There’s been a rise in broken heart syndrome (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
With an increase in intense emotional stress, medical experts have said there’s been a rise in ‘broken heart syndrome’ during the pandemic.
Also known as stress cardiomyopathy (or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy), broken heart syndrome has similar symptoms to a heart attack, including sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest pain.
The condition occurs in response to physical or emotional stress – which has been running high over the past few months.
According to a new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open, rates of broken heart syndrome among patients with existing heart conditions increased to 7.8%, compared to the 1.7% of patients diagnosed with stress cardiomyopathy before Covid-19.
The researchers looked at almost 2,000 patients before and during the pandemic and concluded that the number of heart incidents had risen following Covid-19.
They also noted an increase in the time patients spend in hospitals for stress cardiomyopathy, compared to pre-pandemic.
However, it’s worth pointing out that all the participants tested negative for Covid-19 and that the rate of fatalities from broken heart syndrome has not increased.
Ankur Kalra, a Cleveland Clinic cardiologist and the study’s lead author, said: ‘The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about multiple levels of stress in people’s lives across the country and world.
‘People are not only worried about themselves or their families becoming ill, they are dealing with economic and emotional issues, societal problems and potential loneliness and isolation.’
While professionals are not certain about the exact cause of broken heart syndrome, it’s believed to be triggered by a person’s physical reaction to stressful events. In such an instance, the body can release stress hormones which temporarily reduce the heart’s ability to pump – causing irregular patterns and problems.
The American Heart Association also says that women are more likely than men to suffer from broken heart syndrome.
Always check to see if you’re going with a reputable professional (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Throughout lockdown, many of us just had to become content with the fact that our roots were grown out and our nails were unpolished stubs.
But for some people, they decided to take matters into their own hands – and not just by buying box dye or a gel nail kit.
Aesthetic practitioners have now been tasked with fixing the ‘botch jobs’ that people have done themselves or got done by unlicensed beauticians during lockdown, from dodgy botox to cheap fillers.
There are some things that are worth spending the extra few pounds on, and treatments where you’re being injected or having surgery are one of those things.
The results can lead to terrifying consequences and a whole lot more money spent trying to fix them.
We spoke to some of these aesthetic practitioners to find out the damage limitation they’ve been doing over the last couple of weeks.
‘I have seen a fair amount of botched nose dermal fillers and also tear trough treatments recently!
‘What tends to happen is the practitioner uses a poor quality product and/or may not have the artistic eye essential for these types of treatments, and/or they are unable to offer thorough aftercare to the client.
‘I always ask “have you been back to the practitioner who did the treatment?” And quite often the answer is “She wouldn’t take my calls” or “he said keep massaging the area, it’s just swelling.”
‘Noses tend to be over-filled, with the result looking distorted and unattractive. Under-eye or tear troughs can be obvious if not injected correctly and I have seen lumps and swelling at the injection sites.
Some people have needed surgery to correct the mistakes (PIcture: Getty Images)
‘To fix this, the first step is to have a full consultation with the client. Nose-botched cases are usually handled by using Hyaluronidase- an antidote to Hyalauronic acid (the main dermal filler constituent), which gently melts the filler away.
‘I then get the client back in after 10 days to two weeks to review the situation and assess whether more treatment is required (either tweaking with more filler to give an even result or melting more filler away).
‘In the case of tear trough, lumps have to be removed using the above technique, whilst in other cases, visible filler can be carefully disguised by injecting more filler around it, so that the client still achieves some result.
‘With all botched cases, we have to get on a bit of a “journey” quite often where I will see the client several times to achieve the final result.
‘There is definitely an uptick it seeing horrible outcomes at the moment.
‘The most common thing I am seeing is botched filler jobs. I even had one client who attempted to give herself a non-surgical rhinoplasty with dermal filler at home by herself, and it was injected in the wrong places
‘I’ve had a lady who had under-eye filler and lip filler done by a neighbour in her living room.
‘I’ve had a man attempt to remove a cyst from his face by following a YouTube video.
‘I’ve had a lady who had a threadlift done somewhere where the threads were far too superficial and could almost be seen through the skin/ I actually had to do a surgical procedure to remove them!
The savings you make might result in a bigger spend down the line (Picture: Getty)
‘Botched filler jobs to under-eyes, lips cheeks which I have to remove by dissolving, often has to be done straight away as there is a danger of the filler blocking vital blood vessels in the face.
‘I’m also seeing a rise in unknown filler brands, where people don’t know what they have been injected with. It’s o ften substandard and may not respond to the dissolving substance.
‘Whilst it is often reversible it can leave long term damage and emotionally is very distressing for the patients.
‘Botox corrections where wrong doses have been injected leave faces very asymmetrical – including the dreaded brow drop.
‘I’ve been having to correct this by counteracting the Botox by using Botox on different areas – and in some cases using threads to lift the dropped brows.
‘With more invasive things like the threadlift I described above and the cyst removal unfortunately these may require surgical procedures to correct, which is awful as can leave the patient with a scar etc – a permanent reminder of why not to do things to yourself at home watching YouTube!’
‘Lockdown has affected us all in many different ways and some people have resorted to treatments provided in a reckless and unsafe environment in order to minimise the signs of ageing – with less than desirable results.
‘At The Lovely Clinic (TLC), we took the decision to reopen recently after thorough examination of the safest measures that we could implement to protect ourselves and our patients.
‘However, soon after we opened we had several enquiries from patients seeking a second opinion or indeed to reverse treatment.
‘During lockdown when the overwhelming majority of Medical Aesthetic Clinics closed their doors to the public, the need for enhancing non-surgical treatments drove some into the hands of “practitioners” without any relevant medical training or qualifications.
Doctors have seen an increase in cheap imported filler (Picture: Getty Images)
‘One patient replied on a private Facebook group, responding to yet another non-medical injector who was informally advertising Botox treatment to remove wrinkles.
‘They had received Botox treatment before lockdown, but described how this particular experience was incredibly painful, and the reason she requested a second opinion was that the result was so extreme and severe-looking that she could not make important facial expressions and found that her smile became lopsided.
‘Careful examination revealed that important muscles of facial expression had been asymmetrically immobilised and, unfortunately, because the effect on the muscles is long-standing without a recognised “antidote”, we could only reassure her that the effect would gradually disappear over the next few months.
‘Although disappointing, this outcome serves as a warning to anyone considering non-surgical and indeed, surgical cosmetic treatment, i.e. to ensure that they do their homework and due diligence in finding a medically qualified doctor, ideally with experience in facial anatomy and surgery, to provide a safe, meticulous and natural looking treatment result.
‘All TLC Aesthetic Doctors are dual qualified Medical and Dental doctors with a background of hospital careers in facial surgery.’
Self injecting can damage nerves (Picture: Getty Images)
‘As a cosmetic doctor I am increasingly concerned by the lack of regulation in the industry
‘Recently a patient contacted my clinic in severe pain asking for my help. She had been tempted by a cheap “package deal” at a beauty salon where she received 4 syringes of filler in her cheeks and lips.
‘Very quickly she developed rock hard swelling in the treated areas. The beauty salon told her this was a normal response to the treatment.
‘In reality she was having a severe allergic reaction to what turned out to be an unlicensed imported filler. The swelling was causing compression of the arteries in her lips needing immediate dissolving to restore blood supply.
‘She then spent a night in hospital on a steroid drip to control the swelling. These products are not without risk and should only be administered by trained medical professionals.’
Always ask about the brand of product being used and the qualifications of the person administering the treatment, and look for quality practitioners rather than focusing on price.
We’ll all need to wear masks on public transport and in shops (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)
Wearing a mask has become part of our daily lives.
It is already compulsory to wear one on public transport across the UK and from 24 July, you will have to wear one in shops in England.
They are already required in shops in Scotland, while Northern Ireland and Wales are considering introducing similar rules.
Although masks are recommended to protect both you and others around you, it can feel unusual having something covering your face.
For some people with anxiety, it can make them feel like they can’t breathe properly. It can create a sense of claustrophobia and add to the stress of being out and about in an already tense situation.
Of course, there are exemption cards available and if you are unable to wear one for medical reasons, it is ok, but you may be worried about protecting yourself.
To help yourself feel calmer while wearing a mask, there are some things you can do.
Get comfortable with your mask
The best way to feel more comfortable is to practice wearing it before you leave the house.
Being out and about can be stressful enough right now so try to tackle the mask element when you are in your own environment.
Dr Ali Shakir, from the Harley Health Centre, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘One helpful exercise before you go out is to practice exposure by putting the mask on for two minutes at home so you start to feel safe in it in the knowledge that you can take it off anytime. Then you can increase this by five minutes and repeat the exercise whilst at home.’
Once you have got more used to it, you can wear it during more stressful activities like cooking or doing chores.
When you are at home, you are in control over how much you wear it as it is not required like when you are outside and you can slowly build it up to make you feel more comfortable.
Think about changing the style of mask
What is it about the mask that makes you feel anxious? It might be worth thinking about changing it to a different style.
Some are more fitted around the face, while others expand around the face and sit flush at the sides.
Some prefer something on the nose to keep it tight but if this is making you feel more anxious, try one without that element.
You may also find that it is tight around your ears so you can try one with ties or buy a headband to clip it to there rather than onto your ears.
You might prefer a neck gaiter as the requirement is for your nose and mouth to be covered, but as these are looser at the bottom, you may be more comfortable.
Breathe slowly
Once you have practised wearing your mask and found one that you find comfortable, you need to get used to how to breathe in a way that will help you stay calm.
Of course if you have a medical condition which causes breathing problems, you can be exempt from wearing one.
For those who do wear one, respiratory health experts at PN Medical have some tips to help you feel more in control of your breathing.
Take five quality breaths A quality breath is a four second inhale through the nose, six second exhale through the mouth, and a two second pause. You should do this five times right before putting on your mask, another five times right after you have the mask on and again when you are going to remove the mask. You can also try this if you feel you are struggling to breathe in your mask.
Longer and slower Notice people around you. Some change their breathing patterns while wearing a mask. Combat this by taking longer, slower breaths while you are wearing yours.
Most people will not have to wear medical grade masks but the breathing technique can help anyone.
Put your hand on your belly. Slowly breathe in for three to four seconds. Feel your belly rise.
Hold the breath for one to two seconds.
Now slowly breathe out taking three to four seconds. Feel your belly drop.
Try this again.this time, when you breathe out see in your mind the word ‘calm’ or think of a calming phrase.
Keep slow calming breaths when wearing your protective mask.
Do not worry about the number of seconds as long as your breathing is slow.
Visualisation
Dr Ali Shakir also recommends using a visualisation technique to make you feel more comfotable.
He says: ‘In other words, deleting the mask from your face by taking your mind somewhere else. If you are focusing on the mask, this will definitely affect you.
‘So whilst you are wearing it take your mind somewhere else and be more mindful of other things. Pay more attention to your surroundings and what you are doing wherever you are. Learn how to focus more on the surroundings then yourself and the mask or its sensation.’
While, hair, nails, waxing and even sunbeds are allowed, you’ll need to wait a bit longer to get a range of ‘high-risk’ treatments, such as facial procedures.
So, can you book in that much-awaited brow appointment?
Why are eyebrow and eyelash treatments deemed high risk?
Treatments in the ‘high-risk zone’ are those carried out directly in front of the client’s face so have more risk of catching and spreading Covid-19.
Treatments such as eyelash extensions are considered ‘high-risk’
Why? Because splashes and droplets from the nose and mouth are present, even when they can’t be seen.
These are the treatments you currently can’t have:
Face waxing, sugaring or threading services
Facial treatments
Advanced facial (electrical or mechanical)
Eyelash treatments
Make-up application
Dermarolling
Dermaplaning
Microblading
Electrolysis on the face
Eyebrow treatments
The Government has not yet set a date for when these treatments – which include brow and lash services – can resume.
Hairdressers and beauty salons are now open (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
When will beauty salons reopen in Scotland?
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that as part of phase 3 of the easing of lockdown restrictions, beauticians and nail salons will be permitted to reopen in Scotland from Wednesday 22 July.
Beauty salons reopened in Northern Ireland on 6 July and in England on 13 July.
How to do your own eyebrows at home
Are your eyebrows giving Bert from Sesame Street a run for his money?
If it’s a case of desperate times call for desperate measures then it is possible to shape and even tint your eyebrows yourself.
Many of us are looking for something more serious post-lockdown (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)
Living through a pandemic was bound to change our perspective on things.
From what we want in a dream home to the way we work, coronavirus has made us question everything.
And that shift in mindsets extends to our relationships, too.
Life in lockdown has made us take dating a bit more seriously, to get specific.
According to dating app Badoo, singles are looking for companionship and a long-term partner over a casual hookup, moreso than before lockdown.
A survey of 1,003 single adults aged between 18 and 65 revealed that 70% of daters are worried that a second wave of coronavirus will hit the UK, and believe this is having an impact on their dating preferences.
Close to half(47%) say they are more eager to find a longterm partner than they were before lockdown, which suggests we’re about to enter a period of Covid Cuffing, when people will rush to lock someone down before a second wave, to avoid feeling lockdown loneliness.
Others say they’re feeling new pressure to find a partner as they’ve ‘lost time’ in lockdown.
Many (46%) said they had felt envious of those with partners in lockdown. There’s nothing quite like being in lockdown all alone while couples bake banana bread and have picnics to make you feel lonely.
Lockdown has increased feelings of loneliness (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)
Daters say they’re now looking for more meaningful connections, with 58% claiming to be dating in search of a potential partner, while only 20% are looking for casual hook-ups.
Libby, 26, said: ‘Lockdown as a single person was a challenging experience, I kept thinking it might have been more bearable if I had someone to watch movies, drink, and play board games with. Of course, with the global pandemic happening it was out of the question to get cosy with someone!
‘I’ve found myself feeling more inclined to find myself a partner now, especially with all this talk of a potential second wave, so have been speaking to more guys and girls on the Badoo app.
‘I’m going to start casually dating face to face again, but definitely at my own pace – it’s really important to me I find someone I feel a good connection with. I’m not here for a casual hook-up right now!’
While feeling the pressure to form a connection is totally normal, it’s important that you don’t let Covid cuffing cloud your vision and make you team up with someone who’s not quite right for you.
Handily, we’ve got two experts on hand to give you their tips on avoiding rushing into a relationship. Read on.
Persia Lawson's tips for dealing with Covid Cuffing
Dating expert and Persia Lawson offers these tips for dating post-lockdown:
Get clear on who and what you want to attract: Write a list of the non-negotiable qualities you want in a partner and relationship to prevent you from settling for something incompatible to stave off loneliness.
Cultivate authentic and deeper connections with potential partners online: Avoid surface level conversation and ask questions that will help you get to know the other person at a more intimate level. For example, you could ask what their best and worst part of Lockdown has been, which will help you get a sense of who they are, how they spend their time, and what they value.
Be direct with potential partners from the outset: Ask them how Lockdown has affected their love life – as well as what, specifically, they’re looking for in terms of romance. This will help you differentiate between those who are looking for a casual hook-up, and those interested in finding a meaningful relationship.
Protect your time (and your immune system!): Set up a causal video date before meeting IRL to gauge whether or not there is chemistry and conversation flows easily. There’s no point in going to the trouble of a real-life date if the connection is not right – especially when a face to face meet-up could put you at risk.
Michael Cloonan's advice for slowing down a turbo-speed relationship
Life coach Michael Cloonan offers his advice for people at risk of rushing into a relationship post-lockdown:
Plan. It can be tempting to throw all your energy into a new relationship and end up neglecting other key areas of your life, like work, friendships and even health. To avoid this, plan out your time, intentionally.
Contact. If you’re in contact with your special person daily, then you need to work out a way that this can fit into your life without becoming overwhelming. Build a habit of creating a more controlled contact schedule, at a pace that works for everyone involved.
Communication. It’s not just how often you’re in contact that’s important, but also the method of communication. Instant response messaging can mean you get caught up in several hours of chat. Build a sustainable connection through relaxing the intensity of your communication style.
Technology. If you can’t always trust yourself to regulate your communication, setting up reminders on your phone can really help. You can also pause notifications for those moments when you’re at work or spending time on other important relationships.
Triggers. Work out what causes you to move fast or become emotionally invested very quickly, and avoid those things. For example, if sex is something that gets you super invested, slow things down by delaying intimacy for a while.
Think you have a sunburn horror story? This man has topped it.
People on Twitter have spotted a man with ‘one of the worst’ sunburns they’ve ever seen.
Footage has emerged online of the man swimming in the sea in Florida with skin so scorched it gives off a reddish/purple hue.
It’s so bad, in fact, that social media users have come up with various nicknames for the swimmer, including ‘Hellboy’, ‘Satan’ and ‘Red Lobster.’
You can’t miss him(Picture: Michael J McCarthy/Storyful)
The man features in a video, first posted by ABC News, which shows some enormous stingrays swimming in the shallow water.
The rays appear to be unphased by the beachgoer’s red raw appearance.
Naturally, people on Twitter have been left astonished by the stingray video – which was recorded on a drone by Michael J McCarthy from See Through Canoe – and have been quick to point out that the real story is the severity of the man’s burn.
One person said: ‘The story here, at least the one anybody actually cares about, is the red dude! Ain’t nobody thinking about the damn stingrays! Except maybe wondering what they thought when they encountered their first red human being. Who the hell is he?’
Another replied: ‘Is that dude OK? Like, is his flesh literally on fire?’
The sting rays seemed unphased (Picture: Michael J McCarthy/Storyful)
Others were quick to joke about the swimmer’s appearance.
One replied: ‘The new Hellraiser movie is set at sea apparently.’
While another added: ‘This is a real specimen right here. Looking like a cooked lobster.’
Some of the products in the new range (Picture: Loop/Tesco)
Cutting down on plastic has got easier but trips to the supermarket still mean picking up things that will be used once and thrown away.
In a bid to offer more reusable options, Tesco has teamed up with Loop to launch an online shopping service that delivers products only in reusable packaging.
Customers can now order 150 popular products in reusable packaging and once you are finished, the container can be collected, returned to Loop, professionally cleaned and then reused.
It’s similar to how a traditional milkman works but for a much wider range of items.
After use, customers simply place the empty containers into the tote bag in which the food arrived and go online to schedule a packaging pickup and second delivery. A deposit is paid on each piece of packaging and is fully refunded upon return.
The service will be available across the UK, including Northern Ireland and will feature items such as Heinz Tomato ketchup, Persil washing liquid, Coca-Cola, Nivea moisturiser and Danone yoghurt.
The Loop service has already started successful partnerships with Carrefour in France and Kroger and Walgreens in the U.S., but this is the first time they have teamed up with a UK supermarket.
Giles Bolton, Responsible Sourcing Director for Tesco, said: ‘Reuse is a vital part of our 4R packaging plan and this pilot partnership is key to finding a scalable reusable packaging solution for our customers.
‘We will listen to their feedback and help Loop develop the online service throughout the year. The range will increase over time and next year we will introduce some of the products in reusable packaging into our own stores.’
Sadly some of the products do come with an extra cost in the Loop service. For example, a 1 litre bottle on Coca-Cola costs £2.49 with Loop, but a 1.25 litre bottle in store is currently £1.59.
The moment they fell in (Picture: Jeremy Schruder / SWNS.COM)
A bride and groom accidentally took a dip on their big day, plunging into a river in full wedding attire while having their photos taken.
Lora Wendorf, 35, and her new husband Jordan Devries, 35, were posing for wedding pictures on a dock when they decided to attempt a bold dance move.
The couple, from Vancouver, tried to recreate a romantic dance move Lora had seen on Dancing With The Stars but things went wrong and they tumbled into the river together.
When Lora emerged, she jokily blamed the fall on her new husband, who had fallen into the water with her.
Social worker Lora wrung out her soaked wedding dress and sneaked into the bathroom, hiding from her guests.
She admitted she almost cried looking at her waterlogged dress and ruined hair and makeup.
But Lora didn’t let it get her down and took a shot, changed her outfit, and enjoyed the rest of her wedding.
Going (Picture: Jeremy Schruder / SWNS.COM)
Lora said: ‘I was just so in the moment and so happy that I said to Jordan “babe give me a dip”.
‘I wanted to do a romantic dance move that you see on Dancing With The Stars. But Jordan is not a dancer and neither am I.
‘I didn’t give him much notice. I did the backwards dip and he wasn’t quite ready and I fell into the river.
‘My head was under water and I didn’t even know what happened.’
Gone (Picture: Jeremy Schruder / SWNS.COM)
When it sunk in that her dress, hair, and makeup was ruined, Lora became upset.
‘I was on the verge of bawling,’ she said.
‘But at that moment my brother-in-law came in and he just started laughing. It made me laugh too.’
‘I took down my hair, got all the bobby pins out, brushed it and wiped off my eye makeup.’
They saw the funny side though (Picture: Jeremy Schruder / SWNS.COM)
While Lora took a shot of rum, a torrential downpour started outside.
She added: ‘I just looked at my husband and said “well, I guess we’ll go meet the guests soaking wet”.
‘People did ask why we were all wet but I laughed it off and we had a good time.’
Lora and Jordan, a scaffolder, even used the pictures of the ultimate wedding fail in their thank you cards to guests.
Lora had to wring out her dress and undo her hair and makeup (Picture: Jeremy Schruder / SWNS.COM)
‘You’ve got to own what happens to you,’ Lora said.
‘Life is never going to be how you want it to be.
‘Obviously, I wanted the beautiful picture with the sunset but instead, we got a hilarious story.’
Taco Bell is offering up free tacos every Tuesday in August (Picture: Taco Bell/Metro.co.uk)
It doesn’t matter what it is, we’ll always get excited about free food.
So rejoice, all those who live near one of the 45 Taco Bell restaurants in the UK – because you can pick up a free treat every Tuesday in August.
From 5 August to 26 August, all of Taco Bell’s UK branches will be participating in Taco Tuesday, an offer that will provide everyone who pops in a free Crunchy Taco.
There’s no other purchase necessary, so no major catch.
You do, however, have to download the Taco Bell app to redeem the offer.
The deal is also only available for dine-in or takeout, not delivery, so you will have to actually peel yourself off the sofa to get your free snack.
And considering a Crunchy Taco only usually costs £1.19, it’s up to you to consider whether making the journey to your local Taco Bell is worth it. Perhaps if it’s on the way home from work or you happen to live right next door?
If you do weigh up your options and decide in favour of walking to Taco Bell to get a freebie, you’ll be able to take your pick from beef, chicken, or black beans in a crunchy taco shell, along with lettuce and cheese.
We repeat that this offer only applies on Tuesdays in August and you’ll need to have the app, too.
‘Our brand is all about treating our fans with unexpected good, and what better way to do that than with free tacos,’ said Gino Casciani, regional director for Taco Bell Europe. ‘This is our way of thanking our fans for coming together during such a difficult time and prevailing together as a nation.’
Taco Bell isn’t the only fast food brand offering up bargains to bring us cheer amid the pandemic.
Alex and I fell in love at first sight – he proposed two days after our first date (Picture: Roy Riley)
It hit me on our 10-year anniversary.
As I sat next to my husband Alex, in his wheelchair, feeding him pureed spoonfuls of the picnic lunch I had brought to celebrate the event, I realised that he would never surprise me with dinner at a restaurant again. Nor would he write me a silly romantic poem about our marriage.
A landslide of grief buried me as I realised that my Alex, the man he had been before the brain injury, would never come back. Perhaps that’s why, as I was watching the news this week, my heart went out to Kate Garraway, whose husband Derek Draper is in hospital, fighting coronavirus.
To be facing this type of uncertainty about your partner’s life is terrifying. You have to let go of the future and conserve all the energy you have towards focusing on the present, and just hold yourself together best you can.
Her situation reminded me of my own experience.
In 2000, when I first met Alex, I knew he was the one. The feeling was mutual – he popped the question 48 hours after our first date, and I said yes immediately. Nine months later, we were expecting our first child, followed by three more over the next few years.
Alex dreamed of raising our family in France, but moving to a foreign country made me feel afraid. But he pleaded, so in 2006, I agreed.
Five years later, disaster struck.
Alex, who was 32 at the time, had signed up to join a local rugby team, and headed off for the first-ever training session. Once back home, he complained of headaches and dizziness – Alex had received a knee to the head in the scrum. So we rushed to A&E, the start of many hospital visits to come.
Alex before the brain injury (Picture: Tamsyn Wood)
The doctors did a scan and found a blood clot on his brain.
Initially, they told us that Alex would be kept overnight for observation, but as his symptoms continued to decline, it was decided that he needed emergency brain surgery to remove the clot, which had now become life-threatening.
I felt helpless, and panicked. There was nothing I could do but watch as the doctors took him away; I remember yelling ‘It will be okay, you will be okay’ down the corridor while trying to hold back choked sobs.
Surgeons were forced to remove a quarter of Alex’s skull in order to try and save his life. Afterwards, he was put into a medically-induced coma. When I first saw him, hooked up to computers, and with machines, tubes and wires littering his body, I could barely breathe.
I was alone in the hospital, though some friends came by intermittently to support me. Our children were with my in-laws.
Overnight, I became a single parent, dealing with four very young children and their grief, as well as my own (Picture: Tamsyn Wood)
Two days later, he suffered a second brain haemorrhage. I was told there was zero chance of survival, but Alex pulled through – and remained in the coma for nearly four months.
During this time, I operated on survival instinct. I had to be strong for the kids so I tried to ‘compartmentalise’ my feelings, keeping busy with their routines and long walks. But as soon as I put them to bed at night, I would heave with heartache.
I shielded them from the worst bits, but we made videos for Alex to listen to in the coma and I tried to gently make them understand that their daddy was likely never going to be the same.
The neurosurgeons confirmed my worst fears – while my husband was alive, he was now blind, and would never walk, talk, eat or do anything for himself again.
The one positive I take from this experience is that it has brought us closer as a family (Picture: Tamsyn Wood)
I became a single parent overnight, dealing with four very young children and their grief, as well as my own. I felt incredibly lost. Because I had lost Alex. He may not have died – but the man I married did.
In order to be nearer to family in England I decided to move us all back to the UK. Unfortunately, we had lost everything in France, including our home, jobs and savings, which meant I could only afford a rental property. It wasn’t suitable for Alex’s extremely complex needs – he cannot eat by himself, communicate without help, is in a wheelchair and has no short-term memory.
I received job seekers’ allowance, but government cuts meant I was forced to leave him in a care home with only once-weekly access to me and the children. It was devastating. A young father of four in this condition shouldn’t have to be away from his family, but I had no choice. I had to work in order to keep us afloat.
For the first year, Alex didn’t speak. His voice was extremely slurred, he was aggressive, confused and angry, and couldn’t understand what had happened.
To help him through it, I became his carer. I would assist with physio exercises, speech and language training and occupational therapy. In my spare time, I would research his condition for hours, endlessly trying to find a way to ‘fix’ him.
Alex requires round the clock care, is blind and remains in a wheelchair (Picture: Tamsyn Wood)
I also had to manage the house, do school runs and take care of the finances and paperwork. All the while, I could barely get myself dressed through the weight of the grief. It crushed me that I wasn’t able to share my worries or pain with my husband, the one person I had always shared everything with.
Our kids had also understandably become extremely dependent and attached to me – one of them couldn’t sleep at night for fear she would lose me too. My sister, uncle and aunt and several good friends stepped up to look after them when I had to accompany Alex on hospital visits out of school hours, and they are a constant emotional support.
But adjusting to our new normal was incredibly hard.
Seven years ago, I moved us again – this time to Devon. It isn’t my husband’s French dream, but it’s all I could manage given the constrictions put on my life. Alex was an avid surfer before the accident, always chasing the waves. I wanted to give him something from his old life back, along with the sensory experience of being by the sea.
Brain damage doesn’t just wreak havoc on the brain – it rips through families and relationships, scarring everything in its path (Picture: Tamsyn Wood)
Today, Alex still requires round-the-clock care, remains in a wheelchair and is severely brain damaged. He is home for a few days a week but we need two full time carers and until adaptations are done to the house, and the right care package is in place, he can’t be with us every day. The house as it is currently not big enough to accommodate his equipment – bed, chair, turn-aid, commode etc.
Life after the accident has been – and still is – a tough journey. Even though Alex will never recover or be the man I fell in love with, I take comfort in that he will hopefully be coming home permanently soon and I am looking forward to us being reunited.
It will be challenging; I don’t know how I will manage juggling caring for him and working from home – I may have to find a new job. But I want to be around for him; Alex responds to me like he does with no one else and he benefits at maximum capacity from therapies if I am there to do them with him.
I know that my husband would have fought all these battles for me too.
Brain damage doesn’t just wreak havoc on the body – it rips through families and relationships, scarring everything in its path. My children and I are getting to know a new person and caring for him in imaginative ways.
The one positive I take from this experience is that it has brought us closer as a family.
My brokenness transformed me. I had a responsibility to my children to grow, to work through the grief.
They are hugely compassionate beings that have taught me endless lessons and they continue to astound me with their grace and adaptability every day.
The beach hut sparked a fierce bidding war (Picture: Denisons/BNPS)
If you had £330,000 to spend on a property, you could probably get a nice little starter home on the outskirts of London or a veritable mansion if you went ‘oop north.
In Dorset, though, that’ll get you precisely 12ft by 10ft of beach hut, as evidenced by a recent bidding war on a similar property.
The beach hut is located in Mudeford Spit in Christchurch Harbour, Dorset; an idyllic and secluded spot on the shore.
It appears that the location must be the main selling point, as the hut – as lovely as it is – has no mains water or electricity and is too small to be a dwelling of any kind.
Owners go to a communal area to use showering and toilet facilities, using the huts themselves simply for relaxing or changing.
Guests will need to head to a communal area for mains water (Picture: Denisons/BNPS)
Four bidders places offers on this specific hut, which has now been named as the most expensive beach hut in Britain.
Two of these potential buyers had never even seen the property, which was originally listed for £325,000.
The selling price beats the record for the former most expensive beach hut, another on Mudeford that went for £295,000.
The hut beats records for most expensive (Picture: Denisons/BNPS)
The new lucky owner will only be able to get to the hut via a short ferry ride, land train, or 30 minute walk, as all cars are banned from the tiny peninsula.
Agents believe that this private hideaway feel is the main attraction, with more and more people looking for staycation spots in the wake of COVID-19.
Andy Denison, of Christchurch-based Denisons estate agents, said: ‘The demand for the beach huts at Mudeford is the highest I have ever known it right now. It has gone crazy.’
The secluded peninsula can’t be reached by car (Picture: StephenBath/BNPS)
He continues: ‘These people are cash buyers from out of the area who want to enjoy the English seaside this year and maybe rent the hut out to other holidaymakers as well.
‘It is all down to the increase in staycations.
‘People are throwing in the towel on foreign holidays this year, they are very wary of them.
‘The cost of flights and hotels is starting to get expensive and people don’t know what it will be like in the resort when they get there in terms of being restricted in hotels and restaurants.’
Next time you feel like complaining about London house prices, just thank goodness you don’t live in Mudeford.
Missing a cheeky Nando’s? (Picture: Kris Kirkham/Nando’s)
Rejoice, Nando’s lovers – discounts are coming.
After months of missing our favourite peri-peri chicken, the Portuguese-African restaurant is coming back in full force (though not every single store is open).
From today Nando’s will be cutting prices across its menu and rolling out deliveries across the country.
In line with the recent reduction of VAT for the restaurant sector, Nando’s customers can expect a reduction of prices across eat-in services, delivery, and online click and collect.
At the moment, 360 Nando’s restaurants across the UK now back open for delivery and online click and collect.
Only 10 are currently reopening for eat-in service, The stores offering a dining-in option include Westfield London, Beckton, Bromley, and Park Royal.
The latest offers
Halloumi sticks and dip starter, was £3.95, now £3.45
¼ peri-peri chicken on its own was £4.25, now £3.70, with two, regular sides, was £7.75, now £6.75
½ peri-peri chicken on its own was £7.70, now £6.75, with two regular sides, was £11.20, now £9.80
10 peri-peri chicken wing roulette, was £10.95, now £9.60
Family platter of two whole chickens and five large sides, was £43.70, now £38.25
As VAT is cut from 20% to 5% for all restaurants, Nando’s joins the list of establishments offering reduced prices.
Favourites such as quarter chicken is down to £3.70 from £4.25, saving you 55 pence.
What are your faves? (Picture: Kris Kirkham/Nando’s)
Families can save too with platters down to £38.25 from £43.70. a saving of £5.45 for a family meal.
Which Nando's stores are open to eat in now
Liverpool One
Bolton Middlebrook
Birmingham Bullring
Beckton
Bromley – St Mark’s Square
Park Royal
Leeds – Junction 27
Manchester Trafford Centre
Westfield London
Bluewater Winter Garden
Some of our other faves have also got unmissable deals going on at the moment, including KFC, McDonald’s and Pret.
Lots of cats bring home little presents for their owner but one woman has been left a little confused about her pet’s latest habit.
Sally Bell’s cat Avery used to bring home mice or birds, like you’d expect, but recently, he’s brought home a collection of swimming goggles.
Sally, 52, from Bristol, has no idea where the goggles are coming from but he’s managed to pick up eight pairs in three weeks.
She does not live near a swimming pool or leisure centre where goggles could be found and is desperate to return them to their rightful owners.
Mum-of-two Sally said: ‘Since Avery was allowed to go out, he’s always been a hunter – we’ve had mice, frogs and even a baby magpie last year.
‘He’s not afraid of the size of the kill.
‘I found the first pair of goggles in the conservatory where my cats sleep and I thought it was really odd, like where did they come from?
‘I didn’t really take a lot of notice but then there was another pair a few days later.
Sally has been confused by Avery’s antics (Picture: Sally Louise / SWNS.COM)
‘When it got to four pairs, I was talking to my neighbour and they said Avery had brought them a pair as well that they’d found in their garden!
‘He’s now got eight pairs and I just don’t know where they’re coming from, if they’ve come from the same house or from a couple of houses.
‘I’m just bemused by it!’
Sally went to ask all her neighbours and she knew that one of them has a swimming pool but no one had any missing goggles.
Sally added: ‘I’ve been posting in local groups but have had no takers, people just laugh and nobody has come forward to say they’ve had some go missing.
‘They are all children size goggles so I am worried that there could be children out there getting in trouble for losing their goggles.
‘Times are uncertain at the moment so it has been lovely to hear people laughing at the story and knowing Avery has made so many people smile.
‘I do want to return them to the owners – I really don’t want eight pairs of goggles, I have no use for them!’
When Lizzie and her boyfriend couldn’t pick a paint colour, a postwoman offered up her opinion (Picture: SWNS)
Lizzie Pocklington, 26, spent over a month trying to find the perfect colour to repaint her home’s front door.
Help came in an unexpected form: a note through the letterbox, from their local postie.
Lizzie’s jet black door had been sitting with six different colours of tester paint as she tried to figure out which shade was best.
When the postwoman spotted the door and Lizzie’s creative struggle, she decided to help out by scribbling a note, reading: ‘second green up from the bottom of door looks the best’.
She then slid that note through the letterbox – but unfortunately she was too late, as just a few days before receiving the note Lizzie had decided to go with a warm mid-brown shade, London Stone, and had spent £72 on the paint.
Which colour would you choose? (Picture: Lizzie Pocklington / SWNS.COM)
Lizzie, from Nottingham, said: ‘My boyfriend came into the house and said there was a strange message left by the postie.
‘I looked at it and just started howling because the postie had given us feedback because our door was painted with so many different colours.
‘She said she liked the green – which annoyingly was my boyfriend’s favourite colour, which is really gutting.
‘And now I’ve put it on twitter everyone seems to agree with her – so I hope I made the right choice.’
The science teacher said she’s afraid to post the finished product when they paint it this weekend after the feedback she received online.
The note read: ‘2nd green up from bottom of door looks best :)’ (Picture: Lizzie Pocklington / SWNS.COM)
She can’t afford to pay another £72 for a different paint pot regardless, so people will just have to lump it.
She said: ‘Eventually it was getting a bit ridiculous with how long it was taking us so we picked a colour, which was the one I liked.
‘Everyone online is saying I’ve made the wrong choice and she is a postie so she’s a door expert as she’s seen plenty.
‘The postie and Twitter all seem to think green is the colour to go with so I’m scared to post the finished product.
‘I’m just hoping it looks nice now. I don’t want to disappoint the postie the next time she’s round and sees it’s not green.
‘But the note made my day – it just cheered everyone up.’
Lizzie was told by neighbours that the postie was ‘incredibly friendly’ and she hopes to get in touch to show her all the messages she received online.
‘I’m hoping to get in touch with her so I’m going to print out all the lovely comments she got and leave it by the door so she can read them,’ Lizzie added.
‘She’s brilliant and everyone thinks so.
‘It’s just nice to have such a wonderful person in the community.’
Lizzie’s boyfriend Martin said he felt vindicated after pushing for green for months.
The 34-year-old recruiter said: ‘My reaction initially was that I thought the note was telling me to go pick up a parcel from a green door.
‘So I walked around for about five minutes looking for this door and then went home to see if Izzie could help out.
‘When she said it was actually the postie suggesting we paint our door green all I was thinking was “I told you so”.
‘I’d been saying the whole entire time I wanted the door green so I feel really vindicated at the moment.
‘And the tweets all seem to agree with me as well.
‘Plus Izzie has always wanted to go viral, so she can tick this off her bucket list and never bother me about it again.
‘She’s chuffed to bits and I’m happy as well – after a long month I’m happy the door will be painted finally.’
The couple have began stripping down the black paint and hope to have their shiny new door painted by the weekend.
Thankfully Zoe has been able to laugh off the comments (Picture: Kennedy News and Media)
Zoe Highfield, 27, was stunned when she shared incredible before and after pictures on a weight loss group, only to be inundated with comments from trolls claiming the lockdown transformation was fake.
The mum had lost a whopping four dress sizes over the last four months, proudly showing off her new look.
However, commenters claimed she was scamming them with altered images as her tattoos ‘changed sides’ in different photographs.
One commented: ‘Biggest load of sh*t I’ve ever seen reverse photos. People that silly to believe that trash, it’s not how reverse works.’
Another wrote: ‘Some workout. Even the tattoos fell off.’
One commented: ‘Completely different person as hair colour not same and tattoo on arm no longer there.’
Zoe has since hit back at those casting aspersions, assuring them that the weight loss is real and the only reason the tattoos were on different sides sometimes is because the pictures were taken in a mirror.
Residential support worker Zoe, who was a size 16 and is now a size 8-10, was gobsmacked when people claimed the photos were of two different people due to where her tattoos appeared.
Initially taken aback by the hurtful comments, the mum-of-one penned a post to those ‘with the IQ of a mushy pea’.
The ‘faked’ pictures show Zoe’s tattoos on a different side (Picture: Kennedy News and Media)
In a Facebook post reply, she said: ‘Apparently I’m a SCAM and my recent photos aren’t me, I’m a totally different girl.
‘I posted my weight loss journey in a group I’m in and some don’t understand the concept of mirror image.
‘Some photos are taken in the mirror, some in selfie mode and others normally so my tattoos sometimes look like they’re on opposite arms.
‘For those who have the IQ of a mushy f*cking pea you will see below the effect of a mirrored image.
‘Or… am I a mystical witch who can switch her tattoos from arm to arm? I’ll let you decide.’
Zoe, from Wolverhampton, West Midlands, said: ‘It’s been great to see all my hard work pay off, but it was really frustrating having to prove to people that it was me.
‘I got a lot of comments saying it was a totally different girl in the after picture, while others asked if my tattoos ‘fell off’.
‘Someone else said I was a scam – even though I wasn’t selling anything. All I was trying to ‘sell’ was inspiration and motivation for free.
‘It was hurtful at first and I was taken aback that I had to explain that it was me, but then I just laughed it off.’
Zoe hit back in a Facebook post (Picture: Kennedy News and Media)
Zoe, who is mum to four-year-old Cain, shared her story to motivate others on their weight loss journeys, and thankfully can take the comments with a pinch of salt knowing that it doesn’t change what she’s achieved.
The weight was gained after Zoe was prescribed medication for mental health issues, which did improve her mood but increased her appetite and made her crave fatty foods.
Deciding to take matters into her own hands, she’s overhauled her life and says her mental health has seen positive changes as well as her body.
She isn’t weighing herself currently as she says it’s not about a number on a scale, but has noticed her clothes fitting better, her skin getting clearer, and her energy levels growing massively.
Zoe has sessions online with a PT and works out six days a week, following a healthy diet but allowing herself a roast and some pudding on Sundays.
‘I feel like Superwoman,’ she said.
‘I used to live in jogging bottoms and baggy t-shirts as I didn’t want to show off my body.
‘I recently ordered myself loads of new gym stuff online including crop top sets because my confidence went sky high – something I never thought I’d see myself wearing but now live in.
‘I like to put the love out there and I’ve had so many messages asking for advice and from people saying it’s inspired them to work on themselves.
‘The messages are so lovely and really heartwarming, sometimes I want to cry. The positivity has certainly outweighed the bad.’
Zoe's diet change
ZOE’S DIET BEFORE
BREAKFAST: Used to always skip breakfast
LUNCH: Corned beef or ham sandwiches with salad cream, crisps, small chocolate bars x 4, muffin, two small cakes
DINNER: Chinese takeaway – typically chicken chow mein with beef fried rice and chips and gravy. Waffle for dessert.
SNACKS: Crisps, two-litre bottle of Coca Cola
ZOE’S DIET NOW
BREAKFAST: Rice pops with soya milk and banana
LUNCH: Home-made or prepped healthy lunch such as Caribbean-style chicken and sweet potato with veg
Scientists analysed data from Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest (Picture: Bobby Bank/Getty Images)
It’s one of those late-night questions that keeps you up at night despite knowing that the answer is of no consequence whatsoever to your life: How many hot dogs could a person physically eat?
Wonder no more my friends, as science has finally brought us the answer to the seemingly-unanswerable question. That number is 84.
The current world record holder for most hot dogs eaten in one sitting is Joey Chestnut, who managed to scarf down 75 in ten minutes, living up to his ‘Jaws’ nickname.
But scientists have uncovered that Joey still has a way to go before he can defy the laws of physics – nine hot dogs to go if we’re being precise.
The study, published in the journal Biology Letters, analysed 39 years of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest that happens annually at Coney Island in the US.
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is the current hot dog eating world record holder (Picture: Bobby Bank/Getty Images)
Researchers also studied ‘gut capacity and plasticity’ to work out just how many dawgs would fit into a human stomach before causing severe complications.
That doesn’t mean the average person would be able to consume 84, however. This specific study was more focused on the performance aspect, looking at how competitive eaters would fare in a challenge such as this.
They’re looking at the limit of human performance rather than ways you can ruin you family barbecue by powering through the contents of the grill.
James Smoliga, author of the study and professor in the department of physical therapy at High Point University told CNN: ‘The ordinary person would probably run into a stomach capacity issue.
‘But competitive eaters specifically train to expand their stomachs, so for top competitive eaters, it’s probably more the chewing and eating within a time frame that limits it.’
Suddenly your deposit might not be enough (Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)
With the introduction of lockdown, the housing market stopped and there’s been a level on uncertainty ever since.
Although viewings and sales are now allowed, the landscape looks very different to this time last year.
The biggest issue for those wanting to get on the property ladder is the lack of high loan-to-value (LTV mortgages). For example, if you only have a 5% deposit, you need a 95% LTV mortgage and if you have 10% you need a 90% mortgage.
But most mortgage lenders are asking for a minimum of 15% right now.
If you were planning to buy this year, you might suddenly find that you need to save a bigger deposit to get a mortgage, but after years for saving for 5% or 10% of a property, finding the extra sounds almost impossible.
The government announced a cut in stamp duty for properties up to £500,000 last week, but first time buyers already had relief up to £300,000 so it will only help those spending over that.
But there are some specialist schemes and mortgages to help first time buyers get on the ladder.
They can be confusing and complicated so it’s best to do lots of reading to figure out what is best for you.
Help to Buy
Help to Buy is probably the best known scheme to help people get on the property ladder.
The idea is that the government gives a loan of 20% outside London or 40% in London and you need a minimum deposit of 5%.
Alex Winn, mortgage broker at Habito, the online mortgage company said explains: ‘The Government’s Help to Buy Scheme is still possible if you can also meet the other criteria for getting a standard mortgage.
‘Once the Government loan of up to 20% of the property value (40% in London) is included, it means you’ll need to qualify for a standard mortgage for the remaining amount – so either 55% or 75% of the value of the home.’
There are a few stipulations – you must be buying a new build property with a price tag of up to £600,000.
The loan from the government will be interest free for the first five years and then you will have to start paying interest on the amount your borrowed.
You must be able to afford a monthly fee and interest payments, must not currently own any other property or enter a part exhanged deal on your old home and once you’ve bought the property, you cannot sublet or rent it.
Currently, the scheme is due to end for those who have previously owned a home in March 2021.
First-time buyers will be able to use it until 2023, with lower, regional property price caps, but there have been calls for the government to extend it further because of the anticipated housing market crash.
Shared Ownership is another government scheme but it works in a different way.
The idea is that you buy a share of the property and you pay rent to a housing association on the rest.
The minimum share is 25%. It is open to non-home owners, including first time buyers and those who have previously owned a home (but do not currently).
You only need a deposit on the share you are buying so if your deposit is now too low to buy outright, it may be enough to get an 85% mortgage on a share of a property.
You can later buy more of the property through staircasing and although you will pay some rent, some of your money will go towards a mortgage each month.
To be eligible, you need to have a household income below £80,000 and £90,000 if you are buying in London.
Shared Ownership is only available on certain properties owned by housing associations and they are usually new builds.
It can be more difficult when it comes to selling your share as the housing association is given a set amount of time to sell it before you can sell it yourself privately through or through an estate agent of your choice.
Although you pay rent on the property, all maintenance is up to you, so you’ll need to keep a little in reserve in case you need to fix something as you won’t be able to turn to your landlord.
Alex from Habito adds that with higher deposits needed, people are more likely to rely on family support.
He says: ‘Something we could start seeing more of in response to lack of available low-deposit mortgages, is the Bank of Mum and Dad increasing their cash gift contributions.
‘By gifting more funds to get to a deposit of 15% or more of the value of the home, parents who can afford to, can give their children a greater chance of getting access to better rates, being accepted by a lender, and getting on the ladder at this time.
‘Unfortunately, this means that the gap between those that can rely on parental or grandparent financial support for home-buying will continue to widen. This supported group of residential buyers will be able to make the most of competitive interest rates for higher deposit mortgages, and savings from the stamp duty holiday.’
But families can still help, even if they cannot give extra funds.
Some places are offering guarantor mortgages where parents can link income for their children.
Alex adds: ‘Lenders like Bank of Ireland and others offer guarantor mortgages that allow parents to help their children by linking their income.
‘The parent acts as a sponsor but doesn’t have to be listed on the deeds, and it effectively makes the mortgage a 85% loan (or 15% deposit). However, if the homeowner misses a mortgage repayment, the bank can go to the parents (or sponsor) for the missing monies.’
Keep saving
Despite the difficult market right now, Alex says that there are fewer high LTV mortgages than before, but they are coming back
Alex Winn, mortgage broker at Habito, the online mortgage company said:
He said: ‘Things are changing all the time. Today, Nationwide and Coventry Bank announced they are launching new 90% loans in the coming days. However, these deals are subject to certain criteria.
‘In the case of Nationwide, to get this deal you can’t be furloughed or buying a new-build, or buying a flat – it has to be home, of at least 2 years old. The mortgage also has to be for a maximum term of 25 years, but many first-time mortgages now opt for 30 years to make their monthly repayments more affordable.
‘We don’t yet know what rates these lenders will charge, but rates for low deposit mortgages have been going up in recent weeks.‘
Although you might be eager to move, it might be best to wait, save some more money and reassess the market in a few months time.
If you want more tips and tricks on saving money, as well as chat about cash and alerts on deals and discounts, join our Facebook Group, Money Pot.
The random trend is growing (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
A brilliant new Instagram trend is just the tonic the world needs right now.
Over the past week, a number of ‘what _ you are’ accounts have popped up on the platform – each one dedicated to a different topic, be it birds, dogs or sandwiches.
The idea behind them is that users can find their own name and a random image that resembles it.
It’s basically the same premise as looking for your name on a holiday souvenir – except the 2020 update is that it’s Instagram photos instead of keychains, mugs and magnets.
Those who can’t find their own names can send a direct message to the account owners, to get their own images made.
As the trend continues to grow, many accounts are using their growing exposure to raise money for various charities – offering a personalised image for a donation.
These are the accounts which should be on your radar…
@what_image_are_you
Who knew something so simple could be so entertaining?
Whether it’s a Furby in a microwave, a woman wearing prawn heads for nails or a frog riding a squirrel – there’s no doubt your random image will go above and beyond expectations.
One thing to note is there’s a plethora of animal-related ‘what are you?’ accounts – but this is one of the biggest.
It’s been set up by self-confessed ‘Frog Queen’ Joie Parma, who has racked up a staggering 202,000 followers since launching less than a week ago.
Joie tells Metro.co.uk: ‘I created the account just for fun when I saw the @what_cat_you_are page.
‘I began with my friend’s names and had no idea that it would reach so many other people, because at the time I was one of a few spin-offs of the cat account.’
To save people time, Joie has even made a spreadsheet so users can easily find their names.
Melissa M, founder of @whatbirdyouare, tells Metro.co.uk why she set up the intriguing account.
She says: ‘I started on a Friday night because I was bored with my boyfriend. I was also procrastinating preparing for part two of a big job interview that was coming up, because I was so nervous.
‘I picked birds because there are so many different types of birds and I feel like they’re so underrated.
‘During my Google searches of bird images I’ve learned so much about them, especially what lovable pets they can make.’
This account brings your name to life in Simpson form – but the characters are all engaging in some pretty rogue activities, which makes it all the more fun.
New research suggests eating oily fish could protect against cognitive decline (Picture: Getty Images)
If you live in a city, you might want to load up your plate with salmon, sardines and mackerel.
Eating these types of oily fish could protect your brain from the damaging effects of air pollution, new research claims.
It’s thought that the omega-3 fats in oily fish can stave off cognitive decline caused by fumes from transport and industry.
Researchers gave 1,315 women with an average age of 70 – all of whom did not have dementia – questionnaires asking about diet, physical activity and medical history.
They also tracked the amount of fish each woman consumed, including broiled or baked fish, canned tuna, tuna salad, tuna casserole, and shellfish.
Fried fish was not included, because deep frying can damage omega-3 fatty acids.
Blood tests measured the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their red cells. The women were then divided into four groups based on their omega-3 fatty acids .
Home addresses were used to work out their three-year average exposure to air pollution.
Participants then underwent MRI scans to measure white matter and the hippocampus – the part associated with memory.
Those with the most omega-3 fatty acids had more white matter than those with the least – 410 cubic centimetres (cm3) compared to 403 cm3.
(Picture: Getty Images)
For each 25% increase in air pollution, the average volume of white matter was 11.52 cm3 smaller among women with lower levels of omega-3 acids, while for those with higher levels of omega-3 acids, white matter was only 0.12 cm3 smaller, suggesting the consumption of fish has a protective effect.
Women with the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood also had greater volumes of the hippocampus.
This was after taking into account other factors that could affect brain shrinkage including age, education and smoking.
It’s suggested that these results show eating oily fish could reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Lead author Dr Ka Kahe, of Columbia University in New York, said: ‘Fish are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and easy to add to the diet.
‘Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to fight inflammation and maintain brain structure in ageing brains.
“‘hey have also been found to reduce brain damage caused by neurotoxins like lead and mercury.
‘So we explored if omega-3 fatty acids have a protective effect against another neurotoxin – the fine particulate matter found in air pollution.”
Dr Kahe said: ‘Our findings suggest higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood from fish consumption may preserve brain volume as women age and possibly protect against the potential toxic effects of air pollution.’
The researchers are keen to note that the study only found a link between brain volume and eating fish, not a clear cause and effect relationship.
Don’t go too heavy on the fish just yet – more research is needed – but if you do fancy adding a portion of oily fish to your week’s shopping, that’s a good plan.
Dr Kahe added: ‘It’s important to note our study only found an association between brain volume and eating fish.
‘It does not prove that eating fish preserves brain volume. And since separate studies have found some species of fish may contain environmental toxins, it’s important to talk to a doctor about what types of fish to eat before adding more fish to your diet.’
Jodie’s bathroom before and after the makeover (Picture: Jodie Berry)
Giving your interiors a refresh doesn’t require a load of time and money.
Sometimes just a few changes can make a big difference.
Take note from Jodie Berry, 28, who managed to transform her bathroom with a sleek Scandi theme with just a couple of tweaks – and for only £80.
Jodie, an eyelash technician from Neston, took inspiration from Pinterest and bought budget supplies from Ikea and Homebase, adding new floor tiles and simple accessories to revamp the space.
She told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk: ‘My bathroom was really dark and dull and there was no colour. It didn’t feel fresh at all.
‘I love Scandinavian interiors and I also love lots of greenery and botanical themes.
‘Whenever I have an idea I’ll always head over to Pinterest and search things like “Scandinavian bathroom” or “botanical bathroom” to get different tips and tricks.
The addition of new stick-on floor tiles, plants, and accessories totally transforms the space (Picture: Jodie Berry)
‘There’s so many DIY tricks on there that you can make with things you’ve probably already got in your house.
‘I think having lots of greenery can make a room feel really fresh and clean. My partner Mike and I used self-adhesive floor tiles from Homebase for the floor.
‘We just came across them by chance and I knew I had to have them when I saw them. The little basket was also from Homebase and the bamboo accessories and plants were from Ikea.
‘I love anything bamboo and wicker. I think it gives a real fresh, earthy feel to the room, especially when put together with lots of plants.
We love the plants (Picture: Jodie Berry)
‘The whole room all together cost around £80. I rummaged through my airing cupboard to find some little flannels to roll up just for a little cute added touch.
‘The floor tiles were £12 each and we bought three boxes from Homebase, the baskets were also from Homebase for £15, the soap decanter and toothbrush holder were £7 each from Ikea, the plant hanger was £4.50 and the plant was £6, and they were both from Ikea.’
Jodie is ecstatic with the end result and says the DIY project helped to pass the time in lockdown.
‘Little projects like this around the house have hugely helped me during lockdown, as I haven’t been able to work since March so it has given me a focus,’ she said.
Even the flannels look fancy, just by rolling them up (Picture: Jodie Berry)
To others keen to do up their homes on a budget, Jodie advises looking around budget stores and DIY guides for dupes of the pricey items you might spot on Pinterest.
‘I love to go on apps like Pinterest and create boards of ideas and DIY projects and discover things I can make from something like an empty tin,’ she explains.
‘Whilst it has been more challenging to shop during lockdown I have been doing a lot more shopping at online stores like ebay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace.
‘Ebay has a really good range of cheap flooring styles which will be delivered and Facebook Marketplace can offer contactless doorstep collections, and most people will usually deliver for an extra couple of pounds.
Jodie says she was grateful for the project in lockdown (Picture: Jodie Berry)
‘The room was just so dark and dull before and now it feels so bright and fresh. It’s amazing what a fresh floor can do and a couple of plants. The room has been transformed, with a few very small changes.
‘I love cheap home stores like Home Bargains, B&M, IKEA and Homesense. They have such a good range of purse-friendly home accessories. I always tend to buy faux plants as they’re a lot cheaper than real and they’re zero maintenance.
‘I also love Facebook Marketplace to find a bargain, and a lot of the time you can pick up free things from there too. I always really enjoy hunting for the best bargain.’
If you want more tips and tricks on saving money, as well as chat about cash and alerts on deals and discounts, join our Facebook Group, Money Pot.
