Polly Toynbee argues that accusations of Andy Burnham waging war on the south are misplaced. Instead, she outlines how his policies could actually benefit Londoners. The piece highlights the potential for cooperation and improved public services across regions.
A new study found that sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time is associated with an increased risk of dying from cancer. The research highlights the health dangers of prolonged sedentary behavior, even for people who exercise regularly. This underscores the importance of taking frequent breaks to stand or move.
A letter to The Guardian Health argues that governments and health authorities must establish heatwave protocols well in advance, rather than scrambling to respond during extreme heat events. Proactive planning, including early warnings, cooling centers, and community outreach, can prevent hundreds of heat-related deaths each year. This matters as climate change increases the frequency and severity of heatwaves worldwide.
The World Health Organization has announced that a hantavirus outbreak connected to a cargo ship is now over. The outbreak, which involved a small number of cases, was contained through isolation and quarantine measures. This resolution highlights the effectiveness of rapid international public health responses to prevent wider spread.
Research found that women from minority ethnic backgrounds in the UK are significantly less likely to receive epidural pain relief during childbirth compared to white women. The disparity persisted even after accounting for factors like age, income, and hospital type. This highlights ongoing inequalities in maternal healthcare that could affect birth outcomes and patient experiences.
The article examines how people from ethnic minorities consistently receive unequal pain treatment and have their pain dismissed by healthcare providers, from infancy through old age. This disparity leads to worse health outcomes and reflects systemic biases in medicine. The issue matters because it shows the lifelong impact of racial inequity on health.
Readers weigh in on recent mental health care developments, noting both advances and persistent gaps in support. The letters highlight concerns that policy changes may be undermined by inadequate funding or access issues. This reflects ongoing public debate about the real-world impact of mental health reforms.
A reader's letter to The Guardian argues that current breast cancer screening guidelines discriminate against families with hereditary risk factors. The author says the criteria exclude people like them from early detection. The letter highlights a gap in health policy that could affect access to lifesaving screening.
A DXA scan is a low-dose X-ray that measures bone density and helps diagnose osteoporosis. It is safe, quick, and painless, but not everyone requires one—doctors typically recommend it for older adults and those with specific risk factors. This explainer clarifies how the scan works and who should consider getting one.