Image with a poem and photos of the Mental Health First Aiders at Porterhouse
World Mental Health Day meets National Poetry Day at Porterhouse

  At Porterhouse, global healthcare insights and communications agencies, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. We are aware that healthy mind fosters creativity, productivity, and a positive work environment. This is why we are committed to supporting the mental wellness of our valued teams, providing Mental Health First Aid, …

Illustration of person asleep at desk for World Narcolepsy Day
Wake up to World Narcolepsy Day!

What is World Narcolepsy Day? World Narcolepsy Day is recognised on 22 September every year [1]. Established in 2019 by 24 patient advocacy organisations, World Narcolepsy Day aims to raise awareness of narcolepsy to help reduce diagnostic delays, decrease stigma and improve outcomes [1]. What is narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a rare, chronic neurological condition that impairs the ability …

Header image for awareness article showi\shining a light on psoriasis
Shining a light on psoriasis: Beneath the surface of a chronic autoimmune condition

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory disease that affects around 1.8 million people in the UK and 125 million people worldwide. August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, an event that aims to educate people about the disease, its causes and the various treatment methods available [1, 2]. Psoriasis presents as scaly plaques on the skin [3]. Although psoriasis primarily affects …

Image with Choose To Refuse logo to support Plastic Free July
Plastic-Free July: Reducing Plastic Use and Uncovering Hidden Plastics

  As we continue to strive towards more sustainable practices in our work, the Environmental Team at Porterhouse is eager to raise awareness for an initiative that aligns with our ISO 14001 certification in Environmental Management and objectives to reduce our carbon footprint and be kinder to our planet: Plastic-Free July. Every year, millions of …

World Sickle Cell Day: Shining a light on sickle cell disease

  World Sickle Cell Day (19 June) is observed annually with the aim of increasing public knowledge of sickle cell disease, and the challenges experienced by patients, their families and caregivers. To help improve understanding of sickle cell disease, our article looks at the pathology of the disease, its prevalence and available treatment. Sickle cell disease …

Header image with an illustration of an eye and the statistic that 1 in 3 people with diabetes have some form of diabetic retinopathy
Diabetes Awareness Week: Spotlight on diabetic retinopathy

  Many of us know someone living with diabetes. It is a major public health concern, with 4.3 million people diagnosed in the UK alone [1]. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas cannot produce insulin at all [2]. Type 2 diabetes (which represents 90% of diabetes cases in the UK [1]) develops over …

Pride Month: Porterhouse proudly supports healthcare equality

  At Porterhouse, we understand the importance of diversity and inclusion in the work that we do, and we value the incredible contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community to the world of healthcare and medical research. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare in a safe, supportive environment. This Pride Month, we stand in …

#MoveYourWay: Exploring the mental health benefits of exercise

  While the positive effects of regular exercise on physical health are widely recognised, not as many people are aware of its impact on mental health. This week (13 to 19 May) for Mental Health Awareness Week, the 2024 theme #MoveYourWay highlights the benefits of exercise on both mental and physical health. At Porterhouse, as …

Title page for an article on the impact of an autoimmune diseaseLupus
Making Lupus Visible: Shining a light on a complex autoimmune disease

  What is lupus? Lupus is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease that affects at least 5 million people worldwide [1]. Multiple organ systems are affected, ranging from relatively mild skin involvement to severe organ damage, such as kidney and heart failure [2]. Although the aetiology of lupus remains poorly understood, interaction between environmental and genetic factors …

Title page with two women for World Hemophilia Day highlighting eduitable access to treatment for all
World Hemophilia Day: The importance of equitable access for all

  April 17 is World Hemophilia Day – a day created by the World Federation of Hemophilia to educate people about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of haemophilia, as well as the challenges faced by those living with the condition. Haemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting. [1] Left …

Rare disease day 2024
Rare Disease Day 2024: A spotlight on lysosomal storage disorders

  What is Rare Disease Day? Rare Disease Day represents the global movement aiming to improve equity in healthcare, social opportunity, and diagnostic and therapeutic access for the estimated 300 million people living with a rare disease worldwide [1]. Celebrated on the last day of February each year (the rarest day for leap years, such …

Header image for article on antimicrobial resistance with petri dishes containing bacteria
Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together

  As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to consume the world’s attention and resources, a looming and burgeoning global catastrophe is emerging alongside: antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or ‘the silent pandemic’. What are antimicrobials and AMR? Antimicrobials are drugs that are prescribed to prevent and treat infectious diseases. Antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics are collectively referred to …