Features

Read the journal’s professional features, analysis, clinical updates and practice-related articles.

Health equality - can it ever be reached?

Landmark reports have shockingly revealed growing gaps between the health and life expectancy of the rich and poor in the UK. Journalist Jo Waters asks why these inequalities exist, plus if and how it’s possible to help bridge the divide.

AnalysisHealth and wellbeing, Vulnerability

Autism and activity: keeping it up

Psychologists Jez Janda and James Smolinski show how increasing physical activity among children with autism spectrum condition can transform the way interventions are delivered in the community.

AnalysisHealth and wellbeing, Behaviour

More than words

Nurturing language development in children should start from an early age, experts agree. But how can you support today’s parents to promote effective communication from the outset? Journalist Helen Bird reports.

Best practiceEducation, Growth and development

Cystic fibrosis: clear way forward

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease – especially in a time of pandemic – that affects the lungs, digestive system and other parts of the body. Treatment is a challenge, but that could be about to change, says journalist John Windell.

ClinicalHealth and wellbeing

MacQueen: a pioneering placement

Rachel Carter and Rebecca Reynolds describe plans to help improve knowledge, skills and understanding in key aspects of public health and health inequalities.

Best practiceProfessional

Endometriosis: a cycle of pain

The scale of the misery caused to two million women by endometriosis will come under the spotlight during Endometriosis Awareness Month in March. Journalist Jo Waters reports on the drive for greater awareness.

ClinicalHealth and wellbeing

Climate change: the health impact

Climate change poses a huge challenge to public health. While awareness is growing, there’s much to be done. Journalist Linsey Wynton looks at the depth of the emergency and in turn asks how healthcare can help save the planet.

AnalysisHealth and wellbeing

Guilt and shame: just another day at the office

Leaving a new baby to return to work is, for many, the toughest part of becoming a parent. Journalist Helen Bird asks how you can help parents to deal with the emotional toll and face the fear of separation.

AnalysisMental Health

Alarm bells ringing: the adult care crisis

Successive governments have failed to stop the rot in the adult social care system, and it is now approaching crisis point. As we go to the polls, journalist Linsey Wynton explores what’s at fault, what’s needed and how urgently.

AnalysisHealth and wellbeing, Vulnerability

Keep them safe: safeguarding roles

Marcia Smikle discusses four safeguarding roles in which health visitors and nurses work with other agencies to keep children safe from harm.

Safeguarding

Keep on moving: new physical activity guidelines

Journalist Jo Waters outlines the update on the physical activity guidelines, and explains the importance of keeping babies and toddlers active.

Health and wellbeing, Mental Health

The case for race equality

Yvonne Coghill, director of Workforce Race Equality Standard Implementation at NHS England, on the progress being made against race discrimination.

AnalysisEmployment, Jobs, Professional

Crossing the line

Is there such a thing as safe recreational drug use when you’re a parent? Journalist Helen Bird investigates why mothers take substances such as cocaine and the impact it could have on children.

AnalysisSafeguarding

Just why do women face a fight for equal health

More women than men are dying from heart attacks, women’s pain is treated less aggressively, and conditions such as endometriosis can take years to be diagnosed. Journalist Jo Waters asks if women are getting a raw deal and how to redress the balance.

AnalysisEmployment, Jobs, Professional