From a cat who likes walkies to a horse being bitten – your pet queries answered
HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.
Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm tails.com, has helped with owners' queries for ten years.
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Sean McCormack, head vet at tails.com, promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy'
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Sean helps a reader whose cat like to go for walkies
Credit: Getty
Q) MY three-year-old cat Brian likes going for walkies.
He follows me on my two-mile morning walk across fields just like a dog.
I have tried to discourage him but he is stubborn, and locking him in doesn't seem fair.
He insists on tagging along. Is that normal?
Mikey Scott, Plymouth, Devon
A) It is normal for some cats, yes, though I agree it's a bit more like dog behaviour.
But every pet is different, with their own quirks and eccentricities.
I don't see a big problem here as long as he is not being exposed to the danger of roads or being out in the open with nowhere to run if an aggressive off-lead dog caught sight of him for example.
It's a wonderful way for you and Brian to bond.
Q) WHAT can I do to prevent the discolouration on the fur of my white poodle Misty where her eyes run?
I'm a property expert, here are the five key things when moving with a pet
I've had her eyes checked and they are fine.
Maggie Peters, Birmingham
A) This is very common in white dogs and Poodles, Bichons, Maltese, as well as in breeds with shorter skulls or protruding eyes such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and so on.
The reddish-brown discoloration is caused by a compound in tears called porphyrin. It leaves a stain on the coat if there is an excess of tears or prolonged contact time.
It is usually due to the tear duct not draining the eye of tears as efficiently as it could, resulting in tears spilling over the eyelids onto the face.
Wipes and products can be used to clean the hair around the eyes regularly and dissolve the stains.
Q) I DREAD summer as every year Molly, my horse, suffers with horse fly bites.
I shield her head and body with a net or coverings, use fly deterrent and bring her in early in the evenings when they are most active.
There is no dung nearby or stagnant water. But her grazing is near a river which I think doesn't help.
Last year I tried citronella shampoo which helped a bit. Is there any other preventative treatment I can try?
Sarah Steel, Lincoln
A) I can feel your frustration and concern. If there is one creature in the entire world that gives me the heebie jeebies it is horse flies.
You are doing virtually all the right things. Light-coloured rugs, nets and clothing are advised as the insects are attracted to large dark objects.
I might look into changing her grazing to be far away from the river, as aquatic environments tend to attract more biting insects, and horse flies in particular need boggy, marshy ground and water courses to complete their lifecycle.
Q) HOW often should ferrets be bathed?
My husband has two — Pepper and Pickles — and he says brushing is more important than bathtime as it keeps them healthy and prevents hairballs.
But I'm not so sure.
Kim Greenwood, Carlisle
A) There's no right or wrong answer here.
Some owners bathe their ferrets regularly to tackle their distinctive odour, whereas some love the aroma and never bathe them.
Your husband is correct in that brushing will probably do more to prevent them ingesting moulting hair and potentially developing hairballs, which can be very serious, even fatal.
You can also get hairball reduction paste from your vet clinic which can be very useful in spring and autumn when ferrets heavily moult.
Star of the week
MANCHESTER puss Egg was dubbed 'grumpy cat', but has undergone a personality transplant after being rescued.
Two-year-old Egg was known for her prickly demeanour, steely glare, and staunch refusal to tolerate cuddles, claw clipping, or any form of grooming.
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Manchester puss Egg was dubbed 'grumpy cat' but has undergone a personality transplant after being rescued
Credit: Supplied
But now, thanks to the patience and love of her new owners and a new calming supplement she's purr-fectly content and loves pamper sessions.
Owner marine biologist Jeni Sage, 35, of Manchester, said: 'She's gone from a cat who would hiss and hide at the first hint of affection, to one that curls up next to me on the sofa for a cuddle.
'It's been such a heartwarming journey.'
WIN: Portable pet washing device
THE award-winning Mud Daddy Portable Washing Device is perfect for cleaning your pets – even horses!
The eco-friendly and efficient design uses water pressure instead of a motor.
We have two Mud Daddy 8 Litre Portable Washing Device Bundles worth over £155 each to giveaway.
To enter send an email headed MUD DADDY to sundaypets@the-sun.co.uk by June 1.
Visit muddaddy.co.uk.
T&C's apply.
BUSHY MOGGIES ARE MAINE ATTRACTION
MAINE Coons are the country's favourite cat, Pets4Homes has revealed.
The laidback moggies were the most searched for kitties of the past year, followed by Savannah, Oriental, Siberian and Siamese.
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Maine Coons are the country's favourite cat, Pets4Homes has revealed
Credit: Getty
It comes after Goldendoodles were revealed to be the most popular dog for the third year in a row.
Famous owners of Maine Coons include rapper Megan Thee Stallion and actors Jessica Alba and John Cleese.
Axel Lagercrantz, CEO at Pets4 Homes.co.uk said: 'The popularity of exotic cats like the Maine Coon shows how we're thinking about pets as a way to make a statement.
'These breeds are more than just companions – they are unique, striking creatures that serve as conversation starters.
'The Maine Coon, with its majestic size and bushy tail, speaks to the growing trend of selecting pets that not only have personality but also stand out visually.'
A number of Maine Coons have also gone viral on Instagram, due to their striking appearance including gentle giant Zeus, who has 423,000 followers and Mr ViVo, who has 477,000 followers.
Axel added: 'Ultimately, our pets have become a reflection of our values, priorities and identities in a world that is increasingly interconnected.'
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Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Full list of freebies and discounts you can claim in June worth up to £40,000 if you're on PIP
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of people claiming the personal independent payment (PIP) can get access to a range of freebies and discounts this month. PIP is a payment that is given to people with a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition to help with their extra living costs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Millions of people who receive PIP can get freebies and discounts this month Credit: Getty The payment is worth up to £187.45 a week and the money is paid once a month. To claim it you need to be over the age of 16 but under the state pension age, which is currently 66. You also need to have a health condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living, mobility or both for at least three months. PIP is made up of two parts and whether you can claim one or both of these depends on how much your condition impacts you. The daily living part is given to people who need help with everyday tasks. The weekly rate for this is either £73.90 or £110.40. Meanwhile, the mobility part is for people who need help getting around. On this part the weekly rate is either £29.20 or £77.05 - and you could get both elements. In addition to the benefit payments, if you claim PIP then you can also get a range of additional perks and discounts, such as a Blue Badge or capped water bills. Here we reveal a full list of benefits you can claim this month. Three key benefits that YOU could be missing out on, and one even gives you a free TV Licence Blue badge If you receive PIP then you are automatically eligible for a blue badge if you either: Scored eight points or more in the 'moving around' part of your PIP assessment. Scored ten points in the 'planning and following journeys' section of your PIP assessment and were put in category 'E'. This means your stress, anxiety or other mental health issues stop you from leaving the house. You should be able to find this information on your PIP decision letter. But you can still get a badge if you have long-term problems walking or going to places, including problems caused by stress, anxiety or other mental health issues. What is PIP? HOUSEHOLDS suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition can get extra help through personal independence payments (PIP). The maximum you can receive from the Government benefit is £172.75 a week. PIP is for those over 16 and under the state pension age, currently 66. Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around - or both- for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you're terminally ill with less than 12 months to live). You can also claim PIP if you're in or out of work and if you're already getting limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments if you claim Universal Credit. PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you. You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £26.90 or £71. While on the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £68.10 or £101.75 - and you could get both elements, so up to £172.75 in total. You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment. Make a claim by calling the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 917 2222. You are also eligible if you have severe problems using both arms. You need to contact your local council to apply for a Blue Badge. You can use your PIP award letter to apply but some councils may charge you a fee. The most you can be charged in England is £10 and £20 in Scotland. It is free in Wales. Once you receive the badge you can use car parking spaces that are closer to entrances and may be larger. You can also park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, unless there are loading or unloading restrictions. Discounted days out If you receive PIP then you could get discounts on days out and memberships. You may be able to save on cinemas, theatres, theme parks and zoos. The charity Scope has a guide outlining some of the discounts on offer. To find out more visit If you have a carer then you may also be able to get two for one tickets to hundreds of attractions. For example, your carer may be entitled to discounted or free entry to National Trust and English Heritage properties. Similarly, the UK Cinema Association offers CEA cards that will give your carer a free ticket at participating cinemas. All Merlin Entertainment attractions also offer one complimentary pass per disabled person. Buying a Merlin Annual Pass will get you a free Carer Pass which can be used by anyone assisting you on the day. Benefit top-ups If you receive certain benefits then you may be able to get a top-up, which is called a disability premium. To be eligible you will need to receive one of the following along with PIP: Housing benefit Jobseeker's allowance Employment and support allowance Pension credit - but only if you get the PIP daily living component You should contact the office that is in charge of your benefits. Tell them that you get PIP and ask them what other help you can get. You may need to send them a copy of your PIP award letter. They should be able to tell you how much extra you will get. Vehicle tax reduction If you claim the standard rate mobility part of PIP then you can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax. Vehicle tax, also known as road tax, is a fee you need to pay to use your car on public roads. To qualify for a discount the vehicle must be registered in the disabled person's name or their nominated driver's name. To apply for a reduction you will need to make claim and provide the following documents: A letter or statement from the Department for Work and Pensions that shows your PIP rate and the dates you're getting it. The vehicle log book (V5C). A V10 form. Evidence of a current MOT, if you need one. For example, this could be a copy of your vehicle's MOT history or your MOT certificate, if you have one. A cheque or payable order (made out to 'DVLA, Swansea') for 50% of the full rate of car tax for the vehicle. You should send your application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BF. If you are on the enhanced rate of PIP then you could qualify for a complete exemption from vehicle tax. If you are applying for the first time, you need to visit your nearest Post Office branch. 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Council tax: You can apply for a council tax reduction on the website but you'll need to meet certain criteria. Your bill could be cut by as much as 100 per cent if you're on a low income or claim benefits. Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours a week are also exempt from paying. Water: Households might be able to save money by getting a water meter but it all depends on how much you're using. To check if it's finacially worthwhile, use the Consumer Council for Water's free ater meter calculator. Rent: If you have the space available and your landlord or local authority says it's ok to do so, you might want to consider getting a flatmate. Not only will you split the cost of the rent, but also the other bills. Hire purchase: If you're struggling to make your repayments on your hire purchase, you can usually end the contract by returning the goods. You will have to pay all the instalments due up to the time you end the agreement but this will limit the amount you owe. Contact Citizens Advice for free for more help with this. Gas and electricty: MoneySavingExpert says families can save £330 on average by switching from Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) to a better rate. Use a comparison site such as MoneySuperMarket or Energyhelpline to see what deals are available. Mortgage: If you get into debt with your mortgage payments, don't wait for your lender to chase you. Work out what you can afford using the Citizens Advice budgeting tool so you can discuss your payment options moving forward with your mortgage provider. Secured Loan: Your secured loan might be covered by the Consumer Credit Act and if it is, you may be able to apply for a Time Order. This is a special agreement by the courts allowing you more time to make payments. 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To qualify you need to have a water meter and need to use a lot of water due to a medical condition. The scheme works by capping your bills and does not impact your credit score. The cap depends on where you live. For example, Severn Trent will cap your fresh water bill at £321.23 a year, while for sewerage it is £234.66. This means in total you would pay up to £555.89 a year. Who is eligible for the scheme varies depending on your supplier, so check directly with them to see if you qualify. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Does honey really do anything to ease hay fever symptoms? I tried it for a week and grilled experts to find out
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HAY fever season has well and truly arrived. And with a staggering 16million Brits affected, it's no wonder we are always on the lookout for a miracle cure. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Some people swear by honey as a natural hay fever remedy, but does it really work? Credit: Getty A growing number of TikTok influencers - and some family members - claim local honey is the wonder hack guaranteed to ease your itchy eyes and runny nose. And a quick social media or Google search brings up dozens of posts claiming that a spoonful is all it takes to provide the relief you need. The theory is that local honey contains small amounts of pollen from nearby plants, and by consuming it, your immune system becomes accustomed to the pollen, reducing sensitivity and the severity of reactions over time. But is there any scientific research to back up the claims? Sadly, GP Dr Helen Wall says the evidence is 'slim'. 'Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that locally sourced, unprocessed honey might reduce symptoms,' she tells Sun Health. 'It is based on the idea that it could act like a natural desensitisation process. 'Desensitisation is a therapy that can be used to cure allergies by slowly introducing the allergen in small amounts so the immune system can get used to it. 'But controlled clinical trials are lacking and systematic reviews do not support honey as an effective treatment for hay fever.' Despite what you may hear, honey does not work like an antihistamine. When your hay fever symptoms could really be signs of cancer 'Antihistamines are medications that block histamine receptors which then prevent the release of a chemical called histamine, which is released when your body thinks it has come across a threat,' Dr Wall says. 'It is meant to be a protective mechanism, but in people with allergies, histamine is triggered unhelpfully and this is what causes allergy symptoms. 'Honey does not block histamine receptors so it doesn't work in the same way as many medications would.' And if you stop taking your usual medicine, you may find your symptoms worsen. 'If someone relies solely on honey, they may suffer from poorly controlled hay fever which can impair sleep, concentration and quality of life,' Dr Wall says. 'It often builds up over time, so getting on top of it early can be beneficial. 'I recommend starting antihistamines and steroid sprays four weeks before hay fever starts in those known to suffer. 'In people with allergic asthma, untreated hay fever can worsen respiratory symptoms and trigger asthma.' Some patients will swear by local honey, and I don't doubt their experience, but medically I can't explain it nor recommend it Dr Sophie Farooque Dr Sophie Farooque, a consultant allergist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and one of the UK's leading allergy experts, says that while local honey may be 'delicious' and soothe a scratchy throat, there is little scientific evidence that it will reduce symptoms. 'The theory that honey may help stems from the idea that pollens contained in honey will desensitise you,' she says. 'However the pollen in honey is from flowers and not from the pollen that causes hay fever, which is from tree, grass and weed pollens.' 4 Many of us are plagued by constant sneezing when the pollen count is high Credit: Getty A 2002 study by the University of Connecticut compared taking a tablespoon of locally produced, unfiltered honey with a tablespoon of nationally produced pasteurised honey, and honey flavoured corn syrup (the placebo) in patients with hay fever. None of the three groups noticed a reduction in the symptoms. Further research in Malaysia evaluated 40 patients with hay fever and divided them into two groups. Half ate honey and half did not. 'Those who consumed the honey noticed a very slight reduction in symptoms compared to those that didn't, but participants had to eat a jar a week every day for months and the pollen in Malaysian honey will be different to the UK,' Dr Farooque adds. 'Some patients will swear by local honey, and I don't doubt their experience, but medically I can't explain it nor recommend it. 'There isn't good data and scientifically, it doesn't make sense. 'If patients want to go drug-free then saline rinses have far stronger evidence and I often suggest these. 'Of course eat honey for pleasure, but not in the belief that by doing so you are desensitising yourself and reversing the common immunological processes that cause seasonal allergies. It's a myth.' Hay fever first aid kit Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you... Antihistamines Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That's the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy. Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms. 'Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,' he says. 'Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts." Nasal sprays A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness. Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too. Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever 'because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body', Max says. Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: 'Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist. 'If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work. 'Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.' Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: 'It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.' Eye drops If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: 'Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops. "These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation. "They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective. "Keep using them even if symptoms improve. 'Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.' While it might not help with your hay fever sniffles, honey does of course have other health benefits. Researchers at the University of Oxford found it can effectively relieve cough and cold symptoms. It also contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytochemicals, which are anti-inflammatory and contain cancer-fighting antioxidants. But that doesn't mean it's good for everyone, as it's also very high in sugar. Dietitian Emma Shafqat said one tablespoon contains around 6g, so she recommends consuming it 'in moderation'. Excess sugar intake can contribute to tooth decay, weight gain and blood sugar spikes, so people with diabetes should take particular care. Emma added that honey should not be given to children under the age of one as there is a risk of botulism - a rare but serious condition where the body's nerves are attacked by a toxin. MY TEST 4 The Sun's Lynsey Hope tested local honey for a week Credit: Supplied HAVING suffered from hay fever since I was a teenager, I was keen to put this theory to the test. While the evidence is scant, lots of people swear by honey so I was hopeful it might have some effect. First of all, I had to work out how much to take. Researchers recommend around 1g per kilogram of body weight daily. For a person weighing 80kg, this is four tablespoons a day. I weigh about 60kg so that means around 2.8 tbsp. That's quite a lot and I was concerned about the extra sugar in my diet. But if it could stop the itchy eyes and sneezing, I was happy to give it a go! I bought a jar of Kentish honey from a farm shop near me. It wasn't cheap, costing a whopping £8.45. I started taking some in the morning with breakfast and stopped taking my antihistamines. Quercetin is a flavonoid found in apples, onions and berries. It has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine-like effects Dr Helen Wall I definitely loved having it in my porridge, but I'm not sure it had any effect. The pollen count was exceptionally high on the week of the test and my itchy eyes and sneezing continued as normal. I struggled to sleep because of it too and after seven days, I had to go back on the antihistamines as I looked as though I'd been crying. I admit to being disappointed. I'd far rather have taken honey to ease my symptoms than medication. But it just didn't do the job. 4 Scientists say local honey likely won't help treat your itchy eyes Credit: Getty DO ANY NATURAL REMEDIES WORK? SO honey doesn't work, but what else can you try? Nasal irrigation is the 'strongest contender' for a natural hay fever remedy, according to Dr Wall. She says a saline rinse may flush out allergens and reduce congestion. As a treatment, it is safe and low risk. But there are other options to try. 'Quercetin is a flavonoid found in apples, onions and berries,' Helen says. 'It has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine-like effects. 'Again there is limited evidence in humans but there have been some positive results in reducing nasal symptoms in particular, and these are foods which are good for you anyway.' Some studies have also found spirulina (blue-green algae) may work as a treatment. It's thought to reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms and it's an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. A 2018 Chinese study also recommended acupuncture as an effective treatment, particularly for nasal congestion and sneezing.
Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
From cold showers to hot tomatoes, how TV's Michael Mosley is still keeping us healthy a year after his tragic death
Find out exactly what the 'eccentric exercises' Dr Mosley suggests DOC'S ORDERS From cold showers to hot tomatoes, how TV's Michael Mosley is still keeping us healthy a year after his tragic death Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT has been a year since the death of the much-loved presenter Dr Michael Mosley, famous for his practical tips on improving health and well-being. Here Laura Stott looks at his legacy of enlightening and easy-to-follow ideas, including ones that the telly doctor personally benefited from, all backed up by science. 8 A year on from his death, Dr Michael Mosley's science-backed health tips are still changing lives – here we look at how his legacy lives on Credit: Channel 4 ECCENTRIC EXERCISE: Mosley advocated 'exercise snacking' – or fitting small bursts of physical activity into everyday life rather than working out in one prolonged gym session. 8 The expert recommended Nordic walking — an aerobic stroll using poles for support Credit: Getty He recommended mixing things up, doing plenty of squats and planks for lower body strength, posture and heart health, and trying 'eccentric exercises', such as walking backwards, proven to reduce back pain and aid memory. He also suggested going down flights of stairs to stretch and lengthen muscles, and Nordic walking — an aerobic stroll using poles for support — to strengthen the core and upper body. GET IN THE SWIM: Dr Mosley was a huge advocate of the gains that come from getting into the water. 8 Dr Mosley championed the health-boosting power of swimming – from sharper minds to stronger hearts, and even cold-water dips to build immunity Credit: Getty Swimming lengths is effective for blood vessels, enhancing vascular function and increasing the flexibility of our arteries. And time in the pool has also been shown to up mental speed and cognitive sharpness, especially in older adults. Getting wet for half an hour two or three times weekly was optimal, according to Mosley, who also suggested trying a cold-water wild plunge to strengthen the immune system. BODY BALANCE: Being able to support your body weight by standing on one leg also enhances health. 8 The doctor advocated one-legged toothbrushing to boost balance, cut fall risk and help us stay active and independent as we age Credit: Getty Learning to balance without wobbles could aid longevity and reduce injury from falls – one of the most common reasons for declining health as people age. Better stability makes for a more productive life, as it is easier to do daily tasks. Overall bodily equilibrium and poise is a proven indicator of quality of life as we age. Tragic TV doc Michael Mosley's extreme science tests - swallowing tapeworm, shroom trip & food made from his own blood as show reveals heartbreaking fears Mastering the art of standing one-legged, in turn on left and right feet, while brushing your teeth is beneficial, said Mosley, who himself did it daily. PLANT POWER: Tending to house plants and getting out in the garden are both great for boosting wellness. 8 Dr Mosley promoted the power of nature – from houseplants to countryside walks, greenery helps ease stress, sharpen focus and lift mood Credit: Getty Studies show time in nature and around greenery can reduce stress, boost cognition and reduce anxiety. Fresh air is another wellness win. Smelling the trees, listening to the birds and appreciating the pattern of light passing through the leaves while in the countryside were all pastimes Mosley enjoyed himself. KEEP YOUR COOL: Cold temperatures aid wellness. Dr Mosley recommended that everybody should embrace the health benefits of feeling a chill. 8 The health expert also embraced the cold – from icy showers to cool homes – for better immunity, blood flow and protection against Type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty Alongside exercising in cool conditions, he promoted daily cold showers for immune system benefits and himself ended warm ones with a 30-second icy blast. Studies show this can cut muscle pain, increase immune cell production and boost circulation. He also advised keeping homes cool, and set his own thermostat at just 15 degrees. Dr Mosley's research showed this could improve blood-sugar metabolism and potentially protect against Type 2 diabetes. TURN THE PAGES: Reading each day can benefit both mind and body. 8 The late Dr Mosley championed daily reading to boost brain power – any book can help sharpen memory, focus and blood flow. Credit: Getty Mosley cited a study by America's Stanford University, where brain scans of people reading Jane Austen novels showed an increase in blood flow. This suggests the activity may improve memory and concentration. If you aren't a fan of Pride And Prejudice any book should have the same effect. TINNED TOMATOES: Getting your diet right is key. Dr Mosley showed with his own research that cooked tomatoes could be better for you than raw ones. 8 Dr Mosley's food tips included cooking tomatoes for more lycopene, plus stocking up on beetroot, garlic and oily fish to boost heart health and fight inflammation Credit: Getty An antioxidant called lycopene is released when they are warmed, which helps the body fight off cell-damaging chemicals called free radicals. He recommended filling your kitchen cupboards with tinned tomatoes to make dishes that could help heart health, bring skin benefits and possibly reduce cancer risks. Eating beetroot and garlic to lower blood pressure, and oily fish such as mackerel, to reduce inflammation, were among his other tips. TAKE A DEEP BREATH: Slowing breathing before bedtime could help you enjoy a better night's kip, reduce stress levels and boost relaxation. Dr Mosley practised a breathing exercise called 4-2-4 which he used when unable to kip. This entails breathing in for four seconds, holding the breath for two, then breathing out for another four. Long inhalation and exhalation slow down your heart rate and may help control chronic pain.
