Ramadan is a yearly event in the Islamic calendar, a holy month of prayer, reflection and sacrifice, and fasting is an important part of this. A strict fast means nothing to pass the lips during daylight hours – so no food, drink or smoking. Some include medications in this, but the Qur’an teaches that you should not act in a way that harms your health, which may leave you feeling in doubt about what to do. A set of guidelines has been put forward by specialists in the NHS, in collaboration with national groups representing Muslims, to protect your health during Ramadan. It’s important to remember that this is guidance. Your health and your personal beliefs are individual to you, so if you have any doubts about the right path forward, seek advice. You can speak to your healthcare team – your doctor or hospital specialist if you have one – and you can speak to your local Imam or any other Muslim leader that you trust.

A Radar key is a type of key available to disabled people which can open over 10,000 locked publicly accessible toilets in the UK. This article will discuss the important information regarding Radar keys and how you can get one.

Preventing insect bites whilst travelling is always at the front of peoples minds, especially when travelling to far flung corners of the earth. But what is the best way to do it? Are certain products better than others? In this article Healthwords’s expert travel pharmacists will explain everything you need to know to get you fully informed and put your mind at ease! The reality is that some mosquitoes carry severe diseases, and so rather than the annoyance whilst on holiday in Ibiza – it may be a medical imperative that you do everything to avoid receiving a bite. Because different mosquitoes carry different diseases, and they all fly at different times of day, in some areas it may be necessary to use insect repellents day and night. Insect repellents have been around for nearly a century and the most effective of these is the product DEET (the active ingredient in most common repellant products). Other products include picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Learn about how to manage your prescriptions here at Healthwords. How do I get my regular medications? Your GP practice must always approve any supply of prescription-only medication via a signed prescription. This is the case even if you have been taking your medicine for a long time. This means you must order any medication you need regularly and have it approved by your GP practice before collecting your prescription at the pharmacy. You should order your medicines at least seven days before you run out, allowing your doctor to approve your request and your pharmacy time to dispense and check your medicines safely.

Surgery falls into two broad categories: open surgery and minimally invasive surgery, also called laparoscopic surgery or keyhole surgery. Laparoscopic surgery has become the preferred option for many types of operations in recent decades, as it has some advantages over open surgery, but overall the outcomes of success for both procedures are similar.

You’ve gotten through Christmas with the help of our guide and your thoughts may now have turned to the annual making of promises usually known as New Year Resolutions. You may decide that this year really is it - you will lose weight, stop smoking or exercise more regularly - but the chances are that by February the indoor bicycle will be gathering dust in the corner of the bedroom and your waist size hasn’t changed. So, rather than setting yourself unachievable or inappropriate goals in a post-celebration burst of confidence, aim to change what we here at Healthwords call the ‘Top 5’ health factors that are not only achievable but which will also undoubtedly improve your well-being for the years to come.

Natural oils have been used for centuries to nourish and protect hair. Today, they remain a key part of many hair care routines, especially as people look for natural alternatives to chemical-based products. Coconut and argan oils are the most popular, but other oils like jojoba, castor, olive, and rosemary are gaining attention. But how effective are these oils? Can combinations, like rosemary mixed with castor or almond oil, boost benefits? Let’s explore the evidence-based science behind these oils, their benefits, limitations, and practical uses.

Narcolepsy is a long-term neurological disorder that disrupts the body's ability to control sleep and wakefulness. People with narcolepsy often experience overwhelming daytime sleepiness and can fall asleep suddenly, even after a whole night's rest. This can make everyday activities challenging and affect work, school, and social life. What is Narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is not just feeling tired. It is a neurological condition where the brain struggles to regulate sleep cycles. This can result in: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS): Persistent sleepiness that doesn't improve with regular sleep. Sudden Sleep Attacks: Falling asleep unexpectedly, even in the middle of activities like eating or talking. There are two main types: Type 1 (with cataplexy): Includes sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions like laughter or surprise. Type 2 (without cataplexy): Causes daytime sleepiness but no muscle weakness. Symptoms of Narcolepsy Symptoms can vary, but common signs include: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Feeling very tired despite adequate sleep, leading to unplanned naps. Cataplexy: Sudden loss of muscle strength in Type 1 narcolepsy, often triggered by strong emotions. Sleep Paralysis: Temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking. Hallucinations: Vivid dream-like experiences while falling asleep or waking. Disrupted Nighttime Sleep: Frequent awakenings, leading to fragmented and less restorative sleep.

What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, without judgment. It helps reduce stress, manage anxiety, and improve focus by training the mind to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Mindfulness is gaining popularity as a powerful tool for improving mental and physical well-being. Rooted in ancient practices but widely embraced in modern health care, mindfulness allows individuals to live in the present moment and focus their attention without judgment. Practising mindfulness regularly can improve stress management, emotional regulation, mental clarity, and productivity.

Mindfulness is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for improving mental health, reducing stress, and feeling more present in daily life. But if you’re starting out, it might feel confusing or overwhelming. The good news? Anyone can learn mindfulness. It doesn’t require special equipment, a lot of time, or advanced training. This beginner-friendly guide will help you understand what mindfulness is, why it works, and how to build a practice that fits into your lifestyle. What Is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment - your thoughts, feelings, body, and surroundings without judgment. It helps reduce stress, improve focus, and respond to life with greater clarity and calm. Mindfulness means being aware of the present moment, instead of replaying the past or worrying about the future, you notice what’s happening right now. It isn’t about “emptying the mind.” Instead, it’s about curiosity and awareness. You can practice mindfulness while: Walking Eating Doing chores Or simply breathing Over time, mindfulness trains your brain to pause before reacting, which can help reduce stress, sharpen focus, and improve emotional balance.

Sleep is one of the most essential parts of staying healthy, yet millions of people struggle to get enough quality rest. Poor sleep can leave you feeling tired, stressed, and unfocused, and over time, it can take a serious toll on your overall health. While countless products and remedies claim to improve sleep, one natural option has been gaining attention: magnesium. This essential mineral supports hundreds of processes in the body, including muscle function, stress regulation, and relaxation, which makes it a vital player for sleep quality. But does magnesium really help you sleep better? Let’s explore how magnesium affects sleep, the signs of deficiency, the best food and supplement options, and how to safely use it for better rest. What Is Magnesium and Why Does It Matter for Sleep? Magnesium is a vital mineral that your body needs every day. It helps with: Muscle and nerve function Blood pressure regulation Immune system support Energy production and cell repair For sleep, magnesium is especially important because it: Regulates neurotransmitters (the brain’s chemical messengers). Supports healthy levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a calming neurotransmitter that helps your brain “switch off” at night. Plays a role in the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle. Magnesium is found naturally in foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. However, many people don’t get enough, which can impact their ability to relax and sleep well.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common ailment, and every sufferer has their own particular set of symptoms and triggers. As it commonly starts in your 20s and 30s, it will be most people’s first experience of dealing with a long-term condition. Physical symptoms – abdominal pain, bloating or altered bowel habit – can dominate consultations with your doctor, and, indeed, can impose on daily life. But sometimes the mental health side of IBS can get sidelined, when attention to your psychological needs can actually improve symptoms. Recognising that there is a huge mental health burden is the first step, and taking measures to protect yourself is the next. Here we dig into these in more detail, to keep yourself as well as you can.