Although many people know the common symptoms of pain and altered mobility that spine problems can cause, what is often less well-known is the potential impact on the bladder. This effect can range from mild to a medical emergency and in this article we look at what can cause this, what signs to look for, what treatments are available and when to seek medical advice.

Biohacking is a term that's been buzzing around health and wellness circles for some time now. But what exactly is biohacking? Biohacking involves making small, incremental changes to your diet, lifestyle, and habits to improve your health, well-being, and performance. It encompasses many practices, from simple lifestyle changes to more extreme and experimental interventions. At its core, biohacking is about self-improvement and taking control of one's biology. This might include adjusting your diet to see how different foods affect your energy levels, experimenting with sleep patterns to optimise rest, or even using technology to monitor and enhance your body's functions. The idea is to use a combination of biology and self-experimentation to improve physical and mental performance. Biohacking has become so popular because it appeals to our natural curiosity and desire for self-improvement. In a world where people are increasingly looking for ways to feel better, live longer, and perform at their peak, biohacking offers a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to achieving these goals. It's about finding what works best for you through personal experimentation and scientific principles. Biohacking isn't just for scientists or tech enthusiasts. It can be as simple as making dietary changes, like incorporating more omega-3 fatty acids into your meals to boost brain function or using mindfulness meditation to reduce stress. For others, it might involve more advanced techniques like intermittent fasting or wearable devices to track and optimise health metrics. However, the world of biohacking also includes more controversial practices. Some biohackers, known as "grinders," experiment with implanting technology into their bodies to enhance their physical capabilities. These enhancements can range from inserting magnets under the skin to feel electromagnetic fields to more complex implants that can monitor vital signs in real-time. Despite the potential benefits, biohacking has risks. Many biohacking practices lack regulation and thorough scientific validation, which can lead to unexpected health consequences. Moreover, the ethical implications of some biohacking techniques, particularly those involving genetic modification or human enhancement, raise important questions about the limits of self-experimentation. In conclusion, biohacking represents a fascinating intersection of biology, technology, and self-improvement. Whether you're looking to boost your energy levels, improve your mental clarity, or enhance your physical performance, biohacking offers many approaches to explore. However, it's crucial to approach these practices with a balanced perspective, considering the potential benefits and the risks involved. Doing so lets you make informed decisions about how to safely and effectively hack your biology for better health and performance.

Gynecomastia, while it might sound intimidating, is a condition that many teenage boys experience during puberty. It's common and typically nothing to fret over. Let's delve deeper into gynecomastia, its potential causes, and what steps you can take if you suspect you're dealing with it.

You may be new to university and living in self-catered accommodation or halls of residence, or you may be starting out in a student house. Both scenarios come with the daunting task of needing to figure out how to cook, how to cook well, and how not to burn down the kitchen. Our medical team here at Healthwords has been exactly where you are – we'll run you through our top tips for finding a nutritious and balanced diet while juggling the demands and temptations of university.

If you’re choosing to live your life according to a particular set of beliefs, you’ll naturally want everything to be compatible with this. It's natural to feel nervous if you belong to a particular religion, faith or culture, or if you exclude certain food groups on ethical or health grounds, such as vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free diets. It’s also true of those who have serious allergies, like egg. You’ll be particular about everything you put in your body – food, drinks, medicines and, of course, vaccines. So let’s look at the COVID-19 vaccine, arms ourselves with the facts and address any concerns you may have.

Your turn has come, you’ve booked your slot, it might be at a centre you don’t know, but you're feeling ready. Let’s walk you through what to expect once you’re there, and top tips so your vaccine appointment runs smoothly.

PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction tests) have been used since the start of the pandemic to test for the presence of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and alert scientists to any new variants. A PCR test needs to be sent off to a laboratory, and results can take one to three days to return. Rapid lateral flow tests came in a bit later in the pandemic, and can be done at home, with the result quickly available within minutes and they resemble a pregnancy test. Generally speaking, the lateral flow test is useful for those without symptoms and the PCR test is for those with symptoms. Anecdotally, the PCR test may show positive a few days prior to the lateral flow test.

Children have much narrower airways than adults and a delightful curiosity to put objects in places – their mouth, nose or ear, for example. This puts them at high risk for choking on things – even a grape can pose a threat. While it’s awful to think about, it can feel empowering to learn what to do when an object blocks the airways, so you can help your child in an emergency. We’ll talk you through it. Those aged less than 1 are treated slightly differently, and it’s best to learn this technique from a live or online demonstration. This article may be a good starting block, but for added confidence, you could always find a local first aid course that covers choking and other emergencies – the British Red Cross is one provider, St. John's Ambulance is another.

You finally got your invite and booked your appointment, and you’ve heard various stories about what to expect after your vaccine. Millions have received this now, and the vast majority have experienced only mild symptoms or none at all, with serious reactions very rare. Forewarned is forearmed, so let’s go through the most likely symptoms for the hours and days after your vaccine, and what might help.

Human bites, though relatively uncommon compared to bites from animals, can pose significant health risks and complications if not properly addressed. Whether the result of an altercation, accident, or even playful interaction, human bites have the potential to cause injury, infection, and other adverse effects. In this article, we'll delve into the causes, risks, and treatment options for human bites to promote awareness and safety. Saliva is full of bacteria and possibly viruses, so if someone has bitten you or your child, it’s important to assess it carefully and seek prompt treatment. If the skin is broken, there’s a chance of infection getting in, and this usually requires antibiotics.

Dr Kandi explains the pinch test, and how it can help you detect whether you're adequately hydrated.

We all know how vital it is for athletes to keep hydrated to perform at their physical best, but how can dehydration affect our brains? Cognitive ability and a healthy mind are tougher to determine than who wins the 100-metre sprint, but we’ve gathered evidence from different ways to assess the brain and bring you some answers.