The Dr Hilary Show

Most of us know that being overweight increases people’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and, of course, joint problems. Yet hardly a day goes by when there isn't some new, and often conflicting, advice on diet and nutrition.

Nutritional therapist, Laura Southern talks about the part diet plays in our health, quick-fix weight loss jabs, and the latest thinking on ultra-processed foods and the microbiome.

Plus, the British broadcaster, writer and former Conservative MP, Gyles Brandreth - best known for his flamboyant sweaters. He's a regular on TV, the former European Monopoly champion, and Honorary President of the Association of British Scrabble Players. He's also a wonderful storyteller.

Hear the latest news and breast cancer research from Claire Rowney, CEO of Breast Cancer Now, and Dr Cliona Kirwan, a Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon and Professor of Surgical Trials.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 15% of all new cancer cases. That’s more than 150 women diagnosed every day. The positive news is that survival rates have doubled in the last 50 years in the UK. Early detection and research are as vital as ever.

Helen Addis, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, shares her experience and explains why she launched the Change and Check campaign.

Plus, actress Susan George, who starred alongside Dustin Hoffman in the 1971 movie Straw Dogs—a huge box office hit that led to many other roles in film and TV—talks about her career. She was married to actor Simon MacCorkindale, who died in 2010. Together, they managed an Arabian stud farm in Exmoor. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss her career, health, well-being, and love of horses.

Scott Mitchell was with his partner and wife, Dame Barbara Windsor, for 27 years. They went public with the news of her Alzheimer's in 2018. Today, he's the People's Champion for the government-funded "Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Mission," and an Ambassador for Alzheimer's Research UK. You'll hear about his work and their life together, and their meeting with the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

Scott shares some vital advice on the how to tell someone you're concerned about their memory, and how to process and cope with a dementia diagnosis.

Plus, despite significant advances, many forms of leukaemia remain challenging to treat.

Geoff Thomas, the former footballer, captained Crystal Palace at the 1990 FA Cup final and earned nine caps for England. He was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2003 and given just three months to live.

He's since raised millions for charity and launched The Geoff Thomas Foundation. In 2005, he was awarded the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year, Helen Rollason Award.

Also, this week, news about a university study into ageing and some thoughts on living a long, resilient, and healthy life.

Assisted dying has never been legal in the UK, but that could be about to change. Several proposals have been presented over the years, but none have passed into law. I’ve been talking to Dame Esther Rantzen’s daughter, Rebeca Wilcox. And Dame Esther answers some questions that Rebeca asked her mum, on my behalf.

My celebrity guest this week was Mr Saturday Night for years, on Game for a Laugh, You Bet,  and the iconic Stars in Their Eyes. On stage,  he won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in 2004 as Lennie in Of Mice and Men, and he’s played leading roles in several major productions. He’s Matthew Kelly.

Also, this week, communication failures in the NHS when it comes to mislaid letters and joined-up thinking. Who’s in charge of the patient journey, and what needs to happen?

Also, this week, how do we get better at spotting and preventing sepsis? And a warning from the UK Health Security Agency about meningitis. How can you spot the warning signs?

My guests this week include Charlotte Armitage, a psychologist and psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience. Her forthcoming book, "Generation Zombie," explores the impact of excessive screen time on children's development.

Plus, Rory Cellan-Jones OBE, who was the BBC's technology correspondent until 2021. Two years earlier, he announced via Twitter that he had been diagnosed with early Parkinson's disease. We discuss his life since retiring, and how he's coping with the disease.