COVID and your gut: how a healthy microbiome can reduce the severity of infection – and vice versa

A vast combination of microorganisms live in our gut, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Collectively, we refer to this as the the microbiome. Despite their tiny...

I’ve indulged over the holidays. If I’m healthy the rest of the time, does it matter?

pexels/nicole michalou, CC BY-SA The holidays are often called the “silly season” – a time when we eat, drink and be merry. But these holiday indulgences...

Structured school days can keep kids healthy. How can we maintain it over school holidays?

Every parent knows kids spend their time differently when they’re on holidays. Our new research found out just how differently. During the school term, kids get...

Heart rate variability – what to know about this biometric most fitness trackers measure

Your heart beats around 100,000 times every day. Heart rate is a key marker of cardiovascular activity and an important vital sign. But your pulse is...

Better sleep for kids starts with better sleep for parents – especially after holiday disruptions to routines

Everyone knows that sleep is critical for growing children and their mental and physical health. Regular, high-quality sleep habits help children consolidate memory and learn better....

Chronic pain: An invisible disease whose sufferers are unfairly stigmatized

Imagine living with pain every day for months, or even years — pain that is so intrusive, it disrupts every day of your life. Unfortunately, this...

Drinking alcohol this Christmas and New Year? These medicines really don’t mix

Cluster headache may be more common in men, but it’s worse for women – new research

Cluster headache may be one of the most painful conditions out there and it’s a neurological condition which affects around one in 1,000 people worldwide. The...

German pharmacies warn of shortage of cancer drugs

BERLIN – The German healthcare system is in deep crisis. Hospitals and children’s clinics are overcrowded. There are shortages of antipyretic, painkillers and antibiotics. Now there is also...

Heavy periods are common. What can you do, and when should you seek help?

Around one in four women of reproductive age experience heavy periods, also known as heavy menstrual bleeding. Periods are a very personal experience and women (and...