Class divide in health widens, says thinktank

King's Fund thinktank finds those with no qualifications are five times more likely to smoke, drink, and neglect diet and exercise.

The stark social class divide in health is widening as better-off people increasingly shun damaging habits such as smoking and eating badly but poorer people do not, authoritative new research reveals.
The number of people in England who risk their health by engaging in "multiple lifestyle behaviours" such as smoking, drinking too much and physical inactivity is falling, according to a study by the influential King's Fund health thinktank, shown to the Guardian.

But it is middle-class people who are driving the trend, while the most disadvantaged remain stuck in a cycle of risky behaviour which increases their chances of developing a range of serious illnesses and will put "unavoidable pressure" on an already hard-pressed NHS, it says.

The study covered 2003-08, a period in which the Labour government embarked on a massive campaign to persuade people to live healthier lives.

Free health check gives peace of mind

ONCE you reach 40 years old, you are at greater risk of suffering from diabetes, heart and kidney diseases and a stroke.

That is why doctors' surgeries are contacting patients between the ages of 40 and 74 years old, every five years, urging them to pop in for a free health check.

health check: As part of National Heart Month, The Ashwood Surgery, on Ladysmith Road, Grimsby, held a drop-in session offering advice for patients. Practice nurse Gillian Roberts and health trainer Wayne Gould were there to help. Picture: Jon Corken

NHS Health Check – as it is known – aims to offer life-extending advice before people develop chronic illnesses.

Phillipa Hobson, programme co-ordinator for NHS Health Check, said: "There was a nationwide survey done which showed that people are at a much greater risk of developing a number of diseases when they are above 40 years old."

A special coffee morning was held at the Ashwood Surgery, on Ladysmith Road, Grimsby, offering patients the chance to have their health checked.

Walkies your way to better heart health

OWNING a dog could lead the way in tackling poor heart health in northern Lincolnshire, according to experts.

Heart Research UK is highlighting the benefits having a canine companion could have on your heart – either by reducing stress levels or increasing the amount of exercise you take. 

DOG THERAPY: Healing-based group Klever K9s enjoy the health benefits of owning and training their dogs.

Don't be embarrassed – it could save your life

HEALTH professionals are urging women not to be embarrassed when it comes to their gynaecological health ... as it could one day save your life.

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness month, which is being supported by local health experts in Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals.

RAISING AWARENESS: Sharon Tyler advises women to get checked out by their GP if they have any symptoms.

The aim is to get women talking about the disease so they know what classic signs and symptoms to look out for in order to get the quick diagnosis that is crucial in beating all cancers.

Sexual Health Week, 12-18 September

Welcome to the Facts of Life

At FPA we know that talking to your children about growing up, relationships and sex can be tough.

Some parents find it easy. But many mums and dads don’t. What should I tell them at this age? Will I know the answer? I’m embarrassed to talk about it.

Worries can stop you from talking at all or you answer a few questions but don't know how to carry on.

Sound familiar? Then you’re in the right place. At FPA we want to give mums and dads across the UK the confidence and information to talk to their children about the facts of life.

Health Myths - 10 things we're told will make us happier and healthier

Excellent news for women over the age of 50 hit the headlines today – clinical evidence that one alcoholic drink a day can help keep women over the age of 50 not only happy, but healthy well into old age.

In a study obviously based on the idea of a little of what you fancy does you good, US researchers from the Harvard University School of Public Health in Boston studied 14,000 nurses from 1976 onwards and found that women over the age of 50 who treated themselves to one alcoholic drink daily for between five and seven days a week enjoyed a healthier old age than those who abstained or drank heavily.

For everyone else, however, it’s back to an apple a day. But how much good does that apple really do? Here are 10 widely believed health claims - are they truth or myth?

Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year it focuses on an aspect vital to everyone: sleep.

Just think of how not getting enough sleep for one night can leave you tired and grumpy, affecting your ability to carry out your normal daily routine.  Extended periods of poor, little or no sleep, can take this to extremes and severly depletes your reserves and coping mechanisms.

A good night's sleep is crucial to your body as well as your mind, as it is while you sleep that your body heals itself and your brain processes everything you've done that day allowing you to wake up rested and refreshed.

But often, it is only when we lack such things that we realise the true importance of them.  There is a lot of truth in the saying 'you don't know what you've got until it's gone'.

So the Mental Health Foundation are working to promote the importance of sleep this Mental Health Awareness Week.  

If you want to find out more about sleep, Mental Health Awareness Week or the work that the Mental Health Foundation do, click here.

How to spot signs of ovarian cancer

WOMEN in the Humber region are being urged to look out for signs of ovarian cancer...

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and health bosses in the region want to make people aware of the symptoms of the condition.

The early symptoms to look out for are pain in the pelvis and lower stomach, persistent bloating and difficulty eating.

Regional director for public health at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, Paul Johnstone, said: "When it comes to cancer of any kind the earlier it is detected the better chance the patient has of making a full recovery.

Mum to set up group for diabetes sufferers in North East Lincolnshire

A SCARTHO mum is forming a new network of families affected by diabetes to help give out advice and support.

Jo Raven, 34, of Edge Avenue, is set to start Grimsby's only diabetes support group, based at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.

Her eight-year-old son, Joseph, was diagnosed two years ago andwith the nearest organisation based in Scunthorpe, Jo thought it was about time carers and parents in the area came together to share their experiences.

Wellbeing of carers in spotlight

Wellbeing of carers in spotlight

CARERS in North East Lincolnshire are being urged to take care of their own wellbeing.

A number of drop-in events are being held across the region, where experts will be on hand to offer advice on everything from making lifestyle changes to keeping healthy, heating your home and claiming benefits.

Residents urged to quit cigarettes and cut the risk of lung cancer

CHRISTMAS may only just be over, but thoughts are turning to the New Year ... and the inevitable resolutions. Here, health experts urge smokers to consider kicking the habit

HEALTH bosses are urging smokers to quit the habit – and cut their risk of lung cancer.

They say giving up smoking is the most effective way of reducing your chances of getting the disease ... and what a better time of the year to consider it?

New clinic will improve ongoing care for head injury patients

A NEW clinic at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital is providing a lifeline for patients with minor head injuries.

Traditionally, patients attending the hospital's emergency care centre with a minor head injury were discharged and given an information leaflet.

CLINIC: Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital.

Now a fortnightly clinic is being held which allows patients who have suffered a minor head injury to have a follow-up examination to ensure they are not experiencing any continuing problems.

Pioneering breast surgery at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital

A NEW reconstructive breast surgeon will offer pioneering treatment at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.

Jenny Smith, 40, will offer ground-breaking surgery to women in the region as part of her new role as consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon at the Pink Rose Suite.

Among the procedures Jenny specialises in is using tissue from the stomach area to reconstruct the breast following cancer surgery – a method currently only available to women willing to travel to Hull.