A baby's first steps are one of the biggest newborn milestones for parents. It is a sign that your baby is growing healthily and happily. However, when these steps are delayed over the period of time kids are expected to walk, that is a cause of great concern for parents. Many worries like whether the kid had an injury, or does it have any cognitive or motor disability that could be causing this delay?

Usually, it is not a big concern for there to be a little delay; consult your pediatrician and follow their advice. Not all delays are bad, and a new study shows that babies who take a little more time to walk actually do better academically. According to the study published in the Nature Human Behaviour journal, late steps could be linked to better academic performance in kids.

Why Is Taking Longer To Walk Better?

Researchers have made a significant discovery about why some babies walk earlier than others. They've found a strong link between the age at which a baby takes those first wobbly steps and the genes they get from their parents. Even more surprisingly, their research shows that the very same genes that decide if a baby walks early or late might also play a part in how well they perform in their schoolwork. This means that our bodies' blueprints could influence both our physical development, like learning to walk, and our brain development, which helps us learn at school.

The study also hints at another possible good thing about taking a bit longer to start walking. The researchers found that babies who walk later might have a lower chance of developing something called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. This is a condition that can make it hard for kids to focus and sit still. So, it seems that taking your time to walk might have some unexpected benefits for how kids' brains develop and how they behave as they grow up.

What Role Do Genes Play In A Baby’s Growth?

Researchers found that the same body instructions that make some babies walk later are also linked to doing better in studies and being less likely to have ADHD. She said that this was the first time scientists had looked at so many body instructions and how they relate to when babies start walking and other things like learning and attention.

Experts also pointed out that there's a big range in when babies start to walk. Some start as early as eight months, while others take as long as two years, and most start around 18 months. Until now, scientists didn't really know all the reasons why some babies walk much earlier or later than others. This new study helps us understand some of the things that cause these differences in when babies take their first steps.

Strong Link Between Genetic And Baby Development

For a long time, scientists knew that things around a baby, like having space to move, affect when they walk. But this new study gives us strong proof that the instructions inside our bodies, our genes, are also very important. The scientists looked at the body instructions of over 70,000 babies and found 11 specific parts that seem to be connected to when a baby starts to walk. This shows us that both what's inside us and what's around us help shape how we grow and develop, even when it comes to taking those first steps.

BBC Morning Live’s Dr Punam Krishan has cautioned people who regularly use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole to manage heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. In the UK, one in four adults experiences acid reflux, especially after large meals, and many turn to PPIs to relieve symptoms. However, Dr Punam explained that long-term use of these medications could pose certain health risks and urged patients to have their prescriptions reviewed regularly.

Dr Punam, a practising NHS GP and resident medical expert on BBC’s Morning Live, is also a well-known health broadcaster and author of children’s books.

Omeprazole Warning For Acid Reflux

Speaking to hosts Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton, she began by explaining how acid reflux develops. “Acid reflux happens when stomach acid travels back up the food pipe,” she said. “We all have acid in our stomach, it plays a key role in breaking down food. A small valve, or sphincter, at the top of the stomach acts like a trapdoor to keep that acid in place. But when this valve becomes weak or too relaxed, the acid can flow back up the oesophagus, leading to that burning, heavy sensation people often describe.”

She added that large meals, alcohol, and lying down soon after eating can all make reflux worse.

When asked how reflux is usually treated, Dr Punam explained: “If you only experience symptoms occasionally, over-the-counter medicines like antacids or alginates, such as Gaviscon can help by neutralising stomach acid. They’re effective for mild cases and can be used as needed.”

“For ongoing discomfort, we prescribe proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, like omeprazole or lansoprazole. These medicines are highly effective and have changed the way we treat acid reflux by targeting acid production directly at the source.”

Why Long-Term Use of PPIs Can Be Risky

Dr Punam warned that while PPIs are safe when used correctly, they are not intended for indefinite use. “These medications shouldn’t be taken unnecessarily or for long periods without medical review,” she said. “Extended use can slightly raise the risk of low magnesium or vitamin B12 levels and increase the likelihood of gut infections, particularly Clostridioides difficile, known as C. diff.”

She explained that C. diff is a bacterium that naturally exists in the gut but can overgrow when the balance is disturbed, sometimes causing persistent diarrhoea. “That’s a warning sign,” she said. “If you develop diarrhoea or notice changes in your bowel habits, speak to your doctor immediately. It’s very important to keep up with regular GP reviews if you’re on PPIs long-term.”

How Often Should People on PPIs See a Doctor?

If you are using omeprazole without a prescription, you should not continue for more than two weeks. See a doctor if:

• Your symptoms don’t improve after 14 days.
• Your symptoms get worse.
• Your symptoms return within four months of finishing treatment.
• You notice red flag signs such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, or black stools.

While the NHS will be inviting many people to receive their Covid-19 vaccinations this year, a small group will need to skip it, even if they qualify for a free jab. Vaccines play an essential role in strengthening our body’s defences against viruses and are especially important during colder months.

This is because illnesses like Covid-19 continue to evolve, which can reduce the immune system’s ability to fight them over time. While the vaccine isn’t mandatory for everyone, it remains strongly advised for those more likely to develop serious illness from a coronavirus infection. Below is the full NHS list of people who are advised not to take the Covid jab.

The NHS generally recommends the Covid-19 vaccine for adults aged 75 and older, those living in care homes for older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or treatments. However, for some, the vaccine may pose risks of adverse reactions, making it unsafe to receive.

Side Effects Of Covid-19 Vaccine

Not everyone who gets a Covid-19 vaccine will notice side effects, but NHS guidance outlines a few common ones, including:

• Aching muscles
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Soreness at the injection site
• Mild flu-like symptoms

These reactions are typically mild and tend to disappear within a week. The NHS recommends taking paracetamol to ease any discomfort during recovery.

Full List Of People Who Can’t Have The Covid Vaccine

The NHS continues to encourage everyone eligible for the vaccine to take it, especially during the winter months when infection rates usually climb. However, a few groups may need to delay or avoid the jab altogether, such as:

• People currently unwell with Covid-19
• Anyone running a high temperature
• Individuals who are feeling generally unwell
• Those at risk of a severe allergic reaction
• People who have recently recovered from Covid-19

If you have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to the Covid vaccine or any other jab, your GP or vaccination provider may refer you to an allergy specialist who can assess your situation. In some cases, you may be advised to receive the vaccine in a specialist setting, such as a hospital, where any reaction can be managed quickly.

According to NHS guidance, this level of caution is usually only required for those with a history of anaphylaxis. However, even if you’ve experienced mild allergic symptoms before, such as hives, wheezing, or a rashyou may still be able to get vaccinated safely.

If you believe you currently have a Covid-19 infection, it’s best to wait until you’ve fully recovered before booking your jab. The NHS also clarifies that those who’ve recently had Covid-19 may not need the vaccine right away, as their immune system is already primed to recognise and respond to the latest strain.

You can find full details and updates on NHS guidance about the Covid-19 vaccine on their official website.

A full night's rest is more uncommon than you realize. A lot of people throughout the world are struggling with sleep issues, according to the Sleep Foundation. They explain that too many adults are simply not getting the rest they need. On average, over one-third of adults get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep each night.

Many times, people cannot sleep well due to staying up too late, overworking themselves or having sleep problems. Sleep deprivation can have harmful effects on one’s health. But can this be change? According to Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist, there are 3 habits that can help people ensure a good night’s sleep.

Sleep is crucial for both your mind and body. When you have chronic sleep deprivation, it doesn't just make you tired; it can harm nearly every system in your body. From your heart to your weight, not getting enough rest messes up the important natural processes that keep you healthy.

How Does Sleep Deprivation Affect Health?

Missing out on sleep does more than just make you tired—it actually messes up your body's normal functions and increases your risk for serious illnesses. According to the Harvard Health, getting less than six hours of sleep a night, you double your risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Not getting enough sleep throws off the hormones that control your blood sugar, making it hard for your body to manage sugar correctly. It can also raise your risk for high blood pressure and which then leads to heart problems and increased stress. Poor sleep is also linked to depression, anxiety, dementia, and weight gain because it disrupts key hormones and metabolic functions essential for a healthy body.

3 Simple Tips To Improve Sleep

Getting enough sleep is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your health. It is never too late to start sleeping better! By practicing good sleep hygiene—like having a consistent bedtime, putting away screens before bed, and making your bedroom dark and cool, you can get the restorative rest your body needs. Dr. Sudhir Kumar suggests that getting better sleep can be simple if you follow these three main rules:

Keep a Fixed Sleep Schedule

Your body has a natural internal clock that works best when it has a clear schedule. To set this clock right, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every single day, even on weekends. This consistency trains your body on when to feel tired and when to be awake, helping you get deeper and more regular sleep.

Unplug Before Bed

The bright light from your phone, tablet, or TV signals to your brain that it is still daytime, which makes it much harder to relax and fall asleep. Stop using all screens for 30 to 60 minutes before you want to sleep. Use that quiet time for a calming activity instead, like reading a paper book, writing in a journal, or doing some slow, deep breathing exercises.

Set the Scene for Sleep

Your bedroom environment is key to quality sleep. You want your room to be a true rest haven:

• Cool: Keep the temperature between about 60–67°F (15–19°C).
• Dark: Make sure the room is completely dark.
• Quiet: Reduce noise as much as possible.