How I undid 42 years of smoking damage to my face: After kicking her 20-a-day habit, EMMA PARSONS-REID turned the clock back with a £15-a-month beauty routine
At an emergency doctor's appointment on Christmas Eve 2022, my GP gave it to me with both barrels.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
9 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Donald Trump's push for Mexican Coke could ignite a health nightmare, doctors warn
Americans are always talking about Mexican Coke because it doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup. And President Donald Trump has gotten in on the action, saying he has convinced Coca-Cola to change its recipe back to cane sugar because 'it's just better!'. But now dietitians are weighing in, saying that even if the recipe is changed, the country's most popular soda will be as unhealthy as ever — and it could even leave the drink containing more calories. Dr Marion Nestle, a top nutritionist at New York University, told 'As I have been saying, the switch is nutritionally hilarious. 'Both sweeteners are made of glucose and fructose, taste the same and do the same bad things to metabolism when consumed in excess. 'A 12-ounce Coke has 39 grams of either one. That's excessive. High fructose corn syrup has a bad reputation because it is cheaper and used in loads of ultra-processed foods.' In fact, some experts are warning that Trump's promotion of Mexican Coke could actually make America's obesity crisis worse, as people will see it as a green light to drink more because they think it is healthier. Coca-Cola is the most popular soft drink in the country, with every American drinking an estimated 120 cans of the beverage every year. It has been made using high fructose corn syrup since the 1980s, which is made from processed field corn, although in some countries like the UK and Mexico the drink is still made using the original cane sugar. Coca-Cola is yet to reveal whether it is changing its recipe in response to the president's request, but added that it appreciated his enthusiasm and that more updates would be revealed soon. On the nutrition label, both cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup-sweetened Coca-Colas are virtually identical in terms of calories and sugar content. A standard 355-milliliter bottle of Mexican Coke contains about 150 calories, 39 grams (g) of sugar and 85 milligrams (mg) of salt. For comparison, the same-size bottle of US Coca-Cola made with high fructose corn syrup contains 140 calories, 39g of sugar and 45mg of salt. And dietitians say that studies suggest both have similar impacts on someone's health. Abbey Sharp, a registered dietitian in Canada, told the BBC's The World Tonight: 'In terms of calories, we are looking at exactly the same amount of calories. 'It is true that we have evidence that high levels of fructose, especially in liquid form, as we see in... coke, [are] associated with insulin resistance, fatty liver disease and high triglyceride levels. 'But sucrose, the cane sugar that Trump wants to put into the Coca-Cola is not benign to this eight because... it is 50 percent fructose.' High fructose corn syrup used in soft drinks contains about 55 percent fructose, or a simple sugar the body converts into energy, while cane sugar used in soft drinks is about 50 percent made up of the substance. Over-consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been linked to a higher risk of obesity and associated conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. The FDA recommends not consuming more than 1.7 ounces of sugar per day, equivalent to 1.25 Coca-Colas per day. And the American Heart Association says men should consume no more than 1.3-oz or 150 calories of sugar per day while women should consume no more than 0.8-oz or 100 calories of sugar per day, less than one can of Coca-Cola. Asked why people think of Mexican Coke as being healthier, Sharp said: 'I think the villainization of high fructose corn syrup over sucrose has a lot more to do with our appeals to nature fallacy than any really good hard evidence. 'We tend to see cane sugar, which is derived from sugar cane and sugar beets, as more close to nature, to plants, and we see that as more natural than high fructose corn syrup. '[That is] despite the fact that both of these are highly processed and they virtually have the same outcomes on our body and on our health.' She added: 'In fact, I might even argue there is a good possibility that this could do more harm because this is now essentially being promoted as quote unquote a healthier version of coke. 'So people might think that they are being given this green light to drink more of it.' Dr Sandip Sachar, a New York-based board-certified dentist, told 'Both sweeteners, cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup, are nearly identical in their impact on oral health. 'They feed cavity-causing bacteria which leads to acid production that erodes tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Whether the sugar comes from cane or corn, it feeds the same biological process in the mouth. 'There is some evidence that suggests that high fructose corn syrup may be slightly stickier and potentially cause more plaque buildup than cane sugar. But from a clinical perspective, both sweeteners are harmful in similar ways. 'The real issue is continued over consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, regardless of the sweetener.' Trump is a famous fan of Diet Coke, and even reportedly had a red button installed on his White House desk to allow him to quickly request a fresh beverage. Many supporters of the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement have long pressured food manufacturers to use cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup in their products. Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy, who does not deny that cane sugar is also unhealthy, has also long spoken out about HFCS as part of his campaign against ultra-processed foods. But despite the HHS and his followers' claims, doctors say that changing the recipe of one of America's most beloved drinks will increase cases of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. According to Avery Zenker, a registered dietitian, cane sugar is nearly 100 percent sucrose - making it the no different from regular table sugar and poses the same dangers to the body. They told CBS News: 'Despite minor differences in chemical structure and metabolism, both cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup have similar health impacts when consumed in excess, especially in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages like soda.' A 2022 study found that both HFCS and cane sugar have similar impacts on weight and body composition markers, including waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and fat mass. The study also found similar impacts on cholesterol, triglycerides (a type of fat found in the blood) and blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than 36 grams or 150 calories of sugar per day while women should consume no more than 25 grams or 100 calories of sugar per day.
Daily Mail
9 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Fury over NHS bid to 'smear' nurse in trans row
NHS Fife has been accused of trying to 'smear' the woman at the heart of a trans row tribunal after attacking the charity that supports her. The embattled health board took a swipe at Sex Matters, saying it had given a running commentary on the legal battle while the NHS board was unable to. In the 'desperate' statement, issued in the midst of an ongoing legal action against it and transgender medic Dr Beth Upton by nurse Sandie Peggie, NHS Fife said the debate around the case had become 'polarised' and resulted in threats and police involvement. The board claimed the charity, which is campaigning for human rights when they relate to biological sex, appeared to be 'steering public opinion'. Scottish Conservative equalities spokesman Tess White said: 'It's disgraceful that NHS Fife are trying to smear Sandie Peggie and the groups that supported her, instead of taking some responsibility for their own appalling conduct. Scottish Conservative equalities spokesman Tess White said: 'It's disgraceful that NHS Fife are trying to smear Sandie Peggie and the groups that supported her, instead of taking some responsibility for their own appalling conduct. Scottish Conservative equalities spokesman Tess White said: 'It's disgraceful that NHS Fife are trying to smear Sandie Peggie and the groups that supported her, instead of taking some responsibility for their own appalling conduct. 'This discredited health board has already blown a small fortune trying to silence a nurse who stood up for women's rights – and they're still refusing to follow the law on single-sex spaces. How on earth can SNP ministers still have confidence in this dysfunctional health board? 'NHS Fife should be apologising to Sandie Peggie, not putting out defamatory statements.' It came as the tribunal, in which Ms Peggie, 51, is taking action against the board and Dr Upton on equality grounds, continued in Dundee yesterday. The board's bid to 'clarify' its position backfired after the statement, with its website crashing briefly immediately after. The statement read: 'The claimant's case is being supported by Sex Matters, whose chief executive officer and co-founder was called as a witness by the claimant in the earlier hearing. 'The claimant's barrister is also chair of Sex Matters. Other members of the organisation's 'advisory group' have provided commentary to the media on a number of occasions where no reference is made to their direct involvement in the organisation. 'Sex Matters have been very active, making statements which it would appear are aimed at steering public opinion in a way that NHS Fife as a public body clearly cannot.' It added: 'There has been significant and very polarised debate on social media regarding the case and associated issues, throughout. 'In some cases, however, what began as debate has evolved into much more worrying behaviour, including a threat of physical harm and sexual violence, which has required the involvement of Police Scotland.' NHS Fife later tweaked the release, adding: 'NHS Fife is not seeking to suggest that anyone involved with Sex Matters have contributed to the behaviour or issues mentioned above.' Sex Matter's CEO Maya Forstater said: 'This is an extraordinary intervention from NHS Fife, even by the board's standards. 'NHS Fife has dug itself into a reputational black hole. 'If the only way forward the board can see is to lash out, including by criticising Sex Matters, which has at all times acted with propriety and in pursuit of its charitable objects, that suggests desperation.' Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: 'It is now important that NHS Fife settles the tribunal case and brings this sorry saga to an end.' A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'We have received information and it is being assessed.' The tribunal was briefly halted yesterday after the statement was issued so that Ms Peggie's team could seek advice. Charlotte Elves, junior barrister for the nurse, said: 'A good part of the reason that these proceedings are taking place in Dundee rather than Edinburgh, as was originally listed, was at least in part because of threats made against the claimant's legal team back in January of this year. 'And at that time, the claimant never publicly described that state of affairs nor sought to attribute those threats from members of the public with any of the parties, legal representatives or witnesses in these proceedings because quite obviously doing so would be entirely improper during proceedings.' She added it was 'unfortunate' that the press statement suggests Sex Matters 'has perhaps been involved in steering public opinion' which has led to a 'threat of physical harm and sexual violence which has required the involvement of Police Scotland'. Ms Elves concluded: 'The short point is that this is quite unusual conduct of a party in proceedings to have continued in this manner and we are concerned that it's irresponsible and potentially unsafe course in the context of what we already know. 'It's for that reason that we bring it to the tribunal's attention so the tribunal can consider whether any steps ought to be taken.' Jane Russell, KC, for NHS Fife, said she had only just read the statement and wished to take legal instruction. But she said there didn't appear to be 'anything in it that is untrue' and added: 'If it's being suggested that there's some sort of defamation of anybody involved, I don't think that that issue is a legal issue that this tribunal can determine.'
Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Cavinder twins post update on their recovery from boob-job surgery after going under the knife together
The Cavinder twins have shared an update on their recovery from boob-job surgery, as the influencers and former college basketball players said they are 'feeling good.' The 24-year-old sisters, who wrapped up their collegiate careers last year with the University of Miami, shared with their fans on Wednesday that they were set to undergo the surgery. They later released a video on social media showing them resting in hospital beds, with Haley confirming that the procedures went to plan while Hanna was still feeling the effects of the anesthesia at the time. On Friday, they seemed to be doing even better as they took a light stroll on a treadmill. Haley explained that the twins had only been cleared for extremely light movement and were not supposed to sweat, so they walked a relaxed mile inside at the gym. Hanna, meanwhile, added that she had felt some 'tightness' on Friday morning and experienced a bit of bleeding the day prior. Nonetheless, the sisters seem to be adjusting to their new reality. 'I think this is a huge test for Hanna and I,' Haley said. 'Because we are so regimented when it comes to workouts, steps, nutrition, and this is allowing us to really slow down and listen to your body.' Haley added that the pair planned to do some bra shopping following their procedures. The twins announced their surgery on Wednesday after sharing a short clip on social media of Haley being seen to by a nurse in bed and Hanna walking up to the camera. 'Still trying to figure out how being 3 minutes older means she gets her job first,' Hanna wrote as the caption, clearly showing no nerves ahead of her procedure. Haley later posted a clip on TikTok of Hanna looking dazed in her hospital bed before explaining: 'I am an hour out and she is an hour out. I think that the doctor said she needed more anesthesia because Hanna's like very wired if you haven't realized that compared to me. So I think mine wore off way more.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Haley & Hanna Cavinder (@cavindertwins) The duo capitalized on their fame as college basketball players with the Miami Hurricanes to become a huge presence together as social media influencers. They have 4.6million followers on TikTok, and last year walked the runway for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's fashion show in Miami Haley is engaged to NFL star Jake Ferguson, who plays for the Dallas Cowboys. Hanna, meanwhile, was recently dating college football star Carson Beck, but they split earlier this year with Hanna accusing him of infidelity.
