- StyleDanielle Fowler
Teenager claims she almost died after contraceptive pill caused blood clot in her brain
Lexie Nash wants her experience to be a warning to others.
- StyleThe Independent
More than half of British fathers think children shouldn't be allowed to wear make-up until they are 16, survey finds
It’s a question that has plagued the minds of concerned parents for many years: How young is too young for children to start wearing make-up?According to a new study by YouGov – a UK-based market research and data analytics firm – almost seven out of 10 men think that children shouldn't be allowed to use cosmetics until they are 16-years-old.
- StyleThe Independent
Stephen Fry reveals five stone weight loss following prostate cancer diagnosis
Stephen Fry has lost five-and-a-half stone since April following his battle with prostate cancer, but says that he is “very happy”.Last year, the actor had his prostate removed after his diagnosis with the condition and urged “men of a certain age” to get tested for the disease. The actor is now cancer-free.
- StyleThe Independent
The truth about applying after-sun on sunburnt skin, according to the experts
While for some summer might mean spending days on end lapping up the glorious sunshine without a care in the world, for others it’s inescapably linked with months of sore, sunburnt skin.Taking care of your skin after excessive sun exposure is incredibly important, as failing to do so could lead to long-lasting damage.
- StyleDanielle Fowler
Man documents impressive weight loss journey in treadmill time-lapse video
Billy Richards lost more than three stone in just eight months.
- StyleEvening Standard
How your tongue can show signs of gut problems and why you should scrape it every day
With the rise of the wellness movement, we're all suddenly buffing, scrubbing and cupping every inch of our bodies, to detoxify, purify and realign.The latest self-care accessory to invest in? A tongue scraper.
- StyleEvening Standard
Air pollution could be affecting mental health, says new study
Air pollution could be causing mental health issues later in life, a new study has found.Research from the University of Chicago analysed health data from 152 million people in the US and Denmark over 11 years and found a ‘significant link’ between mental health disorders and exposure to air pollution.
- StyleElizabeth Di Filippo
Blogger faces backlash over 'staged' photos taken during motorcycle accident
"This might be the tackiest thing I've seen this month."
- StyleThe Independent
Walks in the park can boost your mood as much as Christmas
It’s time to hit the great outdoors as a new study has found that a walk in your local park will boost your mood as much as Christmas.Researchers from the University of Vermont, US analysed thousands of Twitter messages posted by more than 4,600 people from 160 parks and leafy areas (squares an playgrounds) in San Francisco between May and August 2016.
- StyleThe Independent
Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas pose with four generations for major family reunion
Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas achieved a rare feat last weekend by gathering their entire family together for lunch – and the age range was 20 months to 102 years old.Four generations of the family dined together in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, including Douglas’ father, actor Kirk Douglas, star of Hollywood classics including Spartacus and Paths of Glory.News of the lunch came to light thanks to Kelsey Douglas, Michael’s 24-year-old niece, who shared two photographs from the occasion on Instagram.The first is a group shot featuring the entire Douglas clan, including Zeta Jones, 49, Michael, 74, and their two children: Dylan, 19 and Carys, 16.The youngest family member is 20-month-old baby Luca, daughter of Cameron Douglas, 40, who is Michael’s son from a previous marriage.In a second snap, Kelsey uploaded a selfie of herself posing with Kirk.> View this post on Instagram> > A table of strong jaw lines, large appetites and a shared love for attention FAMILY ❤️🥰❤️ (missing a few key players: @tylerdougie @ryandawglas ) – family photos are tough 😴😴😴> > A post shared by Kelsey Douglas 🍗 (@kdougieeee) on Aug 18, 2019 at 9:34pm PDT“A table of strong jaw lines, large appetites and a shared love for attention,” she wrote in the caption, adding that a few “key players” were missing from the reunion, including Tyler and Ryan Douglas.“Family photos are tough,” Kelsey concluded.The post has garnered several likes and praiseworthy comments from fans of the famous family.“What a blessing to have a close family,” wrote one person.“Wow congratulations,” added another. “A happy family together of all generations.”> View this post on Instagram> > Familyfirst ❤️💛💚> > A post shared by Cameron Douglas (@cameronmorrelldouglas) on Aug 18, 2019 at 7:14pm PDTCameron also shared a snap from the day alongside the caption “Familyfirst”.
- StyleMarie Claire Dorking
Here's why you should really try not to swallow swimming pool water this summer
Could swimming be making you sick?
- StyleThe Independent
Mothercare recalls baby sleeping bags amid fears infants will overheat
Mothercare is recalling baby sleeping bags labelled with the incorrect tog rating amid fears they may cause infants to overheat.The retailer issued the recall because a care labelling error stated he bags have a tog rating of 1, instead of 2.5.Togs are a measurement to determine how warm bedding and clothes are. The scale ranges from 1 tog (the coolest) to 15 tog (the warmest).The recalled product in question is the company's 2.5 tog grey star sleep bag which was sold separately and in a pack of two in Mothercare stores and online from May 2019.The products are labelled with the style numbers RA184 0-6 months and RA185 6-18 month.The sleeping bag is a white colour printed with grey stars and a grey trim. In a set, it is paired with a plain grey sleeping bag.In a warning published on the brand’s website, the recall states that the tog rating of the bags can be found on the care label under the words BS8510:2009.Mothercare warns customers who purchased the bags to check the care label. If the label states 2.5 tog, the retailer says that the product is “not affected”.However, if the care label states 1 tog, customers are advised to stop using the product “with immediate effect”.Shoppers are instructed to return the product to a Mothercare store for a full refund.A spokesperson from Mothercare tells The Independent: “The safety and well-being of our customers and their children is Mothercare's top priority, as a precautionary measure we have recalled a small number of sleeping bags with the incorrect labels.They continued, adding that the recall was a precaution against customers unknowingly using the incorrect tog of sleeping bag for their children.“We have engaged with Trading Standards to ensure we are taking the right action for our customers. We have taken this action to ensure that customers are fully informed to make the appropriate decisions regarding the tog rating of sleeping bags for their children,” they added.Customers with any queries are advised to contact Mothercare's customer services on 0344 875 5111.The two pack of '1 tog' sleeping bags for infants up to six months have been reduced in price from £32 to £16, while those sold for babies aged six to 18 months are now on sale for £18, as opposed to £36.According to the NHS, overheating can increase a baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).The organisation states that a folded blanket counts as two blankets on an infant and that lightweight, well-fitting baby sleeping bags are a good choice.“Babies lose excess heat through their heads, so make sure their heads can't be covered by bedclothes while they're asleep,” it adds.Earlier this year, Cow & Gate recalled jars of baby food over fears they may contain pieces of rubber.The baby food company said fragments of a thin blue rubber glove had been found in some jars of its Cheesy Broccoli Bake, made for babies over the age of 10 months.The recalled batch of baby food affected had the code 28122020 and a best before date of 28/12/2020.The jars were sold in a number of major supermarkets, including Asda, Boots, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Tesco.
- StyleThe Independent
What is Lyme disease, what are the symptoms and how can it be treated?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection which can lead to severe physical and mental problems if not diagnosed at an early stage.Individuals who spend the majority of their time outdoors are most at risk of being exposed to the ticks which spread the disease, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) states.While certain regions have a higher reported incidence of Lyme disease, such as south-east England, south-west England and Scotland, NICE outlines that the disease can be caught in any area of the UK.So, what is Lyme disease and how is it transmitted?Here's everything you need to know: What is Lyme disease?Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.It is typically spread to humans via infected ticks, which will have already bitten an infected animal such as deer, mouse, vole or hedgehog. Other insects also carry the disease. Ticks with Lyme disease can be found across the UK, but are most prevalent in grassy, wooded areas.They are most active between March and October.The disease was first reported in the US in 1977 in Old Lyme, Connecticut, hence how it acquired its name. What are the symptoms?Symptoms can differ from person to person, but many people with Lyme disease will develop a circular red "bullseye" rash around the tick bite within four weeks of being bitten.However, not all those infected will develop a rash, the NHS states, with some people experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, joint pain and a high temperature.According to new draft guidance published by NICE in February, doctors are advised not to wait for a potential Lyme disease patient's blood test results if they have a "bullseye" rash."If a characteristic bull's eye rash is present, healthcare professionals should feel confident in diagnosing Lyme disease," said Professor Gillian Leng, director of health and social care at Nice.While most tick bites are harmless, you are advised to seek help from your GP if you’ve recently been bitten by a tick and subsequently experience the aforementioned symptoms.Research has also linked Lyme disease to a series of neuropsychological conditions, such as depression and anxiety. How is it treated?Lyme disease, when recognised, is usually treated with a course of antibiotics prescribed by a GP.Those experiencing severe symptoms - such as extreme fatigue, chronic pain and/or depression - may be referred to a specialist for stronger antibiotics.The majority of those infected will make a full recovery within a few months.However, infection does not lead to lifelong immunity and it is possible for sufferers to be re-infected and develop the disease again. How can you prevent it?The NHS advises covering your skin when walking in wooded and grassy areas, suggesting tucking your trousers into your socks.Insect repellant can also be helpful in detracting ticks, while wearing light-coloured clothing can make them easier to spot and brush off. What to do if you’re bitten by a tickIf you are bitten by a tick, you may not necessarily notice it as they aren’t always painful.If you spot one on your skin, you should use either tweezers or a specialist tick-removal tool to pull it upwards and out of your skin, the NHS recommends.Dispose of the tick safely, ensuring you do not squeeze it, and clean the bitten area with antiseptic. How common is it?According to Public Health England, around 1,000 cases of Lyme disease are serologically diagnosed in England and Wales every year.Incidents of Lyme disease may also be confirmed without any need for testing in a laboratory.NICE adds that the "true number of cases is currently unknown".The NHS states that symptoms of Lyme disease can develop in anyone, anywhere. However, researchers from the University of Liverpool recently found that older women living in more affluent rural areas in the UK are among the most at risk of contracting the condition.The study, published in the journal BMC Public Health, analysed the data of more than 2,000 hospital patients across England and Wales and found that people aged between 61 and 65, as well as children aged six to 10, were more likely to be diagnosed with the tick-borne condition.John Tulloch, an author of the study and researcher at the University of Liverpool, said that while the data shows a predominance of cases among white women over the age of 60, the reasons for this are “hard to explain”.Tulloch added that the findings could be related to differences in health-seeking behaviour between women and men and an increased exposure to tick habitats due to leisure activities in children and older people.The findings also showed that the local UK authorities with the highest number of cases were Purbeck, with 3.13 cases per 100,000 people per year, New Forest (2.58 cases) and East Dorset (2.32 cases).
- StyleFrancesca Specter
Olivia Newton-John makes red carpet return after breaking pelvis due to stage IV cancer
Newton-John accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Industry Dance Awards.
- StyleMarie Claire Dorking
Kourtney Kardashian praised for not airbrushing stretch marks in swimwear selfie
“I love my little stripes.”
- StyleDanielle Fowler
A campaign has launched for a giant vagina blimp to fly over Edinburgh Fringe Festival
"It’s clear that these taboos around incontinence and women’s health still exist."
- StyleMarie Claire Dorking
Woman puts tiredness down to being a busy mum but it was actually a brain tumour she'd had for a decade
The brain tumour had actually been there for more than a decade.
- StyleMarie Claire Dorking
Baby loses his limbs to sepsis following an undiagnosed throat infection
Doctors told Oliver's parents to expect the worst.
- StyleCaroline Allen
Brit hospitalised with two-week erection that won't go away
It's the result of an unprescribed erection enhancing drug that he injected into his penis before having sex.
- StyleCaroline Allen
How much sugar is in your favourite 'healthy' drink?
Many of our favourite drinks surpass the NHS guidelines in one bottle.
- StyleCaroline Allen
Warning after woman is burned by 'trendy' vaginal steaming
Gynaecologists are warning that vaginal steaming is nonsense, as there’s no medical evidence to support it.
- StyleGail Johnson
What The Health?! Woman's arms and legs amputated due to infection from dog saliva
“When I opened my eyes, I didn’t know where I was,” Trainer said. “Then I found out everything."
- StyleMarie Claire Dorking
Milla Jovovich shares baby bump selfie, gets real about having a geriatric pregnancy
The actress has spend the majority of the last few months waiting for test results and attending doctors appointments.
- StyleCaroline Allen
Superdrug now sells a pill that can delay your period
It has been widely available via GPs for some time.
- StyleMarie Claire Dorking
7 reasons we're totally more healthy in the summer
Better skin, sleep and, er, sweat.
