Health

Fraser Wilson, who received a heart transplant in March 2023, completed more than 110km across the Moroccan Sahara last November to raise funds for the charity Crisis and has so far raised almost £11,500.

Research cited in the article says only 4% of UK adults meet the 30g daily fibre recommendation and the average intake is about 16.4g; a nutritionist worked with Ryvita to produce seven high‑fibre snack ideas that each deliver roughly 12–18g of fibre.

Animal welfare and veterinary experts identify ten 'extreme conformations' — including flat faces, stubby legs and bulging eyes — that they report increase health risks in many popular breeds. The Royal Veterinary College and the All‑Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare helped develop an Innate Health Assessment checklist to flag these traits.

Lucy Letby's parents visited a police station in March 2017 to complain that hospital doctors were making her a 'scapegoat', and they have criticised a Netflix documentary that shows bodycam footage of her arrests.

Anna hoped for a second child but experienced secondary infertility, which affected her mood and relationships; therapy helped her reframe family expectations and develop ways to manage difficult social conversations.

King Charles made a surprise visit to a Sandringham parkrun ahead of World Cancer Day, and the appearance came hours after the US Department of Justice released another tranche of Epstein-related documents that include images reported as involving Prince Andrew.

Nutritionists told the Guardian that protein bars can be a convenient option but are best used sparingly, and they recommend choosing bars with recognizable ingredients while noting many bars contain sugars and artificial additives.

An event at Jersey Library on Wednesday will bring people affected by cancer together with health professionals and support organisations; a free expert panel on prevention and early diagnosis is scheduled.

Police say a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after a 50-year-old woman was found with stab wounds and was pronounced dead in Willesden; the suspect remains in custody and the Met says there is no indication of a wider risk.

Experts say the menopause market has expanded to include apps, wearable cooling devices and supplements, and researchers have warned that unregulated companies may be exploiting limited reliable guidance.

All 23 NHS Urgent Dental Access Centres are now operating across North East and North Cumbria, and the network has seen more than 41,000 patients since the first pilot sites opened in 2024.

New analyses from the French NutriNet-Santé study linked higher intakes of some food preservatives to increased risks of breast and prostate cancer and to type 2 diabetes; the article outlines seven food swaps away from products that often contain these preservatives.

The article reports that fatty liver is increasingly common in the UK and that early-stage disease may respond to dietary and lifestyle changes; it cites studies linking coffee, berries and a Mediterranean-style diet with improved liver markers.

Experts and campaigners say treating more people with dementia in virtual 'hospital at home' wards can prevent deterioration linked to hospital stays and may save the NHS millions; reporting states discharge delays for dementia patients cost the NHS £328 million and used half a million bed‑days last year.

The article outlines medicines and non-drug therapies used in the UK to manage dementia symptoms, and describes practical and legal steps often taken after diagnosis.

At the Therapeutic Riding Center in Taoyuan, Taiwan, children with cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD and other conditions attend weekly horse-assisted sessions that families and staff report bring comfort and opportunities for social and physical engagement.

Anyone whose dementia affects daily life is entitled to a care needs assessment, which includes a financial check and typically leads to a decision in four to six weeks, though delays occur. NHS continuing healthcare can cover full care costs when the majority of needs are health-related, but around 80% of CHC applications were rejected in 2024.

A sex educator argues that prioritising sexual pleasure supports physical health and relationships, and offers seven practical tips such as scheduling weekly intimacy and improving communication.

About 80% of people will experience lower back pain in their lifetime, and most episodes often begin with a muscle spasm and nerve sensitisation rather than clear structural damage; experts cited links with lifestyle and mental-health factors. Australian data in the article note a heavy national burden from back problems, and researchers reported improvements in some people after gradual increases in physical activity.

Newspaper documents report the Scottish Government was notified of 14 red or amber infection alerts at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital between 2015 and 2018; police and public probes are examining patient deaths and possible links to the hospital environment.

A High Court dismissed a challenge to ban trans women from the Hampstead Heath ladies' pond, saying the claim belonged in county court; a City of London consultation found strong public support for the pond's trans-inclusive policy.

A report says the NHS was late in diagnosing about three quarters of kidney cancer cases for patients diagnosed last July, and Kidney Cancer UK is calling on the government to fund research into a simple urine or blood test for GPs.

Scotland's Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is investigating seven deaths potentially linked to infections at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus; four police prosecution reports have been submitted to COPFS while three cases remain under evidence gathering.

Hour-long classes for Year One pupils in Jersey teach safe behaviour around dogs, and the project was launched after the island's dog population rose about 25% over five years.

Studies have linked the MIND diet — rich in vegetables and fresh foods and low in processed items — with a lower risk of dementia, and Professor Catherine Mummery said about 45% of dementia could be prevented by modifying risk factors.

Families in east London say they will set up a 'virtual hospice' to provide home-based care after Richard House in Newham closed on 18 December.

Former footballer Jeffrey Boadi says he gained weight and strength after switching to a plant-based diet and highlights plant proteins, antioxidants and fibre as factors that supported his recovery and training.

UK dementia specialists describe personal habits they follow — including limiting alcohol, regular exercise, puzzles, outdoor activity and a microbiome-focused diet — and the article notes about 350,000 Britons are thought to have undiagnosed dementia.

Experts report that common conditions — including vision and hearing loss, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep problems and gum disease — are linked with higher dementia risk, and some studies cited show reduced risk after interventions such as cataract surgery and hearing-aid use.

Research links the MIND diet — a Mediterranean‑DASH hybrid emphasising leafy greens, nuts, berries, wholegrains, olive oil and fish — with lower dementia risk in multiple studies; one 2015 analysis reported a 53% lower Alzheimer's risk among strict adherents and a 2023 review found a 17% lower dementia risk in large cohorts.