Wellbeing

Mental health

Staycation ideas and benefits

Taking a break from the norm can do wonders for our health and wellbeing, but you don’t have to go abroad, or even leave home to feel the benefits. Finlay Haswell, Programme Lead Physiologist at AXA PPP healthcare, shares some great tips to help you make the most of your staycation.

Wellbeing

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptom diary

If you have been diagnosed with IBS, it’s important to keep track of your symptoms, as this can be helpful in managing the condition.

Wellbeing

Improve your mood with feel-good food

Can the food you eat really improve your mood? Yes, according to Ceitanna Cooper, Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr), here at AXA PPP healthcare.

Wellbeing

Fitting change into your lifestyle

Sarah Kemp, physiologist and fitness expert AXA PPP healthcare, shares her wisdom on fitting change into your lifestyle.

Conditions

Colds and the flu jab

It is possible that you in fact have been dealing with the adenovirus...

Wellbeing

Employment rights and IVF

During the IVF process you are not entitled to any extra time off...

Wellbeing

I have had an ache in my left testicle for about a month now...

An ache in the testicles can happen for a number of different reasons...

Wellbeing

MRI scan claustrophobia and PSA level

PSA levels can be affected by aging, infection, enlargement of the prostate, surgical procedures and exercise as well as cancer...

Wellbeing

Constipation and overflow

If you are experiencing overflow then it usually indicates a high level of constipation...

Wellbeing

Why can people on statins not eat grapefruits ?

It is known that grapefruits contain a group of chemicals, furanocoumarins, which can alter drug metabolism...

Wellbeing

Could you please advise me on the travel vaccinations I would need to go to China.

It is important to check your status is up to date for all primary courses and boosters...

Wellbeing

Travel to Mauritius

It is a good idea to be thinks of the vaccinations you may need...

Wellbeing

How to choose a consultant

Trying to find an orthopaedic consultant for a planned surgery type, can sometimes feel like an overwhelming experience...

Wellbeing

Genesis pharmaceuticals tamoxifen

Sometimes people feel they are more suited to a particular manufacturer’s...

Conditions

Blocked ear and flying

It sounds like from the symptoms you describe that your inner ear and middle ear may...

Conditions

Swimmer's ear on holiday abroad

Swimmer’s ear, when the ear canal becomes blocked with water and wax, often occurs after spending time in the sea or pool while on holiday. It usually passes over a period of a few day but can lead to an infection, which needs to be treated before you fly home.

Wellbeing

Piece of food stuck in my throat

The sensation of food being stuck in the throat that is persisting...

Wellbeing

Where can I get a full health check?

You ask about having a health check but do not give us any indication...

Wellbeing

Fordyce spots on penis

Fordyce spots are small white...

Wellbeing

Hysteroscopy procedure side-effects

After undergoing a Hysteroscopy it is normal to expect some cramping...

Wellbeing

Post appendectomy

Appendectomy as you know is the removal of the appendix usually as a result...

Wellbeing

Should I be using coconut oil?

Coconut oil is formed mainly from saturated fats...

Wellbeing

Memory and menopause

Micronor is a form of contraceptive as you know but, it is...

Wellbeing

Flucloxacillin antibiotics

Minor gastrointestinal disturbances is a possible common...

Wellbeing

Vaccines across the world

As well as considering recommended vaccines for the countries you plan to visit, it's important to confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date...

Wellbeing

Online health assessment

Health assessments, or screenings as they are sometimes called, give you a better understanding of your health and your future health risks – based on where you’re at now, your lifestyle and your family medical history.

Wellbeing

Most effective form of contraception?

There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to using the implant...

Wellbeing

Fertility tests

We would ask if you could please contact your claims team directly to discuss your query as each...

Wellbeing

I am borderline osteoporosis

Clinically, osteoporosis is a disease characterised by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue...

Wellbeing

Water safety in Thailand

Here are some things you may want to consider about drinking water and bathing in Thailand...

Sleep

When I lie down my nose blocks up

Nasal congestion at night...

Wellbeing

Itchy lower legs question - AXA PPP healthcare

Treating the itch may require you to underpin the cause

Wellbeing

I am being treated for enlarged prostate Grade II

Treatment for an enlarged prostate..

Wellbeing

I am considering taking HRT for the menopause

During the menopause your body stops making regular amounts of oestrogen...

Wellbeing

Meningitis B vaccination

View our dedicated Meningitis B vaccine update that provides guidance on the vaccine...

Wellbeing

I have baggy kidney (hydronephrosis) and elevated liver enzymes

“Baggy kidney” – or hydronephrosis – is a condition where urine builds up inside one or both kidneys causing them to become stretched and swollen...

Wellbeing

Since the menopause I have put weight on, how can I lose it?

When women reach the age of 45 to 55 years old, they usually start the menopause.

Wellbeing

Where can I get private blood tests near me?

To have the kind of blood tests you discuss you would need to contact a laboratory.

Wellbeing

An area on my nose is going purple

The discoloration you describe can be indicative of many things (including unexplained bruising or medication side effects).

Wellbeing

Dull ache following vasectomy.

It is normal to have pain and bruising in the scrotal area after a vasectomy, a dull ache is also very normal.

Wellbeing

I experience pain going to the toilet

Pain in your bottom is a common problem, and it can be very distressing.

Wellbeing

I tripped and fell heavily

It sounds as if you have had quite a nasty fall which has left you feeling very bruised and tender around the chest and rib cage area.

Wellbeing

CTS surgDriving after carpal tunnel operationery and driving

Typically a person should not drive a car until their stitches are removed...

Wellbeing

I have been injecting steroids

I have been injecting steroids in cycles over the last year

Wellbeing

Would weightlifting make my hernia worse

Inguinal hernias are fairly common in men and they can be caused by a loss of tone.

Wellbeing

Is a constant urge to pee a sign of an urinary tract infection?

The symptoms you describe suggest that you have a water infection, also known as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Heart

How much salt should you eat per day?

How can you get the balance right?

Wellbeing

Health benefits of swimming

What’s the perfect form of exercise with minimal risk of injury that’s suitable for all levels of fitness?

Wellbeing

Top tips for ageing well

We reveal the steps you can take to grow old gracefully.

Wellbeing

Mesonutrients: putting the ‘super’ in superfoods

We’ve known for some time that nutrients found in certain foods and drinks – like turmeric, blueberries and green tea – have earned them the title of ‘superfoods’, a term first coined by health food marketers.

Wellbeing

Being productive when working from home

Being productive whilst working from home can be challenging. Being realistic about your goals and workload and trying to keep your home life separate are key.

Mental health

Top tips for healthy eating when working from home

Working from home is becoming more common for many people, but along with the positives of home working comes a slightly out of kilter routine. If you feel like your usual balanced diet has gone out the window since starting to work from home, Jermaine Izukanne, Physiologist at AXA PPP healthcare, shares his top nutrition tips to get you on track.

Mental health

Staying connected while working remotely

Remote working may be tricky at first, but there are many ways to stay connected, stay well and stay happy during these uncertain times.

Mental health

How to structure your day when working from home

Hannah Wardley, Junior Physiologist at AXA PPP healthcare, shares her top tips to boost your efficiency by adding some structure to your day working from home.

Mental health

Top tips to stay positive during adversity

Keeping a positive mindset during unsettling times might feel more easily said than done, but it is possible. Daniel Poulter, Physiologist at AXA PPP healthcare, shares his top tips to achieving a positive mind-set during difficult times.

Mental health

Setting up a healthy work station at home

If you’ve recently started working from home, or if it’s the norm for you, having a healthy work station set up is important, for your personal wellbeing and to maintain your productivity. Anna Fountain, Junior Physiologist at AXA PPP healthcare shares her top tips on how to make your home workspace work for you and for your business.

Wellbeing

Top ways to stay healthy in winter

Winter can be a good time to generally improve your wellbeing...

Mental health

Top tips for leaving lockdown

As lockdown measures start easing and the days, for some, begin to resemble a little more of our lives pre-coronavirus, we understand that there may be a sense of anxiety about the uncertain upcoming changes to our lifestyles. We’ve asked Dr Mark Winwood, Clinical Lead of Mental Health Services at AXA PPP healthcare, for some of his top tips for coming out of lockdown.

Mental health

6 top tips to help you make positive changes

It’s normal to fear change because it takes us out of our comfort zone, but stretching our boundaries can also open up a whole world of opportunities. AXA PPP healthcare Junior Physiologist Jermaine Izukanne shares his top tips on how to make positive changes to our life.

Sleep

Tips to help fight fatigue and boost your energy

Fatigue can be caused by many factors and these often work in combination,. Physiologist Jermaine Izukanne looks at the symptoms and causes of fatigue and how we can help banish long-term tiredness for good.

Wellbeing

Vitamins for eye health

AXA PPP healthcare physiologist Anthony Glock explains what nutrients we should be consuming to ensure we are giving our eyes what they need and what foods provide them.

Mental health

Looking after yourself during self-isolation

Not knowing when we may be able to return to our normal routine makes it all the more important that we stay mentally well and be kind to ourselves through these uncertain times.

Anxiety

Supporting others when social distancing

While circumstances prevent us from having close face-to-face contact with others, it doesn’t mean having to lose contact altogether, particularly from those who may need our help.

Wellbeing

Weight management

Lucy Wyndham-Read answered your weight management questions.

Wellbeing

Feeding your baby

Choosing whether to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby can be a difficult decision and sometimes one that's out of your hands. It's important to remember that whichever method you choose should feel comfortable for you and enable your baby to thrive.

Heart

Your guide to gastric band surgery

Specialist Mr Moorthy, explains gastric band surgery.

Wellbeing

How to bond with your baby

Wellbeing

How to get the birth you want

“Women have more choice than ever before and outcomes have never been so good,” says Emma Cronin, registered nurse and midwife, and one of our Health at Hand nursing team. “So make sure you explore all the options and discuss them with your midwife so that she knows what you want.”

Wellbeing

Hidden eating disorders live chat

Hidden eating disorders live chat ...

Wellbeing

10 steps to maintain and look after your smile

Looking after your oral health helps your teeth, gums and overall health...

Wellbeing

Nutrition

As we get older, things that we found so easy to do become more challenging.

Wellbeing

Make Christmas special

Fed up with the excesses of Christmas – eating too much, drinking too much and exchanging unnecessary gifts?

Heart

Summer foods that lower your cholesterol

Watching your cholesterol doesn’t have to go out of the window during summer.

Cancer

Med-style healthy eating in a cold climate

Simple ways to give British food a Med-style twist...

Mental health

Get active to delay dementia and boost your brain power

Experts believe that the key to preventing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia could lie in being physically active. Here we look at why that might be and suggest some exercises that could give your brain a workout as well as your body.

Wellbeing

Top five tips for healthier BBQ food

Make the most of your summer with friends and family.

Wellbeing

Get cycling this summer!

The summer is finally here and the motivation to look and feel good seems more heightened.

Wellbeing

Training with weights

The summer is finally here and the motivation to look and feel good seems more heightened.

Wellbeing

Advice and tips to keep safe and stay healthy abroad

A number of things can help you get the most from your travel to hot countries...

Wellbeing

Regular exercise

The benefits of everyday exercise from AXA PPP healthcare.

Wellbeing

The health benefits of bananas

From packed lunch staple, to post work-out snack, breakfast cereal topper and pancake filler – there are many ways we use the under-rated banana to satiate our appetite. But did you know this nutritional powerhouse is loaded with more health-giving good stuff than we might give it credit for?

Wellbeing

Exercise and weight loss

Exercise and Weight loss Expert answers to questions about exercise, fitness training and weight loss Our team of experienced physiologists, including fitness

Wellbeing

Good fats and bad fats

Fats are a fundamental component of our diets, but the quantity and quality of the fats we eat is something that we should consider.

Wellbeing

From pregnancy to puberty and beyond - how do hormones affect mood?

Hormones have a massive effect on our bodies. Controlling our development throughout our lives, as well as influencing moods.

Musculoskeletal

Own Your Fears – Jay Jay’s story

Jay Jay has had her fair share of setbacks in life....

Sleep

Sounds of Silence

We explore the power of different sound frequencies

Wellbeing

Six steps to a healthier Christmas

Office parties, family gatherings, present shopping, long drives – Christmas has its fair share of activities that can wear out even the healthiest person. So, what can you do to ensure you are energised enough this December?

Stress

Working parents are struggling to find work-life balance

Tantrums can start earlier and can last until your child’s fully grown.

Wellbeing

Drinking alcohol - your questions answered

For this topic, ‘Drinking alcohol – when is there a problem?’ Dr Mark Winwood, our Director of Psychological Services, hosted a live chat providing tips on cutting down on alcohol

Wellbeing

Health benefits of walking

Walking is one of the most underrated forms of physical activity, yet it has numerous health benefits, requires no equipment other than a sturdy pair of shoes, and it's free!

Wellbeing

Health and fitness benefits of gardening

Regular exercise has a host of benefits but it doesn't have to feel like exercise...

Wellbeing

Dehydration – are you at risk?

Dehydration can result from simply not drinking enough water, sweating...

Wellbeing

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms and supplements

Public Health England has updated guidance for vitamin D...

Wellbeing

How much is too much alcohol?

In the long-term, excessive drinking of alcohol can cause many health problems...

Wellbeing

First Aid for little ones

This simple infographic provides some essential first aid tips from dealing with trapped fingers to nosebleeds and burns.

Wellbeing

Feeling sluggish? 9 pick-me-ups that are caffeine-free

Reducing your caffeine intake has various health benefits. AXA PPP healthcare's Dr Mark Winwood shares his tips for cutting down on caffeine.

Wellbeing

Life after caffeine: Top 10 Survival tips

You’ve decided to consume less caffeine, but life without lattes seems bleak.

Cancer

Grow a mo’ for Movember

Raising awareness about prostate...

Wellbeing

Vaccinations 0-4 years

The vaccinations below are part of a programme which is recommended for most children...

Wellbeing

8 good reasons to curb your caffeine cravings

Caffeine can prevent melatonin from being produced...