Chronic pain affects around two fifths of the UK population, meaning millions of us are living with pain that has lasted for three months or longer. Most commonly taking the form of back and neck pain, fibromyalgia (widespread musculoskeletal pain), and osteoarthritis (a form of arthritis), chronic pain can impact absolutely everything – from work and exercise, to sleep, socialising, and sex. Hell, sometimes just the act of sitting down can be a traumatic event. In this episode, broadcaster and former rugby star Ugo Monye opens up about his experience of suffering with chronic back pain for years, regularly undergoing injections in his spine, until he was forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, making him realise he couldn’t just grin and bear it anymore.
RESOURCES 
The Boots Health Hub Public Health England’s report on chronic pain in UK adults NHS advice on managing chronic pain ePhysio Leva Pain Clinic 
Referenced products: Max Strength Cod Liver Oil Joint Assure Plus Boots Digital Pain Relief Belt Boots Digital Pain Relief Boots Kinesiology Tape Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pain: You don’t have to grin and bear it, featuring Ugo Monye

We ask the taboo health and wellbeing questions so you don’t have to. &nbsp; Taboo Talk is a brand new podcast series by Boots hosted by Vogue Williams that cuts through the jargon to provide real health and wellbeing advice in an accessible and entertaining way. Each episode will focus on one aspect of physical or mental health, providing personal insights as well as expert takeaways. Taboo Talk won’t shy away from tackling the more awkward, embarrassing or serious parts of everyday life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alternative Health

Health

Sexuality

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

This episode is all about self-pleasure as a form of self-love. With help from sexpert Ruby Rare and and body acceptance influencer Nelly London we cover everything from the new “smart” sex toys (that can measure sexual pleasure and/or be operated remotely) to classic vibrators (both as masturbation tools and relationship toys), as well as empowering you to feel free to love yourself with no judgement or shame with help from. Please do remember to clean your sex toys properly both before and after using them, and that STIs can be transmitted via shared sex toys. You can avoid STIs by covering penetrative sex toys, such as vibrators, with a new condom each time they’re used, not sharing sex toys and having a different set of sex toys for each partner.
*Report mentioned in intro from Flo Health. 
Use code SWB10 to save 10% across selected sexual wellbeing*
*Online only. Excludes bundles and medicines. Subject to availability. 14th – 27th Feb.
RESOURCES  Boots Health Hub Sexual Health: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/sexual-health Boots Online Doctor: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/sexual-health Boots Online Doctor testing: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/home-testing-kits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Self-Pleasure: with Ruby Rare and Nelly London

The pain is real. Heartbreak is a universal human experience that can affect us all at some stage in life, yet it often carries a shroud of stigma, stereotypes, and taboos that prevent open and honest conversations. We get up close and personal with two amazing guests who share their raw and unfiltered stories and have suffered the pain of a broken heart and emerged stronger on the other side. Together we dismantle the barriers that keep us from understanding and supporting one another through love's tumultuous journey. If you are struggling with your physical or mental wellbeing, please seek help from your GP.
RESOURCES Boots Health Hub: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/mental-health-support  Support Room Therapy: https://boots.supportroom.com/  Boots Online Doctor: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/mental-health-services  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heartaches & Breaks: with Una Healy and Faye Winter

As more and more people are identifying themselves as being neurodivergent, we ask what this actually means. We’re joined by a neurodivergent expert who answers your most common questions and two amazing guests who share their own experiences. From the challenges they faced growing up, being diagnosed, how to manage it and why they are on a mission to change the negative conversations around neurodiversity. 

 RESOURCES The Brain Charity: https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/what-is-neurodiversity/  Boots Online Doctor Mental Health Support: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/mental-health-support  Support Room Therapy: https://boots.supportroom.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neurodiversity: with Christine McGuinness, Tommy Mallet and Louise Hilliar

Becoming a new dad is a life-altering experience filled with joy, challenges, and a whole lot of learning. We delve into the unique journey of fatherhood with two newly-dads and explore the triumphs and tribulations that come with it. Whether you're about to embark on this adventure or have been a dad for years, join us as we share heart-warming stories and practical tips to help you thrive on your own dad journey. If you are struggling with your mental health or postpartum depression, do please seek help from your GP. 

 RESOURCES Boots Health Hub: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/mental-health-support  Support Room Therapy: https://boots.supportroom.com/  Boots Health Hub Caring for a Newborn: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/childrens-health/caring-for-newborn Boots Parenting Club: https://www.boots.com/shopping/advantage-card/parenting-club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dad diaries: with Ollie Locke and James Bye

Living with diabetes is a journey filled with unique challenges, daily decisions, and a profound impact on one's life. Join us as we dive deep into the world of diabetes, sharing personal stories and practical advice to empower and educate anyone living with diabetes. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a seasoned warrior, someone who cares for a loved one with diabetes, or you just want to educate yourself about this growing health concern, our special guests offer a helping hand on this shared journey towards a healthier, happier life.
If you are concerned you may have diabetes or are experiencing symptoms, seek medical advice from your GP.Boots Online Doctor offer a range of home test kits* including a HbA1c test which is suitable for adults aged 30 years and over and can help you understand your risk of type 2 diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes it can help you understand how well you are controlling your blood sugar. You can get 20% off by using our code TABOO20.
*Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to test kit availability. Charges apply. This offer is exclusive for Boots Online Doctor HBa1C Test Kit Service and cannot be used in-store or on boots.com. Valid from 17th January 2024 to 24th January 2024. Channel Islands exclusions apply. You must be registered with Boots Online Doctor and logged in when placing your order. Simply enter the promotional code TABOO20 at the checkout to redeem this offer.

 RESOURCES Boots Health Hub Diabetes: https://www.boots.com/healthhub/living-well/diabetes-support/diabetes-management Boots Online Doctor Diabetes test: https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/hba1c-home-test-kit  Diabetes UK Stats: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/professionals/position-statements-reports/statistics Amelia Lily Diabetes UK article: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/teens/fun-stuff/celebrities/amelia-lily Diabetes UK Type 2 and Ethnicity: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/types-of-diabetes/type-2/diabetes-ethnicity#:~:text=People%20from%20Black%20African%2C%20African,others%20that%20you%20can%27t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pain: You don’t have to grin and bear it, featuring Ugo Monye

Download our free app to listen on your phone