Midland Health News

Consultant Dietitian Arti Dhokia at Midland Health speaks out against the viral “three-bite rule”, explaining why it isn’t the magic fix many people believe, and what to focus on instead. The “three-bite rule”, which has taken off on TikTok, suggests that people can enjoy any food they like as long as they stop after three…

Figures from the UK Health Security Agency reveal the West Midlands’ university towns and cities with the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in 2024, based on the number of Gonorrhoea and Syphilis cases per 100,000 people. The figures reveal that Birmingham has some of the highest rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis in the…

In light of Alzheimer’s Awareness Day (21st September), medical experts are sounding the alarm on how commonly ignored age-related hearing loss can increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and sharing what people can do to protect their hearing and brain health. Studies have found that even mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia. For…

Looking after your heart starts with the choices you make at mealtimes. From everyday staples like carrots and yoghurt to flavour-boosting herbs and spices, a new list of 12 heart-supporting foods highlights how simple dietary changes can help maintain healthy blood pressure and promote long-term wellbeing. Arti Dhokia, Consultant Dietitian at Midland Health, said: “Diet…

In the UK, an estimated 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure. However, less than half have been diagnosed and/or are receiving treatment. In light of Know Your Numbers Week (8th – 14th September), health experts are encouraging Brits to get checked and make simple lifestyle changes to prevent serious health issues, such as…

In light of World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September), Raj Bassi, CBT Therapist at Midland Health, is urging people to recognise when everyday stress tips over into something more serious, and is sharing the hidden dangers excessive worrying can have on both your mental and physical health. “Stress is a normal part of life. A…

As the new school year begins, many children will feel a mix of excitement and nerves. For some, the transition can bring on real anxiety, whether it’s starting secondary school, moving to a new class, or simply adjusting to new routines after the holidays. Dr Minne Joseph, Senior Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Midland…

As social media pushes several restrictive, unhealthy diets to promote gut health and improve digestion, the low FODMAP diet is one of the few evidence-backed diets to relieve symptoms of IBS.  Arti Dhokia is a dietitian at Midland Health. She’s sharing everything you need to know about the diet, including the foods to avoid, and…

Methylene blue is social media’s newest supplement trend. It has historically been used as a textile dye and a treatment for a rare blood disorder. Now, it’s used by everyone from gym influencers to biohacker Bryan Johnson, and (seemingly) RFK Jr. People claim that, among other benefits, it boosts brain power, improves memory, and slows…

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. 1 in 142 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in their lifetime, yet many people are unaware of the symptoms. Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is sharing the common symptoms that are overlooked and the…

Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, is warning the public about the risks of relying on tools like ChatGPT for health advice, after a 60-year-old man developed a rare and dangerous condition by following AI-generated guidance. A 60-year-old man developed bromism, also known as bromide toxicity, after consulting ChatGPT about eliminating…

The cortisol cocktail is all over social media. Mixing coconut water, lemon juice, orange juice, magnesium powder, sea salt, and sparkling water can allegedly lower cortisol levels, relieve tension, and balance hormones.  Dr Rupa Parmar is a GP and the Medical Director of Midland Health. She’s sharing the benefits of the trend, the risks of…

Searches for coffee enemas have increased by 116% in the past year, and with alternative treatments for health problems on the rise, a GP warns that this trend should be avoided due to its major risks.  Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is spreading awareness about the dangers of coffee enemas…

In today’s high-pressure world, it’s no surprise that 1 in 5 children and young people experience mental health difficulties. But what might come as a surprise to many well-meaning parents is that certain everyday parenting habits, though rooted in love and good intentions, may be quietly contributing to a child’s emotional struggles. Dr Minne Joseph,…

Getting sick can completely derail your holiday plans. Britons made 42 million trips abroad in the first half of 2024. And with that number set to increase this year, Dr. Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, has some tips on avoiding illness when travelling abroad this summer.  Wash your hands Wash your…

The recent heatwave has prompted people on SSRIs, specifically Sertraline, to open up about the uncomfortable side effects the medication causes when it’s hot outside.  Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, also known as SSRIs, are mainly used to treat mental health conditions and work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Approximately 8.7 million…

Deaths caused by alcohol are at a record high in England, and Alcohol Awareness Week, taking place from July 7th, is aiming to promote responsible drinking habits this summer.  In light of this, and as the temperature rises, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is sharing why it’s so important to…

There are around 17,500 melanoma and 150,000 non-melanoma cases of skin cancer per year in the UK, and as we start heading into summer, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is raising awareness about the lesser-known skin cancer symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. Irritation Itchy or irritated skin can be a…

10 million adults in the UK are affected by migraines, which appear on the list of the most painful conditions. Sufferers are always looking for the best methods to reduce their pain. However, the latest social media claim is that ordering a large Coke and large fries at McDonald’s is a miracle cure.   Dr. Rupa…

Magnesium supplements have recently skyrocketed in popularity. Searches for “magnesium for sleep” are up 64% from last year, and there have been over 230,000 searches for “magnesium glycinate” in the UK this past month.  Viral posts claim the supplement can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and give people the best sleep of their lives. Dr. Rupa…