People who carry variations in two genes linked to appetite and digestion can lose more weight when taking drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro to treat obesity, research suggests. The findings, outlined in the Nature journal, external could explain why some people lose far more weight than others and why some have particularly bad side-effects, such as nausea and vomiting, while taking them.

The popular medicines remove feelings of hunger by acting like a natural gut hormone that makes users feel full.

The BBC is reporting that while genes may play a relatively modest role in influencing how well these drugs work, experts say other factors such as your sex, age and even where you come from can also have an impact.

It is thought at least 1.6 million people in the UK have tried weight-loss drugs in the past year, and that number is expected to rise. Most are being bought privately through online pharmacies. The NHS only offers Wegovy and Mounjaro to a small percentage of people who have obesity and other related health issues.

The percentage of body weight lost when taking weight-loss medication can vary widely. Drug trials suggest 14% weight loss on semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and 20% on tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

In this study, based on the experiences of 15,000 people taking weight-loss medications, they lost an average of 11.7% of their body weight during roughly eight months of treatment. Some lost 30% of their weight, while others lost little or nothing.

All of those 15,000 had previously signed up for gene-testing by the company 23andMe, which used that data to chart the experiences of people taking weight-loss drugs. By analysing millions of their genetic variants, the researchers found a pattern suggesting a link between some variants and the effectiveness of the drugs.

Professor Ruth Loos, from the University of Copenhagan, who wrote about the research in Nature journal, said: “The study found a genetic variant associated with weight loss, which was also associated with nausea. “People lose more weight if they have this variant.”

And that extra lost weight amounted to about 0.76kg (1.6 lbs) on average – but those people who carry two copies of the genes can double the amount they lose.

The variant is high in people with European ancestry – 64% carry one copy, while 16% of people carry two copies, she says. That compares to 7% of African Americans who carry a copy of the gene.

“If you carry the variant, you will lose more weight,” says Prof Loos.

The study found another variant that could be responsible for people experiencing side-effects such as nausea and vomiting when taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro). And that could mean up to 1% of people taking the drug will have really bad vomiting – nearly 15 times worse than normal.

Prof Loos said the genetic effect, while modest, “is similar to other factors – and not trivial”. However she said the findings need to be reproduced in other studies and, to date, that has not happened.

For Dr Marie Spreckley, from the University of Cambridge, “genetics is only one part of a much more complex picture”. She said the main drivers of outcomes are “behavioural, clinical, and treatment-related factors”. So how much daily exercise and healthy eating people do alongside taking the medication, as well as support and advice offered, plus other underlying health issues.

But there are other factors at play too.

Women are more than twice as likely to lose 15% of their body weight on Mounjaro than men, previous research suggests. Being younger, white or Asian are also thought to be linked to more weight loss – although the reasons are not fully understood. And the type of medication used, the dose and how long it is taken for have all been linked with greater weight loss.

In the long term, taking genetic and other information together could help guide the choice of which weight-loss drug to use, based on the potential benefits – something called “precision medicine”. But we are not there yet, said Professor Naveed Sattar, metabolic health expert from the University of Glasgow.

“Overall, these findings are scientifically interesting, but they are a long way from changing clinical practice,” he said. “What we really need now is more robust trial data to better define the balance of benefits and harms with these and many other emerging newer therapies.”

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Deep-fried food will be banned and high-sugar items restricted in schools in England under new plans to “overhaul” school dinners. Under the government’s proposals, fruit will replace “sugar-laden treats” for the majority of the school week, and schools will no longer be allowed to offer unhealthy “grab and go” options like sausage rolls and pizza every day.

The Association of School and College Leaders said it supported improving the quality of school food, but said additional funding to pay for the changes would be “essential”.

The Liberal Democrats said funding for school meals needed to match rising costs, while Reform UK accused the government of “trying to micromanage people’s lives” and the Green Party said cutting unhealthy food from school menus was “welcome and long overdue”.

The Department for Education (DfE) says the changes will mean millions of children will get healthier and more nutritious meals at school each day.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called the changes “the most ambitious overhaul of school food in a generation”. “Every child deserves to have delicious, nutritious food at school that gives them the energy to concentrate, learn and thrive,” she said.

When asked on Radio 5 Live whether schools could manage the changes within their existing budgets, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I think they can”.

Currently, more than one in three, external children leave primary school overweight or obese, while tooth decay from high-sugar diets is the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged between five and nine, the DfE says.

Under the new rules, sweetened desserts will be limited to once a week, and more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains will need to be added to school dinner menus. These are the first changes to the school food standards in a decade, the government says, after plans to revise them were delayed due to the pandemic. They will apply to primary and secondary schools in England, as part of efforts to improve children’s health and nutrition.

Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey told BBC Breakfast that she hopes the plans will “kickstart a transformation of school food”. She said the government hoped to “reduce sugar, increase fibre, and get rid of some of the really unhealthy foods like deep-fat-fried food”.

Bailey said schools will be told to publish menus online, while stressing that the plans don’t need to cost more: “I don’t think healthier food has to be more expensive food for schools”.

Brad Pearce, national chair of the School Food People, said he welcomed the government’s review of the school food standards, but said they should be “monitored and funded appropriately”.

The government has announced a nine-week consultation on the proposals.

Secondary schools will have a phased approach for some of the changes, to give them enough time to develop recipes, update menus and train staff.

The final school food standards will be announced this September, and come into force from September 2027.

A “robust” enforcement system will also be developed to check schools are following the new standards, including monitoring schools’ compliance.

Previous school food standards introduced in 2015 also included fruit and vegetable requirements, limiting sugar in drinks, and an emphasis on wholegrain foods instead of refined carbohydrates, like white bread or pasta. But some head teachers have raised concerns that these are not always being followed, often due to costs.

Alongside these standards, any child in England whose parents receive Universal Credit will be able to claim free school meals from September 2026, following a change announced last year which the government said would make 500,000 more children eligible.

Over 500 new free breakfast clubs will also open this week, the DfE says.

Funding for these free breakfast clubs has risen from 60p to £1 per pupil, after schools raised concerns around costs.

Last summer, the School Food People called for the government to increase the funding it provides for free school meals to avoid schools having to top up funding from their core budgets.

A 2025 survey of its members suggested the real cost of delivering a meal was approximately £3.45 – roughly 80p more than the £2.61 given to schools to fund free school meals in England.

Tom Middlehurst, from the Association of School and College Leaders, said improving the quality of school food was “something we wholeheartedly support”. He said the changes “must be implemented in a practical way”, including with additional funding to pay for any increased costs.

Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson, said the government “needs to ensure that free school meals funding matches the rising costs, ensuring every child receives a healthy and filling meal essential for their education”.

“From talking to parents, head teachers and school governors in my constituency, I know that many are worried about the rising cost of food, and in many cases the current funding just isn’t enough, forcing schools to provide smaller portion sizes and poorer quality food,” she said. “The education secretary must urgently address this problem.”

A spokesperson for Reform UK said the plans were “yet another example of the government trying to micromanage people’s lives”.

“Banning foods from school menus won’t solve childhood obesity,” they said. “It just removes choice and adds pressure on already stretched schools. We should be focusing on education, personal responsibility, and ensuring families can afford healthy food, not headline-grabbing bans.”

A spokesperson for the Green Party said: “Removing unhealthy food from school menus is welcome and long overdue.

“We believe free healthy school meals should be offered to all primary and secondary pupils, not just infants. Real change also means tackling the root causes of the 14% of households facing food insecurity – the cost of living and low pay. Greens also want to see our food and farming system transformed so it prioritises affordable, healthy food with fair wages for growers.”

BBC News has also approached the Conservatives for comment.

Provision of free school meals varies significantly across the UK.

In London, external, and Wales, external, the offer of a universal free school meal has been extended to all primary school children up to Year 6. Although the funding rate for most of England is £2.61, in London schools get a higher rate of £3. In Wales, the rate is £3.40.

In Scotland, external, all children in the first five years of primary school are eligible for free school meals, as well as all children from families receiving the Scottish Child Payment benefit. Parents in Northern Ireland, external, can apply if they receive certain benefits and are below an income threshold of £15,000.

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Patient education and engagement have become essential foundations in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Empowering patients with knowledge and encouraging active participation in their care not only improves health outcomes but also fosters a more collaborative relationship between patients and providers.

As technology continues to advance, its role in strengthening these pillars is becoming increasingly significant. From improving access to information to enabling real-time communication, technology serves as a powerful tool that bridges gaps, personalizes care, and helps patients take greater control of their health journeys.

Why Patient Education and Engagement Matter

Healthcare education equips individuals with the understanding they need to make informed decisions about their health. When patients are aware of their conditions, treatment options, and lifestyle adjustments, they are better positioned to manage their well-being effectively.

Take fitness and rehabilitation as an example. Whether it’s learning about low-impact exercise or working with a specialized instructor, proper guidance can significantly improve outcomes. With the help of digital tools like video conferencing, patients can now access expert advice and education regardless of geographical boundaries, making high-quality support more accessible than ever.

On the other hand, patient engagement goes a step further. It involves actively participating in care—attending appointments, following treatment plans, and adopting healthier habits. When patients consistently act on what they learn, such as committing to regular exercise routines, they are more likely to see meaningful, lasting improvements in their health.

Ultimately, education and engagement work hand in hand: informed patients are empowered patients.

The Growing Role of Technology in Healthcare

Technology has transformed nearly every aspect of healthcare, from how information is stored to how care is delivered. Today, patients can access reliable health information online, connect with professionals remotely, and monitor their health in real time, all from the comfort of their homes.

This digital shift is not only making healthcare more accessible but also more patient-centered.

Key Technologies Enhancing Patient Education

1. E-Learning Platforms

E-learning platforms have become valuable resources for patient education, offering structured and interactive content on a wide range of health topics.

Flexible Access: Patients can learn anytime, anywhere, at their own pace.

Interactive Learning: Features like quizzes, videos, and discussion forums improve engagement and knowledge retention.

2. Mobile Health Apps

Mobile apps are transforming how patients access information and manage their health daily.

On-Demand Information: Easy access to reliable content about conditions, medications, and lifestyle changes.
Health Tracking: Monitoring metrics such as heart rate, sleep, and activity levels helps patients better understand their bodies.
Reminders and Alerts: Notifications for medications and appointments support treatment adherence.

3. Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual reality is introducing immersive ways to understand complex medical concepts.

Procedure Simulation: Patients can visualize upcoming treatments, reducing uncertainty and anxiety.
Enhanced Understanding: 3D models of anatomy and disease progression make difficult concepts easier to grasp.

Technologies Driving Patient Engagement

1. Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

EHRs place important health information directly in patients’ hands.

Transparency: Easy access to medical history, test results, and prescriptions encourages involvement.
Personalized Care: Providers can tailor treatments based on comprehensive patient data.

2. Telemedicine

Telemedicine has made healthcare more convenient and accessible than ever.

Remote Consultations: Patients can connect with healthcare professionals without travel.
Ongoing Support: Regular virtual check-ins help manage chronic conditions and maintain continuity of care.

3. Wearable Devices

Wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers are empowering patients with real-time health insights.

Continuous Monitoring: Tracking daily activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns promotes awareness.

Data Sharing: Information can be shared with healthcare providers for more informed decision-making and timely interventions.

Looking Ahead

As technology continues to evolve, its potential to enhance patient education and engagement will only grow. From more advanced digital tools to increasingly personalized care experiences, the future of healthcare is undeniably patient-driven.

For healthcare providers, embracing these innovations is no longer optional—it’s essential. By leveraging technology effectively, they can empower patients, improve outcomes, and build a more efficient, responsive healthcare system for all.

The post The Role of Technology in Patient Education appeared first on Promoting Health.

There’s something quietly powerful about stepping into a garden. Whether it’s a few pots on a balcony, a tidy backyard plot, or a sprawling patch of green, gardening invites us to slow down, reconnect, and nurture life, while, in many ways, nurturing ourselves.

The idea that gardening adds years to your life and life to your years isn’t just poetic, it reflects a deeper truth about how this simple, grounding activity supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.

A Natural Boost for Mental Health

In today’s screen-filled world, our minds rarely get a break. Gardening offers a gentle antidote. The act of tending to plants, watering, pruning, planting, encourages mindfulness. Your focus shifts from worries and deadlines to the present moment: the texture of soil, the scent of herbs, the rhythm of nature.

Studies have consistently linked gardening with reduced stress, lower anxiety, and improved mood. Exposure to natural light and fresh air helps regulate sleep patterns and boosts serotonin levels, while the sense of accomplishment from nurturing something to grow can be incredibly uplifting.

Even a few minutes a day can create a noticeable shift in mental clarity and emotional balance.

Physical Health, Grown Naturally

Gardening is also a surprisingly effective form of exercise. Digging, planting, weeding, and carrying tools engage multiple muscle groups and keep the body active without the pressure of structured workouts.

It supports cardiovascular health, improves flexibility, and helps maintain strength, especially important as we age. Unlike repetitive gym routines, gardening feels purposeful. You’re not just moving your body, you’re creating something.

And of course, growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs encourages healthier eating habits. Fresh, homegrown produce often tastes better, leading to more nutritious meals and a stronger connection to what you eat.

Cultivating Family Life

Beyond personal benefits, gardening has a unique way of bringing families together. It creates shared purpose, something everyone can contribute to, regardless of age.

Children learn patience, responsibility, and an appreciation for nature. Watching a seed grow into something tangible is a powerful lesson that no screen can replicate. For parents and caregivers, it becomes an opportunity to spend meaningful, unplugged time together.

Simple activities like planting seeds, watering plants, or harvesting vegetables can turn into cherished family rituals. Conversations flow more easily outdoors, and the garden becomes a space for connection, laughter, and learning.

A Sense of Purpose and Continuity

Gardening teaches us that growth takes time. It reminds us that not everything is instant, and that’s okay. There’s beauty in the process: in waiting, in tending, in trying again after setbacks.

This sense of purpose, especially later in life, can be incredibly valuable. Having something to care for, something that depends on you, fosters routine and meaning. It creates continuity, a reason to step outside each day and engage with the world.

Bringing Life to Your Years

Ultimately, gardening is about more than plants. It’s about cultivating joy, resilience, and connection. It enriches daily life in small but profound ways, through color, scent, movement, and growth.

Yes, gardening may very well add years to your life through its physical and mental health benefits. But perhaps more importantly, it adds life to those years, filling them with purpose, peace, and simple, lasting happiness.

So whether you’re planting your first seed or tending a long-loved garden, remember: every moment spent growing something is also a moment spent growing yourself.

The post Gardening Adds Years to Your Life and Life to Your Years appeared first on Promoting Health.

In the heart of the Cotswolds, where rolling farmland meets cultivated gardens, GROVE England has captured the ephemeral beauty of spring’s awakening in their exquisite hand care collection. Founded by Laura Butler-Madden as a tribute to the sacred tranquillity of her home, Grove Farm, this luxury brand has mastered the art of bottling beautiful botanical moments, transforming flowers not typically known for their scent into fragrant muses that elevate everyday rituals.

Sinkside Luxury: More Than Just Hand Care
The GROVE England Luxury Anemone Hand Wash and Lotion Duo stand as silent ambassadors of sophisticated living. At a generous 500ml each, these products command attention on any sinkside, not merely as hand care essentials but as statements of discerning taste. The elegant vessels housing these botanical treasures serve as subtle reminders that self-care need not be reserved for special occasions but can be woven into the fabric of daily life.

Offering more than mere cleansing, it provides a sensory bridge between nature and home. The clean, floral scent creates the sensation of bringing spring’s garden essence indoors, continuing the connection to nature even after the gardening gloves have been set aside.

Botanical Brilliance: Nature’s Luxury in Every Drop
The Anemone Hand Wash combines soothing Cucumber Fruit Extract with uplifting oils including Bitter Orange Leaf, Clove Bud, and Neroli Flower. This delicate cleanser does more than purify, it rejuvenates and refreshes while helping to tone and tighten skin. Enriched with natural antioxidants, Vitamin B5, and amino acids, each wash becomes a treatment rather than a routine.

Completing the ritual, the Anemone Hand & Body Lotion envelops the skin in the collection’s signature floral notes while delivering profound nourishment. The formulation showcases the power of nature’s finest ingredients: softening Oat and Apricot Oils, organic Shea Butter, Linden Flower, and soothing Calendula. Together, these botanical elements deeply hydrate, improve texture and tone, and leave skin feeling luxuriously soft and revitalised.

The Essence of Cotswold Spring
What separates GROVE England from conventional luxury brands is its authentic connection to place and season. Each product serves as a portal to sun-dappled spring days in the Cotswolds, where garden work isn’t merely labour but a meditative practice, and where the subsequent cleansing ritual becomes a moment of mindful indulgence.

The brand’s commitment to natural ingredients ensures that each use delivers not only sensory pleasure but genuine benefits. From the anti-aging properties of Cucumber Extract to the protective qualities of Grapeseed Oil rich in antioxidants, these formulations honour both ancient botanical wisdom and modern skincare science.

A Gift of Renewal
As gift-giving opportunities arise throughout spring, from Mother’s Day celebrations to Easter gatherings, the GROVE England hand care collection offers something beyond the material. To present someone with these products is to give the gift of a moment, a daily pause for renewal and self-care inspired by the natural world.

Whether displayed in a guest bathroom as a mark of hospitality or kept beside one’s own sink as a personal luxury, each product elevates ordinary moments into expressions of sophisticated living.

GROVE England’s offerings create spaces of tranquillity and beauty in daily life, bringing the hopeful renewal of spring and Cotswold charm to homes everywhere, one mindful hand-washing ritual at a time. Translating the beauty of botanicals not celebrated for their scent, into unique perfume collections, creating the fragrance they deserve.

Founded by award-winning designer Laura Butler-Madden, whose design ethos of creating calm, timeless and aspirational spaces is perfectly translated into a signature collection for bath, body & home, designed to elevate your space, and your mood.

To find out more about GROVE England and the range of elegant fine fragrances and luxury hand & body care, visit our website or email us on customercare@grove-england.com. With our unique scent collections, inspired by seasonal moments, you won’t be disappointed.

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Patients were harmed as the NHS was on the brink of collapse in the UK during the pandemic, the Covid inquiry says. The third report of 10 due to be published by the long-running inquiry concluded the health service “only just coped”. It described staff working in “war zones” and patients not getting the care they needed as hospitals and ambulances struggled to cope with the surge in Covid.

The inquiry also criticised the weak state the NHS entered the pandemic in and suggested the Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives slogan may have caused harm by deterring those with other health problems from seeking help.

Inquiry chair Baroness Hallett said: “We coped, but only just. Collapse was only narrowly avoided thanks to the extraordinary efforts of all those working in health care.”

To cope with another pandemic there had to be greater capacity to scale-up hospital and ambulance services, according to the inquiry.

Intolerable pressure
Almost 227,000 people died from Covid in the UK between March 2020 and May 2023, when the World Health Organization said the “global health emergency” was over.

The BBC is reprting that across more than 400 pages, the report describes how the NHS faced intolerable pressure as it faced wave after wave of Covid.

It said:

>>> Waiting times for ambulances, even for the most life-threatening calls, grew with some services turning to the military to help

>>> The NHS struggled to cope with the surge in Covid patients, particularly in the first wave, with supplies of oxygen almost running out in places

>>> Intensive care staffing ratios were diluted, going from one nurse to one patient to one to four at times

>>> Covid patients faced long delays for the NHS 111 service and ambulances

>>> Disruption to cancer screening and a drop in people coming forward with signs of the disease led to missed and delayed diagnoses, which cost lives

The report highlighted how there was a decline in attendances to A&E and other settings for non-Covid emergencies, including heart attacks, suggesting the slogan Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives inadvertently sent the message health care was closed.

And it said the cancellation en masse of non-urgent care, such as knee and hip replacements, had a “debilitating effect” on patients’ lives and mobility.

Tough restrictions should be avoided
Visiting restrictions meant some vulnerable patients, including women giving birth and people with disabilities, were left without vital support – and such tough rules needed to be avoided if possible in the future, the inquiry said.

The restrictions also left bereaved family members heartbroken, guilty and angry as their loved ones died alone.

The report also criticised:

Inappropriate do not resuscitate orders imposed on groups of people, including those with learning disabilities and older people

“Flawed” infection control guidance at the start that failed to recognise the virus could also be spread in the air

Shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves and gowns meant that doctors and nurses had to work in “inadequate” conditions that put them at risk

It said supply levels of of PPE got “dangerously low” – the inquiry was told at one point the NHS was just days away from running out of key items.

Staff were left with with post-traumatic stress disorder after working in what some described as “war zones”, it added.

Dr Tom Dolphin, of the British Medical Association, said the failings meant that many staff “tragically paid with their lives”. Research has shown health workers had higher excess mortality in the first year of the pandemic than other workers.

He said this had disproportionately affected those from ethnic minorities.

“The impact on doctors and our colleagues was stark, as painfully recounted in this report,” Dolphin added. And he said the NHS remained “over-stretched” and “under-staffed” to this day.

The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice said the report was “utterly damning”.

“Our loved ones, many of whom where healthcare workers themselves, paid with their lives. Years of austerity left the NHS dangerously exposed, without the staff, beds or resilience needed to withstand a major shock.”

Layla McKay, of NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, which represents hospitals, said: “It is vital that these lessons translate into meaningful action, strengthened preparedness and a more resilient health and care system for the future.”

A government spokesman said: “The pandemic had a profound and lasting impact across our society, but its effects were felt particularly acutely within the health and social care system.

“This government is committed to learning the lessons of the Covid Inquiry – we are investing in and reforming the health service to make it fit for the future, so it’s there for people when they need it.”

The post Covid Pandemic Brought NHS Close to Collapse appeared first on Promoting Health.

Meningitis B (MenB) is the strain behind an outbreak of cases in Kent in which two people have died, the government’s health agency has confirmed. An 18-year-old school pupil in Faversham, named as Juliette, and a 21-year-old student at the University of Kent were confirmed to have died from the infection.

There have been 15 cases in the area, according to the the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and four of these have been confirmed in a laboratory to be MenB infections.

The agency announced it will open a targeted MenB vaccination programme at the Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence at the University of Kent in the coming days. It added that this may be expanded as it assesses the risk to the wider population.

But the UKHSA confirmed the primary focus remains on preventative antibiotics treatment and has asked anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury on 5, 6 or 7 March to come forward for treatment as a “precautionary measure”.

More than 30,000 students, staff and families in the Canterbury area are being contacted by the UKHSA.

What are meningitis and ‘invasive’ meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. It can be very serious if not treated quickly. The cause of the infection – either certain bacteria or viruses – can be determined by tests.

The BBC is reporting that bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. It can lead to blood poisoning or sepsis, and can affect the brain.

This acute, severe infection is known as invasive meningitis. It means the infection has invaded into the blood stream or brain linings. Both people who have died in the invasive meningitis outbreak in Kent are believed to be aged between 18 and 21.

MenB is the strain behind most cases of meningococcal disease in the UK.

In the most recent full year, 2024-2025, there were 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, according to official data.

Is there a meningitis vaccine?
Two vaccines protect against the main causes of meningitis and septicaemia.

The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis – meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y – and is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old.

The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria and is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year.

Meningitis vaccines can sometimes occur as a complication of some other infections, meaning several other vaccinations can also help protect people.

A six-in-one vaccine given to young children – also known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B vaccine – offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

A pneumococcal vaccine offers babies protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis. The MMRV vaccine – which replaced the MMR vaccine in January 2026 – offers infants protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

Generally, it takes a couple of weeks to get the fullest protection from a vaccine and some require booster doses.

Why aren’t teenagers vaccinated against MenB?
The MenB vaccine was added to the UK NHS childhood immunisation programme for babies born on or after 1 July 2015. That means current teenagers will not have been able to have it.

Young babies are vaccinated because they are more likely to get invasive infections more often than other age groups, and their bodies are less likely to be able to fight them off.

However, research suggests the MenB vaccine is not great at preventing transmission of the infection from one person to another, doesn’t target all the different B bacteria strains and doesn’t provide protection for particularly long.

UK vaccine experts have therefore concluded that it isn’t cost effective to offer the MenB vaccine to adolescents, and the NHS does not currently offer a catch-up programme.

Some parents have paid to vaccinate their teens privately. High street pharmacies offer a full course of two doses for around £220.

The vaccine does not contain any live bacteria and cannot cause meningococcal disease.

Given the severity of the situation in Kent, a small targeted vaccination programme will begin starting with students resident at Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence at the University of Kent in the coming days.

The vaccination programme may be expanded further as the UK Health Security Agency continues to asses any ongoing risk to other populations. For now, it says the priority remains for those offered antibiotics to come forward as this is highly effective at preventing the disease and transmission.

What meningitis signs should you look out for? Symptoms can develop suddenly and can include:

>>> A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass

>>> Sudden onset of high fever

>>> Severe and worsening headache

>>> Stiff neck

>>> Vomiting and diarrhoea

>>> Joint and muscle pain

>>> Dislike of bright lights

>>> Very cold hands and feet

>>> Seizures

>>> Confusion/delirium

>>> Extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking

How is meningitis spread?
Some people carry bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick, but spread it to others in spit or saliva through coughs and sneezes, kissing and sharing utensils.

The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is less common.

It’s possible to get meningitis more than once.

Outbreaks of meningococcal disease are rare, but can occur in settings where people group together, such as college campuses or entertainment venues.

Why is sharing vapes a risk for spreading meningitis?
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that the MenB strain could be spread through sharing vapes or drinks.

“It doesn’t spread very easily,” he told the House of Commons on Tuesday. The bacteria is passed to others after a long period of close contact. For example, with living with someone in shared accommodation, through prolonged kissing or sharing vapes and drinks.”

Many young people carry the bacteria in their nose or throat without getting ill or developing any symptoms, but when students are mixing closely and intimately in large numbers, that increases the risk of spread.

How can you stop the spread of meningitis?
The best way to stop the disease spreading is to give antibiotics to people who may have come into contact with it.

As a precautionary measure, free antibiotics are being offered to people who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury on March 5, 6 and 7, or are close contacts of confirmed cases.

People who live on the University of Kent campus at Canterbury are also eligible.

What to do if you think you or a friend has meningitis
Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999.

Early treatment can be lifesaving.
Students in the affected area of Canterbury are being advised to trust their instincts – and not to wait for all symptoms to appear or for a rash to develop before seeking help via their GP or the 111 service. They are also asked to check on friends who feel unwell.

“Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover,” warn health officials.

The post The Symptoms of Meningitis and is there a Vaccine? appeared first on Promoting Health.

Dentists in England are returning hundreds of millions of pounds a year to the government for unfulfilled NHS care, the BBC has learnt. Over the last two years, more than £900m has been handed back – £1 out of every £7 they have been paid – as dentists instead prioritise private work.

The findings help explain why despite record sums being set aside for NHS dentistry, so many patients are struggling to get one – more than a fifth of people report not being able to access care when they need it.

The government said improvements were being made this year and any money returned was reinvested into services.

It comes as the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launches an investigation into the private dentistry market – and the prices being charged and how information was provided to patients when they are choosing whether to go private.

“We’re concerned many may be uncertain about costs, availability, treatment options and what they’re entitled to.”

The CMA said fees paid by patients had risen by up to 22% between 2022 and 2024.

Dentists can now make double seeing patients privately, rather than on the NHS, for carrying out treatments such as fillings and extractions.

But the British Dental Association said this was because NHS payments were too low, with dentists losing money for some treatments. It said this was the major reason dentists were failing to fulfil their contracts.

Under the NHS contract, dentists agree how much NHS work they are going to provide during the year and receive monthly payments from the health service for that.

If a dental practice underdelivers – classed as below 96% of the contract value – the NHS then recoups money from practices the following year.

In 2024-25, more than £450m was returned, BBC analysis of NHS accounts shows, while nearly £480m was returned the year before. In each year, more than 40% of dentists had to hand back money. It represents a sharp rise in the sums returned in previous years.

BDA chair Eddie Crouch said dentists were being left with no choice because the current contract, which is now 20 years old, meant dentists were struggling to make money working for the health service.

The union said for new patient examinations in the NHS, the typical dentist could lose £7 per patient because the costs outweighed what they were paid to do it.

Crouch added: “It’s the simple fact we now have dentists losing money delivering NHS care. It might suit the Treasury, but no healthcare professional can be expected to work this way.”

While the money that is returned is largely for a failure to fulfil contracts, it is sometimes handed back if audits find a practice has incorrectly claimed too much for NHS treatments. This only accounts for a small fraction of the total sum.

Rebecca Curtayne, from patient watchdog Healthwatch England, said: “These figures reflect what people across the country tell us – many cannot get an NHS dental appointment and others find their dentist has stopped providing NHS care altogether and now only offers private treatment.

“The impact falls heaviest on those who are already vulnerable, especially people who struggle financially, who are left with nowhere to turn under a dental contract that is simply not fit for purpose.”

The government said it had increased the amount dentists get for NHS work and provided £20,000 golden hellos to get dentists to work in areas with the poorest access.

This is increasing the number of treatments being carried out, the government said. It is also looking to fundamentally reform the dentistry contract by the end of the parliament to boost access further.

Health and social care minister Stephen Kinnock said the government was “making progress”. But he added: “We know there is more to do to get to the root of the problem.”

An NHS England spokeswoman said the clawback data was effectively “a year behind reality” and money being returned was reinvested into dentistry. We are working closely with government to introduce further reforms in the coming months.”

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Welcome to the future of modern hospital design. Have you thought about how hospitals in the UK keep everything going well at a patient’s bedside? A big part of that is the integrated systems. These smart tools are making UK healthcare easier, safer, and better for both people and the staff.

For example, the air compressor gives out medical gases. There are electrical outlets as well. When these services come together in one unit, things become simple. It helps care get better and helps everyone work faster. Let’s talk about why these systems are so important in UK healthcare right now.

Understanding Integrated Systems in Hospital Facilities

In simple words, ‘integrated’ is when you bring together different things. They work as one whole piece. For example, your smartphone is an integrated device. It has a camera, a phone, and an internet browser all in one. In healthcare and technology, integration means making systems work well together. This helps to boost how things work and also makes it better for people who use them.

In a hospital, this idea is very important. The goal is to bring things like medical gas outlets that get air from the air compressor, wires that carry power, and ports for data together in one place. When these parts come together as a unit, it makes things run smoother, there is less mess, and it helps people get better care. Next, we will talk about how this helps in healthcare and look at a few real-life examples.

What Does ‘Integrated’ Mean in a Healthcare Setting?

In healthcare, ‘integrated’ means putting different medical services and tools together in one smart system. So, instead of having a lot of separate tools and machines around the patient’s bed, everything is brought together in one spot. This makes things more organised and helps the medical staff work better.

For example, a medical headwall has outlets for things like oxygen, suction, and medical air from an air compressor. It also has electrical sockets and network links. In healthcare, people use the word to talk about how different software systems, like records for patients and billing, can pass information to each other without problems. This sharing is very important for modern patient care.

This idea of joining different features is not only used in hospitals. You can find it in things you use at home. A smart fridge, for example, can connect to your shopping list app. There is also custom furniture that can have space to store things, lights, and even charging ports. In all these cases, the goal is to make life easier and help you do things faster.

Examples of Integrated Solutions in Modern Hospitals

Modern hospitals have integrated solutions that help make care better. You can think of it like a smart TV at home. A smart TV puts together streaming, the internet, and usual TV all in one place. A hospital system does the same. It brings many things together to help doctors and nurses. One main example of this is the integrated medical headwall.

These headwalls are ready-made panels. They be placed at the head of each patient’s bed. This acts like a main spot for all the important things you need. You do not need to deal with messy or tangled wires and tubes. All is neat and easy to get to.

Some usual solutions that you can see in UK healthcare places include:

Integrated Medical Headwalls: These bring gas, vacuum, electric, and data outlets together in one place.

Segregation and Isolation Pods: These are units that have their own air system and all needed services built in.

Nurse Stations: These are main desks where there are screens for checking on patients and tools to talk to other staff.

Integrated Sink Wall Modules: These join handwashing sinks with places to store things and keep supplies.

Key Components of Integrated Medical Headwalls

An integrated medical headwall collects all important patient services into one ready-made unit. It comes with aluminium frames, wall-mounting brackets, and special slots for different equipment and accessories. This setup makes it easy to install. It also lets you make changes later with little trouble.

The main part of the headwall has built-in electrical circuits. These provide both important and less important power. It also has channels for medical gases such as oxygen and air from an air compressor. When these things are all in one place, hospitals can make the area safer and more organized. This helps doctors and nurses work better. Let’s take a closer look at some of these important services.

Oxygen, Vacuum, and Suction Capabilities Explained

Integrated medical headwalls make it easy to get the important medical gases and suction you need for patient care. These things are built right in, so you don’t have to use big, portable tanks or extra machines. This setup saves space and helps keep the area safe because there are fewer things to trip over. It also means you can always count on having the right supply when you need it.

A headwall in UK healthcare works like having a built-in vacuum system in your home. There is a central part, and many spots where you can use it when you need. A headwall lets people get suction right away in the place it is most needed. All these systems are made to meet UK healthcare rules, so you know they are safe and work well. A big thing about these setups is that all the service parts are inside one cover. This setup is like what you see with electronics, which have one box to keep all parts safe and neat.

How Medical Headwalls Suit Every Level of Care

One of the best things about integrated medical headwalls is how they can be used in many ways. Unlike devices that are made for just one job, these systems be changed to fit what each hospital area needs. This is very important in healthcare, where things change fast and patients need different care.

A headwall can be set up to match the space it is in. It can work in a general ward, an intensive care unit, or a special treatment room. For example, an ICU bed will need more outlets for things like an air compressor, monitors, and other life-support machines. A usual recovery bed will not need as many. This way, each patient can get the care that they need.

Integrated systems can be tailored for:

Intensive Care Units (ICUs): These need a lot of medical gas, vacuum, and power outlets.

General Patient Rooms: These rooms have normal service needs for recovery and daily care.

Speciality Areas: These include units like paediatric or heart care, and may have special equipment needs.

The Role of Awallsz and Advancements in Hospital Integration

Architectural Wallsz leads the way in creating new, ready-made modular options to improve hospital spaces. In healthcare, this works like an enclosure in electronics that puts all parts together in a neat box. Our ideas for hospitals put many important services into one special unit with a design that fits each place. It is like making custom furniture, where putting everything together matters for both how it works and how it looks.

We use modern ways to build things for healthcare. This helps us make systems that can change with the times. These systems are also ready for the future. Our designs are made to fit each bed space, so each place gets what it needs. This way, we give every facility a good answer made just for it. The next part will show the good things that come from this.

Innovative Applications and Benefits for Staff and Patients

The smart use of integrated systems from Architectural Wallsz helps hospital staff and the people they care for in many ways. For staff, the simple setup of a headwall makes work go smoother. With things like the air compressor outlet and data ports close by, they can do their job faster. This means they can take care of patient needs right away.

For patients, the benefits are clear. A tidy and simple space feels more calm and safe. The design helps give more privacy and can help people feel better. In healthcare, this works much like walls in new buildings that change quickly to make more space. Our healthcare solutions can also change easily with very little trouble. This means the hospital can grow and get better over time to help people get good care.

Key benefits include:

Streamlined Construction: You can put these up fast, and it causes less trouble at the site.

Enhanced Infection Control: The finish is smooth and easy to clean.

Infinite Customisation: You can set up rooms any way you need for every kind of care.

Future-Proof Design: The space can change and grow to fit what you need in the future.

Integrated systems Revolutionising Healthcare

Integrated systems are changing how hospitals work today. They help with better talk and can make things faster at work. This makes things easier for people who work in healthcare and is also good for patients. Things like medical headwalls and new options from Awallsz show how these systems come together. Using them is key to giving better care. When hospitals use these new ways, they become more safe and work quicker. They also do better at helping all kinds of patients. If you want to know more about integrated systems or how they can help your healthcare facility, you can get in touch for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Is an Integrated Medical Headwall Different from Traditional Systems?

An integrated medical headwall puts several things like an air compressor, vacuum, and power all in one ready-made panel. This is not how traditional systems work. In the UK, people often use separate machines and outlets, which can make things feel messy and hard to set up. It also makes it harder for care teams to work fast and help people in the UK healthcare system.

Can Integrated Systems Adapt to Various Care Levels in Hospitals?

Yes, that is right. Integrated systems can fit many needs. A headwall in the ICU will have more outlets for an air compressor, vacuum, and monitoring tools. A general ward headwall will not need as many. This means each bed is set up for the care level the patient needs.

What Safety Features Are Included in Integrated Solutions Like Awallsz?

Safety comes first. Our UK healthcare solutions use smooth, tough surfaces. These help stop germs from spreading. They also fit well with all standard cleaning steps used in hospitals.

The design keeps everything closed in and neat. The wires come ready to use. Gas and vacuum lines are all set together, so there are fewer cords on the floor. This helps stop trips and falls. Our products meet UK healthcare rules, too. You get the best safety for everyone.

The post Understanding Integrated Systems in Healthcare appeared first on Promoting Health.

Art can be a powerful ally for positive mental health, offering space to express feelings, connect with others, and find moments of calm in busy or stressful lives. Whether you are sketching at your kitchen table, joining a local workshop, or visiting a gallery such as The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle, creative experiences can support wellbeing in accessible, enjoyable ways.[1][2][3][4]

Why creativity supports mental health
Engaging with the arts stimulates parts of the brain linked to emotion, reward, and memory, which can help people process experiences that may be hard to put into words. Research suggests that adults who take part in arts and cultural activities tend to report better mental health, higher life satisfaction, and a stronger sense that life is worthwhile.[5][3][4]

Creative activity can also act as a healthy distraction from worry, giving the mind something absorbing and meaningful to focus on. Studies in clinical settings have found that art-based interventions can reduce symptoms in conditions such as depression and schizophrenia and can increase emotional awareness and self-esteem. Even outside formal therapy, simple, regular creative habits—drawing, crafting, painting, or photography—can help people feel more relaxed and more in control of their emotions.[3][4][6]

Attending art workshops
Structured workshops offer a friendly, low-pressure way to try something new while benefiting from social contact and expert guidance. In a group environment, participants often find reassurance in discovering that others share similar challenges, which can reduce feelings of isolation and boost confidence.[7][4][1]

The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle hosts artist-led workshops covering skills such as painting, ceramics, needlework, and creative writing. Learning alongside others, with a clear activity to focus on, can make social interaction feel easier and more purposeful, which is especially helpful for people who feel anxious in purely social settings. Workshops that emphasize process over perfection allow participants to experiment, make mistakes, and play—important ingredients for psychological flexibility and resilience.[2][4][1][7][3]

Joining regular art classes
Regular classes introduce rhythm and routine, which can be particularly supportive when someone is struggling with mood or motivation. Having a weekly session to attend can break up long periods at home, give structure to days, and provide something positive to anticipate.[5][3]

Over time, building skills in drawing, printmaking, or other crafts can enhance self-efficacy—the belief that one can learn, improve, and overcome challenges. This sense of competence often transfers into other areas of life, helping people feel more capable of managing work, relationships, or health difficulties. Many community art classes also foster informal peer support, where encouragement and shared enjoyment become just as valuable as the artwork itself.[4][6][3][5]

Visiting galleries and creative spaces
Art does not need to be hands-on to be beneficial; simply viewing and reflecting on artwork can shift mood and broaden perspective. Galleries offer time away from everyday demands, where people can slow down, look closely, and feel absorbed by colour, texture, and story.[6][2]

The Biscuit Factory is an independent art gallery in Newcastle that presents a changing programme of contemporary art and craft, with free entry and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Its spaces are designed as places to pause and reflect, with a rooftop café and seating areas that encourage visitors to linger, meet friends, or enjoy quiet time alone. Being in an environment dedicated to creativity can help people reconnect with curiosity and inspiration, important antidotes to the emotional flatness that often accompanies low mood.[8][2][6][5]

Community, connection, and inclusion
Community-based art venues help make creativity part of everyday life rather than something reserved for professionals. The Biscuit Factory Foundation, for example, aims to nurture and develop the visual arts in the North East through workshops, exhibitions, public art and opportunities for local artists, including young people. These initiatives offer ways for residents to participate, whether as makers, visitors, or volunteers, strengthening a shared sense of identity and pride.[9][10]

Social connection is a key protective factor for mental health, and taking part in local art activities can help people build new relationships around shared interests. For someone who finds traditional social situations difficult, a gallery tour, a life-drawing class or a ceramics workshop provides a ready-made topic of conversation and a gentle structure for interaction. Over time, these small encounters can grow into friendships and informal support networks that support wellbeing far beyond the art itself.[1][2][4][5]

Everyday ways to use art for wellbeing
You do not need special talent or equipment to use art as part of your self-care. A simple approach might include:

• Keeping a small sketchbook or notebook where you doodle, collage, or write for ten minutes a day, especially when emotions feel difficult to express aloud.[3][4]
• Visiting a local gallery such as The Biscuit Factory for an hour, walking slowly through one floor and noticing which pieces you are drawn to and why.[2]
• Booking an occasional workshop—perhaps in a new medium like ceramics or printmaking—to re-energise creativity and meet new people in a supportive setting.[7][1]
• Combining art with nature by sketching in a park, photographing interesting textures, or collecting colours and shapes for later inspiration.[6][5]

By treating creative activities not as luxuries but as regular elements of life—like a walk or a chat with a friend—you can create ongoing opportunities for reflection, pleasure, and connection that support positive mental health. If you were to spend a morning at a venue like The Biscuit Factory, taking in the exhibitions, joining a workshop, and relaxing in the café, you would be weaving together many of these benefits: expression, community, and restorative time in a dedicated creative space.[9][1][2]

References
1. https://www.thebiscuitfactory.com/pages/creative-workshops-newcastle
2. https://www.thebiscuitfactory.com
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9472646/
4. https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/creative-arts-enhancing-mental-health
5. https://sbbresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SBB-Evidence-Brief-Arts-and-mental-health.pdf
6. https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/healing-through-art
7. https://www.highlifenorth.com/events/wellness-workshop-a-summer-social-the-biscuit-factory
8. https://www.informationnow.org.uk/article/galleries/
9. https://www.thebiscuitfactoryfoundation.org
10. https://www.thebiscuitfactoryfoundation.org/about-us.html
11. https://www.facebook.com/NewcastleHospitalsCharity/photos/were-excited-to-share-that-on-6th-february-2026-one-of-the-largest-charity-art-e/1218769587063319/
12. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3zWgILoCkk/
13. https://whatsonreading.com/venues/reading-biscuit-factory/activities-classes
14. https://www.thebiscuitfactory.com/collections/childrens-workshops
15. https://www.venuedirectory.com/united-kingdom/top-meeting-rooms-in/newcastle-upon-tyne/the-biscuit-factory/30869

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