Bright-eyed, full of smiles and often wearing something sparkly and fabulous, she spends most of her days chatting to customers in the Walton-on-Thames clothing shop where she works.
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Swapping cigarettes for vapes does not put users ‘at risk of serious harm’ – is the surprising conclusion of a major review into e-cigarette safety.
Daily habits could increase your dementia risk (Image: Getty)
Around a quarter of UK adults over the age of 40 cannot name any habits or health conditions that increase their risk of dementia, according to new research by the Alzheimer’s Society. The study indicates that millions of Brits lack the knowledge to take effective steps to reduce their risk of developing the disease. It estimates that close to one million people in the UK are living with dementia, with around a third living without a formal diagnosis.
That figure is expected to increase to around 1.4 million by 2040, with the Alzheimer’s Society sharing the everyday habits and health conditions that increase a person’s risk of developing dementia. It comes as a poll of 1,393 people in the UK, conducted on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society, found that 26% could not name a single risk factor.
Everyday lifestyle choices and habits that are known to increase a person’s risk of dementia include:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Infrequent social interaction.
Meanwhile, other factors and health conditions that could increase a person’s risk of dementia include:
- Air pollution
- Obesity
- Head injury
- Hypertension
- Vision loss
- Diabetes
- Less education
- Depression
- Hearing impairment
- High cholesterol.
The research found that fewer than a third (32%) of people knew that high blood pressure could increase their dementia risk.
Smoking is among the habits that increase a person’s risk of developing dementia (Image: Getty)
Michelle Dyson, chief executive at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “These new findings show that many people are not aware of the factors they can influence to help reduce their risk of developing dementia, the UK’s biggest killer.
“As a result, millions of people are missing the chance to take simple steps today that could help protect their brain health tomorrow, from getting their hearing checked to managing their blood pressure.
“By helping people to understand their risks and the actions they can take, we have a meaningful opportunity to reduce the number of people affected by dementia in the future.”
Professor Ian Maidment, a professor in clinical pharmacy at Aston University, said: “Many people understandably live in fear of dementia.
“But there are many things that we can do to reduce the risk of dementia, including exercise, not smoking, alcohol in moderation and managing diseases such as high blood pressure and raised cholesterol.
“The key message is: what is good for the heart is good for the head. This message needs to be communicated in accessible ways to a diverse audience; social media has a key role.”
David Thomas, head of policy and public affairs at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said that the research highlights a gap in knowledge around dementia in Britain.
“The question is no longer whether awareness is too low – that’s been established,” he said. “But what can be done to help people understand how to keep their brains healthy and reduce their risk of dementia.
“We are calling on the Government to introduce a national dementia risk reduction campaign delivered through the NHS, so people can access clear, evidence-based information about protecting their brain health.”
Over 40,000 more people died on the hottest days in England between 1988 and 2025 than would be expected, according to data published by the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday.
The figures do not include this summer, when England has sweltered under a succession of heatwaves and is on track to record its highest ever number of heat-related deaths. The UK Health Security Agency announced on 30 July that an estimated 2,877 people had died in the May and June heatwaves alone. The total is almost double the figure for the whole summer in 2025.
The number of people dying prematurely due to high temperatures is expected to rise further as the climate crisis caused by the burning of fossil fuels continues to push up temperatures and the population ages. Elderly people, as well as children and the unwell, are particularly vulnerable to heat. The heat in 2027 will be further exacerbated by the super El Niño weather system now building in the Pacific Ocean.
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Emergency departments in England’s hospitals have experienced their busiest period ever this summer, with almost 2.5 million patients attending A&E each month in May, June and July and the heat cited as a main reason. Nurses were collapsing during shifts amid “inhumane and impossible” conditions caused by extreme heat, their union warned earlier in August.
London had the highest number of deaths attributable to the hottest temperatures, the ONS said. The London ambulance service has dealt with 25,000 more calls this summer than last, surpassing the record number seen during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Historically, more deaths in England were associated with the coldest temperatures than the hottest. There were 139,000 deaths associated with the coldest days between 1988 and 2025, according to the ONS data. However, the agency said: “The proportion of deaths associated with the hottest days has increased in recent years, and the gap between heat- and cold-related deaths is narrowing.”
In continental Europe, at least 35,000 more people died during the baking-hot summer than would normally be expected, according to figures available so far from barely half the continent.
The heatwave that scorched western Europe in late June was the most severe and widespread ever recorded and was only possible due to the climate crisis driven by fossil fuel burning, scientists found. The World Health Organization said in May that heat-related mortality in its European region had increased by more than 30% over the past 20 years.
Rising global heat kills one person a minute around the world, according to a major report published by the Lancet in October.
More details soon …
Over 40,000 more people died on the hottest days in England between 1988 and 2025 than would be expected, according to data published by the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday.
The figures do not include this summer, when England has sweltered under a succession of heatwaves and is on track to record its highest ever number of heat-related deaths. The UK Health Security Agency announced on 30 July that an estimated 2,877 people had died in the May and June heatwaves alone. The total is almost double the figure for the whole summer in 2025.
The number of people dying prematurely due to high temperatures is expected to rise further as the climate crisis caused by the burning of fossil fuels continues to push up temperatures and the population ages. Elderly people, as well as children and the unwell, are particularly vulnerable to heat. The heat in 2027 will be further exacerbated by the super El Niño weather system now building in the Pacific Ocean.
after newsletter promotion
Emergency departments in England’s hospitals have experienced their busiest period ever this summer, with almost 2.5 million patients attending A&E each month in May, June and July and the heat cited as a main reason. Nurses were collapsing during shifts amid “inhumane and impossible” conditions caused by extreme heat, their union warned earlier in August.
London had the highest number of deaths attributable to the hottest temperatures, the ONS said. The London ambulance service has dealt with 25,000 more calls this summer than last, surpassing the record number seen during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Historically, more deaths in England were associated with the coldest temperatures than the hottest. There were 139,000 deaths associated with the coldest days between 1988 and 2025, according to the ONS data. However, the agency said: “The proportion of deaths associated with the hottest days has increased in recent years, and the gap between heat- and cold-related deaths is narrowing.”
In continental Europe, at least 35,000 more people died during the baking-hot summer than would normally be expected, according to figures available so far from barely half the continent.
The heatwave that scorched western Europe in late June was the most severe and widespread ever recorded and was only possible due to the climate crisis driven by fossil fuel burning, scientists found. The World Health Organization said in May that heat-related mortality in its European region had increased by more than 30% over the past 20 years.
Rising global heat kills one person a minute around the world, according to a major report published by the Lancet in October.
More details soon …
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Tesco is urgently recalling its Finest Mozzarella Pearls and Pesto Orzo Salad over fears it could be contaminated with potentially deadly bacteria.
Food safety watchdogs have slapped a ‘do not eat’ warning on the packaged pasta salad and advised customers to return the product to any store for a full refund. No receipt is required.
It is feared the pasta salad may be contaminated with a rare strain of E. coli which can cause kidney failure and prove fatal.
Affected batches include those with use by dates of August 25, 26 and 27, 2026.
Tesco has recalled the limited edition dish and has issued a recall notice to alert customers, asking customers not to eat the above product.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned that eating the pasta salad could result in a bacterial infection known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
E. coli are bacteria that are found in the environment, food and the intestines of animals and people.
Common symptoms of STEC include severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and eventually kidney failure.
The Food Standards Agency issues food recall notices when a product presents a risk to public health
It usually takes between two to four days from being infected with STEC to develop symptoms.
A small number of people, mainly children, with STEC infections go on to develop a serious and life-threatening condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
Common warning signs include less frequent urination, fatigue, swelling and bruising – with children under the age of five at the highest risk.
For more information on the recall, Tesco is asking customers to contact its customers services via its contact page on the website.
No other Tesco products are affected by the recall and the retail giant has apologised for any inconvenience caused.
It comes just days after four popular chicken wraps -stocked at Iceland and other convenience stores – were pulled from shop shelves, after it was discovered they could be contaminated with the bacteria.
The series of recalls come following a 26 per cent rise in STEC infections in England, which was previously linked back to lettuce in pre-packaged sandwiches and wraps.
Last year, there was a major STEC outbreak linked to nursing homes in Belgium, resulting in ten deaths.
Investigators concluded that raw minced beef served to residents was the most plausible source of infection.
It is primarily spread through eating contaminated foods such as raw fruit and vegetables that have not been washed or stored correctly, or from undercooked meat.
It can also be spread by touching infected animals or their faeces, either directly or through contaminated water.
Anyone who experiences symptoms is advised to stay away from work, school or nursery until symptoms have resolved to avoid passing it on to others.
STEC infections are rarely fatal, with only a handful of deaths recorded each year in England despite thousands of cases being reported.
The FSA issues food recall notices when a product presents a risk to public health.
It comes as more than 200 Britons have been struck down with Salmonella food poisoning, in what health chiefs have declared a national outbreak.
Summit Foods is recalling various filled wraps, including its Chicken Fajita Wrap and Snacksters Hoi Sin Wrap.
Shoppers are being warned not to eat the products listed and instead to return them to stores immediately.
Shoppers warned ‘do not eat’ chicken wraps sold in Morrisons and Sainsbury’s due to recall
Friday 21 August – Summit Foods is recalling various products because of possible contamination with Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) #FoodAlert https://t.co/MGnLjK0Al6 pic.twitter.com/OMs3rdsvoY
— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) August 21, 2026
The recall includes various wraps that shoppers may have purchased, all of which have use-by dates up to and including September 5, 2026.
They are:
- Snacksters Chicken Fajita Wrap
- Snacksters Hoi Sin Wrap
- East Street Deli Sweet Chilli Chicken Wrap
- Target a Snack Chicken Fajita Wrap
The recall is due to the affected products possibly being contaminated with E.coli.
Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain and occasionally haemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.
A Summit Foods spokesperson said: “As part of our routine testing, we have identified a potential food safety issue affecting a small number of our wrap products.
“We are working closely with the authorities and our customers to recall the affected products.
“Consumer safety remains our highest priority.
“We are sorry for any concern or inconvenience this may cause.”
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: “If you have bought the above product, do not consume it.
“Instead, dispose of the product and provide proof of purchase on sales@summitfoods.co.uk, stating when and where it was purchased, for a refund.”
Recommended reading:
What is a product recall?
If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).
The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.
In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued, which provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.
Have you had to return a product due to a recall before? Let us know in the comments.
Nine ways to naturally lower your blood pressure have been revealed by The British Heart Foundation. Senior cardiac nurse Regina Giblin shared tips for managing high blood pressure without medication.
High blood pressure is a common medical condition where the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. It often has no symptoms, but over time, it can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. So, it’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly and know your numbers.
1. Cut down on salt
Eating too much salt makes your body hold on to extra water, which can raise your blood pressure. Much of the salt we eat comes from processed foods, ready meals, soups, sauces and processed meats, rather than the salt shaker. Cooking from scratch and flavouring food with herbs and spices instead of salt can also make a difference over time.
(Image: Getty)
2. Eat a balanced diet
A healthy, balanced diet helps keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Aim for plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH and Mediterranean-style diets have been shown to support healthy blood pressure. Try eating in a similar way by having more fruit and vegetables, choosing wholegrains, including unsalted nuts, seeds or pulses, and using small amounts of unsaturated oils.
(Image: Getty)
People pretending to be banks, the police, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and broadband and mobile providers, have increased, new figures show
Impersonation scam victims lost £3,516 on average in the past year, marking a 10% increase compared with a typical loss of £3,200 a year earlier, according to data from Lloyds. Some impersonation scams can be much more high value, with one person losing £188,000 to a police impersonation scam, the bank said.
In that case, an 85-year-old woman was persuaded to make eight purchases of gold across a five-month period, with a total loss of £188,000. The gold was then collected by someone she believed to be an undercover police officer involved in an investigation.
Overall, the volume of impersonation scam cases reported to Lloyds has fallen by 3% over the past year compared with a year earlier.
But reports of some types of impersonation scam to Lloyds, including fraudsters pretending to be banks, the police, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and broadband and mobile providers, have increased. Impersonation scams often start with a phone call, text, email or social media message.
In police and bank scams, victims may be told their money is at risk and asked to move it to a “safe account”. In some cases, criminals tell victims their own bank is involved in fraud, then coach them to lie if a genuine member of bank staff asks why they are moving money.
HMRC scams can involve messages about tax refunds to persuade people to click on a link and enter personal or financial details. Victims of HMRC impersonation scams lost £2,288 on average over the past year, Lloyds said.
Broadband and mobile provider scams involve claims of issues with a bill, contract or internet connection, before asking for personal details or payment. The average amount lost to broadband and mobile provider impersonation scams is £1,169, according to Lloyds.
Liz Ziegler, a fraud prevention director at Lloyds, said: “Summer can be an expensive time of year, with many people focused on managing their finances around holidays, family days out and other seasonal costs.
“Fraudsters know money is often at the top of people’s minds and use convincing stories about account issues, refunds or urgent payments to pressure people into acting quickly.”
She added: “A scam message is designed to rush you. It will make you feel you need to act straight away or keep things secret.”
She said if people are unsure about a phone call claiming to be from a bank, police or another organisation, they should end the call and contact the organisation directly using a trusted number.
Lloyds’ figures were based on analysis of scams reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers between July 1 2025 and June 30 2026, compared with July 1 2024 and June 30 2025.
Today’s announcement will set gas and electricity bills at a new high from October
The energy price cap will rise by 4% from October 1 for a typical household in England, Scotland and Wales, Ofgem has said. Ofgem said the price cap will rise by £60 per year – or £5 per month – to £1,723 for the average household using both electricity and gas if this level was sustained for a year.
Neil Kenward, Ofgem’s director general for markets, said: “High international gas prices are continuing to drive energy costs in the UK. We welcome the Government’s intervention to remove VAT from electricity bills, without which customers would have faced even higher costs this winter.
“Savings are available by choosing a fixed tariff, which are available at £100 or more below the October price cap, and many suppliers offer tariffs with cheaper electricity to smart meter customers for electricity consumed out of peak times. It’s also worth considering different payment methods, with prepayment customers paying the lowest price cap rates, and could save consumers an average of about £45 compared to direct debit.”
The Government “will keep looking at what more we can do to protect families from unaffordable bills”, the Energy Secretary has said.
Reacting to the energy price cap rise, Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Families will be understandably concerned about the cost of energy bills this winter, which is being driven up by the Iran war. Energy is an everyday essential and it needs to be affordable for everyone, which is why we have cut VAT on electricity bills from October, to give families some breathing space.
“This has limited the rise in the price cap and follows the £150 in costs we removed from bills earlier this year, and we will keep looking at what more we can do to protect families from unaffordable bills.”
Analysts said the increase is driven by continued uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict, which has pushed wholesale energy prices higher. The ongoing heatwaves across Europe have added further pressure by increasing gas demand for power generation to meet air conditioning and cooling demand.
Experts at Cornwall Insight said last week the new cap would mark the highest average bill since July 2023. The increased October cap, which will remain in place for three months, will come into force as households start to increase their energy usage further by using their heating more regularly, adding to bills.
Cornwall said the increase in October will be less than otherwise expected because of the proposed removal of VAT from household electricity bills. This policy would knock about £45 off the annual Ofgem price cap from October, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said after announcing the measure.
However, the experts said the recent swing in global energy prices has more than offset the downward impact of the VAT policy. Last week, a Government spokesman said: “Tackling the cost of living remains a key priority for this Government and we know families will be worried by the prospect of higher energy bills this winter.
“We’re acting to give consumers breathing space with the cost of living – cutting VAT on energy bills, ensuring around six million households get the £150 warm home discount this winter, and making millions of homes cheaper to run through our warm homes plan.
“Alongside our efforts to support rapid de-escalation in the Middle East, we will do everything we can to shield consumers from global energy shocks and bring down bills for good.”
However, trade association Energy UK has warned that customers could owe around £7 billion in unpaid energy bills by the end of the year. The latest data shows that more than three million customers are now in debt or arrears and the average amount owed is about £1,800, according to the group.
Energy UK’s chief executive Dhara Vyas said more targeted support is still needed to help households facing further costs. She said: “Too many households continue to feel the strain of high energy bills. Instead of relying on stop-gap, ad hoc or emergency measures, we need a better, targeted and more permanent way to give people confidence that they’ll get help when they most need it.
“The current arrangements fail to provide the help needed and work out more costly. Household energy prices are set to increase further for British households.”
