In China, seventy five people have been arrested who were performing gender selection for pregnant women. The majority of people using the illegal service wanted boys. China currently has a huge gender imbalance; 113 boys to 100 girls. The group, thought to involve over 300 people, were taking blood samples which they were smuggling to…
I teach students about networking. I think it is really important to understand the importance of networks and how they might help you socially and professionally. I love networking and feel comfortable doing it. I have a large network of friends and acquaintances. But I know that some people do not network – is it important?…
Did you know that strokes are the third most common cause of death in women? Or that strokes are more frequently seen in women than men? With this knowledge, have you considered that because women generally have a greater life expectancy, that women who survive a stroke therefore may suffer with its after effects for…
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. About 12,000 women die from breast cancer every year. But about 3 out of 4 women diagnosed with breast cancer are alive 10 years later. Breast screening saves lives from breast cancer. Screening can detect cancers at an early stage when they are…
As the UK goes into the (hopefully) last 8 days of lockdown, I am sure that many of us are feeling the strain. I am certainly not in a good place – I am bored, frustrated and angry. Being a single Mum and the only adult in the house, I am really craving friendships. Now,…
Pregnancy and giving birth can be a very lonely journey at the best of times. But what is happening during the pandemic? I asked midwives, health visitors, doula’s and women to tell me how women are coping. I would love to hear from those who are pregnant or who have recently delivered. How has your…
Fertility education is a global issue and this week we have launched a survey to ask women aged 25-45 about their attitudes to having children. Globally women are having children later and later, but our fertility has not kept up with this change in culture, and female fertility declines with age. In the UK, 20%…
When I lecture about the future of reproduction – I finish my talk introducing transhumanism. I always ask the audience if anyone knows what it means and so far the answer is always no. I have wanted to write a blog about transhumanism for many months and having just finished Jeanette Wintersens book, Frankissstein, where…
Friday 18th October was world menopause day. I presented at the University College London launch of our menopause network and policy (photo) with the wonderful Lizzie Ellis who has launched @Pausitivity2 and #knowyourmenopause poster. It was a privilege to be in a room with 60 women and one man who had different experiences and knowledge…
Recently I met the wonderful Miriam Akhtar. We are soon to be featured together on a TV programme and within minutes we connected. We are the same age, look similar and both have a very positive outlook on life. Miriam is a happiness expert – what a wonderful job title! She is an advocate of…
You probably know that I am a co-founder of the Fertility Education Initiative and we have been working to ensure everyone understands about their fertility and reproductive health. The Fertility Education Initiative responded to the earlier government consultation on sex and relationship education, recommending that children should know that fertility declines with age and that…
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. About 12,000 women die from breast cancer every year. But about 3 out of 4 women diagnosed with breast cancer are alive 10 years later. Breast screening saves lives from breast cancer. Screening can detect cancers at an early stage when they are…
For many years, some companies and IVF clinics have been marketing a test for women that they say can determine how fertile a woman is, even though there has been no evidence that the test is reliable. Such a test might give false hope to some women that they can delay starting a family as…
I am at that age when our kids are close to leaving home. I have had many conversations with my friends about what next? Chances are that many mothers have either taken a step back or given up their careers whilst they brought up their kids. For some, their social life and friendships have also…
A new year is a great time to set goals and at the top of your list should be a healthier you. I have heard too many women say that they do not have the time to eat healthily and exercise. But you really do. For 2018 – think about the seven dimensions of wellness….
A scientific paper out today in the journal JAMA Paediatrics has suggested mothers breast feed for longer if given financial incentives for breastfeeding. The world health organisation recommends exclusive breast feeding for the first six months. There are thousands of studies which show that breast milk is better than formula. But the majority of women are…
Wellness or wellbeing is defined as having a healthy and happy existence. The World Health Organisation defines wellness as “an optimal state of health,” concerning an individual’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state of being. There are several models of wellness which contain some or all of the following dimensions: emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, physical,…
Homeless women and girls of low-income families are still victims of period poverty: a phrase that was created to describe the inability to properly take care of menstrual needs due to lack of affordability. Here are 7 current facts about period poverty in the UK to keep you updated: 1) 1 in 10 girls…
It is Asexual Awareness Week – October 22-28 2017 – as there is little attention for this unreported group of people. An asexual is someone who does not experience sexual attraction. Unlike celibacy, which people choose, asexuality is an intrinsic part of who they are. According to AVEN: Asexuality does not make our lives any worse…
Tim Michins graduation speech is one of the most inspirational talks I have heard. Over the years I have made my ideals for life Work hard, play hard. Life goes fast so try to enjoy as much as you can. Do not let years pass you by. Set yourself goals – big and small. Opportunities will…
