10 tips to help relieve insomnia

From the BBC, a list of personal preferences to help relieve insomnia including eating lettuce sandwiches before you go to bed.

Obesity in Japan

A novel but slightly draconian approach to managing obesity in Japan from the NY times.

'Under a national law that came into effect two months ago, companies and local governments must now measure the waistlines of Japanese people between the ages of 40 and 74 as part of their annual checkups. That represents more than 56 million waistlines, or about 44 percent of the entire population'.

Asking for help

Some valuable insights about what it means to 'Ask for help' when dealing with ill health from Barbara Kivowitz , taken from her blog In Sickness and in Health.

A drop of water

An article from the BBC Health pages highlighting the benefits of water in the elderly.

Stroke of insight

Jill Bolte Taylor got a research opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions -- motion, speech, self-awareness –- shut down one by one. An astonishing story from TED

Log for Life

It’s an online logbook for glucose monitoring, medication, carbohydrate intake, doctor’s instructions and more, that will interface with any mobile phone via instant messaging (IM) and in particular with the new iPhone

Symptom checker

Have you any symptoms that you're worried about then try this symptom checker from Harvard Health Publications. It's only a matter of time before doctors become redundant although from reading the disclaimer that may be a long way off.

Tiptoeing past a sleeping tiger

An article from Dr Rob who provides an american medical perpsective about what it means to deal with uncertainty and to take risks.

Benefits of a Nap

Did you know that a nap reduces stress, lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes. It makes you healthier, smarter and safer.

Everything you need to know about napping and how to create a perfect siesta from this article in the Boston Globe.

100 Health and Medical Resources for Busy, Expectant Mothers

A comprehensive list of 100 medical resources on all aspects of pregnancy, the developing baby and what to do when the little one arrives.

Save Your Own Life

From Readers Digest - How a chair, rocks, aspirin, and a scarf can keep you alive in 12 do-or-die emergencies.

Nutrition: Mediterranean Diet May Cut Diabetes Risk

A Spanish study published in the BMJ, that concluded adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes

Emergency Room Rap

NHS at 60

From the BBC a geographical interactive map of people's comments on the NHS at 60

Calculate your disease risk

An interesting tool from the Washington University School of Medicine that allows you to calculate your risk of developing five of the most important diseases and provides personalised tips on preventing them

Cancer

Diabetes

Heart Disease

Osteoporosis

Stroke