The state of the evidence

We look for the best health research. We ask patients about their experiences. And we regularly update our information.

Latest Topic

Preventing falls

Rugs, loose cables and slippery bathroom tiles are just a few of the many tripping hazards found in people’s homes. But other things can lead to falls too. This week we look at the causes of falls in older people, and what can be done to prevent falls.

Useful facts for parents

If a child cries a lot, has a fever and cannot sleep, parents might understandably be worried that it is something serious. Acute middle ear infections are often at the root of these symptoms. But this kind of infection is usually no cause for concern. Find out why that is, and why antibiotics are often not needed.

Things that can help

“That was my last cigarette!” – Many people decide to quit smoking after a bad cold or when making their New Year’s resolutions. But it is not always easy to actually stop smoking and stay a non-smoker. People often have to try several times before they succeed. Take a look at our feature to find out what products and other things can help people quit smoking.

No preventive effect

Pharmacies and drugstores offer a large number of cranberry products for the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as cystitis. These over-the-counter products contain substances called proanthocyanidins, which are thought to prevent infections by stopping bacteria from sticking on the walls of the bladder. Do they deliver what they promise?

Did you know . . .

. . . that screening tests can have harmful effects too? Our fact sheet describes why it can be worth carefully weighing the pros and cons of a screening test before deciding whether or not to have it.