Neil Shaw

The Portfolio Diet may reduce LDL cholesterol by combining nuts, plant proteins, viscous soluble fibre and plant sterols rather than requiring people to eliminate large numbers of foods. Controlled research has found reductions of about 28% to 35%, although results in everyday settings are generally more modest. Suggested changes include adding beans, lentils, oats, barley, fruit and nuts to familiar meals. The approach should complement, not replace, prescribed cholesterol-lowering treatment, and people with high cholesterol should seek medical advice; plant sterol intake should not exceed 3 grams per day.

Rising living costs are prompting parents to change how they prepare for the school year. A SHEIN survey found that 92% believe back-to-school shopping is more expensive than two years ago, while 82% say cost pressures have changed their purchasing habits. Many parents compare prices online, shop across multiple channels and begin buying in early August to spread costs, with shoes most likely to be replaced and backpacks most likely to be reused. The findings coincide with Office for National Statistics data showing that 79% of adults reported higher living costs in May 2026.

More than half of drivers aged 65 and over say they would not pass a driving test if required to retake it, with the theory test cited as the main concern. Research by First Response Finance found that older drivers nevertheless performed strongly in recognising road signs, while many drivers of all ages struggled with Highway Code questions. The findings come as the UK Government considers mandatory eyesight tests for drivers aged 70 and over. Motoring expert Jonathan Such said older drivers are not necessarily unsafe but may need to refresh their knowledge of updated rules and guidance.

Nearly half of surveyed people worked through illness during the summer, often because of workload, concerns about lost pay or fear of being judged. Many reported reduced productivity and worsening symptoms, while half feared entering autumn tired or run down. NHS GP and Vista Health Chief Medical Officer Dr Reem Hasan advises people to recognise persistent symptoms, attend delayed appointments and screenings, protect their mental wellbeing, make gradual lifestyle changes and support others, particularly those under pressure or with long-term conditions.

UKHSA data shows that new STI diagnoses in England fell 8.3% in 2025, with declines in chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and genital warts, but first-episode genital herpes increased 3.1% to 28,779 cases. Doctor Paul Gross explains that herpes is lifelong, can spread without visible symptoms and may be difficult to recognise. Condoms reduce but cannot eliminate transmission because uncovered skin can remain exposed. Experts advise testing after potential exposure, seeking prompt medical attention for sores or blisters, and avoiding firm conclusions that declining condom use directly caused the rise in herpes cases.

Disabled bus pass holders in England will be able to travel free at any time from April 2027 after the government removes weekday time restrictions. The £60 million cost will come from existing budgets, with £40 million provided by the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million by the Department for Transport. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the change would improve access to work, education and healthcare and ease cost-of-living pressures. Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon welcomed the move after campaigning for it, while the Conservative Party criticized it as a reshuffling of departmental budgets and questioned how the government would fund its wider policy commitments.

Fresher, more unsettled weather is expected across parts of the UK after weeks of extreme heat, with rain and possible thunderstorms becoming more likely as the jet stream moves south and low pressure takes hold. A yellow heat health alert remains in place for the South East, South West and London until Tuesday morning. The recent heatwave produced the UK’s hottest temperature of the year, 38.1°C in Kew Gardens, while dry conditions have contributed to serious wildfires in areas including the West Midlands and South Wales. Fire services have dealt with numerous incidents and unusually high call volumes, and a Hackney man has been charged with arson over several small fires.

Tesco is launching a temporary “Back From Holiday Shop” in the baggage hall at London Southend Airport on July 29, giving selected easyJet holidays passengers arriving between noon and 5pm complimentary bags of household groceries and toiletries. The bags include tea, milk, bread, beans, cheese, fruit, vegetables, biscuits, detergent and aloe vera body lotion. The promotion responds to research about frustrations with returning to an empty fridge and includes 10 £250 Instagram vouchers plus a £1,500 easyJet holidays giveaway.

ENT consultant Sanjay Verma explains that aeroplane ear occurs when pressure in the middle ear fails to equalise during take-off and landing, often because of colds, allergies, sinus congestion or earwax. Swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, gently performing the Valsalva manoeuvre, staying awake during descent and using pressure-regulating earplugs may help prevent or relieve symptoms. Travellers with persistent pain, hearing reduction or fullness lasting more than a few days should seek medical advice, particularly to check for treatable causes such as earwax buildup.

Research from Petgevity indicates that one in nine dog owners lack insurance or sufficient savings for veterinary treatment, and some have reportedly euthanised pets because they could not afford care. Average large veterinary bills are said to have reached £1,172, while conditions such as IVDD, hip dysplasia, epilepsy and spinal disorders can cost thousands of pounds, particularly in breeds including Dachshunds, Labradors and French Bulldogs. Veterinarian Dr Emma Chandley explains that serious inherited and congenital conditions often emerge when dogs are young, while finance expert Holly Mead says rising vet bills and stagnant wages have widened the affordability gap. Owners are urged to consider pet insurance carefully, including coverage for pre-existing conditions, mid-contract limits and upper age restrictions.

Liver disease can cause visible eye changes before more familiar symptoms appear, according to consultant eye surgeon Allon Barsam. Yellowing of the whites of the eyes, yellow cholesterol deposits around the eyelids, brownish-gold rings linked to copper buildup, and persistent dryness may signal liver problems. Because liver disease accounts for more than 85,000 hospital admissions annually in England and early treatment can improve outcomes, people noticing these changes are advised to consult a GP or optician.

Free bus travel for children aged 5 to 15 will be available across most of England from August 1 to 31 under a government initiative aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. The scheme requires no registration or travel pass and complements the existing £3 bus fare cap for adults. TfL services and some operators, along with long-distance and tourist routes, are excluded. Government and tourism officials say the measure will help families travel affordably and explore destinations during the summer.

The UK’s medicines regulator warns travelers that many medicines lose effectiveness when exposed to high temperatures and should not be stored in hot environments such as luggage or parked cars. People are urged to follow storage instructions, keep medicines in cool and dry places, and seek advice from pharmacists if drugs may have been damaged. Additional guidance is available through the MHRA and its Yellow Card reporting scheme.

A new government scheme launching on July 21 will provide households using heating oil or LPG with grants of up to £9,000 to install electric heat pumps, supplementing existing £7,500 grants for replacing other fossil fuel systems. The initiative follows rising home‑heating fuel prices linked to the war in Iran and precedes further expected measures from Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reduce electricity‑based heating costs. Eligibility applies to off‑grid homeowners in England and Wales with valid EPCs, and applications must be made through MCS‑registered installers, with the grant deducted directly from installation costs.

The Body Shop marks its 50th anniversary with the Grow Wild campaign, celebrating women who confidently assert their individuality. Four public figures—Jameela Jamil, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Ashley James and Paloma Faith—endorse the initiative, each emphasising empowerment, authenticity and self-expression. The brand highlights its long‑standing values and introduces updated versions of its popular Body Butters, made with Community Fair Trade ingredients.

Updated RSHE lessons for 14- and 15-year-olds will include guidance on the criminality of strangulation during sex and address issues such as consent, boundaries, toxic behaviours and the influence of misogynistic online cultures. Oak National Academy created the materials to support schools ahead of new statutory guidance starting in September. Government officials and academy leaders emphasise the need to counter harmful myths and equip teachers to handle sensitive discussions effectively.

Patients considering the new oral Wegovy semaglutide pill are warned about strict usage rules, potential side effects and the risk of counterfeit products. Pharmacist Hira Malik highlights challenges such as needing to avoid food, coffee and other medications for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet, and stresses that switching from injections requires professional guidance. The low absorption rate of the pill, ongoing side-effect risks and the potential for fake versions increase the need for proper assessment and monitoring. Safe prescribing, patient support and adherence to care plans remain essential for effective treatment.

An adult with an underlying immunological condition has died from measles as confirmed cases in England reach 883 this year, with most occurring in children under 10 and more than half in London. Health authorities are urging vaccination amid a nationwide catch‑up campaign targeting families of children who missed MMR doses. Vaccination rates remain below recommended levels, and the UK has lost its measles‑elimination status following stagnating coverage and rising infections.

New guidance on single-sex spaces under the Equality Act is expected to require updates to nearly 13,000 toilets, more than 5,000 changing rooms and thousands of signs across Britain, with implementation costs estimated at £703 million over ten years. The revisions confirm services must be used based on biological sex, following a 2025 Supreme Court ruling, prompting anticipated construction, cleaning and policy updates. Government departments, the EHRC and advocacy groups present differing views on financial impact and inclusivity, while officials emphasise that many providers may already comply and that required changes could be minimal.

A government-commissioned interim review led by Sir Stephen Timms concludes that the Personal Independence Payment system is widely valued but no longer functions as intended, prompting plans for bold reforms. Claimants describe the current assessment process as dehumanising, with feedback from tens of thousands showing widespread dissatisfaction. Rising numbers of claimants, particularly those with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions, prompt questions about whether current assessments remain appropriate. Charities and advocacy groups support reform while urging that changes remain humane, practical and co-produced. The final recommendations are due in autumn, with ministers insisting that any future system must be fair, trusted and fit for the future.

Proposed veterinary sector reforms would introduce an independent ombudsman, mandatory licensing, regulatory oversight, and a £21 cap on written prescription fees. Practices would be required to publish price lists and provide clearer treatment options, supported by a comparison website and an enhanced Find a Vet service. Officials from multiple government bodies back the overhaul as necessary to improve transparency, accountability, and affordability for pet owners while modernizing outdated regulation.

A Farnham man who struggled with heavy drug and alcohol binges transformed his life after meeting his partner and committing to sobriety in October 2024. Over 20 months he lost three stone, adopted a consistent gym routine, improved his diet and overall health, and credits the lifestyle change with stabilising his relationships, finances and mental wellbeing. He now shares his sobriety journey to encourage others seeking recovery.

Health officials are urging around one million families in England to ensure their children receive missed MMR/V vaccinations following two child deaths and more than 800 measles cases this year. The NHS has launched a catch‑up campaign targeting parents of children aged two to eleven through GPs and digital contact. Officials warn measles and other childhood illnesses remain dangerous but preventable, citing declining vaccination rates and the UK’s loss of measles‑elimination status. The campaign runs until March to boost immunisation and reduce future outbreaks.

A UK version of the Powerball lottery will launch on July 21, allowing players to compete alongside US participants for uncapped jackpots that can reach billions. Operated by Allwyn in partnership with the Multi-State Lottery Association, the game includes UK‑specific prize tiers and is expected to raise around £1 billion for good causes over five years. Draws will occur three times a week, with tickets priced at £4 and available online and in stores, and the first draw scheduled for July 23 if the jackpot continues rolling.

The Government will expand free breakfast clubs to 1,400 additional schools from September, with more than 680,000 children expected to benefit and families potentially saving up to £450 a year. New limits on branded school uniforms aim to reduce costs for parents, while an early years funding consultation proposes directing more support to disadvantaged two-year-olds. Summer holiday measures include reduced VAT on children’s meals and entertainment tickets, and free bus travel for children in August. The expansion of family hubs continues, with a target of 1,000 by 2028 to provide early support and reduce household costs.