The FHT Blog

Tag: Health

  • Quote of the week

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a reminder of how important it is to regularly check for any changes that could be cancer. Find out more about Breast Cancer Awareness month and how to spot the signs of breast cancer Look out for an article on breast cancer awareness in the Autumn issue of International…

  • FHT member awarded for contribution to the NHS

    Congratulations to FHT member, Jane Tomlinson-Wightman. Jane has received a Cavell Star Award, recognition for driving complementary therapy services within the NHS. Cavell Star Awards are given to nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who show exceptional care to their colleagues, patients or patients’ families. A reflexologist and Lead Midwife for Safe Active Birth at University…

  • Reflexology could help with surgery anxiety

    Reflexology may benefit patients who are undergoing cardiovascular medical procedures, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing. A team of researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving reflexology as a complementary therapy for cardiovascular patients undergoing procedures, to establish its effect on anxiety. Using leading…

  • Learn how the NHS works in online course

    Updated 13/11/2018 The King’s Fund has set up a free online course about the NHS in England, which will allow people to get a detailed understanding of ‘its inner workings, current and future challenges, and how it all fits together’. The NHS Explained: How the Health System in England Really Works course starts on 15…

  • National fitness day 2018

    On Wednesday 26 September sports enthusiasts and health campaigners across the UK are coming together to promote National Fitness Day, highlighting the role physical activity plays in health and wellbeing. The day will be officially launched at the City of London Corporation’s Guildhall Courtyard by ballerina and Strictly judge, Dame Darcey Bussell, who will guide…

  • Dates announced for National Massage Day and Pro-Touch Awareness Month

    It has recently been announced that National Massage Day (NMD) is to be held on 1 October, from 2018 onwards. Originally hosted by Gill Tree, NMD is now owned by Liz Badger, founder of The Therapist Business Club, who has launched a new Pro-Touch Awareness Month, to coincide with the same start date. In collaboration…

  • New UK health secretary supports plans to increase social prescription

    On Friday Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, addressed an audience in Manchester at NHS Expo, supporting plans to dramatically increase social prescription as ‘growing evidence’ suggests that encouraging patients to lead sociable, healthier lives could relieve pressure on the NHS. Social prescribing – sometimes referred to as community referral –…

  • Mindfulness improves sleep in fibromyalgia patients

    Researchers at the University of Derby have conducted the first-ever study focusing on exploring the effects of mindfulness for improving sleep in individuals with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic and debilitating pain condition that affects approximately three percent of adults. In addition to generalised all-over body pain and various cognitive difficulties, sleep problems are a core symptom of the condition.…

  • Turmeric extract could be used to help treat glaucoma

    Glaucoma is a common eye condition affecting the optic nerve, where it becomes damaged because fluid builds up in the front part of eye. This increases pressure inside the eye and can lead to loss of vision if it isn’t treated early. Eye drops containing curcumin, an extract from turmeric, could be used to treat…

  • Impact of social media on the young to be examined

    How social media helps or harms children’s mental health is to be examined by leading experts in social geography and mental health from the Universities of Portsmouth and Sheffield. Professor Liz Twigg, in the Department of Geography at Portsmouth, has been awarded funding from the charity MQ to carry out the first long-term study of…

  • Action for Happiness promotes altruism this August

    Action for Happiness hopes to spread selfless goodwill this month, with its ‘Altruistic August’ action calendar. The movement publishes monthly calendars, offering daily affirmations on the theme of the respective month. ‘Altruistic August’ follows ‘Jump Back July’, ‘Joyful June’, ‘Meaningful May’, ‘Active April’, ‘Mindful March’, ‘Friendly February’ and ‘Happy January.’ Suggestions for this month include…

  • Big Ideas for Better Health Awards

    Have you seen how innovative healthcare ideas have had a remarkable impact on the lives of patients within the NHS? AbbVie’s ‘Big Ideas for Better Health’ Awards are free to enter and open to all UK NHS organisations and patient groups. Winners will receive a grant for £3,000 to extend their project or take it…