Well-being
Prepare your skin for summer
Take care of your skin to get a healthy tan during the first sunny days.
Summer is just around the corner and you may always be noticing its beneficial effects. The warm rays of the sun provide us with 90% of our vitamin D, a substance that boosts the body’s dopamine and serotonin production, […]
Quit smoking forever
Giving up cigarettes is difficult, but not impossible. Here’s how.
Sixty-per-cent of smokers have thought about quitting the habit at some time of their lives, particularly after the age of 50, according to data from the National Committee for the Prevention of Addiction to Tobacco. Giving up […]
Basic holiday tips
Don’t let lack of planning affect your health or spoil your holiday.
Before you go on holiday, you most likely spend months planning routes, itineraries and deciding what to do during your long-awaited break. However, if you heed our advice you can be sure that you won’t forget anything impor […]
What to do when you have toothache?
We have some tips to help you to reveal the pain of cavities.
Few pains are as unbearable as toothache. It is a constant, dull, heavy ache that makes it impossible to think about anything but the tooth. This ailment is very common, and it can be painful enough to interfere with our daily rout […]
Preventing summer earache
Learn how to deal with inflammation of the ear.
Almost everyone swims underwater in the sea, swimming pools and rivers in summer. But your beloved, refreshing dips can play havoc with your ears, if you don’t take precautions.
Earache is inflammation of the ear that can also occur in winter […]
Teamwork. Your own and everyone’s health
Learn about the benefits of taking part in World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) World Day for Safety and Health at Work will take place on 28 April. This day aims to create and promote a culture of occupational health and safety at work, to achi […]
Solutions for regulating intestinal activity
We have some advice for treating irregular bowel movements, and improving intestinal health
Infrequent bowel movements, a bloated abdomen, and flatulence can be signs of incorrect intestinal activity. Although this is very uncomfortable for some people, it is not a condition rather a sign tha […]
Halitosis, how to banish bad breath
Bacteria that live in the mouth can cause bad smells. Learn how to deal with it
Halitosis is the medical name for the problem we know as bad breath, a common condition that affects a quarter of the population, which has or will affect half of us at some time or other. This is a problem when i […]
How to treat a burn
Learn how to assess the severity of burns to prevent future complications
A burn is an injury caused by heat, cold, electricity or a corrosive chemical product. These are common injuries, are the most serious type of skin injury, and if they are not treated correctly they can affect the organ […]
The health benefits of massage
Find out how massage therapy can relieve pain and make you feel better
Massage, or manual therapy, has been around for more than 2,000 years. It is an effective way of relieving discomfort, preventing pain and relaxing. Modern science has shown that massage can be an effective treatment in s […]
How to reduce allergy symptoms
Pollen allergies have a detrimental effect on the quality of lives of a large part of the world population. Learn how to reduce the effects.
Almost 400 million people around the world suffer from springtime allergies. Unfortunately, this figure is growing every year, particularly because of c […]
Positions for restful sleep
Sleeping in the right position can prevent pain and make you more energetic
We spend more than a third of our lives asleep. For that reason alone, it is important to get excellent sleep. Sleeping well is synonymous with quality of life and health. It reduces the likelihood of suffering from c […]
Tips for getting used to fixed orthodontic appliances
We’ll tell you how to deal with the drawbacks of braces or brackets, particularly during the early days
A beautiful smile is more than a question of appearances… it is a sign of health. Orthodoncy is a potential solution for thousands of people who want to straighten crooked teeth, correct […]
How to prevent urinary tract infections
Four in every ten women suffer from cystitis at some time or other. Here’s how to avoid it
Flank pain, burning on urination, the need to go to the lavatory often and sometimes dark coloured urine, or blood spotting. All these are common symptoms of cystitis or urinary tract infection, which a […]
The key to healthy gums
Our smiles have a huge impact on first impressions
Your smile is your first impression. It shows the world how you feel, but it also reveals aspects of your internal health. Neglecting your teeth and gums may lead to several health problems.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) […]
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Learn about HPV, how it is spread and what you can do to prevent it
There are more than 150 types of different strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). It is a very common virus among the population, however, in some cases it can cause cervical cancer. Most women and men and contract the virus […]
What to do if someone is choking
Learn how to do the Heimlich manoeuvre
People choke when a piece of food or another foreign object becomes lodged in the upper airway and blocks the flow of air.
Most adults who choke do so on a piece of food that has not been chewed enough or which has been cut into pieces that are too bi […]
The importance of being optimistic
Studies show that a positive outlook activates us and helps us to live longer
People say that it’s the little things that make us happy. A hug, a walk in the mountains or a nice cup of coffee. Then there are situations which, for reasons beyond our understanding, make us feel good. Now scienc […]
How to treat and prevent lumbago
Read our tips for alleviating and preventing this common, painful symptom
Lower back pain is an extremely common complaint, and almost 80% of people will experience it at some point in their life.
Lumbago or low back pain is defined as “pain originating between the last rib and the buttock […]
The secrets to motivation
We have some tips that will help you achieve your goals in 2017 and avoid falling by the wayside
Who hasn’t made a list of New Year’s resolutions and then given up at the first obstacle? Common promises we make in December are to get more exercise, eat a healthier diet or give up smoking but, […]
Why hugging is beneficial
Discover 5 reasons, your health will thank you!
Have you ever wondered how many hugs you get a day? A caress, a pat on the back or a kiss can change the expression on your face completely. In fact, it is the doctor’s orders. Physical contact is a basic necessity for our health and happiness, […]
Guide for breast self-exam
Checking your breasts on a periodic basis is a good method for detecting any anomaly
Even though 75% of nodules in the breasts are benign, breast cancer is still the most frequent type of cancer among women around the world. This is why breast self-examination is of vital importance to preven […]
Tips for recovering from a sprained ankle
We explain how to identify it and what steps to take to recover from the injury
One of the most frequent injuries in daily life is a sprained ankle. Although it is normally associated with sports activity, slipping or taking a wrong step or making sudden movement can cause this injury.
The s […]
Effective ways of relieving a migraine
Do you suffer from headaches? We have some tips for dealing with the discomfort
There are few pains as unbearable as the headaches and migraines. Sufferers are sometimes bothered with them on an almost daily basis, which interferes with their normal daily routines and forces them to take refu […]
Differences between flu and a cold
Learn the differences so you can prevent and treat them
High temperature, sore throat, runny nose, tiredness… Is it flu or is it a cold? Although these illnesses have similar symptoms, there are differences that you should know about if you are going to treat them as effectively as possible […]
Recommendations for preventing diabetes
To mark World Diabetes Day, here’s a reminder of the risk factors
Monday, 14 November is World Diabetes Day, organised to raise public awareness around the world of a condition that we need to do far more to prevent.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects more than 422 million people in […]
Everything there is to know about the pneumonia
To mark World Pneumonia Day, learn how to protect yourself
Saturday, 12 November will be World Pneumonia Day, organised to raise awareness of pneumonia, promote prevention and more effective treatments to fight the illness.
Pneumonia is a respiratory infection caused by certain germs, or by […]
Nine tips for a better memory
Use natural methods to boost your cognitive function and improve your performance and attention span
Are you forgetful? Do you mislay things? Do you forget appointments if you don’t make a note of them? Memory loss is a common concern among people of a certain age, but young people sometimes […]
What is renal colic and what causes it?
A blockage in the urinary tract can be painful, but it can be prevented and treated
Renal colic is caused by deposits of minerals that build up in the urinary tract. Kidney stones consist of crystallised chemicals that form a tiny stone. If the stone grows too big, it may lodge in the urinary […]
Plantar Fasciitis: symptoms and treatment
How to treat this common, painful condition
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the area between the heel and just below the toes.
It is very common among athletes, even young people under the age of 35. Other than in athletes, it is more frequent in people over 45.
[…]
Why should I have a flu shot?
Here’s a recap of the benefits of having a flu jab
Every October, the annual flu vaccination campaign begins.
Flu is caused by the influenza virus, which attacks the respiratory system and is spread quickly from person to person by airborne saliva spray when we cough and sneeze, or when we […]
Tips for dealing with a cough
Use natural remedies to deal with this annoying symptom
A cough is a reflex action that clears respiratory tract of mucous, irritants such as dust or pieces of food or which is caused by irritation of the larynx or pharynx.
However, some coughs can become very annoying and can stop suffere […]
Vaccinations and pregnancy
Some vaccines are recommended during pregnancy while others are not
During pregnancy it is important to prevent certain illnesses because of the risks they entail for the mother or the baby. Before becoming pregnant, women should check their vaccination status according to the official calend […]
How to deal with fainting?
This is what you need to do if somebody faints
Fainting or syncope is a slight loss of consciousness caused by a drop in blood flow to the brain. The person usually recovers within a few moments but you should know what to do if this happens.
What are the causes of fainting?
- A sudden dro […]
Avoid neck pain
Improve your posture and your cervical spine
Neck pain is a very common complaint, particularly among people who spend a long time working in a seated position, standing, or who stay in the same position for long periods. It ranges from being uncomfortable to extremely painful and can interfe […]
How to improve your breathing capacity
Learn to breathe correctly and strengthen your lung capacity
The first physiological process we do independently, as soon as we are born, is breathe. We breathe automatically to get oxygen, which is essential to obtain the energy that our bodies need to function.
The amount of air we are c […]
Eye care and protection
You need to look after your eyes, just like the rest of your body. Take care of your eyes and your eyesight
Sometimes we tend to neglect our eyes and don’t pay attention to them until something goes wrong. These days we are surrounded by screens. They are on our telephones, computers, tablets […]
Preventing fungal infections in summertime
Follow our tips for avoiding fungal infections of the skin, nails and hair
Fungi are microorganisms that flourish in moist, warm conditions. That’s why most cases of mycosis or fungal infections occur during the warmest months of the year in places such as swimming pools, changing rooms and s […]
General first aid
Learn what to do in case of minor emergencies and how to act confidently
Having a basic knowledge of what to do in an emergency, whether you are the victim or merely a witness, can be very important. At work and in your daily life, you will often find yourself in situations which, although no […]
Cardiovascular risk factors (V): Obesity
Obesity is a very prevalent cardiovascular risk factor these days. The link between being overweight and heart disease is quite a complex one, because it is, in turn, linked to another set of added factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
What are the risks of obesi […]
Summer bites and stings
Learn what to do when you get bitten by a mosquito, bee, wasp or stung by a jelly fish or scorpion fish
You are far more likely to be bitten or stung during the summertime. There are more insects around when weather gets warmer, and moisture and warm sea water attract jelly fish and scorpion […]
How to avoid heatstroke
Take precautions and protect yourself from the sun and from high temperatures
Heatstroke occurs when body temperature rises above 40C. Our bodies have internal temperature control mechanisms that are stable at around 37 degrees.
If you have heatstroke, these mechanisms fail or are insufficie […]
The benefits of seawater
Swimming in the sea is more than just refreshing. It is healthy, too.
On a hot day, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing dip in the sea. The beneficial properties of salt water have been known for centuries and it has long been used at spas and specialised centres to improve our health. Th […]
Cardiovascular risk factors (IV): Hyper-cholesterolaemia
Cholesterol is a natural fat which is found in all our cells. It is essential to the correct functioning of the organism. Some of the cholesterol in our bodies is produced by the liver and we get the remainder from food.
There are two types of cholesterol:
- High density cholesterol (HDL) […]
What is hiccups and how can I stop it?
Discover the most common causes
Hiccups are sudden, rapid, intermittent and involuntary contractions of the diaphragm.
Hiccups are normally harmless and they go away by themselves within a few seconds or minutes. Their frequency can vary from between four and 50 times a minute.
What cause […]
Protect and prepare your skin for the summer sun
Prevent damage to your skin and get a safe tan
Clean air and sunshine have numerous benefits for your skin: they stimulate the circulation, encourage vitamin D synthesis, aid calcium and phosphorus absorption, strengthen the immune system and lift the mood.
However, too much sun can cause […]
Cardiovascular risk factor (III) Smoking
Tips to help you to stop smoking. Don’t worry, you can do it!
Smoking is an important cardiovascular risk factor. It is the cause of 90% of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, as well as increasing your chance of suffering from coronary disease by three by damaging the arteries and ca […]
Cardiovascular Risk Factor (II): Arterial hypertension
17 May is World Hypertension Day
Learn how to keep your blood pressure under control.
Blood pressure is the physical pressure of blood against the walls of the blood vessels. This pressure is essential for the blood to flow correctly through the blood vessels to reach all the cells and then […]
Do you bite your nails?
We’ll help you to kick the habit easily
The medical name for nail biting is onychophagia.
It is most common among children and teenagers, who usually grow out of it. It can be mild and infrequent or serious and chronic.
Around 30% of children aged seven to ten bite their nails at least […]
28 April, World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Here are some health tips to mark this occasion that will help you to have a positive, productive day. You’ll start the day bursting with energy and vitality, be well organised at work and have time to rest and recharge your batteries. Ready to go? Pay attention!
Start the day the positive wa […]
Hay fever
Find out why you start sneezing when springtime arrives
The nice weather has started, the days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising and we’re starting to wear lighter clothing. This is exactly when the non-stop sneezing starts, your eyes start watering and itching, your nose runs a […]
7 April, World Health Day
Celebrate World Health Day by remembering the healthiest daily habits.
Health is more than ‘absence of illness’. It is a much wider concept that covers lifestyle, eating habits, culinary culture, hygiene habits and means of subsistence.
Having a healthy lifestyle habits means having daily […]
Antibiotics. Are you using them correctly?
Learn what they are and what they are useful for.
Antibiotics are a medicines that have been used for the last one hundred years. They have been proven to be efficient, safe ways of controlling numerous common diseases, reducing their frequency and death toll.
A wide-spectrum antibiotic is […]
All about the water you drink
22 March: World Water Day.
Everyone knows the chemical formula of water: H2O. Two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule. However, the water we drink, shower in and cook with every day contains some more elements from the periodic table.
Our drinking water is filtered and treated, whic […]
14 March, World Sleep Day
Learn about the types and causes of insomnia and how to tackle them
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep. People who suffer from this disorder sleep for fewer hours and have poor quality sleep. This impacts directly on their quality of life and can affect their personal an […]
Myths about pregnancy
Talk about your doubts with professionals and enjoy a happy pregnancy.
A lot of rumours have arisen around pregnancy. Some pieces of advice are sound and will not affect your well being or that of your baby, but others are false and it’s best not to take any notice of them.
Do you want to le […]
Learn to to lift and carry weights without injuring yourself
Your back has to take a lot of strain during your lifetime and some of it comes from lifting and carrying heavy objects. Sometimes, when you are at work or as part of your daily activities, and sometimes without realising it, you need to move a heavy object. If you don’t do it correctly you ma […]
How to brush your teeth perfectly
Everyone brushes but not everyone does it the right way
You probably can’t remember when you learned to brush your teeth. You’ve always done it, mechanically, and although you may have switched toothpaste or the type of brush you use, the method you use probably hasn’t changed.
Are you doi […]
4 February: World Cancer Day
Since 2000, 4 February has been World Cancer Day, an initiative designed to raise public awareness and mobilise people to achieve better prevention and control.
Cancer is one of the main causes of death in the world. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 40% of the cases […]
Headaches and migraines: Are they the same?
Not all headaches are migraines, and not all migraines cause headaches. However, they do have a lot in common and we are going to try to give you a simple explanation.
Headaches are some of the most common pains that exist and they tend to occur intermittently. Headaches, however unpleasant […]
How to deal with and conquer jet lag
Find out exactly what it is and how to minimise its effects
Being able to travel long distances, whether for business or pleasure, in a matter of a few hours, is one of mankind’s greatest advances. Flying is one of the safest and most comfortable means of travel, because you can rest or work […]
Good habits for flying
Avoid the discomfort of travelling by plane and enjoy the flight
Spending long hours on a plane, for business or pleasure, can cause certain discomfort, such as tiredness, heaviness, indigestion, swelling, etc.
Follow this advice for a more pleasant trip.
- Be careful how you dress. Do not […]
Why do we need to be vaccinated?
Learn about vaccines and why they are so important.
Vaccines are compounds made up of pathogenic micro-organisms that cause an immunological reaction in your body and protect you against possible contagion.
The vaccines contain dead or very weakened micro-organisms and your body reacts by […]
Tips for looking after your heart
Look after your heart’s health with this simple advice
Cardiovascular disease is widespread in western societies and is the main cause of death in the world, ahead of diseases like AIDS or certain types of cancer.
Although certain things cannot be changed such as some risk factors (family […]
Practical advice for pregnant women
Learn to live this very special time in a healthy and happy way
Pregnancy is a time of great changes, of hope and, very often, of fear. We don’t know if we’re doing it right and we worry that we may not be looking after ourselves properly and that may affect our baby.
Here’s some advice to h […]
Tips for screen users
Take care of your posture and eye sight if you spend long hours in front of a computer
Working long hours in front of a computer screen can, in the long run, cause problems for your health if you don’t take special care.
- If your posture is wrong, you can get backache and neck pain.
- If t […]
What do you know about diabetes?
14 November. World Diabetes Day
Diabetes is a chronic or persistent disease characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood. There are two fundamental types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1)
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2)
Apart from having different causes, the age of […]
Why do I cough so much?
Find out what makes you cough and how to treat it.
A cough is a reaction by your body and its purpose is to keep your throat and upper tract clear. Normally, the cough is caused by mucous or some foreign body in this area.
What’s more, a cough is a symptom shared by many diseases such as: […]
Watch out! The flu is here
Learn how to prevent this illness and some simple ways to recover from it.
There is no doubt that one of the most common ailments in the period from October to February is the flu. It is an illness caused by the influenza virus, a virus that mutates every year, which means that, although you […]
Tips for adjusting to clock changes
Early on 25 October the so-called “winter time” will be applied and we will need to put back our clocks by one hour. At three o clock it will be two o’ clock and there’ll be one hour more for sleeping.
This has occurred twice a year since 1974 in over 70 countries all over the world with an […]
10 tips to prevent backache
By taking care of your posture and habits, you reduce the risk of backache
Together with headache, backache is one of the most frequent causes of discomfort. Many people suffer from this problem every day and, with age, it can actually be incapacitating.
Your posture when sitting at work, […]
Keys for looking after your bones
20 October. World Osteoporosis day.
Osteoporosis is a disease that diminishes bone mass and alters the structure of bones, making them more fragile, thin and prone to breakage. It affects almost half of people over 60 and it gets more common with age. There is no specific cause for the diseas […]
Breathe deeply and learn to relax!
10 October, World Mental Health Day
You are constantly running. From the moment you get up you are racing and sometimes you don’t realise you haven’t stopped until it is night time. Work, the children, the house, the grandparents, shopping, the dentist, the gym, but…
When is there time to st […]
Key tips for being organised at work
Learn to prioritise and plan in order to maximise performance.
The world does not work like a clock and any slight variation can give rise to a major change in your environment. Sometimes chaos reigns in your life (home and work) and seems determined to affect your performance by putting obst […]
How to prevent flus and colds
A cough, sneezing, a temperature, runny nose, tiredness, blocked nose, loss of voice, headaches… you’ve got a cold.
Winter is approaching and, with it, the first flus and colds, the most common complaints on earth. The same thing happens every year. When temperatures drop and the damp sets […]
Recommendations for improving blood circulation in your legs
Follow our instructions and forget about heaviness and swelling in your legs.
Poor circulation in the lower members is a very frequent problem and gives rise to a series of symptoms such as: heaviness, pain, swelling, cold legs, cramps, varicose veins, ulcers, phlebitis, fatigue, bluish disco […]
Five ways to deal with stress
Find out what worries you and free yourself of stress forever.
Living permanently under pressure is unbearable. Sometimes this pressure comes from outside, but it is often we ourselves who set ourselves standards, hold certain biases and obligations providing no let up and keeping your heart […]
Bad quality sunglasses
Protect your eyes, but do it properly and don’t buy just any sunglasses.
Just as you protect your skin with creams with solar filters to avoid premature aging, sunburn and chronic injury, your eyes too need protection against the sun.
Ultraviolet rays, which affect your eyes intensely and […]
Getting over returning to work
Tips to help you deal with the return to work
Your dream holidays have come to an end. You disconnected, relaxed, shared some wonderful moments and now… you have to return to normality.
The term “post-vacation depression” is perhaps a little exaggerated. We all know that sooner or later th […]
Look out for gastroenteritis in summer!
Learn what to do with digestive problems and how to avoid them.
One of the most frequent digestive problems in summer is diarrhoea. It is an infectious process which varies in duration and is very bothersome.
The most common causes of these problems are infections from a virus or bacteria […]
How to protect yourself from the sun
Learn to look after your skin in the sun and don`t take any risks.
Every summer you hear that you need to be careful with the sun and protect your skin.
But, do you? And, even more important, do you do it properly?
The skin has a memory and, with the passage of time, all the excesses y […]
Watch out for you freckles and moles (nevus).
Seek medical advice about any anomaly in the moles on your body. It is important.
Early detection of anomalies in moles and blemishes on the skin is very important as early treatment is definitely the best way to prevent a greater evil.
Any change in the shape, thickness, aspect and size o […]
Pros and cons of sunbathing
Take care when sunbathing and avoid risks for your skin and health.
The sun can cause irreparable damage to your skin so when exposed to it, wear solar factors that filter the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.
How can the sun harm you?
- It damages the skin`s collagen and elastin.
- It […]
To stop bloating, avoid retaining liquids
At some stage in life, everybody has felt bloated. Your tummy is swollen, your clothes feel tight, and you do in fact weigh more. You notice it in your hands, legs and feet as well.
What’s wrong with you?
Men too can suffer from bloating but it is more common in women for hormonal reasons, t […]
100% natural operation bikini
Get your skates on if you want to spend the summer in enviable shape.
Here we are again. It seems like only yesterday when you finished getting your body in shape for a swimsuit and another year has passed and you’re back to square one. You haven’t toned your body, or moved your joints and yo […]
Your healthy week
Take note of your weekly plan of exercise and food!
- Monday:
Upper abdominal exercises: lie face up with your legs bent and slightly apart. Hands behind your neck. Breathe out while you raise your shoulders from the floor, keep your chin up and your abdominal muscles tight. Inhale while […]
Eco-friendly beauty tips
Initially they were almost therapeutic for highly sensitive skins requiring chemical free products which were as natural as possible that looked after the skin without irritating it.
Nowadays, there are a large variety of eco-friendly cosmetics, from exfoliates, cleansers, moisturisers, soa […]
Operation Detox
For the last few days, you have been feeling tired, you have been sleeping badly, you find it hard to concentrate at work, you forget things and you have indigestion. Your body has probably accumulated toxins and you are incapable of eliminating them by yourself.
With a healthy diet, regular […]
Why you should look after yourself?
Take this advice if you want to look after yourself.
You have a healthy estimate of yourself. You think you are in good health as long as you are not suffering from any illness. However, there is more to the term “health” than that.
Before you answer this question, ask yourself if your qua […]
The intricacies of tying your shoelaces
Learn how to place your laces in your shoes and trainers in order to protect your feet
You learnt how to tie your shoelaces when you were four or five years old. You can hardly remember it except for the ditty you would repeat to remind you of the steps you had to follow.
Now you do it wit […]
Learn how harmful cigarettes are for passive smokers
Learn the risks they run and try not to cause it
Passive smokers are people who do not smoke, but who, without wanting to, are exposed to tobacco smoke, from the cigarette itself and from that exhaled by the smoker.
Nowadays, smoking is forbidden in closed public spaces like restaurants an […]
Learn to be more respectful of the environment
We do not choose the society we live in. It is passed on to us with the good and the bad and differs depending on the place we happen to be born in and the time in which we live.
The way we live our life and the way we relate to our environment depends on us and we can manage to live more […]