HealthAOLSeven amazing things your body does during sleep
It may seem like your body's not doing much while you sleep, but it's actually rather busy doing a wide variety of things. These include replaying the day and making memories stick, keeping you from hurting yourself or others, and
HealthThe Independent‘I’m a hospital chaplain working during the coronavirus crisis – it’s the funerals that are the hardest’
The Independent’s ‘Dispatches from the Covid-19 frontline’ is an interview series detailing the reality behind the headlines as told by the nation’s vital key workers. The Revd. James Pacey is vicar of St John the Evangelist church in Carrington and county chaplain to the Order of St John and St John Ambulance in Nottinghamshire. He is also an employee of Nottingham University Hospital, working as a Bank Chaplain across two hospitals in the city. He tells Helen Coffey what it’s like to minister from afar.There is no typical day in the life of a vicar. Before the pandemic, an average day might consist of morning prayer, a midweek eucharist service, catching up with emails, visiting our community café, doing some admin, going on home visits and a meeting or two in the evening. Vicars are often described as being “paid not to work” – what that means is, although you might have a lot on, you’re available and around. You should never be too “busy” for people – I think that’s a damaging, corporate word.
HealthThe IndependentWhat childcare options are there for parents who develop coronavirus symptoms?
Following reports that Dominic Cummings travelled from London to Durham while sick with the coronavirus, Downing Street has come to the defence of the prime minister’s chief aide, stating that the trip was “essential” so that Cummings could ensure his child could be looked after.It was reported that Mr Cummings and his wife had travelled 260 miles to his parents‘ home so that they could help take care of their young son.
HealthThe IndependentCoronavirus: How to use touchscreens and self-checkouts safely
The coronavirus, known as Covid-19, affects lungs and airways causing symptoms of a cough, fever and high temperature, and shortness of breath, and can be potentially deadly.Because coronavirus is a novel virus, the NHS says it does not know “exactly” how coronavirus spreads from person to person but other similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
HealthThe IndependentCoronavirus: Lesser-known symptoms that could be linked to Covid-19
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the two main symptoms of the virus that members of the public have been told by the NHS to look out for have been a fever and a new, persistent cough.However, people around the world have reported experiencing various other symptoms, including loss of smell and taste, “Covid toe” and rashes on other parts of their bodies.
HealthThe IndependentCoronavirus: Can latex gloves protect you from catching deadly virus?
On 10 May Boris Johnson confirmed the UK lockdown would be continuing but that restrictions will begin to ease in the coming weeks.The order has been in place since 23 March when the prime minister first told the nation they should only leave the house for several key reasons.
NewsThe IndependentCoronavirus antibody test: What is it and how can I get a home testing kit?
In March, the NHS outlined plans to run 10,000 tests for coronavirus a day amid the pandemic.Shortly afterwards, the government announced its intention to carry out 100,000 coronavirus tests by the end of April, which Boris Johnson appeared to increase to a target of 200,000 a day in May.
HealthThe IndependentCoronavirus: When might the UK lockdown come to an end?
On Monday 23 March, prime minister Boris Johnson placed the UK on lockdown, meaning that all but essential businesses were to close with immediate effect, while members of the public were to stay in their homes except to shop for essentials or go out in certain circumstances, including one form of daily exercise.Three weeks later, Dominic Raab announced lockdown would continue for at least another three weeks into May and said lifting restrictions too soon would only spread the virus, further damaging the economy.
HealthThe IndependentHay fever or coronavirus: How to tell the difference between allergies and Covid-19 symptoms
Since being placed in lockdown on 23 March, the UK has experienced a bout of blue skies and sunshine.While the nice weather is something to be enjoyed within the lockdown guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic, this season may also see hay fever symptoms flare up among those with the condition.
HealthThe Independent‘If anyone tells you a date they’re using a crystal ball’: When can we really expect coronavirus to end?
The first case of coronavirus transmitted in the UK was reported on 31 January. There have since been tens of thousands of deaths across the nation.In a bid to combat the continued rise in cases, Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the nation in lockdown on 23 March (and it was extended again on 16 April by Dominic Raab), which meant working from home where possible and not undertaking any non-essential travel. Meanwhile, those with underlying health conditions, people over the age of 70 and pregnant women were told that from 21 March they should self-isolate at home for a period of 12 weeks.
HealthThe IndependentCoronavirus: What is the difference between Covid-19 and the common cold and flu?
On 10 May Boris Johnson confirmed the UK lockdown would be continuing but that restrictions will begin to ease in the coming weeks.The order has been in place since 23 March when the prime minister first told the nation they should only leave the house for several key reasons.
HealthThe IndependentCoronavirus tips: Should you take paracetamol rather than ibuprofen to treat symptoms?
Currently there is no specific treatment for coronavirus and any potential treatment, in hospital or elsewhere, simply aims to relieve symptoms rather than cure them.So what should you do if you’re at home with symptoms and waiting for them to pass?
HealthThe IndependentCoronavirus: Why do people seem to feel groggy and tired during lockdown?
Ever since the UK was placed in lockdown on Monday 23 March, people across the nation have had to quickly acclimatise to spending an increased amount of time at home and indoors.Disruptions to everyday life have been far-reaching. While some have had to become accustomed to working from home every day, others have been unable to work at all.
HealthThe IndependentCoronavirus: Why are loss of smell and taste symptoms of Covid-19?
Throughout the course of the coronavirus pandemic, discussions have taken place surrounding the possibility that the virus can be spread by people who are asymptomatic.Although the two primary symptoms of Covid-19 have been widely cited as a high temperature and a new, continuous cough, in March health officials have stated that loss of smell and taste could also be lesser-known symptoms of the virus.
LifestyleThe IndependentWorld Menstrual Hygiene Day 2020: Alternative sanitary products, from period pants to Mooncups
Every person on the planet who experiences periods will agree that preparing for that monthly visitor can be incredibly frustrating, not to mention expensive.Strategically choosing what clothes to wear just in case you have an accident, spending a fortune on products that you need in order to go about your day somewhat normally, seeking solace from a hot water bottle and a jar of Nutella… it can be quite a struggle.
HealthThe IndependentHow to watch Joe Wicks’ hugely popular PE workout online
Millions of children are spending their mornings joining Joe Wicks for a free live PE lesson following the closure of schools in the UK amid the coronavirus pandemic.In March, the 33-year-old fitness instructor held his first virtual PE class on YouTube to ensure children are still keeping fit from home.
NewsThe IndependentMenstrual Hygiene Day: Period poverty is getting worse during lockdown, charity warns
Shortages of sanitary products and price hikes during the coronavirus pandemic have led to a rise in period poverty, a children’s charity has warned.As countries around the globe have been forced into lockdowns to help curb the spread of Covid-19, people across the globe are facing increasing struggles to access the sanitary products and facilities they need to manage their periods hygienically and with dignity.
LifestyleThe IndependentMenstrual Hygiene Day 2020: What is it and why is it so important?
Each day, an estimated 300 million people menstruate around the world and being able to access sanitary products, safe and hygienic spaces in which to use them and the right to manage their periods without shame, is essential.However for many people across the globe, this is not the reality.
HealthThe IndependentApprentice contestant company’s adverts banned for implying ‘cure for coronavirus’
A former contestant of The Apprentice has had his company’s adverts banned for implying that the products offered a “cure for coronavirus“.The company Revival Shots, which was founded by Daniel Elahi, says on its website that it offers “revival rehydration and recovery” with products that are “backed by science”.
NewsThe IndependentMore than 80 per cent of parents would not have travelled for emergency childcare during lockdown, survey finds
More than 80 per cent of parents would not have travelled for emergency childcare in lockdown, new research has found.Mumsnet surveyed 965 of its members to uncover their views on emergency childcare in lockdown following the controversy surrounding the prime minister’s chief advisor, Dominic Cummings.
HealthThe IndependentCoronavirus: Why are survivors being asked to donate plasma?
Health officials in the UK have issued a rallying call for those who have recovered from the coronavirus to donate their plasma.According to preliminary research, there are three groups of patients whose plasma could have the most potential to help others, due to the antibodies produced by their immune systems when fighting the virus.
CelebrityThe IndependentChrissy Teigen reveals she is having her breast implants removed following criticism over coronavirus test
Chrissy Teigen has revealed she is getting her breast implants removed.The model and cookbook author was pushed to reveal the details of her upcoming surgery after she was criticised on social media for having an at-home coronavirus test.
CelebrityThe IndependentNormal People’s Daisy Edgar-Jones opens up about hypochondria: ‘When I feel anxious it comes out in different ways from me’
Daisy Edgar-Jones has spoken about her struggle with hypochondria, explaining that the condition is one of the ways in which her anxiety manifests.Speaking on the podcast “How to Fail with Elizabeth Day”, the Normal People star said that she went through a particularly anxious period when she left school and her friends went off to university, which she chose not to attend in order to pursue her acting career.
HealthThe IndependentChildline holding counselling sessions for young people 'every five minutes' during coronavirus lockdown
During the coronavirus lockdown, Childline has been holding one counselling session on average every five minutes for young people concerned about their mental health and wellbeing.According to the child counselling service, a total of 16,644 counselling sessions were given to children with mental health concerns between 23 March, the start of lockdown, and 10 May.
HealthThe Independent‘Being careless could literally kill you’: Why some people are hesitant to see friends as lockdown eases
I wavered when I received the first invitation. Almost a week after Boris Johnson announced the initial easing of lockdown measures, a friend asked if I wanted to meet up, considerately enquiring: “Would you be open to a walk on the common?”On Sunday 10 May, the prime minister set out the government’s roadmap to lessening what he described as “restrictions on freedom […] of a kind that we have never seen before in peace or war.” As part of phase one, people in England are now permitted to spend time outdoors with one other person outside of their household if they maintain the two metre social distancing guidelines. The government’s “Stay at home” slogan was also replaced with the message “Stay alert”.