health

We know that vitamin C is key for us to have every day as it’s an antioxidant that protects cells, DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative damage. It is also essential for the formation of collagen, which is important for our skin as our body does not naturally produce the vitamin.

But with more of our favourite local restaurants adding takeaway options each week and the temptation of rewarding each working day with a glass of wine, it can be easy to let the nutrients and vitamins slip from our diet.

In addition to strengthening the immune system, it also has many other...

More and more people in Devon are seeing their GPs as services continue to adapt to keep people safe from coronavirus.

Services like routine vaccinations and smear tests are now being offered, in addition to usual weekday GP appointments which can be held by phone, online or face-to-face.

Many people are surprised to know that GP services are fully available. Here’s how it works:

1. If you need to see a GP, contact them online via their website, or by phone
2. You will be offered a telephone, online or video consultation
3. Your GP may suggest
...

A national research collaboration has been awarded £1.85 million to investigate children’s health and maternal wellbeing.

Researchers from PenARC (NIHR ARC South West Peninsula) based at the University of Exeter Medical School have collaborated with colleagues from ARC Yorkshire and Humber to develop the national research programme.

PenARC is one of the leading Applied Research Centres (ARCs) funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), conducting research to improve the health and needs of patients in the NHS. The new £1.85 million collaboration is...

Following a difficult period for many, Active Devon, Travel Devon and Devon County Council are launching a new, digitally enabled community movement challenge. Beginning 6 July and running over the summer, Let’s Move will offer Devon’s communities a chance to move more, celebrate our local communities and to win great prizes.

In overcoming these challenges and moving beyond the obstacles life throws at us, Let’s Move is also an inclusive celebration of every community across Devon, as well as how physical activity and movement can help us all, as both individuals and as...

Innovative and award-winning self-catheterisation specialists Hunter Urology based in Exeter, has ‘Rocked the World’ of medicine with its ground-breaking development of EmtevaPure®. The new product designed for women which has taken years to bring to market is the world’s first catheter to dissolve entirely in water in just 30-60 minutes!

Established in 2001, Hunter Urology is based on the Exeter Airport Business Park with six employees and a T/O of just under £1m with an overall 20% growth last year. Revenue is split 50% internally within the UK and 50% export – Hunter Urology is...

NHS Blood and Transplant is appealing to blood donors to make appointments to donate blood.

The next session taking place in Exeter is on Sunday 31 May at Exeter Corn Exchange, between 9.55am andf 2.25pm. Currently this session is 59% full.

Blood donation saves lives. Patients at local hospitals rely on people giving blood.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We need people who are fit and healthy to keep donating as normal during the coronavirus outbreak. We've put extra safety measures in place and safety is always our number one priority. We’re...

Doctors in Devon are reassuring local people that the NHS is still there for them if they are unwell and need help, but reminding them that opening hours for some services may be different due to the bank holiday weekend.

GP practices will be closed on Monday 25 May for the bank holiday, but other services are available for people with urgent health needs over the holiday period.

The advice for people this weekend is:

• If you have need urgent advice and aren’t sure where to go, visit 111 online or phone 111
• A selection of pharmacies across Devon
...

Toenail Fungus, which is medically known as onychomycosis, is a very common feet fungal infection. Fungus flourishes around the toes because they are often warm and damp especially in people with sweaty feet and people who wear covered shoes or footwear a lot. This is why athletes involved in feet sports are at a higher risk of having toenail fungus infection. Also, older people are more susceptible to toenail fungus infection. This infection is highly contagious, easily spreading from nail to nail, and can be very troublesome to treat. The treatment usually takes several months and has a...

Spending time in the garden is linked to similar benefits for health and wellbeing as living in wealthy areas, according to a new large-scale study.

Research conducted by the University of Exeter and the Royal Horticultural Society charity, published in Elsevier’s Landscape and Urban Planning , analysed data from nearly 8,000 people collected by Natural England between 2009 and 2016. The research, conducted with funding from Innovate UK and NIHR, found that people who spend time in the garden are significantly more likely to report general good health, higher psychological...

Frontline healthcare workers can take a new app-based micro-course on resilience and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Developed by Dignity Health Global Education (DHGE) and the University of Exeter, Strength to Endure is a one-hour course that gives insights on navigating the unprecedented situation healthcare workers now face on a daily basis.

The course costs $10 (US) and, as a way to give back to frontline workers and their communities, profits will be donated to charities in the UK and the US.

For more information and to register, visit www.exeter.ac...