Beth talks blood: Part 8

What is cardiovascular disease?Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. It is typically associated with a build of fatty deposits inside blood vessels known as atherosclerosis and an increased risk of blood clots known as thrombosis [1-2]. It can also be associated with damage to arteries inContinue reading “Beth talks blood: Part 8”

Beth talks blood: part 7

Blood & the immune system:The immune system is essential for our survival, without it our bodies would be open to attack from bacteria, viruses, parasites and more. It is made of up of organs, cells and chemicals that fight infection. It can distinguish our tissue from foreign tissue i.e. self from non-self. Dead and faultyContinue reading “Beth talks blood: part 7”

Beth talks blood: part 6

Let’s talk about fat… Fats that circulate in the blood are called lipids (fat-soluble components of living cells). Cholesterol and triglycerides are both lipids that have essential roles in the body but in excess they can be harmful [1-3].  What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is required to build cell walls and to produce hormones and vitaminContinue reading “Beth talks blood: part 6”

Beth talks blood: Part 5

We all know that I’m a platelet girl at heart but we mustn’t forget the blood coagulation cascade, it is a vital part of haemostasis. Platelets and coagulation factors work together to prevent bleeding in incidences such as vascular injury. So one can’t be without the other and like most systems in the body, itContinue reading “Beth talks blood: Part 5”

Beth talks blood: Part 4


Beth talks blood: Part 2

Blood is constantly being made by the cells inside our bone marrow. This means our bodies can usually replace any blood lost through small cuts or wounds. However, when a lot of blood is lost through larger wounds it needs to be replaces via a blood transfusion (donated by other people). In 1628 British physicianContinue reading “Beth talks blood: Part 2”

Beth talks blood: Part 1

What is blood?Blood is actually a tissue, its made up of a variety of different cells with different purposes! It’s a very important bodily fluid in humans and other animals that deliverers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those cells [1-2]. Blood is essentialContinue reading “Beth talks blood: Part 1”


PSA – CHECK YOUR BOOBS* *or pecs – this involves everyone! Checking your boobs/pecs regularly might just save your life!  THE FACTS: 1 in 8 women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime. Around 400 men are diagnosed every year. Breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 40Continue reading “CHECK YOUR BOOBS”

The importance of cervical screenings

Here in the UK, if you’re 25 or over and have a cervix you should be invited to have a cervical screening test by your GP. If for whatever reason you fit the criteria but are not invited you must speak to your GP to make an appointment, it could save your life.  The topicContinue reading “The importance of cervical screenings”

Getting ready for uni?

Whether it’s your first time at uni, you’re heading back for another year or you’re started a post-graduate degree this September, here are some tips and advice after being in uni for approx. 7 years (wow that’s scary) that will help you get prepared. I know things are a little different this year (thanks COVID)Continue reading “Getting ready for uni?”