Latest news with #DrPunam
BBC News
23-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Main Headline
It's a headline that might stop you in your tracks, especially if you enjoy the great outdoors. But how worried should we really be? With May marking Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Dr Punam joined us in the studio on Friday 23rd May to break down what's behind the headlines, and tell us what we need to know to stay safe. What Is Lyme Disease and Why Are We Hearing More About It? Ticks, those tiny, spider-like creatures often found in grassy or wooded areas, can carry a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. Not all ticks are infected, but those that are can transmit the disease through a cases are currently being recorded in Scotland, however the disease is still prevalent across the whole of the UK. Climate change, longer tick seasons and more of us enjoying time outdoors are all playing a said, your individual risk remains low. Around 6% of ticks in the UK carry Lyme-causing bacteria. And even if bitten by an infected tick, removing it quickly significantly reduces your chances of getting sick. How to Avoid Being Bitten by a Tick If you're heading out for a walk, especially in woods or areas with tall grass, take these simple precautions:✅ Stick to Clear PathsStay in the centre of trails and avoid brushing up against vegetation.✅ Dress SmartWear long sleeves and trousers. Tuck trousers into your socks to prevent ticks from reaching your skin. Lighter-coloured clothing also helps spot ticks more easily.✅ Use Insect RepellentLook for sprays containing DEET and apply it to exposed skin and clothing. For your face, spray into your hands first before carefully applying, avoiding eyes and mouth. It offers protection for up to 8 hours, though sweating or wiping may reduce effectiveness, so reapply as needed.✅ Do a Full-Body Tick CheckAfter outdoor activities, check your entire body, especially hidden areas like the scalp, behind the knees, groin, and armpits. What If You've Been Bitten by a Tick? Spotting the Symptoms of Lyme Disease Lyme disease symptoms can appear between 3 and 30 days after a shaped rashAlso known as erythema migrans, this is a common symptom that occurs in over 70% of people with Lyme disease Other symptoms:Fever and chillsFatigueHeadachesMuscle or joint painSwollen lymph nodesIf you experience any of these after a tick bite, or even after spending time in a high-risk area, see your GP. Doctors can identify Lyme disease and start treatment quickly. Is Lyme Disease Treatable? Lyme disease is usually treated with a 2-4 week course of antibiotics, and most people recover fully, especially when treated if left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system, leading to more serious complications, so don't delay seeking medical advice if you notice symptoms. More Information You can get more information on Lyme Disease from some of the following organisations:Lyme Disease UK (charity), externalNHS, externalUKHSA, external
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
BBC Sport extends free broadcast rights for Great North and Manchester Runs
BBC Sport and The Great Run Company have agreed a new deal to keep the iconic Great North Run and Great Manchester Run, free-to-air for audiences across the UK. Audiences can continue to enjoy comprehensive and inspiring coverage of these events on BBC live network TV, iPlayer, and BBC Sport's website and social channels. The Great Manchester Run will be broadcast across BBC Sport platforms with this year's event taking place this Sunday with more than 35,000 runners coming together to celebrate Manchester's vibrant community spirit. Coverage will air live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 11am. For the first time, BBC Sport will also offer a dedicated digital stream, capturing the emotional moments as participants cross the finish line. This new feature will allow viewers to follow the progress of individual runners and share in their personal victories. BBC Morning Live and the Great Run Company have also teamed up to give audiences the opportunity to run a bespoke 5K race as part of the Great Manchester Run. After championing the NHS/BBC Sport Couch to 5K programme since the start of the year, Dr Punam, alongside other members of the Morning Live team will be running the race, for a film to broadcast on Morning Live on Monday 19 May. You can also listen to Dr Punam on the brand new Couch to 5K Podcast on 19 May. BBC Sport will continue its long-standing coverage of the Great North Run, broadcasting the iconic event from 2025 through 2028. A cornerstone of the North East's sporting calendar, the Great North Run brings powerful stories and unforgettable moments to viewers across the UK. This year's race takes place on Sunday, 7 September. Broadcast details will be confirmed closer to the event. Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, says: 'BBC Sport not only tells stories of elite sport, but it's also to inspire people to get involved. We're proud to showcase the Great North Run and the Great Manchester Run. They are more than just races; they are powerful celebrations of determination, resilience and inspirational homegrown stories that bring people together.' Paul Foster, CEO of the Great Run Company says: 'The BBC's commitment to the Great North Run and Great Manchester Run goes back decades, and over that time almost 2m people have taken part in these events. Our events celebrate people and communities, and the BBC brings their stories to the nation. In partnership with BBC Sport, we will continue to celebrate our participants' achievements, inspiring new runners, and amplifying the positive impacts of running on people's lives.' BBC Sport's extensive athletics rights portfolio includes the Olympic Games, European Athletics Championships, World Athletics Championships, international Diamond League events and London Marathon Events to 2030. CF
