Our Health Living Group met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to discuss the news on health matters for both our country and for our community.

As well as reports on those not able to attend, there were a number of topics discussed relating to the Harrow area of North West London. In particular the London Borough of Harrow has featured in a recent national survey of TB, a condition that has been associated in the past with overcrowding.

There was also a short presentation on the discovery made in Hokaido (the northern major island of Japan) of an onion that does not cause eyes to water when it is being chopped. There was no information on the availability in our local shops however, but several members were able to suggest their own remedies. There was then a discussion about the health aspects of dog and cat ownership, with particular reference to a case in the national press relating to sepsis.

We then had an informed discussion on health screening, and how age affects the availability of the tests. Different issues affect male and female members. There was also a discussion about the relocation of local health facilities as time goes by. In particular, experience with cancer screening and cataract operations were discussed.

The session finished on a lighter note with a discussion of the different dietary requirements of men and women as described in a recent academic article. The group will meet again on Tuesday 21 April 2026 at 10:00am.