Neil Shaw

The Portfolio Diet may reduce LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol by roughly 28% to 35% under strict research conditions, though reductions in everyday settings are generally more modest. It combines nuts, plant proteins, viscous soluble fibre and plant sterols rather than requiring people to eliminate large groups of foods. Suggested changes include adding beans or lentils, choosing porridge, eating nuts and berries, and replacing some refined foods or saturated-fat-rich options. The approach should complement rather than replace prescribed cholesterol medication, and plant sterol intake should follow product instructions and remain below 3 grams per day.

Research by the National Film and Television School and Perspectus Global found that people increasingly regard being well-watched as an indicator of taste, intelligence and social awareness. Nearly half of UK respondents said discussing iconic films and television shows helps with socialising, while many regularly discuss what they watch with friends and family. The survey identified 30 culturally important films and series, led by The Godfather, The Matrix and Game of Thrones, and found that habits such as quoting dialogue, rewatching films and using multiple streaming platforms are associated with being well-watched. The NFTS also stressed the importance of diverse voices and accessible routes into screen careers.

A holiday at TUI BLUE Kalamota Island near Dubrovnik can serve as a base for day trips to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina without changing flights, hotels or luggage arrangements. TUI Musement excursions typically include visits to Kotor and Perast in Montenegro, and Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with quoted prices starting at around £40 to £70 per person.

Greene King is reviewing around 65 predominantly drink-focused pubs for sale as part of a broader restructuring of its estate. The venues may be sold individually, in groups or as a portfolio, and no closures have been announced. The review follows a March plan under which about 300 managed pubs were identified for alternative operating models: roughly half may move to leased, tenanted or franchised arrangements, while about 150 are being evaluated for potential sale. Greene King says proceeds would be reinvested in its core estate; the company operates around 2,500 pubs and recently reported higher revenue and adjusted operating profit.

People taking sertraline and other commonly prescribed medicines are advised to take extra precautions during hot weather, particularly between 11am and 3pm. The medication should not be stopped without consulting a GP or pharmacist, but patients should drink water regularly, avoid direct sunlight, keep cool, wear loose clothing and watch for dizziness, headaches, confusion, excessive sweating, thirst or faintness. Sertraline may affect temperature regulation and increase sweating, while other medicines such as diuretics, some blood-pressure drugs and antipsychotics can also raise the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.

Experts highlight that all-inclusive holidays offer substantial added value beyond food and drink, with activities such as Pilates, padel, canoeing and children’s programmes often included and worth around £800 if purchased separately. Research from TUI shows many travellers overlook these perks, even as demand for activity‑rich resorts increases. The company is expanding its offerings with new wellness and sports options, including Sunrise Pilates and pickleball events, to improve value for families seeking cost‑effective entertainment while abroad.

Temperatures across the UK are set to fall slightly after an extended heatwave marked by 28 days above 30C and the longest rain‑free spell in parts of England this century. Heavy holiday traffic is expected as millions begin summer getaways, with the RAC predicting one of the busiest weekends on record. Prolonged hot, dry conditions have increased wildfire risk, with incidents significantly higher than in recent years. Authorities are urging the public to reduce fire risks and conserve water as reservoir levels drop to below-average levels, with several classified as notably or exceptionally low. No drought has been declared, but drought response activity is increasing ahead of a National Drought Group meeting on July 20.

A Harvard-trained doctor identifies eight inexpensive, everyday foods that may help slow ageing, citing scientific links to longevity, metabolic health and skin health. The recommended items include extra virgin olive oil, fatty fish, berries, green tea, nuts, fermented foods like yoghurt and kefir, cruciferous vegetables and black coffee. He also notes eggs as beneficial for mitigating blue light effects and supporting overall health.

A Cardiff couple moved to the remote, largely off‑grid island of Ynys Enlli to serve as wardens for holiday properties, exchanging their urban lifestyle for sustainable living among a population of four. Their duties include maintaining historic cottages, managing gardens and adapting to limited resources such as rainwater and solar power. The change has reduced living expenses significantly, allowing them to save while embracing a slower pace of life and new skills. They plan to stay on the island for several years before relocating in the future.

A two‑year programme combining regular supervised exercise and an affordable brain‑healthy diet improved memory, executive function and processing speed in adults aged 60 to 77 at risk of dementia in a trial conducted across 12 Latin American countries. Participants followed structured activities that included culturally tailored exercise such as salsa dancing, personalised dietary guidance and cognitive training, while a control group received only general health advice. Results indicate that coordinated non‑pharmacological interventions can deliver measurable cognitive benefits across diverse settings, according to findings published in The Lancet.

A Which? investigation found 150 unsafe baby products, including self-feeders, sleep pillows and sleeping bags, being sold across major online marketplaces despite known safety risks flagged by UK regulators. Platforms such as Amazon, eBay, AliExpress and TikTok removed the items after being alerted, while Wish did not respond. The products violated OPSS safety alerts related to choking, suffocation and overheating hazards. Which? criticised marketplaces for failing to prevent dangerous items from reaching consumers and called for stronger safety enforcement.