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4 of the Best Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists
4 of the Best Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists
Protect your skin all year-round with the best sunscreens recommended by experts.
2023-06-14 22:28
Struggling with menopause symptoms in the heat? An expert shares tips
Struggling with menopause symptoms in the heat? An expert shares tips
Heatwaves can be uncomfortable at the best of times, but what if you’re already having hot flushes? Dr Naomi Potter, founder of Menopause Care and co-author of bestselling book, Menopausing, with Davina McCall, points out that eight in 10 people who go through menopause experience symptoms like hot flushes – a sudden surge of heat, often accompanied by redness and sweating. Night sweats and trouble sleeping are also common during perimenopause and menopause – not the sort of things you want to be dealing with when a heatwave hits. “The increasing temperatures can make hot flushes and night sweats worse, and make it harder to cool down when you do experience them,” says Potter, explaining that the lack of oestrogen associated with menopause affects the part of the brain that helps regulate body temperature. “If you’re already hot and sweaty, then having a night sweat or hot flush can just make everything worse and uncomfortable.” Here’s her advice for getting through the summer heatwaves… Travelling “Public transport can be awful at the best of times in the heat, especially when travelling on tubes, trains and buses where you’re cramped in, so if you experience a hot flush while travelling, it can be extremely unpleasant,” Potter says. “Try carrying water and a small fan, to give some comfort in these moments, if just for a short relief.” If you can, invest in a water bottle designed to keep liquids cold, so you’ll always have something cool to sip when you need to. Be drink savvy Speaking of drinks, Potter also suggests trying to limit alcohol, coffee and sugary beverages, especially if menopause symptoms are proving troublesome. Iced tea and water are ideal options. “During the summer, you’re more likely to be dehydrated, and alcohol, coffee and fizzy drinks worsen dehydration,” she explains. “So it’s worth bearing that in mind and staying hydrated with water.” Sleep Menopause might already be impacting your mood and energy levels, so sleepless nights can be a double whammy. “In the case of night sweats, you’ll often experience broken and interrupted sleep, which has a knock-on effect and impact on lifestyle and work the next day,” says Potter. “Create a cool sleeping environment by wearing light breathable bed clothes and have a spare by the bed in case you wake up sweaty, so you can change without having to properly wake up to find new clothes,” she suggests. Plus, a well-positioned bedroom fan will be your summer best friend. Dress light It goes without saying that clothing also affects temperature – so if hot flushes are bothering you, tweaking your wardrobe could certainly help. Potter suggests dressing in “lightweight, breathable fabrics” such as cotton or linen. Plus, a light pair of cycling shorts/long knickers under skirts and dresses can help massively with sweating and discomfort at this time of year. Get the right support Heatwave or no heatwave, menopause doesn’t have to mean suffering in silence and just soldiering on if symptoms are impacting you. “If somebody is having symptoms, then it is definitely worth seeing their GP because there’s lots that can be done,” says Potter. “And if you have a menopause-friendly workplace, it is definitely worth talking to [managers] because with recently headlines, many workplaces are much more supportive of the menopause. “I think it’s vital that conversations like this continue,” Potter adds. “Without speaking about experiences, then there is no way for people to realise that this is a normal life event, and there is help if it is required.” Storing HRT in the heat Finally, if you are taking hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), make sure it’s being stored correctly when temperatures soar. “Most HRT should be stored at room temperature. If this is the case with yours (it will say on the side of the packaging), do not refrigerate or freeze it. Instead, storing it in a cool dark place, away from direct light, should be fine,” says Potter. You will want to keep it away from excessive temperatures though – basically anywhere that can get particularly hot when it’s sunny, such as inside cars, on window ledges. “And aircraft holds,” Potter adds, “where temperatures are unknown and can rise rapidly.”
2023-06-14 18:48
Toff: Drinking mindfully is a gift to yourself
Toff: Drinking mindfully is a gift to yourself
When you think back to Made In Chelsea’s heyday, it seemed to be all champagne, kisses, debauchery and parties. But Georgia Toffolo, 2017 Queen of the Jungle and close pal of Stanley Johnson, says she often wasn’t drinking champagne at all. “We were always photographed with glasses of champagne in our hands, but mine was normally a non-alcoholic version,” the 28-year-old explains. “I don’t know whether people really know this.” At that time, the nation’s relationship with alcohol was in the spotlight, and how well we looked after our wellbeing became more important. Things began to change around her, says Toffolo. “People became more aware of their habits – both negative and positive. And as I was in my early 20s, I was able to ride that wave. “My attitude to wellbeing has changed hugely. I try to get balance and moderation, which is a constant battle, whether I am looking at how I eat, drink, work, or exercise. In my early 20s, it was so manic and I tried to work all the hours God sent, so the theme of my mid-20s has been trying to find moderation,” she explains. That moderation has become pertinent to her drinking habits. “I am a mindful drinker. I have been drinking since I was 18, but over the past three years, I have really tried to be more mindful.” She’s not the only one. According to new research by Harrogate Spring Water, 61% of adults are intending to try drinking in moderation in the coming months – a campaign Toffolo is supporting by debuting a new 0% summer cocktail, The Royal Raspberry Spritz, at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, June 20, at The Harrogate Spring Water Mindful Drinking Bar. A lot of people, Toffolo says, “are interspersing alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks, which is exactly what I do. “Ascot is like my Christmas. I go every day of every year but it can be a really long week,” she explains. “People go racing for so many different reasons, but you want to be on flying form. I drink loads and loads of water, feel super hydrated and feel great the next day. I spruce it up with a bit of basil or elderflower.” And because she sticks to mindful drinking, hangovers are a thing of the past, says Toffolo. “It doesn’t feel like it’s a chore, it doesn’t feel like I am losing out on anything, it is a gift to yourself. My mindset and my relationship with alcohol is so much healthier.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Should you sleep naked? Heatwave myths debunked 7 hay fever hacks to ease your symptoms this summer The pests you really don’t want invading your garden and how to deter them
2023-06-14 16:22
Should you sleep naked? Heatwave myths debunked
Should you sleep naked? Heatwave myths debunked
It’s safe to say summer has officially started. Temperatures are now firmly above 25C across much of the UK, the sunshine is hotter, noses are stuffy and the air is muggy, sometimes making it difficult to sleep. Keeping cool in a heatwave is a priority – but it also gives rise to various theories and myths on how to achieve this… Sleeping naked cools you down Sleeping naked seems like the easiest and quickest way to cool your body temperature down after being out all day. But this isn’t necessarily the case, according to Abbas Kanani, a superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click Online Pharmacy. “Sweat collects on the body and remains there when we have no clothes on,” Kanani explained. “Although having less layers on the body can help you to feel more comfortable in the heat, wearing lightweight nightwear made from breathable fabrics helps draw sweat away from your body and makes you feel a lot cooler and more comfortable.” So what should you wear at night to keep cool? “Clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen are breathable and absorbent,” Kanani recommended. “They will soak the sweat up off your skin and they let air through, which cools you down.” People don’t die from heat in this country The UK sun can feel different compared to when you are sunbathing and drinking cocktails on a beach in Barcelona – but that can catch people out. “The biggest myth is that the weather in the UK isn’t hot enough to be dangerous,” said Dr Adam Staten, a clinical director at One Day Tests and NHS GP. “Whilst we don’t have that many really hot days, when it is hot, it can be fatal. For example, during the heatwave last summer, hundreds more people died than normal for that time in the year.” Staten suggests we overcomplicate things when trying to keep cool. “Most measures are really simple and include common sense measures like keeping curtains drawn, keeping windows open or taking cool showers or baths.” Sticking to hot drinks will keep you cool Who else thinks drinking tea or coffee in hot weather will cool you down? For Staten, “One myth that seems to come up a lot is that hot drinks are better for cooling you down than cold drinks. I think the evidence actually shows that it doesn’t really matter – as long as you are keeping hydrated, your drinks can be hot or cold.” Pharmacist Kanani agrees with that final point. “Hydration is vital for keeping cool in hot temperatures. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated. Avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as they can contribute to dehydration.” You only need to wear sunscreen when the sun’s out Another common misconception is thinking that you can’t get sunburnt when it is cloudy outside. “This isn’t true,” Kanani said. “Although it’s less likely than when you’re out in full sunshine, clouds don’t block all of the sun’s UV rays.” It’s also why people either only apply sunscreen in the morning or none at all. “Many people think that when sunscreen is waterproof, it means they do not need to reapply it after swimming or sweating. It should be reapplied straight after you have been in water, towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off.” Sunburn is something to be careful of. Staten said: “It’s really common and can actually be very severe both in the short term and for the longer term risk of skin cancer.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 7 hay fever hacks to ease your symptoms this summer The pests you really don’t want invading your garden and how to deter them How to take care of your mental health at festivals
2023-06-13 22:51
7 hay fever hacks to ease your symptoms this summer
7 hay fever hacks to ease your symptoms this summer
According to health officials, people sought advice for hay fever symptoms once every three seconds on Sunday. And today, the Met Office predicted the pollen count would be “very high” in most of England and Wales.Hay fever is usually at its worst between March and September – and right now, thousands of people affected are desperate for a solution to their pollen-induced runny noses, itchy eyes and tickly coughs, and other irritating symptoms. The hay fever pages on the NHS.uk website reportedly received 122,650 visits last week alone. So, what can you do to help with hay fever symptoms? 1. Don’t rub your eyes “Red, itchy, swollen eyes are often a real problem for hay fever sufferers,” explained pharmacist Sid Dajani, from Golden Eye Eye Care. “As tempting as it is, don’t rub your eyes. Clean them free of pollen frequently, with cotton lint and cold water, and treat the symptoms immediately with eye drops or eye ointment containing propamidine isetionate.”2. Don sunnies and keep your clothes cleanReducing your exposure to pollen, however possible, can really help. Dajani added: “Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes when outside, and have a shower when you get in from work and put your clothes straight in the wash to help remove all pollen. It’s also best to avoid drying clothes outside.”3. Think about your diet What you eat may have an impact too. GP Dr Nisa Aslam suggested: “Stick to an anti-inflammatory diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, beans, grains and oily fish, whilst limiting processed food high in fat, sugar and salt. Look for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant herbs, like chamomile, ginger, nettle and turmeric. These can be consumed in the form of supplements or beverages.”4. Protect your nostrilsDr Adam Fox, allergist and advisor to Clarityn, said: “Pollen balms such as petroleum jelly rubbed around the rim of the nostrils can help trap pollen before it enters the nose, and salt water nasal sprays help rinse pollen particles out of the nose, preventing them from sitting in there and causing more symptoms.”5. Keep the windows shut As tempting as it may be to fling windows open at this time of year, Dijani said: “Keep windows, including car windows, and doors shut. Venture out as little as possible. Towns and cities are no more friendly to hay fever sufferers than the countryside, due in part to more extensive ‘greening’ of urban areas.” 6. Prepare for the pollen count Checking to see when the pollen is particularly high can help you prepare. “If you know you have symptoms every year, then it makes sense to be prepared in advance,” said Fox. “If you require a nasal spray, then starting to use it before the season starts will make it much more effective. For adults, these can be brought over the counter, whilst children will need a prescription.” 7. Stay in when the count is really high And if symptoms are still really getting to you? “Avoid going outside when the pollen count is at its highest – in the middle of the morning or the early evening,” said Dajani.
2023-06-13 20:52
How to take care of your mental health at festivals
How to take care of your mental health at festivals
Festival season is upon us, with Glastonbury taking place near the end of June. While we’re well versed in how to take care of our physical health at a festival (yes, you really should take a hat in case the sun comes out), what about the mental health side of things? Mike McAdam, 38, co-founded Blink Mental Health, which provides mental health support at festivals. After his mental health deteriorated in 2017, McAdam found his condition was too serious for primary care, but not extreme enough for secondary care. He accepts there are lots of brilliant charities and campaigns encouraging people – particularly men – to talk about their mental health and reach out if they need it, but “it’s incredibly difficult to get help”, he suggests. This is where the idea for Blink came from – the ultimate aim is to set up a ‘Blink Bank’ providing money for private therapy for those who are stuck on waiting lists. McAdam accepts that is “really ambitious and would cost millions”, so as a starting point, Blink provides wellbeing at festivals. Blink is going to six festivals this summer – including Boomtown and Wilderness – where it will set up dedicated tents which McAdam calls “a place to relax, get away from things [and] take your mind off the festival”, with bean bags and mindful activities such as colouring and jigsaw puzzles. Blink also offers between 12 and 18 hours a day of free talking therapy with fully qualified and accredited psychologists or psychotherapists. “It’s not just about diagnosed mental health conditions, everyone should look after [their] mental health,” McAdam says. He suggests festivals are a great place to open up conversations around mental health. “At festivals, people tend to explore new experiences – whether that’s food, music, dance or activities – so one reason we go to festivals is because people want to explore new experiences, [and] we find them more open-minded to talk and access therapy,” he says. Plus, he accepts festivals can be “full-on”, and don’t always have “that space where you can chill out”. While McAdam suggests early intervention is key when dealing with mental health, there are some things you can do to do yourself if you’re going to a festival this summer… Be prepared Before heading off to the festival, McAdam recommends being as prepared as possible. This could include “taking earplugs, a decent sleeping bag, making sure we have clothes for all weathers if we can”, he says. “Because if you can’t get a decent night’s sleep, if you’re absolutely freezing, that will affect your physical and mental health.” Lowri Dowthwaite-Walsh, senior lecturer in psychological interventions at UCLan, agrees with the importance of planning ahead. “If you have any vulnerabilities, such as pre-existing mental health difficulties or known triggers, plan ahead for how you can manage these,” she says. “By having a plan of what to do in the event of feeling low or anxious, you’ll be able to enjoy your time more and be more relaxed.” Stay well-fed and watered McAdam recommends taking a water bottle you can refill throughout the festival, and adds: “Try and eat regularly.” He suggests it can be “very, very easy to forget about eating or drinking [water]” at a festival, or you might not want to buy much food as it can be expensive on-site. However, taking your own snacks and bottle could go a long way to helping you be as comfortable as possible. Dowthwaite-Walsh adds: “Long days, warm weather and alcohol consumption can dehydrate you and this can lead to headaches, feeling fatigued and struggling to concentrate and make good decisions” – which means drinking plenty of water is crucial. Camp wisely “Try and camp with people you feel safe with,” is McAdam’s advice. And if you’re going to a festival with different options for camping – for example, Wilderness has a quiet camping area – choose the place that suits you best. If you’re going solo, McAdam says: “Try and find the area that may suit your needs.” Be drink and drug-aware “Alcohol and drugs have a direct impact on your mental health, so it’s important to discuss your choices with friends and people you trust. You can also get support from first responders at the festival if you have issues with any substances,” says Dowthwaite-Walsh. Take the pressure off “There’s a huge, huge thing about fear of missing out”, McAdam says. “They’re extremely exciting places, [with] so much going on. “There won’t be an opportunity to explore and see everything that you may want to, so as hard as it is, please do not try and put too much pressure on yourself trying to get around everything you want to see.” This could “burn you out and add additional stress”, he says, so McAdam recommends being “realistic about what you can see”. Stay connected If you are with friends, Dowthwaite-Walsh recommends staying connected. “Being able to enjoy yourself with friends helps to deepen the experience of a festival but also keeps you safe physically and psychologically,” she suggests. She also recommends living in the moment as much as you can. “Have fun, enjoy the moment and savour it. Taking pictures to share with family and friends is a great way to create memories, but also remember to live in the moment and soak up the full experience” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 of the best lawnmowers How should we be talking to our daughters about money? STI cases at record highs: 6 things everyone needs to know about sexually transmitted infections
2023-06-13 15:55
I tried anti-bloating pills for two weeks, and now I know the gassy truth
I tried anti-bloating pills for two weeks, and now I know the gassy truth
Our bellies have always been the target of derision and ire. Long have they been poked and prodded. Sighed at and sucked in. Reprimanded and insulted. But ever since social media became the new WebMD for chronic self-diagnosers, it’s been open season on every little bodily function. Every involuntary twitch, skin bump and mood shift has been analysed to death – but none more so than the dreaded bloat. Stomach bloating can happen for all sorts of reasons. Often the main culprit is a big meal. It’s that feeling of being uncomfortably full and needing to undo the top button of your jeans, as if you’ve just had a particularly heavy Sunday roast. Unless you have real food intolerances or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or the symptom is caused by hormonal changes, bloating is the body’s normal reaction to eating a little too much. It usually subsides after a few hours. But this is 2023. A bit of bloating is no longer something you can just wait a few hours to get rid of – social media dictates that it needs to be gone immediately, and if it doesn’t then there must be something wrong with you. And not to stop there, either. You should also be cutting 10 different types of foods out of your life, doing five simple exercises 200 times a day and taking an assortment of supplements and pills because God forbid your stomach be round for the next two hours. According to Dr Tamara Alireza, a functional medicine specialist at Skinfluencer London, bloating should be taken seriously if it doesn’t come and go with food. If it becomes a chronic problem, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as persistent stomach and pelvic pain, changes to bowel habits, unexpected weight loss, fatigue and fever, vomiting, or bleeding, it may be something different entirely. “Excess bloating can be linked to IBS, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and coeliac disease, but also to more serious conditions,” she says. But we are a society obsessed with quick fixes, and anti-bloating pills have become a popular “cure” for the woes of a distended belly. Last month, fitness influencer Sam Cutler took it to new heights when she provided the pills for her wedding guests during the meal. Some viewers of her TikTok video – which sparked so much horror that it rapidly went viral – claimed that the pills were essentially “laxatives”. The glut of brands that have emerged in recent years would disagree, though. Many claim to use all-natural ingredients to “speed up digestion” and reduce gas without a laxative effect. Admittedly, curiosity got the better of me. I am lucky enough not to suffer from any particularly gut-churning conditions, but I do have eyes bigger than my stomach. It means I regularly end up regretting wearing trousers to a meal, cursing myself as my belly strains against the waistband. Could these pills really make me feel more comfortable after a big dinner, or would they just lead to some unfortunate toilet habits? I am kindly sent a couple of packs by Wild Dose, which lists extracts of ginger, liquorice, fennel seed, turmeric, peppermint leaf and dandelion root alongside a “proprietary enzyme complex” and a probiotic blend in each brown pill. They smell very herbal and are a rather unappealing greenish-brown colour – it initially makes me wonder if it’s an omen for what my guts are about to experience. After two weeks of taking them daily, I found that they did make a slight difference in my post-meal stupor and I feel comfortable quicker than before. However, the change has been marginal and, if anything, they made me more gassy, to the chagrin of my significant other. The medical community is reluctant to support the efficacy of similar supplements, as there remains little clinical research to back up their claims. Dr Alireza describes anti-bloat pills as a “Band-Aid on a fire hydrant” for people who have genuine problems with their gut. “I generally would not recommend taking any pills to counteract the bloating,” she says, “rather I would be keen to first determine the source of the issue.” She points to her practice, which aims to determine the root cause of symptoms and treat it – instead of providing temporary fixes. But I think the real reason behind social media’s obsession with bloating has nothing to do with #guthealth. Instead, it is our inherent fatphobia and fear of fatness that fuel this battle against the bloat. Are we so afraid of looking fat for even a couple of hours that we flock to pills and exercises with such abandon? Given the way people have fallen over themselves to get their hands on Ozempic, a drug intended to help diabetes patients but which has made a name for itself as a weight-loss miracle, it appears the answer is yes. It’s no mistake, either, that women are the primary targets for anti-bloating content online. Studies show that women are twice as likely to experience it as men, particularly during menstruation and menopause because of hormonal fluctuations. But the expectation for women to maintain at least the illusion of thinness at all times is also much higher. Many of us learned at an early age how to suck in our stomachs and – even as adults – keep them sucked in pretty much all day. As I write this, I realise that I’ve been subconsciously engaging my core muscles despite sitting behind a desk. No wonder the promise of no more bloating is so appealing, if it makes looking mildly smaller less of a chore. Joanna Dase, fitness expert and operations director of female-focused health clubs Curves, says that any medical conditions should be diagnosed by qualified professionals rather than social media. She acknowledges that while bloating can affect body image, no one should worry about your normal, natural responses to digestion. “If you have a professional opinion and there is no health problem related to it, then you just need to have an actual understanding of your body and its natural functions, and being OK with yourself. It’s just how your body breaks down food.” Read More Wellness gurus claim your hormones are out to get you – but is it just another scam? ‘Thanks Pfizer’: The weird world of shakes, health anxiety and illness online A One Direction fan claimed she had a brain tumour. 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2023-06-08 13:52
‘Covid killed my taste buds – then my business’
‘Covid killed my taste buds – then my business’
A cooking teacher who lost her sense of taste and smell and “never fully recovered” after catching Covid last summer has decided to shut her business because she can no longer gauge the quantity needed or quality of ingredients in her dishes. Raisa Ali, 51, said to continue teaching people how to cook Indian food would be like “the blind leading the blind” as her sense of taste and smell have never been the same since she caught Covid in July 2022. The mother-of-three, who lives in Kingston, south London, knew “something was missing” after her husband Akbar, 52, and her students found she was being heavy-handed with the spices but could not tell the difference. Raisa made the difficult decision to close her Sweet Sultry Spice cooking school after teaching a class how to make the Indian spice mix garam masala and realising that, while she knew the recipe from memory, she could not smell the pungent ingredients. Covid has “killed the joy of cooking” and dried up her source of income, but Raisa has now accepted what happened and is looking for a fresh start. Raisa, who has three sons, twins Zain and Zakir, 16, and Yusuf, 19, said: “I can’t dwell on this anymore and just have to move forward. “My main mode of cooking and learning and teaching has been to follow my nose. “I used to make my students take whiffs of everything at every stage. “I decided to close the school because when I lost my sense of taste and smell, my passion died. “Covid killed the most important part of food for me.” Raisa started giving cooking classes in her kitchen after completing a nutrition course in 2018 and taking advice from a friend. “I did a one-year nutrition course and started working online, trying to build a small business, but it wasn’t going anywhere and I was feeling very isolated,” she said. “A friend of mine came over and said ‘you’re doing it all wrong, why don’t you just open a cooking school’. “I was scared but she was like ‘feel the fear and just do it anyway.” She soon found herself giving two or three classes per week to groups of around five people for between £60 and £70, teaching them to cook Indian cuisine. “People would come over to my house and they wouldn’t leave – it was great,” said Raisa who moved to the UK in 2008 after her husband was transferred to the country for work. “It was a really great experience and then when it went away, I just thought now what am I going to do?” Just when her budding business started taking off, bringing in between £500 and £800 per month, Covid struck. “Suddenly Covid’s happening and from one day to the next the business totally died,” she said. “The income that I had was gone and everything that I had built was gone. “I spent that first year (2020) feeling sorry for myself.” Then while travelling back to her native California, in July 2022, Raisa caught Covid and spent two weeks in bed. “I spent the first two weeks in bed and then started to recover slowly,” she said. “When I came back, I had brain fog, I couldn’t smell things properly and I couldn’t taste things properly.” She noticed her taste buds were not firing on all cylinders after eating some tortilla chips which tasted like “cardboard”. “I’m eating them and thinking, I don’t understand, what is this?” she said. “And it has just never come back properly.” While Raisa started to recover after spending two weeks in bed, some of her symptoms lingered for months. Once lockdown rules lifted, Raisa went back to giving cooking classes, but it was not the same. In January 2023, while teaching a group how to make garam masala from scratch, Raisa’s sense of smell was put to the test. “When they could smell it across the room then I knew, at that point, that this wasn’t going to work for me because it would be like the blind leading the blind,” she said. “I remember telling my customers, look I’m telling you everything from memory and my past experience because I don’t have have my sense of taste and smell. “Isn’t that depressing?” On another occasion, she was cooking a chicken dish and a student asked about the ingredients but Raisa could not “taste anything”. “It turned out it was black pepper but I couldn’t even taste it,” she said. Her husband and children also started picking up on strong flavours which appeared relatively mild to her. “I knew something was missing because when I cooked things for my husband he would say ‘oh, you put a lot of this in’,” Raisa said. “But I could not tell the difference.” Even to this day, Raisa says she has not fully recovered her sense of taste and smell. “If I would sum it up, Covid killed the joy,” she said. “I just feel like I don’t want to bother anymore because I feel like my drive is gone. “So I decided, either I can be upset about it or I can reinvent myself again.” Raisa has decided to see her Covid nightmare as a positive step towards new beginnings. “If you are cooking something, you have to be able to smell and taste the ingredients and I knew I couldn’t do that so I decided it was time for a complete shift,” she said. She has not been to see a doctor about her long-lasting symptoms as she believes there are many other people who are “far worse off” and that the NHS already has “too much on its plate”. She is now looking to explore other business opportunities which do not rely on having a sense of taste and smell. “Sustainable living” is one area in which Raisa is particularly interested, but what this will look like in practice remains to be seen. “I want to get rid of my carbon footprint,” she said. “I don’t need to prove anything to anyone, it’s just what I want to do.” For more information about next steps, follow Raisa on Instagram. Read More Covid Inquiry could see unredacted Johnson WhatsApp messages despite legal clash I decide what’s relevant, says Covid inquiry chair in Boris WhatsApp row Covid Inquiry head making ‘no comment’ on legal row over Johnson messages Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-06 21:17
10 of the best affordable gifts for dads of all ages
10 of the best affordable gifts for dads of all ages
Because he’s worth it – make your dad feel like the champ he is with a little something to go with the Father’s Day card…. 1. Hotel Chocolat Father’s Day H-Box, £14.95, Hotel Chocolat From Champagne Truffles to Going Nuts and Mousse au Chocolat, these decadent chocs are bound to delight. 2. Gentlemen’s Hardware Beard Survival Kit, £20, John Lewis Best beard grooming begins with the essentials: a nourishing beard wash, scented beard oil infused with an earthy Oak Moss fragrance (worth a kiss), and an angled wooden beard comb to keep everything just so. 3. M&S Collection Personalised Cotton Poplin Baseball Cap, £19.50, Marks & Spencer With the option of three initials, this personalised baseball cap will definitely get his seal of approval. Cuts out glare as well as giving protection from the sun’s rays. 4. Rainbow Toast Wonderful Dad ½ Pint Mug, £16.10 (was £23), Emma Bridgewater Job done… when it’s finally his turn to kick back and relax, a rewarding cuppa will taste that much nicer when he’s reminded by ‘loving’ wording: Bad Jokes, Terrible Dancing, Wonderful Dad – on the front; Flustered Chef, Sports Addict, Kind Taxi Driver – on the back; and most importantly, Love You Dad – inside. 5. LEGO Speed Champions 007 Aston Martin DB5 (76911), £20, Moonpig Car fanatics and Bond fans will be onto a winner with this No Time To Die model kit. Special features include James Bond mini-figure, swanky silver-coloured wire alloy wheel inserts and four sets of interchangeable number plates from different Bond movies. 6. Arber Eau de Toilette, £20, (100ml), The Body Shop Give him the gift of a gorgeous fragrance with top woody notes, core of coriander and mint, and a touch of citrus to stir the senses. 7. Three Pack BBQ Socks Set, £15, FatFace One for the BBQ King, those marinades and burgers will taste that much more delicious when he dons these sizzling socks. 8. Just Spices Gin-Making Kit, £49.99, Just Spices With gin palaces in season, surely the best way to spice up his G&T is with a bunch of botanicals he’s tailored himself. Includes equipment, spices and creative recipes. 9. Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Infinite Bottle, £40, (400ml), Molton Brown Enriched with brilliant refreshing benefits, this woody-citrus body wash marries heated black pepper, woody coriander and earthy vetiver for a power shower. As an added bonus, the bottle can be topped up with a waste-reducing refill pouch when he’s reached the last drop. 10. Black Flag Selection in Father’s Day Gift Box, £43.99, Virgin Wines Featuring three bonzer wines from top regions Down Under, you can’t go wrong with these labels to love. Think a rich, round Barossa Valley shiraz cabernet, a smooth Adelaide Hills shiraz, and refreshing sémillon with delightful lemony notes to perk up his palate. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Top tips to avoid garden injuries Planning an LGBTQ+ wedding? Why inclusivity can be a driving factor for couples Amanda Holden’s most extravagant fashion from the BGT live shows
2023-06-05 15:48
Gogglebox’s Ellie Warner announces newborn son while co-star Pete Sandiford welcomes baby girl
Gogglebox’s Ellie Warner announces newborn son while co-star Pete Sandiford welcomes baby girl
Gogglebox star Ellie Warner has announced that she has given birth to a son she shares with her boyfriend Nat Eddleston, while co-star Pete Sandiford and his wife Paige Yeoman have welcomed a newborn girl. Both new parents confirmed the arrivals while appearing on Friday’s (2 June) episode of the Channel 4 show, giving viewers a glimpse at the children. Warner, 32, introduced her newborn as she handed the baby to her sister Izzi. Later, she shared a picture of her son on Instagram, who she has named Ezra. The picture sees baby Ezra sleeping in a cot underneath a yellow blanket. She wrote: “Sweet baby Ezra, he has made our lives complete, we love you so much son.” Meanwhile, Sandiford also confirmed his wife Paige Yeoman has given birth to their second child, a baby girl, on Friday’s show. Appearing on the segment with his sister Sophie, Sandiford is seen holding his baby, before saying to Sophie: “Did I tell you her full name? We think we’re going to call her Evie Sylvie Sandiford.” Sandiford and his wife Paige welcomed their first son Jimmy in August 2021 and wed last year. Announcing his baby news, Sandiford told his son Jimmy in a sweet clip that he was about to become a big brother. He joked: “Jimbers, you’re going to have a little brother or sister coming. You’re going to have to milk it.” Hairdresser Warner confirmed she and boyfriend Nat were expecting their first child together back in December. She confirmed her pregnancy on a Gogglebox episode, appearing alongside her sister Izzi, to who she showed her ultrasound scan. Warner, who has been dating her boyfriend Nat Eddleston since 2018, reflected on the moment she showed her mother her pregnancy scan. “When I showed mum the picture she said, ‘Oh can I take a picture,’ and you didn’t even look at it for two minutes,” she said. Izzi responded: “I did! I told you where the things were, I’ll stare at it a bit longer just to make you happy.” Warner and her sister Izzi first appeared on Gogglebox in 2015 after Warner was reportedly approached by a friend who worked on casting for the show. Sandiford and his sister have been fan favourites since they joined the show in 2017. Read More Triathlete proudly shares ‘beautiful’ racing photo where she bled through swimsuit while on her period A Place In The Sun’s Jonnie Irwin admitted to hospital amid terminal diagnosis Prince William overheard telling Kate to ‘chop chop’ at Jordan royal wedding Sarah Beeny shares health update after all-clear from breast cancer Meet the unconventional couple behind Escape to the Chateau Vanessa Feltz shares horrifying Rolf Harris encounter during live interview
2023-06-03 18:54
US FDA revokes emergency use authorization for J&J's COVID vaccine
US FDA revokes emergency use authorization for J&J's COVID vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday it has revoked the emergency use authorization for Johnson
2023-06-02 06:51
Tan France welcomes second baby with husband Rob France via surrogate
Tan France welcomes second baby with husband Rob France via surrogate
Queer Eye star Tan France and his husband Rob France have welcomed their second baby together via surrogate. The 39-year-old reality TV star confirmed the birth of their son, Isaac, on Instagram. “Welcome baby boy #2, Isaac France, born this past weekend. He completes our little family perfectly,” he captioned the post, which featured the new family of four. The Next in Fashion host also shared his thanks for their surrogate, writing, “And a huge thank you to our incredible warrior of a surrogate, for giving us the greatest gift one could ever give.” In the comments, France’s fellow Queer Eye co-stars rushed to congratulate the couple on their newest addition. Bobby Berk wrote, “My babies havin babies,” while Karamo Brown said: “So happy for the world to meet your new beautiful baby!!! What a blessed family!” “Awee Tannay!!!! Cutest family,” commented Jonathan Van Ness. France announced on 13 April that he and his illustrator husband were welcoming a new addition to their family summer. In August 2021, the parents welcomed their eldest son, Ismail, who was born prematurely. In a video clip posted to Instagram, France revealed that the couple have been wanting to expand their family for a “long time”. “Hard to believe it was two years ago today we announced Ismail was on his way! And today – we couldn’t be prouder to share that he’s going to be a big brother!” France captioned the post. “Becoming dads has been our greatest joy, and we are so excited to grow our family with the help of our wonderful surrogate.” The British-American fashion designer previously recalled the moment he and his husband learned their surrogate was pregnant last December. “We were over the moon,” France said in an interview with People in April. “It was the best feeling ever. I mean, it felt almost as shocking as the first time. I was overjoyed, in tears, I couldn’t believe that it had finally happened again. It was just the most incredible feeling.” France explained that the couple decided to have another child because they wanted their son Ismail to have a built-in best friend that was also close in age. "We wanted him to have someone that will be his person that he’s tethered to,” France told the outlet. “I’m really close with my siblings and my husband is really close with his, so we wanted to create a family where [our child] would have more support other than just Rob and I.” He added the most exciting part about expecting another baby is that Ismail will “have somebody hopefully for the rest of his life that he gets to call his person”. While he revealed that the couple already know the sex of their unborn baby, they won’t be sharing it with fans just yet. However, the two have already picked out a name for baby number two. Speaking to People, France also gave insight into the couple’s “wonderful” relationship with their surrogate, whom he praised as an “incredible woman.” “The only thing that’s different is that she’s out of state,” said France, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. “So we don’t get to see her in real life as much, but we see her on FaceTime or Zoom. We text regularly, and so it’s been great.” In August 2021, Tan France and husband Rob welcomed their eldest child Ismail seven weeks earlier than his due date. The newborn spent three weeks in the NICU (newborn intensive care unit) before he was taken home. “Give our son a warm welcome,” France captioned a photo of the parents smiling with their son. “Ismail France, born July 10th.” “He came seven weeks early, so he’s been in the NICU for the past three weeks,” he wrote. “But, today, we finally got to bring him home. We love him so, so much. Like, fully obsessed.” France added that their surrogate was “doing so great” post-labour and they “couldn’t be more grateful for the greatest gift in our lives.” Read More Tan France reveals his grandfather used to make knockoff Disney products Queer Eye’s Tan France welcomes first child after surrogate gives birth seven weeks early Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski engaged to boyfriend Kevin Harrington How a hay fever medication transformed my life Dermatologist horrifies viewers by discussing mites that live in your skin ‘Unsupportive backgrounds’ make LGBT+ youth twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts – report finds
2023-06-01 21:46
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