HealthFirst

30/07/2026

Good friends are good for your health 💙

Today, on International Day of Friendship, we're celebrating the powerful impact that friendship has on our physical and mental health and well-being.

Strong social connections do more than make life more enjoyable. They help reduce stress, boost our happy hormones, and are linked to a lower risk of heart disease, dementia and depression. Research also shows that people with supportive communities tend to live longer, healthier lives.

Take a moment today to reach out to a friend and share this reminder with someone who matters to you!

28/07/2026

This week marked World Drowning Prevention Day Health Organization (WHO)

Could you save a child from drowning?

In this video, Dr Michelle explains the essential first aid steps for responding to a drowning child.

Please note: This video is based on the 2021 resuscitation guidelines. Since then, the ERC and SRC have updated their guidance. One important change is that emergency services should now be called as soon as an unresponsive person is found, before checking for breathing.

💻 For a step-by-step guide, read our accompanying blog https://healthfirst.ch/company/blog/how-to-help-in-a-drowning-emergency/

Save this post and share it with parents, grandparents, and anyone who spends time around water.

27/07/2026

Thank you International School Parent Magazine for featuring our article on duck fleas.

If you're enjoying Switzerland's lakes this summer, it's well worth a read before your next swim.

🔗 https://healthfirst.ch/company/blog/watch-out-for-the-duck-fleas/

A day at the lake shouldn't end with an itchy rash.

"Duck fleas" aren't actually fleas, but tiny parasites that can cause swimmer's itch after swimming in freshwater.

Stay protected by:
• Avoiding shoreline vegetation.
• Showering immediately after swimming.
• Drying yourself thoroughly with a towel.
• Recognising the early signs of swimmer's itch.

Read the full article here: https://healthfirst.ch/company/blog/watch-out-for-the-duck-fleas/

20/07/2026

Menopause is more than hot flushes.

It affects the brain, heart, bones, sleep, mood, relationships and so much more. Yet many people still don't recognise the symptoms or know where to find support.

It's time for change.

Read our latest blog to better understand menopause, the treatment options available, and why raising awareness matters for everyone.

🔗 https://healthfirst.ch/company/blog/its-time-for-change-raising-awareness-of-menopause/

15/07/2026

An important conversation with one of the leading voices in menopause care.

We're so proud to see Dr Mecky McNeil join Dr Louise Newson on The Dr Louise Newson Podcast, discussing menopause in the workplace and why women deserve better evidence-based support before symptoms affect their well-being and careers.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/podcasts/why-are-women-still-leaving-work-because-of-their-hormones

Health

14/07/2026

We're delighted to share that HealthFirst is now offering our popular baby and child First Aid courses in Lucerne!

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, our hands-on, English-language courses will give you the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency.

Saving Little Lives: CPR and Medical Emergencies for Babies
Learn baby CPR, first aid for choking, the recovery position, and how to recognise and respond to medical emergencies in infants.

First Aid for Little Ones: Training for Parents and Caregivers
Learn essential first aid skills for babies and young children, including how to respond in an emergency, manage choking, bleeding and burns, recognise serious allergic reactions and more.

📅 Saturday, 12 September 2026
📍 Athliq.studio, Kriens

We can't wait to welcome families from Lucerne and the surrounding area!

🔗 Visit our website to book your place: https://healthfirst.ch/for-public/first-aid-training/for-families/

13/07/2026

🎶 Festival season is in full swing across Switzerland, and with events like Montreux Jazz, Paléo and Caribana bringing people together, it's the perfect time to think about getting home safely.

One helpful tool is Be My Angel. Available in English as a web app and on iOS and Android, it lets you log your drinks throughout the day or evening and provides an estimate of when the alcohol will have left your body.

It's important to remember that this is only an estimate, not a substitute for a legal blood alcohol test. If you've been drinking, the safest choice is not to drive. Fatigue, stress, medications, and drugs can also affect your ability to drive safely.

If you're heading to festivals this summer, it's well worth taking a look: https://www.bemyangel.ch/fr/alcoolemie/

Stay safe, look after each other, and enjoy festival season! 🎵☀️

Calculez votre alcoolémie a l'aide de nos applications IOS, Android et webapp. disponible online et sur appstore et googleplay be my angel

11/07/2026

Menopause is no longer just a health issue — it is a workforce, well-being and business issue.

Our Mental Health and Well-being Director, Dr Mecky McNeil, explores why menopause should be recognised as a workplace priority in her new article:

“Menopause in the Workplace: An Overlooked Driver of Performance, Retention, and Inclusion.”

Drawing on the latest research and guidance, Dr Mecky examines the impact of menopause on employees and organisations, and shares practical recommendations to help workplaces better support women through this important life stage.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://healthfirst.ch/company/blog/menopause-in-the-workplace-an-overlooked-driver-of-performance-retention-and-inclusion/

09/07/2026

You went for a swim... so why are you suddenly covered in an itchy rash?

It could be duck fleas, also known as swimmer’s itch.

In this Reel, Dr Michelle explains what duck fleas are and how to avoid them. Want to learn more?

In our blog, you’ll find:
✔️ How to recognise the symptoms
✔️ What to do if you develop the rash
✔️ Simple ways to reduce your risk

Read the full blog and keep enjoying your summer swims, itch-free.

🔗 https://healthfirst.ch/company/blog/watch-out-for-the-duck-fleas/

07/07/2026

Congratulations to HealthFirst's Mental Health and Well-being Director, Dr Mecky 👏

Driven by a passion for changing the narrative around menopause, Dr Mecky is committed to empowering women to better understand their hormones, make informed, personalised choices about managing menopause, and lead healthier, happier lives.

We're proud to have her expertise as part of the HealthFirst team!