Health

New analyses from the French NutriNet-Santé study linked higher intakes of some food preservatives to increased risks of breast and prostate cancer and to type 2 diabetes; the article outlines seven food swaps away from products that often contain these preservatives.

The article reports that fatty liver is increasingly common in the UK and that early-stage disease may respond to dietary and lifestyle changes; it cites studies linking coffee, berries and a Mediterranean-style diet with improved liver markers.

Experts and campaigners say treating more people with dementia in virtual 'hospital at home' wards can prevent deterioration linked to hospital stays and may save the NHS millions; reporting states discharge delays for dementia patients cost the NHS £328 million and used half a million bed‑days last year.

The article outlines medicines and non-drug therapies used in the UK to manage dementia symptoms, and describes practical and legal steps often taken after diagnosis.

At the Therapeutic Riding Center in Taoyuan, Taiwan, children with cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD and other conditions attend weekly horse-assisted sessions that families and staff report bring comfort and opportunities for social and physical engagement.

Anyone whose dementia affects daily life is entitled to a care needs assessment, which includes a financial check and typically leads to a decision in four to six weeks, though delays occur. NHS continuing healthcare can cover full care costs when the majority of needs are health-related, but around 80% of CHC applications were rejected in 2024.

A sex educator argues that prioritising sexual pleasure supports physical health and relationships, and offers seven practical tips such as scheduling weekly intimacy and improving communication.

About 80% of people will experience lower back pain in their lifetime, and most episodes often begin with a muscle spasm and nerve sensitisation rather than clear structural damage; experts cited links with lifestyle and mental-health factors. Australian data in the article note a heavy national burden from back problems, and researchers reported improvements in some people after gradual increases in physical activity.

Newspaper documents report the Scottish Government was notified of 14 red or amber infection alerts at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital between 2015 and 2018; police and public probes are examining patient deaths and possible links to the hospital environment.

A High Court dismissed a challenge to ban trans women from the Hampstead Heath ladies' pond, saying the claim belonged in county court; a City of London consultation found strong public support for the pond's trans-inclusive policy.

A report says the NHS was late in diagnosing about three quarters of kidney cancer cases for patients diagnosed last July, and Kidney Cancer UK is calling on the government to fund research into a simple urine or blood test for GPs.

Scotland's Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is investigating seven deaths potentially linked to infections at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus; four police prosecution reports have been submitted to COPFS while three cases remain under evidence gathering.

Hour-long classes for Year One pupils in Jersey teach safe behaviour around dogs, and the project was launched after the island's dog population rose about 25% over five years.

Studies have linked the MIND diet — rich in vegetables and fresh foods and low in processed items — with a lower risk of dementia, and Professor Catherine Mummery said about 45% of dementia could be prevented by modifying risk factors.

Families in east London say they will set up a 'virtual hospice' to provide home-based care after Richard House in Newham closed on 18 December.

Former footballer Jeffrey Boadi says he gained weight and strength after switching to a plant-based diet and highlights plant proteins, antioxidants and fibre as factors that supported his recovery and training.

UK dementia specialists describe personal habits they follow — including limiting alcohol, regular exercise, puzzles, outdoor activity and a microbiome-focused diet — and the article notes about 350,000 Britons are thought to have undiagnosed dementia.

Experts report that common conditions — including vision and hearing loss, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep problems and gum disease — are linked with higher dementia risk, and some studies cited show reduced risk after interventions such as cataract surgery and hearing-aid use.

Research links the MIND diet — a Mediterranean‑DASH hybrid emphasising leafy greens, nuts, berries, wholegrains, olive oil and fish — with lower dementia risk in multiple studies; one 2015 analysis reported a 53% lower Alzheimer's risk among strict adherents and a 2023 review found a 17% lower dementia risk in large cohorts.

An independent review reported that 94 children were harmed while treated by surgeon Yaser Jabbar at Great Ormond Street, 36 of those described as severe; the hospital has apologised and says it has made changes, and the police are reviewing the report to assess whether to get involved.

The article summarises seven lifestyle factors linked to dementia risk, citing studies that found regular exercise was associated with a 35% lower chance of developing dementia and that smoking, head injuries, air pollution, isolation and higher alcohol intake are each associated with higher risk.

Amanda Holden spoke about losing her son Theo, who was stillborn at around seven months in 2011, during an upcoming episode of her BBC series with Alan Carr. She described a personal way of coping and has spoken publicly and worked with baby-loss charities since.

The Carter Center reported 10 human Guinea worm cases in 2025, a 33% drop from 2024, with cases confined to Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan; animal infections remain in the hundreds.

The Food Standards Agency said cereulide was found in arachidonic acid oil used in some Nestlé SMA formulas; Nestlé and Danone have recalled affected batches and investigations are ongoing.

The UK Health Security Agency is running a time-limited pilot in North London and the West Midlands to contact people newly diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B by phone; identified household, family and sexual contacts will be offered a home oral-fluid test kit and assistance to arrange vaccination.

Stefan Marin was convicted of child destruction and related offences following an attack in March 2025 and was given a 20-year extended sentence, including 16 years in custody.

A Swedish randomised trial of about 100,000 women found AI-supported mammography cut the rate of cancer diagnoses in the years after screening by 12% and raised the share of cancers detected at screening to 81% versus 74% in standard double reading.

Jersey will not change benefits to allow carers who receive pensions to also claim the home carers' allowance, with the Social Security Minister citing cost; the government plans to revise care assessments, introduce a dedicated advisor and improve information for unpaid carers.

Jersey health officials are monitoring a small number of confirmed Nipah cases in West Bengal, India, and say there is no evidence the virus has spread outside India. Jersey says it will continue close monitoring with other agencies and has reported advising travellers who develop symptoms to seek medical attention.

ADHD affects roughly two million people in England, including about 520,000 children, and symptoms can be broad and varied; the article outlines five lesser-known signs and notes long waits for NHS assessment.