Health

Dec102018 by Barkha Goenka, Cristina Escobar, Orlando Del Maestro, Sara AlboNo Comments

Homelessness: Is contactless the solution?

Breaking News, Charity, economy, Health, Housing, London, London Mayor, News, ReportingWeek1, ReportingWeek2

Despite being one of the richest countries in the world, the United Kingdom faces a growing issue with homelessness. Many charities collect money and support those without a home but unfortunately, they fail to reach everyone in need. Stephen, 55, an ex-serviceman from the armed forces, represents a soundboard for many who have lost faith in charity. He is of the opinion that charities cheat people in the name of donation. “I would love to know where the money goes. But I already know where it goes. It goes for wages and it’s all a con. That is all it is. You’ve got the Royal British Legion. Last year they raised 42 million pounds. But it never went to the ex-servicemen. 75 percent of the people that live on the street are ex-forces. We are in a society now. We’re being lied to.”

Dec32018 by Farida WaledNo Comments

Young people with disabilities struggle to enjoy everyday activities

Health, News, Politics

Young People with disabilities are struggling to enjoy simple services such as dining in a restaurant. On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, charities and organization are trying to raise awareness of the rights of disabled around the world, yet young people with disabilities are more likely to face daily life challenges and are less likely to enjoy many essential services as simple as dining in a restaurant, shopping or traveling. Fleur Perry, 25, said: “I have been refused service in a restaurant, patronized by till staff, and asked to email ahead by a cinema, I feel there is more to be done to make sure disabled people are included by the leisure industry." She also added: “I face a lot of difficulties to access transport, flying is something I ju

Dec32018 by Sarah DixonNo Comments

World AIDS Day Red Run raises over £100K for HIV services

Breaking News, Health, London Mayor

The ninth annual Red Run in London brought together 40 HIV charities and organisations on Saturday to raise money for HIV support. According to Positive East, 50,000 Londoners live with HIV still. Saturday, December 1 marked the 30th annual World AIDS Day, a day set aside to support those living with HIV and to commemorate those who died from an AIDS-related illness. This year’s event was themed “Know Your Status,” encouraging people to get tested for HIV. Londoners took part in the event during the World AIDS Day Red Run, a charity 10k/5k in Victoria Park. Organised by Positive East, an charity whose mission is to: “improve the quality of life of individuals and communities affected by HIV,” the Red Run had about 2,000 attendees and was able to raise £103,000 across the 40 chari

Nov192018 by Orlando Del Maestro, Luke Hannaford, Farida Abdulghani, Prabal SharmaNo Comments

Young adults at risk of binge drinking despite drop in alcohol consumption

Breaking News, Health, Uncategorized

The drinking habits of teenagers and young adults has been put in the spotlight again this week with the launch of a campaign against parents introducing alcohol to their children at an early age. The ‘What’s The Harm’ initiative, run by health campaigners in the north-east of England and backed by experts across the UK, urges parents to delay the moment their child first drinks alcohol because it can damage the growing brain. It aims to dispel the myth that introducing your children to alcohol, for example with a glass of wine at the dinner table, will take away the novelty and encourage moderate drinking as they get older. Guidance from the chief medical officer says that an alcohol-free childhood and youth up to the age of 18 is healthiest – and that no child should be drinkin

Dec42017 by <a href="chabaneonline.wordpress.com">Lia Chabane (text); Asena Degirmenci (subbing)</a>No Comments

Help Musicians UK’s new mental health service includes counseling

Breaking News, DontUse, Health, LifeStyle, Music, musicians, Uncategorized

Help Musicians UK (HMUK), a charity for professional musicians, has launched a 24/7 helpline to support musicians mental health. Music Minds Matter, is free and offers services such as emotional support, advice in getting a diagnosis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and counseling among others. Can music make you sick? A study about working in the music industry, commissioned by HMUK found that the creative industry can be responsible for adding to mental health issues. This goes beyond depression and suicide. Addiction and eating disorders are also prevalent in the music industry. A separate study indicates that 1 in 3 professional musicians have suffered from an eating disorder. And with the growing number of sexual assault accusations in the entertainment industry, it may com

Dec42017 by Asena DegirmenciNo Comments

New support line launches for musicians

DontUse, Health, Music, musicians

Help Musicians UK have created a new support helpline for individuals working in the music industry who suffer from mental health issues. The 24-hour phone service, which is a part of their #MusicMindsMatter campaign, is a resource where musicians can get counselling for their emotional and psychological problems. There is a lot of attention being placed on mental health in the music industry since the suicide of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington in mid-July. According to Help Musicians UK, about 1 in 4 individuals will or have suffered from mental health issues. For information about mental health, visit Health Music UK's website Or if you want someone to talk to, call: 0808 802 8008 https://twitter.com/HelpMusiciansUK/status/937612842366373889 [Featured Image: Help

Nov202017 by Megha SharmaNo Comments

Mental Health: Is the treatment gap affecting you?

Health

Samantha is on medication and has been waiting for nearly five months to see an expert for her psychotherapy session. It has been difficult for her, but she wants to keep her hopes high. "I've been feeling the blues for quite some time now, and my medicine is not helping me much," she says. Samantha has dysthymia, which is a form of depression. The symptoms of dysthymia are milder than major depression, but last longer- sometimes for years. The disorder responds to talk therapies more than medication. But unfortunately, the waiting period for Samantha is long and she is on heavy medication. When asked about it, she explains: "My medicine is helping me, but I feel worthless and uncared for, almost every day. I feel like talking to someone because I realise I'm young and want to live a happ...

Oct302017 by Vanouhy KonjienNo Comments

Open for Discovery exhibition: A platform to meet with a scientist

Health

Open for Discovery exhibition at the Crick Institute is a platform to meet with scientists and learn about the future of health and new treatments. Since it was opened back in April until September, nearly 6000 visitors have attended the exhibition. It was supposed to end on October 28th, but it was extended to run until December 9th. This exhibition is the first major exhibition at the Francis Crick Institute that opened last year. Although established quite recently, it’s becoming an important research institute with a global focus. Mel, 28, is a member of the public engagement team at the Crick Institute. She said: “Our key priorities are to engage and inspire the public through exhibitions and events. We have an ambition to be among the top institutes in the world. We

Apr132017 by Shiksha AroraNo Comments

The silent addiction to painkillers

Health, Medical, NHS, Radio

Shane D'Souza, a software engineer, has been treating himself with painkillers for 6 years. When he tries to avoid gulping two codeine containing pain killers frequently at work, the withdrawal symptoms consist of this unbearable pain. Ultimately he has no choice, but, to surrender to his addiction. From migraines to arthritis there is a pill available for every condition today, but, with a heavy price to pay. More and more people in the UK are becoming victims of an unseen addiction, The addiction to painkillers. While painkillers provide relief for acute conditions, a wide group of people misuse are dependent on them for long term, chronic pain relief. Opioid painkillers, such as those containing codeine, are known to initiate a dependency in the long run. According to Neal Patel ...

Mar262017 by <a href="hidalgocarolina.wordpress.com">Carolina Hidalgo</a>No Comments

Zumba: the workout that can help you defy stereotypes

Fitness, Gender, Health, Sport

Alice* is a senior lecturer in a very traditional career. She has been in the academia for ten years now, but since 2015 she is also performing as Zumba instructor. According to several researches and the campaign #ThisGirlCan, Zumba is an excellent exercise for people’s body and mind. Still, Alice does not want to disclose her hobby as she fears being taken less seriously in her work environment. It's Tuesday evening and Alice arrives in London wearing a formal office outfit. She just got off from the train that brings her to the city after a long commute. Alice has to change clothes quickly, she has a Zumba class to teach in half an hour. “It’s always nice to come when you have a Zumba class in the evening”. Alice did her PhD in London, got a full time job and then a position as