Glasses With Built-In Hearing Aids: A Clever Combination or a Compromise?

For millions of people, putting on glasses and hearing aids is simply part of getting ready each morning. So why not combine the two?

Glasses incorporating hearing technology aren't an entirely new idea, but modern electronics have made the concept considerably more practical. 

Some devices incorporate conventional hearing-aid components into the arms of the spectacles, while others use technologies such as directional microphones or bone conduction.

For somebody who needs both vision and hearing assistance, they can sound like an ideal two-in-one solution. But there are advantages and disadvantages worth considering.

The advantages

One device instead of two: Perhaps the most obvious benefit is convenience. Put your glasses on and your hearing assistance comes with them. This may be particularly useful for people who find handling tiny conventional hearing aids difficult because of arthritis, reduced dexterity or poor eyesight.

Less equipment around the ears: Wearing spectacles and behind-the-ear hearing aids simultaneously can sometimes feel crowded. The arms of the glasses, hearing aids and perhaps even a face mask can all compete for the same limited space.

They can be discreet: Hearing technology incorporated into spectacle frames can be less immediately noticeable than some conventional hearing aids. For people who feel self-conscious about wearing hearing aids, this might encourage them to use their hearing assistance more consistently.

Bone-conduction possibilities: Some hearing glasses transmit sound through vibrations in the skull rather than relying entirely on sound travelling through the ear canal. Bone-conduction technology can be useful for particular types of hearing loss, although it certainly isn't suitable for everybody.

Modern technology: Depending upon the model, hearing glasses may offer features such as rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone controls.

But there are disadvantages

The biggest drawback is equally obvious: you cannot easily separate your glasses from your hearing assistance.

Take your spectacles off to clean them, change into prescription sunglasses or simply rest your eyes and you may also lose your hearing assistance. If either part of the combined device develops a fault, you could temporarily lose both.

Choice can also be more restricted. Conventional hearing aids are available in an enormous range of designs, power levels and configurations. Combining them with spectacles inevitably reduces your options, particularly when it comes to choosing frames.

There is also the question of upgrading. Your eyesight and hearing don't necessarily change at the same rate. You might need a new spectacle prescription while being perfectly happy with the hearing technology, or want newer hearing aids while your glasses remain perfectly adequate.

Cost should also be considered. Specialist hearing glasses can be relatively expensive, and repairs or replacement frames may be more complicated than taking ordinary spectacles to your local optician.

Most importantly, hearing loss varies enormously. A system that works brilliantly for one person could be completely inappropriate for another.

Are hearing glasses worth considering?

Absolutely, particularly if you already wear spectacles throughout the day and dislike managing separate hearing aids.

However, don't choose them simply because the two-in-one concept sounds convenient. Have your hearing properly assessed and discuss the different options with a qualified hearing professional or audiologist. It is also worth asking whether you can trial the technology before committing to an expensive purchase.

And remember that unexplained or sudden hearing loss, hearing loss affecting only one ear, persistent tinnitus, dizziness, pain or discharge from the ear should be medically investigated rather than simply addressed by purchasing a hearing device.

Glasses with built-in hearing assistance are unlikely to replace conventional hearing aids for everyone. But for the right person, combining clearer vision and better hearing in one familiar item could be an extremely useful solution.

That’s Health provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice. If you are concerned about changes to your hearing or eyesight, consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Having tried spectacles with in-built hearing aids I found them to be very large and not what I would call fashionable. They are also very heavy to wear for any long period of time. 

Battery use is also an issue. They need frequent re-charging. Whilst I find it irritating to have to replace the batteries in my current hearing aids every couple of days, I'm not without my hearing aids at all as I carry some spare batteries with me.  

The Health Cupboard: Everyday Household Ingredients That May Help With Common Ailments

Long before we had a pharmacy on every high street, people turned to their kitchens and gardens when dealing with minor ailments. 

While modern medicine has transformed healthcare, some traditional remedies involving ordinary herbs, spices and household ingredients still have a useful place.

They aren't substitutes for proper medical treatment, but for minor, short-lived problems, you may already have something useful in the cupboard.

Ginger. Nausea and digestion

Ginger is probably one of the better-known traditional remedies with modern evidence behind it. Ginger tea, made by steeping slices of fresh ginger in hot water, may help relieve nausea and settle an uncomfortable stomach.

Ginger is particularly well known for helping some people experiencing pregnancy-related nausea, although anyone who is pregnant should discuss supplements and medicinal quantities with their healthcare professional.

Peppermint. Digestive discomfort

Peppermint has traditionally been used for indigestion, wind and digestive discomfort. A cup of peppermint tea after a meal is an easy way to try it.

Peppermint oil preparations are also sometimes used for symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although concentrated essential oils shouldn't simply be swallowed from a household bottle.

Peppermint can aggravate heartburn or acid reflux in some people.

Honey. Coughs and sore throats

A spoonful of honey, or honey stirred into warm water with lemon, can soothe an irritated throat and may help reduce coughing.

However, honey must never be given to a child under 12 months old because of the risk of infant botulism.

Salt. Not just for seasoning

Too much salt in the diet can contribute to high blood pressure, so moderation is important. Used differently, however, ordinary salt has some useful applications.

Warm salty water can be used as a gargle for a sore throat. A salt-water mouth rinse can also sometimes soothe minor mouth irritation.

Saline solutions are widely used for nasal irrigation too, although this requires particular care. Don't simply mix tap water and salt and pour it into your nose. Properly prepared saline and suitably treated, sterile or previously boiled and cooled water should be used.

Turmeric. Interesting, but don't believe every claim

Turmeric and its component curcumin have attracted enormous attention for possible anti-inflammatory effects.

Adding turmeric to curries, soups, rice and other foods is perfectly reasonable, but claims that turmeric can "cure" serious diseases should be treated with considerable scepticism. Supplements can also interact with medicines and aren't automatically safe simply because they're natural.

Oats. Soothing itchy skin

Oats aren't only breakfast food. Colloidal oatmeal is used in skincare products because of its soothing and moisturising properties.

An oatmeal bath may provide temporary relief from dry, itchy or irritated skin. Persistent itching, unexplained rashes or signs of infection should, however, be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Baking soda. Useful, but use caution

Bicarbonate of soda has traditionally been used for several health-related purposes, including occasional indigestion because it can neutralise stomach acid.

However, regularly swallowing bicarbonate of soda isn't a good DIY treatment for persistent indigestion. It contains sodium and can interfere with medicines or cause problems when taken excessively.

Persistent heartburn deserves proper investigation rather than repeated treatment from the baking cupboard.

Chamomile. Relaxation and bedtime

Chamomile tea is a traditional bedtime drink and some people find its gentle aroma and warmth relaxing.

Don't expect it to act like a sleeping tablet, but incorporating a caffeine-free herbal drink into a regular bedtime routine may help you wind down.

People with certain plant allergies or those taking particular medicines should check whether chamomile is suitable for them.

Cloves. Toothache isn't something to ignore

Clove and clove oil have a long history of use for temporary relief of dental pain, and clove oil contains eugenol, which has local anaesthetic properties.

There is an important distinction between temporary relief and treatment, though. Toothache can indicate decay, infection or an abscess. Clove oil may also irritate or damage gums if used incorrectly.

Use appropriate pharmacy preparations according to their instructions. And arrange to see a dentist.

A bag of frozen peas. The surprisingly useful first-aid item

Not everything useful has to be eaten.

A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel makes a remarkably convenient cold pack for minor bumps, sprains and swelling because it moulds around the affected area.

Never place frozen items directly against bare skin, and significant injuries need appropriate medical assessment.

Olive oil. A simple moisturiser?

Olive oil is sometimes suggested as a natural skin moisturiser, although it doesn't suit everybody and may irritate or worsen certain skin conditions.

For very dry or eczema-prone skin, established emollient products are generally a better option. If you experiment with household products on your skin, stop if irritation develops.

Garlic. Healthy food rather than miracle medicine

Garlic is an excellent ingredient and research has explored possible effects on cardiovascular health.

That doesn't make garlic a replacement for prescribed blood-pressure or cholesterol medication. Eating it as part of a varied diet is one thing; consuming large quantities or concentrated supplements medicinally is quite another, particularly for people taking blood-thinning medicines.

The most useful household remedy may be water

We sometimes overlook the simplest things.

Drinking enough fluid helps the body function normally and can be particularly important when dealing with constipation, hot weather or minor illnesses.

But even water isn't a universal treatment. Severe dehydration caused by prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea, for example, may require oral rehydration solution containing carefully balanced amounts of salts and glucose, and sometimes professional medical treatment.

Natural doesn't automatically mean safe

Perhaps the most important rule of the household medicine cupboard is that "natural" and "safe" aren't synonyms.

Herbs and spices contain biologically active substances. Some can interact with prescription medicines, affect blood clotting or blood pressure, trigger allergies or be unsuitable during pregnancy. Essential oils can be particularly concentrated and potentially harmful if swallowed.

Home remedies are most appropriate for minor, familiar and short-lived complaints.

Seek advice from a pharmacist, GP, NHS 111 or another qualified healthcare professional when symptoms are persistent, worsening, unexplained or severe. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.

Household remedies can sometimes make us feel a little better. They shouldn't prevent us seeking the medical care we need.

That’s Health note: This article is for general information and isn't intended to diagnose, treat or replace professional medical advice. If you take regular medication, are pregnant, have a long-term medical condition or are considering using herbal products medicinally, consult an appropriate healthcare professional first.

Why You Should Get Your Eyes Tested Before Autumn Arrives

More from That's Health on looking after your vision.

As summer draws to a close, many of us start thinking about preparing for autumn. 

We check the heating, dig out warmer clothes and perhaps start preparing the garden for colder weather.

But there's another check worth putting on your autumn list: your eyesight.

Having an eye examination before the darker months arrive can be particularly worthwhile, and it isn't simply about discovering whether you need new glasses.

The darker evenings are coming

During autumn, daylight hours rapidly shorten. That means more driving, walking and everyday activities taking place in lower light.

You might have perfectly adequate vision on a bright summer afternoon but discover that reading road signs or judging distances becomes noticeably more difficult after dusk.

Problems such as glare from headlights can also become more apparent when you're driving in darkness or wet weather. Or if you are walking glare from headlights causes you problems.

If you've noticed that night driving isn't as comfortable as it once was, don't simply put it down to getting older. Mention it during your eye examination.

An eye test can reveal more than poor eyesight

A comprehensive eye examination isn't simply about deciding whether you need glasses.

An optometrist examines the health of your eyes and can sometimes identify signs of conditions including cataracts and glaucoma. Eye examinations can also reveal changes that warrant further medical investigation.

That's particularly important because some eye diseases can develop without obvious symptoms during their earlier stages.

Has your prescription changed?

Eyesight can change gradually, which means we don't always notice it happening.

You may compensate by holding books further away, increasing the text size on your phone, sitting closer to the television or avoiding driving after dark.

A new prescription could make an enormous difference to everyday comfort.

And if your glasses are scratched, damaged or several years old, this is a good opportunity to have them checked too.

Think about screen use

Many of us now spend hours looking at computers, tablets and smartphones, particularly people working from home. Including bloggers!

Screens don't necessarily damage healthy eyes simply through normal use, but prolonged close work can contribute to tired, uncomfortable or dry eyes.

Remember the 20-20-20 rule: roughly every 20 minutes, look at something around 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Regular blinking and sensible breaks can help too.

Children need good vision for school

September is also an excellent time to think about children's eyesight.

A child may not realise that their vision is poorer than everybody else's because, to them, that's simply what the world looks like.

Difficulty reading a classroom board, headaches, eye strain, sitting very close to screens or struggling with schoolwork can sometimes be associated with an eyesight problem.

Regular eye examinations can therefore be an important part of children's health care.

Don't wait for your routine appointment if something is wrong

Routine eye examinations are important, but some symptoms shouldn't wait.

Seek urgent professional advice if you experience a sudden loss or significant change in vision, new flashes or a sudden increase in floaters, a dark curtain or shadow across your vision, severe eye pain, or a painful red eye accompanied by changes in vision.

Depending on the circumstances, contact an optometrist, NHS 111 or an appropriate urgent eye-care service. Serious or sudden symptoms may require emergency treatment.

Put an eye test on your autumn checklist

We routinely arrange MOTs for our cars and have boilers serviced before winter, yet it's surprisingly easy to neglect something as important as our eyesight.

So, before the clocks change and those long autumn evenings arrive, consider booking an eye examination.

Even if the result is simply "Everything looks fine, see you next time", that's reassuring news worth having.

And if something has changed, finding out now could make the darker months ahead considerably clearer.

That’s Health note: Eye examination frequency depends on your age, health, family history and individual risk factors. Follow the interval recommended by your optometrist, and seek professional advice sooner if you notice changes in your eyesight or eye health.

Buying Glasses for Less: Should You Take Your Prescription Somewhere Else?

You've had your eyes tested, been handed your new prescription and then started looking at frames, only to discover that the glasses you fancy could cost considerably more than you expected.

But here's something worth remembering: you don't have to buy your spectacles from the optician who tested your eyes.

In the UK, following your sight test, your optometrist must provide your prescription, and you're free to take it elsewhere. The NHS specifically advises you shouldn't feel obliged to buy your glasses from the practice that performed your eye examination.

That opens up several possibilities, including independent spectacle dispensers and online glasses retailers.

Shopping around could save money

Glasses can become expensive remarkably quickly.

Start with a frame, add prescription lenses, perhaps choose thinner lenses, anti-reflective coatings, photochromic lenses or varifocals, and the final bill can be very different from the price displayed beside the frame.

Taking your prescription elsewhere allows you to compare the complete price, rather than assuming your optometrist's practice is your only option.

An independent dispensing optician may offer frames and lenses at competitive prices while still providing face-to-face measurements, fitting and subsequent adjustments. Registered dispensing opticians are regulated healthcare professionals trained to advise on and fit spectacles according to an individual's visual and lifestyle requirements.

What about buying glasses online?

Online spectacle companies can be extremely tempting, particularly for straightforward single-vision prescriptions.

Advantages can include lower prices, huge frame selections, easy price comparisons and the convenience of ordering without leaving home.

For someone who knows the size and style of frame they like and has a relatively uncomplicated prescription, online glasses can potentially provide an inexpensive second pair, reading glasses or prescription sunglasses.

There is, however, a significant catch.

Your prescription isn't necessarily every measurement required to make your glasses properly.

For example, your pupillary distance, the measurement used to help position the lenses correctly in relation to your eyes, isn't legally required to appear on the prescription provided following your eye examination. Responsibility for properly centring the lenses rests with whoever supplies the spectacles.

Some online companies therefore ask customers to take measurements themselves.

When professional fitting becomes more important

The stronger or more complicated your prescription, the more cautious you should be about choosing glasses purely on price.

The Association of Optometrists particularly highlights high prescriptions, varifocals and substantial differences between the two eyes as situations where accurate measurements are important.

Varifocals are a good example. The positioning of the different viewing areas within the lenses needs to correspond properly with your eyes and the way the frame sits on your face.

There's evidence for exercising caution online. Research cited by the College of Optometrists found spectacles bought online were more likely to fail optical tolerance testing than those supplied through high-street practices. Participants nevertheless identified lower prices, convenience and clearer pricing among the attractions of buying online.

Don't forget the importance of fit

There's another difference that has nothing to do with your prescription.

A pair of glasses needs to fit your face.

Frames that constantly slide down your nose, pinch behind your ears or sit crookedly can become thoroughly irritating.

A good dispensing optician can adjust the sides, nose pads and general position of the frame and check how the spectacles sit once the finished lenses have been fitted.

That's harder to reproduce when your glasses arrive through the post.

Don't confuse buying glasses with having your eyes tested

Perhaps the most important point is that saving money on spectacles shouldn't mean skipping regular eye examinations.

An eye examination isn't merely a means of obtaining a prescription. It's also an opportunity for an optometrist to examine your eye health and identify changes which may need further investigation.

So by all means shop around after you've been properly examined.

The That's Health verdict

There's no single answer suitable for everybody.

For a straightforward prescription, an established online supplier could offer substantial convenience and savings. An independent spectacle fitter may provide an attractive middle ground: competitive prices combined with professional measuring, fitting and aftercare.

For high prescriptions, varifocals, unusual requirements or situations where accurate positioning is particularly important, the advantages of face-to-face professional dispensing become much greater.

And remember to compare like with like. Ask what lenses are included, what coatings you're getting, whether thinning is included, what happens if the glasses aren't right and whether adjustments and aftercare are provided.

Your eyesight is too important to choose glasses solely because they're cheap – but that doesn't mean you have to pay more than necessary.

That’s Health note: This article is intended as general information rather than individual optical or medical advice. Continue to have your eyes examined at the intervals recommended by your optometrist and seek professional advice if you experience changes in your vision.

One particularly useful point for readers receiving help with optical costs is that NHS optical vouchers can be taken to a supplier of their choice provided that supplier accepts them. 

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/nhs-voucher-values-for-glasses-and-lenses

Convoluted Bowels. What they are, how to treat them

Being told that you have a “convoluted bowel” as I was some years ago, can sound rather alarming. In many cases, however, the term refers to a tortuous or redundant colon, a large bowel that is longer than usual and consequently has additional bends, twists or loops.

For some people it causes few problems. For others, the additional journey through the colon can be associated with slower movement of waste and recurrent constipation.

While you cannot change the basic shape of your bowel through diet, there are practical steps that may make constipation easier to manage.

Aim for consistency rather than crisis management

For someone who regularly experiences constipation, the objective should ideally be to keep stools comfortably soft and relatively easy to pass rather than waiting until severe constipation develops.

Adequate fluid intake is important, particularly when increasing dietary fibre. Regular physical activity can also help stimulate normal bowel function, and it doesn't necessarily mean vigorous exercise. Walking and simply avoiding very long periods of inactivity can be beneficial.

Fibre can help, but more isn't always better

Increasing fibre is standard advice for constipation, but it is worth doing gradually.

Good sources include oats, fruit, vegetables, wholegrain foods, pulses and linseed. Fruits such as kiwifruit, pears, plums and prunes can be particularly useful additions to the diet.

However, suddenly consuming large amounts of bran or other coarse fibre isn't necessarily helpful for everyone. It can sometimes result in considerably more wind, bloating and abdominal discomfort.

People with chronic constipation may therefore find it useful to experiment gradually rather than simply adding as much fibre as possible.

Make breakfast work for your bowel

Our digestive system has a useful mechanism called the gastrocolic reflex.

Eating causes the stomach to expand, which sends signals encouraging the colon to move its contents onwards. The response can be particularly noticeable after breakfast.

This makes the period shortly after breakfast a good opportunity to establish a regular toilet routine.

Try allowing yourself five or ten unhurried minutes on the toilet around 15–30 minutes after breakfast. Don't force things if nothing happens and avoid prolonged straining.

A small footstool can also help. Raising the feet so that the knees are slightly higher than the hips creates a more favourable position for opening the bowels. Leaning slightly forwards can help too.

And when the natural urge to open your bowels does arrive, try not to ignore it repeatedly.

What about laxatives?

Occasional constipation can often be managed through lifestyle measures or short-term treatment. Recurrent constipation is different.

If constipation is happening frequently, particularly when you have already been diagnosed with a tortuous or redundant bowel, it's worth discussing a long-term bowel-management plan with your GP or pharmacist.

There are several types of laxative.

Osmotic laxatives such as macrogol (polyethylene glycol or PEG) work by increasing the amount of water retained in the bowel, helping to produce softer stools. Other options include bulk-forming and stimulant laxatives.

Which treatment is most appropriate will depend on the individual, their symptoms, other health conditions and any medicines they are taking. Some commonly prescribed medicines can themselves contribute to constipation, so a medication review may also be worthwhile.

Keep a bowel diary

A simple diary for a couple of weeks can provide surprisingly useful information.

Record when you have a bowel movement, the consistency of the stool, whether you needed to strain, any bloating or abdominal discomfort, and any laxatives or other treatments you used.

The Bristol Stool Chart can make this particularly easy. Types 1 and 2 indicate hard stools associated with constipation, while types 3 and 4 are generally considered more desirable.

Taking this information to a GP can provide a much clearer picture than simply saying, “I get constipated quite often.”

Know when constipation needs medical attention

Although constipation is extremely common, persistent or changing bowel symptoms shouldn't automatically be blamed on a convoluted bowel.

Seek medical advice if constipation is recurrent or isn't improving, or if you experience symptoms such as blood in your stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain or bloating, unusual tiredness or a significant change in your normal bowel habits.

Severe or worsening abdominal pain and swelling accompanied by vomiting and an inability to pass either stools or wind requires urgent medical assessment, as these can be symptoms of a bowel obstruction.

For people living with recurrent constipation, perhaps the most useful conversation to have with a GP is a simple one:

“Can we develop a regular bowel-management plan that helps me prevent constipation rather than treating it once it has become severe?”

Living with a convoluted bowel may mean paying a little more attention to bowel habits than most people need to. But establishing a regular routine, finding the right balance of fibre and fluids, remaining active and getting appropriate medical support can make constipation much easier to manage.

That’s Health note: This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Anyone experiencing persistent or concerning bowel symptoms should consult an appropriate healthcare professional.

Take A Breath Programme Reports Encouraging Wellbeing Results

A community wellbeing programme combining breathing exercises, movement, meditation and social connection has reported encouraging preliminary results following an event held at Kingsway Community Centre.

Take A Breath was delivered by MindBody Synergy CIC on 22 August 2026, with sponsorship from Tele-Therapies Ltd. 

The restorative programme brought together guided breathing practices, movement, dancing, chanting, sound bowl meditation, creative activities and opportunities for participants to connect with others.

Fourteen people completed an evaluation after the event. Across all six wellbeing measures, participants reported positive changes. Average self-reported stress fell from 2.9 before the session to 1.6 afterwards, while breath awareness rose from 2.3 to 4.2, the largest improvement recorded.

Participants also reported feeling calmer, with average scores rising from 3.1 to 4.3. Energy increased from 3.0 to 4.0, emotional wellbeing from 3.2 to 4.1, and connection with other people from 3.0 to 4.0.

The event received an average overall rating of 4.1 out of five stars. All 14 respondents said they would probably or definitely attend another session or recommend the programme to somebody else. Thirteen were attending Take A Breath for the first time, with one returning participant.

Sound Bowl Meditation was the most consistently highly rated activity and the one most frequently named as a favourite. Dancing Breath, Zumba, Guided Breath Codes and Chanting Breath Rhythm also received strong feedback.

Participants described feeling calmer and more relaxed, learning helpful breathing techniques and experiencing deep relaxation. Some also said they felt motivated to continue breathing, meditation or chanting practices at home.

The group included nine people aged 61 or over, four aged between 46 and 60, and one aged between 18 and 30.

Dr Devi Sundar, founder and director of MindBody Synergy CIC and Tele-Therapies Ltd, said the initial feedback was encouraging, particularly the changes in stress and breath awareness.

“These findings provide a useful basis for refining the programme and considering a more formally designed prospective feasibility study,” she told That's Health.

As this was a small community evaluation based on self-reported experiences, the findings should be viewed as preliminary rather than clinical proof of effectiveness. However, they provide useful guidance for developing future sessions.

MindBody Synergy CIC and Tele-Therapies Ltd now intend to strengthen the programme’s evaluation framework. Future research could examine recruitment, retention, acceptability, safety and changes in wellbeing outcomes over a longer period.

The initiative forms part of Dr Sundar’s wider work connecting respiratory health, psychology, behavioural science and person-centred approaches to mind-body wellbeing.

https://mindbodysynergycic.org

Foodsane Offers a Compassionate Alternative to Diet Culture

For many people, food can become tangled up with guilt, anxiety and an exhausting sense that they are somehow failing.

Restrictive diets, conflicting wellness advice and pressure to lose weight can make it increasingly difficult to recognise and respond to the body’s natural needs.

A new psychology-based wellness community aims to offer a gentler and more compassionate way forward.

Foodsane has been launched by Devon-based Dr Joanna North, a Chartered Researching Psychologist, Fellow of the British Psychological Society and Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with more than 40 years of clinical experience.

Rather than treating eating habits as a simple matter of willpower, Foodsane focuses on psychological safety, nervous-system regulation, body awareness and self-compassion.

Dr North has developed the RAFT framework, which stands for Right Amount, Right Food and Right Time. It is accompanied by a concept she calls Time Related Eating, or TRE, which encourages people to become more aware of how the timing of food may relate to their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Central to the approach is interoception, the ability to notice and understand signals from within the body. These can include hunger, fullness, tension, tiredness and changes in mood.

Foodsane is intended to offer a “middle way” for people who feel caught between restrictive diet culture, medicalised approaches to weight loss and potentially harmful or disordered eating patterns. Its message is not that people should simply try harder, but that eating is influenced by stress, emotions, habits and whether a person feels safe and settled.

“So much of the wellness industry treats eating as a willpower problem,” Dr North told That's Health.

“It isn’t. It’s a nervous system problem, a psychological safety problem. Foodsane exists to bring the evidence base and forty years of clinical experience to people who are tired of being told to try harder.”

The Foodsane initiative includes a paid online community in which members can follow Dr North’s daily Time Related Eating diary. They also receive a weekly newsletter summarising three key learning points.

Accessible guidance is shared through the FoodsaneJoanna accounts on Instagram and TikTok, while Dr North’s 2024 book, Foodsane, explores the complete framework.

No single approach will be right for everybody, and anyone experiencing an eating disorder or significant concerns about eating, weight or health should seek appropriately qualified professional help. Prescribed weight-loss medication should never be stopped or changed without consulting the clinician responsible for it.

Nevertheless, the compassionate thinking behind Foodsane may resonate with people who have spent years blaming themselves. Eating is not a moral test, and needing support is not a personal failure.

More information can be found at www.foodsane.co.uk.

Pub Manager Conquers Fear of Heights for Children’s Hospice

A South Manchester pub manager has overcome his fear of heights by completing an amazing 15,000-foot skydive and raising an impressive £4,568 for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Martin Devlin, manager of the Hydes Brewery-owned Fletcher Moss in Didsbury, took the plunge above Lancaster after deciding he wanted to undertake a fresh fundraising challenge for the hospice.

Middlesbrough-born Martin has lived in Didsbury for more than 30 years and managed the popular community pub for the past 14. Fundraising is firmly embedded in life at the Fletcher Moss, where quiz nights, acoustic evenings and festive parties regularly support Francis House.

The hospice provides respite care and support for children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, as well as their families.

Martin’s support has previously taken him down the side of the Trafford Palazzo Tower in an abseiling challenge. However, despite describing himself as frightened of heights, he decided that his next adventure should involve jumping from an aeroplane.

“I was on holiday, lying on a beach and thinking I need to do something this year for Francis House,” Martin explained to That's Health. “I looked to the sky and I thought: skydive.”

Although he was particularly worried about the freefall, it unexpectedly became his favourite part of the experience.

“The adrenaline took over from the nerves and the weather was lovely,” he said. “I was most scared about the freefall, but that’s the bit I enjoyed the most.”

Once the parachute opened, Martin was able to enjoy spectacular views stretching towards Blackpool Tower and the Lake District. He admitted that the nerves returned as the ground grew closer, but said he would happily repeat the experience for charity.

Customers, friends, relatives and local businesses rallied behind him. A fundraising raffle alone generated more than £700, with prizes donated by businesses including Gail’s Bakery, Little Pigs Butchers, The Cheese Hamlet and Rudy’s Pizza. Hydes Brewery, suppliers and customers also contributed prizes and generous sponsorship.

Over the years, Martin and the Fletcher Moss community have raised approximately £30,000 for Francis House. Having visited the hospice himself, he has seen the comforting, home-from-home environment it provides.

With the hospice costing around £5.8 million annually to operate, every fundraiser matters. Martin is therefore already considering his next challenge, possibly a wing walk?

“It’s about trying to push yourself all of the time,” he said.

To learn more about supporting Francis House through a skydive, visit Francis House Children’s Hospice https://www.francishouse.org.uk/get-involved/events/skydive

https://www.hydesbrewery.com/venue/fletcher-moss/

School Games National Finals Celebrates 20 Years of Inspiring Young Athletes

The School Games National Finals returns from 3–6 September 2026, marking 20 years of giving talented young athletes the opportunity to experience a major multi-sport competition.

First staged in Glasgow in 2006, the event has become an important launchpad for emerging sporting talent. 

Its anniversary feels especially significant following Glasgow’s recent hosting of the Commonwealth Games, bringing elite competition back to the city where the School Games story began.

Over two decades, thousands of young people have participated in the finals. Notable former competitors include Olympic and Paralympic champions Dina Asher-Smith, Adam Peaty, Ellie Simmonds, Alex Yee and Hannah Cockroft.

However, the 2026 event will emphasise that sporting success is not measured solely by medals. Competitors will be encouraged to recognise progress towards their own goals and appreciate the confidence, resilience, friendships and life skills that sport can provide.

Taking place at Loughborough University and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, the four-day event will feature 3x3 basketball, athletics, BMX freestyle, BMX racing, cricket, hockey, modern pentathlon, netball, triathlon, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.

Every competitor will also experience the obstacle course discipline being introduced into modern pentathlon for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

This year’s approach draws upon findings from the Wired to Win report, which examined athletes’ experiences at the 2024 finals and identified barriers affecting participation, access and enjoyment.

A major addition is Elevate, a programme co-designed by Sport England, the Youth Sport Trust and Greenhouse Sports. It will welcome 45 promising athletes from under-resourced communities who currently sit outside traditional talent pathways.

During the three-day programme, participants will receive an inclusive development experience supported by leading coaches and athlete mentors. The initiative aims to reach young people who may otherwise miss opportunities because of financial pressures, limited networks, geographical barriers or their background.

Phil Smith, executive director of sporting systems at Sport England, said that while competition remains important, enjoyable experiences which do not necessarily end with a podium place can help young people develop a lifelong love of physical activity.

Youth Sport Trust chief executive Ali Oliver MBE added that supportive sporting environments can help create mentally stronger and more resilient athletes.

As it celebrates its remarkable alumni, the School Games National Finals is also looking forward. Its greatest achievement may be helping every participant leave Loughborough proud of their progress, inspired by the experience and ready to pursue their own sporting ambitions.

Further information is available from the School Games National Finals website https://www.youthsporttrust.org

Noctiva Health Launches Supplement Designed for Britain’s Night-Shift Workers

While most of Britain sleeps, more than three million people are still at work.

Nurses, carers, drivers, security officers, factory workers, cleaners, warehouse employees, bakers and emergency call handlers are among those keeping essential services and businesses running through the night. 

Yet products intended to support everyday wellbeing are rarely designed with their unusual routines in mind.

Noctiva Health hopes to address that oversight with Noctiva Reset, a new UK-made, once-daily food supplement formulated specifically for people who work nights.

“If you finish a shift at 7am, the whole world is telling you to wake up just as you are trying to switch off,” explained company founder Adi Jani, to That's Health. Adi (PICTURED) spent 16 years presenting live overnight television.

“We built Noctiva Reset for those hours, and we built it without the tricks.”

Transparency rather than extravagant promises

The company is making openness central to the new brand. Every active ingredient is disclosed to the milligram, with no proprietary blends or promises that go beyond the available evidence.

Noctiva Reset does not contain melatonin, which is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. It is also not promoted as a medicine, treatment or instant solution.

Instead, each tub provides a consistent 30-day supply.

A daily serving of three capsules contains 490mg of KSM-66® ashwagandha root extract, 175mg of magnesium as bisglycinate, 333mg of Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract providing 100mg of 5-HTP, and 102mg of green tea leaf extract providing 100mg of L-theanine.

Magnesium contributes to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue and supports the normal functioning of the nervous system.

The capsules are manufactured at a GMP-certified facility in the UK and use plant-derived HPMC shells. Each tub contains 90 capsules.

Night workers deserve recognition

No supplement can remove all the pressures associated with night work. It cannot replace adequate rest, proper breaks, nourishing food, supportive employers or access to healthcare. However, it is encouraging to see a company acknowledging people whose routines often receive too little consideration.

Night workers can miss family occasions, struggle to arrange appointments and find themselves trying to sleep while the rest of their household and neighbourhood are beginning their days. Their contribution deserves both respect and practical support.

“Nobody reads a supplement label and feels respected,” said Jani. “Our entire brand is the opposite bet. Name every ingredient, name every dose, say plainly what it is not, and treat the people who keep the country running at night like adults.”

Noctiva Reset costs £39.99 for one 90-capsule tub or £99.99 for a three-tub pack, with free UK delivery. It is available from noctivahealth.com and TikTok Shop UK.

Noctiva Reset is a food supplement and not a medicine. Supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. The product is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Anyone taking medication, living with a health condition or receiving medical supervision should consult a doctor before using it.

https://noctivahealth.com/

World Physiotherapy Day 2026: Helping Hearts and Rebuilding Lives

Every year on 8 September, World Physiotherapy Day celebrates the skilled professionals who help people restore movement, manage pain, recover from illness and remain as independent as possible.

The date marks the founding of World Physiotherapy in 1951. 

The theme for 2026 focuses on the role of physiotherapy and physical activity in preventing, managing and rehabilitating cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Although physiotherapy is often associated with sports injuries, back pain or recovery after an operation, its contribution to heart and circulatory health is equally important.

Movement as prevention

Regular physical activity can help protect the heart, improve circulation, maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of several long-term health conditions. However, becoming more active is not always as simple as being told to “exercise more”.

Pain, disability, breathlessness, poor balance, fatigue or anxiety may all make movement difficult. A physiotherapist can assess a person’s individual circumstances and help them find safe, realistic ways to become more active.

That might begin with gentle movements while seated, short supported walks or exercises designed to improve balance and confidence. Progress can then be adjusted according to the person’s health, abilities and goals.

The emphasis should be on appropriate movement rather than competition. Even small, sustainable changes can be valuable.

Recovering after a heart problem

Physiotherapists can also be part of cardiac rehabilitation teams supporting people after a heart attack, heart surgery or a diagnosis such as heart failure.

It is entirely understandable for someone to feel nervous about exercising following a heart problem. Carefully supervised rehabilitation can provide reassurance while helping people rebuild strength, stamina and confidence.

According to the NHS, cardiac rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. Programmes may include individualised exercise, health education and emotional support, delivered through group sessions, online classes or home-based programmes.

These programmes are not about pushing people beyond their limits. They are about helping each person return to everyday activities as safely and confidently as possible.

Physiotherapy after a stroke

A stroke can affect strength, sensation, coordination, balance and mobility. Some survivors may have difficulty walking or using an arm, while others experience fatigue, stiffness or a loss of confidence in their movement.

Physiotherapy can help a stroke survivor practise movements, improve balance, strengthen affected muscles and learn alternative ways of completing everyday activities. Rehabilitation may involve repeated exercises, mobility aids, positioning advice and support for family members or carers.

Recovery is different for everyone. It may continue for months or years, and progress is not always a straight line. The NHS guide to stroke recovery explains that rehabilitation plans can include physiotherapy and exercises to help with movement and physical difficulties.

Just as importantly, physiotherapists can help people recognise and celebrate improvements that might appear small to others but represent enormous personal achievements.

Celebrating the profession

World Physiotherapy Day is an opportunity to thank the physiotherapists working in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, care homes, community services and patients’ own homes.

Their work can help a person climb the stairs again, return to work, regain movement after a stroke or feel confident enough to take that first walk following heart surgery.

The official World Physiotherapy Day 2026 campaign reminds us that movement can be part of prevention, treatment and recovery. It also highlights an important message: physical activity should be accessible, adaptable and centred on the individual.

If you have a heart condition, are recovering from a stroke or have not exercised for some time, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional before beginning a new exercise programme.

And on 8 September, let us recognise the physiotherapists who help people move more freely, live more independently and rediscover confidence in their own bodies.

Your local GP should be able to refer you for physiotherapy appointments. Some GP practices have their own physiotherapy departments. 

Emergency Services Day: Saying Thank You to the People Behind 999

Every year on 9th September, Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day, gives us an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution made by the people who respond when the rest of us are facing some of the worst moments of our lives.

The choice of date is particularly appropriate: the ninth day of the ninth month, 9/9, representing 999, the telephone number that has connected people in Britain with emergency help since 1937.

For most of us, dialling 999 is something we hope we will never need to do. But when illness, injury, fire, crime or another emergency strikes, knowing somebody will answer that call is enormously reassuring.

Emergency Services Day celebrates the work of the NHS ambulance service, police, fire and rescue services, coastguard and other emergency responders, including the many volunteers and charities working alongside them.

It is also a chance to remember that behind every uniform is a human being.

Paramedics and ambulance crews regularly encounter people who are frightened, seriously ill or badly injured. Police officers can find themselves dealing with dangerous and distressing situations with very little warning. Firefighters enter environments the rest of us are desperately trying to escape from, while coastguard and rescue teams may head out in dreadful conditions because somebody needs their help.

Then there are the people we don't necessarily see.

Emergency call handlers have the demanding job of remaining calm while speaking to people who may be panicking, injured or witnessing something traumatic. Dispatchers and control-room staff must make rapid decisions about where limited resources are needed most.

These jobs can take a considerable physical and emotional toll.

For That's Health, 999 Day is therefore not only an opportunity to thank emergency workers for looking after our health and safety. It is also a reminder that their own health and wellbeing matter, too.

Long shifts, interrupted sleep, traumatic incidents and the pressure of making potentially life-changing decisions can all have consequences. Emergency workers deserve access to good physical and mental health support without stigma or embarrassment.

There is another way we can show our appreciation: use the emergency services responsibly.

999 should always be available for genuine emergencies. Using NHS 111 and other appropriate services for urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns helps ensure ambulances and emergency departments can concentrate resources where they are most urgently required.

So, this Emergency Services Day on 9 September, That's Health would simply like to say:

Thank you.

Thank you to the people answering the phones, driving the ambulances, treating patients, fighting fires, keeping people safe, carrying out rescues and responding to emergencies at every hour of the day and night.

We hope we never need you.

But we're extremely grateful that you're there when we do.

Incidentally my sister spent several years working as a 999 operator. 

International Overdose Awareness Day: Behind Every Overdose Is a Human Being

31 August is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to remember those whose lives have been lost to overdose, acknowledge the grief of families and friends, and remind ourselves that people experiencing an overdose need compassion, urgent medical help and support, not judgement.

Overdose is sometimes associated solely with illegal drugs, but the reality is much broader. Prescription medicines and everyday medicines available from pharmacies and supermarkets can also cause serious and potentially fatal poisoning when taken in excessive quantities.

My wife and I were reminded of this in particularly stark circumstances when we came across a man in a park who had taken a large overdose of paracetamol.

He was conscious, and one of the most disturbing aspects of the encounter was his surprise that the tablets hadn't killed him instantly.

My wife is a retired nurse, and while an ambulance was being called she was able to check him over and establish, as accurately as possible, how many tablets he had taken. That information was important for the medical professionals who would subsequently care for him.

Thankfully, the ambulance crew arrived quickly and took him to hospital for urgent treatment.

The incident has stayed with us, not least because it illustrates something dangerously deceptive about paracetamol overdose. Someone who has taken too much paracetamol may initially feel relatively well. Serious liver damage can develop later, however, which is why a suspected overdose requires urgent medical assessment even when the person appears perfectly conscious and says they feel all right.

It is also why nobody should wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help.

But International Overdose Awareness Day is about more than understanding the medical facts. It is also about recognising the person behind the emergency.

We didn't know what circumstances had brought that man to the park or what had happened in his life beforehand. At that moment, none of that mattered. What mattered was that there was a human being who needed help.

That principle applies to every overdose.

Whether an overdose is accidental or intentional, involves an illegal substance, prescribed medication or something bought over the counter, the appropriate response is compassion and urgent medical assistance.

If you believe someone has taken an overdose in the UK, call 999 or 112 immediately. Don't assume that because somebody is awake, talking or apparently feeling well that they are safe. Tell the emergency services what you believe has been taken, approximately how much, and when, if that information is available. Keep any packaging or remaining medication for the ambulance crew.

And if someone tells you that they have deliberately taken an overdose, believe them and get help.

International Overdose Awareness Day also asks us to remember those who didn't survive, the people who continue to live with the consequences of overdose, and the families, friends, paramedics, nurses, doctors and others whose lives are touched by these emergencies.

Sometimes saving a life begins with something remarkably simple: noticing another human being in trouble, staying with them and making that call.

There should be no shame in needing help, and no hesitation in giving it.

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Restoring Confidence: Growing Interest in Hair Transplant Treatments

Hair loss is extremely common, but that does not mean it is always easy to accept. 

For some people, thinning hair or a receding hairline is simply part of getting older. 

For others, it can have a profound effect on confidence, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.

Chase Lodge Hospital, a private hospital in North London, says it is seeing increasing interest in hair transplant procedures as more people explore the treatments available to them.

Modern hair restoration techniques are designed to achieve subtle, natural-looking results tailored to each patient. Chase Lodge Hospital offers procedures including Follicular Unit Extraction, commonly known as FUE, and Direct Hair Implantation, or DHI.

Both techniques involve transferring healthy hair follicles from a donor area, usually at the back or sides of the head, to places where the hair has become thin or has been lost. The most suitable approach will depend on the individual’s pattern of hair loss, the condition of the donor area and their expectations.

The hospital believes growing awareness, advances in technology and improvements in results are helping more people feel comfortable discussing hair restoration.

Having carried out more than 1,500 hair transplant procedures, Chase Lodge Hospital provides personalised treatment plans as well as support before and after treatment.

A hospital spokesperson said: “We understand that hair loss can affect much more than appearance. It can also have an impact on confidence and wellbeing. Our aim is to provide patients with clear information, professional advice and personalised treatment in a safe and supportive environment.”

It is important to remember a hair transplant is a medical procedure and should never be entered into lightly. Results can vary, and treatment will not be suitable for everyone. Anyone considering surgery should first have a proper consultation with a suitably qualified medical professional.

During this consultation, the practitioner should examine the cause and extent of the hair loss, assess the available donor hair, discuss realistic outcomes and explain possible risks, recovery and aftercare. Patients should also be given enough time to consider their decision without feeling pressured.

At Chase Lodge Hospital, treatment is priced from £3,000 for one session, which the hospital says is usually sufficient. Pricing is calculated at £1 per follicle, meaning the starting price would cover approximately 3,000 transplanted follicles.

For further information, contact Chase Lodge Hospital on 020 8358 7100 or email info@chaselodgehospital.com.

https://chaselodgehospital.com

Manchester Conference to Spotlight the Hidden Health Risks of Skin Exposure

Chemical exposure in the workplace is often associated with breathing in hazardous fumes or accidentally ingesting harmful substances. 

However, an important international conference taking place in Manchester this September will focus on another significant route into the body: the skin.

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, will host the Occupational and Environmental Exposure of Skin to Chemicals Conference from 14 to 16 September 2026.

Known as OEESC 2026, the three-day event will bring together specialists in occupational health, dermatology, toxicology and exposure science. Researchers, regulators and workplace health professionals will share the latest evidence and discuss more effective ways of identifying, assessing and controlling exposure through the skin.

“Skin is the largest human organ and it is our major defence against substances in the environment that can cause us harm,” explained BOHS President Sarah Leeson. She said that health discussions have traditionally concentrated on what people breathe or eat, while the potential consequences of dermal exposure have sometimes received less attention.

The conference will examine health concerns including chemical sensitisation and contact dermatitis. Delegates will also hear about exposure to potentially harmful substances such as PFAS, nanoparticles, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, commonly known as PAHs.

Practical workplace risks will feature prominently. Research and case studies will consider the experiences of firefighters, petrol station attendants, asphalt workers and people involved in recycling electronic waste.

Protective clothing and gloves will be discussed, but BOHS believes effective prevention must go further than simply supplying personal protective equipment.

Professor Kevin Bampton, chief executive of BOHS, said new technologies can help specialists model and predict dermal risks and better understand how substances pass through the skin. Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature in discussions about future methods of risk assessment and prevention.

Other sessions will examine workplace training, exposure controls and developments in international standards and regulatory approaches.

Helen Taylor, a BOHS board member and specialist in skin exposure, described OEESC as an important opportunity to discover the science that will shape future workplace practices.

By bringing together experts from several disciplines, BOHS hopes the conference will turn scientific knowledge into practical measures that prevent ill health. The event should be particularly valuable for occupational hygienists, dermatologists, researchers, regulators and anyone responsible for protecting employees who regularly handle or work near hazardous substances.

Further information, booking details and the full conference programme are available through BOHS and the OEESC 2026 event information.

https://www.bohs.org/app/uploads/2026/07/OEESC-2026-Programme-070726.pdf?

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...

New London Clinic Puts Prevention at the Heart of Healthcare

A London-based private GP clinic has launched a new range of longevity and preventative medicine services designed to help patients understand their health risks before serious problems develop.

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.

UK Salmonella outbreak: How can you protect yourself and your family?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating a national outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis after 207 confirmed cases were identified.

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

Heads Up CIO Marks Ten Years with New Jewish Emergency Psychological Response Unit

As Heads Up CIO marks ten years of helping people build resilience after trauma, the charity is launching an important new national initiative: the Jewish Emergency Psychological Response Unit (JEPRU).

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.

Norwich Crowned Britain's Home Gym Capital in New Industry Report

Norwich residents are building more home gyms per person than those in any other British city, according to a major new study of the nation’s changing fitness habits.

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

https://www.gym-flooring.com

From Fear to Friendship: How Alfie’s “Job” with Dogs Helped Transform His Life

Alfie with Stanley

For anyone living with a phobia, the object of their fear can feel impossible to escape. 

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

https://www.oaktree.enfield.sch.uk

Age UK Somerset calls for community views to shape new dementia support programme

Age UK Somerset is calling on people across Somerset to complete a short survey to share their views and help shape the development of a new Dementia Wellbeing and Connection 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.