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.

COVID-19 Booster Jabs Are Healthcare, Not a Political Statement

Claims circulating online suggest some adults are seeking multiple COVID-19 booster vaccinations for themselves and their children as a way of showing support for Dr Anthony Fauci.

Whether these stories are genuine, exaggerated or intended as satire, the underlying message needs to be challenged. 

Vaccines are medicines,not political badges, loyalty tests or opportunities to make a statement on social media.

COVID-19 vaccinations should be given only when clinically recommended, using the correct formulation, dose and interval for the individual concerned. Deliberately obtaining unnecessary doses could expose somebody to side effects without providing any established additional benefit.

What does “vaccine overload” really mean?

The phrase “vaccine overload” can be misleading. There is no evidence that the normal childhood vaccination programme overwhelms a healthy child’s immune system. Children encounter countless antigens through ordinary life, and authorised vaccination schedules are carefully assessed for safety and effectiveness.

However, that does not mean people should receive unlimited or closely spaced COVID-19 injections. A vaccine can be safe when used as recommended while still being inappropriate, and potentially harmful, when repeatedly taken outside the approved schedule.

In Britain, the NHS offers seasonal COVID-19 vaccination to groups considered most likely to benefit. For spring 2026, eligibility includes people aged 75 and over, residents of older-adult care homes and people aged six months or above with weakened immune systems. 

Extra doses may occasionally be recommended for severely immunosuppressed patients, but this decision should be made by their GP or specialist. UKHSA spring 2026 guidance explains the eligibility rules.

Every dose can cause side effects

Common reactions to a COVID-19 vaccination include:

Pain or tenderness at the injection site

Tiredness

Headache

Muscle aches

Fever or flu-like symptoms

These effects are usually mild and disappear within several days. Nevertheless, taking an unnecessary dose means accepting another chance of experiencing them for no proven medical gain.

There are also rare but potentially serious reactions. These include severe allergic reactions and inflammation of the heart muscle or surrounding tissue, known as myocarditis and pericarditis. The latter has occurred most frequently in adolescent and young adult males following some mRNA vaccine doses.

The risk is rare, and COVID-19 infection itself can cause heart and other serious complications. That important context should not be lost. Nevertheless, a rare risk should not be accepted repeatedly without a sound clinical reason.

Parents should remember that children may require a different formulation and a smaller dose than adults. The NHS COVID-19 vaccine guidance confirms that children under 12 receive smaller doses. Seeking vaccinations through several providers or failing to disclose a child’s vaccination history could create the risk of an incorrect product, dose or interval being used.

Follow medical advice: Not social media challenges

Nobody should conceal previous doses, provide false information or visit multiple vaccination centres to bypass eligibility rules. Apart from the health implications, inaccurate records could make future medical decisions more difficult.

If an additional dose has already been given accidentally, contact the vaccination provider, GP, NHS 111 or pharmacist for individual advice. Keep a record of the vaccine, dose and date. Seek urgent medical attention following vaccination if there is chest pain, shortness of breath, a racing or pounding heartbeat, collapse, facial or throat swelling, or another severe reaction.

COVID-19 vaccines have helped protect vulnerable people from serious disease. Supporting vaccination means using it responsibly, according to medical evidence and individual need. It does not mean collecting unnecessary injections to demonstrate support for a public figure.

Children in particular should never be involved in political gestures that carry avoidable medical risks. Their healthcare decisions must be based on their welfare, informed consent and professional clinical guidance.

How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely

A solar eclipse is one of nature’s most impressive spectacles, but it must never be viewed without proper eye protection. 

Even when most of the Sun is hidden by the Moon, the remaining light can permanently damage your eyesight.

Looking directly at the Sun can burn the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye, causing a condition known as solar retinopathy. 

Worryingly, the retina has no pain receptors, so you may not realise that damage is occurring. Symptoms, including blurred vision, blind spots, distorted sight and changes in colour perception, may not become apparent until several hours later.

Use genuine eclipse glasses

If you want to look directly at an eclipse, use proper solar-viewing glasses or a purpose-made handheld solar viewer. These should comply with the recognised ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

Buy them from a reputable optician, astronomy supplier or established retailer. Check the glasses carefully before use and discard them if the filters are scratched, torn, punctured, wrinkled or separating from the frame.

Ordinary sunglasses are not suitable, regardless of how dark or expensive they may be. Welding masks, smoked glass, exposed photographic film, CDs, DVDs and sweet wrappers are also unsafe.

Put your eclipse glasses on before looking towards the Sun. When you have finished viewing, turn away from the Sun before removing them. Children should be closely supervised throughout.

Never combine eclipse glasses with optical equipment

Do not look through binoculars, a telescope or a camera while wearing eclipse glasses. These instruments concentrate the Sun’s rays and can cause severe eye injuries while also damaging the viewing glasses.

Cameras, telescopes and binoculars need professionally manufactured solar filters fitted securely over the front of their lenses. If you are uncertain about the equipment, consult an experienced astronomer or attend an organised public viewing event.

You should also avoid pointing your smartphone directly at the Sun for prolonged periods. This can damage its camera sensor. Holding a phone between your face and the Sun does not provide reliable eye protection.

Try indirect viewing

One of the safest ways to enjoy an eclipse is through projection. A simple pinhole projector can be made using two pieces of white card. Make a small hole in one card, stand with your back to the Sun and allow the sunlight to pass through the hole onto the second card.

The projected image will show the Moon gradually moving across the Sun. Never look through the pinhole itself.

A kitchen colander provides another easy method. Hold it so that sunlight passes through its holes and projects onto the ground or a sheet of white paper. Each hole will create a tiny image of the eclipsed Sun.

Watching a reputable live television or internet broadcast is the safest option of all, particularly for young children or anyone who cannot obtain genuine solar-viewing glasses.

What if you accidentally look at the Sun?

Seek urgent medical advice if you experience blurred or distorted vision, a dark or empty area in the centre of your sight, unusual sensitivity to light or changes in colour vision after watching an eclipse. Do not assume the problem will simply disappear.

An eclipse should be a memorable experience for all the right reasons. A little preparation—and the correct viewing equipment, will allow the whole family to enjoy it without putting their eyesight at risk.

Guidance is available from Moorfields Eye Hospital, the Royal Astronomical Society and NASA’s eclipse safety service.

https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/about-us/news-and-blogs/news/keeping-your-eyes-safe-during-the-solar-eclipse

https://www.ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/news/how-see-best-solar-eclipse-visible-uk-1999?utm_

https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/?utm

One in Three Yoga Teachers May Be Teaching Without Insurance, Survey Suggests

Yoga may be associated with calm, balance and wellbeing, but for yoga teachers there is also a very practical side to running classes safely and professionally, and that includes having appropriate insurance.

A recent survey by specialist insurer Insure4Sport suggests that around one in three UK yoga teachers do not have their own dedicated insurance covering their teaching activities.

The survey sample was relatively small, so the figure should be treated as an indication rather than a definitive picture of the entire profession. Nevertheless, it raises an important question for anyone currently teaching yoga or considering becoming an instructor.

Accidents can happen even in a carefully managed yoga class. A student might slip or fall, suffer an injury during a movement, or allege that inappropriate instruction contributed to an injury. Claims involving personal injury or alleged negligence can potentially result in substantial compensation and legal costs.

Without suitable insurance, a self-employed teacher could find themselves personally responsible for those costs.

Insurance may also increasingly be required simply to get through the door. Yoga studios, community centres, councils, landlords and event organisers may ask instructors to demonstrate that they hold appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance before allowing them to teach on their premises.

Another consideration is first aid.

The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) stresses the importance of appropriate first aid training and risk management alongside insurance. Teachers should therefore check the precise conditions of their own policy, including any requirements concerning qualified first aid provision.

For instructors looking for a straightforward way of obtaining professional support, BWY offers an Associate Teaching Membership.

Priced at £108 per year, it is available to teachers who have completed more than 300 hours of training through a reputable yoga school.

Membership includes comprehensive teaching insurance covering public liability and professional indemnity, alongside resources designed to help instructors maintain good professional standards.

Members can also access continuing professional development opportunities, guidance documents, templates, marketing resources and other teaching support.

The survey provides a useful reminder that being a good yoga teacher isn't only about knowing poses, breathing techniques and meditation. Protecting students, and protecting yourself professionally, matters too.

Whether you're an established instructor, returning to teaching after a break or preparing to teach your first classes, now could be a good time to check exactly what insurance you have and whether your first aid qualifications remain current.

Further information about British Wheel of Yoga Associate Teaching Membership can be found at bwy.org.uk/about-bwy/benefits, or by contacting office@bwy.org.uk.

Should You Throw Away Your Lipstick After Flu? The Truth About Makeup and Germs

After battling a severe bout of flu, most of us are eager to get back to normal life. 

We wash the bedding, disinfect door handles, and perhaps even replace our toothbrush. 

But what about the lipstick you've been using while you were ill? Or your lip balm, mascara and foundation? Should they stay or should they go?

The answer isn't quite as straightforward as you might think.

Lip Products: Better Safe Than Sorry

Lipsticks, lip glosses and lip balms come into direct contact with your mouth, making them the most likely makeup items to harbour viruses and bacteria while you're ill. Although flu viruses generally don't survive for long outside the human body, they can remain active on surfaces for several hours, and bacteria can persist for much longer.

If you've had a particularly severe flu infection, replacing lip products is a sensible precaution, especially if you are prone to recurring infections or have a weakened immune system. Lip balms in pots that require you to dip a finger in repeatedly are particularly worth replacing.

If the lipstick was expensive, you can reduce the risk by carefully shaving off the top layer with a clean tissue or sanitised knife before wiping the surface with a little 70% isopropyl alcohol and allowing it to dry. However, if you have any doubts, replacing it provides complete peace of mind.

Mascara Is Different

Mascara has a relatively short lifespan anyway. Eye infections can spread easily, and mascara tubes are warm, dark environments where bacteria can multiply.

If you developed sore, watery eyes during your illness or had any sign of an eye infection, it's best to throw the mascara away and open a fresh tube.

Powders and Foundations

Pressed powders, blushers and eyeshadows are generally much lower risk because they contain very little moisture. You can usually disinfect the surface with a light mist of cosmetic-safe alcohol and clean your brushes thoroughly before using them again.

Liquid foundations, concealers and pump dispensers are also relatively safe because the product inside isn't continually exposed to the air. Simply clean the outside of the bottle and the pump nozzle with an alcohol wipe.

Don't Forget the Brushes

Many people overlook the makeup brushes themselves.

Brushes and beauty sponges should be washed thoroughly with warm water and a gentle cleanser or specialist brush cleaner. Allow them to dry completely before using them again.

The Bottom Line

There is limited evidence that people routinely reinfect themselves with flu from their own makeup once they have recovered, as your immune system has usually developed protection against the same strain. However, contaminated cosmetics can potentially spread germs to others or become breeding grounds for bacteria over time.

When in doubt, replace products that have direct contact with your lips or eyes, clean everything else carefully, and treat yourself to a fresh start after you've recovered.

Sometimes, peace of mind is worth far more than the cost of a new lipstick.