The content on Patient is peer reviewed by our clinical content team, following the NHS Standard for Creating Health Content.
Lawrence Higgins
Managing editor
BSc, Post Graduate Diploma
As managing editor of Patient.info Lawrence looks after all of our features and is a member of the Guild of Health Writers.
Lawrence works with the clinical director to make sure everything is accurate, up to date, and a great read. His career includes being deputy editor on one of the world's leading business magazines, writing Prime Ministerial speeches, and advising FTSE 100 companies on their media and editorial profiles. Lawrence lives by the sea and is a qualified beach surf lifesaver. He is passionate about the wellbeing benefits that being outdoors and can bring us.
Recently contributed to:
It's autumn and almost that time of year again for Diwali, a festival filled with celebrations, time with loved ones, and of course lots of indulgent foods and sweet treats. If you have diabetes, poor heart health, or are managing your weight, it can be hard to restrict the delicious Diwali foods you enjoy. With help from two dietitians, we share planning tips, food swaps, and recipes so that you can celebrate a more healthy Diwali - without missing out on your festive favourites.
It’s easy to dismiss a change in your toilet habits or to brush off stomach aches and bloating as dietary issues. However, if these problems are persistent and unexplained, they may be signs of bowel cancer - and spotting them early is very important.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we look at the importance of taking a mental health day at work - and how to ask for time off for your wellbeing. When life gets too much, taking a break from work can give you time to rest, recuperate, and put things into perspective. But it can feel difficult to take a day off for your mental health, especially if you don’t know if your boss is going to be supportive.
Every year, around 100,000 people in the UK have a stroke. Whilst there are around 1.3 million people in the UK who have survived a stroke many of these depend on others for their care as a result. Knowing your risk factors, getting them treated, and making simple changes to your lifestyle can cut your risk of stroke dramatically.
It's World Pharmacy Day and we explain when you can visit a pharmacist to receive advice and treatment for some simple illnesses, instead of going to see your doctor. Read here about the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, what conditions you can go directly to your pharmacist about, and what else you need to do.
