https://patient.info/rss Latest updates from Patient.info FeatureArticle Copyright 2026 Patient.info Think about the last time you had your blood pressure checked. Perhaps you were sitting in your GP's surgery, waiting for the cuff to inflate. Seconds later, two numbers appeared on the screen. Those numbers provide useful information about your blood pressure at that moment. But blood pressure changes throughout the day and night. Some people even have higher readings at the GP's surgery than at home - known as white coat hypertension - while others have normal readings in the surgery but higher blood pressure elsewhere (masked hypertension). Hilo https://patient.info/features/heart-health/what-happens-to-your-blood-pressure-when-youre-not-measuring-it oKG2nHjYOymSctbhkmDW2 2026-10-28T00:00:00.000Z Pumpkin seeds aren't just for Halloween. While they might remind you of carving autumn jack-o'-lanterns, many people enjoy them year-round for their health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at what pumpkin seeds have to offer and see if they deserve a permanent spot in your diet. Victoria Raw https://patient.info/features/diet-and-nutrition/are-pumpkin-seeds-good-for-you 1kow2B1KoHxOgL6fefFmEY 2026-10-27T23:00:00.000Z For many, Halloween has become a second Christmas. Spooky decorations appear earlier each year, evoking the same sense of nostalgia and anticipation as the festive season. But despite its medley of frights, screams, and jump scares, why does a holiday built around fear make us feel so cosy? We spoke to a psychotherapist about why feeling scared can sometimes feel good, and whether watching horror films could actually benefit our mental health. Victoria Raw https://patient.info/features/mental-health/why-do-we-love-horror-films-even-when-they-terrify-us 4wAqfKIzIBdFaapBeGapJ1 2026-10-21T23:00:00.000Z If someone needed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and you had the skills, you’d give it to them without wasting a second, right? Wrong. Almost a third of men say they would hesitate to perform CPR on a woman for fear of being accused of inappropriate touching. A similar number also worry about accidentally hurting women, and almost a quarter are concerned they could make the situation worse. So, to remind everyone that it’s ok to touch someone’s chest when you’re trying to save their life, we’re raising awareness with St John Ambulance. Claire Kenny https://patient.info/features/heart-health/breasts-arent-barriers-the-st-john-ambulance-cpr-bra-campaign 7ubmEkjn54eu5MOqmsi93L 2026-10-21T23:00:00.000Z The dark nights have arrived, and right on cue, Mike Flanagan has turned his attention to one of Stephen King’s most iconic tales of teenage torment and supernatural terror... Carrie. The story of a schoolgirl with telekinetic powers - the fictional ability to move objects using the mind alone - has gripped our morbid imaginations for decades. Little wonder, then, that this horror classic is getting a new lease of life in a television adaptation. But while we ourselves may not be able to bend spoons or move furniture, we do possess our own real-world form of ‘internal-telekinesis’. Through mental focus and controlled breathing, we can influence our heart rate and help calm an overworked nervous system. Hannah Boynton-Forshaw https://patient.info/features/mental-health/mind-and-body-control-how-to-channel-your-internal-telekinesis wyFqPoIKykTRtpJuiysK5 2026-10-21T23:00:00.000Z No one wants to be the neighbour who passes out plain fruit instead of sweets to trick-or-treaters. But what if you could make healthy Halloween treats more fun and appealing to children - or to your sweet-toothed friends and family? Amberley Davis https://patient.info/features/diet-and-nutrition/7-healthy-halloween-treats doc_32096 2026-10-20T00:00:00.000Z Whether it’s social pressure, a higher tolerance for ‘jump scares’, or a need to perform for the ‘gram, Halloween seems to have become a month-long fear-fest. But where does the shock and gore leave people who don’t want extreme horror? If your family or friendship group is a mix of fright fans and apple bobbing enthusiasts, read on to help everyone make the most of scary season. Claire Kenny https://patient.info/features/mental-health/halloween-making-scary-season-work-for-everyone 6fimiCSr9vx7R03ouJzz7Z 2026-10-19T23:00:00.000Z Have you ever woken in the middle of the night, certain there’s someone standing at the end of your bed, but found yourself unable to move or call for help? Perhaps you’ve sensed a dark figure in the corner of your room, felt pressure on your chest, or heard strange noises that seem to come from nowhere. It might sound like the plot of a classic ghost story. But there’s a scientific explanation for these frightening experiences - sleep paralysis. With Halloween approaching, we explore what happens during sleep paralysis, why some people see or sense a presence in their bedroom, and what you can do to reduce the chances of it happening again. Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCS https://patient.info/features/mental-health/is-your-house-haunted-the-science-behind-sleep-paralysis 62tIge2kNcHAzKMlFT3rhk 2026-10-19T23:00:00.000Z With Halloween and Bonfire Night falling so close together, they can feel like one big celebration, ushering in autumn's darker, spookier nights. From dressing up in frightening costumes to gazing at dazzling firework displays, there’s plenty of fun to be had. But while we’re all for getting into the spirit of the season, it’s important to stay safe, too. An ophthalmologist shares his advice on protecting your eyes, so you can enjoy the festivities without putting your vision at risk. Victoria Raw https://patient.info/features/eye-health/halloween-and-bonfire-night-how-to-protect-your-eyes-this-spooky-season 5JyCXZmPLW7O9r6T7MKzGJ 2026-10-19T23:00:00.000Z The Scandinavian Sleep Method involves having your own duvet instead of sharing one with your partner. But why is this trend gaining popularity, how could it affect your sleep, and is it worth trying for yourself? We explore all you need to know. Victoria Raw https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/the-scandinavian-sleep-method-could-separate-duvets-help-you-sleep-better aegSmDGhwLoW2Jz8EjJRq 2026-10-19T23:00:00.000Z