Health news

Health SOS

Half of women will be carers by 46.* And two thirds of adults can expect to be unpaid carers for elderly, sick or disabled relatives in their lifetime. However, according to Carers UK, those who take on this responsibility of caring should be entitled to five to 10 days of paid care leave.

World health

Now in its 20th year, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust raises awareness and funds for those suff ering with cervical cancer. For more information and to get involved, visit jostrust.org.uk 20th-26th January 2020: Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

Raising awareness

1 in 6 resort to ‘sleep

divorce’

New research from Emma Mattress has found that our sleeping habits (or our partner’s) could be damaging our relationship. Those who share a bed with their partner suff er from insomnia (30%) and stress (26%), with the most common causes being snoring (61%) and getting too hot sleeping next to their spouse (46%). Additionally, almost half are kept up by their partner wriggling (47%) or stealing the covers (20%). The report also found that 17% of respondents experienced frustration and resentment towards their partner, while one in 10 said it had caused them a mental-health issue, including anxiety and depression. As a result, one in six now sleep separately from their partner at least once a week, and 2% consider breaking up. However, there are measures you can both take to avoid

His snoring’s a nightmare!

waking up on the wrong side of the bed in the mornings. ‘Identifying the cause (eg, snoring or being hot) will help you fi nd the best solution (eg, ear plugs or a mattress that won’t trap heat),’ says sleep expert Dr Verena Senn, who did the study. ‘Good sleep matters too much to ignore and might even save your relationship,’ she adds. Plus, sleeping with your partner can have added benefi ts. ‘Co-sleepers might benefi t from the calming eff ect of aligned breathing rhythm and the creation of a “safe sleeping space”.’

Rise in ‘selfi e wrist’ ops

Pain? Snap! W hether it’s snapping away on holiday or sharing a new hairdo, it’s fair to say we all love a selfi e. However, this trend has been linked to what experts have dubbed ‘selfi e wrist’ (AKA carpal tunnel syndrome), which can require surgery. Hand and wrist surgeon Dr Raj Ragoowansi has seen a rise in patients requiring procedures for the problem. Much like an overuse injury, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when we fl ex the wrist inwards in an unnatural position. If this is repeated, it can cause tingling or sharp pain, which can eventually lead to the nerve becoming infl amed and needing surgery. So it may well be safer to opt for a selfi e stick!

To share or not to share? 41% That’s the percentage of UK workers who have a hidden health issue that they have never disclosed to their employer, according to new research by Benenden Health. The survey also found that younger employees are the most likely ones to withhold this information from their bosses.