Healthy People

AXA PPP healthcare statement on the OFT’s referral of the private healthcare market to the Competition Commission

April 4, 2012 at 4:05 pm

We welcome the referral by the OFT of the market for privately funded healthcare services in the UK to the Competition Commission. We share its concern that there are several features of private healthcare provision in the UK that undermine competition in the market and make it difficult for consumers, GPs and insurers to make informed choices between competing providers on the basis of the quality and value of their services.

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Dementia research – more investment

April 2, 2012 at 8:10 am

News that the government is to double investment into dementia research to £66 million by 2015 is being seen as a sign that the disease is finally being given the priority it deserves.

More emphasis is also being put on earlier diagnosis and treatment – as, at the moment, according to the Department of Health, around 400,000 of the 650,000 people with dementia don’t ever get a diagnosis and therefore miss out on treatment which can stabilise their condition, as well as support services available from the NHS and charities such as the Alzheimer’s Society.

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Coming soon – our ask the expert live chat on cancer

March 27, 2012 at 10:47 am

Following on from our popular online ask the expert live chat session on heart health at the end of last month, we’re extremely pleased to announce that we have another session on Thursday 29 March.

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Sudden death syndrome

March 27, 2012 at 8:46 am

The terrifying collapse of Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba has put the risk of sudden cardiac deaths firmly in the spotlight.

Fabrice, 23 – who is thankfully now recovering – collapsed on the pitch last weekend in an FA cup match last against Tottenham Hostspur after he suffered a cardiac arrest. Fortunately, Fabrice’s heart was restarted with a defibrillator – equipment which all football grounds must have by law.

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Is it time to quit eating red meat altogether?

March 19, 2012 at 10:11 am

It’s enough to put off your Sunday roast, Saturday fry-up and bacon sarnies. According to new research, red meat consumption is really bad for your health.

The study by Harvard Medical School has found red meat consumption is associated with an increased risk of dying from any cause – not just heart disease and cancer. It is the latest in a string of studies revealing that our taste for steaks and burgers may take a huge toll on our health.

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