The Dr Hilary Show

Jack and Antonia Cowmeadow join Dr Hilary for an unthinkably difficult conversation: the loss of their daughter, Lorelei in November 2024, just days before her second birthday.  What began as an ordinary toddler cold rapidly escalated into flu-related encephalitis — a rare but catastrophic inflammation of the brain. They share, with extraordinary courage, the moment they realised something was gravely wrong, the desperate rush to hospital, the speed of her decline, and the care teams who fought to save her. They also explain why they now want every parent to understand the early warning signs, to trust their instincts, and to know when to seek urgent help. Jack and Antonia also discuss organ donation, the impact of grief, Antonia’s later ectopic pregnancy, and — finally — the light returning to their lives with the pregnancy of their second baby girl. Encephalitis affects around 6,000 people a year in the UK and 1.5 million worldwide, and can be fatal. Their hope is that telling Lorelei’s story will help save lives. Encephalitis International is the only charity worldwide dedicated to supporting people affected by encephalitis, raising awareness, and funding research. For more information visit : https://www.encephalitis.info/ Jack is now running the London Marathon for WellChild, raising money to help seriously ill children to thrive at home and out of hospital https://www.justgiving.com/page/jack-cowmeadow-1 Send your questions to: Ask@drhilaryjones .com  Sign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing: drhilaryjones .com  Follow Dr Hilary:  X: DrHilaryJones  Instagram: thedrhilaryshow  Support the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special Q&A episode, Dr Hilary answers your health questions. He explains the reality of Paget’s disease and how it affects the bones, offers clear advice on managing type 2 diabetes, and talks through the sensitive subject of uterine prolapse in older women. There’s also expert insight on the weight loss pill Rybelsus, inoperable brain tumours, and recovery after hip replacement surgery. Advice to help you make sense of your health. Send your questions to: Ask@DrHilaryJones.com Sign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing: www.DrHilaryJones.com Follow Dr Hilary:X: DrHilaryJonesInstagram: thedrhilaryshowSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Dr Hilary speaks with Heidi Bristow, founder of Changes for Stammerers, who shares how a simple breathing technique transformed her life and how she now helps others find control, confidence and clarity in their speech. Heidi opens up about her journey from a childhood shaped by stammering to becoming a voice of hope and practical support for others. She reveals how her technique focuses on relaxation, breathing and self-acceptance – and why stammering is something to understand, not hide. Ask Dr Hilary: Whether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help.Send your questions to: Ask@drhilaryjones .com Sign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing:drhilaryjones .com Follow Dr Hilary:X: DrHilaryJonesInstagram: thedrhilaryshow Follow Heidi:Instagram: @changes_for_stammerersTikTok: @changes.for.stammLinkedIn: @changes-for-stammerersWebsite: www.changesforstammerers.co.ukSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Dr Hilary speaks with Rae Denman, one of the UK’s leading specialists in medical tattooing — a treatment used to camouflage scars, birthmarks and skin grafts, and to restore natural colour after surgery. Rae talks about how medical tattooing helps people feel more comfortable in their own skin; the difference between cosmetic and medical tattooing; how she works with burns units and post-surgery patients; and why sensitivity and honesty are vital in her work. Also in the episode:• The woman who covered her birthmark every day for 30 years• How a tattoo can restore what surgery can’t• The link between skin, confidence, and identity Ask Dr Hilary: Whether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com  Sign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing: https://www.drhilaryjones.com  Follow Dr Hilary: X: @DrHilaryJones  Instagram: @thedrhilaryshow/Support the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Amy Dowden joins Dr Hilary to reveal how Strictly Come Dancing helped save her life. She speaks openly about living with Crohn’s disease since childhood, her breast cancer diagnosis at 32, and the brutal realities of chemotherapy, sepsis, and medically induced menopause. Amy also talks about how dance has shaped every stage of her life — from starting at eight years old to becoming the first Welsh professional on Strictly. She recalls competing alongside her husband, the thrill of performing live, and how being part of the show gave her a sense of purpose even during treatment.  Ask Dr Hilary Whether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com  Sign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing: https://www.drhilaryjones.com  Follow Dr Hilary: X: @DrHilaryJones  Instagram: @thedrhilaryshow/   Follow Amy: Instagram: @amy_dowden https://linktr.ee/amy_dowdenSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When leading architect and urban designer Lucy Musgrave OBE was suddenly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, life changed overnight. In this inspiring conversation, Lucy tells Dr Hilary how she went from near collapse to remission — and how one cartwheel sparked a national campaign to try to raise £200,000. From the moment she heard the word “curable,” to the gruelling six months of treatment and the daily ritual that became her symbol of survival, Lucy’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and joy. She shares how Cartwheel for a Cure is helping fund vital research through Leukaemia UK. Ask Dr HilaryWhether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com  Sign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing: https://www.drhilaryjones.com  Follow Dr Hilary: X: @DrHilaryJones  Instagram: @thedrhilaryshow/ Cartwheel for a Cure: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cartwheel-for-a-cure  Instagram: @leukaemiauk @cartwheelforacureSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to stay sharp at 85, sell over 300 million books, and keep going after criticism, controversy, and cancer? Lord Jeffrey Archer reflects on his life and work — from running for his country to facing near-bankruptcy, from building global bestsellers to dealing with prostate cancer. He explains how he keeps his energy, why discipline and resilience matter, why he reworks every book through as many as 17 drafts, and his support for Mary Archer’s drive to build the UK’s first children’s hospital that treats mental and physical health together. They also discuss Olympic security, fairness in sport, assisted dying, and the challenges of living longer. Ask Dr HilaryWhether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com  Sign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing: https://drhilaryjones.com  Follow Dr Hilary  X: @DrHilaryJones Instagram: @thedrhilaryshow/Support the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK is seeing a surge in the illegal trade of prescription medicines, often sold online without any medical supervision. In this episode, Dr Hilary talks to Andy Morling, Head of Criminal Enforcement at the MHRA, about how criminals are moving from heroin and cocaine into the trade in prescription medicines. Andy explains how unlicensed and counterfeit weight-loss injections are entering the country, why they can contain the wrong dose or even insulin, and the risks of buying any medicine outside the regulated supply chain. He also describes how the MHRA works with Border Force, social media companies, and international partners to seize illegal products and raise public awareness. You can use https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/  to report any concerns — whether with a legitimate medicine or an unlicensed version — and the MHRA will investigate. Ask Dr HilaryWhether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com  Sign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing: https://drhilaryjones.com  Follow Dr Hilary  X: @DrHilaryJones  Instagram: @thedrhilaryshow/ More about the show and to sign up for weekly newsletter: https://drhilaryjones.com Support the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Anil Joshi is an ENT and facial plastic surgeon who repairs the damage from drug use, trauma, and cancer — and is helping to shape the future of reconstructive surgery. In this conversation with Dr Hilary, he explains how 3D printing is changing what’s possible, and the ethical challenges of saying no when surgery would do more harm than good. They discuss the progression of cocaine-related nasal injury, the dangers of unlicensed injectors and bargain medical tourism, and how AI is starting to support surgical planning. Dr Joshi also shares how musicianship informs his surgical judgment, why fitness and mindset matter for eight-hour operations, and what’s next for training and global standards. Ask Dr HilaryWhether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com Sign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing: https://drhilaryjones.com Follow Dr HilaryX: @DrHilaryJonesInstagram: @thedrhilaryshow/Support the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her mid-forties, Claer Barrett, associate editor at the Financial Times, turned to weight loss medication, a decision that transformed her health, her habits, and her outlook on life. In this episode, Claer explains what it feels like when “food noise” finally stops. She tells Dr Hilary how portion control became possible for the first time, and why she invested in medical monitoring, body scans and therapy. She also speaks honestly about the side effects, the discipline required to keep the weight off, and the challenge of doing all this while being open with her readers. Beyond the personal story, the discussion explores the wider issues raised by these new drugs. From the black-market risks and rising costs to the question of whether the NHS should fund treatment; a frank look at obesity, health and longevity, and the difficult choices many people face when trying to live better for longer. Ask Dr HilaryWhether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.comSign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing: https://drhilaryjones.com Follow Dr Hilary X: @DrHilaryJones Instagram: @thedrhilaryshow/Support the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to live a life through music? Dr Hilary speaks with world-renowned soprano Lesley Garrett about her extraordinary career on the global stage — and how singing has been her anchor through life’s biggest challenges. From her beginnings at the English National Opera to show-stopping nights at Wembley and beyond, Lesley reflects on the joys of music, memory and community. She also shares her health battles, including a rare thymus tumour and an early menopause, showing how her voice and spirit endured through resilience, medical innovation and the healing power of song. Lesley also talks about why choirs transform health, her time on Strictly Come Dancing, and why — at 70 — she has no plans to retire. Ask Dr HilaryWhether it’s advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now’s your chance to get answers. If it’s on your mind, Dr Hilary wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com For more information about the show and to sign up for the weekly newsletter: https://drhilaryjones.comSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 14, Tyler West shut himself away. His parents broke up, there was a murder outside his home, and he spent two years barely leaving his bedroom. In this conversation with Dr Hilary, Tyler talks about the turning points that followed: playing handball for Great Britain, a chance break on TV, and reaching the Strictly Come Dancing semi-finals. He explains why therapy mattered, what body image has meant to him, and why he chose to be open about his hair transplant.He also recalls running a marathon in the middle of Strictly rehearsals — a decision that took a heavy toll on his body. Ask Dr HilaryWhether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.comMore about the show and to sign up for the weekly newsletter: https://drhilaryjones.comSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olympic golds between 1984 and 2000, and a nine-time world champion — speaks with Dr Hilary about the health battles that shaped his career. He recalls colitis striking before Barcelona 1992, the treatment that required official clearance to let him compete, and the pain he endured to stay on the world stage. He also explains being diagnosed with diabetes at 35, learning to balance insulin with punishing training sessions, and still going on to claim his fifth gold medal at Sydney 2000. After retiring, Steve says he felt adrift when the Olympic flame finally went out. He speaks candidly about depression, why seeking help matters, and the role testosterone treatment played in restoring his confidence. Steve also remembers being one of the first people involved in London’s Olympic bid, later helping to deliver the Games, and reflects on how London 2012 and his own career raised the profile of rowing in Britain. Ask Dr HilaryWhether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com More about the show and to sign up for weekly newsletter: https://drhilaryjones.comSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thinking about taking weight loss drugs? In this eye-opening episode, Dr Hilary speaks with leading nutrition therapist Ian Marber about the guilt we attach to food and the confusion surrounding nutrition. From diet trends and probiotic hype to ultra-processed food and emotional eating, the conversation tackles what we all get wrong — and what we need to hear before changing how we eat. Ian also opens up about his coeliac diagnosis, his time running The Food Doctor brand, and why he believes nuance is the missing ingredient in today’s health conversations. Ask Dr HilaryWhether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.comMore on Ian Marber: https://www.ianmarber.comMore about the show and to sign up for weekly newsletter: https://drhilaryjones.comSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this moving episode, Pete Cohen talks about love, loss, and the mindset shifts that shape a meaningful life. Pete reflects on the death of his wife, Hannah, after a remarkable 12-year journey through brain cancer—and how that experience changed his relationship with himself. He speaks candidly about how grief challenged him to face his thoughts and emotions, let go of “busyness,” and live more intentionally. The conversation explores how phobias form and can be overcome, how visualising the future can shape behaviour, and why helping others begins with knowing yourself. Pete also shares powerful insights from working with elite athletes like Ronnie O’Sullivan and Sally Gunnell, and why pressure, trauma, and identity can define performance. With humour and heart, Pete and Dr. Hilary revisit their early TV collaborations—fire walks, costume talks, and health campaigns that used playfulness to spark change. The episode is a wide-ranging reflection on resilience, perspective, and the quiet power of showing up. Ask Dr Hilary Whether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help.Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.comFor more information about the show, visit drhilaryjones.com For more information on Pete Cohen visit: https://www.petecohen.com/Support the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed Balls joins Dr. Hilary to talk candidly about the challenges that have defined his life—from battling altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro with Little Mix, to running three marathons while in cabinet, and managing the osteoarthritis that now impacts his knees and hands. He opens up about life with a stammer and why, even after reaching the highest levels of government, it took years of therapy—and going public—to find peace with it. The conversation spans his media career, Strictly Come Dancing, and the surreal moment he played the banjo for the Queen with Frank Skinner and Harry Hill. And while he doesn’t rule out a return to politics, Ed explains why he feels he’s doing more public good now—from the outside. Ask Dr Hilary Whether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help.Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com For more information about the show, visit drhilaryjones.comSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Anand Patel joins Dr. Hilary to break the silence on male sexual health — from testosterone and tiredness to infertility and the myths behind men’s midlife crises. For 24 years, Dr. Patel has been a leading voice in men’s health, tackling taboo topics like erectile dysfunction, low libido, male infertility, and the hidden dangers of testosterone deficiency. In this candid conversation, he shares the hard truths about why sperm counts are dropping, how cycling could be harming fertility, and why tight trousers might be the least of men’s problems. They explore treatments ranging from shockwave therapy and penile implants to lifestyle changes that really make a difference — and uncover the new science around testosterone and mental health. There’s nothing off limits in this brutally honest episode that might help millions of men understand what’s going on with their bodies. Ask Dr Hilary Whether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com For more information about the show, visit drhilaryjones.comSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor James Calder joins Dr. Hilary to share what it takes to repair and prepare elite athletes for action. They talk about the high-stakes world of sports surgery, the pressure of operating on stars like Neymar, and the importance of rehabilitation over the surgery itself. Professor Calder also opens up about leading the UK’s sports concussion committee, his humanitarian work in disaster zones, his role in reopening elite sports during the pandemic, and the brutal reality of trekking the Negev Desert by camel — all while staying physically and mentally fit. Ask Dr HilaryWhether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help.Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com For more information about the show, visit drhilaryjones.comSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Francis Rossi joins Dr. Hilary to talk openly about the years he lost to cocaine and alcohol, the damage it caused, and the daily habits he now sticks to without fail. He explains why these days, he still does vocal warmups, crunches, and watches what he eats. They discuss his friendship and eventual distance from Rick Parfitt, the moment he showed his damaged nose on live TV, and why he chose to have a hair transplant. At 76, he’s still touring — but only by staying disciplined, physically active and prepared for every show. Ask Dr Hilary Whether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help.Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com For more information about the show, visit drhilaryjones.com Support the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Huntington’s disease affects thousands of families across the UK — but many still haven’t heard of it. And when it comes to men’s health, taboo and time can be two of the biggest barriers to care. Dr. Hilary sits down with two very different guests sharing one goal: better health through awareness, support, and accessible solutions. First, Steve Lewis, filmmaker and devoted husband, opens up about caring for his wife Sarah and raising awareness about Huntington’s through their powerful story. Then, digital health pioneer Sokratis Papafloratos discusses his personal health scare and how it inspired the creation NUMAN, an online health platform revolutionizing how men (and now women) access care. Together, they explore: • What it’s really like living with Huntington’s disease• How genetic testing impacts family planning• The emotional toll on carers — and what support’s out there• Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis: giving children a future without Huntington’s• Why many GPs have never seen a case — and why that must change• Making health care more accessible and less embarrassing for men• Why AI and digital platforms may be the future of treatment• The testosterone crisis and how it affects energy, mood, and libido• Humour in health: why TV ads broke taboos to get men talking 💬 Ask Dr HilaryWhether it's advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now's your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr. Hilary will answer your health and wellness questions. If it's on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com For more information about the show, visit drhilaryjones.comSupport the show: https://www.drhilaryjones.com/dr-hilary-jones-show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.