Leaving Christmas Leftovers Out For More Than This Many Hours Can Make Them Unsafe

Posted on 25/12/2024 by Boris Clair

’Tis the season for festive feasting ― and, if you’re not careful, food poisoning.

NHS Shetland says that “Campylobacter is one of the most common bacteria causing food poisoning, and it is closely associated with raw poultry such as chicken or turkey.”

But cooking your food correctly is only one part of the equation ― it also matters how, and when, you store leftovers, public health body Safefood says.

They add that “If you store your Christmas dinner leftovers carefully in the fridge you can hold on to the glow of Christmas Day and use them up over the next three days.”

How soon should I put leftovers in the fridge?

According to Safefood, they should be covered and stored away within two hours.

“Don’t eat food that has been standing at room temperature for more than 2 hours,” the health pros advised.

If your turkey still feels hot long after you’ve cooked it, you can slice it into smaller pieces before placing them in airtight containers to prevent cross-contamination.

Safefood stresses that “Leftovers stored in the fridge should be eaten within three days. ”

NHS Shetland Health Protection Nurse Chloe Umphray gives an even shorter reheat window: “Storing food incorrectly and for longer than recommended can increase the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to food poisoning,” she warned.

“Key safety tips include: store it in the fridge, eat it within two days and only reheat it once.”

How do I safely reheat leftovers?

As Chloe says, you can only reheat leftovers once.

However you cook them, Safefood says they “should be reheated until they are piping hot all the way through. And leftover gravy should be brought to a rolling boil.”

Even if you’re eating the leftover meat cold, Food Standards Scotland adds that you should only take as much turkey as you’ll actually need out of the fridge.

They advise against leaving plates of cold cuts out, and suggest we punt the meat back in the fridge within an hour of taking it out if needed.

I’m A Doctor ― Here’s How To Deal With Social Anxiety This Christmas

Posted on 22/12/2024 by Boris Clair

I know that socialising is good for us and is meant to be one of the best parts of the festive season, but I have to be honest with you: I can’t think of a worse time to face a chock-full social calendar.

Not only is the weather dark and rainy, but I’m constantly bloated from the endless festive treats, I have loads of little Christmassy tasks to complete, and ― like many of us in the UK ― seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is making my social anxiety even worse.

So, I thought I’d speak to Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, about how to manage the added stress.

“During Christmas, these feelings can become heightened due to the increased social interactions, family gatherings, and heightened expectations of being cheerful and sociable,” she told HuffPost UK.

“The pressure to perform in a festive environment, combined with the potential for awkward encounters or family tensions, can make people with social anxiety feel overwhelmed and vulnerable,” she added.

Here are her 10 tips for making the period more manageable:

1. Plan ahead

“Preparation can alleviate much of the stress associated with social events,” Dr Wylie shared.

She adds that it’s a good idea to set boundaries and say “no” to events you know you’re going to hate.

“Familiarise yourself with the location and attendees of each event, and mentally rehearse conversations or scenarios that might arise,” she shared.“Knowing what to expect helps reduce uncertainty, a common trigger for social anxiety.”

2. Practise mindfulness

Deep breathing and grounding exercises might sound a little woo-woo, but the GP says they can really help.

“Before entering a social situation, spend a few minutes focusing on your breath or anchoring yourself in the present moment,” she advised.

“These exercises calm the nervous system, making it easier to engage with others.”

3. Take small steps

Ever let “current you” burden “future you” with endless engagements, only to realise to your horror that those are actually the same person?

Well, the doctor says what I wish I’d heard years ago; there’s no point stacking your calendar if you’re not usually interested in socialising too much.

“Start with smaller, low-pressure gatherings to build confidence,” she recommends.

“If large family events feel daunting, consider arriving early when there are fewer people, allowing you to acclimatise before the crowd grows.”

And don’t downplay your achievements: “Celebrating small victories, like initiating a conversation, can build momentum for bigger challenges,” the GP says.

4. Use a social buffer

A supportive friend or family member can make all the difference, Dr Wylie says.

“Alternatively, having a “safe zone” in mind, such as a quiet room, gives you a retreat when needed,” she told HuffPost UK.

5. Set realistic expectations

If you’re not a fan of the limelight, there’s no point pretending to be a social butterfly, the GP stated.

“Don’t pressure yourself to be the life of the party. Acknowledge that it’s okay to feel anxious and remind yourself that most people are too focused on their own experiences to scrutinise yours,” she commented.

“Giving yourself permission to be imperfect can lessen self-critical thoughts.”

6. Practise active listening

“If initiating conversation feels challenging, focus on listening,” Dr Wiley stated.

“Asking open-ended questions “can take the pressure off you and foster genuine connections, often reducing social anxiety.”

7. Limit alcohol and caffeine

You might think that that shot of Bourbon is your only possible path through your work Christmas ’do, but the GP advises against it.

“While alcohol may seem like a quick fix for nerves, overindulgence can worsen anxiety and impair judgment,” she said; “Similarly, caffeine can heighten symptoms like a racing heart.”

Dr Wiley says plain ol’ water might lead to less stress in the long run.

8. Use positive visualisation

Manifesting isn’t just for six-bedroom homes and a glizty job, the GP says.

“Spend time imagining yourself navigating social situations successfully. Picture yourself smiling, feeling at ease, and enjoying interactions,” she told us.

“This mental rehearsal can build confidence and counteract negative anticipations.”

9. Leverage technology

If you’re really dreading that meet-up, the doctor says you can set up a video call or online get-together instead.

“Video calls or group chats provide a way to stay connected without the intensity of face-to-face interactions,” she shared.

10. Seek Professional Support

If you’re seriously struggling, the doctor says speaking to a pro might be necessary.

“Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches can equip you with tools to manage anxiety more effectively, ensuring you enjoy the festive season,” she told HuffPost UK.

She added that some signs you may need professional help include:

Avoiding all social situations, leading to isolation.
Persistent distress that doesn’t improve with self-help measures.
Physical symptoms, like panic attacks, that feel unmanageable.
A sense of hopelessness or a negative impact on mental health overall.

Help and support:

Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.

The Crucial Norovirus Symptoms You Should Look Out For This Winter

Posted on 14/11/2024 by Boris Clair

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cases of norovirus have continued to rise as the chillier months have set in.

In a statement shared with HuffPost UK, the UKHSA says: “Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospital settings was 10% higher than the five-season average.”

While the agency assures that there is no indication that this leads to more severe illness, it’s essential that you take the steps to prevent and treat norovirus, should you come into contact with it.

Amy Douglas, epidemiologist at UKHSA says: “The half-term school break is likely to have interrupted the upward trend we’ve been seeing recently in norovirus levels, but cases are likely to rise again as we head towards Christmas.

“To help reduce the spread of norovirus you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.”

Douglas adds that washing your hands with soap and warm water, as well as using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also stop infections from spreading.

She also says: “Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”

Many people have associated norovirus with Kawasaki Disease, Douglas urges: “It isn’t accurate to refer to [this norovirus strain] as ‘Kawasaki’ and this term is causing confusion with Kawasaki Disease, which is an unrelated disease.”

Symptoms of norovirus

Symptoms often include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

However, some patients also report a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.

Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.

The NHS advises that you should call 999 or go to A&E if you experience any of the following:

vomiting blood or vomit that looks like ground coffee
green vomit (adults)
yellow-green or green vomit (children)
thinking you may have swallowed something poisonous
a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache

Why GP Surgeries Could Be ‘Tipped Over The Edge’ By Labour’s New Budget

Posted on 01/11/2024 by Boris Clair

GP surgeries could be “tipped over the edge” by Labour’s new Budget, according to a union representative.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has chosen to hike up Employers’ National Insurance contributions in her efforts to raise £40bn of funds and plug the “black hole” left by the Tories in the public purse.

The NHS – which has just received a £22.6bn cash injection in the Budget – is exempt from that tax rise, along with other public sectors.

But GP surgeries, care homes and hospices are not exempt, even though they provide NHS services, because they are privately owned partnerships.

Speaking to Times Radio today, the chair of the BMA Council Phil Banfield warned: “For some GPs, this will tip them over the edge. And we’ve seen over 1,000 practices close in the last 10 years.”

He added that he believes “the government was unaware of how much this would catch out GPs” and so he is hoping for further discussions with the health department.

Banfield said for GPs – who have a contract with the government – “the only way to absorb costs is to reduce the number of staff and at a point at which you’re trying to increase the number of appointments and increase access have more GPs and nurses”.

He added: “This achieves the complete opposite. So I don’t think it will take too long for the government to realise that they need to do something urgently about this.”

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, looks up as she holds up the traditional red ministerial box containing her budget speech, as she poses for the media outside No 11 Downing Street, before departing to the House of Commons to deliver the budget in London, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) — Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, looks up as she holds up the traditional red ministerial box containing her budget speech, as she poses for the media outside No 11 Downing Street, before departing to the House of Commons to deliver the budget in London, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Chief secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, told Times Radio this morning: “Yes, [GPs] will have to pay national insurance contributions as employers, but how much they pay will depend on their size.

“And you know, many GP practices are small organisations, and so they will pay less than some of the bigger businesses that we’re asking to contribute more at this Budget.”

Smaller GP surgeries may be shielded from paying more tax because of the changes to thresholds for Employment Allowance.

However, there are worries that some public bodies doing more than half their work in the public sector will not eligible for that allowance, as stated by government guidance.

Health secretary Wes Streeting also pointed to the £600m extra put aside for social care and suggested more discussions about the employer tax hike for GPs were on the table.

But care groups think that will not be enough due to increased staffing costs.

Dr David Wrigley, GP and deputy chair at the British Medical Association, said the impact would be “monumental” on X, especially since so many of those institutions are already “on a financial tight rope”.

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said: “The government must scrap this GP penalty immediately.

“After years of the Conservatives disgraceful neglect, our primary care services are in crisis and this could push many to reduce the number of staff they employ or just decide to shut up shop.

“Instead of investing in our GPs and their staff, the government has put more pressure on them in a move that will make it even harder for patients to see a GP when they need to.”

This row comes as nearly 100 progressive politicians, including independent MPs like Jeremy Corbyn and MPs from the Green Party and Plaid Cymru, banded together to declare that Labour’s Budget punishes the “working people” they claim to support.

“This budget is austerity in another name,” their open letter to Starmer says.

It adds that the investment in schools and hospital buildings have been “undermined by a swathe of public sector cuts, cruel attacks on the worst-off, and a dogmatic refusal to redistribute wealth and power”.

“These are not ‘tough choices’ for government ministers, but for ordinary people who are forced to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table.”

How Technology Will Change The Future Of Stroke Diagnosis And Treatment

Posted on 29/10/2024 by Boris Clair

Anyone who has an Apple Watch or an equivalent will tell you it’s made them more acutely aware of their health. With features such as heart rate and rhythmn detection, fall detection and even medical ID included, wearable health technology gives users a real-time idea of their wellbeing.

Now, Nirave Gondhia, founder of House of Tech has said that he believes the lasting legacy of Apple will be the Watch.

In an article for Digital Trends, Gondhia said: “The Apple Watch is the most important device that Apple sells right now.

“Of all the products on Apple’s shelves, it’s the one that markedly improves your life. There’s a suite of health features that could save your life, including high and low-heart-rate notifications, EKG, fall detection, and blood pressure monitoring.”

He also added: “The suite of Apple Health features available today is already incredibly strong. Looking down the road for the next few year, it only stands to get better.”

Medical experts are also excited for the future of digital technology for health

Neurosurgeon Richard D. Fessler M.D said: “Wearable technology can look for possible stroke risk factors, such as sleep apnoea, that may be affecting a patient without them realising it — something that an annual check-up would never detect.

“And it can constantly monitor things like body temperature that, when elevated, may trigger a stroke. The patient’s provider has access to all of the information gathered by the wearable, and can reach out to the patient if they see anything that needs to be addressed.”

Dr. Anne Lepetit, Chief Medical Officer at Bupa said: “The potential for digital healthcare to transform stroke prevention and recovery has never been clearer.

“Wearable devices connected to health apps can track vital signs in real-time, analysing trends and flagging risk patterns, so you can take preventative action. Remote consultations make it easier for patients to access expert advice, and personalised health programmes to help patients stay engaged with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, that lower stroke risk.”

Hopefully, these revelations will make wearable tech more accessible and affordable to patients.

Noticing This While Walking May Be An Early Sign Of Dementia

Posted on 29/10/2024 by Boris Clair

You may already know that shuffling your feet while walking can be an early sign of dementia, affecting someone’s ability to, say, go up the stairs.

But scientists may have identified another possible early symptom that shows up in your stride.

A 2022 study, published in JAMA Network Open, didn’t look at walking on its own; they compared older people’s hiking styles to their memory.

The changes in walking didn’t mean much without a decline in certain cognitive skills, they say.

But those who notice differences in their walk alongside cognitive changes, referred to by the study as “dual decliners,” had a higher risk of developing dementia than the rest of the participants.

How did it work?

Researchers looked at data from 16,855 older participants in Australia and the US.

They examined gait speed in two-year intervals across seven years, and again in the final year.

They also looked at cognitive changes (in memory, verbal fluency, mental processing speed, and “global” cognition) at years 0, 1, 3, 5, and at the close-out of the test.

They found that people who both saw a slowing of their walking speed and a decline in their cognitive ability (especially memory) were far more likely to have dementia.

“Association between domains, such as processing speed and verbal fluency, with gait have been explained by the crossover in the underlying networks or pathology,” the paper says.

It continues, “Of domains examined, the combination of decline in gait speed with memory had the strongest association with dementia risk. These findings support the inclusion of gait speed in dementia risk screening assessments.”

Does this mean walking more slowly over time is a dementia sign?

No ― again, it was only relevant when paired with cognitive changes.

If you suspect dementia in yourself or a loved one, the NHS advises you to see a GP as soon as possible.

Bringing up the topic with a loved one can be hard, they say, so be sure you approach the topic gently, in a situation they’re familiar with, and without rushing.

“A diagnosis of dementia can also help people with these symptoms, and their families and friends, make plans so they’re prepared for the future,” they add.

Noticing These Bumps Around Your Eyes Could Reveal Heart Issues

Posted on 27/10/2024 by Boris Clair

“There are around 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases in the UK,” the British Heart Foundation writes ― around four million men and 3.6 million women.

“We estimate that in the UK more than half of us will get a heart or circulatory condition in our lifetime,” they add.

Despite that, not all of us are familiar with the signs of heart issues ― though to be fair, the NHS says some, like high cholesterol, ”[does] not usually cause symptoms.”

Most of us will need a blood test to diagnose high cholesterol.

However, the British Heart Foundation says that “if you have familial hypercholesterolaemia, you may have visible signs of high cholesterol.”

What is “familial hypercholesterolemia” and what are its signs?

Familial hypercholesterolemia [FH] is a genetic condition that means your liver can’t process cholesterol properly.

It leads to high levels of cholesterol, a waxy substance that can narrow your arteries.

The condition can change your physical appearance in the following ways:

Tendon xanthomata: a type of swelling that can appear on the knuckles, knees, or the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. It results from an accumulation of excess cholesterol.
Xanthelasmas: small cholesterol deposits that develop in the skin around the lower eye area and on the eyelid. They typically have a pale yellow appearance.
Corneal arcus: a pale white ring surrounding the iris, the coloured part of the eye. If you’re under 50 and have corneal arcus, it could be an indication of FH.

Other signs that aren’t visible include having a heart attack or stroke (especially at a younger age), noticing high cholesterol in your routine blood test, having a family history of premature heart disease or stroke, or knowing a relative has the condition.

Not everyone with FH will have all of those symptoms;get a genetic test if you’re unsure.

How can I lower my cholesterol?

Some people with high cholesterol will be put on medications called statins, but all will be advised to improve their diet and exercise more.

“To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains a type of fat called saturated fat,” the NHS says, adding: “You can still have foods that contain a healthier type of fat called unsaturated fat.”

Stopping smoking, cutting down on or not drinking booze, and exercising for at least 150 minutes a week can all help too, they say.

Speak to your doctor if you’re worried about your heart health.

The 1 Daytime Sign You Need To See A Doctor About Your Sleep

Posted on 25/10/2024 by Boris Clair

If you struggle to get, or stay, asleep, you might wonder what’s “normal” and what’s genuinely worth worrying about.

The NHS says “A few sleepless nights are usually nothing to worry about, but it can become an issue if a lack of sleep starts to affect your daily life.”

But where exactly is that line meant to be drawn?

Well, according to healthcare provider Mayo Clinic, noticing one dangerous tendency during the day (rather than at night) can be a giveaway.

Which is?

If you’re finding yourself nodding off during important moments of your day, it’s possible you have a sleep disorder, Mayo Clinic says.

“Being very sleepy during the daytime” is a common sign, they write.

“You may fall asleep at times that aren’t typical, such as while driving or while working at your desk.”

The NHS adds that you may also have longer-term sleep issues if you:

find it difficult to fall asleep
lie awake for long periods at night
wake up several times during the night
wake up early and be unable to get back to sleep
feel down or have a lower mood
have difficulty concentrating
be more irritable than usual.

“Longer-term sleep problems can affect our relationships and social life, and leave us feeling tired all the time, eating more and not able to do daily tasks,” they add.

What are some common sleep disorders?

Insomnia, sleep apnoea (where you stop breathing for short periods of time throughout the night), restless leg syndrome, night terrors, sleepwalking, and even snoring can all disrupt a good night’s sleep.

“Anyone can have an occasional poor night’s sleep,” the Mayo Clinic says.

“But talk with your doctor or other healthcare professional if you regularly have trouble getting enough sleep, if you don’t feel rested when you wake up or if you feel overly sleepy during the day.”

Oh Good – Your Inheritance May Include UTIs

Posted on 23/10/2024 by Boris Clair

I’ve always thought UTIs were a bit like period pain; they just seem to be the luck of the draw.

The NHS explains that they’re more likely to happen to women, as: “Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.”

Having sex, pregnancy, not drinking enough fluids, a weakened immune system, and “not keeping the genital area clean and dry” can increase your risk, they say, though they add that some people are simply more susceptible to chronic UTIs than others.

But according to Harvard Health, if you get UTI after UTI, “You may be surprised to learn that family history may also play a role.”

How?

It’s down to genetics, which experts think can make you more or less likely to get the condition many times over.

“Having a first-degree female relative (parent, sister, or child) with a history of more than five UTIs means you may be at higher risk for recurrent UTIs,” Harvard shared.

A 2010 study found that “six out of 14 genes investigated in humans may be associated with susceptibility to recurrent UTI in humans.”

Harvard adds that “recurrent” UTIs are defined by someone having three infections or more in any 12-month period, or two infections in any six-month period.

They add that “abnormalities in the urinary tract or trouble completely emptying the bladder may make a person more vulnerable to frequent UTIs.”

The NHS says chronic UTIs may not show up in urine tests and “can have a big impact on your quality of life.”

How can I protect myself against UTIs?

If you have recurrent UTIs, it can be helpful to see your doctor.

For one-offs or less serious cases, the NHS advises we:

do not use scented soap
do not hold your pee in if you feel the urge to go
do not rush when going for a pee – try to fully empty your bladder
do not wear tight synthetic underwear, such as nylon
do not drink lots of alcoholic drinks, as they may irritate your bladder
do not have lots of sugary food or drinks, as they may encourage bacteria to grow
do not use condoms or a diaphragm or cap with spermicidal lube on them – try non-spermicidal lube or a different type of contraception.

Instead they say we should:

wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet
keep the genital area clean and dry
drink plenty of fluids, particularly water – so that you regularly pee during the day and do not feel thirsty
wash the skin around the vagina with water before and after sex
pee as soon as possible after sex
promptly change nappies or incontinence pads if they’re soiled.

Participating pharmacists are able to prescribe antibiotics for UTIs ― you don’t need to go to your doctor.

The 3 Cold ‘Prevention’ Supplements The NHS Says Are Likely A Waste Of Money

Posted on 23/10/2024 by Boris Clair

As we head into winter, cold and flu season draws ever nearer.

Those of us trying to prime our immune system for the onslaught of diseases might be reaching for supplements alongside staying active and trying to eat well.

But the NHS says some of those efforts may be in vain.

Though the service advises British adults to consider taking vitamin D in the darker months, their entry on the common cold reads: “There’s little evidence that supplements such as vitamin C, echinacea or garlic prevent colds or help you get better more quickly.”

Why not?!

It can be a tough pill to swallow, even if it means one less actual capsule to gulp down.

But it’s not so much that supplements like these are proven to be bad or even completely ineffective: it’s just that the NHS isn’t convinced by the conflicting evidence that they do work.

Microbiologist Morticia shared a video explaining that “there is actually no such thing as an ‘immune booster’” outside of vaccines, adding that ingredients like vitamin C and ginger root are “not boosting your immune system.”

That’s not to say eating a balanced and varied diet isn’t good for your immune system or even that vitamin C isn’t part of a good immune response, but that vitamin supplements may not act as straightforwardly on our bodies as we think.

Morticia mentions how iron supplements for iron deficiency can take months to work, despite seeming like a straightforward answer to the issue: she also points out that hydrogen peroxide is crucial to white blood cells’ disease-fighting power, but nobody is suggesting drinking that to see us through a sniffle.

A 2013 review of studies by Cochrane found that “trials of high doses of vitamin C administered therapeutically, starting after the onset of symptoms, showed no consistent effect on the duration or severity of common cold symptoms.”

Why is the immune system so complicated?

Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University, told BBC Future that “There are three different components to immunity.”

“There’s things like skin, the airways and the mucus membranes that are there to begin with, and they provide a barrier to infection. But once the virus gets past these defences, then you have to induce the ‘innate’ immune response,” the immunologist explained.

If those fail, Dr Iwasaki added, our adaptive immune system, which provides specific antibodies to fight the disease, comes online: though these antibodies can take “a few days or weeks to emerge.”

That last stage is triggered by infection or vaccines, hence the microbiologist’s comments earlier.

In fact the BBC says most symptoms of a cold “aren’t actually caused by the virus itself. Instead, they’re triggered by your own body, on purpose: they’re part of the innate immune response.”

So truly “boosting” these would more likely lead to a runny nose or muscle aches (a little like some people experience after a vaccine) than glowy skin or a sniffle-free winter.

“Vitamin supplements aren’t beneficial to your immune system unless you are deficient,” Dr Iwasaki shared.

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