Disability History Month: The Impact of Hidden Disabilities
An estimated one in six people worldwide live with a disability, up to 80% of which are non-visible1. For Disability History Month, here at MAC, we’re exploring the impact of hidden disabilities. What is a hidden disability? A hidden (or non-visible) disability is a disability or health condition that significantly impacts a person’s life but […]
Caffeine and Depression: Is drinking coffee good for our mental health?
Caffeine is the world’s most popular psychoactive drug (a chemical substance that alters the functioning of the brain); it’s commonly consumed in forms such as coffee, tea, cocoa/chocolate, and soft drinks1. As a natural stimulant, the effects (both positive and negative) can include increased alertness, insomnia, anxiety2, and accelerating digestive processes3. The relationship between caffeine […]
Human Rights Day: Upholding Dignity and Equality in Clinical Research
Every year on Human Rights Day, we reflect on the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): dignity, equality, and protection for all. These values are not only foundational to society but also central to the way we conduct clinical research, here at MAC and across the clinical trials industry. At the […]
The Importance of Taking Women’s Health in the Workplace Seriously
Research has highlighted that women’s health concerns are routinely ignored in the workplace; 32% of women believe their employer offers too little support for their health issues, and 34% of women with symptoms or a diagnosis of a women’s health condition say it has affected their ability to work.1 Having to change to part-time work, […]
Managing COPD in the Winter
Winter can be a challenging season for people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Cold, dry air, increased indoor pollutants from fireplaces, and seasonal viruses all contribute to a higher risk of flare-ups and respiratory distress. But with the right strategies, you can protect your lungs and maintain your quality of life throughout the […]
Spotlight on Vulvodynia: Managing Stress While Living with a Chronic Condition
Living with a chronic condition such as vulvodynia (chronic pain or discomfort in the vulva that has no clear cause) can be physically demanding and mentally draining. Around 60% of individuals living with a chronic medical condition experience psychological distress, and they are three times more likely to experience this than the general population1. This […]
Menopause, Hormones, and Vulvodynia: What’s the Connection?
This World Menopause Awareness Day, we’re exploring the relationship between menopause, hormones, and vulvodynia. Vulvodynia (vulvar pain with no clear cause) affects up to 16% of women1 and can happen at any age. Research has linked some types of vulvodynia with hormone levels, particularly a drop in oestrogen2, a hormonal decline that happens naturally as […]
Malnutrition and Dementia: What Clinical Trials Are Revealing
Malnutrition is a widespread risk for those with dementia living in long-term care. Research has shown that nearly 29% of people living with dementia in the UK are malnourished1, and the risk of malnutrition in long-term care facilities is around 57%2. This UK Malnutrition Awareness Week, we’re shedding light on the impact of malnutrition and […]
World Mental Health Day: How to Manage PTSD in Emergencies
World Mental Health Day celebrates the importance of prioritising mental health, and this year, the focus is on protecting your mental health in catastrophes and emergencies. Many conditions, like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can be exacerbated in these situations due to the additional stress they create. Here at MAC, we’re recognising the […]
UK Fungus Day: Treating Depression with Psychedelics
As we celebrate UK Fungus Day, it’s worth reflecting on how fungi, often overlooked and misunderstood, are quietly revolutionising mental health care. At the heart of this transformation is psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms, which shows remarkable promise in the treatment of depression. Current Treatments for Depression For decades, depression has been […]