How people with cancer can feel better by marching through March By Caroline Garrit It has been proven, irrefutably, that if people are able to be active after a cancer diagnosis then we are more likely to have better outcomes. We can reduce the myriad side effects – long and short term – from the various modes of treatment and, crucially, we can help to reduce our risk of the cancer returning. For those living with cancer, exercise can help slow its progression. There are no guarantees, of course, but exercising is one thing that we can do for ourselves, that we can take control of, and that ..read more

Mike McInnes, author of Honey Sapiens The latest research on the toxicity of caffeinated energy drinks in youth, highlighted by Kate Pickles in the Daily Mail, and focusing on sleep impairment, is most welcome. However, it does not uncover the full neuropathological damage to these young brains. Shocking though this is to acknowledge, these drinks are degrading human cognition at breakneck speed. Damage caused by consuming high levels of refined sugar As I explain in much more detail in my recent book, Honey Sapiens, high levels of glucose in the human circulation actually starve the brain of ..read more

Frances Ive – Author of One Step Ahead of Osteoarthritis For several years I have not been able to get up easily if I am bending down to a low cupboard to get something out, have a look or to clean it. In yoga I have avoided doing squats that hurt my knees. So, when I was asked to show the NHS physiotherapist some squats, I winced.  Then he suggested I did them daily to help ease my knees. It’s not always the arthritis in the knees that hurts, it’s often the tightness in and around them. By regular exercise, in this case, squatting, we can protect the knees by building up strength in the ..read more

Looking forward to 2024 All the signs are that the world is increasingly troubled by conflict and there is little hope of quick resolution. Conflict, strife and stress are, we know, risks for our short- and long-term mental and physical health and the statistics on the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions worldwide bear this out. Mental health problems are now the commonest reason people in the 25-40 age bracket in the UK are not able to work. As ever, HHB seeks to help its readers take charge of their own health by understanding the root causes of disease and improving their die ..read more

It is the time of the year for taking stock of what the Hammersmith Books team and our brilliant authors have achieved over the past twelve months. The year seems to have flashed by so fast it is hard to remember that 12 months ago we were waiting to launch Dr Sarah Myhill and Craig Robinson’s Underactive Thyroid: Do it yourself because your doctor won’t. That book has had an excellent first year, both in the UK and North America, thanks to our ongoing collaboration with US publisher Chelsea Green. The second edition of Myhill & Robinson’s Ecological Medicine has likewise seen great inter ..read more

This month is all about National Grief Awareness, and we understand that the holiday season can be tough. To spread some love and awareness, we’re giving away Lynn Crilly’s ‘Hope with Depression’, a fantastically practical book to help those suffering with depression. We asked Lynn to provide a few words on her book: “Christmas for some is magical while for others can fill them with dread and fear. In this fast, technology fuelled world we are all constantly bombarded with images of big happy Christmas filled with lots of food, family get togethers, presents and everyone living their ‘perfect ..read more

The Perfect Soup Recipes to warm you up as we enter the colder months As the days get darker and colder, we thought it’s the perfect opportunity to share some fabulous winter warming soups with you. Packed full of nutrients and brimming with vitamins and minerals, these will help keep you fit and healthy through the upcoming winter. Drinking soup during the winter months offers a multitude of benefits that cater to both the body’s physical well-being and the mind’s sense of comfort. As the temperature drops and the chilly winds prevail, a warm bowl of soup becomes more than just a meal—it beco ..read more

Embracing Winter: A Guide to Physical and Mental Wellbeing As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, preparing for winter becomes essential for both our physical vitality and mental peace. The colder months can often bring a sense of lethargy and gloom, but with the right strategies, you can not only endure but thrive during this season. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare, both physically and mentally, for the winter months ahead. Physical Wellbeing: Stay Active: Regular physical activity is a natural mood lifter. Engage in indoor exercises like yoga or try your hand ..read more

One of our amazing authors, Lynn Crilly, who has published a series of books on mental health, has recently appeared in a number of press articles outlining how to spot the early signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. These articles were released ahead of World Suicide Day on September 10th – a very important day in focusing attention on the issue, reducing stigma and raising awareness among organisations, governments and the public. Within the article Lynn provides four key pieces of advice on both spotting the signs of suicide and supporting someone who may be having suicidal thou ..read more

The latest book from fabulous author Beverley Jarvis is: Eat Well To Age Well. It covers some amazing recipes with a variety of delicious ingredients, all packed with healthy nutrients. The recipes are designed to be made by anyone, no matter their culinary abilities. Beverley has filmed some fantastic video content for us to share. Firstly 2 recipes from her book, an Asian inspired pan fried Turkey and Vegetable stir fry, secondly a Sweet Potato dish with Smoked Mackerel, Horseradish and Parsley In her second video, Beverley shares some simple healthy food swaps that we can all make to impro ..read more