The Dr Hilary Show

• Understanding encephalitis: Jack and Antonia on the illness that took their daughter’s life

  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.

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• Your health questions answered: diabetes, bone health, weight loss drugs, and women’s surgery

  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: [email protected] 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.

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• How I Stopped Stammering: The Breathing Technique That Changed My Life

  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.

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• The hidden power of medical tattooing

  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 [email protected] 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.

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• Strictly’s Amy Dowden MBE on Crohn’s, breast cancer at 32, and dancing again

  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 [email protected] 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.

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