List of All Articles with Tag 'health andamp families'

A 20-year-old has swapped veganism for raw meat, eating uncooked items including beef, chicken, heart and liver on a daily basis for the past four years, and claims he has “never gotten sick”. Jones Hussain, from Stockholm, Sweden, has eaten raw chicken as well as raw cuts of beef, minced meat and fish, without batting an eyelid – even if they are brown or smell slightly. He says he would happily eat any kind of meat provided it is good quality, from “wild boar to camel” but that he prefers minced beef because it is cheap, accessible and does not smell compared with chicken. Jones took the decision to eat raw meat just a few months after quitting veganism in 2019 “in the name of health” after he watched a YouTube video with the late American alternative food nutritionist, Aajonus Vonderplanitz, whose “Primal Diet” has inspired people worldwide. Health has always been important for Jones, who supplements his raw meat diet with fruit and juiced vegetables. He said he would not eat cake for £10,000 because of the sugar and claims to have not had a slice since the age of 13. “If any food safety expert looked at the food I eat, I think they would have a heart attack because the beef is sometimes brown, the liver looks green, the chicken stinks,” Jones told PA Real Life. “But I eat that and then nothing happens. “I did the experiments on myself to see whether what we have been led to believe is actually true and surprise, surprise, it wasn’t.” Jones, who said he has always been driven by “health”, came across the raw meat diet plan in 2019 a few months after quitting veganism. “My starting point has always been health,” he said. “So I’ve experimented with a bunch of things in the name of health.” The diet was designed by Vonderplanitz, who touted the benefits of eating raw foods, in particular meat and dairy. “I found one of his lectures on YouTube and started listening,” he said. “At first, I was just as shocked as anyone would be to see someone eat such a diet.” But Jones said he found Vonderplanitz’s arguments to be “honest and convincing” and so decided to give it a try. “I ate raw meat for the first time in November 2019 and I felt great,” he said. “It was just a straight cut of raw beef.” Having not fallen ill, Jones then decided to try raw ground beef. “That was the scary part because that’s when you enter into uncharted territory,” he said. “I was like, if I get sick then I won’t do this anymore. “Lo and behold, again, I didn’t get sick, so I started eating raw ground beef because it’s much cheaper than straight cuts.” To start with, Jones would flavour the raw meat with spices and garlic. “But then I felt that I didn’t need them, even from a taste perspective,” he said. “So I just started consuming it by itself and ever since then I’ve eaten raw ground beef almost every day.” By the summer of 2020, Jones had become accustomed to eating all types of meat. “I had no problems eating raw chicken because I had found a fairly good source in the supermarket so I ate it like KFC,” he said. “I also started buying raw liver here and there, and eating a small amount every day.” The raw meat Jones kept in his fridge soon started to turn “green”, but this did not stop him from eating it. “Since I was so convinced about what Aajonus was saying, I was not worried and just consumed it,” he said. “But if there was any white mould, then I got rid of the batch, although this did not happen very often.” Jones has continued eating raw meat ever since, although his family prefers ground beef to chicken because of the smell. “Nowadays I don’t so much eat raw chicken because it stinks up the house,” he said. In a single sitting, Jones said he is capable of consuming around 400g of raw liver. He said he believes dumping veganism for raw meat has improved his gut health and helped get rid of his acne. “The thing with raw meat is that the nutrients are more easily absorbed and unaltered,” he claimed. “It’s not that raw meat has some kind of special super power, it’s just that by not cooking it, I get more nutrients and no byproducts.” NHS guidelines, however, state that “cooking meat properly” kills harmful bacteria which can cause food poisoning. Jones had been a vegan for two years, from 2017 to 2019, before eventually converting to the primal diet. “It’s not that I was struggling to get enough nutrients,” he said. “It’s that a human being cannot survive on a vegan diet successfully. “Of course you can take supplements but it’s not the same thing, because they are processed. “There is no other way of getting these nutrients naturally other than by eating animal products. “So veganism on that basis, falls on its face.” Jones also eats raw fish such as salmon and tuna and said he is happy to eat any type of meat provided he can find a reliable supplier. The Primal Diet also includes fruit and vegetables, all of which are consumed raw. “I eat cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as oranges and apples when they are available to me,” he said. “The philosophy is don’t cook the food, but there is a variety.” Jones’ unusual diet often shocks people, including his parents who are concerned for his wellbeing. He explained: “Usually people have the same reaction, at first they think what the hell is this guy doing? He’s going to die in a few days. “Then they speak to me and find out that I’ve been doing it for three and half years, that I’ve never gotten sick, that my arguments are logical and that I look healthy. “They are like all right, that’s a new perspective that I had not heard before.” People behave differently on social media, however, said Jones, who has his own YouTube channel, Excellent Health. He also works part time at an elderly day care centre and has written a book titled The 6 Health Commandments. “The only time I ever got food poisoning was from a frozen bag of raspberries before I started eating meat,” he said. “I decided not to act out of fear, but to see what is true and what isn’t true.” To find out more about food safety, visit www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/cooking-your-food. 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The Rugby World Cup and new series of Strictly Come Dancing are both set to kick off soon – and one man who knows just how hard both of them are is Ugo Monye. “Strictly is gruelling,” says the former rugby pro-turned-pundit, who played with Harlequins and England before taking part in Strictly in 2021. “At times you’re training for 12 hours a day. So, you could go for a period of three or four days where all you do is wake up, go to the studio, go to sleep, wake up, go to the studio, go to bed.” He recalls recently telling his friend, comedian Eddie Kadi, all about this, the night before he was announced as a contestant for this year’s show. And because of the demanding schedule, taking care of yourself becomes a top priority. “You try and eat right, try and get as much sleep as possible. The biggest initial challenge everyone will find is their feet, because they wouldn’t have been used to dancing for 11 hours a day,” adds Monye, 40, who was partnered with Oti Mabuse on the show. Trading his rugby boots for ballroom shoes came with some challenges, but he still completed five weeks on the show (Monye and Mabuse finished in 11th place that year). “I remember when I did the quickstep, I had my Apple Watch on, which showed that I danced over 45km in five days,” he recalls. “I remember the first week or two, just the nervousness of rolling out of bed and putting my feet on the carpet because you didn’t know how they would feel.” Having played such a physically demanding sport for 13 years at pro level, Monye was not in bad shape. But Strictly was another “type of pressure”. “When I retired in 2015, I never thought that I’d be dancing, dressed in a low cut, electric pink, short sleeve shirt doing the samba. It’s something I’m actually really proud of,” he adds happily. Like lots of people, Monye, who has two daughters – Phoenix Lilly, six, and Ruby, three, with his ex-wife Lucy – recalls how his approach to self-care has evolved over the years. “Going back to the early 2000s, I was living the dream, right? I was 18 and I got a professional contract playing for my boyhood club, and within a year I travelled the world playing for England,” he says. “I was all, what mental health? I’m flying, right?” Things shifted with time, however, and he began to see the importance of having a proactive approach to maintaining his mental wellbeing. “I remember speaking to a friend, who is really interested in mental health, [about how] people often seek [mental health support] after something bad or traumatic has happened to a point where they actually need it. But it’s more like how you have to go and get an MOT on your car and service it,” he explains. “I think towards the end of my career, I became more aware of it. I have now definitely paid more attention to it and I absolutely love psychology, so I love understanding how the mind works.” Since his retirement, Monye – who has teamed up with Samsung ahead of the World Cup, which starts on September 8 – he has been busy being a dad, alongside jumping into a vibrant broadcast career. Having daughters made him reflect on his own upbringing too – going from being raised by a single mother on a London council estate, to a rural boarding school in Hampshire where he had his education funded (Monye secured a sports scholarship when he was 13). He attributes a lot of his success to his schooling. “I think the person I am now was born at age 13. Everything I was surrounded by was slightly different in that world. It was where I first was introduced to rugby, which then has quite clearly gone on to shape my career, the pathway that I have now, but also my personality. “I think I rely upon myself, I back myself. I had to depend on myself and try and get things done,” he reflects. “I think my personality traits, good and bad, were all developed at boarding school.” Having spent large chunks of his childhood away from family, how does he manage his own work-life balance as a parent now? “How do you manage your work-life balance? Well, you stand in the middle of the park taking a phone call,” he jokes (Monye is in the playground with his girls while we talk). “The time I have with them is absolute quality. For the World Cup, I’m going out for like three or four stints. I’d love them to be able to come out, but with school, it is a bit more difficult. “But I have said to Phoenix already that next year is the Olympics, and she loves gymnastics, so she’s going to be getting on the Eurostar with me. She is watching a lot of clips of Simone Biles at the moment on YouTube and she’s obsessed.” He wants to see his daughters inspired by brilliant women. “I love to watch sports with my daughters,” says Monye. “And we loved watching the Women’s World Cup. I had to get them to come and watch incredible women just do it.” Ugo Monye has teamed up with Samsung ahead of the world’s biggest rugby tournament (samsung.com/uk/big-screen-tv) Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Why do we crave brand new clothes and how can we resist the urge to buy them? How can I improve my teenager’s low mood? Drinking alcohol does not make people look more attractive, study suggests

When it comes to approaching someone you like at a bar, it may be more a case of alcohol giving you liquid courage than “beer goggles”, researchers say. A new study suggests drinking alcohol makes people more likely to approach someone they already find attractive, but does not make others appear more attractive. Some people argue that intoxication makes others seem better-looking – but according to the researchers, this has not been systematically studied. Past research typically had people simply rate others’ attractiveness while sober and while intoxicated based on photos. But the new study added the possibility of meeting the people being rated. The study, led by Molly Bowdring of the Stanford Prevention Research Centre, Stanford University, in the USA (affiliated with University of Pittsburgh at the time of this study), and her dissertation adviser, Michael Sayette, involved 18 pairs of male friends in their twenties. The men were brought to the laboratory to rate the attractiveness of people they saw in photos and videos. They were also told that they may be given the chance to interact with one of those people in a future experiment. After the ratings were given, the men were asked to pick those who they would most like to interact with. Pairs of men visited the lab on two occasions – on one occasion they both received alcohol to drink – up to about a blood alcohol concentration of .08 per cent, the legal limit for driving in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the United States, and on the other occasion, they both received a non-alcoholic drink. Friend pairs entered the lab together in order to mimic social interactions that would typically take place in a real drinking situation. The researchers say they did not find evidence of beer goggles – whether or not the men were intoxicated had no effect on how good-looking they found others. Professor Sayette, from the University of Pittsburgh, said: “The well-known beer goggles effect of alcohol does sometimes appear in the literature, but not as consistently as one might expect.” However, according to the findings, drinking alcohol may affect how people react to those they find attractive in a different way. The researchers found it impacted how likely the men were to want to interact with people they found attractive. When drinking, they were 1.71 times more likely to select one of their top-four attractive candidates to potentially meet in a future study compared with when they were sober. The researchers suggest alcohol may not be altering perception but rather enhancing confidence in interactions, giving the men liquid courage to want to meet those they found the most attractive. According to the researchers, the findings could have implications for therapists and patients. Prof Bowdring said: “People who drink alcohol may benefit by recognising that valued social motivations and intentions change when drinking in ways that may be appealing in the short term, but possibly harmful in the long term.” The findings are published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. Read More Yewande Biala thought she was unique in never having had an orgasm – then she made a film about it The dish that defines me: Evelin Eros’s rum cake Woman adopts husband’s ex-wife’s son after growing up in foster care herself Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

If there’s one thing associated with teenagers more than anything else, it’s moodiness. But although low mood is extremely common in teens, what’s just as common is that parents don’t know what to do about it. Adolescence is the highest risk period of life to experience depression, and half of adult mental health disorders start before the age of 15, says consultant clinical psychologist Dr Beth Mosley, who provides specialist mental health support to children and their families. “Seeing the signs of low mood in your teen can be worrying if you’re a parent,” she says. “The questions you may ask are likely to be, what are the usual highs and lows of adolescence, and what is something to worry about? Why might my teen be struggling with low mood, and most importantly, what can I do as a parent to help if my teen is feeling down and showing signs of disengaging with life?” Mosley, the author of new book, Happy Families, which is about the most common issues affecting children’s mental health and how parents can help, says although everyone will, at some point, experience low mood, sadness, irritability and loss of interest in things they enjoy, usually such feelings are linked to problems in life. But changes associated with puberty, and brain restructuring, mean adolescents are especially vulnerable to mental health problems, says Mosley, who explains: “These changes increase the possible impact of life stressors and, thus, their vulnerability to mental health difficulties. “The brain changes in adolescence mean teens feel emotions more intensely – both the highs and lows – meaning it’s not unusual to see them experiencing waves of low mood, particularly in the face of challenges.” She says if a teen’s low mood doesn’t go away, and prevents them doing the things they need to, like schoolwork and spending time with others, it would be wise to consider seeking help. The teen’s school may be able to suggest local support. But she adds: “Whether your teen experiences passing or more persistent low mood, the good news is that the brain is flexible and ripe for learning in adolescence, so there’s a lot we can do to support our teens when they’re experiencing low mood. “Importantly, this support will likely improve your relationship with your teen, and help protect them from developing mental health difficulties in adulthood.” If your teenager’s mood is low, these are the things Mosley says might help them… Encourage them to do what’s important to them When someone feels low, they tend to do less of what’s important to them, meaning they get less rewards from life and feel lower, Mosley explains. This is the low-mood cycle. Conversely, by doing more of what’s important to them regularly, they get more reward from life and start to feel better – this is the feel-good cycle, she says. So rather than a teen waiting until they feel better to do the things that are important to them, low-mood teens should do them now to break the low-mood cycle. “Determining what activities they can do more of and what unhelpful activities to do less is a key first step,” says Mosley. “You can support your child by providing more opportunities to do what’s important to them and increasing access to rewards. Give them practical support to do the activities they enjoy, provide encouragement.” Communicate better with them Mosley says that low mood can make it difficult for teens to communicate, but parents learning key communication skills can support how they communicate with their teens and, in turn, help improve their mood. She says being careful how you say things, through tone of voice and nonverbal body language, is important, as teens are more sensitive to criticism and negative social feedback. But there are six communication skills in particular that parents should try to use. They are… Picking the right time to have a conversation. “Open and honest conversations are most likely to happen when we’re feeling calm and not under pressure,” says Mosley, explaining that it’s important to be aware of when your teen isn’t in the right frame of mind for a difficult conversation, and to learn to respectfully pause the conversation and reschedule it for a better time. Starting a sentence with ‘I’ rather than ‘You’ can make a huge difference, explains Mosley, who says starting with ‘You’ often has a blaming tone and makes the teenager defensive and stops them from listening, whereas starting with ‘I’ can explain how you’re feeling, which can’t be disputed and starts a whole different conversation. Instead of over-generalising and using words like ‘always’ or ‘never’, Mosley says it’s much better for parents to be specific and provide an example of a recent event, rather than things that have happened over months or years. She says over-generalising is more likely to make teens feel awful, and less likely to spark a collaborative conversation. Imagining how a young person might feel in/about a certain situation can also help, she says. “Understanding someone else’s point of view, and expressing this to them, can make it easier to have a collaborative conversation and avoid an argument,” she explains. “When we’re particularly worried about our children, thinking about how they feel can sometimes help us connect with them.” If you go into a conversation with your child knowing what you want from it but being aware you might not get it, be prepared with some alternative solutions, Mosley advises. “Having a few solutions in your back pocket before you go into a discussion enables you to show you’re willing to compromise so you don’t get stuck in a stalemate situation,” she says. Although you may not initially get the response you hoped for from your child when you try a new way of communicating with them, it’s vital to persevere, stresses Mosley, who explains: “With these communication hacks we should begin to see communication with our children become healthier and more productive.” Tackle your negative thoughts and help your teenager do it too Mosley advises parents to reduce the habit of getting stuck in negative thinking by trying these tactics, which she suggests should be shared and modelled to teens. Remember it’s just a thought and it doesn’t mean it’s real. “Remind your teen that thoughts are not facts, they are ideas and they don’t predict the future,” says Mosley. Let negative thoughts come and go, rather than fixating on them and becoming overwhelmed, she advises, and take the power out of the thought by sharing it with others. “Getting another viewpoint can stop unhelpful thoughts growing in magnitude,” she says, and suggests parents provide opportunities for teens to share their thoughts with them, on car journeys and walks etc. As many young people get stuck on social media, dwelling on distressing thoughts, Mosley suggests: “Help your teen notice this cycle and learn the art of moving to another activity, even if it’s just moving to a different room or doing some physical activity.” She adds: “If your teen is feeling negative and self-critical, move away from nagging and towards helping them refocus their energy on something they enjoy and/or resolving the underlying problem.” Happy Families: How to Protect and Support Your Child’s Mental Health by Dr Beth Mosley is published by Bluebird on August 31, priced £18.99. 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Jade Roper Tolbert has shared an emotional message on social media after suffering from a “missed” miscarriage earlier this month. The 36-year-old, who was a contestant on season 19 of The Bachelor, recently revealed on Instagram that she was just five months pregnant when she lost her baby boy due to a miscarriage. Jade and her husband Tanner Tolbert - who she met on the reality dating show’s spinoff Bachelor in Paradise - had decided to name the baby Beau. In an Instagram post shared on 29 August, Jade was pictured laying in a hospital bed in a gown, as she looked teary-eyed at the camera. “Well, here we are,” she began the caption. “I didn’t want or expect it to go this way, but it is. I so badly wanted to bury him under a beautiful tree in our yard, to see any glimpse of his tiny body, which is why I held out so long trying to trust my body. But, it is time to heal and get to the other side of this loss.” Jade continued by sharing a message of support for women who have also experienced a miscarriage, as she told her 1.3m Instagram followers: “I’ve been trying to protect my peace and respect my baby, so I’ve only been sharing bits and pieces here and there to hopefully maybe help someone else feel less alone going through this.” “I see you, I feel your pain, and I love you,” she added. “And to Beau, I carried your body for almost five months, your soul for a little less, but I carry you with me in my heart everywhere and for always.” On 13 August, Jade announced her miscarriage in another emotional Instagram post. The reality TV star explained that she was experiencing a “missed” miscarriage - in which the foetus has died, but the body has not expelled the pregnancy tissue. According to the Miscarriage Association, a missed or silent miscarriage can occur without the mother experiencing any symptoms, such as bleeding or pain. “I’ve been struggling what to write here as I’ve been navigating a miscarriage,” Jade captioned her post, which included a mirror selfie of her baby bump, hands resting on her pregnant belly, and a photo of an ultrasound. “It felt like all my dreams were coming true to welcome another baby into our lives, to love and to complete our family. While our hearts are completely broken and we have been dealing with the deep and complex grief of the loss, we have been blessed to be touched by his soul for his short amount of time. I am forever changed.” The mother of three shared that she hoped to experience her missed miscarriage “naturally” with the help of her doctor. “I’ve been carrying him with so much pride and cherish every moment still left with part of him, but it has also been equally as challenging and devastating,” she wrote. “So while I hold my belly here, our sweet baby’s body is resting in my womb as his soul soars. We love you with every piece of our hearts, baby Beau.” Days later, Jade revealed in an Instagram Q&A that she had not yet told her three children about her miscarriage. When asked by a fan if her six-year-old daughter, Emerson, and her sons - Brooks, four, and Reed, two - knew about the pregnancy loss, Jade replied: “They don’t.” "Still figuring out if we tell them soon or wait until they are a bit older," she added, before asking the Instagram follower for advice. In the Q&A posted to her Instagram Stories, the Bachelor in Paradise alum was also asked whether she will continue to try for baby number four. “Very up in the air,” she replied. “A big part of me wants to, but I’m just not sure right now.” Her husband, Tanner Tolbert was a contestant on season 11 of The Bachelorette, but was eliminated in week six. The couple met on season two of Bachelor in Paradise and were married in 2016, when their wedding was documented in season 20 of The Bachelor. Read More Former Bachelorette contestant Josh Seiter says he’s alive after death announcement And Just Like That fans denounce the show for not being ‘progressive’ enough in latest episode A Tennessee woman needed an abortion and couldn’t get help nearby. Then she went viral on TikTok ‘Boy moms’ called out for logic behind teaching their sons to cook Maya Jama and Stormzy: Can you make it work with an ex? 12 smart ways to save money on everyday back-to-school costs

Love Island host Maya Jama and rapper Stormzy have been photographed holding hands together on holiday in Greece – four years after their break up. Jama, 29, and Stormzy – real name Michael Omari Owuo Jr – 30, first met in October 2014, before either of their careers had taken off and started dating in January the following year. In 2018, the Vossi Bop rapper marked their anniversary on Instagram by posting: “Three years with the love of my life”. But by 2019, they had parted ways. Jama told ES Magazine at the time of the split that “everybody just sees it as entertainment”. Meanwhile Stormzy sang on his track Lessons: “You gave me the world and then I gave you disrespect. Hand on my heart, this is my biggest of regrets.” So, years on, what would a relationship expert say about getting back together if you’re in a similar situation? “Getting back with your ex shouldn’t be a decision that you make lightly,” says Gillian Myhill, dating expert and co-founder of dating app Sizzl. “If you’re looking to make it work, there are several factors that you need to consider.” Examine what wasn’t working previouslyYou broke up for a reason so it’s important to assess the relationship, what was and wasn’t working, and why you broke up in the first place, she says. “Consider how much time has passed since you decided to end the relationship. You both may have changed as people, and grown and learned some life lessons.”Take responsibility for wrongdoing We’ve all probably done or said things we regret, so own it. “It’s also important to look at your role in the relationship and take responsibility for any wrongdoing or neglect and ask yourself honest questions about whether you can approach the relationship and your ex differently,” Myhill says. Take your time It might be wise not to rush.“If you’re considering getting back with your ex, I’d recommend taking things slowly and cautiously, giving yourselves space both individually and as a couple to figure things out.” She advises setting boundaries and expectations of what you need and make it clear what you want from the relationship, while respecting your partner’s boundaries too – and even considering couple’s therapy. “You need to be able to trust your ex, and yourself, and you may need to have difficult conversations that involve confronting the past,” she says, “and you’ll need to make sure you’re ready for that. “But it’s also important that you make a very conscious decision to move on, start afresh and be ready to forgive.”Think about the people around youNot everyone may be on board, Myhill points out. “You may need to prove yourself or your partner may need to prove themselves. Discuss with your family and friends and ask for time, support and patience in helping you figure this out.” Get away Much like Jama and Stormzy, a holiday might be what you need. “I recommend taking a break as a couple, going away for the weekend to remove yourself from judgement and other people’s opinions so you can work things out together and impartially,” says Myhill.Ask the difficult questions“It’s really important that you follow your intuition and ask yourself the hard questions. Is this right for you? Will you be happier in the relationship than out of it? Are you prepared to forgive and move on? Have they changed? Are you doing it for the right reasons?” If you can’t answer these questions “fully, honestly and positively” Myhill says it might be time to close that chapter and move on.

Back-to-school shopping can create a hole in parents’ budgets at the best of times, but with a cost-of-living squeeze in full swing, money is particularly tight this year. At a time when every cutback counts, here are some ways to save some money on the costs that will earn you top marks for effort. 1. Check what you have This can be particularly useful if you have more than one child and need to pass items down. When sorting clothing, create piles of those that are in good condition, those that need repairs, and items that are beyond salvaging. Alice Haine, a personal finance analyst at investment platform Bestinvest, says: “Carry out a full audit to see what uniform, stationery items, lunchboxes and water bottles you already have. “You may find unused items still in pristine condition at the back of a cupboard, or used items that are good to go for a second or third academic year – after all, you only want to buy new if you have to.” 2. Create a ‘sell’ pile Haine suggests: “If your child has outgrown some of their uniform, sell them on Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp groups, and use the cash to buy new items.” Vinted is worth a try, too. 3. List everything you need Once you’ve sorted through everything, make a list of the items you need to acquire. If you have a clear idea, you’re less likely to waste money doubling up, plus, you can buy what’s needed as and when you spot special offers. Depending on your circumstances, it may also be worth checking your government website for grants which could help with school uniform costs. 4. Be clear on school rules You could end up wasting your money if you buy items which don’t match school policies. Haine says: “If you are heading to a new school, check the uniform policy before you buy. Some schools may demand a certain style or colour.” 5. Team up with parents for ‘bulk buys’ “Some multipack prices may seem like great deals, but you might not need four items, so team up with a fellow parent to share the cost,” says Haine. 6. Remember that the cheapest price isn’t always the best value “When it comes to shoes, it can pay to go for a slightly better brand,” suggests Haine. “Cheap shoes can have a short shelf-life when you consider how much they get battered at school. Keep the receipt, because if shoes do fall apart over a short period of time, some stores may replace them with a new pair.” 7. Make sure there’s ‘growing room’ “Always go a size up if your child is still growing, especially on the pricier items, such as blazers, to ensure you get the most out of the investment,” says Haine. “Some brands even sell trousers with a grow-proof hem that can be let down and pressed with an iron, to ensure clothes last longer.” 8. Go refurbished Abigail Yearley, a spokesperson for website TopCashback.co.uk, says: “There are plenty of trustworthy and reliable sites that sell second-hand or refurbished tech, which works as good as new. Just make sure it comes with good warranty before buying.” You may also be able to buy refurbished devices directly from the manufacturer, she says. 9. Look out for second-hand items Check the school’s website for information on buying second-hand uniforms. “Many schools offer a pre-loved uniform service, so checking if that’s available to you should be the first point of action,” suggests Yearley. “If that’s not an option, check on the parents’ group chat if anyone is looking to give away or swap items they no longer need. It’s also worth scouting out Facebook Marketplace and popping into your local charity shops.” 10. Compare prices online Browsing online is a fast way to research and compare prices. Websites such as TopCashback can also help people to get some cashback on purchases from brands such as Clarks, Wilko and Dell, for example. 11. Look out for supermarket staples Tesco, for example, is running a discount deal on selected stationery and lunchtime essentials for its Clubcard members, until September 7, subject to availability. Yearley says: “All the big supermarkets tend to run back-to-school events during the summer months, so make sure you keep an eye out for them. “It’s especially worth checking out discount supermarkets like Aldi, as their back-to-school events are known for bargain prices. “Even if you’ve missed the special event, it’s worth checking their middle aisle, as often you’ll find things like stationery and lunchboxes, which are still cheaper than buying elsewhere.” 12. Get something back for donating M&S has expanded its ‘shwopping’ scheme, with dedicated school uniform shwopping boxes in over 200 stores, to encourage families to donate pre-loved school uniform, to be resold in Oxfam and through a pilot shop with eBay. As a thank you for shwopping school uniform, M&S Sparks customers can receive 20% off selected kids clothing from the retailer. Similarly, if last year’s school shoes are now a battered pair of Kickers, you can recycle them through their Reskinned initiative, which will also get you £15 towards a pair for the new school year. And Schuh offer a £5 voucher for every pair of unwanted shoes you donate, as part of their Sell Your Soles scheme. All these savings really do add up. Read More How to help your child make friends at secondary school Parents should already start getting their kids ready to go back to school, according to research Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Scientists have found the ideal nighttime bedroom temperatures in which older adults can get their most restful sleep. Previous research has shown that older adults often experience inadequate, restless and disrupted sleep. And the findings of the current research, published recently in the journal Science of The Total Environment, also underscore the potential impact of the climate crisis on sleep quality in older adults, particularly those with lower socioeconomic status. This in turn influences many of their health outcomes such as cognitive and physical function, mood and affect, irritability and reaction to stress, productivity, diabetes management and risk of cardiovascular diseases. Scientists, including those from Harvard Medical School in the US, have found in their current research that sleep can be most efficient and restful for older adults when nighttime bedroom temperatures are between 20-25 degrees Celsius. The study also observed an overall trend of about 5-10 per cent drop in sleep efficiency once the nighttime ambient temperature increased from 25-30C. While poor sleep is disproportionately more common among older adults, research on its causes has not focused substantially on the environment the person sleeps in, said scientists. In the latest study, scientists examined the association between bedroom nighttime temperature and sleep quality in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. They monitored sleep duration, efficiency and restlessness of the participants using wearable sleep monitors and environmental sensors over an extended period within their homes, while controlling for potential confounders and covariates. Overall, researchers collected nearly 11,000 person-nights of sleep and environmental data from 50 older adults. “These results highlight the potential to enhance sleep quality in older adults by optimizing home thermal environments and emphasizing the importance of personalized temperature adjustments based on individual needs and circumstances,” study lead scientist Amir Baniassadi said in a statement. “Our study underscores the potential impact of climate change on sleep quality in older adults, particularly those with lower socioeconomic status,” the scientist said. In further studies, scientists plan to continue this line of work by focusing on the potential impact of the climate crisis on sleep in low-income older adults, and develop interventions to optimise their environment. Read More The top things to make you feel good and boost your mood, according to study A broad genetic test saved one newborn's life. Research suggests it could help millions of others Snoring before age 50 is a health ‘red flag’, experts suggest

Back to school… those three words mean many things to many people – but it’s safe to say, with a new school year comes the unknown: What will it be like, and will I fit in? “Starting a new school year can stir up an array of emotions in young people,” says Yvonne Kekeliadis, creator of Brightstarz, an organisation which runs workshops to help teens and tweens learn life skills. “The prospect of academic and social pressures, whilst exciting for some, can leave others feeling dread and trepidation as the summer holidays draw to a close.” She says building up a social safety net of peers in whom they can confide is a critical part of ensuring young people feel supported – and enjoy their time in secondary school. This is particularly important for children making the leap from primary school to secondary, says Kekeliadis. “Therefore, it’s imperative young people are equipped with the skills and support to be able to foster healthy, positive friendships.” Principal at Impington Village College, a high-ranking state school, Victoria Hearn says: “The transition to the next stage of their education can be an exciting time for students, but for some, the change of routine, environment, and teachers, coupled with the loss of some of their established network of friends, can be daunting.” Secondary school should be an enjoyable and enriching experience for every student, says Hearn, and building a strong friendship group can play a key role in making this a reality. Key tips which parents should share with their child include… Be proactive and don’t be afraid to reach out to others “The most important thing for students starting secondary school to remember, is that everyone is in the same boat,” says Kekeliadis. “Moving from a small class of 30 to a school year of more than 100 can feel incredibly daunting – and while it takes confidence to put yourself out there and take the first step, it will help to put others at ease who will be feeling shy, too.” Be open-minded Kekeliadis says a part of what makes starting secondary school exciting is being able to take part in new activities and initiatives, such as sports clubs and other extracurriculars. “This also provides a fantastic opportunity for students to meet peers who share similar interests,” encourages Kekeliadis. “Helping them to form a bond and eventually a friendship.” As well as taking advantage of an array of extracurricular activities, Hearn says to encourage them to support local, national, and international volunteering projects. “Which enables them to meet new people and work together to support a cause greater than their own individual needs.” Set healthy boundaries “When young people enter a new social situation, they are likely to feel pressure to fit in, and while having a strong social group is important to a child’s wellbeing, it’s vital young people know how to step away from an unhealthy friendship,” advises Kekeliadis. To encourage the setting of these boundaries, she says parents should ensure their child knows that it’s okay to tell a friend ‘no’ when they are feeling uncomfortable – as well as when it’s best to speak to an adult if they feel they are being pressured. Conversation is key Parents, guardians, and teachers can all have a positive impact on a student’s ability to make friends, says Hearn, but it’s important to remember every child is different and moves at their own pace. “If your child hasn’t made hundreds of new friends within the first week of school, it doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t soon establish a strong friendship group. “At all times, but particularly around periods of change, I encourage parents and guardians to engage in frequent open conversations with their child(ren), to check in with them regularly,” advises Hearn. “And, most importantly, validate their feelings.” Listening to your child’s concerns and providing reassurance is often all students need to approach making friends with confidence, suggests Hearn. Ask for support Hearn says at the heart of every education provision should be a desire to help all children thrive… “For the last four years, we have not grouped students with their friends from previous schools when they join us in Year Seven,” notes Hearn. “Instead, we create mixed ability, balanced groups, where students are able to interact with a wide range of other pupils.” She says this has proved hugely successful in ensuring all students feel they are included – and presented with the best opportunities to make new friends. “Your child(ren)’s school should also have an established pastoral support network to help them through any challenges they are facing,” says Hearn. “Please encourage your child to reach out to their tutor when necessary,” she urges. “Or, if required, contact their school directly with any concerns.” Hearn continues: “The transition to secondary school can be daunting for students, but with the support of families and teachers, we can ensure every child gets the absolute most out of their experience – and establishes friendships that will extend far beyond the school walls.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 9 ways to make dark rooms look lighter Men experience imposter syndrome too – here’s how to overcome it This is how stress affects different parts of the body

Imposter syndrome isn’t a disease, but it can do real damage to our confidence and self-esteem if it’s goes unchecked. And while it’s often associated with women, men can experience it too – as recently highlighted. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Last Word recently, Mike Parkinson revealed that his father, Sir Michael Parkinson – who died aged 88 earlier this month – dealt with “imposter syndrome” and “was wracked with self-doubt”. He went on to say that the well loved late chat show host, who interviewed the likes of Victoria and David Beckham and Muhammad Ali during his career, “didn’t have as much self-confidence as he appeared to have on TV”. The director also said that despite his father’s obvious success, he was “still very class ridden” and “very insecure”. These words will no doubt strike a chord with many. Here’s a closer look and imposter syndrome and what men can do to help manage it. What is imposter syndrome? “Impostor syndrome is not a mental illness. It is rather a term applied to the internal psychological experience of feeling like a fraud in a particular area in your life, despite evidence of success or external validation,” says Dr Jon van Niekerk, group clinical director at Cygnet Health Care. It is also a myth that men do not suffer from impostor syndrome... “It might come as a surprise to some, but it is fairly common experience, with 70% of people having at least one episode at some point,” he adds. “It is also a myth that men do not suffer from impostor syndrome. In fact, research has shown that if surveys are anonymous, there are similar levels of these symptoms between men and women. The difference is that men can find it more difficult to talk about these feelings.” What signs might they experience? Dr Elena Touroni, consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, believes at its core, imposter syndrome is associated with “feelings of self-doubt sparking fears of being ‘exposed’ as a fraud, or diminishing genuine achievements and attributing them to luck rather than skill”. She adds: “On the surface, these internal battles might manifest as overworking to prove one’s worth, delaying tasks due to fear of imperfection, or an unending quest for validation.” As a result, van Niekerk says men could “compensate by overworking to achieve impossible standards they set themselves. Many people that have impostor syndrome are ‘overachievers’ and their personal and family life suffers. “Some people also self-sabotage their relationships, as they do not believe the deserve affection from others,” he adds. “If not managed well, it can ultimately lead to burnout and more severe mental health issues, like depression and anxiety.” What are the possible causes?There are various factors that play a role in imposter syndrome, especially as people may have different triggers for these feelings, and in different areas of their lives. “These feelings and beliefs can often be traced back to schemas – mental blueprints formed by our early experiences,” says Touroni. “These schemas shape our perception of ourselves, the world, and our place in it. When early experiences involve neglect, abandonment or overly critical parents/caregivers, it can lead to a lasting belief of not being ‘good enough’.” How can men overcome imposter syndrome? Reflecting on your strengths and positive past experiences is often a great place to start. “It is important to not just accept self-defeating thoughts. If you experience these thoughts, it is important to note them and remind yourself of why you are in a particular position, and what past accomplishments you have had,” says van Niekerk. “Once you open up, you will be surprised how many people struggle with similar thoughts. Usually, these settle down once you have been in a particular role for some time, but if they impact on you pursuing your goals or your relationships, it might be helpful to speak to a therapist.” Touroni adds: “Imposter feelings tend to run deep. But, with dedication and the right support, they can be challenged and changed. A therapist can help you unearth the origins of these beliefs, challenge their accuracy, and cultivate healthier, more empowering perspectives and coping mechanisms.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 8 of the coolest plants for shady gardens This is how stress affects different parts of the body Curls feeling frazzled? 6 ways to repair summer hair damage

Adele has opened up about her health after experiencing a flare-up of her spinal condition during her Las Vegas residency. During one of the “Hello” singer’s recent concerts - as part of her “Weekends with Adele” residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace - she explained to fans that before stepping on stage, she had fallen and was unable to move due to a sciatica attack. A sciatica flare-up comes from the sciatic nerve when it is compressed or irritated. When this happens, a person can experience pain that radiates from their lower back all the way down to their feet. “They picked my whole body up off the floor,” Adele explained to the crowd, according toThe Sun. The singer also revealed to the audience that she had to take a break mid-show over the weekend, saying: “I am going to sit down and rest my sciatica.” This isn’t the first time the “Easy on Me” singer has spoken openly about her health. During a performance on New Year’s Eve last December, Adele struggled to walk across the stage as she explained her chronic back pain and sciatica. “I have to waddle these days as I have really bad sciatica," she said at the time. Not only was she struggling to walk, but she also shared that she was performing with a disintegrated disc in her spine. “Is anyone else kind of my age starting getting bad knees? I have got really bad sciatica in my left leg and my L5 disc is not f***ing there anymore. It’s worn away,” she said back in February. The L5 spinal nerve provides sensation to the outer side of the lower leg, the upper part of the foot, and the space between the first and second toe. The nerve also controls hip, knee, foot and toe movements, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The sciatic nerve consists of the L4 and L5 nerves plus other sacral nerves, the website states. In an interview with Elle last year, Adele also said that she slipped her L6 disc when her son, Angelo, jumped out to scare her as she came out of the bathroom. The singer previously toldThe Face magazine in a November 2021 interview that her back issues go back to her teenage years. “I slipped my first disc when I was 15 from sneezing. I was in bed and I sneezed and my fifth one flew out. In January, I slipped my sixth one, my L6. And then when I had a C‑section, my core was useless," she said. Adele explained that she had lived with back pain for most of her life, and that her flare-ups occurred when she was stressed or continuously sitting with bad posture. However, she revealed that key to improving her symptoms was regularly working out. “Where I got my tummy strong, down at the bottom, which I never had before, my back doesn’t play up as much,” Adele said. “It means I can do more, I can run around with my kid a little bit more.” Read More Adele halts show to rebuke security guard hassling a fan: ‘Leave him alone’ Adele says she wants to have a baby with boyfriend Rich Paul ‘soon’ Miley Cyrus was ‘thinking of Adele’ while writing new song ‘Used to Be Young’

Oti Mabuse has revealed that she and her husband Marius Iepure had stopped trying to conceive when she discovered she is pregnant with their first child. The former Strictly Come Dancing star announced on Saturday (26 August) that she is expecting, describing the pregnancy as “the best news we could have ever asked for”. Mabuse, 33, shared in an Instagram Story on Monday (28 August) that she had initially “given up” on trying to conceive because “nothing was happening”. She posted a video of her and her friend Nkateko Dinwiddy celebrating her pregnancy, and wrote over the clip: “My friend @takkies7 asked me to [take a pregnancy test] because I was drinking coffee and I don’t drink coffee. “We had been trying for a while and decided to stop (it all just got too much) and just live life as us two as nothing was happening. “We enjoyed each other’s company, dinners, concerts, parties, just simply removed all the pressure and here we are!” In another Instagram Story, she shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation between her and Dinwiddy, showing her friend asking if she had taken a pregnancy test yet. Mabuse replied: “Ahhhh why? [cry-laugh emoji] Don’t stress me I’ve actually given up.” But the Dancing On Ice judge shared the happy news over the weekend live on her ITV Breakfast Show. She also shared a series of photographs of her and Iepure cradling her growing baby bump on Instagram and wrote in the caption: “We love our little bundle of joy so much already… and can’t wait to see what our future will look like now as a family of three plus Leo. “It’s been a beautiful journey so far with close friends and family and nearly over but we have learnt a lot along the way… Christmas is about to get even louder.” Mabuse also shared a video montage of the moment the couple shared the news with their close friends and family over FaceTime and in person, including with her sister, Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse. The expectant mum said in her caption: “Living in a different country as a couple means you don’t have family around to break the news face to face to. “And most often, friends become family. We are so extremely lucky with our group of friends. Disclaimer: This isn’t all of them, not enough video space. But we kept our circle really tight, full of positive energy, laughter and joy.” Motsi left a comment under the video and said: “Just cried again [red heart emoji].” Mabuse and Iepure met in Germany as dance partners in 2012. He proposed to her in 2014 on her birthday and they married that same year. Read More ‘My depression ate me up and stopped me doing the thing in life I loved the most – cooking’ BBC Breakfast’s Emma Vardy announces birth of son: ‘Presenting my best breaking news ever’ Maya Jama and Stormzy ‘confirm relationship’ as they’re seen holding hands in Greece Oti Mabuse announces she is pregnant with her first child Amy Dowden reveals ‘life-threatening’ sepsis diagnosis amid cancer treatment BBC Breakfast’s Emma Vardy announces birth of first child