What is self-care?

Everyone is talking about self-care at the moment - but exactly what is it?

Self-care vs. self-love: what’s the difference?

Self-care and self-love are probably terms that we’ve heard before. But we might not know what they mean in practice. It can also be tricky to untangle self-care from self-love and to work out where one ends and the other begins.

Key data on young people

An extract.

About cervical screening

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is a free health test available on the NHS as part of the national cervical screening programme. It helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes. It is not a test for cancer. 

Feeling bunged up? Don’t let poo be a taboo

By Katie Powell

Teens’ teeth

Why is a healthy smile important?

An attractive and healthy smile is important when meeting people and making friends. And it can boost your confidence and help you feel good about yourself.

7 Puberty changes only boys experience

Testosterone is the main hormone responsible for the changes in boys.

4 Puberty changes only girls experience

Oestrogen and progesterone are the two main hormones responsible for the changes in girls.

Why it makes medical – and mathematical – sense to finally vaccinate boys against the HPV virus

An article from The Conversation.

By Christian Yates, Senior Lecturer in Mathematical Biology, University of Bath

Healthy work-life balance for teens

My mum says it’s important to eat healthily and to exercise and to keep a healthy work/life balance so I don’t get stressed. I however find this very challenging as there never seems to be enough time in the day to get it all in. Can you please give me some tools to help me with managing my time better so that my life will be more balanced and I can live in a healthier way.

Self-care on a budget: 10 things to try

Self-care is incredibly important in helping manage and prevent depression.

What is self-care?

Everyone is talking about self-care at the moment - but exactly what is it?

Basically, self-care is doing things to improve and preserve our mental and physical health. It’s learning how to look after ourselves, so we can live in the happiest and healthiest way.

How often should you really shower?

Jake Gyllenhaal, Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell spark washing debate

Is there a ‘correct’ number of times you should be taking a shower? Dermatologists say Jake Gyllenhaal made a good point with his recent comments on bathing being ‘less necessary at times’.

By Hollie Richardson

Sometimes self-care is doing the things you don’t want to do

By Tanyel Mustafa

Teenage kicks: the pros and cons of caffeine consumption among teens

The boom in artisan coffee shops, energy drinks and social media trends are all contributing to a rising caffeine culture – but is it safe?

By Abigail Buchanan

‘Self-care’ is more than bubble baths

Looking after yourself can include mundane tasks such as hoovering your bedroom regularly – not exclusively glamorous holidays abroad and spa days.

By Marina Politis

Signs and symptoms of cancer

This page covers some of the key signs and symptoms of cancer, including those which can be early signs. Not every person with cancer has symptoms. But spotting cancer early saves lives, so tell your doctor if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you.

How do I check for cancer?

• It’s good to be aware of how your body usually looks and feels, but there’s no need to check yourself at a set time or in a set way
• Take charge and speak to your doctor if you notice anything’s that’s not normal for you
• Spotting cancer at an early stage can save lives

Immunisation in secondary school: just the facts

In the UK we have one of the most successful immunisation programmes in the world.

Get the best out of your me-time

By Alice Ford