Sweat, stingers and scratching: 14 expert, easy ways to treat and prevent insect bites

Some of us seem to be bitten much more than others – and in unlucky cases this can lead to an allergic reaction or chronic illness. Pharmacists explain how to avoid the worst insects have to offer

Don’t call it morning sickness: ‘At times in my pregnancy I wondered if this was death coming for me’

The long read: The Victorians called it ‘pernicious vomiting of pregnancy’, but modern medicine has offered no end to the torture of hyperemesis gravidarum – until now

‘There are times I feel I hate them’: how siblings can clash over end-of-life care for elderly parents

New research reveals the anxiety around the care of Australia’s ageing population, and what happens when families love deeply but plan poorly

I spent my childhood in and out of hospital. At 19, I finally realised I had a terminal disease

Born with cystic fibrosis, Yvonne Hughes was lucky to survive her teens. She definitely didn’t expect to make it into her 50s. The comedian talks about the years she spent struggling to breathe – and the ‘miracle’ drug that turned her life around

Becoming a paramedic changed me. But not in the ways I expected

From trampolines to smartwatches, the job has changed how I see everyday life. It’s a kind of hyper-awareness that doesn’t switch off

The one change that worked: I was a serious coffee addict. Now, on one cup a day, I feel so much better

I kicked my habit on a retreat. Now I savour my daily coffee dose, which clears my thoughts and gives me a sense of wellbeing

Is it true that … natural salt is healthier than table salt?

The mineral benefit in natural salt is ‘laughable’, says our expert. Just reduce your overall salt intake – and beware how much is hiding in bread and sauces

A hero among hormones: why cortisol is something to celebrate rather than stress about

Forget cortisol belly, cortisol face and cortisol-reducing cocktails. Without cortisol we wouldn’t even get out of bed in the morning

Volunteers map 10,000 routes in Great Britain to help make walking accessible

Campaign group Slow Ways developing app for disabled people, parents with children, older people and others

Many DIY health tests could give false results, studies find

Review of test kits for conditions including high cholesterol and cancer calls for tighter regulation to improve safety

OurChemist

Our Chemist – Health