FROM MY SURGERY

HOW OLD IS YOUR HEART?

There’s a tongue-in-cheek saying, “you’re only as old as the woman you feel”, but new research shows 90% of over-30s have a “heart age” older than their birth certificate! Heart disease kills over 1 in 4 Brits and knowing your heart age can help you make healthy lifestyle changes and cut cholesterol and blood pressure, so have an NHS Health check.

EGGS ON THE MENU

You’ve probably heard the advice doctors have given for years to avoid runny eggs if you’re pregnant or elderly, because of the risk of salmonella. But after a nationwide push to vaccinate chickens against salmonella, the Food Standards Agency has now given the all-clear. So it’s now perfectly safe again to enjoy soft boiled eggs and soldiers – as long as you check that they carry the British Lion stamp.

SOCIAL TIME WITH DEMENTIA

Care home staff are often busy, and it can be difficult to interact with people with severe dementia. But a new study shows it not only makes a difference, it’s cost-effective too. Talking to care home residents about their interests, asking what they want from their care and helping them socialise for just an hour a week reduced agitation measurably.