Feature articles

2 May 2006 - The theme of World Asthma Day 2006 is 'The Unmet Needs of Asthma'.

16 November 2005 - This year’s theme has been chosen to inform people who may be at risk of COPD, but who have not yet been diagnosed, that breathlessness is not an inevitable part of getting older and that there is something they can do about their symptoms.

14 November 2005 - In 2003, it was estimated that there were 194 million people worldwide with diabetes. But this is set to rise – to a staggering 333 million by 2025, according to estimates

25 October 2005 - Being diagnosed with breast cancer comes as a shock to all involved, particularly when it is diagnosed at a young age. As well as coping with feelings of anxiety, fear or anger, a diagnosis of breast cancer may mean that a young woman has to make decisions about her future life, family and career plans much sooner than expected.

12 October 2005 - Many people are unaware of the health dangers of high cholesterol, results of a international survey show. The findings are particularly worrying as all of those questioned had actually been diagnosed as having high cholesterol – putting them at increased risk of life-threatening heart attacks and strokes.

10 October 2005 - From Argentina to the Zambia, an estimated 450 million people around the world are currently suffering from mental illness. As well its links with social isolation, poor quality of life, and increased mortality, mental illness also affects, and is affected by, chronic medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS.

24 September 2005 - Controlling your weight and maintaining a healthy body shape are excellent ways to help lower your chances of suffering heart disease or stroke. That’s why this year’s World Heart Day, being celebrated on Sunday 25 September, is based around the theme ‘Healthy Weight, Healthy Shape’ as a simple reminder of how to have a healthy heart for life.

13 June 2005 - Landmark IBIS-II trial aims to prevent up to 80% of breast cancer cases. Today the results of an international survey of more than 1,500 women aged 45 and over revealed that nearly half of them are concerned about developing breast cancer, and up to one third would consider the removal of both breasts to help prevent the development of the disease’ if they were known to be at ‘high risk’.

17 March 2005 - Hypertension is persistent abnormally high blood pressure which, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks, stroke, kidney damage and many other problems. Indeed, the World Health Organisation estimates that around 60% of strokes and 50% of heart attacks are caused by high blood pressure.

21 January 2005 - Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is mainly produced in the body, but is also present in certain foods from animals such as eggs, liver, kidneys and high-fat dairy products. Cholesterol is produced in the liver and plays a vital role in how every cell wall in the body works. It is also necessary for the production of other vital body chemicals.