Walking is more than just a way to move from point A to point B—it may be a simple yet powerful way to boost your mental health. While it is constantly known to impact your physical well-being, research has found that it can also help you tackle depression. According to the study, adults walking 5,000 or more steps daily experienced fewer depression symptoms compared to those who walked less. Mental Health benefits increased with more steps. For instance, research participants, who walked over for at least 7,500 steps every day saw a 42% reduction in depression symptoms.

Interestingly, even a modest boost in daily steps made a difference. Adding just 1,000 extra steps daily was linked to a lower risk of depression. Another analysis from the same study highlighted that people who hit 7,000 steps or more each day were less likely to develop depression than those who walked less. Experts have said that walking may reliably reduce depression by measurable amounts while also potentially lowering the risk of developing depression.

For their research, experts reviewed data from 33 studies involving over 96,000 adults to explore the link between walking and reduced depression symptoms. The studies used wearable devices like pedometers and smartphones to measure participants' step counts, typically over a week. The meta-analysis found that walking not only reduced depression symptoms but also served as a practical, low-pressure alternative to structured exercise, especially for those who might find more intensive workouts intimidating.

However, the researchers acknowledged some limitations. People who walked more might already feel better, and the study didn’t explore other factors, such as the potential benefits of walking in nature or with others, which could further improve mood.

How Many Steps Should You Walk Everyday?

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How Common Is Depression?

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The NHS has released an alert for people taking a widely prescribed medication used by millions across the UK. Diabetes rates are at an all-time high, with the latest data showing more than 5.8 million people currently living with the condition.

Diabetes UK estimates that around 4.6 million people have already been diagnosed. At the same time, close to 1.3 million people are believed to have Type 2 diabetes without knowing it. The number of cases continues to climb, with figures from 2023–24 showing an increase of 185,034 compared to the previous year.

What Is Metformin Used For?

Metformin is most commonly prescribed for people with Type 2 diabetes. It helps lower and stabilise blood sugar levels and is often the first medicine recommended, alongside changes to diet and physical activity. According to Healthline, it is not used to treat Type 1 diabetes.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels become too high. There are three main types. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and is usually diagnosed in childhood. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes such as healthier eating, regular exercise, and weight loss. Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin for life, while many with Type 2 or gestational diabetes may manage their condition through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.

Metformin Warning: NHS Issues Alert

The NHS says that people taking metformin should be aware of certain symptoms. Information published on the NHS website lists six common side effects of the medicine. These include:

• feeling sick
• being sick
• diarrhoea
• stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• a metallic taste in the mouth

The NHS also notes that metformin can increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Some people may experience low blood sugar, but this usually happens only when metformin is taken alongside other diabetes medicines such as insulin or gliclazide.

However, the NHS warns that there are other, more serious side effects. In two situations, patients are advised to contact their GP “straight away,” while one requires calling 999 “now.”

Metformin Serious Side Effects

According to the NHS, serious side effects are uncommon and affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 people. However, medical help should be sought immediately by calling a doctor or dialling 111 if:

you feel generally unwell with extreme tiredness, fast or shallow breathing, feeling cold, and a slow heartbeat

the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin becomes yellow, which may be harder to notice on brown or black skin, as this can indicate liver problems

Metformin Serious Allergic Reaction

In rare cases, metformin can cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. The NHS advises calling 999 immediately if:

• your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue suddenly swell
• you are breathing very quickly or struggling to breathe, including wheezing or feeling as though you are choking
• your throat feels tight or you have difficulty swallowing
• your skin, tongue, or lips turn blue, grey, or pale, which may be easier to spot on the palms or soles in people with darker skin
• you suddenly feel confused, very drowsy, or dizzy
• someone collapses and cannot be woken
• a child becomes limp, floppy, or unusually unresponsive, with difficulty holding up their head or focusing

The NHS adds that you or the affected person may also develop a rash that is swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or peeling. These signs point to a serious allergic reaction and may require urgent hospital treatment.

The public is being advised to limit close contact with others if they experience flu or Covid symptoms, as the NHS braces for a challenging winter ahead. A mutated, or “drifted”, version of the H3N2 flu strain is fuelling a faster and earlier rise in infections and hospital admissions in 2025. Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, has urged those who are eligible to get vaccinated at the earliest.

He said there are also everyday precautions that can help protect others, especially during the festive season. “If you have symptoms of flu or Covid-19, such as a high temperature, cough, or feeling tired or achy, you should try to reduce contact with other people, particularly those who are more vulnerable. Regular handwashing and good ventilation indoors both make a difference. If you need to go out while unwell, wearing a face covering is worth considering,” he added.

This guidance becomes even more important in the run-up to Christmas, when families tend to gather and older relatives, who face a higher risk of serious illness, are often present.

Flu Symptoms 2025: Less Obvious Symptoms People Often Miss

While many flu symptoms are widely recognised, some are less commonly associated with the illness. The NHS lists ten typical flu symptoms, which often appear suddenly.

Among these, three signs that people may overlook are trouble sleeping, a reduced appetite, and feeling unusually tired or drained. During the busy weeks leading up to Christmas, these symptoms can easily be dismissed as stress or exhaustion rather than flu.

Flu Symptoms 2025: Full List of Common NHS-Listed Signs

The remaining seven symptoms listed by the NHS include a sudden high temperature, body aches, a dry cough, sore throat, headache, diarrhoea or stomach pain, and feeling sick or being sick.

At the same time, the NHS is dealing with added pressure from a surge in winter viruses alongside a five-day strike by resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors. Health leaders and the Government have called on doctors to withdraw the strike, which ministers have described as reckless and irresponsible given the strain on services.

Flu Symptoms 2025: NHS Under Pressure as Winter Challenges Mount

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, as per The Independent, said that strikes within the NHS “undoubtedly” put lives at risk. Speaking to Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, she said, “We want to ensure the NHS is supported through a difficult winter and this flu outbreak we are currently seeing. It is important that everyone understands what is at stake.”

She also pointed to a difference between the position taken by resident doctors’ leadership and the views of individual doctors, noting that the situation remains sensitive as the NHS navigates one of its most demanding winter periods.

Flu Symptoms 2025: Who Can Still Get Vaccinated?

The NHS provides the flu vaccine free of charge to groups considered most at risk of serious illness. This includes people aged 65 and above, those with certain long-term health conditions, and pregnant women, as per the official NHS website.

The offer also extends to care home residents, carers who look after older or disabled individuals or receive a carer’s allowance, and people living with someone who has a weakened immune system. Frontline health and social care workers are also eligible and can usually receive the vaccine through their employer.

Children are included too. A nasal spray version of the flu vaccine is offered to children aged two and three, as well as school-going children from reception through to year 11.

This is because children tend to catch and spread flu more easily. Vaccinating them not only protects their own health but also helps reduce the risk for vulnerable people around them who could become seriously ill.

Delhi residents continue to struggle with deteriorating air quality, which is taking a visible toll on overall health. The Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi NCR crossed 400 on December 15, 2025, placing it firmly in the ‘hazardous’ category. With breathing outdoor air becoming increasingly difficult, many people are turning to air purifiers for relief, both at home and in offices. Yet a common concern persists. Are air purifiers truly safe, or do they come with hidden drawbacks? And can excessive use cause problems of its own? We got in touch with Dr Aditya Nag, Assistant Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, NIIMS Medical College and Hospital, to know more about the same.

What Is An Air Purifier?

An air purifier, often referred to as an air filtration system, is designed to clean indoor air by filtering out harmful particles and pollutants. It works by pulling in air from the room, passing it through layers of filters, and releasing cleaner air back into the space. These devices are widely used in homes and offices to create a healthier and more breathable environment.

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Dr Aditya Nag said, “Air purifiers are particularly helpful in removing dust, pollen, pet hair, mould spores, and other microscopic particles that can trigger allergies or worsen respiratory conditions. Their internal filters trap these pollutants, helping improve indoor air quality. In simple terms, they aim to make the air inside cleaner, safer, and easier to breathe.”

Are Air Purifiers Safe To Use?

Air purifiers rely on fans to draw air through one or more filters that capture pollutants before circulating cleaner air back into the room. They come in many forms, from portable units that can be shifted between rooms to wall-mounted models. There are also compact desktop versions and even wearable purifiers available today.

According to our health expert, air purifiers are generally safe and effective at improving indoor air quality, provided the right type is chosen and maintained properly. Models that use True HEPA filters and do not produce ozone are considered the safest. However, ozone-generating purifiers, certain UV-C devices without adequate shielding, and units with poorly maintained filters can release harmful by-products. These secondary pollutants may irritate the lungs and airways. This is why it is important to check safety certifications, replace filters on time, and avoid technologies known to emit ozone.

Overusing Air Purifiers Is Bad For Lungs?

Our expert points out that running an air purifier nonstop on high settings in tightly sealed rooms can reduce indoor humidity levels significantly. This drop in moisture can be uncomfortable for the respiratory system. “While clean air is important, the lungs function best when the air also has enough moisture,” he explains.

Very dry indoor air can irritate the nose, throat, and airways, leading to symptoms such as dryness, scratchy throat, persistent dry cough, burning eyes, and even frequent nosebleeds, especially in the morning.

Dr Nag stresses that air purifiers remain extremely useful, particularly for children, older adults, and people with asthma or allergies. The key is balanced use. He advises switching to auto mode instead of running turbo mode all the time, avoiding completely sealed rooms, and maintaining indoor humidity between 40 and 60 percent. This can be done with a humidifier or simple home measures.

Is It Safe to Sleep Near an Air Purifier?

Many people place air purifiers in their bedrooms, often close to the bed, which raises questions about safety during sleep. According to our expert, sleeping near an air purifier is generally safe and can even be beneficial, as long as basic precautions are followed.

Most modern air purifiers, especially those equipped with HEPA filters, are built for continuous use and operate quietly enough for bedrooms. By reducing allergens and airborne particles overnight, they may help improve sleep quality, particularly for people with allergies or breathing issues.

What To Look For In An Air Purifier?

When choosing an air purifier, it is important to look for models with True HEPA (H13 or H14) filters and activated carbon layers for effective removal of particles and odours. Check whether the purifier is suitable for your room size by reviewing its CADR, or Clean Air Delivery Rate. Noise levels are another key factor, especially if the device will be used in a bedroom.

It is also wise to consider the cost and frequency of filter replacement. Be cautious of purifiers that rely on ozone-producing ionisers or certain UV features. A reliable air purifier should offer multi-stage filtration, cover the intended space efficiently, and operate quietly without compromising safety.