Some of you may know that I am the very proud patron of the National Star College. My first ever visit to the college was several years ago now but I remember it very clearly. I had been asked to speak at their charity ball and decided I really ought to know more about the place before I did that. …
Have you got a sweet tooth?
I have always been lucky when it comes to sugar – I don’t have a sweet tooth and can bypass puddings and chocolate any day of the week. I would love to tell you that is because as a doctor, I know how bad it is for me and so am abstinent, the truth though is I don’t crave sweet …
New survey from @AlzSociety suggests NHS may be letting dementia patients down @dementiafriends
A recent survey from the Alzheimers Society suggests that 3/4 of GPs feel dementia patients are being forced to rely on family, friends and neighbours. It’s certainly something I see in General Practice. Alzheimers can put a huge strain on the sufferer’s loved ones and we must be mindful of the toll that can take. Everyone needs a break but …
Why your children need a little sunshine
I was looking at a survey conducted by Mumsnet this week showing that many pregnant and breastfeeding Mums are confused over vitamin D. Current recommendation from the NHS are that vulnerable groups should take a daily vitamin D supplement. Those most of rick of vitamin D deficiency include the over 65s, pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under the age of …
It’s #NationalBloodWeek – if you’re thinking of donating, check this out
I was joined by some of the amazing people who work in NHS Blood and Transplant on This Morning today, whilst two people gave blood live on air to show just how simple it is to do. It takes just 15 minutes to donate blood and each unit donated can help up to three people. It really is your chance …
The truth about #alcohol
After the very sad news that the premature death of Charles Kennedy was related to his struggle with alcohol, I have been asked a lot about recommended limits and thought I’d try to explain. Current recommendations are that women should limit their alcohol intake to 14 units a week and men to 21. It is also recommended that you have …
Could your child have been “Born Naughty?”
Last night was the first of my new four part series “Born Naughty?”. We made the show with Maverick TV who have a reputation for making responsible health programmes and after years of making Embarrassing bodies have certainly shown they know how to tackle difficult issues sensitively. Something I believe they did extremely well in Born Naughty? Dr Ravi and …
Is a screening test for ovarian cancer on the way?
7,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and sadly 4,000 women will die of the disease. In fact ovarian cancer has often be described as the silent killer because the symptoms like persistent bloating, feeling full very easily and needing to see more frequently are often vague and easily dismissed meaning the cancer has often spread by …
Should sterilisation be available to single women with no children on the NHS?
I’ve just met Holly on This Morning. She is 29 and has no children but has been turned down by four different doctors when she asked to be referred for a sterilisation. Is this fair? According to the @itvThisMorning worm 80% of you think she has a right to be sterilised. It’s a tough one isn’t it? Research suggests that …
Sepsis Awareness
Here is my recent interview with the Sepsis UK trust, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of Sepsis- a potentially life threatening condition, early treatment can make all the difference.