Physical exercise. Physical exercise strengthens your brain. Exercise benefits your brain cells. The blood vessels inside your brain dilate and increase blood flow when you engage in regular exercise. Exercise helps to elimin toxins and allows oxygen and other nutrients to flow into your brain strengthening your brain cells. Mind exercises. Concentration and clear thinking are more or less automatic once you remove distractions. Learn to stop and watch your busy mind. As you notice things that are subtly bothering you, deal with them. This might mean making a phone call you need to make, or putting things on a…

It is thought that around one in five people in the UK suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Interestingly, people from a BAME community are at higher risk of suffering from than those who are not. Why is this the case? Dr Preethi Daniel, Clinical Director at London Doctors Clinic vouches to explain.   What is vitamin D and how do we normally obtain it?    Vitamin D, otherwise known as the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps regulate minerals such as calcium and phosphate in the human body.    Much of the vitamin D in our body is made naturally from…

Seasonal shifts can cause sleeping patterns to fly off the rails, which can cause a lack of energy, reduced concentration and many other inconveniences. Luckily, there are many ways you can get this essential function back on track. Medical cannabis experts at Leafwell have revealed a list of top tips on how to get the perfect night’s sleep during the summer months. How does the temperature and summertime effect lack of sleep? There are a few reasons why temperature affects how we sleep and how many hours we get of it at night.  Comfort is the main issue when it…

Wolverhampton residents are being urged to remain vigilant and follow some important guidance when considering aesthetic procedures available on the High Street. Environmental Health officers at City of Wolverhampton Council are concerned that people are not always aware of the safety risks and potential complications involved. Officers want to encourage residents to ask questions and report any concerns before undergoing aesthetic procedures such as Botox, anti wrinkle injections, cosmetic or dermal fillers, chemical peels or skin boosters. They recommend the following: Make sure you have a pre-consultation before undergoing any procedure. This should look at your medical history and give…

There are two main types of cholesterol, LDL, sometimes termed ‘bad’ cholesterol, and HDL, sometimes termed as ‘good cholesterol’. The reality is that we do need some of both types of cholesterol, but the incorrect balance can be harmful. When LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can contribute to plaque formation, whilst HDL cholesterol removes harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream. With this in mind, here are some tips for creating a healthy cholesterol profile. Increase Fibre Intake Fibre, particularly the type found in porridge oats and wholegrains, known as beta-glucan, helps to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Go Plant-Based…

A probiotic drink could become a promising new weapon in the battle against antibiotic resistant bacteria, after a team of scientists at the University of Birmingham engineered and patented a key genetic element that can tackle the genetic basis of resistance. The team is now seeking funding for a clinical trial for the drink which has potential to work against many resistant bacteria commonly found in the human gut including E. coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella pneumoniae. It works by targeting small DNA molecules, called plasmids, inside bacterial cells. These molecules frequently carry genes that give resistance to antibiotics, which the…

Advances in understanding the basic biology behind the causes of diabetic retinopathy could have potential therapeutic implications later down the line. A recent paper published by the experimental ophthalmology team at the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing in Nature Communications, sheds light on the mechanisms that cause eye damage in as many as 80% of people who have had diabetes for several decades. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, a result of high blood sugar levels damaging the retina at the back of the eye. It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated, so regular check-ups are important for…

Birmingham City Council has appointed a new Director of Public Health. Sally Burns is currently Director of Public Health and Regulatory Services at West Northamptonshire Council. She previously served as Corporate Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods at City of York Council before moving into public health. She developed her career in public health in authorities in East London. Sally is an experienced local authority director with a strong background in community and regulatory services. Throughout her career, Sally has overseen a wide range of services, including housing and housing maintenance, homelessness, environmental services, community safety, leisure, culture, community development, emergency…

Maintaining good posture is a daily struggle for many of us. Whether you’re working on your feet or at a desk, it’s all too easy to slump into bad habits. You probably know that sitting and standing poorly is bad for your back, but do you know about the trouble it could be causing for the rest of your body?  Below, we look at some of the most common side-effects of bad posture – some of which might even surprise you.  Pain This may be the most obvious consequence of bad posture, but sometimes it can be difficult to…

Could you reduce your meat consumption? Many red and processed meats are high in saturated fat. Too much saturated fat in the diet can raise the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood. The NHS recommends a daily meat intake of no more than 70g. Reducing your intake of red and processed meats will not only benefit your health, but it is also good for the environment. We have some tips to help you reduce your red and processed meat consumption. What are red, white and processed meats? Red meat includes beef, lamb and pork and it tends to be…