Cookie Policy
Healthspecialistguide — Mill Lane 54, Edinburgh
Last updated: January 2025
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us understand how you interact with our content, remember your preferences, and improve your reading experience. Cookies do not identify you personally but may store information linked to a device or browser.
This policy explains what cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can manage or disable them.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as page navigation, security, and access to secure areas. Without these cookies, basic features would not work.
- Session management and user authentication
- Security and fraud prevention
- Loading balancing across servers
- Content delivery and caching
Performance & Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use our website, including which pages are visited most, user behaviour patterns, and technical information. This data helps us improve our content and editorial structure.
- Page view tracking and user journey analysis
- Performance metrics and site speed monitoring
- Browser and device information
- Geographic location data (approximate)
Functional Cookies
These cookies remember your preferences and choices to enhance your experience. They allow us to personalise content and remember information you've provided.
- Language and region preferences
- Font size and layout preferences
- Saved reading history and bookmarks
- Display and accessibility settings
Marketing & Tracking Cookies
These cookies track your activity across websites to build interest profiles and serve relevant content recommendations. They may be set by third-party advertising and analytics partners.
- Interest-based content recommendations
- Cross-site behaviour tracking
- Ad performance measurement
- Retargeting and audience analysis
How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
Improving Content Delivery
Understanding which articles receive the most engagement helps our editorial team create better health and wellness content.
Personalising Your Experience
We remember your preferences for language, layout, and reading history to make your visits more convenient.
Website Security & Functionality
Essential cookies ensure our website functions reliably and securely for all visitors.
Analytics & Performance Monitoring
We track technical metrics to identify and resolve issues, ensuring a smooth browsing experience.
Content Recommendations
We use cookies to suggest relevant articles and topics based on your reading interests.
Managing Your Cookies
Browser Controls
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when a cookie is being sent. Here's how to adjust settings for popular browsers:
- Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Apple Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage website data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Clear browsing data
Cookie Consent Preferences
When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner. You can choose to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customise your preferences. You may change your choices at any time through the cookie preferences panel, typically accessible via a link in the footer of our pages.
Third-Party Opt-Out Tools
For marketing and tracking cookies set by third parties, you can use industry opt-out mechanisms:
Note: Disabling cookies may affect your browsing experience on our website. Some features may not work properly if essential cookies are blocked. We recommend keeping essential cookies enabled while managing other cookie types according to your preferences.
Cookie Reference Table
Below is a detailed list of cookies we use on our website:
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHPSESSID | Essential | Session management and user authentication | Session |
| hsg_preferences | Functional | Stores language, theme, and layout preferences | 1 year |
| _ga | Analytics | Google Analytics user identification | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Analytics | Google Analytics session tracking | 2 years |
| hsg_reading_history | Functional | Stores recently read articles for recommendations | 6 months |
| _gid | Analytics | Google Analytics session identification | 24 hours |
| consent_status | Essential | Records your cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
| NID | Marketing | Google advertising and content personalisation | 6 months |
| fr | Marketing | Facebook pixel advertising tracking | 3 months |
| __Secure-utm_* | Analytics | Traffic source and campaign tracking | Session |
This table represents the primary cookies used. Additional cookies may be added or updated periodically based on service provider changes and website improvements.
Third-Party Services
Our website uses cookies from trusted third-party services to enhance functionality and provide analytics. These third parties operate under their own privacy policies:
Google Analytics
Used for website traffic analysis and user behaviour tracking.
View Google Privacy Policy →Facebook Pixel
Tracks user interactions for content recommendation and audience insights.
View Facebook Cookie Policy →Content Delivery Networks (CDN)
Optimises content delivery and caches pages for faster loading.
View Cloudflare Privacy Policy →Legal Compliance
This website complies with major privacy regulations including:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): We obtain explicit consent for non-essential cookies and respect user data rights.
- CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act): We provide transparency and user control over personal data collection.
- ePrivacy Directive: We comply with EU electronic communications privacy requirements.
- UK PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations): We honour user preferences for tracking and marketing communications.
For more information about how we handle personal data, please refer to our Disclaimer and Privacy Statement.
Questions About Cookies?
If you have questions or concerns about our cookie practices, please contact our editorial team:
Healthspecialistguide
Mill Lane 54, Edinburgh
Email: [email protected]
For article-related feedback and editorial inquiries, please use the email address above.
Policy Updates
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, regulations, or our practices. We recommend reviewing this page regularly. Continued use of our website following changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
Last Updated: January 2025
Additional Resources: