Want to live to 100? Here's how
Whilst the UK is facing an ongoing public health crisis and life expectancy is declining in a number of high-income countries, some tech billionaires have become obsessed with life longevity – but which factors really impact how long we live and when we die?
Public health expert Devi Sridhar speaks to Krishnan Guru-Murthy on Ways to Change the World about the launch of her new book 'How not to die (Too Soon).
She explains how changing public health policy could improve life expectancy, what the UK can learn from other countries when it comes to health, and what her own cancer diagnosis taught her about the state of the NHS' waiting list times.
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Metro
17 minutes ago
- Metro
Why people taking antidepressants should be careful taking the Tube this summer
If you're travelling on the Tube this summer, you're probably already hot, sweaty and miserable. But if you're on antidepressants, you might also be at risk of overheating. The hottest temperature ever recorded on the London Underground is up for debate. TfL's official statistics recorded 33.1C on the Victoria Line in August 2024. Ask any commuter down there during a heatwave, however, and they'll tell you it feels more like the burning gates of hell. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), used to treat anxiety, depression and panic disorders, are generally considered safe and effective. But they come with a major side effect that's often overlooked: heat intolerance. These common medications can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature, putting people at higher risk of heat exhaustion, especially in sweltering environments like the London Underground. Last year, more than 8.7 million adults were prescribed antidepressants, according to NHS data. Social media is filled with thousands of people's experiences with them, good and bad. And one common complaint in summer is the heat. Some have said they've been 'melting' and 'overheating', while temperatures have been hitting 30C, while others compare it to being 'burnt alive'. 'Taking antidepressants doesn't mean you can't enjoy summer, but it does mean you mean you need to be extra cautious during extreme heat,' Dr Asim Cheema, an internal Medicine and Cardiology specialist at Your Doctors Online, tells Metro. Dr Cheema explains that certain antidepressants, including SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature. 'Some affect the hypothalamus (which controls temperature regulation), while others reduce sweating, making it harder for the body to cool down naturally,' he explains. 'This can increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heatstroke during periods of high temperature.' Dr Cheema says this can occur when taking commonly prescribed SSRIs, like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, SNRIs, like Venlafaxine and Duloxetine, as well as tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline. 'Antipsychotics, beta blockers, diuretics and some antihistamines can also affect heat tolerance,' he adds. If you're travelling to work on sweltering public transport, spending most of the day outside, or just trying to enjoy the sun, there are some common signs of heat exhaustion to look out for. Dr Nikita Kanani, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Aneira Health, tells Metro, this can include dizziness, nausea and heavy sweating. Dr Kanani advises 'acting quickly' if you spot any of these symptoms. He suggests moving to a cooler place, sipping water slowly and using a fan or a damp cloth to cool down. He adds: 'Avoid pushing through your symptoms, listen to your body and importantly, talk to your doctor if symptoms persist – you may need to adjust when you take your medication or review alternatives.' To protect yourselves during the heat, he suggests avoiding direct sun exposure during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm). 'If you're out, wear a hat, use SPF, and take breaks in the shade. Planning outdoor time for early morning or evening can help reduce risk.' And for those braving sweltering public transport, he advises planning ahead where possible. 'Travel outside peak times, carry water, wear breathable clothing, and use a hand fan. More Trending 'If you feel faint or unwell, get off at the next stop, find somewhere cool, and rest. Never ignore symptoms – overheating can happen quickly.' Dr Kanani adds that while common, this side effect can often be overlooked and isn't routinely discussed. He adds: 'Especially when medications are first prescribed in the cooler months or if someone is starting treatment for the first time. It can also be underestimated in clinical consultations, where the focus is understandably on mental health support. 'As heatwaves become more common, we need to talk more openly about how medication affects our health in real-world conditions – especially for women and people with long-term conditions.' If you're taking antidepressants or any medication that makes you more susceptible to heat, Dr Asim Cheema advises the following: Recognise warning signs: Headache, nausea, confusion, or feeling faint can all signal heat-related distress, which is more likely if you're on certain medications. Stay well-hydrated: Dehydration can worsen side effects like dizziness or lightheadedness. Dress lightly: Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothes. Plan ahead: If you know you'll be on the Tube or in another hot environment, carry water, use cooling towels, and if possible, avoid peak travel times. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
New £11.7m community diagnostic test centre opens in Corby
A new £11.7m diagnostic centre that will deliver about 93,000 tests a year has opened in a Corby Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at the Willowbrook Health Centre site will also see procedures such as MRIs and ultrasound scans carried will be open seven days a week between the hours of 08:00 and 20:00, with patients referred to it for tests by their GP or by hospital Grimmett, the director of strategy at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, said the building was "an important development for local people offering a variety of tests away from our busy main hospital site". She added: "It will provide testing in the community, in as few visits as possible, enabling an accurate and fast diagnosis on a range of clinical pathways. "It will support GPs and hospital staff in diagnosing many major health conditions such as cancer, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), stroke and diabetes, at an earlier point."In turn this will help us to treat and better manage these conditions and reduce the risk of emergency attendances in hospital." The Corby CDC plan was first announced in early 2023 with public engagement events held in October of that year, as the scheme went through council planning approvals. Work started on the Corby site in June 2024 and was completed last centre saw its first echocardiography patients on 18 June and CT and MRI scans started from 23 will be run by the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire in partnership with Alliance Medical, an independent sector supplier, and has been funded centrally as part of national initiatives to deliver from CDCs across the CDC in Corby will also deliver a variety of other respiratory, heart and blood tests. These will include a dementia pathway designed to speed up diagnosis and awareness for patients with suspected dementia using MRI or CT diagnostic tests. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits heading to Spain, France and Greece this summer issued '24-hour warning'
Brits heading on summer holidays to Spain, France, Greece, Portugal and more European destinations have been warned of one essential task to complete now Parents have been warned they could have just 24 hours left to complete an essential bit of admin ahead of the summer holidays. Brits who are planning to head to the likes of Spain, France, Greece and Portugal may have their documents in order and their bookings confirmed, but there's one crucial task that they won't want to forget, or it could cause headaches on trips abroad. Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, has warned that there are "just hours" left to apply for essential health cover ahead of the school holidays. Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) mean that if you face a medical emergency when travelling to Europe, you can access state healthcare on the same basis as a resident in that country. You can apply on the NHS website for free, and once you have it, the GHIC lasts for up to five years. However, it's currently estimated that 1.53million cards are set to expire this year, so parents are being urged to check their documents and apply now for a renewal, to ensure it arrives in time for the summer holidays. Alicia explained: "With schools in England breaking up for summer as early as Friday 18th July, some parents now have just 24 hours remaining to apply for their Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) to ensure they arrive in time. "Free to apply for and lasting for up to five years, applying for a GHIC card couldn't be simpler. Visit the NHS website, provide the appropriate details and then wait 24 hours for your application to be approved. It is important to note that each family member requires a GHIC card, so parents will need to complete one for each child. Once approved, your card will be sent to your address and should arrive within 15 working days." It's worth noting that a GHIC card is not a replacement for travel insurance. Alicia added: "Having the appropriate travel insurance before your holiday is vital, as there are several things that GHIC doesn't cover, such as medical repatriation or treatment in a private health facility should you need it." Of course it's not jut your GHIC card that you'll need to check before a holiday. Brits have been warned to check their passports amidst new rules since Brexit. Most notably, rules have changed around what passports are considered valid. To travel to the EU, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure and must have been issued less than 10 years ago. If it falls foul of these two criteria, you could risk being denied boarding at the airport - and travel insurance is unlikely to cover you because they often warn that it's your responsibility to check your documents are valid for your holiday. Parents may also want to double check their children's passports even if their own are valid. That's because a child's passport is only valid for five years, so you'll want to make sure there's plenty of time to apply for a new one if you need to!
