Health & Beauty

Help your ambulance service this May bank holiday

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is encouraging people to use the right healthcare for them this May bank holiday weekend as the region prepares for a further influx of visitors.

Residents and tourists to the South West are reminded to only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

Bank holiday weekends can be a busy time for 999 services, especially if the weather turns out to be warm and sunny – whether in the garden, doing DIY at home, visiting family and friends, or exploring the region’s beauty spots.

Ahead of the bank...

News Desk

News Desk

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5 Benefits of Switching to a Shampoo Bar

Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Wed, 02/14/2024 - 9:52am

If you have used liquid shampoo all your life, switching to a shampoo bar may feel different initially as you have to adjust to its texture and application method. However, the switch is good for your hair, the environment, and your wallet.

Liquid shampoo not only comes in plastic containers or sachets but is also made of harmful chemicals that impact the quality of your hair. Therefore, switching to a solid shampoo bar with environmentally friendly packing and safe ingredients is the best choice. If you are planning to make the switch, here are five reasons that will convince...

Unique pilot programme reducing waiting list for spinal surgery in Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 02/14/2024 - 7:08am

The NHS in Devon has reduced the number of patients waiting a long time for spinal surgery by nearly 80% between May 2023 and January 2024 by revolutionising the approach to caring for patients.

The number of patients in Devon waiting 78 weeks or more for spinal surgical treatment was 31 at the end of January 2024. This is 79% lower than May 2023 when that number stood at 131.

NHS organisations in Devon have worked with the NHS England Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) team lead by Professor Tim Briggs, NHS England South West regional colleagues and the Peninsula...

Nearly £5 million from Wellcome to improve type 2 diabetes diagnosis in diverse populations   

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 02/12/2024 - 11:49pm

New funding of nearly £5 million will help researchers understand and develop better blood tests to diagnose type 2 diabetes, making them more accurate for groups including ethnic minorities and the elderly.  

Wellcome has granted a team at the University of Exeter and Queen Mary University of London £4.9 million for an eight year project to understand an individual’s blood sugar – or glucose - levels more accurately. The findings will make the diagnosis and monitoring of type 2 diabetes more precise, ensuring people who need it get the best possible care and treatment.  ...

People asked to choose the right service as Devon’s NHS prepares for busy half-term

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 02/11/2024 - 11:56pm

People in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay are being urged to do their bit to relieve pressure at busy hospitals by making use of NHS 111 and local urgent treatment centres and minor injury units this half-term.

Emergency Departments (EDs) at all the county’s hospitals are currently seeing very high demand, and many have ambulances outside waiting to handover patients.

Other parts of the NHS healthcare system have capacity to look after people with less severe needs to allow EDs (also known as A&E) to focus on those who need help the most.

Staff at NHS111 can...

The Value of 'Soft' Workouts

Authored by Tom_Berry
Posted: Thu, 02/01/2024 - 3:22pm

Many people make the mistake of thinking that all workouts need to be ‘all or nothing’, and that you should ‘go hard or go home’. About 5 years ago, I had a high-level athlete take one of my boot camp classes in New Zealand. After the session, he said that he was amazed at how hard these middle-aged men and women were pushing themselves. This highlights that you do not need to push yourself ridiculously hard all the time to keep fit. In fact, super-fit people, like high-level athletes, have to pay very close attention to how hard they train because working too hard during one session can...

Playing an instrument linked to better brain health in older adults 

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 01/30/2024 - 11:12am

Engaging in music throughout your life is associated with better brain health in older age, according to a new study published by experts at the University of Exeter.

Scientists working on PROTECT , an online study open to people aged 40 and over, reviewed data from more than a thousand adults over the age of 40 to see the effect of playing a musical instrument – or singing in a choir - on brain health. Over 25000 people have signed up for the PROTECT study, which has been running for 10 years.

The team reviewed participants’ musical experience and lifetime exposure to...

Skin Southwest secures revolutionary AgeJet plasma therapy

Skin Southwest , an Exeter-based aesthetics clinic and a renowned name in the field of skincare, proudly announces a groundbreaking addition to its range of cutting-edge treatments.

They are the first clinic in the area to secure the revolutionary AgeJet skin-resurfacing device which was introduced to clients and beauty enthusiasts at their clinic event in December.

AgeJet is a state-of-the-art device designed to address an array of skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars, stretch marks, pigmentation issues, and overall skin laxity. Originally founded...

8 Things Physically Active Women Must Avoid at All Cost

Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Thu, 01/25/2024 - 7:38am

In a world that increasingly values and encourages physical activity, women have embraced the benefits of an active lifestyle with open arms. Regular exercise not only contributes to overall well-being but also empowers women to take charge of their health.

According to research published in an American Heart Association journal , every week, people should engage in 5 to 10 hours of moderate physical activity. If you increase the intensity level, you can reduce the amount of time.

However, there are certain pitfalls that physically active women must navigate carefully to...

Watercress skin care range launches as researchers explore health potential for superfood extract

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 01/24/2024 - 6:13pm

It’s been named a “ powerhouse” food because of its nutritional value, and now watercress is the key ingredient in a range of soothing skin care products, which launched this month.

After a decade of research, University of Exeter spinout business Watercress Research Limited has its first three products available to pre order, under the brand Prof and Doc .

Their research has found that a 10 per cent concentration of their specific watercress extract proves highly effective in helping to prevent skin irritation and promoting soothing effects for all skin types. Now, they...

Essential Items to Pack in Your Bag for Winter Skincare!

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Fri, 01/19/2024 - 11:53pm

We all have different types of skin and there are lots of things that we try to make the skin look good. But we all should understand that we need to focus on the things that need to take care of the skin in the winter and give it extra care so that it will stay relaxed in warm weather. As the crisp downtime air settles in, it brings with it a need to revamp our skincare routines. Harsh winds, low moisture, and cold temperatures can inflict annihilation on our skin, leading to blankness, flakiness, and vexation. To combat these downtime straits and keep your skin glowing, it's essential...

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