Motivation is the force that initiates, guides, and maintains our goal-oriented behaviours. It’s what prompts us to take action; whether it’s to climb a mountain, enrol in university, or save for our retirement. Understanding what…

Our immune system is our first line of defence against infections and other external and internal attacks, and is made up of three distinct layers, which are deployed depending on the nature…

Being depressed can make us feel helpless. We're not! As well as therapy and sometimes medication, there's a lot we can do on our own to fight back. Changing our behaviour, our physical activity, lifestyle, and even our way…

Our brains are home to billions of neurons, which are specialised nerve cells that use electrical impulses to send messages to each other. British physician Richard Caton first noticed that the brain had an electrical…

If healthy eating was one of your New Year resolutions, here are a few foods that you might like to eat more…

For one reason or another, a good number of us will be spending Christmas by ourselves this year. For some, it will be the first time following the death of a partner, a relocation, or relationship breakdown. For others it will be…

Owning a pet isn’t for everyone, but according to several studies, those who do, are usually happier, healthier and better adjusted than those who don’t. There’s plenty of research that shows that dogs in particular can…

There has been a massive boom in the use of supplements in recent years, as millions of us try to fight the effects of illness, ageing, and poor lifestyle choices to improve and prolong our health and well-being. Products that…

There are few more miserable experiences in life than sitting in a packed surgery, side-by-side with other glum-looking patients and their potentially contagious problems, waiting to be seen by the doctor. So are there…

My research into gut health (see blog posted in September), prompted me to delve a little deeper into the effects that our increasing consumption of ready-meals, takeaways and ‘junk food’ is having on our mental well-being…

We all experience times when things aren’t going well and we can’t see a way forward. One way that helps me maintain perspective and stay positive at times like this is to keep in mind two or three well-known…

We have around 100 trillion micro-organisms in our body, most of them bacteria, but also viruses, fungi, and protozoa. While some micro-organisms are harmful to our health, many are incredibly beneficial and even necessary…

Have you noticed how many yoga classes are available in gyms, health clubs and community centres near you? Increasing numbers of people of all ages and abilities are attending classes, and many of them are looking…

I’ve been growing herbs for a few years now and I really enjoy it. If like me, you live in an urban environment with limited outdoor space, growing herbs is a great introduction to gardening, which according to numerous…

I drink several cups of coffee a day because it lifts my mood and helps me to concentrate, but a report recently published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), concludes that drinking a moderate amount of coffee on…