Health & Beauty

North Devon now has its very own Admiral Nurse, who will be supporting patients with dementia, their carers, families and staff at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH). Angela Walter has been appointed as Admiral Nurse – dementia clinical nurse specialist at NDDH. Admiral Nurses provide specialist support to people with dementia and their carers and families, giving one-to-one support, practical advice and expert guidance. They are trained and supported by the charity Dementia UK. Angela has spent many years working in the hospital as a nurse and was most recently sister on Capener Ward....

A retired crown court usher recently diagnosed with dementia is taking part in research to ensure a cure is found before any of her loved ones suffer the same fate.

Eighty-year-old Ann Matthews, from Exeter, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease at the end of last year. She is currently taking part in a clinical trial at Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust.

Ann, who lives with her husband Tony, has shared her story as part of Dementia Action Week, which takes place from 21-27 May, and hopes others will be encouraged to take part in research...

The links between caffeine, physical activity and mood will be examined by a new University of Exeter study.

Researchers need volunteers to help them explore whether caffeine and physical activity might be useful tools to help people manage their mood.

The focus of the study is bipolar disorder, but it will also include people with depression and a control group of people with no mood disorder.

The call for participants comes at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week (May 14-20).

“Caffeine and physical activity are often used for the management of mood or...

There isn’t a magic formula for getting healthier. To get to a better place, both mentally and physically, it’s up to you to make improved choices. Educate yourself on what enhancements to your lifestyle will help you achieve your health goals.

The power is in your control to change how you currently function. If you want to live a healthy lifestyle then you have to be willing to alter your habits and focus your energy on achieving success. Read through these ideas and make notes about what you’re going to start doing differently. Have a plan of attack and get yourself pumped up...