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Healthy livingWhat your waist measurement says about your healthWe all know that if we consume excess calories and don't burn them off, our body stores them as fat. Many of us are also aware of our trouble spots - perhaps we're prone to gaining weight on our thighs, or around our middle. A little extra weight may not be harmful to your health, so how do you know if you're still in a healthy zone?
HormonesCortisol face - social media myth vs medical realityCortisol face has become a popular wellness trend, with the internet offering numerous explanations, diagnoses, and solutions to help us lower our cortisol levels. But what exactly is cortisol? Why does it matter, and can it really affect the appearance of your face? To find out, we asked a Harley Street doctor to explain more about this potentially misunder...
Healthy livingHow to strengthen your coreWhen it comes to building muscle, improving your core muscle strength has benefits that extend beyond toned abs. Core strength exercises can also give you better balance, stability, and good posture, and prevent or treat back pain. Better still, they can be performed in the comfort of your home, and there are many to choose from and incorporate into your exe...
Diet and nutritionWhich ultra-processed foods are safe - and which should we avoid?Ultra-processed foods are associated with cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Yet while some foods do increase your chance of developing these diseases, not all processed foods are as bad for you as you might think.
Diet and nutritionCan chicory root be a healthier alternative to coffee?Chicory root comes from a vibrant blue flower that looks a little like a dandelion. Beneath the flower lies a thick taproot that can be ground into a powder and brewed as a naturally caffeine-free alternative to coffee. But is chicory root actually good for you? We take a closer look at the potential benefits of swapping your usual coffee for this increasing...
PodcastsAlexis Blake on Transition, Marriage & Mental HealthThrough her videos, social media platforms and podcasting work, Alexis has become a prominent voice in conversations around transgender visibility, relationships and modern life. She was recently named Gaydio Influencer of the Year.
PodcastsJamie Jones-Buchanan MBE: Resilience & the Leeds Rhinos Golden GenerationJamie dedicated his entire playing career to his beloved Leeds Rhinos, becoming one of the defining figures of the club's most successful era. As part of the famous "Golden Generation" alongside the late Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield and so many other greats, Jamie helped the Rhinos win seven Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and a Challeng...
Allergies, blood and immune systemWhat is Skeeter syndrome? When a mosquito bite is more than just an itchFor most people, a mosquito bite is no more than an itchy nuisance. But for some people, a bite can trigger a much more dramatic reaction, with extensive swelling, redness, warmth, and itching that can last for several days. This reaction is known as Skeeter syndrome.
Ear, nose and throatSound advice: 6 ways to safeguard your hearingOur ears do far more than let us enjoy music, laugh at a funny sound, or share jokes with friends. They help us stay alert to danger, support clear communication, and keep us connected to the world around us. While we might sometimes choose to tune things out - like ignoring a partner’s request to take out the rubbish - real hearing loss is no joke. It can b...
General health and lifestyle5 benefits of bees for your healthThey may be unwelcome at our picnics and pub garden lunches, but the health of the bee population plays an important role in our own health and wellbeing. Let's take a moment to look beyond the fear of being stung and at the unique behaviours that make these small insects so interesting.
Eye healthScreens, school, and short-sightedness: 5 ways to protect young eyesWith children already spending plenty of time on screens outside school, the return to classroom devices could put even more strain on their eyes. We spoke to an ophthalmologist about the growing issue of short-sightedness and what you can do to help protect your child’s vision.
Healthy livingDoes getting good sleep really improve your skin?Sleep is where your body and mind recharges, restores, and heals itself. During good sleep, your body prevents and repairs skin cell damage, significantly improving not only your skin's appearance but its strength and ability to protect against harmful external elements. On the other hand, poor sleep can increase inflammation, which can make certain skin con...
General health and lifestyle5 natural ways to reduce inflammationInflammation is your body's way of protecting itself against injury or infection - causing swelling, redness, and heat. Short-term inflammation is vital for healing, but long-term inflammation can lead to serious health issues. We look into the underlying causes of long-term inflammation and ways to prevent it.
HormonesPerimenopause and birth control - how the pill can affect your symptomsHalf the population will go through perimenopause in their lifetime. But the symptoms, timing, and intensity can vary from person to person, influenced by a range of factors - including birth control. We take a closer look at how hormonal contraception can affect the way you experience this transition, the signs you might notice, and what to expect along the...
Diet and nutritionBiohacking - where to start, and where to stop'Biohacking' is a trend that aims to improve longevity and to make your brain and body function better by supposedly 'hacking' biology. Can this really be done - if so how, is it safe, and are there any drawbacks to look out for?
Mental healthLet’s talk about dating app burnoutDating has never had a worse reputation, and the apps are taking the brunt of it. As the search for connection leaves more and more users exhausted rather than excited, how responsible are dating apps for the burnout?
PodcastsAmy Walsh: Life on Emmerdale, Baby Nell & the Walsh SistersIn this warm and honest conversation, Amy opens up about becoming a mum for the second time, how Emmerdale viewers reacted to her pregnancy news, and what it's been like bringing the complex character of Tracy to life.
Digestive healthGallstones diet: foods to eat and avoid1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will develop gallstones at some point. Gallstones are small stones - usually made up of bile - that form in your gallbladder. Here we share the foods that can prevent gallstones, trigger uncomfortable symptoms, or make them better.
Brain and nervesYoung-onset dementia - what you need to knowDementia is often seen as something that only affects us during our twilight years. But it can develop much earlier in life. Young-onset dementia refers to dementia diagnosed before the age of 65. We explore the early signs of young-onset dementia, how it’s identified and treated, and practical ways to manage the condition while maintaining quality of life.
Skin, nail and hair healthWhat is exfoliation, and why is it important?Nowadays, a skincare routine can contain a lot of steps, but skin gurus still consider 'cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise' to be the essential mantra if you are seeking a healthy complexion. What exactly is exfoliation, and should everyone be doing it?
HormonesGaynor Faye on Hot Flash, menopause - and why midlife women deserve to be seenThe conversation around menopause is changing, bringing long-overdue honesty and humour to an experience too often overlooked. So when actress Gaynor Faye read Jan Birley’s script for the upcoming comedy feature, Hot Flash, she knew she wanted to be involved. I spoke to Gaynor about playing Geri, a single mum launching her own business while navigating midli...
Mental healthBody positivity: 7 daily habits for self-love and acceptance at any ageAs we grow and evolve, our bodies and mindsets change. These natural transitions can affect our self-esteem, making it challenging to maintain body positivity. However, it's important to remember to love our bodies - and ourselves - at every stage of life.
Mental health8 stress-relieving tips to try every dayWhether it's the pressure of work, family life, or a looming deadline, most of us have stress from time to time. There are lots of ways to reduce stress. So, if you're feeling the strain, try some of these simple stress-busters.
CancerHow to check for breast cancer and what a lump feels likeActress Lucy Davis has announced that she has stage four, incurable cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 56,000 new cases diagnosed each year - more than 150 every day, according to Cancer Research UK. Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel can help you spot changes, including a new or unusual lump. If you notice a...