Healthy living

Acupuncture – is there any point? - - Complementary health

Acupuncture is used to treat conditions such as migraine and arthritis. The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture has been around for centuries and has steadily grown in popularity in the UK. We look at the evidence for the use of acupuncture i...

Aromatherapy: using your garden - - Complementary health

You can enjoy the therapeutic power of plants simply by growing some aromatic herbs yourself. Whether burying your nose in a fragrant English rose or enjoying the scent of fresh basil while cooking, aromatic plants are one of life's ...

Is the MMR vaccination safe? - Ask the doctor - Children's Health

Other Q&As Can my daughter catch mumps if she hasn't had the MMR jab? Can my daughter still have the MMR jab if she has already caught measles? How could my son get mumps even though he received the immunisation? I don't want my chi...

I can't control my daughter's behaviour - Ask the doctor - Children's Health

Other Q&As Bad tantrums Bereaved child Can't get rid of the dummy Does my daughter have pyromania? Head banging child - is it stress? How can I control my seven-year-old? Losing contact with problem teena...

My daughter has milk intolerance - Ask the doctor - Children's Health

Other Qs & As Allergic system Allergy to cow's milk Is my son's lack of energy due to coeliac disease? My daughter suffers from hay fever My son's allergic to eggs: is this a problem for vaccinations? Question ...

My child has a high temperature - Ask the doctor - Children's Health

Other Qs & As Can our Laburnum tree poison our son? How can I tell if my daughter's taking drugs? How can my daughter get rid of her ganglion? Is croup contagious? Is helium dangerous? Is my son at risk from playing...

Talking to children about divorce - Being a parent - Parenting

How do children feel about divorce? It is better for the children if they are made aware their parents are talking about a divorce. When a couple decide to get a divorce, they usually have some weighty reasons for parting. A ...

Preparing for fatherhood - Being a parent - Parenting

Finding out you're going to be a dad is a life-changing moment, but along with the excitement, you may feel daunted. So how can you prepare yourself for the arrival of your newborn? Fathers play an important role in bring...

Pregnancy and overheating - Being a parent - Parenting

While everyone should try to drink more water during summer, for pregnant women staying hydrated is even more important. Carrying a baby bump around is hot work whatever the weather. But in the height of summer, it can be especially tough. ...

Potty training made easy - Being a parent - Parenting

If you're going to use a potty (and not everyone does) let your child pick one out. A new survey from the nappy manufacturer Kimberly-Clark found that one in six mums felt under pressure to potty train their children and push them to be dry. ...

Mum-friendly ways to get in shape - Being a parent - Parenting

Want to get rid of your pregnancy pounds? We look at exercises that can help you get your figure back. Getting back in shape after a baby can be tough. As a new mum, you're coping with sleepless nights and caring for your child 24/7, which m...

IVF – 25 years on - Being a parent - Parenting

The first test-tube baby will be 25 this year. So how far have we come? With suggestions that IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) babies are more likely to have genetic disorders, and success rates still low, is it worth the risk? Louise Brown wa...

How to discipline your child - Being a parent - Parenting

You need to confirm whether your child is merely being high spirited, or are they insecure and seeking your attention at whatever cost? As any parent knows, there are times when every child misbehaves. But are parents now giving their ch...

Autism – realising your potential - Emotions and behaviour - Parenting

Some people born with autism go on to achieve great things. But campaigners say that the majority aren't given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Courses can help people with autism realise their potential. Road...

ADHD: are drugs the answer? - Emotions and behaviour - Parenting

Child prescriptions for the behavioural drug Ritalin rocketed again in the UK last year. But is this down to wider treatment of attention disorders, or a more disturbing trend of keeping kids under control with psychoactive drugs? ...

Timetable for teeth - Emotions and behaviour - Parenting

A third of children have bad teeth despite recent improvements in dental health among children. The NHS Dental Epidemiology Programme, conducted by Liverpool John Moores University, found that one in three 12-year-olds had either decayed, missing or ...

Testing times for children with food allergies - Your child's wellbeing - Parenting

The most frequent food allergies are to milk, eggs, fish, nuts, citrus fruit and tomatoes. Allergies in children are on the rise. It's estimated that between 6 and 8 per cent of children under three in Europe and North America h...

Protecting children from the sun - Your child's wellbeing - Parenting

Protecting children from the sun reduces the risk of skin cancer developing later. Why is it important to protect children from the sun? Too much sun is particularly harmful to young children, who should be kept out of ...

Is your child's asthma waking you? - Your child's wellbeing - Parenting

One particular problem for both parents and children is that the symptoms are often worse at night. The number of children in the UK with asthma has increased significantly in the last few decades. It's thought that rates are...

Is a mobile phone bad for your child's health? - Your child's wellbeing - Parenting

With so much still unknown, the Department of Health says young children should only use mobiles in emergencies. Almost 9 out of 10 children in the UK now have a mobile phone, and while they can be beneficial in helping children stay in touch ...

How to bathe your baby - Your child's wellbeing - Parenting

Bathtime can provide a great way for parents to bond with their babies and establish a routine. Bathtime should be fun as well as a practical way to keep your baby clean. We speak to Emma Laing, midwife for baby charity, Tommy's, and Dr Tho...

Have baby, will travel - Your child's wellbeing - Parenting

Taking a newborn on holiday may seem like every parent’s nightmare. But with a little preparation, experts say it is possible to travel safely and in comfort with young babies. Worries that your baby won't settle may put yo...

Firework safety advice - Your child's wellbeing - Parenting

Since the Chinese made the first fireworks in the ninth century, exploding them at New Year to ward off evil spirits, fireworks have continued to provide a spectacular source of enjoyment. But they can be dangerous, and every year hundreds of peopl...

Toddler traumas: a guide to survival - Your child's wellbeing - Parenting

There’s something about hitting toddler age that transforms your once gurgling, contented little bundle into a foot-stamping, head-banging creature from the Planet Tantrum. Here we look at coping strategies for some of the major events in...

The rise in allergies - Everyday problems - Parenting

Allergies are on the increase. From dust mites to airborne pollen, shellfish to hair dye – over the course of a lifetime, we have around a 33 per cent chance of having an allergic reaction to something. And numbers are on the rise. ...

The birds and the bees – telling the truth - Everyday problems - Parenting

'Where do babies come from?' is a question many parents dread, and few want to answer. So what’s the best way to tell your kids about the birds and the bees? At what age should you first talk to children about sex? ...

School's out - Everyday problems - Parenting

For those with school-aged children, the six-week summer holiday can seem a daunting prospect. But, with a little forward planning, it can be action-packed and fun for the whole family. Here are a few ideas to get your kids off the couch. ...

Pets, pregnancy and your baby - Everyday problems - Parenting

You may be looking forward to the arrival of a new baby, but some members of your household may be less than enthusiastic. Cats and dogs can become stressed and unhappy, causing problems for you and baby. So what are the risks and can pets and babi...

How to make your home healthy - Everyday problems - Parenting

Home is where the heart is, but it could also be making you and your family sick. Here are some simple changes that you can make, to benefit your health. Pets Cats are the most common animal to cause allergy in humans. W...

Bug-busting - Everyday problems - Parenting

Nearly one in ten primary school children in the UK suffers from head lice at any time. It makes sense to prepare yourself and your children for any potential future invasions. Luckily there are more ways to stay bug-free than simply dousing yourself...