Healthy ‘liver friendly’ diet for Hepatitis C sufferers, join Boy George’s C party

Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus that attacks the liver so a ‘liver friendly’ diet is extremely important. A healthy diet that is rich in foods such as lean meats, fish, artichokes and colourful vegetables can mean fewer symptoms.

By Gizzi Erskine | Health, Notebook | Thursday, 29 November 2012 at 3:17 pm

Domestic violence: Can a perpertrator change?

Colin Fitzgerald works for RESPECT, the National Association for Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programmes and Associated Support Services. To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women which is on Sunday, Fitzgerald talks about whether a perpetrator of domestic violence can change.

By Colin Fitzgerald | Health, Notebook | Friday, 23 November 2012 at 4:00 am

Motherhood interrupted: What’s it like to be the mother of a premature baby?

Saturday is World Prematurity Day – a time when we can focus on prematurity, celebrate our tiny babies, and truly concentrate our efforts on prevention and care.

By Kylie Hodges | Health, Notebook, Science & Technology | Friday, 16 November 2012 at 4:00 am

Movember: Why would a woman choose to grow a moustache?

Why, oh why would a woman choose to grow a moustache? This was the question that passed through my mind in the moments following my discovery of Siobhan Fletcher, a 36-year-old taking part in “Movember”.

By Rima Amin | Health, Notebook | Thursday, 15 November 2012 at 6:46 pm

World diabetes day: Why the UK’s South Asian communities need to take action

Today is World Diabetes Day and in my clinic I’ll see several patients whose hearts have been damaged by diabetes.

By Dr Kiran Patel | Health, Notebook | Wednesday, 14 November 2012 at 1:32 pm

In South Sudan malnutrition and disease are the killers not bullets

Darfur and the DRC are two of the most dangerous places on earth, with armed factions fighting for control of territory and regular violent clashes. But far more dangerous than bullets is the silent killer of disease and malnutrition that has claimed many thousands of children’s lives. Emily Cooper, a nutrition expert for the international children’s charity World Vision, recently visited South Sudan and heard people’s stories.

By Emily Cooper | Health, Notebook | Wednesday, 14 November 2012 at 8:00 am

Living with diabetes: Watch out for the 4Ts – tiredness, thirst, thin and toilet

Disney Land Paris is the place where dreams come true, this was what my family and I were told on arrival at our long awaited holiday. I was sixteen years old at the time and had just completed my GCSEs. After a long hard struggle to get through my exams I definitely needed a break. I’d lost a stone in weight in just a few weeks and felt broken in every way through tiredness. I’d spent most nights guzzling water and going to the toilet. I had no idea why this was happening to me, no one did.

By Laura Cleverly | Health, Notebook | Wednesday, 14 November 2012 at 6:00 am

Don’t panic! The morning rush doesn’t have to be stressful

What were you doing at 8.13am this morning? Feeling pretty stressed, if the latest research is anything to go by. It’s the time of the morning when our stress levels are at their peak, according to a study by Nissan Micra Elle into the ‘Great British Rush’ and the stats throw back the duvet and reveal the truth on morning stress.

By Andrea Sangster | Health, Notebook | Thursday, 8 November 2012 at 10:25 am

Secondary breast cancer: It’s all in the ending

When you are living with an incurable form of cancer as I am, you can’t help but think and plan for the end of your life. When I was at my sickest and we didn’t know if I would see the year out planning for the end was vital, my will was being written and I was talking to friends and family about my wishes – all things a 36-year-old as I was, shouldn’t have to think about.

By Ismena Clout | Health, Notebook | Wednesday, 7 November 2012 at 12:59 pm

The stigma of drug addiction: “I felt inadequate, inferior, ashamed”

After Sue’s youngest son tried to kill himself, he spent three days on a hospital drip.

“In all the time I spent at the hospital,” she says, “not one member of staff came to speak to me.”

By James Legge | Health, Notebook | Monday, 5 November 2012 at 1:53 pm