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Our eyesight is often something we take for granted – until there’s something wrong with it. Problems like short-sightedness (myopia) are rapidly increasing. In fact, research has predicted that by 2050 there will be 4,758 million people with the condition – nearly half (49.8%) of the world’s population – as experts are highlighting ahead of National Eye Health Week (September 18-24) In addition, new research by Macushield found 73% of Brits notice their eyes deteriorating with age, and the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) World Report on Vision has predicted a dramatic increase in the need for eyecare in the near future, pointing out that at least 2.2 billion people globally have a vision impairment – and around half of these have vision impairment that could have been prevented. “Some people may not be giving their eye health the attention it deserves, occasionally missing out on annual eye tests, which play a crucial role in detecting conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration,” says ophthalmologist Dr Jørn Slot Jørgensen. “When identified and addressed in a timely manner, these issues can be managed effectively, helping safeguard our vision.” Jørgensen says the pandemic also played a role in worsening eye problems, particularly the increase in short-sightedness. “With the shift to remote work, people are now more likely to spend extended hours with their screens for work and leisure,” he says. “Prioritising eye health isn’t just a matter of convenience, it’s a fundamental aspect of our overall wellbeing.” Here Jørgensen, of the Laser Eye Clinic London, and Evelyn (Evie) Mensah, a consultant ophthalmologist and eye surgeon at Central Middlesex Hospital and member of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists council, outline seven ways people may be damaging their vision, without even realising… 1. Skipping eye tests Mensah says it’s advisable for people to have a sight test every two years, or more often if their optometrist recommends it. Jørgensen adds: “Failing to schedule regular eye tests can result in undiagnosed eye conditions. Conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration often develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages, but early detection through eye tests is crucial for effective treatment and vision preservation.“ Routine eye tests can also pick up early signs of underlying systemic health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 2. Prolonged screen time The widespread use of digital devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones has led to extended periods of screen time for both work and leisure, says Jørgensen. “This can result in digital eye strain, characterised by symptoms like dry eyes, headaches and blurred vision,” he explains. “In this age of digital technology, it’s advisable to relieve digital eye strain by using the 20-20-20 rule,” says Mensah – this means every 20 minutes, looking at something 20ft away for 20 seconds. “In addition, remember to blink when using a screen to prevent eyes from getting dry.” 3. Not wearing UV protective sunglasses Jørgensen says failing to wear sunglasses with adequate UV protection can lead to harmful UV radiation exposure, which may contribute to conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). “Protecting your eyes from UV rays, particularly in sunny conditions, is essential for preserving long-term eye health,” he stresses. Mensah says UV exposure can also increase the development of growths on the surface of the eyes called pterygia, and warns: “Not all sunglasses filter UV light, so ensure they carry the CE, UV 400 or British Standard Mark. And never look directly at the sun because this can cause a solar burn in the macula that can result in permanent visual loss.” 4. Poor diet and lack of nutrients Eating a healthy, balanced diet could help reduce your risk of sight-threatening eye disease such as AMD, which impacts central vision. Mensah explains that the macula – part of the retina which processes what you see directly in front of you – contains natural pigments such as lutein and zeaxanthin that are found in dark-green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. “Vitamins A, C and E are also helpful, so eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day,” she advises. “And if you have a family history of AMD, ask your GP about taking nutritional supplements.” Jørgensen adds: “A poor diet lacking essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like zinc, can harm eye health, as these nutrients are vital for vision and overall eye function. To maintain healthy eyes, it’s crucial to consume a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, colourful fruits and vegetables, and omega-3 sources.” 5. Smoking If you’re a smoker, stopping is not only beneficial to your general health but also your eyes, says Mensah: “Smoking cessation is a modifiable factor that can reduce the risk of developing certain eye conditions such as AMD and cataracts.” Ask your GP for support if you are keen to quit – there are lots of helpful resources available. 6. Not wearing prescribed glasses Mensah says there’s a widespread misconception that wearing prescribed glasses worsens your eyesight. “This notion is inaccurate,” she stresses. “The primary reason for wearing prescribed glasses is simply because you require them. If you neglect to wear them, you run the risk of experiencing headaches.” 7. Inadequate lighting “Working or reading in areas with insufficient lighting can make your eyes work harder, leading to eye strain, discomfort, and poorer vision,” says Jørgensen. He points out that good lighting, often called ‘task lighting’, is vital for creating comfortable conditions for reading and working. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Celebrities mingle with royals at glam Vogue World party in London Sienna Miller bares baby bump at celebrity and royal-studded Vogue event See plus-size model Ashley Graham stun in Old Hollywood-inspired Harris Reed LFW show

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A brand of over-the-counter hay fever tablets are likely to be popular this summer after they were hailed a “miracle cure” by social media users. Several videos made by TikTok creators have recently gone viral after they discovered that Allevia, an antihistamine that retails for as little as £4, could relieve them of hay fever’s symptoms, which include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes or throat and more. The tablets, which claim to provide relief from symptoms for 24 hours, were previously only available on prescription but were re-classified to general sales status by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in December 2021. They are now available in most supermarkets and pharmacies. How is fexofenadine hydrochloride used? The active ingredient in the tablets is fexofenadine hydrochloride, which works by blocking the effects of histamine in the body, subsequently reducing symptoms such as itching and sneezing. Is Allevia any good? One TikTok user who was previously struggling with hay fever said all of her symptoms were “completely gone” after taking the tablet. Another shared an in-depth review of the effects of the tablets after a full day. After five hours of taking the medication, she said she hadn’t sneezed once. “This actually works. I’m impressed. My eyes are not bulging because they are itching. I feel good, I can enjoy the sun,” she said. She gave another update eight hours after taking the tablet, telling viewers that she had been out all day “around nature and plants” and still showed no symptoms. @tianarene1 it worked for me, but lmk your experience! Always read the leaflet to be safe! #allevia #alleviareview #hayfevertablets #hayfeversymtoms #hayfever ♬ original sound - Tiana René One Twitter user said: “Allevia has changed my life, what a drug.” “I have gone from having the worst hay fever you will ever see anyone have in your whole life, to feeling like I’ve never had it. Allevia, you have cured me,” a third person said. The popular tablets are stocked in most of the UK’s popular supermarkets, including Asda, Tesco, Morrison’s and Sainsbury’s. They are also available in Boots and Superdrug. Side effects of Allevia include headaches, dizziness, nausea and drowsiness. 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 Parents defend Nick the Fairy Godmother’s apprentice at Disneyland after viral video Schoolboy almost dies from swallowing magnets for TikTok challenge Woman shares honest review of New York City apartment TikTok mom slammed after making 5-year-old son run in 104 degree heat

If you haven’t heard, Crocs are making a comeback – and this time they’re headed West. From the spongy flat originals to the wedged heels reminiscent of Y2K style, the 2002 footwear brand has introduced a myriad of designs based on its famed foam material and multi-hole adornments. But now, the company is branching out, launching a new addition to its collection: cowboy boots. On 5 October, Crocs announced the new boot offering, which was said to be motivated by the brand’s fanbase. “For years, the buzz around a Crocs-inspired cowboy boot has been building, creating a genuine fan-fueled movement trending across social media,” the statement read. “Recognising this passion, Crocs is making fan dreams come true, turning the Crocs Classic Cowboy Boot into a reality.” The boots may be bendable, but with two spurs, a faux leather shaft, intricate stitching, and a scaly vamp, the only tell-tale sign these are Crocs is the trademark foam handle wrapped around the counter. Available starting 23 October for a limited time only, the new Class Cowboy Boot is priced at $120. The shoes will be sold online and in stores. On social media, people don’t know what to make of the new footwear, with some praising the design while others have been more critical. “Why...why do I not hate these?” one person asked, while another said: “Crocs came out with cowboy boots! Someone take my money!” Others were more skeptical, with someone else writing: “Crocs released cowboy boots. That’s enough internet for today.” Another person described the new shoes as “foul”. Crocs’ new release comes in conjunction with the brand’s known “Croctober” celebration, where the company offers a special style every year during October. Usually, the exclusive design is said to be inspired by their dedicated following. Among the company’s notable releases are a slew of collaborations with name brands and celebrities. The Palace x Crocs offering ditched the known structure and handle associated with the foam footwear for a slide with prints representative of the Skateboard brand. Unfortunately, the collaboration has since been sold out. Recently, Levi’s and Crocs partnered to reimagine the All-Terrain Clogs with a jean top and abstract design. And if you thought using garment material in the comfortable shoes was unimaginable, the company’s pairing with food chains will surprise you. With swatches of orange, green, and red slashed on the soles, platform options, and Slurpee-shaped jibbitz, the 7-Eleven x Crocs ushers in a whole new intersection between the convenience industry and footwear. Read More Paris Hilton struggles to remove $450 Crocs boots: ‘It’s a full-team effort’ Victoria Beckham shows off new $450 Crocs boots after claiming she would ‘rather die’ than wear brand Fans poke fun at Justin Bieber’s casual sweats while Hailey wears red dress to Rhode event Sarah Jessica Parker wears mismatched heels to New York City Ballet Gala Sarah Jessica Parker channels Carrie Bradshaw on the red carpet in mismatched shoes Does your pillowcase make a difference to your skin and hair health?

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These muffins are naturally sweetened by the grated carrot, apple and cinnamon,” says functional nutritionist Pauline Cox. “This fibre fest will keep you feeling full and satisfied without a blood-sugar spike.” Carrot and apple muffins Makes: 12 Ingredients: 90g coconut oil, melted, plus extra for greasing 5 eggs 375g ground almonds 150g sultanas 90g walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped, plus a few extra to serve 3 tsp baking powder 3 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp salt 375g carrots, grated 375g apples, grated (green apples for a lower carb content) Zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon Coconut or natural yoghurt, to serve Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 170C fan and grease a 12-hole muffin tin. 2. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and combine with the melted coconut oil. 3. Add the ground almonds, sultanas, walnuts or pecans, baking powder, cinnamon and salt to the liquid egg mix, along with the grated carrots and apples and mix together to form a thick batter. Add in a quarter of the lemon juice (use the rest in drinking water) and half of the lemon zest. 4. Spoon the thick mixture into your greased muffin tray. Bake for 22-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. 5. Serve with a dollop of coconut or natural yoghurt, a pecan or a walnut and sprinkle with the remaining lemon zest. ‘Hungry Woman’ by Pauline Cox (Ebury Press, £27).

Dubai used to be a place where the best restaurants had been imported from other parts of the

By now it shouldn’t come as a surprise that sexting can be great for your relationship. Whether you’ve been in a relationship for a while or you’re just starting something new, sending flirty, dirty messages is a great way to spice things up and keep them fresh — especially if you and your partner are long-distance. The thing is, not all of us are master sext crafters; some of us need a little inspiration when it comes to sexting ideas.

At Bloomberg Pursuits, we love to travel. And we always want to make sure we’re doing it right.