Philippa Roxby

Flip-flops are not inherently harmful to foot health, according to podiatrist Helen Branthwaite, but problems can arise when people switch abruptly from restrictive shoes or wear unsupportive styles for long periods. Supportive sandals, wooden clogs, orthopedic footwear and wedge shoes may offer better comfort, while minimalist barefoot shoes should be introduced gradually. Experts also advise checking the sole and materials, avoiding long walks in poorly supportive footwear, moisturizing the feet and having shoe size measured regularly.

Parents share strategies for encouraging fussy children to eat, including serving vegetables in different forms, offering choices, modelling healthy eating, and keeping portions manageable. Experts note that repeated exposure helps children adapt to new foods and that most picky habits improve over time. Structured routines, balanced snacks, and involving children in food preparation or selection can make mealtimes more successful.

Parents share strategies to help children overcome fussy eating, including altering how vegetables are served, offering choices, avoiding pressure to finish meals and repeatedly introducing new foods. Consistent routines, family mealtimes, appropriate portion sizes and pairing snacks with healthier options are advised. Health organisations note that fussy eating is common, usually temporary and may require medical attention only when eating becomes restrictive.

A new high‑intensity ultrasound technique was used in London to stop abnormal blood flow between identical twins affected by Twin‑to‑Twin Transfusion Syndrome, avoiding invasive surgery. The non‑surgical method successfully treated most cases in an initial trial, with 12 of 20 babies surviving. Researchers at UK medical institutions say larger studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. The mother involved says her twins recovered well and are now healthy four‑year‑olds preparing for school.

A high‑powered ultrasound procedure was successfully used to treat twin‑to‑twin transfusion syndrome in early pregnancy, avoiding invasive surgery by sealing problematic placental blood vessels. The experimental method rebalanced blood flow in affected twins, with 12 of 20 babies in the trial surviving and no adverse side‑effects reported. Researchers from London hospitals called the results promising but stressed the need for larger studies. The treatment enabled Brioney Garrett’s twins to be born healthy and thrive, highlighting the technique’s potential to improve outcomes for high‑risk identical twin pregnancies.

A new non‑invasive treatment using high‑powered ultrasound successfully sealed problematic blood vessels in pregnancies affected by twin‑to‑twin transfusion syndrome, improving survival prospects for identical twins without requiring surgery. In a small trial, 12 of 20 babies survived, and half the pregnancies required further intervention. Researchers from Imperial College and Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital say larger studies are needed, while families involved report positive outcomes, with treated twins showing balanced blood flow and good health at birth.

High temperatures reduce appetite and make cooking less appealing, leading nutrition experts to recommend lighter, easier‑to‑digest foods and minimal‑heat cooking methods. Protein needs do not increase during heatwaves, and ready‑to‑eat or lightly cooked options like pre‑cooked meats, yoghurts, beans and fish are encouraged. Hydration should come from both drinks and water‑rich foods such as fruit and vegetables, with urine colour providing a simple indicator of fluid levels. Warm drinks can help regulate body temperature by increasing sweating, while excessive caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration. Adjusting meal timing to avoid the hottest part of the day can also help manage heat stress.

High temperatures reduce appetite and make cooking less appealing, prompting guidance on how to adapt eating habits during heatwaves. Protein intake does not need to increase, and lighter, easier‑to‑digest foods and energy‑efficient cooking methods such as air fryers and slow cookers can help reduce added heat. Hydration needs rise with temperature, making water‑rich foods and adequate liquid intake important, with urine colour serving as a useful indicator. Warm drinks can still aid cooling by promoting faster sweating, though excessive caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration. Adjusting daily routines, including earlier meals and rest during peak heat, can further ease discomfort.