Experts reveal simple ways to help avoid the summer cold
Staying hydrated is crucial in warmer weather to replenish fluids lost through increased sweating.
Frequent handwashing, especially when travelling, helps prevent the spread of viruses and infections.
Ensuring adequate sleep is vital for immune system health, as it aids in the production of protective proteins.
Avoid touching your face and be mindful of air conditioning use, as excessive AC can create a dry environment conducive to viruses.
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BBC News
12 hours ago
- BBC News
10,000 steps myth - should you be a stickler for recommended daily doses?
It felt like there was a collective sigh of relief when a study, published this week, suggested 10,000 steps a day isn't the health utopia we had all been led to news that we only had to reach 7,000 steps was enough to quite literally stop us in our fervent step-counting what about some of the other health targets that many of us swear by? Can we fall short of the mark but still live long, healthy and happy lives?We've taken a handful of commonly cited healthy lifestyle benchmarks, examined them with various experts to get an idea of why they exist, explored the health claims, and, most importantly asked if there is any wriggle sleep so important that we have to spend so much of our lives doing it? How much exercise is enough? What about drinking water? How much do we really need?Disclosure - the below is not medical advice, it's more of an inspection of many of the health ideals we have on our radar. Water (6-8 glasses a day) According to the NHS, the average grown-up should be drinking between six and eight glasses (1.5-2 litres) of water a day. However, maybe we don't need to cart our fancy flagons around with us as much as we thought. Prof Neil Turner, kidney specialist at the University of Edinburgh, says as humans we existed for thousands of years without knowing what a pint or a litre was."I mean, mice don't need flashing water bottles telling them how much to drink - why do we?" he says."Our bodies are set up to do things just right - we eat when we are hungry, we breathe when we need to breathe, and we drink when we are thirsty." it really that simple? According to Prof Turner, who has seen a lot of kidneys in his time, that rule applies to the vast majority of us. Those with specific conditions, like a kidney disorder, may have to drink says if our urine is dark, in the general healthy population, we shouldn't panic that we haven't drank enough - that is the kidney doing its job. It is reserving water in our body, he explains, and our body should tell us that we feel thirsty and then we will get a Linia Patel, a performance nutritionist, disagrees. We might drink different amounts, she says, due to factors like our size, how warm we are, whether we've been drinking alcohol, but she feels having a target of 1.5 to 2 litres is a good thing - especially for women."I would definitely say from a women's health point of view, where I work, what I see is a lot of the symptoms [associated] with being dehydrated. It might be fatigue, constipation, brain fog, feeling hungry [or] cravings."She says that if the problem is related to hydration then it's "an easy one to get right, if you're consistent with it". Sleep (7-9 hours a night) Moving on to sleep - the NHS recommends seven to nine hours a night for the average adult, and there's not much wriggle room to be had there. Prof Ama Johal, a specialist in sleep disorders, says sleep is vital; without it we are beginning to shave years off our lives."The evidence is there, there are huge bodies of research which show that the health benefits are multiple."A good night's sleep - that's at least seven hours of quality sleep - reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, depression and finally, it lowers mortality rates."He points to a study which used 10,000 British civil servants - those that slept for fewer than five hours a night had an increased risk of early could we shave an hour off the minimum recommended - and settle for six hours a night?"No," Prof Johal says. "As soon as we lower the limit then there's a risk people will think it's ok to sleep for less time."Cat napping?"Unfortunately not," he says, "Our bodies have very different reactions to naps through the day, and eventually if we tried to make up the hours we were missing overnight by sleeping through the day, we would struggle to fall asleep at night."But all is not lost, nappers among us - there are studies that suggest a short snooze in the day can keep the brain youthful, and even compensate for poor or broken sleep the night Johal suggests that for those who struggle to get the recommended amount, try to target a few nights of good sleep a week, and just being "more aware that sleep is so important". Emily and Lucy are two avid walkers from Manchester. But alongside their love of walking, the two women share a less healthy trait: they struggle to nod off because of their they say the target of seven hours sleep a night is something they "are working towards". Exercise (150 mins a week) Emily and Lucy are, however, "definitely nailing it" when it comes to exercise. Through their group, Soft Girls who Hike, they have found a love of walking which has not only improved their mental health, they say, but connected them with many other don't try to meet all the healthy benchmarks on their radar, they explain, because "life just gets in the way". But they are doing 7,000 steps a day and taking long, low impact walks at the Chief Medical Officer recommends doing 150 minutes of exercise a week and two strength training sessions. Is that achievable for most?Dr Sinead Roberts, a sports nutritionist who trains elite athletes, is pragmatic in her approach. While moderate strength training and physical activity is vital for maintaining muscle mass, she says, as well as resistance to injuries and supporting our immune systems, you have to adapt the recommendations to fit with your life."Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise people," she says. "This phrase really does apply here."I have friends who do nothing - and that really does show, I say, 'You're walking like an 80-year-old!'"But if you are doing one strength session a week and some moderate exercise then that is definitely a good thing, just try and do more if you can."She uses an analogy of a highway - the more things we can do to stay healthy the wider the road, which, in turn means we can go off course sometimes without careering up a grassy verge."All those benchmarks are interlinked - you can't just do one healthy thing and ignore the rest. Equally you don't need to put so much pressure on yourself to achieve them all."This attitude chimes with Emily and Lucy, who say they happily "chip away" at some of the health benchmarks."For example, we might do five minutes of meditation [which is] better than nothing, but we wouldn't stress about not hitting the recommended goal." Mindfulness (10 mins a day) Through its Every Mind Matters campaign, the NHS recommends 10 minutes of mindfulness a day. Basically, instead of pondering the future or thinking about the past, you pay attention to the moment, noticing what is going on inside and outside of ourselves, letting our thoughts pass by without studies suggest activities like mindfulness can have a positive effect and also help change the structure of the Natasha Tiwari, founder of The Veda Group, says 10 minutes is a good start to "give the mind time to settle, and the brain enough time to truly benefit" from the process of many of us lead busy lives, and to carve out 10 minutes in the day can be a luxury. In some respects, could having these targets make life more stressful?Ms Tiwari disagrees - it's less about the time spent and more about the awareness of mindfulness and bringing it to our everyday lives."Even brief pauses," she explains, "can still have a positive impact". Most experts I've spoken to agree that while benchmarks are useful, and simplicity is key, it's better not to fixate on a number. Rather, find a way to incorporate a healthy outlook to diet, exercise and mental health into everyday sitting for some time writing this, I am going to sign off - there is another health benchmark I've just come across: limiting sitting down to less than eight hours a day. So, I had better get moving.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Derm-designed, budget-approved: The under $50 acne routine shoppers say 'works like MAGIC' for clear skin
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more What is better than having glowing skin and saving money? The answer is absolutely nothing! We just found what we think is the most affordable and clinically proven acne solution on the market — and the wildest part is, right now it's under $50. Geologie is one of the market's leading brands in all things hair care, skin care, and body. Award-winning for its innovative serums and body care, the dermatologist-designed brand is redefining the skincare industry. The brand's Geologie Clear System Face Routine is what keeps catching shoppers attention with its scientific approach and proven track record. Founded by Dermatologist Dr. Steve Xu, Geologie's formulas are dermatologist-tested and recommended. Users swear by their products claiming they 'worked magic' on their skin, with one saying: 'Tired of your face feeling like a dehydrated crocodile basking in the sun?! Then use this set. 'Just the face wash alone is enough to realize the moisture that is penetrating your pores and making your skin less subjected to feeling like your newest leather bag. Seriously though this has been a game-changer for me.' The Geologie Clear System Face Routine consists of three parts: Acne Control Face Wash, Skin Repair Moisturizer, and Clear Skin Face Cream. Together, the three tackle acne and skin imperfections seamlessly, without the use of harsh ingredients, including Benzoyl Peroxide. Your skin transformation is a result of a unique blend of several skin-friendly ingredients, including 2 percent Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe. Users love the gentle yet effective formulas, with one saying: 'I absolutely love this line. It has helped clear up the occasional blemishes and breakouts that occur on my skin. 'Using it regularly has brightened my skin, leaving it moisturized without applying too many products to the face!' Trust in Dr. Steve Xu, the doctor behind the genius! His experience in Dermatology has ensured optimum formulas behind the renowned Geologie routine Instead of playing Frankenstein with your skincare products, why not try a trusted and tested brand to carry you through the day? Geologie's Clear System Face Routine is your one-stop shop for achieving clean, refreshed skin on a budget without compromising any of the benefits. Don't settle for basic skincare, go beyond when you shop this routine that users keep saying gave them 'incredible results,' for just $49. You are just one routine away from the softest, brightest skin of your life!.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
Save £22 on 47 Skin's 5-step bundle for clear, glowing summer skin
Get summer ready skin with 47 Skin's 'All Set for Summer' bundle and save 10% | 47 Skin This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Want glowing skin without spending a fortune? 47 Skin's bestselling summer bundle is now £22 off and packed with science-backed protection for clearer, calmer skin. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Glowing skin is the ultimate summer accessory and 47 Skin's All Set for Summer Bundle has everything you need to protect, hydrate and keep your complexion smooth and clear. Designed as a complete 5 step skincare routine, this bundle helps defend your skin from the elements while working to maintain a fresh, even tone without clogging pores. Infused with the brand's exclusive Silver Chitoderm technology, each product in this set is clinically tested, dermatologist approved, and specifically formulated to shield your skin from daily aggressors. 47 Skin All Set for Summer bundle | 47 Skin At the heart of every product is Silver Chitoderm 47 Skin's unique, science backed ingredient that forms an invisible barrier on the skin, killing 99.9% of blemish causing bacteria. The result? A visibly clearer, calmer complexion and protection that works with your skin, not against it. This bundle offers more than just skincare; it's your daily shield against the challenges of summer. 47 Skin All Set for Summer bundle | 47 Skin All Set for Summer Bundle: Everyday Cleanser - A gentle, hydrating cleanse that clears impurities and helps reduce congestion all while soothing your skin with refreshing eucalyptus. Skin feels fresh, soft, and ready for the day. - A gentle, hydrating cleanse that clears impurities and helps reduce congestion all while soothing your skin with refreshing eucalyptus. Skin feels fresh, soft, and ready for the day. Silver Mask - This quick fix treatment delivers a concentrated dose of Silver Chitoderm to help calm skin when it needs it most. Use after a breakout or whenever your skin needs a visible boost in just 30 minutes. - This quick fix treatment delivers a concentrated dose of Silver Chitoderm to help calm skin when it needs it most. Use after a breakout or whenever your skin needs a visible boost in just 30 minutes. Silver Chitoderm Serum - The brand's best seller — a lightweight yet powerful serum designed to help reduce the appearance of stubborn post blemish marks. It leaves skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and perfectly prepped for makeup. - The brand's best seller — a lightweight yet powerful serum designed to help reduce the appearance of stubborn post blemish marks. It leaves skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and perfectly prepped for makeup. Daily Moisturiser - Oil free and fast absorbing, this moisturiser delivers lasting hydration while helping to prevent future blemishes. All the moisture your skin needs, with none of the pore clogging heaviness. - Oil free and fast absorbing, this moisturiser delivers lasting hydration while helping to prevent future blemishes. All the moisture your skin needs, with none of the pore clogging heaviness. Daily SPF 30 - Your final layer of defence. A non-sticky, breathable SPF that shields your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while the Silver Chitoderm helps keep your skin clear and calm throughout the day. Save 10% off the All Set for Summer Bundle £202 (was £224) skincare that delivers visible results and daily protection in one effortless routine. Natalie Dixon is NationalWorld's Lifestyle reporter. If you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here. You can also Get the best style and fashion news with Natalie Dixon in Tuesday's NationalWorld newsletter - sign up now Canva Get beach-ready with MySweetSmile's gentle teeth whitening range £ 20.99 Buy now Buy now Sunshine, selfies and holiday cocktails – summer is here, and so are all the moments you'll want to capture with a glowing smile. Whether you're jetting off for a beach escape or heading to a sunny staycation, MySweetSmile can help you look your best. This UK best-seller offers peroxide-free, gentle whitening that works its magic without harsh ingredients or faff. Their powder is perfect for whitening before take-off, while the handy on-the-go pen is great for keeping your smile photo-ready poolside. Shop the full MySweetSmile summer-ready range here.
