“When the sun is shining and you’re enjoying a BBQ in the garden, it’s all too easy to let your guard down when it comes to looking after your pet,” says Go.Compare expert Tamzin Metcalfe. “But while everyone is soaking up the sun and enjoying the food, curious pets are following their noses straight toward hot grills and dropped food. Here are just a few simple steps that can keep your pets safe and avoid any emergency vet bills.” 

Say no to corn on the cob  

Corn on the cob was responsible for 25% of BBQ-related pet injuries in 2022, making it a dangerous BBQ food which most dog owners might not know about. “Corn isn’t toxic, but because dogs can’t digest the cob, if they eat one that drops on the floor it could lead to a potential intestinal obstruction that could be fatal and require emergency surgery. Most owners assume corn will be fine as it’s a vegetable, making this an important hazard to raise awareness.”

Don’t give them cooked bones 

Giving a dog a bone feels natural and harmless, and if they’re watching you intently eat a chicken drumstick you might think, ‘one won’t do any harm’. “Unfortunately, when those bones are cooked, they become brittle, and can splinter when eaten, causing internal injuries and blockages, which could lead to emergency surgery. In 2022, 18% of emergency vet cases for BBQ-related injuries were due to cooked bones. This could lead to a pet insurance claim that could run into hundreds or thousands of pounds.”

Consider hidden ingredients

A lot of favourite foods, such as burgers and chicken kebabs, will likely contain marinades, sauces and seasoning, which include onion, garlic and other allium ingredients, that are toxic for dogs. “The danger with these ingredients is that they damage red blood cells and symptoms often don’t appear for three to five days after ingestion, by which point the damage can be severe, leading to emergency procedures at the vets.”

Physical dangers

Many BBQs have open flames, hot coals, and grilling surfaces, that if not attended to properly could cause severe paw, face or body burns. “It’s important that any pets are kept a safe distance away when your BBQ is in use, and that they are in view when you are settling down to eat your BBQ food.”

Insurance gap owners don’t check  

Many insurance policies come with standard emergency cover for your pet that can include accidental ingestion and injuries. That said, some exclude self-inflicted conditions, which might not cover emergency vet visits as soon as they sign up. “Most BBQ-related incidents are entirely preventable, but when you’re relaxing in the garden, it can be easy to get distracted. Simple steps, like keeping pets indoors while eating or giving them a long-lasting chew toy to keep them occupied, could go a long way. Ultimately, keeping BBQ food strictly on our plates and off theirs protects your pet’s health and could save you from a heavy vet bill.” www.gocompare.com

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She has had her ups and downs, but nobody can deny that Anthea Turner is the ultimate professional. Gracing our screens since the mid-Eighties, Anthea still looks remarkably fresh-faced well into her sixth decade and is busy adding new strings to her showbiz bow – including launching her own YouTube channel and creating a brand-new beauty empire, all in a period she describes as her ‘Second Spring’. Here, she tells us more.

Anthea – is it true to say have we caught you at a busy time?

“I’m glad to say I have never been so busy! I am working a great deal as a travel influencer these days, and have just got back from a wonderful TUI cruise. The fun never stops!”

Your beauty brand, By Anthea, must also be keeping you busy. Can you tell us a little about the range and how it came about?

“I have always been vigilant about looking after my skin, but it got to the point where I couldn’t find everything I was looking for in one pot – so I developed my own range. It offers all-natural skin care with a luxury feel. I can honestly say I don’t use anything else. I just pop on some SPF and I’m good to go.”

Is there a hero product in the line you swear by?

For me, it must be Balm 6 (£39.99), which has won lots of awards. It is so good for your skin and multifunctional; I just cannot live without it. It can be used as a cleanser and night cream or as a little nourishment for everything from your brows and lips to your cuticles and the ends of your hair. I have also been known to use it on my dog’s nose, which gets very dry!”

Is that your secret to looking great in your Sixties? It cannot all be down to lotions and potions…

“I do so many things! I try to stay out of the sun or use a sunhat and SPF religiously. I have also been taking collagen for over a decade and am a firm believer in eating and drinking what you love – but all in moderation. I also glug a big spoon of quality olive oil every day. My nutritionist friend, Tonia Buxton, told me about it years ago and I feel so good for it.”

What about anything else when it comes to beauty and aesthetics?

“I also believe in ‘tidying up as I go along’. I have been having micro-needling for a few months, and have been honest about having regular Botox for those deeper lines that even the best skincare just cannot reach.”

It still seems almost impossible that you will be hitting 70 in just in five years. Will you be aging gracefully or disgracefully?

“Seventy? I’m only just getting my head around turning 66! Thankfully I am in one of the happiest phases of my life. I call it ‘My Second Spring’ because it is such a special chapter. I have a wonderful partner, great friends, my career is busy and I’m now a Grandma too!”

Do you believe that this generation is redefining how we age?

“Totally. Seventy is not what it used to be. I’m proud to be an ambassador for Silver Marketing because we are a growing, influential sector that is digitally active and mentally engaged. My Seventies do not scare me; there is no time for slowing down.”

You suffer from osteopenia. Can you tell us about how it affects your life?

“It’s a debilitating bone-thinning condition that impacts nearly four million Brits, and almost 80% of sufferers are women. The effects include heightened risk of fractures, immobility and chronic pain. I was probably perimenopausal when diagnosed, but my doctor didn’t mention the correlation between. It was just treated as an aspect of ageing, like needing reading glasses. Adopting a Mediterranean diet has really helped. Think of your bones as your body’s bank – if your body is mineral deficient in other areas, it will draw out what it needs from your skeleton, and your bones become weakened.”

You are also open about being dyslexic, and in the past have described it as your ‘superpower’. In what ways has it shaped who you are?

“Anyone with dyslexia will tell you that you must work twice as hard to keep up. When I worked at GMTV, I’d have to learn my scripts each morning because auto-cue was a challenge for me. But it made me organised and that’s the only way I can function. Like a girl guide, I prepare for everything.”

You recently had surgery for a torn rotator cuff! How are you at rest and recouperation – has it made you slow down?

“It was a shock as I simply slipped on my pyjamas which were a bit long, and boom, I was down! I managed to climb Kilimanjaro a few weeks later, unbeknown to me the damage I had done to myself. Luckily, I have a wonderful consultant who spotted it on a scan, and I was operated on quickly. The biggest hardship is not being able to blow-dry my own hair!”

And finally, when your arm is back in full working order, what is next for you?

“I am excited to be in the early stages of launching my YouTube channel, which will be a lovely lifestyle channel packed with great content and plenty of take-away tips. We are also working on expanding and developing the skincare range, so there is always something to be doing. I’m proud to say we don’t test on animals; we test on Anthea!”   

Anthea’s skin care range, By Anthea, can be purchased from Antheaturner.com/shop

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Iglu Cruise: Sicily, Malta and Spain with Rome Stay

The Lowdown: Why settle for just one destination over the festive period when you can experience six? This pioneering cruise concept redefines luxury travel by seamlessly blending the intimacy of river cruising, the discovery of expedition voyages, and the refined comfort of premium ocean travel. Crafted from the ground up by expert holiday curators, this unique voyage combines the finest aspects of global travel to offer a cruise experience you won’t find elsewhere.

The Lowdown: A perfect Christmas fly-cruise on board one of the newest ships, this nine night trip includes stops in Sicily, Malta, Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, before heading back to Rome. Christmas Day itself is in Barcelona, and there are 10 hours in port to make a fun and different day on shore.

The Price: From £1,779 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin. www.iglucruise.com

Chichele Presidential, Zambia

The Lowdown: Set high on Zambia’s Chichele Hill, this occupies one of the most commanding positions in South Luangwa’s National Park. Originally built as a private retreat for Zambia’s founding president, the lodge carries subtle references to its presidential heritage. Its 10 suites look out across the Luangwa Valley towards the river in the distance, and with personalised hospitality, considered dining and privacy, it creates a festive safari defined by space, beauty, and the freedom to experience Africa at an unhurried pace.

The Stay: For families or friends travelling together, two Suites can be connected through a private Safari Lounge. Each retains its own bedroom, bathroom, deck, and plunge pool, while the shared lounge provides an elegant space to relax and watch wildlife moving across the plains.

The Price: From £1,192 per person per night. www.zambialuxurylodges.com

Val do Lobo, Portugal

The Lowdown: This year-round resort boasts 2km of beachfront, two championship 18-hole golf courses, fitness centre, and tennis academy with tennis and padel courts. There’s also a heated outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre, shops, boutiques and services, 16 restaurants, bars and cafés. When it comes to Christmas, there’s several seasonal activities, including the family-friendly Christmas Market, complete with local crafts and unique gifts, live music, gourmet food stalls, and special festive dining menus across the restaurants.

The Stay: Val de Lobo’s exclusive festive offer will see you enjoy a three bedroom Deluxe Villa with sea view. Perfectly blending contemporary luxury with a cosy holiday ambiance, the package includes daily breakfast, complimentary return airport transfers and dinner at Tinto by Vale do Lobo for four people.

The Price: From £1,323 per person for four nights. www.valedolobo.com

The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa, East Sussex

The Lowdown: Situated on a private beach with views of the English Channel, Relais Cooden is a year-round destination less than two hours from London. In winter, it offers a welcoming ambience, with sea-view accommodation, and coastal dining. There’s also the Beachfront Spa: book direct and you’ll get complimentary access throughout your visit. Why not move between the outdoor sauna, cold plunge and hot tub before relaxing with uninterrupted views?

The Stay: Their three-night stay Christmas by the Sea package includes breakfast each morning, festive drink and warm mince pies upon arrival, Christmas Eve dinner with glass of fizz, Christmas Day lunch and evening buffet, and Boxing Day dinner, followed by relaxed evening entertainment.

The Price: 24 to 27 December starts from £795 per room (single occupancy). www.therelaiscoodenbeach.com

The post Here’s where you can holiday over the Christmas festivities appeared first on Checklists.

As more people turn to high-protein snacks, low-calorie foods and diet staples in a bid to slim down after summer’s excess, certain popular choices may be harder for the body to tolerate than people realise, with many mistaking bloating caused by certain foods for weight gain – or assume it is simply normal digestion. “Just because a food is marketed as healthy or slimming does not necessarily mean it suits everyone’s digestive system,” explains Supply Life’s Oliver Goble. “Some foods can trigger bloating, gas and discomfort, particularly when eaten frequently or in large amounts.”

Protein bars

Protein bars are often marketed as a convenient weight-loss snack, but many contain ingredients that can be difficult to digest. “A lot of protein bars contain sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners or highly processed protein sources that can ferment in the gut. That can lead to significant bloating in some people. Certain ingredients such as pea protein and chicory root fibre can also be common triggers.”

Salads and raw vegetables

Large salads are often seen as the ultimate diet food, but raw vegetables can sometimes overwhelm the digestive system, particularly when eaten in high volumes. “Foods like raw onions, broccoli and large amounts of leafy greens can be surprisingly difficult for some people to break down. While nutritious, they can lead to bloating and trapped gas, especially if gut health is already sensitive. This is one reason some people feel more bloated after eating a ‘healthy’ lunch than a cooked meal.”

Oat-based breakfasts

Porridge and overnight oats are hugely popular with people trying to lose weight, but oats can also cause digestive issues for certain people. “Oats contain fibres and compounds that some people struggle to tolerate well, particularly if they are eating them daily. This can contribute to bloating, fullness and discomfort that lasts throughout the day. Eating very fibre-heavy breakfasts too quickly can also make symptoms worse.”

Identifying trigger foods

Many people trying to lose weight focus heavily on calories without paying attention to how foods make them feel physically. “People often assume bloating is something they have to live with. But in many cases, it can improve significantly once trigger foods are identified. The goal is not to unnecessarily cut out healthy foods, but to better understand individual tolerance levels. All in all, the healthiest diet is one your body can actually tolerate and function well on.” www.supplylife.com

The post No post-summer diet progress? This may be why appeared first on Checklists.

DIY is fast becoming the UK’s favourite sport, with the home improvement market now valued at £11.2 billion ­– and projected to reach a whopping £16.67 billion by 2033. But we are also a nation of unfinished projects and botched repairs. Need a few tips from the pros before picking up your drill and paintbrush? Read on, because these tricks may well save you money (and tears).

DO measure twice

The golden rule of DIY? Measure twice and cut once. “Whatever item you are cutting, always, always, measure twice and check your measurements are correct before any cutting,” says James. “You can’t stick bits back on if you have measured wrong – and while mistakes are bearable if it’s a £4 piece of batten, if it’s a £2,000 marble worktop, that’s a different story!”

DON’T go without gizmos

Our kitchens are overflowing with unused gadgets, but many of us shy away from investing in fix-it tools that will make our lives easier. “There’s always an ideal tool or product for the project you need to do. You can be sure that at one point some enterprising individual has done the job you’re doing, had an idea and invented a tool or product to do it better. Using the right item, especially for tricky jobs, can make the whole process easier and less stressful.”

DO tape up

Novice tilers can waste more tiles than they use – but this insider tip will save on slip-ups. “When drilling tiles, stick masking tape over the drilling point to prevent the bit slipping and causing damage to surrounding surfaces. Tiles, especially ceramic tiles, are very slippery, and starting a drill is tricky. The tape stops the bit from slipping everywhere before it breaks the tough, hard glazed surface.”

DON’T scrimp on essentials

That cheap-as-chips tool kit? Proceed with caution. “To get the best results, always purchase the best quality tools you can afford. Ultimately, you get what you pay with tools. Paying £15 for a drill as opposed to £200 may seem like an absolute bargain, but higher prices usually mean better quality, and often more power, more features, more battery life and the likes.”

DO prepare your drill

Knowing how far to drill is one of life’s great mysteries, but here’s another place a roll of tape can work wonders. “A good trick is to put tape around your drill bit at the correct depth your hole should be. Simply work out how deep the hole needs to be, and then use a tape measure to measure from the tip of the bit along the shaft and mark the point. Then using tape – insulation is best – wrap around the drill bit and stop drilling when you hit it!”

DON’T let your brushes dry out

Going through more paint brushes than Picasso? “It’s an age-old hack but remember to wrap any paint brushes in cling film or a plastic bag when finished for the day, if you still have work to do. Today’s modern water-based paints dry fast, and if your brush is left out in the air it will be solid by the morning. Cling film or a bag will stop this from happening, so you can start immediately the next day.”

DON’T leave the band

Painting can be a messy business, especially when your brushes do a vanishing act. But here’s a trick you will never forget. “Put a large elastic band around paint pots, so the band sits across the top of the pot when the lid is off. This allows you to rest brushes without submerging them, and the awful job of having to get all the excess paint off. But also when you do need to, you can scrape the brush over the band to clear paint off. The paint will simply drip back into the pot again – ta-da – no mess!”

DO allow for mistakes

Finally, do keep in mind the fact that DIY is a learning process. Handy people are created not born. “Mistakes are part of learning, so don’t be afraid to make them in the name of furthering your DIY skills,” finishes James. “It’s easy to beat yourself up after a disaster as it can then seem so obvious, especially if it’s a costly mistake, but no one is an expert straight away. Learning from your mistakes is a natural process!” www.diydoctor.org.uk

The post DIY: do you know your dos and don’ts? appeared first on Checklists.

Lack of sleep affects your emotions, energy and everyday living. Now sometimes the lack of zzzs can’t be helped, such as when we have a new baby, restless toddler or poorly child to look after. Then there’s being ill, financial or job worries, or going through major life changes like the menopause. However, there are steps we can take to improve our sleep; just a few adjustments can make the difference between feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything, or wanting to crawl back under the covers.

Finding your rhythm
If you’re not getting enough sleep, then chances are your mood is affected. You could be irritable, down, and without the patience to deal with life’s routines, never mind the curve balls. “One of the things I focus on with patients who are low in mood is the circadian rhythm,” explains independent prescribing pharmacist and registered nutritional therapist Richa Puri. “That’s the body’s internal clock that determines when cortisol rises, when melatonin builds, and when sleep becomes possible.”

Just opening the curtains and letting daylight reach your eyes can help regulate your body clock, but even better, go outside for a morning walk. Doing so helps regulate your cortisol levels during the day, allowing the sleep hormone, melatonin, to gradually build in the evening. “The result is a more reliable sleep signal at night,” says Richa. “It’s one of the most powerful tools available for regulating mood, energy and sleep, and it costs nothing.”

Diet dos and don’ts
What and when you eat can seriously affect your sleep quality and quantity. Avoid eating in the last couple of hours before bed so your stomach doesn’t have to work to digest food, when it should be in a state of repair and recuperation. Nutrients that support sleep include magnesium, and tryptophan (found in certain foods including eggs, milk, poultry and some seeds).

Herbal teas containing chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm, lavender and valerian can help you wind down, calm a racing mind, and relax the body. As for coffee, keep that to the morning or early afternoon otherwise it may well keep you awake, or at the very least compromise your sleep quality.

Time to wind down
If you spend your evenings watching TV or scrolling your phone, you’re not giving your brain the chance to switch off. A wind-down buffer with no devices and ideally no TV will help prepare your body for sleep. Try meditation to really relax, or even just pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read for months. “Sleep hygiene is really important and our bedtime routine doesn’t start when our head hits the pillow – it should begin much earlier in the evening,” says Joseph Conway, psychotherapist and mental health trainer at Vita Health Group. “The brain needs clear, consistent signals that it’s time to wind down.”

Sleep hygiene
How warm or cool your sleeping environment is goes a long way to ensuring a fitful night as our core body temperature naturally drops in the evening. “A cool room helps this process along, signalling to the brain that it’s time for deep rest,” explains Joseph.  Sweltering? A fan can really make a difference. Natural fibre bedding will also help, as cotton and linen wick-away heat and moisture from the body, so you don’t wake up in a sweat. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, going for a cooling version could help, as could a cooling topper for your existing mattress.

In winter it’s the opposite, of course. If you’re too cold you’re not going to stay asleep, so a thick duvet or an electric blanket will make all the difference when the mercury plummets.

Get in to a routine
Finally, try to go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every day. This is a great way to set your internal body clock, which will mean sleep comes easier and you’ll sleep deeper. And while giving up weekend lie-ins might seem a step too far, it’s worth it in the end for quality zzzs.

Sleep helpers

Lush Sleepygift set, £18

Wind down for the evening with this soothing shower gel and body lotion. Both contain lavender, known for its relaxing effects, and tonka, which is sweet and comforting. Add to that oat milk, which is an antioxidant and calming for the skin, and you have the makings of a peaceful night.

Neal’s Yard Beauty Sleep Foaming Bath, from £19

If you’re more of a bath than a shower person, then this is for you. The combination of ylang ylang, clary sage and patchouli will have you relaxed and ready for bed in no time. Feel stress dissipate as you slip into the luxurious bubbles and enjoy quality time just for you.

Olverum Nightfall Sleep Mist, £26.50

Mist this fragrance over your pillow before falling into bed and you’ll feel like you’re drifting off in a luxury spa. The blend of five essential oils – including Roman chamomile, bergamot and lavender – is designed to support all stages of sleep, promoting greater relaxation through light, deep and REM sleep.

Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper, £314.10 (double size)

An old mattress is possibly the main culprit of poor sleep and morning aches. This Hybrid Mattress Topper will add a new lease of life to your existing set-up. It has a washable cover, two memory foam layers and a layer of aerocoil springs between. The result is comfort, support and – thanks to the open structure of the memory foam – a cooling night’s sleep.

Luff Mayfair Cooling Gel Pillow, £74.99

With this pillow there’s a cooling gel pad on one side to draw heat away from your head, while the memory foam core helps support your neck and spine. The other side of the pillow is finished in a bamboo fabric, which is hypoallergenic, wicks away moisture, and in itself is naturally cooling.

Curated Beauty 100% Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask, £50

This luxurious mask will prevent the glare of street lights and traffic disturbing your slumber, while the mulberry silk is gentle on your skin. Silk is thermoregulating, so stays cool in summer and warm in winter – and it helps stop sleep creases too. It’s beauty sleep at its finest!

All About Sleep Organic Bamboo Sleep Masks for Men, £29.99 

And for the man in your life, this sleep mask blocks out the light so helping ensure restful sleep. It’s made from organic bamboo, which is naturally cooling, antibacterial and hypoallergenic, and the bamboo fibre cushioning is soft against the eyes. The elasticated strap also makes for a comfortable fit.

Silentnight Deep Sleep Night Light and White Noise Machine, £30

Zen out to soothing music, practice breathing exercises or fall asleep to birdsong. Other soundscapes include rain, and even the rhythmic noise of trains rolling along a track. Use it as a night light, pick one of the colours to suit your mood, or scroll through the rainbow as you drift off. There’s a timer and Bluetooth so you can connect it to your phone.

Ashleigh & Burwood Wellbeing Frosted Fragrance Lamp, £28 and Sleep Wellbeing Lamp Fragrance, £15

This fragrance lamp is beautiful to look at, and helps create an ambiance conducive to sleep by purifying the air and getting rid of cooking or other odours. Pair it with one of more than 60 fragrances, such as the Sleep Wellbeing blend of geranium, lavender and patchouli essential oils, for a soothing and restful night.

The post And so to bed: sleep tips and tricks appeared first on Checklists.

Coast to Coast

The famed Coast to Coast walk was devised by celebrated fell walker, illustrator and guidebook author, Alfred Wainwright, whose guidebook to the walk was published in 1973. Since then, the path has been heralded as one of England’s classic long-distance treks, and was recently made into a National Trail. Luring keen walkers from across the globe, it spans 190 miles, from the coast of the Irish Sea at St Bees, to the North Sea coast at Robin Hood’s Bay. It also passes through three of England’s national parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

Cornwall

This legendary trail offers the ultimate challenge for long-distance walkers, starting from Minehead in Somerset and ending in Poole Harbour. Boasting over 115,000 feet of ascent and decent – the equivalent of scaling Mount Everest four times! – it is probably wise not to walk it all at once! Instead, walkers often start with Cornwall, the county blessed by more miles of coastline than anywhere else in England. A haven for artists and walkers alike, you’ll be able to take in sweeping beaches, imposing cliff ranges and ancient tin mines, along with the artsy legend of St Ives, St Micheals Mount and The Land’s End Peninsula. It would be a sin not to add a pasty.

Southern Lake District

Another beautiful option is the Southern Lake District, which offers plenty of sightseeing greats within a doable distance. Including Ambleside, Windemere, Grasmere, and Coniston, there are routes to suit all skill levels, from the Tarn Hows Circular – an accessible 2.4 mile loop, which offers sweeping views of the fells – or Gummers How, a short but steep climb crowned with one of the best panoramic views of Lake Windermere.

Scottish Highlands

Craving a wee dram with breathtaking views? There is no better way to explore the Scottish Highlands than by foot. Offering memorable localised day walks and more ambitious rambles, key routes range from the strenuous 96-mile West Highland Way, which will take around a week to complete. Or there’s the more accessible – but still challenging – routes like the Ben Nevis Mountain Track, which is just over 10 miles and takes you to the highest point in the UK.

The Peak District

From peaks and expanses of moorland to spellbinding lakeside paths, the Peak District is the UK’s oldest National Park. Offering world-class historic attractions aplenty, such as Dovedale Stepping Stones and the Twelve Apostles, best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap. And when you need to refuel, stately home, Chatsworth House makes a very stylish pitstop.

St Oswald’s Way, Northumberland

Yearning for another history-fix? St Oswalds Way in Northumberland is popular with those wishing to follow in the footsteps of the seventh century King of Northumbria, and walk all 97 miles of St Oswald’s Way. Explore fine landscapes and the history of the North East of England, from the UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall to the tidal island of Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island). Your feet may ache, but they will thank you for it.  

Southern Snowdonia

Still not tired? For more awe-inspiring landscapes with spectacular mountain peaks, enchanting forests, and dramatic coastlines, Southern Snowdonia is a rambler’s must-tick. Explore Wales’ Eryri National Park, which spans a massive 823 square miles, and is famed for its rugged mountain ranges and glacial valleys. The area is also home to Yr Wyddfa, the highest peak in England and Wales at 1,085 meters. Your photos shouldn’t be too shabby.

The Cotswolds

And finally, when you get the itch to walk some more, the chocolate box prettiness of the Cotswolds is hard to beat. Showcasing hundreds of miles of public footpaths stretching out over honey-stone villages and rolling hills, top trails include family-friendly circular routes through exquisite villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe, or long-distance trails such as Thames Path, where you will be able to lap up stunning views of the Cotswolds Lakes. www.hfholidays.co.uk

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From sending children back while they’re still contagious, to using medication to mask a fever, these well-intentioned decisions can increase the risk of classmates, teachers, and other school staff becoming ill during one of the busiest times of the year. Here, registered nurse Miranda Belcher, explains the five biggest back-to-school mistakes parents make.

1 Sending children back before they’re no longer contagious

“I completely understand the pressure parents feel to get back into a routine, but sending a child back just one day too early can result in several more children becoming ill. Waiting until they’re genuinely ready often prevents much bigger disruptions later.”

2 Masking a fever with medication

“Fever-reducing medication should be used to help your child feel comfortable, not to help them get through a school day. If medication is the only reason they’re able to attend school, they probably need another day at home.”

3 Not informing the school

“Keeping the school informed about contagious illnesses allows staff to track outbreaks, monitor patterns and inform families if multiple children become ill. That communication plays an important role in preventing larger outbreaks.”

4 Forgetting medications and emergency information

“The beginning of the school year is a great time to double-check that inhalers, EpiPens, daily medications and emergency contacts are all up to date. It only takes a few minutes but makes a huge difference if your child becomes unwell at school.”

5 Expecting antibiotics for every cough

“Many of the illnesses children pick up after returning to school are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work against viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they aren’t needed won’t help your child’s recovery – and contributes to antibiotic resistance.”

Why illnesses spread so quickly when school starts

“The first few weeks of the school year are always incredibly busy because children are coming back together after spending the summer apart, bringing viruses from different households into one place. Classrooms, canteens, and school buses allow germs to spread quickly, particularly among younger children. Parents naturally don’t want their child to miss school, but sending them back before they’re fully recovered can lead to more children becoming ill, creating disruption for families and schools.”

The illnesses children should stay home with

Some illnesses are far more likely to spread through schools than others, making it important for children to stay home until they’re no longer contagious.

Vomiting and diarrhoea: stomach bugs spread rapidly through classrooms and shared bathrooms, with viruses able to linger on surfaces.

Fever: a fever is often a sign of the body fighting an infection, even if medication temporarily brings the temperature down. 

Strep throat: children should stay at home until they’ve been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: particularly common among younger children, this illness spreads easily through close contact and shared surfaces.

When children can still attend school

While some illnesses require children to stay home, while others can usually be managed without missing school, including: 

A mild cold without a fever
Seasonal allergies
A lingering post-viral cough
Non-contagious skin rashes 

“Parents sometimes keep children home because they don’t want to take any chances, but not every sniffle or skin condition is contagious. Knowing the difference helps reduce unnecessary absences while still protecting other students from genuine infectious illnesses.” www.nursa.com

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If you’re a dog owner you’ll no doubt be keen to plan some outdoor adventures with your fur baby. Searches for “dog-friendly beaches near me” are increasing, as we look for the perfect coastal spots to enjoy. After analysing Google ratings and reviews for 148 beaches with no dog restriction, we reveal some of the top dog-friendly beaches across the UK.

Durdle Door, Dorset

Taking the top spot is Durdle Door, scoring 8.85 out of 10. Famous for its striking limestone arch and sweeping coastal views, it provides a stunning setting for a scenic dog walk or a classic game of fetch along the shoreline, perfect for making the most of the warmer weather.

Man O’War Beach and Three Cliffs Bay

These share second place, both earning 8.30 out of 10. Man O’War Beach’s calm, sheltered waters make it ideal for a gentle paddle with your dog, while Three Cliffs Bay offers vast sands and rolling dunes, giving more energetic pups plenty of space to run and explore.

Marloes Sands and Cuckmere Haven Beach

Scoring 8.20, this breathtaking stretch of golden sand is framed by dramatic cliffs, perfect for long, peaceful walks with your pet. Completing the top five is Cuckmere Haven Beach, scoring 8.06 out of 10. Here, visitors can enjoy tranquil surroundings alongside views of the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs.

What about the most dog-friendly counties?

Devon

It’s no surprise that Devon, the county also known as ‘Mother Nature’s playground’, is home to the most highly-rated dog-friendly beaches. A whopping 22 beaches out of 148 made the rankings.

Pembrokeshire

In a close second, with a total of 20 beaches, is the county of Pembrokeshire. Bordered by the sea on three sides, it’s no wonder it has a plethora of beaches to offer.

Cornwall

Cornwall places third with a total of 14 highly rated dog-friendly beaches. Home to harbour villages and towering cliffs, you and your pet will never have a dull moment there.

Now grab your beloved pet and off you go. www.showerstoyou.co.uk

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With temperatures reaching record levels, we’re still in for a hot summer over the next few weeks. That means long evenings in the garden, pub terraces, and festivals – and this year many of those moments will come with a fruity twist. Blueberry, raspberry and citrus-infused beers and alcopops are the season’s biggest sellers. They’re refreshing, lower in ABV than some traditional options, and often taste more like juice than alcohol. And that’s precisely why they can be risky: because it’s then much easier to drink more than you intended.

Want to enjoy summer socialising without letting your drinking creep up? Here are five practical, evidence-informed steps to help you cut down, while still taking part in the fun.

1 Track every drink – not just the obvious ones

It’s easy to underestimate intake when drinks taste light and fruity. Start by tracking what you have for a week, noting the type, size and estimated units. Many people discover their “one or two” fruit beers add up over an afternoon. Tracking creates awareness and gives you a baseline, so you can set realistic limits for the rest of the summer. Use a note in your phone, a journal, or a drink-tracking app. Remember to include context (who you were with, where, and how you felt) so you can identify triggers such as heat, boredom or social pressure.

2 Treat fruity beers like alcoholic drinks, not soft

The brain uses taste cues to regulate consumption. When something tastes like a soft drink it’s tempting to treat it that way. Make a simple rule: fruity beers count as alcohol first. Use visible cues, sip water between drinks, choose smaller glasses or alternate with a non-alcoholic drink. These small rituals slow pace, reduce total consumption, and help your body register the alcohol you do have.

3 Plan ‘stop times’ and set rules

Long summer sessions are the setting where easy drinking turns into over-drinking. Before you head out, set a clear stop time (for example, “I’ll leave by 9pm”) or a limit on portions (“I’ll have two fruit beers, then switch to soft drinks”). Share the plan with a friend so they can help keep you accountable. When you decide the limit beforehand, you remove the moment-by-moment decision-making that often leads to one more.

4 Use tools that work with your social life

Complete abstinence isn’t the only path. Many people benefit from structured reduction. Medication-assisted approaches like the Sinclair Method (TMS) offer a different route: medication-assisted reduction using naltrexone to blunt alcohol’s reward response, paired with behavioural support. Over 90 clinical trials worldwide have shown this approach helps many reduce cravings and unlearn ingrained drinking patterns, while still participating in social drinking.

5 Build coping strategies you could encounter

Research shows many people drink to cope with stress or social anxiety. Identify the triggers that lead you to reach for a drink, whether its boredom, heat, peer pressure, or emotions – and plan alternatives. Non-alcoholic cocktails, distraction activities (such as games, music, or dancing) or brief breathing exercises can replace the automatic habit loop. Practising these alternatives in low-pressure settings makes them easier to use when it matters.

Quick practical swaps and tips

Choose lower-volume servings: opt for cans or smaller glasses rather than pints.
Pick festival-friendly strategies: decide on a daily cap before you buy any drinks.
Keep a visible reminder of your goal: (a note on your phone, or a photo) so temptation meets a prompt.
Enlist a friend: buddy systems work – agree to check in and support each other’s limits

A fruity final thought

Fruit beers are a brilliant summer innovation and very enjoyable when consumed responsibly and mindfully. But because they’re deceptively easy to drink, they create conditions where even well-intentioned social drinkers can overdo it. Fruity beers’ low ABV can be misleading. Lower percentage doesn’t mean safer if you drink larger volumes. The key issue is how palatable drinks affect the brain’s reward pathways: a sweet, juice-like beverage removes a sensory brake that would usually moderate intake. For people already drinking to relieve stress or manage mood, that removal can accelerate dependence. That’s why approaches that address brain reward – alongside behavioural changes – offer a realistic path back to balance.

When to seek professional support

If you find that rules and tracking aren’t working, or you’re worried about cravings, blackouts or increasing tolerance, it’s sensible to seek help. Reduction-focused treatments, including medication-assisted options supervised by clinicians, offer alternatives to total abstinence and can help you regain control while staying socially engaged. Whatever you do, please drink responsibly. www.sinclairmethoduk.com

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