Monday, 24 August 2026
That's Food and Drink: Chicken and Eggs Under Scrutiny as Salmonella Outb...
That's Food and Drink: Chicken and Eggs Under Scrutiny as Salmonella Outb...: Health authorities are investigating an ongoing salmonella outbreak involving 341 confirmed cases across seven European countries, including...
Thursday, 20 August 2026
New London Clinic Puts Prevention at the Heart of Healthcare
DrStavy.com, founded by experienced GP Dr Stavroula Nikitopoulou, combines conventional family medicine with advanced health screening, functional medicine and personalised internal medicine.
The clinic’s approach reflects a growing interest in “healthspan,” the number of years people live in good health, rather than simply concentrating on lifespan.
Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, the clinic aims to identify potential risk factors at an earlier stage. Its assessments can include tailored blood tests, cardiovascular risk evaluations and targeted screening for possible nutritional deficiencies.
The results are used to create an individual preventative health plan, taking account of factors such as lifestyle, medical history, metabolism and the patient’s personal health goals.
“True healthcare should not begin at the point of disease diagnosis,” Dr Nikitopoulou told That's Health.
She went on to say: “By combining rigorous medical science with a functional approach, we can unlock how an individual’s genetics, environment and lifestyle interact.
“Our mission is to empower patients with the precise data and preventative strategies they need to optimise their healthspan, ensuring they live not just longer, but healthier, more vibrant lives.”
Alongside its longevity assessments, DrStavy.com offers a wider range of private healthcare services, including virtual consultations and access to private GP support around the clock.
Complementary services such as acupuncture are also available. These can be used alongside appropriate conventional care, although complementary treatments should never be regarded as a substitute for necessary medical diagnosis or evidence-based treatment.
The clinic says its combination of face-to-face and virtual care will enable people in London and elsewhere in the UK to receive continuing support as they work towards their health and wellbeing goals.
The concept of preventative medicine is not new, of course. NHS screening programmes, vaccinations, routine health checks and lifestyle advice already play an important part in reducing the risk of disease. However, private longevity services may appeal to people seeking more extensive testing, additional time with a doctor or a highly personalised plan.
Patients considering advanced screening should discuss the benefits and limitations of each test. More testing is not always better, and results need to be interpreted carefully by an appropriately qualified medical professional.
DrStavy.com is now accepting bookings for comprehensive longevity assessments and private GP consultations through its website.
For people interested in taking a more proactive approach to their wellbeing, the service offers an opportunity to examine current health risks and make informed, sustainable changes for the future.
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
UK Salmonella outbreak: How can you protect yourself and your family?
According to an official update published on 18 August 2026, the cases occurred between August 2025 and 1 August 2026, with all but one reported during 2026.
Most cases have been in England, including 47 in London and 38 in Yorkshire and the Humber. Six cases were recorded in Scotland, with one each in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Most patients experienced a relatively short-lived gastrointestinal illness. However, 38% of those for whom clinical information was available were admitted to hospital, two developed bloodstream infections and one death has been associated with the outbreak.
What is causing the outbreak?
The investigation is continuing and no particular food, brand or supplier has yet been confirmed as the source.
Of the 114 patients interviewed, 95 said they had eaten food prepared outside their homes during the week before becoming ill. Investigators identified five food businesses visited by two or more unrelated patients. Eleven people connected with those businesses reported eating dishes containing eggs.
Egg consumption is currently the strongest lead, and investigators are examining possible risks associated with imported eggs. Crucially, UKHSA says that, at present, there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry.
This does not mean that people should stop eating eggs. It does mean that households and food businesses should take sensible food-safety precautions.
Symptoms to watch for
Salmonella can cause:
Diarrhoea, which may occasionally contain blood or mucus
Stomach pain and cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Fever
Headache
Loss of appetite
A general feeling of being unwell
Most people recover without specific treatment, but babies, young children, older people and those with weakened immune systems can become more seriously ill.
How to reduce your risk
Follow the Food Standards Agency’s four Cs: cooking, chilling, cleaning and avoiding cross-contamination.
Cook food properly. Poultry, minced meat, sausages and burgers should be steaming hot throughout, with no pink meat remaining. Follow the cooking instructions on the packaging.
Take care with eggs. For raw or lightly cooked dishes, choose UK eggs carrying the British Lion mark or another recognised food-safety assurance mark. Imported eggs, non-hen eggs and eggs without an approved mark should be cooked thoroughly, particularly when serving vulnerable people.
Avoid cross-contamination. Keep raw meat away from cooked and ready-to-eat foods. Use separate chopping boards and utensils, and wash them thoroughly after use.
Wash your hands. Use soap and warm water before preparing food and after handling raw meat, eggs, animals or pet food, and after using the toilet.
Keep food properly chilled. Refrigerators should be kept at 5°C or below. Do not leave perishable foods sitting out, especially during warm weather.
Respect use-by dates. Harmful bacteria cannot necessarily be seen, smelled or tasted.
Check food hygiene ratings. Before eating out or ordering a takeaway, look up the business through the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
Follow official recalls. Check the Food Standards Agency’s food alerts and follow any instructions to return or dispose of affected products.
What should you do if you become ill?
Rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Do not prepare food for anyone else while suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting.
Stay away from work, school or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have completely stopped. Wash soiled clothing and bedding separately on a hot wash and regularly clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and door handles.
Contact NHS 111 if you cannot keep fluids down, have bloody diarrhoea, show signs of dehydration, or if diarrhoea lasts for more than seven days. Babies, older people and anyone with a weakened immune system may need advice sooner.
The current outbreak is understandably concerning, but careful food handling, proper cooking and good hand hygiene can substantially reduce the risk while the authorities continue their investigation.
Information correct as of 18 August 2026. For current medical guidance, visit the NHS food poisoning page. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-poisoning
Monday, 17 August 2026
Heads Up CIO Marks Ten Years with New Jewish Emergency Psychological Response Unit
Its launch comes as the first anniversary approaches of the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, 2 October 2025. Worshippers Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz lost their lives, while others were seriously injured.
JEPRU honours their memory while recognising that the effects of such violence can continue long after physical wounds have been treated and the headlines have faded.
The unit aims to bridge the often-overlooked gap between emergency rescue and psychological recovery. It will provide prompt, properly governed and culturally informed support to Jewish people affected by terrorism, antisemitism and other traumatic incidents.
JEPRU’s work will include rapid Cognitive Psychological First Aid for people experiencing acute panic or distress, delivered at incident scenes and Humanitarian Assistance Centres. It also plans to support Family Reception Centres during missing-person, identification and family liaison processes, working alongside emergency, police and coronial services.
Crucially, help will also be available for those who protect and care for others. Community security personnel, paramedics, ambulance drivers, police officers, volunteers, ex-service personnel and other responders can themselves be deeply affected by what they witness. Peer support, Trauma Risk Management and psychological decompression will form part of JEPRU’s response.
A confidential telephone hotline, developed with TIKVA by KeepOlim, will offer support to people facing antisemitic abuse, intimidation or other incidents. JEPRU will also create national training covering Psychological First Aid, responder welfare, action following an attack and Jewish religious practices, customs and community needs.
The new unit is now inviting volunteers from every Jewish denomination and background, as well as professionals and members of the wider public who share its commitment to compassionate, responsible care. Roles range from clinicians, first-aid responders and peer supporters to hotline staff, welfare workers, administrators, callout coordinators and logistics volunteers. Training will be offered for suitable non-clinical roles.
At heart, JEPRU reflects a simple truth: nobody should have to navigate the aftermath of trauma alone.
Founded in 2016, Heads Up CIO has supported responses connected with the Manchester Arena bombing, Grenfell Tower, the London Bridge and Borough Market attacks, Ukraine, the aftermath of 7 October and the Heaton Park attack.
To volunteer, support JEPRU or learn more, visit JEPRU https://jepru.lovable.app/, email hello@headsupcio.org.uk or telephone 07397 293885.
Friday, 14 August 2026
Norwich Crowned Britain's Home Gym Capital in New Industry Report
The UK Home Gym Report 2026, published by Sprung Gym Flooring, draws on six years of trading data covering over 55,000 home gym installations.
It ranks cities according to the number of home gym orders placed per 100,000 residents.
Norwich leads with approximately 46 orders per 100,000 people, around eight times the rate recorded in London. Reading, Preston and Cambridge complete the leading group.
Although London generated the greatest overall number of orders, it ranked near the bottom when measured per head. The report suggests this reflects the capital’s high proportion of flats, smaller homes and limited access to garages or gardens suitable for conversion.
The findings also challenge the long-standing belief January is the busiest month for home fitness purchases. November 2025, boosted by Black Friday promotions, was the strongest month recorded, finishing 6% ahead of January.
Meanwhile, May and June 2026 together outsold January and February by 8%. The growing popularity of garden gyms, converted garages and dedicated fitness rooms appears to be spreading demand throughout the year.
Spending is increasing too. The average home gym order value reached a record high in 2026, rising 22% compared with the lockdown period of 2021. Rather than buying a single exercise mat, more people are now planning and equipping complete rooms.
Category revenue grew by 16% during 2025 and is up a further 6% in 2026 so far. This suggests home gyms have evolved from a temporary pandemic solution into a permanent part of many British households.
Changing exercise trends are also influencing home gym design. Searches for HYROX, the indoor fitness race combining running and functional exercises, rose from only a few dozen a month in 2020 to more than 150,000 at their 2026 peak. This has increased interest in adaptable spaces suitable for strength, endurance and functional training.
Richard McKay, founder of Sprung Gym Flooring, told That's Health: “Everyone assumes London and January. The data says Norwich and November.”
He added buyers are also making more informed flooring choices, using standard 20mm rubber tiles throughout rooms and reserving heavier-duty flooring for areas where barbells are dropped.
For many people, a home gym can remove barriers such as travelling time, membership costs and crowded facilities. However, good ventilation, safe flooring, appropriate equipment and correct exercise technique remain essential.
The full UK Home Gym Report 2026 includes the complete city rankings and methodology.
https://www.gym-flooring.com/blogs/stats-hub/the-uk-home-gym-report-2026
From Fear to Friendship: How Alfie’s “Job” with Dogs Helped Transform His Life
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| Alfie with Stanley |
However, Alfie’s heartwarming story demonstrates how patience, familiarity and the right support can gradually turn fear into confidence.
Just three years ago, Alfie was so frightened of dogs he would cross the road whenever he saw one.
The encounter could leave him extremely upset, and his mother, Samantha Clydesdale, never imagined he would one day look forward to spending time with dogs.
Today, every Monday is special because Alfie, a student at Oaktree School in Enfield, attends a supported placement at local dog hotel Halo Dogs.
As far as Alfie is concerned, this is not simply a school visit. It is his “job” and Halo Dogs is his “workplace”.
“Every single Monday is the highlight of his week,” Samantha explained. “He is so incredibly proud of what he does there, and seeing that sense of purpose and happiness means the world to me.”
Alfie has even developed a special friendship with Stanley, a sausage dog he frequently talks about at home.
His remarkable progress highlights an important principle commonly used in helping people manage phobias: gradual, carefully supported exposure. Rather than being forced to confront his fear suddenly, Alfie was given the opportunity to return to the same safe environment, meet familiar people and follow meaningful routines.
Over time, the unfamiliar became familiar. Fear gave way to trust and, eventually, affection.
The placement has also given Alfie far more than confidence around animals. He has developed independence, responsibility and a genuine sense of belonging.
This is particularly significant when a new government report warns that young people with special educational needs and disabilities are around 80% more likely than average to be out of education, employment or training. In 2024/25, 29.6% of disabled young people were in this position, compared with 8.7% of non-disabled young people.
Halo Dogs founder Justin Kumaran believes sustained placements can help change young lives.
“Alfie did not need a staged experience; he needed somewhere he could return to until the unfamiliar became familiar and fear gave way to trust,” he told That's Health.
Alfie’s experience should encourage other employers and community organisations to work with SEND schools. A meaningful, properly supported placement can help a young person discover abilities that fear or lack of opportunity may have hidden.
The young man who once crossed the road to avoid dogs now cannot wait for Monday morning and another working day alongside Stanley. It is a beautiful reminder that phobias do not always have to control the future.
https://www.halodogs.co.uk/dog-rescue-rehabilitation-charity
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Age UK Somerset calls for community views to shape new dementia support programme
Initially focusing on the Sedgemoor area, the proposed programme aims to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and help people living with dementia, and those who care for them, remain connected within their local communities.
The programme would bring together a range of support, including a Dementia Choir offering opportunities for music and social connection, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) groups and a 1-to-1 home-based CST programme.
The home-based support is intended to help people who may be unable to attend group sessions because of mobility difficulties, limited transport or rural isolation. Transport provision is also being considered as part of the programme.
Age UK Somerset recognises people affected by dementia can face significant challenges when trying to access support, particularly in rural communities where transport and local provision may be limited.
To ensure the programme reflects local needs, the charity has launched a community survey and is particularly keen to receive responses from people living with dementia, carers and family members, professionals supporting people affected by dementia, and local community organisations.
Feedback gathered through the survey will directly influence the development of the programme and will also help Age UK Somerset strengthen funding applications to bring the proposed support to life.
People across Somerset are encouraged to complete the survey and share it with others who may have valuable experiences or views to contribute.
The survey can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/DementiaServicesSurvey
Alternatively you can call the Dementia Services team at the charity on 01823 345613.
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