Hexagon Health

28/09/2025

How Can We Tell Which Foods Are Ultra-Processed?

A survey of over 2,100 U.S. adults, published in JAMA Network Open (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2836123), showed the confusion we have about what counts as processed food:

28 % cited meat products as the unhealthiest processed foods

14 % said foods such as tinned, packaged, and frozen items

13 % said foods with artificial additives

The problem is that there are currently no universally accepted definitions for processed and ultra-processed foods. The NOVA classification defines processed foods as products altered from their natural state with 2–3 ingredients, and ultra-processed foods as industrially processed products made with five or more ingredients and these definitions haven’t been updated in years.

Avoiding ultra-processed foods is important because they are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, and artificial additives. These factors are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease, dementia obesity, and certain cancers.

Two simple rules help me to to identify foods that are likely not ultra-processed:

🍎 Rule 1: If it ran, swam, flew, or grew

🏠 Rule 2: If every ingredient is something you’d find in your own kitchen

Can you share any tips you have?

10/09/2025

I’m delighted to share two important milestones:

Hexagon Health is now working in partnership with Prime Medicare Ltd for CQC registration and governance in England, and I'm now working from new premises at The Carter & George Clinic, Windsor Lawn Tennis Club. It’s a fantastic setting to welcome people who want to take control of their long-term health and wellbeing.

These changes give Hexagon Health a stronger base than ever to focus on what matters most: helping people know their true health risks so they can make confident, evidence-based choices today, while protecting their future.

What gives you the confidence that you’re doing the best you can for your future health?

10/08/2025

Lifestyle medicine is a proactive approach to general practice that uses advanced tools for early diagnostics and personalised preventive care that will help you to live a healthier and longer life.

Having seen two of my grandparents develop dementia in later life, I’m keen to understand my own risk and do what I can to reduce it.

What health condition do you worry about developing the most?

13/07/2025

Microplastics in your mineral water? Even from glass bottles...

We all assumed glass bottles were the safest, most eco-friendly choice. But a new study from the French health agency ANSES suggests it might not be so simple.

Researchers tested a wide range of drinks sold in France and found microplastics in every single one, including those in glass bottles. Surprisingly, the highest levels were in the glass bottles.

Why? It seems the bottle caps are to blame. The microplastics matched the colour and material of the caps, pointing to abrasion during storage as a likely source of contamination.

It’s a reminder that even our most well-intentioned choices can have hidden effects.

Here’s the study if you’d like to read more:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157525005344

Are you using a filter at home, or sticking with tap water? I'd be interested to hear what others are doing.

07/07/2025

Sunshine, connection and a little learning on the go 🌿
A small but engaged group joined our Walk with a Doc meet-up at Ascot Racecourse this weekend and it was lovely to see familiar faces (over a year of walking together!) as well as welcome a new family member too.
Over a gentle walk (and thankfully no rain!), we shared reflections, caught up on life, and talked about osteoporosis and frailty and how lifestyle medicine can help us stay strong, independent and well.
We meet every 4 weeks as part of the Walk with a Doc international movement combining movement, conversation and connection.
Everyone is welcome. Come as you are.

27/06/2025

A warm and calm space for networking- thank you Shona!

21/06/2025

21/06/2025

🚨 Did you know?
You could be carrying a dangerous kind of fat without even knowing it. It’s called visceral fat – and it hides deep inside your belly, wrapping around vital organs like your liver, stomach and intestines.

Unlike the fat you can pinch (subcutaneous fat), visceral fat can’t be seen, but it can silently increase your risk of:
⚠️ Heart disease
⚠️ Stroke
⚠️ Type 2 diabetes
⚠️ Even certain cancers

💡 The good news?
Diet, exercise, and proper guidance can help reduce visceral fat and improve your overall health.

👉 Take control of your health today.
📍 For a full assessment book with
📍 Hexagon Health at :
📍 Treat Norwich - 2-4 Lawson Road, Norwich
📍 and Bannatyne Health Club and Spa - Northside Business Park

🩺 Our doctors are here to help assess your risk and create a personalised plan to reduce visceral fat and improve your long-term health.

📧 For more information contact hmccall@hexagon.health
📲 or book online via https://www.hexagon.health/appointments-hm
💻full information about the services available via www.hexagon.health

💬 Your health is your greatest asset. Start protecting it today.

18/06/2025

How do you score on the wheel of lifestyle?
Score yourself on the grid from 1-10 for each pillar
Choose just one pillar today that you’d like to develop.
Choose one small meaningful step
Make your step into a SMART action plan

If you would like to create a bespoke lifestyle action plan to optimise your health following a deep dive medical assessment please go to www.hexagon.health

09/06/2025

28/05/2025

Thank you to the great team at Hexagon Health.
All aligned in our vision of increasing the nation's healthy years.
With 11 lifestyle medicine clinics now open across England and Wales, we’re delivering in-depth health assessments that empower individuals to understand their current health and future risks and take meaningful action to optimise their wellbeing.
Being part of this team means more than just delivering care. It means being part of a supportive, growing community- where we share learning, discuss cases, and develop together. Regular meetings and clear governance give us the confidence that we’re working safely, ethically and in step with best practice, while supporting each other to thrive.
Thank you all for your contribution, I feel very lucky.
What’s helped you feel most supported in your clinical or professional team?

25/05/2025

Day 6 of Lifestyle Medicine week- social connections.
Which relationships nourish your wellbeing?