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What are superfoods?

We examine the evidence behind the health claims of 10 of the most popular so-called superfoods. So-called, because there is no official definition of a "superfood" and the EU has banned health claims on packaging unless supported by scientific evidence. But that hasn't stopped many food…

What can I do if my child is overweight?

If your child is overweight, there's lots you can do to help them become a healthy weight as they grow. As a parent, it can sometimes be difficult to tell that your child is overweight. A child may not look particularly heavy to be overweight. And because…

What can I do if my child is very overweight?

If your child is very overweight, there's lots you can do to help them become a healthy weight as they grow. Very overweight children tend to grow up to be very overweight adults, which can lead to health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and…

What does 100 calories look like?

Find out what 100 calories looks like with this selection of everyday foods. Go straight to 100-calorie portions of: oil, mayonnaise and butter cheese sugar biscuits crisps meat and fish dried fruit fresh fruit vegetables Calories and kilocalories The term calorie is a commonly used shorthand for…

What happens at an NHS Health Check?

Your NHS Health Check is both quick and straightforward. It's also a sophisticated check of your vital systems, and is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the people who depend on you. Who carries out your NHS Health Check depends…

What happens during labour and birth

First stage of labour When to contact your midwives Second stage of labour Third stage of labour First stage of labour During the first stage of labour, contractions make your cervix gradually open up (dilate). This is usually the longest stage of labour. At the…

What happens if your baby is breech?

Babies often twist and turn during pregnancy, but most will have moved into the head-down (also known as head-first) position by the time labour begins. However, that doesn't always happen, and a baby may be: bottom first or feet first (breech position) lying sideways (transverse position) Bottom first or feet first (breech…

What happens straight after the birth?

It's natural to focus on your baby's birth while you are pregnant. But it's a good idea to also know what to expect after labour. Skin-to-skin contact really helps with bonding. It's a good idea to have your baby lifted onto you as soon as…

What happens to teen smokers?

If you start smoking when you're in your teens, get ready for stained teeth, wrinkly skin and a one-in-two chance of dying early. Effects of smoking at age 20 Nobody smokes their first fag thinking they'll be a smoker, but if you're experimenting it's easy…

What if I take an extra pill by accident?

If you've accidentally taken one extra contraceptive pill, you don't need to seek medical advice and you won't have any symptoms. If you've taken several extra pills, you may: feel slightly sick (nauseous) be sick (vomit) have some vaginal bleeding These symptoms will pass, and…

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