Strange things that happen to your body during exercise
By Luke Rix-Standing From profuse sweating to turning redder than a post box, some side effects of exercise are widely known. But when our body...
Health
Tired all the time? Here’s how to stay energised
By Lisa Salmon Feeling over-tired, no energy? Some experts believe a lack of energy is often directly related to our diet and lifestyle – and...
European court backs Czech Republic’s requirement to vaccinate children
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) accepts the Czech Republic’s position on mandatory vaccinations for children, it said in a landmark ruling on Thursday that rebuffed...
How can I pace my runs better?
By Liz Connor Keeping to the right pace is one of the most important running skills to master. Yet many beginners head out of their...
European countries may have to mix shots amid AZ crisis
Several European countries are considering mixing up COVID-19 vaccines for citizens who received a first dose of AstraZeneca’s shot, an unprecedented move that highlights challenges...
UK health regulator may restrict AZ shot for younger people, reports
Britain’s health regulator is considering a proposal to restrict the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in younger people over concerns about very rare blood clots,...
Psychologists say toxic positivity is on the rise: what is it and why is it harmful?
By Liz Connor Ever since Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret became an international bestseller, people have been obsessed with the power of positive thinking. The book...
Plant of the week: One of the most highly valued products of the ancient world
Name: Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) Otherwise known as: Balsamodendron myrrh Habitat: A member of the Burseraceae family, which grows as a spiny tree to about 5m...
Are natural alternatives better than refined sugar?
By Liz Connor Eating sugar shouldn’t be demonised, and tucking into a bar of chocolate after a stressful day is nothing to punish yourself about....
Plant of the Week: Hallucinogenic plant used to combat witchcraft and curses
Name: Sage of the Seers (Salvia divinorum) Otherwise known as: Maria Pastora, Magic Sage Habitat: A perennial member of the family Labiateae growing to about...
What I learned from taking cold showers for a month
By Katie Wright I’m no stranger to cold water. Whenever I holiday on the Isle of Wight or visit a friend who lives near the...
Plant of the Week: Tree produces one of the world’s oldest perfurmes
Name: Sandalwood (Santalum album) Otherwise known as: Sander’s Wood Habitat: A tree member of the Santalaceae family growing to about 18m in well-drained soil in...
Keep your cholesterol in check
By Liz Connor We might hear a lot about cholesterol – but do you actually know what it means, and whether yours might be a...
EU drugs regulator gives green light to J&J’s single-shot vaccine
The European Union’s drugs regulator on Thursday recommended conditionally approving Johnson & Johnson’s single dose COVID-19 vaccine, as the bloc seeks to speed up a...
Plant of the Week: Queen of flowers traditionally associated with goddess of love
Name: Rose (Rosa damascena) Otherwise known as: Trigintipetala, Damask Rose Habitat: A shrub member of the Rosaceae family native to the Orient now grown throughout...
Are you getting enough fibre?
By Liz Connor Dietary fibre isn’t exactly the most exciting term in the wellness world. Unlike trendy buzzwords like keto and paleo, it can conjure...
Plant of the week: Top rated plant for helping stress
Name: Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Otherwise known as: Russian Pips Habitat: A shrub member of the Araliaceae family growing to about 3m in well-drained barren...
Parliament launches inquiry into link between sport and long-term brain injury
A parliamentary inquiry into the link between sport and long-term brain injury has been launched. MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee...
The vitamins and minerals children need to keep immune systems healthy
By Lisa Salmon Having a healthy immune system is vital for both children and adults – and what we eat plays a major part in...
Plant of the week: Plant used to expel demons and predict the future
Name: Brugmansia (Brugmansia Suaveolens) Otherwise known as: Angel’s Trumpets, Tree Datura Habitat: A perennial shrub or small tree member of the Solanaceae family growing to...