This level of sleep deprivation increases the risk of serious injury or fatality in safety critical situations. Published in Science Advances, the biomarker used a combination of markers found in the blood of healthy volunteers. Together, these markers accurately predicted when the study volunteers had been awake for more than 24 hours under controlled laboratory conditions. The biomarker detected whether individuals had been awake for 24 hours with a 99.2 percent probability of being correct, when compared to their own well-rested sample. When a single sample was considered without the well-rested comparison (similar to a diagnostic blood test), it dropped…

Losing weight is challenging. But as anyone who has ever successfully lost weight knows, it’s avoiding weight re-gain that’s the real challenge. This is true no matter what method you follow to lose weight. For example, studies show that people who follow very low calorie diets (between 800-1,200 calories per day) regain between 26% and 121% of their lost weight five years after treatment. People who follow behavioural weight management programmes (such as WW, formerly Weight Watchers) regain between 30-35% of their lost weight after one year. Even people who use weight loss medications, such as Wegovy, are…

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, tries out the Health Kiosk at Woden Road Surgery Residents can now take greater control of their health thanks to the rollout of new self service health kiosks at GP practices across Wolverhampton. The easy to use kiosks are designed to be used prior to appointments, allowing people to check vital signs such as blood pressure, height, and weight, and complete health questionnaires related to long term conditions like asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. This will empower people to have valuable information in advance of…

weakness,” is a powerful natural substance that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Found primarily in the Himalayan mountains, Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin that is created from the decomposition of plant matter over millions of years. It contains more than 80 minerals, as well as fulvic acid, which is believed to contribute to its wide range of health benefits. Here are some of the top health benefits of Shilajit. 1. **Boosts Energy Levels** Shilajit is a potent energy booster. It helps improve the body’s mitochondrial function, which is essential for energy production at the cellular level. By…

Sandwell is proud to announce that in the latest national Green Flag Awards, 15 of our parks and green spaces have once again been recognised as well managed. And we are even more pleased to announce that West Smethwick Park has joined them to win the prestigious standard! The Green Flag Awards are an international scheme recognising well managed parks and open spaces and it sets the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. This week’s award ceremony for the West Midlands, as well as for the East of England and…

Depression and anxiety are significant mental health concerns that disproportionately affect women. Biological, social, and psychological factors contribute to this gender disparity. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those associated with menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum periods, and menopause, play a crucial role in women’s mental health. For instance, postpartum depression affects around 10-20% of new mothers, underscoring the link between hormonal changes and depression. Social factors like gender-based violence, discrimination, and the pressures of balancing multiple roles—such as caregiving, career, and societal expectations—can increase women’s vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Women are often expected to fulfill traditional gender roles while also excelling in…

Sandwell Council is proud to launch Stop For Life Sandwell, a new community stop smoking service designed to help people quit and live healthier lives. Run by behaviour change specialists ICE, the service is free and available to anyone living, working or registered with a GP in Sandwell. Support includes: One-to-one behavioural support Tailored quit plans Advice on Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and vapes, plus 12 weeks of free products The Best-You healthy lifestyles app The service is welcoming, easy to access and here to help people take that first step – or try again – on their journey to…

The City of Wolverhampton Council celebrated its place among the nation’s best at the prestigious National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards 2025. With over 1,000 attendees from across the UK, the event showcased excellence in social care and support for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. The council was named a finalist in 2 major categories – the Employer of the Year Award and the Positive Behaviour Support Award. Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Christopher Burden, said: “As a council, we are committed to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and beyond, and these…

Children and young people across Wolverhampton can enjoy a summer packed full of fun, free activities with Yo! Active over the holidays. Yo! Active is delivered by WV Active and Wolves Foundation and offers a wide range of free activities all year round to children and young people aged up to 18, or 25 for care leavers or those with a disability. Young residents whose family pay Council Tax to the City of Wolverhampton Council can take their pick from over 40 hours of free physical activity sessions per week, including free swimming, gym and court hire, multi sport sessions,…

Sandwell Council is exploring online digital solutions for unpaid carers that provide information, guidance, advice and support at times when standard services are not available. Some of the £300,000 funding secured from the Department of Health and Social Care’s Accelerated Reform Fund has enabled our Adult Social Care team commission Bridgit Care – which is an online platform designed to offer localised content tailored to the needs of carers 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Interactive workshops took place during May aimed at giving carers hands-on access to test the new website, with insights shared with the…