Well-Being

 As we age, snoring often becomes more noticeable. Anyone who has shared a bed with a snorer knows how disruptive it can be, and it can be surprising to discover that you are the one making all the noise. The British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association estimates that 41% of UK adults snore, affecting 10.4 million men and 4.5 million women. However, snoring is more than just a nuisance; it can be a sign of a potentially serious condition called sleep apnea . What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. There are two main types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). According to Prof. Guy Leschziner , neurologist at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals in London, professor of neurology and sleep medicine at King's College London, and the author of The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience and the Secret World of Sleep , CSA is less common and related to central nervous system signals, often linked to...

  Oh, the joy of being a woman: glowing skin, endless energy, and the delightful monthly surprise known as the period . But let’s not forget the even more magical experience that comes right before it – PMS and the thrilling ride of period pain. Every month, without fail, we’re told that severe cramps, mood swings, and the urge to binge-watch every rom-com ever made are “completely normal.” And yes, I’m sure it’s “normal” to feel like your uterus has transformed into a rebellious rock star staging an impromptu mosh pit in your lower abdomen. We’ve all heard it, right? That well-meaning but slightly patronizing phrase: “Oh, it’s completely normal, every woman experiences this!” They say it like we should be comforted by the fact that millions of other women are also struggling to make it through the day without crying over a slice of pizza (extra cheese, naturally). But, completely normal ? Really? Let’s take a moment to break this down. Is it normal to feel like your insides ar...

 If you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, it's right if you are desperate for some relaxation. Every few weeks (or months) we all need a few days of slowing down and tuning out. There is no better feeling than ditching your everyday clothes for a robe. You switch your phone to airplane mode and let a stranger (with whom you have no obligation to make small talk) pamper you until you're transported to a world of Zen. Are your muscles screaming for TLC? Do your legs feel like a 100-pound weight has dropped on them?  You need a soothing massage that eases all your pain. Choosing a treatment you enjoy is imperative if you want to pamper yourself and your aching muscles. If you're looking for something that will work like a healing potion on your aching muscles and transport you to new levels of relaxation and calm, consider an energizing treatment to relieve muscular tension and improve blood circulation. It begins with an exfoliating herbal scrub t...

  During the summer, we enjoy bright days, warm weather, and long evenings. For people with chronic or long-term health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, or heart conditions, summer is a time to be extra cautious. If you have such a condition, it is imperative to understand how summer weather affects you. Hot weather means your body has to work harder to keep your temperature at normal levels. This can strain your heart, lungs and kidneys. Heat and humidity can also be tiring. You may have less energy and be less active. You can enjoy the summer months if you keep yourself hydrated, understand the effect of heat on your body and take some extra precautions to stay well. Keeping cool and hydrated is particularly imperative: You need to replace sweated fluids. Stick with water or sugar-free drinks and avoid caffeine or alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration. Hot weather requires you to drink more, especially if you a...

No matter what the weather forecasts in the UK may say, summer dress season has officially begun. Now is a great time to invest in eco-friendly options for upcoming holidays or weddings.  A-listers have led the way on this front, with Katie Holmes liking French brand Sézane. This brand uses low-impact materials such as organic cotton and sustainably-sourced viscose. Meanwhile, California-based brand Reformation – which aims to be carbon positive by 2035 – is another celebrity favorite as seen on Jennifer Lopez, Emma Watson and Olivia Wilde. Since launching in 2009, Reformation has been committed to promoting sustainable fashion. This includes using vintage materials in its initial designs and its ambitious aim of being carbon-positive by 2035. The California brand’s easy-to-wear dresses have won over a loyal fan base, from J Lo (who wore two of its pieces while on her honeymoon in Paris last summer) to Emma Watson, who’s been outspoken on environmental issues in ...

 Is intermittent fasting more effective than calorie counting for weight loss? A recent study contradicted this concept by demonstrating that time-restricted eating did not result in weight loss after three months without extra support. A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine sought to clarify this disagreement by investigating the efficacy of both techniques. Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that both intermittent fasting and calorie counting can be as helpful for weight loss. By comparing their findings, the researchers hoped to shed light on the efficacy of intermittent fasting and calorie counting. Participants were split into two groups: one practiced time-restricted eating, while the other relied on calorie counting. The participants' progress was constantly watched and studied over the course of three months. Unlike the previous study, which focused simply on time-restricted eating without any additional support, the new study demonstrated positive e...