How Did the Real YMCA React to the Disco Song About It?
Everyone liked “Y.M.C.A.”—except the actual organization.
2023-06-14 01:20
8 Granular Facts About Sand
Every summer at the beach, sand becomes an essential ingredient in the recipe for fun. But what the heck is it?
2023-06-14 00:23
Should you sleep naked? Heatwave myths debunked
It’s safe to say summer has officially started. Temperatures are now firmly above 25C across much of the UK, the sunshine is hotter, noses are stuffy and the air is muggy, sometimes making it difficult to sleep. Keeping cool in a heatwave is a priority – but it also gives rise to various theories and myths on how to achieve this… Sleeping naked cools you down Sleeping naked seems like the easiest and quickest way to cool your body temperature down after being out all day. But this isn’t necessarily the case, according to Abbas Kanani, a superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click Online Pharmacy. “Sweat collects on the body and remains there when we have no clothes on,” Kanani explained. “Although having less layers on the body can help you to feel more comfortable in the heat, wearing lightweight nightwear made from breathable fabrics helps draw sweat away from your body and makes you feel a lot cooler and more comfortable.” So what should you wear at night to keep cool? “Clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen are breathable and absorbent,” Kanani recommended. “They will soak the sweat up off your skin and they let air through, which cools you down.” People don’t die from heat in this country The UK sun can feel different compared to when you are sunbathing and drinking cocktails on a beach in Barcelona – but that can catch people out. “The biggest myth is that the weather in the UK isn’t hot enough to be dangerous,” said Dr Adam Staten, a clinical director at One Day Tests and NHS GP. “Whilst we don’t have that many really hot days, when it is hot, it can be fatal. For example, during the heatwave last summer, hundreds more people died than normal for that time in the year.” Staten suggests we overcomplicate things when trying to keep cool. “Most measures are really simple and include common sense measures like keeping curtains drawn, keeping windows open or taking cool showers or baths.” Sticking to hot drinks will keep you cool Who else thinks drinking tea or coffee in hot weather will cool you down? For Staten, “One myth that seems to come up a lot is that hot drinks are better for cooling you down than cold drinks. I think the evidence actually shows that it doesn’t really matter – as long as you are keeping hydrated, your drinks can be hot or cold.” Pharmacist Kanani agrees with that final point. “Hydration is vital for keeping cool in hot temperatures. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated. Avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as they can contribute to dehydration.” You only need to wear sunscreen when the sun’s out Another common misconception is thinking that you can’t get sunburnt when it is cloudy outside. “This isn’t true,” Kanani said. “Although it’s less likely than when you’re out in full sunshine, clouds don’t block all of the sun’s UV rays.” It’s also why people either only apply sunscreen in the morning or none at all. “Many people think that when sunscreen is waterproof, it means they do not need to reapply it after swimming or sweating. It should be reapplied straight after you have been in water, towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off.” Sunburn is something to be careful of. Staten said: “It’s really common and can actually be very severe both in the short term and for the longer term risk of skin cancer.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 7 hay fever hacks to ease your symptoms this summer The pests you really don’t want invading your garden and how to deter them How to take care of your mental health at festivals
2023-06-13 22:51
Everything You Need to Know to Start Grilling With Cedar Planks
A basic cedar wood plank is one the easiest ways to upgrade your grilling game.
2023-06-13 22:19
7 hay fever hacks to ease your symptoms this summer
According to health officials, people sought advice for hay fever symptoms once every three seconds on Sunday. And today, the Met Office predicted the pollen count would be “very high” in most of England and Wales.Hay fever is usually at its worst between March and September – and right now, thousands of people affected are desperate for a solution to their pollen-induced runny noses, itchy eyes and tickly coughs, and other irritating symptoms. The hay fever pages on the NHS.uk website reportedly received 122,650 visits last week alone. So, what can you do to help with hay fever symptoms? 1. Don’t rub your eyes “Red, itchy, swollen eyes are often a real problem for hay fever sufferers,” explained pharmacist Sid Dajani, from Golden Eye Eye Care. “As tempting as it is, don’t rub your eyes. Clean them free of pollen frequently, with cotton lint and cold water, and treat the symptoms immediately with eye drops or eye ointment containing propamidine isetionate.”2. Don sunnies and keep your clothes cleanReducing your exposure to pollen, however possible, can really help. Dajani added: “Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes when outside, and have a shower when you get in from work and put your clothes straight in the wash to help remove all pollen. It’s also best to avoid drying clothes outside.”3. Think about your diet What you eat may have an impact too. GP Dr Nisa Aslam suggested: “Stick to an anti-inflammatory diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, beans, grains and oily fish, whilst limiting processed food high in fat, sugar and salt. Look for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant herbs, like chamomile, ginger, nettle and turmeric. These can be consumed in the form of supplements or beverages.”4. Protect your nostrilsDr Adam Fox, allergist and advisor to Clarityn, said: “Pollen balms such as petroleum jelly rubbed around the rim of the nostrils can help trap pollen before it enters the nose, and salt water nasal sprays help rinse pollen particles out of the nose, preventing them from sitting in there and causing more symptoms.”5. Keep the windows shut As tempting as it may be to fling windows open at this time of year, Dijani said: “Keep windows, including car windows, and doors shut. Venture out as little as possible. Towns and cities are no more friendly to hay fever sufferers than the countryside, due in part to more extensive ‘greening’ of urban areas.” 6. Prepare for the pollen count Checking to see when the pollen is particularly high can help you prepare. “If you know you have symptoms every year, then it makes sense to be prepared in advance,” said Fox. “If you require a nasal spray, then starting to use it before the season starts will make it much more effective. For adults, these can be brought over the counter, whilst children will need a prescription.” 7. Stay in when the count is really high And if symptoms are still really getting to you? “Avoid going outside when the pollen count is at its highest – in the middle of the morning or the early evening,” said Dajani.
2023-06-13 20:52
7 Facts About Lorraine Hansberry
By the age of 34, Lorraine Hansberry was already the author of two plays that had appeared on Broadway. She should have been on course for a long and successful career—but tragically, that wouldn't happen. Still, her legacy has endured.
2023-06-13 20:24
A Greenwashing Lawsuit Against Delta Aims to Set a Precedent
As tranquil instrumental music plays over gauzy images of nature, a woman’s voice-over begins. “Isn’t it a paradox,”
2023-06-13 19:45
What is eclampsia and how rare is it?
Eclampsia is a rare complication of pre-eclampsia and can cause fits, seizures and strokes. The condition eclampsia describes the type of convulsion or fit – an involuntary contraction of the muscles – pregnant women can experience from week 20 of the pregnancy or immediately after the birth. What are the symptoms/ warning signs? Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women, usually during the second half of the pregnancy (from 20 weeks) or soon after the baby is delivered. Early signs of pre-eclampsia include having high blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in your urine, according to the NHS. It’s difficult to notice the signs, but they can be picked up during routine antenatal appointments. Further symptoms of pre-eclampsia include a severe headache, vision problems, such as blurring or flashing, pain below the ribs, vomiting and sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet. How common are pre-eclampsia and eclampsia? Most cases of pre-eclampsia do not lead to serious problems or complications, but there is a risk that the mother will develop fits and seizures, called eclampsia, which can be life-threatening for the mother and baby. However, this is rare. According to the NHS, the earlier pre-eclampsia is diagnosed and monitored, the better the outlook for the mother and baby. Most women make a full recovery after having a fit, but they can put the mother and baby’s health at risk. According to the pregnancy charity Tommy’s. eclampsia is quite rare in the UK, with an estimated one case for every 4,000 pregnancies. What are the causes of pre-eclampsia? Though the exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not known, its thought to occur when there is a problem with the placenta – the organ that links the baby and mother’s blood supply. Who is affected by pre-eclampsia? A number of health conditions can increase your chances of developing pre-eclampsia, including having diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease before pregnancy. Having an autoimmune condition, such as lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome, or having high blood pressure or BMI, can also increase your chances of pre-eclampsia. A family history of the condition, being older than 40, or having more than 10 years since your last pregnancy can also increase your chances of pre-eclampsia. Expecting multiple babies, like twins or triplets, may also put a patient at risk. What are the treatments for pre-eclampsia? After being diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, a patient will be monitored closely by a specialist to see how severe the condition is. According to NHS guidance, the only way to cure pre-eclampsia is to deliver the baby, hence why monitoring the mother and baby is crucial until the child is delivered. Patients are often offered medicine to lower their blood pressure until the baby is born. Read More Tori Bowie: Pregnant US Olympic sprinter’s cause of death revealed Vegan family writes letter to neighbours requesting they close their windows when cooking meat Kelis addresses Bill Murray dating rumours for the first time How to take care of your mental health at festivals How to stop hay fever fast? Only one thing worked for me Jamie Foxx’s rep addresses conspiracy Covid vaccine left actor ‘paralyzed and blind’
2023-06-13 17:50
How to take care of your mental health at festivals
Festival season is upon us, with Glastonbury taking place near the end of June. While we’re well versed in how to take care of our physical health at a festival (yes, you really should take a hat in case the sun comes out), what about the mental health side of things? Mike McAdam, 38, co-founded Blink Mental Health, which provides mental health support at festivals. After his mental health deteriorated in 2017, McAdam found his condition was too serious for primary care, but not extreme enough for secondary care. He accepts there are lots of brilliant charities and campaigns encouraging people – particularly men – to talk about their mental health and reach out if they need it, but “it’s incredibly difficult to get help”, he suggests. This is where the idea for Blink came from – the ultimate aim is to set up a ‘Blink Bank’ providing money for private therapy for those who are stuck on waiting lists. McAdam accepts that is “really ambitious and would cost millions”, so as a starting point, Blink provides wellbeing at festivals. Blink is going to six festivals this summer – including Boomtown and Wilderness – where it will set up dedicated tents which McAdam calls “a place to relax, get away from things [and] take your mind off the festival”, with bean bags and mindful activities such as colouring and jigsaw puzzles. Blink also offers between 12 and 18 hours a day of free talking therapy with fully qualified and accredited psychologists or psychotherapists. “It’s not just about diagnosed mental health conditions, everyone should look after [their] mental health,” McAdam says. He suggests festivals are a great place to open up conversations around mental health. “At festivals, people tend to explore new experiences – whether that’s food, music, dance or activities – so one reason we go to festivals is because people want to explore new experiences, [and] we find them more open-minded to talk and access therapy,” he says. Plus, he accepts festivals can be “full-on”, and don’t always have “that space where you can chill out”. While McAdam suggests early intervention is key when dealing with mental health, there are some things you can do to do yourself if you’re going to a festival this summer… Be prepared Before heading off to the festival, McAdam recommends being as prepared as possible. This could include “taking earplugs, a decent sleeping bag, making sure we have clothes for all weathers if we can”, he says. “Because if you can’t get a decent night’s sleep, if you’re absolutely freezing, that will affect your physical and mental health.” Lowri Dowthwaite-Walsh, senior lecturer in psychological interventions at UCLan, agrees with the importance of planning ahead. “If you have any vulnerabilities, such as pre-existing mental health difficulties or known triggers, plan ahead for how you can manage these,” she says. “By having a plan of what to do in the event of feeling low or anxious, you’ll be able to enjoy your time more and be more relaxed.” Stay well-fed and watered McAdam recommends taking a water bottle you can refill throughout the festival, and adds: “Try and eat regularly.” He suggests it can be “very, very easy to forget about eating or drinking [water]” at a festival, or you might not want to buy much food as it can be expensive on-site. However, taking your own snacks and bottle could go a long way to helping you be as comfortable as possible. Dowthwaite-Walsh adds: “Long days, warm weather and alcohol consumption can dehydrate you and this can lead to headaches, feeling fatigued and struggling to concentrate and make good decisions” – which means drinking plenty of water is crucial. Camp wisely “Try and camp with people you feel safe with,” is McAdam’s advice. And if you’re going to a festival with different options for camping – for example, Wilderness has a quiet camping area – choose the place that suits you best. If you’re going solo, McAdam says: “Try and find the area that may suit your needs.” Be drink and drug-aware “Alcohol and drugs have a direct impact on your mental health, so it’s important to discuss your choices with friends and people you trust. You can also get support from first responders at the festival if you have issues with any substances,” says Dowthwaite-Walsh. Take the pressure off “There’s a huge, huge thing about fear of missing out”, McAdam says. “They’re extremely exciting places, [with] so much going on. “There won’t be an opportunity to explore and see everything that you may want to, so as hard as it is, please do not try and put too much pressure on yourself trying to get around everything you want to see.” This could “burn you out and add additional stress”, he says, so McAdam recommends being “realistic about what you can see”. Stay connected If you are with friends, Dowthwaite-Walsh recommends staying connected. “Being able to enjoy yourself with friends helps to deepen the experience of a festival but also keeps you safe physically and psychologically,” she suggests. She also recommends living in the moment as much as you can. “Have fun, enjoy the moment and savour it. Taking pictures to share with family and friends is a great way to create memories, but also remember to live in the moment and soak up the full experience” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 of the best lawnmowers How should we be talking to our daughters about money? STI cases at record highs: 6 things everyone needs to know about sexually transmitted infections
2023-06-13 15:55
'GMA’ meteorologist Ginger Zee calls her outfit 'trashion' as she stuns in a sheer top at Tribeca Festival
Ginger Zee once again brought up the significance of sustainable fashion and upcycling clothes as she gave a breakdown of her outfit in a TikTok video
2023-06-13 12:58
Chris Pratt says people should ‘rush’ to have children: ‘Don’t wait’
Chris Pratt has shared why he believes people shouldn’t wait to start a family. The Guardians of the Galaxy star, 43, recently spoke to Men’s Journal about how becoming a father has made him a better actor. Pratt shares son Jack, 10, with ex-wife Anna Faris and daughters Lyla Maria, two, and Eloise Christina, one, with wife Katherine Schwarzenegger. Pratt explained that fatherhood has made him a more versatile actor because he sees being a parent as a “tool” to tap into his “emotional potential” during a scene. “That instinct you have to protect them – those are all things you can try to fake, but it doesn’t really come close to what you have access to when you’ve lived it,” he told the outlet on 8 June. “For me, having kids is what it’s all about, and how it’s benefitted me as an actor is a pleasant byproduct.” The Parks and Recreation alum went on to encourage others to have children as soon as possible because of the joy that it brought to his own life. “People say all the time, ‘Don’t rush to have kids,’” Pratt said. “I personally disagree. Rush. Have them. Of course, make sure you find a great partner, but don’t wait.” He then recalled a conversation he had with actor Adam Sandler, who told him: “Every day you wait is a day they don’t get to have you in their life.” “The younger you have kids, the more time they get to have with you,” Pratt continued. “It’s wild. Having kids is incredible. The things you normally take for granted in life are new.” Chris Pratt has often shared glimpses into his life as a father of three on social media. The Jurassic World star was married to Anna Faris in 2009. They welcomed their son Jack in 2012, but announced their split in August 2017. Pratt and Faris finalised their divorce in October 2018, four months after he began dating his current wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger. He proposed to the 33-year-old author in January 2019 and they were married in June that year. They went on to welcome daughter Lyla Maria in August 2020 and daughter Eloise Christina in May 2022. Chris Pratt previously sparked backlash on social media when he praised his wife for giving him a “gorgeous healthy daughter,” as many people noted that his son Jack was born prematurely. He shared an Instagram post of himself and Schwarzenegger in 2021, encouraging his followers to “find someone” who looks at them the way his wife does. “We met in church. She’s given me an amazing life, a gorgeous healthy daughter, she chews so loudly that sometimes I put in my earbuds to drown it out, but that’s love!” the actor wrote in the Instagram caption. “She helps me with everything. In return, periodically, I open a jar of pickles. That’s the trade. Her heart is pure and it belongs to me.” However, many fans accused the actor of being “passive aggressive” towards Faris, who has been open about their son’s health issues in the past. In June 2022, he addressed the backlash towards his social media post by calling out critics. “I said something like, ‘Find someone who looks at you the way my wife looks at me.’ And then I gave her some sh*t in the thing and said, ‘But I love you. I’m so thankful for my wife – she gave me a beautiful, healthy daughter,’” he told Men’s Health at the time. “And then a bunch of articles came out and said, ‘That’s so cringeworthy. I can’t believe Chris Pratt would thank her for a healthy daughter when his first child was born premature. That’s such a dig at his ex-wife,’” he recalled. “And I’m like, That is f**ked up. My son’s gonna read that one day. He’s nine. And it’s etched in digital stone. It really f**king bothered me, dude. I cried about it,” he said. “I was like, I hate that these blessings in my life are – to the people close to me – a real burden.” His wife – Katherine Schwarzenegger – has since revealed that she tries to ignore online criticism, though she’s aware of the negative comments often centred around her husband. “Growing up, hearing people say certain things about my parents, my siblings, my extended family was difficult,” Schwarzenegger told the New York Times, referencing her famous parents Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger. “I see what people say,” she said. “But I just know that it’s so far from the reality.” Most recently, Chris Pratt sparked a debate by posting a Mother’s Day tribute in May that didn’t include mention of his ex Anna Faris. Read More Chris Pratt posts Mother’s Day tribute with no mention of co-parent Anna Faris Katherine Schwarzenegger addresses public backlash to Chris Pratt relationship Anna Faris says she’s ‘getting closer’ to ex-husband Chris Pratt and his new wife Katherine Schwarzenegger Chris Pratt says people should ‘rush’ to have children: ‘Don’t wait’ Jamie Foxx’s rep addresses conspiracy Covid vaccine left actor ‘paralyzed and blind’ Mother sparks debate over parent who wouldn’t give daughter cake
2023-06-13 12:55
'Below Deck Sailing Yacht' Season 4: Who is Suginia Jones? Primary charter guest gets 'highest level of service'
Primary charter guest Suginia Jones and her friends will be treated to Bravo's 'Below Deck Sailing Yacht's service
2023-06-13 10:20