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Edinburgh Live
10 hours ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh street named as one of UK's 'unhealthiest' in new study
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A city centre street in the heart of Edinburgh has been named as one of the UK's unhealthiest High Streets. The Royal Mile has landed at 16th on the list, with the tourist hotspot being singled out for being home to an astronomical number of unhealthy stores. Chemist4U found that, on the Royal Mile, there are 123 stores that it classed as unhealthy. With 546 food-related stores in total in a 500-metre radius, this equates to 22.53 per cent being non-healthy, the Daily Record reports. Obesity experts at Chemist4U investigated which high streets are the unhealthiest by analysing the most populated cities to see where people are most likely to be affected. They noted the number of unhealthy stores and outlets within a 500-metre radius of each one, including fast food outlets and confectioneries. According to the results, Buchanan Street in Glasgow is the most unhealthy high street in Scotland. The iconic city street also placed at number seven on the UK-wide list. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. The experts found that 28.37 per cent of stores in a 500-metre radius of Buchanan Street are "unhealthy". According to Chemist4U, there are 99 stores with poor diet options and 349 food-related stores overall around the street. Elsewhere, topping the overall list as the unhealthiest high street in the UK is St. Peter's Street in Derby. Within a 500-metre radius, it was found that 46.1 per cent of stores were classified as "unhealthy". Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U Jason Murphy commented: "It's easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits when fast food and sugary snacks are so readily available on our high streets. "While the occasional treat is fine, regularly relying on processed foods can have long-term effects on your weight, heart health, and energy levels. "Small, sustainable changes, such as swapping fizzy drinks for water or choosing grilled options over fried, can make a real difference. If you're unsure where to start, speak to your pharmacist." To put together their list, the experts narrowed down the results to focus on the most populated cities in the UK. They then counted the number of unhealthy points of interest such as fast food outlets, ice cream parlours, vending machines, confectioneries, bakeries, tortilla shops, and convenience stores. To determine the percentage of unhealthy stores surrounding each high street, they calculated the ratio of unhealthy points of interest to total food-related points of interest. This percentage allowed Chemist4U to identify the high streets with the highest concentration of unhealthy establishments. See below for the list of the UK's 19 unhealthiest high streets. Additional information can be found on the Chemist4U website. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox The UK's unhealthiest high streets
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Edinburgh street named as one of UK's 'unhealthiest' in new study
A city centre street in the heart of Edinburgh has been named as one of the UK's unhealthiest High Streets. The Royal Mile has landed at 16th on the list, with the tourist hotspot being singled out for being home to an astronomical number of unhealthy stores. Chemist4U found that, on the Royal Mile, there are 123 stores that it classed as unhealthy. With 546 food-related stores in total in a 500-metre radius, this equates to 22.53 per cent being non-healthy, the Daily Record reports. READ MORE: Midlothian man left victim 'crying in park' after carrying out depraved attack READ MORE: Tragedy as Edinburgh man found dead on city street and second rushed to hospital Obesity experts at Chemist4U investigated which high streets are the unhealthiest by analysing the most populated cities to see where people are most likely to be affected. They noted the number of unhealthy stores and outlets within a 500-metre radius of each one, including fast food outlets and confectioneries. According to the results, Buchanan Street in Glasgow is the most unhealthy high street in Scotland. The iconic city street also placed at number seven on the UK-wide list. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. The experts found that 28.37 per cent of stores in a 500-metre radius of Buchanan Street are "unhealthy". According to Chemist4U, there are 99 stores with poor diet options and 349 food-related stores overall around the street. Elsewhere, topping the overall list as the unhealthiest high street in the UK is St. Peter's Street in Derby. Within a 500-metre radius, it was found that 46.1 per cent of stores were classified as "unhealthy". Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U Jason Murphy commented: "It's easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits when fast food and sugary snacks are so readily available on our high streets. "While the occasional treat is fine, regularly relying on processed foods can have long-term effects on your weight, heart health, and energy levels. "Small, sustainable changes, such as swapping fizzy drinks for water or choosing grilled options over fried, can make a real difference. If you're unsure where to start, speak to your pharmacist." To put together their list, the experts narrowed down the results to focus on the most populated cities in the UK. They then counted the number of unhealthy points of interest such as fast food outlets, ice cream parlours, vending machines, confectioneries, bakeries, tortilla shops, and convenience stores. To determine the percentage of unhealthy stores surrounding each high street, they calculated the ratio of unhealthy points of interest to total food-related points of interest. This percentage allowed Chemist4U to identify the high streets with the highest concentration of unhealthy establishments. See below for the list of the UK's 19 unhealthiest high streets. Additional information can be found on the Chemist4U website. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox St. Peter's Street, Derby Hales Street, Coventry High Street, Southend-on-Sea New Street, Birmingham High Street, Newport Fishergate, Preston Buchanan Street, Glasgow Market Street, Manchester Albion Street, Leeds Fargate, Sheffield High Street West, Sunderland Oxford Street, Swansea High Street, Belfast Queen Street, Cardiff Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Church Street, Liverpool High Street, Leicester Oxford Street, London
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
This ‘healthy' breakfast drink may be doing more harm than good for diabetics. Health experts warn
A new advisory from Chemist4U's head pharmacist and Diabetes UK cautions diabetics against consuming fruit juice. Though often considered healthy, juice lacks fiber and delivers a concentrated dose of sugar, raising blood sugar dangerously fast. Experts urge diabetics to moderate consumption and opt for whole fruits instead to avoid worsening diabetes-related complications. Health experts warn that fruit juice, despite its 'natural' image, can be harmful for people with Type 2 diabetes. Lacking fiber and packed with sugar, it can spike blood glucose levels quickly. (Image: iStock) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Surprising Drink Diabetics Are Being Urged to Avoid While fruit juices may retain a halo of health from their fruit-based origins, for people with Type 2 diabetes, that halo can quickly turn into a hazard. (Image: iStock) Why Juice Lacks the 'Fruit Power' Diabetics Need Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads One Small Glass? For anyone trying to manage Type 2 diabetes, the focus is usually on sugar-laden desserts or starchy foods. But what if one of the biggest culprits was sitting quietly in your fridge, disguised as a 'healthy' choice? A recent advisory by health professionals reveals a hidden danger in a beverage many assume is good for them—but could actually wreak havoc on blood sugar to The Mirror, in a report by Surrey Live, Jason Murphy , head pharmacist at Chemist4U, revealed a beverage that's long been considered nutritious but is now being flagged for its potential risk to diabetics: fruit juice. While whole fruits are known for their fiber and vitamin-rich benefits, fruit juice—despite its natural origin—might be doing more damage than good for those managing diabetes.'Fruit juices may seem harmless,' Murphy explained, 'but without the fiber found in whole fruits, they can lead to sharp spikes in blood sugar.'This isn't just pharmacist advice—it's a concern echoed by Diabetes UK , a leading diabetes charity. The organization explains that most commercial fruit juices have the fiber removed during processing. What remains is a concentrated shot of sugar and carbohydrates—exactly what people with diabetes are advised to to Diabetes UK, the issue lies in the ease with which fruit juice can be consumed. 'It's quite easy to drink large quantities of juice rapidly,' they noted. 'This means you could be drinking a lot of extra calories, carbs and sugar without realizing it.'So should people with diabetes swear off juice completely? Not necessarily—but moderation is key. Experts suggest limiting fruit juice to just one small glass (150ml) per day and even recommend diluting it with water to lessen the glycemic impact.'If you're going to drink it,' Murphy advised, 'make it last longer and reduce the sugar concentration by diluting.'While fruit juices may retain a halo of health from their fruit-based origins, for people with Type 2 diabetes, that halo can quickly turn into a hazard. As health experts increasingly push for smarter dietary decisions, the message is clear: just because it's natural doesn't mean it's harmless. And in the world of diabetes management, every sip counts.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Final bridge span installation marks a ‘momentous' week for Waterford
On Saturday, May 17, Waterford awoke to the impressive sight of the HEBO Lift 9 floating sheerleg crane being towed from Dunmore East to the Frank Cassin Wharf. With a lifting capacity of 800 tonnes and a lifting height of 67m, the HEBO is a powerhouse of immense engineering strength and technical precision. Arriving from Ghent in Belgium, the HEBO was tasked with the significant undertaking of lifting and installing Waterford's 207m Sustainable Transport Bridge. Within a few days HEBO was joined by four spans of the steel deck superstructure, towed by sea-going barges, the GPS Avenger and ANTEOS respectively, from Ghent via the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal, English Channel and Irish Sea to Belview Port and ultimately to the Waterford North Quays site. The steel deck superstructure was fabricated and fitted out at Victor Buyck Steel Construction's production plant, while the operation and control of the central opening span required the manufacture and assembly of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical components and instrumentation by Qualter Hall in England. The lifting operation required very slow and methodical progress with constant weather, tide and safety checks in place and on Wednesday, May 21, operations commenced. The North Main span, 65m in length and weighing over 500 tonnes, was lifted from the barge on Wednesday morning and then manoeuvred to the bridge site where it was initially installed onto temporary steel support frames pending final integration with the permanent concrete piers. Over the course of several hours, spectators flocked to the quayside to experience a remarkable day for Waterford as the first span was installed. The following day, the initial span was joined by the South Main span and again the spectacle was witnessed by hundreds from the South Quays. A pause in operations due to inclement conditions saw operations resume on Tuesday, May 27, and over two days the North and South Approach spans were installed to complete Waterford's newest river crossing. Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy said, 'This truly is a momentous day for Waterford. The vision of the Sustainable Transport Bridge spanning the River Suir has now been realised. 'There has been a cast of hundreds working diligently in the background to deliver one of the most exciting projects ever to Waterford. I would like to highly commend the Projects team at Waterford City and County Council, the funding agencies, Bam and Roughan and O'Donovan. ADVERTISEMENT 'Also, from the day the HEBO floating crane was towed from Belgium to the North Quays, the sense of excitement and anticipation was palpable, as evidenced by hundreds of spectators lining the quays to see a piece of history being made. For that I would like to thank Victor Buyck manufacturers, Qualter, Hall & Co. and of course, the tugboat crews and crane operators.' Now that the bridge is installed, the bascule leaves for the opening central span will be tested and put into operation, The bridge finishing works, which includes the final surfacing, lighting, street furniture, and parapet railings, will commence as well as the installation of the downstream bridge pier protection system. Similar to Rice Bridge, the sustainable transport bridge has an opening central span to allow river vessels to pass through, smaller boats can pass underneath the bridge, subject to tides. Known as a Bascule Bridge, the new bridge is 'double leaf', which means it opens from both sides of the central span. The public infrastructure project is being developed ahead of the private Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) development and the built interface between the two developments must be fully integrated and compatible. The fast-tracking of integration works as part of construction of the SDZ will facilitate the opening of the bridge to the public in Q4 2026. The SDZ development places a significant emphasis on connecting the north and south quays and improving the public realm through investment in new high quality civic spaces, including sustainable transport infrastructure, which will connect the Waterford and the South-East Greenways via the city centre and new sustainable transport bridge. With planning permission granted by Waterford City and County Council to Harcourt Developments (Hopcast Limited) for the development of the first phase of the North Quays Strategic Development Zone in April, the mixed-use development will comprise significant residential accommodation, office and hotel accommodation, retail offerings and high-quality public realm spaces. These consist of 350 residential units, office accommodation including ground floor creche and retail, 160-bedroom hotel and conference centre, a 163-room aparthotel, retail units on ground floor of residential blocks, and high quality public realm spaces to include public plazas, riverside boardwalk and greenway. The direct benefit to Waterford of the investment in the SDZ Site is anticipated to be in excess of €350m over the next six years, with 200 people employed during construction and upwards of 1,500 jobs to be created following completion of phase one of the development.
Irish Independent
01-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Ireland's oldest city celebrates 1,111 years in 2025
Marking Waterford's 1,111th birthday, the campaign promises a deep and engaging journey into the city's rich heritage, vibrant culture, thriving food scene, scenic coastline, and outdoor adventures, say organisers. The campaign encourages visitors to not just see Waterford, but to truly dig into its stories, its spirit, and its significance in shaping the Ireland we know today. 'Waterford is the birthplace of urban Ireland,' said Cllr Jason Murphy, Mayor of Waterford City and County. 'At 1,111 years old, our city stands proudly as the oldest in the country. This campaign gives us an incredible opportunity to celebrate our past while welcoming the world to experience our present and our future.' To help visitors tailor their trips, Visit Waterford has curated six unique 'Dig In' itineraries, each of them are themed and guides visitors through some of the region's most captivating locations. From the charming coastal villages of Dunmore East, Ardmore, and its own Gaeltacht An Rinn, to the iconic destinations of Tramore, Lismore, and Dungarvan, each itinerary offers a different slice of Waterford's character. Naturally, the historic city of Waterford itself takes centre stage, with walking tours, exhibitions, and cultural experiences that bring over a millennium of stories to life. Dig into the Past, Dig into Nature, Dig into Luxury, Dig into Flavour, Dig into Culture, and Dig into Comfort, can all be explored on Chair of Visit Waterford, Clare Barrett, emphasised the city's exceptional legacy. 'Waterford is where Ireland truly began, the heart of our urban story. Dig Into Waterford isn't just a call to visit, it's an invitation to uncover the layers of our heritage, from the Vikings to the Victorians, and everything in between. We aim to inspire curiosity, pride, and discovery.' As part of the 2025 celebrations, Visit Waterford has also launched a brand-new podcast series titled 'Digging into Waterford', with the first episode focusing on 'Ritual landscapes and Viking legacies' is now available on Spotify. The podcast explores pivotal moments and lesser-known tales from Waterford's long and fascinating history. Featuring interviews with local historians, archaeologists, artists, and community figures, the podcast offers an immersive way for listeners to connect with Waterford, whether from afar or as a guide during their visit. 'We wanted to create something that could deepen people's understanding of Waterford, even before they arrive,' said Clare Barrett. 'The podcast is both a tribute to our past and a tool for our future, helping new audiences experience the unique soul of our city and county.' Learn more In a further celebration of local culture and community, Visit Waterford is also putting out a call for folklore submissions from the public. Locals are encouraged to share their favourite stories, be they myths, legends, personal memories, but mostly the drive is for local curiosities, for inclusion in the Waterford Folklore Heritage Ebook, to be released later in the year. 'We are delighted to announce this community-driven initiative,' added Ms Barrett. 'Waterford's history doesn't just live in books and museums - it lives in the voices of its people. This is a chance to preserve those voices and local history stories for generations to come.' Submissions for the folklore project will be accepted throughout the summer, with the final collection to be unveiled in September and published before the end of 2025. Full travel information, downloadable itineraries, the events guide, and podcast access are now available at and through Visit Waterford's social media channels @visitwaterford.
