Being over weight could cut life expectancy as much as smoking 10 cigarettes a day, reports the BBC. A report published in the British Medical Journal revealed that the risk of a premature death could be increased 30% by smoking, being obese or seriously underweight. The study was carried out by the Karolinska Institute in read more »

Babies whose first months of life coincide with high pollen season are more likely to contract asthma, reports The Independent. The research carried out in California showed that air levels of fungal and mould spores increased in November and December, and babies born during these months were more likely to have developed symptoms of asthma read more »

For the past four years the Mental Health Foundation has been working with GPs to try and reduce the number of anti depressants they prescribe, and it seems they are finally seeing results, according to an article on the Guardian website today. Four years ago only 5% of GPs said they would prescribe exercise – read more »

The Special K Challenge a few months ago encouraged the public to eat cereal for breakfast and lunch and drop a dress size, and it seems there may be some truth behind it, reports The Telegraph. The small study conducted of 41 overweight people by Oxford Brookes University asked participants to eat a bowl of read more »

A new report has revealed that a women’s personality can be worked out by her facial features, reports the BBC. 1,000 readers of New Scientist took part in a survey where they were asked to submit a photograph of themselves as well as take part in a personality questionnaire. The results were then simplified into read more »

Considering the recent weather, we’re all inclined to believe in the healing properties of sunshine, but a new report shows there really is some truth in it, reports the Guardian. The study by Bristol University concentrated on the effects walks in the sun has on expectant mothers. Babies born towards the end of summer or read more »

Divorce is obviously a huge stress and strain on individuals, but it seems it could cause people to look older, reports the Telegraph today. A study of 186 sets of identical female twins revealed that the way someone ages is not predetermined, as was previously thought. Those who had been through divorce looked almost two read more »

A new survey by the Children’s Society has shown there is a strong link between children watching too much television and suffering from mental health problems, reports The Telegraph. Watching shows such as reality TV, soaps, and chat shows can give children unrealistic ideas and aspirations of beauty and wealth, and encourages children to be read more »