When people talk about self-care, it can sound like just another trend or a buzzword you see online. But self-care is really about the everyday choices you make to keep your body and mind in a good place. It’s not about spending loads of money or creating some perfect routine – it’s about knowing what helps you feel calmer, stronger, and ready to deal with life’s ups and downs.
The term self-care is used a lot these days, but what does it really mean? We take a look at what self-care means in practice and consider the benefits to your health - both mental and physical
By Amelie Barbara Dawson, 14
Oxford High School
By Blair Henderson, 17
Stewart’s Melville College
Imagine sitting in class after only four hours of sleep – struggling to focus, yawning constantly and wishing you had more energy. For many teenagers, this is a common experience. A healthier lifestyle means looking after your body, mind and social wellbeing in ways that suit your stage of life. This article explores what a healthier lifestyle looks like, how to maintain physical health, how to balance your daily routine, ways to care for your mental wellbeing, and how to take charge of important health choices.
Teeth and gums do more than enable chewing, speaking, and smiling. They are an important part of overall wellbeing, and taking care of them can bring benefits far beyond the mouth.
Why is a healthy smile important?
Ever come home from school after PE or a hot day and thought, ‘Wait… is that me?’ Body odour (often called BO) is something most people worry about at some point. It can feel embarrassing, but it’s completely normal. BO happens when sweat mixes with bacteria on your skin – it’s not just about being ‘dirty’. In this article we’ll look at where BO shows up, what causes it, and how to deal with it.
Many people are confused about whether they need to wash their vagina, and it is a question that comes up often. The short answer is: no, your vagina does not need cleaning because it cleans itself. What does need gentle washing is your vulva – the external part of your genitals. Understanding the difference between vagina and vulva is the first step to knowing how to look after your body in a healthy way.
Walk into any shop or scroll through TikTok, and you’ll quickly see rows of skincare products promising glowing, flawless skin. From fancy serums to 10-step routines, it can feel like everyone is doing something for their skin. But do you really need a complicated skincare routine? The short answer is no – healthy skin doesn’t come from owning every product on the shelf.
Gillick competency allows healthcare professionals to decide whether a young person is able to make their own treatment decisions without needing their, or their parent’s/carer’s involvement.
Organ donation is when an organ is given to save or improve the life of someone else. There are many different reasons why someone might desperately need an organ donation to survive. This might be due to a condition they were born with or due to a medical problem they developed later in life.
Choosing to be an organ donor means leaving a legacy that transforms the lives of others.
Study found that skincare products contain ingredients that increase the risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis.
By Amber Raiken
There is also a ‘critical’ need for more donors who have the so-called universal blood type – O negative blood.
By Rebecca Whittaker
By Janice Fernandes
Does the length of time you stand in the water make a difference? And what about the temperature?
By Kate Lloyd
This short guide explores the importance of self-care for good mental health and provides practical tips for implementing self-care strategies.
By David Skinner
When’s the best time to use mouthwash? Are interdental brushes better than floss? And should you scrape your tongue? Here’s the full lowdown on how to avoid decay and protect your gums.
By Sarah Phillips
A General Practitioner (GP) is a doctor who has extra training to work in the community, dealing with all kinds of health problems. You can speak to a GP about anything to do with your physical or mental health.