News
Avoiding Holiday Heart Syndrome this Christmas
A term coined in the late 1970’s, Holiday Heart Syndrome (HHS) refers to a group of conditions that appear to increase and land people in hospital over the Christmas holiday period. Statistically speaking there are more cardiac related deaths around Christmas week than at any other time in the year and although cold weather can […]
Does cannabis help with sleep?
Cannabis Sativa is a commonly used plant which contains over 100 different phytocannabinoids. The two most pharmacologically active cannabinoids are: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): this is a primary psychoactive ingredient of cannabis that causes many of the feelings of being high. Cannabidiol (CBD): this is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning that it does not induce the […]
New shingles vaccine available at ROC!
What is Shingles? Shingles is a severely painful skin rash that can only occur in those that have previously had chickenpox. The chickenpox virus stays asleep in the body around the spine until something weakens your immune system such as steroids / chemotherapy / advancing age / chronic stress etc. Shingles (also called herpes zoster) […]
The Nail Cosmetics Allergy Epidemics: How can Nail Varnish harm you?
Earlier in the year the British Association of Dermatologists warned over an epidemic of contact allergies stemming from use of nail varnishes and gels. Whilst having attractive looking nails, have you ever wondered what is causing that rash on your face? What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis? Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a form of eczema […]
Male mental health and Suicide
No one is born wanting to die. Unfortunately, the stigma attached to mental health issues remains prohibitively real for men – and ‘young’ men in particular. Mental Health and Suicide Figures: Time for some hard-hitting stats: Despite the highest rates of suicide occurring in the over 65’s, suicide is the single biggest killer of men […]
Testicular Cancer
Which is bigger? I don’t mean to pry, but I’m curious to know whether you know – which is it – left or right? And which hangs lower? Oval-shaped, yes/no? Like mini-rugby balls? But do they hang upright, or lie to one side? Have they changed recently? How well do you really know yourself? Testicles. […]
Routine lung cancer screening for smokers saves lives
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and smoking accounts for over 85% of cases.1 Three quarters of those diagnosed with lung cancer will receive the devastating diagnosis at a late stage of their disease, meaning it is harder to treat and unlikely to be cured. The stage of a cancer […]
Are you anxious about the flu shot?
A recent survey has shown that a large number of parents are very sceptical about giving the flu vaccine to their children. Fears included: More than 50% think the flu shot can give you the flu A third don’t think the vaccine works A third think the flu vaccine is a conspiracy 28% are worried […]
Moles, Melanoma and Mole Mapping
What are moles? Moles are localised areas in the skin that contain more of the pigment melanin. No one quite knows why we get moles. Dermatologists use the term melanocytic naevi to describe moles. Most moles are round or oval, flat and brown in colour. But when you look closely, there are differences in […]
Ovarian Cancer – Ignoring symptoms isn’t an option. Screening is.
Screening for certain female specific cancers may seem routine in the UK where we have regular breast screening for breast cancer and smear tests for cervical cancer, however there is one female cancer that we do not screen for, frequently labelled a silent killer – the ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is rare but is the […]
