental health still carries stigma,” she says. “We talk openly about physical health, but mental well-being needs the same everyday attention. Self-kindness is not all bubble baths and spa days - it’s boundaries, rest, honest self-talk and redefining success on your own terms. It’s not about having it all, it’s flipping it to defining and living YOUR all.”

The livestream will run from 11-12 May as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. Kim will broadcast from 6 am - midnight on May 11th and then 8 am - 2 pm on May 12th. You can register here. https://tilt.fyi/x7Tm6kThRo

Kim Stokes is is being mentored by entrepreneur Simon Squibb and recently won £1,000 after pitching at his doorbell of dreams in Twickenham.

Ergobaby Refreshes Brand With Focus on Comfort, Science and Parent–Baby Connection

Ergobaby, a global leader in ergonomic baby carriers, has unveiled a major brand refresh designed to help modern parents better understand the benefits of safe and supportive babywearing. 

Built around the new message “The Science of Comfort, The Magic of Connection,” the evolution places education and evidence-based design at the centre of the brand.

For over 20 years, Ergobaby has helped shape the modern babywearing movement, combining thoughtful design with an understanding of infant development. 

But as the baby carrier market grows rapidly, many products that look similar on the surface may not provide the same ergonomic support.

The company’s updated approach aims to help parents cut through the confusion and recognise what proper babywearing support actually looks like, both for babies and for the adults carrying them.

According to Ergobaby’s Chief Marketing Officer Heberto Calves, today’s parents face an overwhelming number of choices when shopping for baby products.

“Parents are navigating more choices and more opinions than ever,” he told That's Health. 

“Not all carriers on the market are built with proper ergonomics. That means families may miss out on the comfort, safety and bonding babywearing can truly provide.”

Evidence-Based Comfort

At the heart of the brand’s evolution is a renewed emphasis on the science behind safe babywearing.

Ergobaby carriers are designed to support correct positioning of a baby’s hips, spine and airway, while also ensuring weight is evenly distributed across the caregiver’s body. Thus helping reduce strain and makes carrying more comfortable for longer periods.

The company’s products are supported by several recognised certifications and standards, including:

Hip-healthy recognition from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI)

AGR endorsement for ergonomic design

Compliance with ASTM and CPSC safety standards

A lifetime guarantee across core products

These benchmarks help reassure parents that the products meet strict safety and ergonomic criteria.

A New Digital Experience for Parents

As part of the brand evolution, Ergobaby has also redesigned its website and digital experience. The updated platform features clearer product guides, visual demonstrations and CGI explainers that help parents understand correct positioning and carrier fit.

The aim is to make it easier for families to identify carriers that genuinely support healthy development, rather than simply choosing based on appearance.

Designed for Modern Families

The refreshed brand also reflects changes in modern parenting. Today’s families often involve shared caregiving, flexible working patterns and increasingly diverse household structures.

Ergobaby says its next generation of products will continue to blend practical design with style, giving parents more choice without compromising on safety or comfort.

By pairing scientific research with everyday usability, the company hopes to ensure that babywearing remains both a practical tool for parents and a meaningful way to strengthen early bonds between caregiver and child.

https://www.ergobaby.com/en-gb

Paralympian Gemma Collis to Support the 28K Incubator Push for Premature Babies

A remarkable fundraising challenge is coming to London this April, and it’s set to shine a spotlight on the lifesaving work carried out in neonatal units across the UK.

The Ickle Pickles Children's Charity has announced Paralympic wheelchair fencer Gemma Collis will attend the upcoming 28K Incubator Push at Tooting Common on Saturday 18 April. The family-friendly event will raise vital funds and awareness for babies who require specialist neonatal care.

The challenge is exactly what it sounds like. Participants will take turns pushing a road-worthy neonatal incubator for 28 kilometres, symbolising the charity’s goal of raising £28,000, the cost of a single incubator used in neonatal intensive care units.

It’s a powerful and visible reminder of just how essential this equipment is for premature and seriously ill newborns.

A Special Guest with a Personal Story

Gemma Collis will help kick off the event, meet supporters and join participants during the day. Her presence is particularly meaningful because she understands the neonatal journey personally.

Gemma was born prematurely at just 29 weeks, weighing only 2lb 11oz. Her early days were spent in neonatal care after complications that required specialist treatment, including a transfer to the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Today she is a triple Wheelchair Fencing World Cup winner and former world number one, demonstrating the extraordinary outcomes that can be possible with the right medical care and support in those fragile early weeks of life.

Why Neonatal Equipment Matters

Over 90,000 babies require neonatal care in the UK every year, and the specialised equipment used to treat them is both complex and costly.

An incubator alone can cost around £28,000, while neonatal care itself can reach £2,000 per day. That’s where the work of the Ickle Pickles Children's Charity becomes so important. The charity focuses specifically on funding intensive and special-care equipment for neonatal units across England and Wales, helping hospitals give vulnerable newborns the very best chance of survival and recovery.

For the Tooting event, the charity is partnering with First Touch, which supports babies and families at St George’s neonatal unit.

How to Get Involved

The 28K Incubator Push will take place from 10am to 4pm at Tooting Common. Supporters can sign up to push a lap, form a team, or simply come along and cheer on participants while learning more about neonatal care and the charity’s work.

Events like this combine community spirit with a powerful cause — helping ensure that every tiny baby who needs specialist care has access to the equipment that can save their life.

To find out more or register for the event, visit:

https://theicklepickles.enthuse.com/cf/the-incubator-push-events-series-2026