Homepage

The Wellbeing Hub is a one-stop-shop for health topics, spanning pregnancy and child health to healthy ageing and everything in-between – we’ve got your back.

We’ll help you look after yourself, from specific men’s health and women’s health related topics, to our expert-approved tips and guidance on exercise and eating well.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Why not use our Ask the Expert service. Our online service allows you to ask our team of friendly and experienced nurses, midwives and pharmacists about any health topic.

Supporting you to live life well

Ageing well

Maintain your energy, flexibility and strength by taking care of yourself now.

Childcare

We're here to help you navigate the waters from newborn to teenage health.

Pregnancy

From questions about giving birth to newborn nutrition, we're here to help.

Men's health

Helping you to look after your yourself, from hair loss to sexual health.

Women's health

From menopause and sexual health, we'll guide you to the support you need.

Ask the Expert

Got a question on your wellbeing? Ask us online or call us

Don’t miss out on new health and wellbeing content. Subscribe to our monthly Better Health newsletter.

Our top articles

Mental health

Staycation ideas and benefits

Taking a break from the norm can do wonders for our health and wellbeing, but you don’t have to go abroad, or even leave home to feel the benefits. Finlay Haswell, Programme Lead Physiologist at AXA Health, shares some great tips to help you make the most of your staycation.

Wellbeing

The Shona Vertue edit

We asked personal trainer Shona Vertue, creator of the hugely successful ‘Vertue Method’ for her top 5 picks to complement any fitness regime. Here's what she had to say...

Wellbeing

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptom diary

If you have been diagnosed with IBS, it’s important to keep track of your symptoms, as this can be helpful in managing the condition.

Wellbeing

Food to fuel your feelgood

Can the food you eat really improve your mood? Yes, according to Raj Kundhi, Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr), here at AXA Health.

Wellbeing

Steps to becoming active – your way

Say goodbye to unsustainable fads and short-term gains. Sarah Kemp, Health and Wellbeing Programme Manager at AXA Health, shares some great tips to get active in a way that's right for you.

Conditions

Colds and the flu jab

It is possible that you in fact have been dealing with the adenovirus...

Wellbeing

Employment rights and IVF

During the IVF process you are not entitled to any extra time off or specific changes to your job role however, within your job contract you should be able to take time off to attend some of the medical appointments...

Wellbeing

MRI scan claustrophobia and PSA level

PSA levels can be affected by aging, infection, enlargement of the prostate, surgical procedures and exercise as well as cancer...

Wellbeing

I have had an ache in my left testicle for about a month now...

An ache in the testicles can happen for a number of different reasons...

Wellbeing

Constipation and overflow

If you are experiencing overflow then it usually indicates a high level of constipation...

Wellbeing

Why can people on statins not eat grapefruits ?

It is known that grapefruits contain a group of chemicals, furanocoumarins, which can alter drug metabolism...

Wellbeing

How to choose a consultant

Trying to find an orthopaedic consultant for a planned surgery type can sometimes feel like an overwhelming experience, so we're here to help.

Wellbeing

How long should I be taking probiotics?

Probiotics are microbial food supplements that are said to help keep your digestive system healthy. Currently there is no recognised or definitive duration of use of probiotics, but it is noted that there is no evidence of harm caused by them.

Conditions

Swimmer's ear on holiday abroad

Swimmer’s ear, when the ear canal becomes blocked with water and wax, often occurs after spending time in the sea or pool while on holiday. It usually passes over a period of a few day but can lead to an infection, which needs to be treated before you fly home.

Conditions

Blocked ear and flying

It sounds like from the symptoms you describe that your inner ear and middle ear may well be blocked with a build-up of wax. It’s also possible that you have an ear infection.

Wellbeing

Where can I get a full health check?

You ask about having a health check but do not give any indication as to what your health concerns may be. As a result the information provided below is only general.

Wellbeing

Memory and menopause

The types of symptoms you describ are all too common with an oestrogen level that is becoming lower.

Wellbeing

Vaccines across the world

As well as considering recommended vaccines for the countries you plan to visit, it's important to confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date...

Wellbeing

Online health assessment

Health assessments, or screenings as they are sometimes called, give you a better understanding of your health and your future health risks – based on where you’re at now, your lifestyle and your family medical history.

Wellbeing

Water safety in Thailand

Here are some things you may want to consider about drinking water and bathing in Thailand...

Wellbeing

I am borderline osteoporosis

Clinically, osteoporosis is a disease characterised by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue...

Wellbeing

Itchy lower legs question - AXA PPP healthcare

Treating the itch may require you to underpin the cause

Wellbeing

I am considering taking HRT for the menopause

During the menopause your body stops making regular amounts of oestrogen...

Wellbeing

I have baggy kidney (hydronephrosis) and elevated liver enzymes

“Baggy kidney” – or hydronephrosis – is a condition where urine builds up inside one or both kidneys causing them to become stretched and swollen...

Wellbeing

Since the menopause I have put weight on, how can I lose it?

When women reach the age of 45 to 55 years old, they usually start the menopause.

Wellbeing

Would weightlifting make my hernia worse

Inguinal hernias are fairly common in men and they can be caused by a loss of tone.

Wellbeing

Is a constant urge to pee a sign of an urinary tract infection?

The symptoms you describe suggest that you have a water infection, also known as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Heart

How much salt should you eat per day?

How can you get the balance right?

Wellbeing

Health benefits of swimming

What’s the perfect form of exercise with minimal risk of injury that’s suitable for all levels of fitness?

Skin

Face masks and skin irritation

How to avoid skin irritation, soreness and break-outs when wearing a face mask.

Wellbeing

Mesonutrients: putting the ‘super’ in superfoods

We’ve known for some time that nutrients found in certain foods and drinks – like turmeric, blueberries and green tea – have earned them the title of ‘superfoods’, a term first coined by health food marketers.

Sleep

Tips to help fight fatigue and boost your energy

Fatigue can be caused by many factors and these often work in combination. AXA Health Physiologist Jermaine Izukanne looks at the symptoms and causes of fatigue and how we can help banish long-term tiredness for good.

Mental health

Looking after yourself during self-isolation

Not knowing when we may be able to return to our normal routine makes it all the more important that we stay mentally well and be kind to ourselves through these uncertain times.

Mental health

Staying connected while working remotely

Remote working may be tricky at first, but there are many ways to stay connected, stay well and stay happy during these uncertain times.

Mental health

Top tips to stay positive during adversity

Keeping a positive mindset during unsettling times might feel more easily said than done, but it is possible. Daniel Poulter, Physiologist at AXA Health, shares his top tips for achieving a positive mind-set during difficult times.

Mental health

Top tips for healthy eating when working from home

Working from home is becoming more common for many people, but along with the positives of home working comes a slightly out of kilter routine. If you feel like your usual balanced diet has gone out the window since starting to work from home, Jermaine Izukanne, Physiologist at AXA Health, shares his top nutrition tips to get you on track.

Mental health

Setting up a healthy work station at home

If you’ve recently started working from home, or if it’s the norm for you, having a healthy work station set up is important, for your personal wellbeing and to maintain your productivity. Anna Fountain, Junior Physiologist at AXA Health shares her top tips on how to make your home workspace work for you and for your business.

Mental health

Top tips for leaving lockdown

As lockdown measures start easing and the days, for some, begin to resemble a little more of our lives pre-coronavirus, we understand that there may be a sense of anxiety about the uncertain upcoming changes to our lifestyles. We’ve asked Dr Mark Winwood, Clinical Lead for Mental Health Services at AXA Health, for some of his top tips for coming out of lockdown.

Mental health

6 top tips to help you make positive changes

It’s normal to fear change because it takes us out of our comfort zone, but stretching our boundaries can also open up a whole world of opportunities. AXA Health Junior Physiologist Jermaine Izukanne shares his top tips on how to make positive changes to our life.

Wellbeing

Top ways to stay healthy in winter

Winter can be a good time to generally improve your wellbeing...

Wellbeing

Vitamins for eye health

AXA Health physiologist Anthony Glock explains what nutrients we should be consuming to ensure we are giving our eyes what they need and what foods provide them.

Wellbeing

Being productive when working from home

Being productive whilst working from home can be challenging. Being realistic about your goals and workload and trying to keep your home life separate are key.

Mental health

How to structure your day when working from home

Hannah Wardley, Junior Physiologist at AXA Health, shares her top tips to boost your efficiency by adding some structure to your day working from home.

Anxiety

Supporting others when social distancing

While circumstances prevent us from having close face-to-face contact with others, it doesn’t mean having to lose contact altogether, particularly from those who may need our help.

Wellbeing

How to bond with your baby

Bonding is the intense feeling of love and attachment that you develop for your baby. Rosie Henley, a registered midwife in our Health at Hand team explores the topic and offers her top tips for bonding with your baby.

Heart

Your guide to gastric band surgery

Specialist Mr Moorthy, explains gastric band surgery.

Wellbeing

How to get the birth you want

Women have more choice than ever before when it comes to giving birth, and outcomes have never been so good, says Emma Cronin, registered nurse and midwife in our Health at Hand team.

Wellbeing

Nutrition

As we get older, things that we found so easy to do become more challenging.

Cancer

Med-style healthy eating in a cold climate

Simple ways to give British food a Med-style twist...

Heart

Summer foods that lower your cholesterol

Watching your cholesterol doesn’t have to go out of the window during summer.

Wellbeing

Top five tips for healthier BBQ food

Make the most of your summer with friends and family.

Wellbeing

From pregnancy to puberty and beyond - how do hormones affect mood?

Hormones have a massive effect on our bodies, controlling our development throughout our lives, as well as influencing moods.

Wellbeing

The health benefits of bananas

From packed lunch staple, to post work-out snack, breakfast cereal topper and pancake filler – there are many ways we use the under-rated banana to satiate our appetite. But did you know this nutritional powerhouse is loaded with more health-giving good stuff than we might give it credit for?

Musculoskeletal

Own Your Fears – Jay Jay’s story

Jay Jay has had her fair share of setbacks in life....

Wellbeing

Exercise and weight loss

Our experts answer your questions about exercise, fitness training and weight loss.

Wellbeing

Regular exercise

The benefits of everyday exercise from AXA PPP healthcare.

Wellbeing

Good fats and bad fats

Fats are a fundamental component of our diets, but the quantity and quality of the fats we eat is something that we should consider.

Sleep

Sounds of Silence

We explore the power of different sound frequencies

Wellbeing

Six steps to a healthier Christmas

Office parties, family gatherings, present shopping, long drives – Christmas has its fair share of activities that can wear out even the healthiest person. So, what can you do to ensure you are energised enough this December?

Stress

Working parents are struggling to find work-life balance

AXA Health research shows that working parents are using up their annual leave to meet the demands of life admin – those unavoidable tasks and events that interrupt our everyday lives. Find out how we can help.

Wellbeing

Drinking alcohol - your questions answered

For this topic, ‘Drinking alcohol – when is there a problem?’ Dr Mark Winwood, our Director of Psychological Services, hosted a live chat providing tips on cutting down on alcohol

Wellbeing

Health and fitness benefits of gardening

Regular exercise has a host of benefits but it doesn't have to feel like exercise...

Wellbeing

Health benefits of walking

Walking is one of the most underrated forms of physical activity, yet it has numerous health benefits, requires no equipment other than a sturdy pair of shoes, and it's free!

Wellbeing

Life after caffeine: Top 10 Survival tips

You’ve decided to consume less caffeine, but life without lattes seems bleak.

Wellbeing

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms and supplements

Public Health England has updated guidance for vitamin D.

Wellbeing

Dehydration – are you at risk?

Dehydration can result from simply not drinking enough water, sweating, vomiting or diarrhoea. Here's how to keep your fluid levels topped up.

Wellbeing

How much is too much alcohol?

In the long-term, excessive drinking of alcohol can cause many health problems.

Wellbeing

Feeling sluggish? 9 pick-me-ups that are caffeine-free

Reducing your caffeine intake has various health benefits. AXA Health's Dr Mark Winwood shares his tips for cutting down on caffeine.

Wellbeing

8 good reasons to curb your caffeine cravings

Caffeine can prevent melatonin from being produced.

Wellbeing

How to quit smoking

Ever feel that you are being constantly being pestered by family and friends to give up smoking?

Allergies

What’s that spot? 10 types and tips for parents

Are your child’s spots just itchy and sore or a symptom of something more sinister?

Allergies

7 steps to protect yourself from the effects of smog

How smog can affect your health and what you can do to protect yourself.

Wellbeing

Tooth extractions

If a tooth is badly broken down, sometimes there’s no option but to remove (extract) the tooth.