A lot of people in the UK suffer from Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) and as we head towards the darker winter month’s people will feel it more and more. Many people use a SAD light on a morning to help boost their mood over the winter months. However eating correctly can also help you too.

With SAD many people turn to comfort eating to make them feel better however comfort eating sugar-loaded carbohydrates and fat-rich foods will actually do little for you. Instead make sure you eat the following to help SAD:

Eggs are very good for your health, over the past few years health experts have said they can do more harm than good although it was never really proven, now however health experts are in agreement that they are good for you, shocker! Eating eggs for breakfast make a really good start to the day, they contain folic acid and are protein-and-fat-rich but don’t cause fluctuations in blood sugar.

Avocadoes are another food that gets health experts in a tizzy however it has been shown that they are full of depression-fighting magnesium as well as B6 and folates. They also contain quite a lot of monounsaturated fat, which aids your metabolism and helps to lower your cholesterol. Mexican food uses avocadoes in most recipes and side dishes so why not have some Mexican feasts to brighten up your winter.

Sweet potatoes make for a good alternative to the spud, because they contain B6 vitamin, they affect the neurotransmitters in your brain and increase your mood. They are also low on the glycaemic index so means you won’t experience a peak and trough in your blood sugar. They are easy to cook with and can be treated pretty much in the same way as a normal spud, however make the most of them by roasting them with spices for a healthy potato wedge.

Oily fish have numerous health benefits which is why experts say we should incorporate them a lot more into our everyday diet. Fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids have been used to successfully treat depression plus they do wonders for your skin. They are a great option for breakfast, lunch and dinner so why not add some of these little god sends to your diet to beat SAD.

Scientists have discovered the chemical that puts the sting into sunburn. So are the days of sunburn over?

Sun burn can cause lack of sleep, un-comfortableness when showering and itching when wearing clothes. However, bright red skin could soon be a thing of the past.

Scientists have pinpointed the chemical in sunburn which causes skin to itch hours after the sun has gone in. It is also though the finding could lead to drugs to treat long term illnesses such as arthritis.

For those sun lovers out there, it is important to recognise that exposure to sunshine is necessary for a healthy lifestyle, promoting production of Vitamin D, but too much sunshine can also be a bad thing!

The researchers, from King’s College London, began investigating the effects of UV rays on our skin, by using UV lamps to burn tiny areas of 10 volunteer’s arms.  When the reddened skin was at its most sensitive, two days later, they removed slivers and ran experiments to find out why it was so painful. This experiment showed several chemicals to be present in the burnt skin at higher levels than usual. The main chemical found was CXCL5. The chemical attracts ‘inflammatory’ white blood cells to the sunburnt skin triggering pain and tenderness.

Further experiments with rats showed that it was also present in high levels in those that were sunburnt and when it was injected into those that had not been burnt, it made them highly sensitive to touch. The researchers used an antibody to block the action of CXCL5 to ease the pain of the sunburnt animals. This particular antibody is not suitable for use in people, but the research provides scientists with the foundations for medication. Either as a lotion oral pill, it could be used to soothe severe sunburn.

However, there are some negative points to the development, as it could encourage more people to stay longer in the sun, the scientists warn it would not protect people from cancer.

One of the scientists suggested the research may be relevant to other inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. He quoted: ‘Most drugs taken to relieve pain are one of only two types – aspirin-like drugs and opioid drugs, such as codeine and morphine. Both of these have significant side-effects such as gastric bleeding, constipation and addictive properties that prevents their long-term use. These drugs also have limited efficacy. For both these reasons, there is a need for new analgesic drugs. I’m excited about where these findings could take us in terms of eventually developing a new type of analgesic for people who suffer from chronic pain.’

The study is also rather important because, the researchers used skin from humans straight away to find CXCL5 and then used rats to confirm the finding, rather than the other way around. Doing things this way round could significantly speed up the search for painkillers!

Part one

For most of us girl out there, the summer holidays and the sunshine is what we crave. Whether you chilling on the beaches, or shopping in the sun, it’s important to look your best. Here’s some tips and advice that we have put together to ensure you look as hot as you possibly can this summer!

Size wise

Firstly, the right suit for your shape is essential to looking killer on the beach. Which is easier said than done, right? Has anyone else had the awful experience of searching for that one swimsuit/ two piece that’s just right for you, but instead spent hours trailing around shops and trying on endless alternatives that all make you look disgusting?

The key is understanding what body shape you are and what type of bikini looks good on you.

For those who are small on top; you may not want to try the smaller Brazilian-type swim suits as they seem smaller on top,. You could also look for a top with underwire, padding, or a top with a demi-bra style. Avoid tops with too much fabric or tops that don’t fit properly and try to look for separates because then you can mix-and-match your top and bottom sizes. The perfect alternative for you is the ruffled tops or tops of the bandeau band style.

For those who are big on top, what you need is support! Underwire and halter tops are perfect for providing this whilst providing you with cleavage! Look for a one-piece with a structure bust, this style really compliments your body shape and helps balance out your body. Avoid strapless and bandeau tops and again, it is a good idea to buy separate top from bottom sets.

Those with short legs or short bodies look best in suits that are high cut on the thigh, this makes your legs look instantly longer! Vertical stripes and block colored bottoms paired with printed tops are perfect for attracting attention upwards and adding instant inches onto your height. Alternatively, a bloc swimming costume with a ‘plunge’ neckline can also achieve this look! It is very important for smaller people to avoid boy shorts and ‘frilly’ bikini bottoms.

Long body shapes look brilliant in horizontal strips or block bright colors- very ‘in’ right now! Boy shorts are beautiful bikini bottoms are just the thing for you! Although If you prefer wearing a costume rather than a bikini, go for one which has ‘cut-out’ areas as it will break up your body.

If this all seems like a bit too much, why not pass the stress onto a professional? Debenhams Personal Shoppers are the perfect people to search and bring you the best alternatives and are experts in matching up body shapes to swimsuits. They also stock a great range of sizes and best of all the service is free with no pressure to buy.

Get groomed

Great grooming is a sure way to look good and feel confident. A wide range of treatments are available and practical to achieve at home and a variety of methods mean there is something simple and easy out there to suit everyone. If you don’t fancy doing all the work yourself, or you have enough cash to splash-out and book an appointment at a beauticians where a wide range treatments are available ranging from eyebrow waxes to cellulite and stretch marks.

Grab a brew

Throughout the day, try to sip green tea as appose to the regular earl grey. Green tea helps rid your body of fluid and make you feel less bloated. If you can’t stand the bitter taste, you should try a blend made with citrus, which helps promote cleansing in the body and the removal of toxins. Green tea has many other long term benefits such as helping prevent conditions such as: cancer, arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, infections and immune problems.

Yoga

Even after just one class we can guarantee you on your way to a firmer stomach, not to mention relaxed body and mind. Along with classes before you go, why not see if there are any at your holiday destination. Otherwise learn a few simple moves so you can do some stretches before you hit the beach!

The sizzling sun would be the perfect thing to assist you in enjoying your relaxing holiday, whilst chillaxing with a cool beer on the poolside. Being outside in the sunlight might appear to be a good thing, since it provides are skin with vitamin D a crucial vitamin for sturdy bone growth. It even provides us with an amazing tan! But an excessive amount of sunlight or limited protection from the sunlight can be extremely harmful too!

So what specifically makes the sun so threatening…?

The sun is dangerous because it emits invisible UV rays that are continuously striking our skin when we are in daylight.  This can cause a big issue when being out in the sun for long intervals, as UV rays continuously hitting out skin can lead to sunburn.

Why then, is sunburn a problem?

Many people do not see sunburn as a major problem in the UK. Sunburn is exceptionally bad because once burnt; it means staying inside and missing out on the rest of the holiday, staying covered and an increase in wrinkles. Sunburn often leads to sunstroke and over-exposure to UV lights it the prime cause of skin cancers.

So, how do I protect myself?

There are many methods that can be completed to ensure that you are under maximum protection from the sun, these include: Wearing the right protection, (sun cream, sunhat, sunglasses and when thinking about your wardrobe, choose stylish, but sensible clothing options.) taking regular breaks from being outside and making sure you are inside during the hottest times (mid-day.) Water is also essential when attempting to protect yourself from dehydration.

Which sun cream is right for me?

Various people burn at different rates. Red-haired and blonde people with light-coloured eyes are more inclined to burn faster than dark haired people. This is because ‘Blondes’ and ‘RedHeads’ have a lower amount of melanin in their skin (the stuff that protects you from the sun!) Thus, the type of sun cream you need entirely depends upon your own individual needs.

Sun creams are ranked in accordance to SPF (sun protection factor.) -The higher the SPF number the stronger protection. Whatever SPF you opt for, just bear in mind, sun cream must be applied at least once every two hours and if you find yourself swimming or sweating a lot, it needs to be applied even more.

When selecting your sun cream you should also consider the unique properties of the sun creams available. There are a variety of different types of sun cream available including: waterproof, all day sun creams and invisible sun creams making applying the sun cream more enjoyable and manageable without ruining your ‘flow.’

When you go on holiday, you find yourself with a whole list of travel essentials you need to take and if you’re travelling abroad, especially to hotter climes for your summer holiday, well the list just keeps on going! For your ease we have a list of travel health essentials that you should make sure you have before you go.

Sunscreen – Very important for hot holidays and anywhere where your exposed to sunlight, you should make sure you have enough to last your holidays and that it is a high enough factor.; For children you should be putting on factor 50 and similarly as adults if you have fair skin, experts say factor 30 is suitable for most adults and anything lower should be avoided.

Sunglasses – Not just to finish off your holiday ensemble, sunglasses protect your eyes from the harmful UVA’s too  many cheap fashion pairs do not provide adequate protection for your eyes and should be avoided, look for pairs which have a at least 70% UVA protection, however 100% is best, especially for young eyes.

Medication – If you are on medication it is advisable to speak to your doctor before you go to make sure there isn’t anything you should be avoiding and also make sure if you’re visiting certain countries that your vaccinations are also up to date. You also need to make sure that you have enough medication with you, that you need, and a reminder for women who are on birth control pills make sure you take enough to last you and some spares if you lose any. It’s also advisable to make sure you pack basic drugs such as paracetamol, laxatives and diarrhoea tablets just in case.

First aid – It may not be first on your list for holiday essentials but a first aid kit is can come in handy, especially when you’re out and about, small scissors, bandages, antiseptic cream/wipes and plasters will probably be enough, even if you’re staying in a resort. Blisters anyone, from new sandals? Insect repellents and insect bite cream also will be useful especially if mosquito’s like to dine from you. 

For the airplane – If you’re travelling by air even just for a couple of hours you need to be aware of DVT, flight socks are an easy travel essential that can be packed into your hand luggage, ready for your flight and they can help prevent DVT and are a must on long haul. Also avoiding alcohol or anything that dehydrates you will also help.

If you have been good and exercising since New Year’s like you promised, you should be fit and ready for summer, however there are some other things you need to prepare before your fully summer ready and we have a list below which will give you a helping hand:

Exfoliate

It’s important to exfoliate your skin and you can do it easily and lightly everyday with a gentle body scrub of light exfoliate. Rub in circular movements on your entire body from the shoulders down and rinse clean. You can buy exfoliates specifically for your face as these need to be gentle so you don’t miss that out. You should then be rid of dull, dead skin and ready to moisturise.

Hair removal

During the winter our legs tend to be a bit more neglected, if your anything like me you only notice it’s time to wax when you resemble the Yeti, so now spring is upon us it’s time to get our pins sorted. Regular waxing over the summer months works well if you keep up with, eventually you will find less and less hair grows back, but you must perceiver with. Shaving can be a quick and much less painful way to remove unwanted hair and is great if you need to get your legs out last minute.

Hydrate

Moisturising is important all year round, in winter it stops the cold air and heating drying out your skin and in summer it stops excessive temperatures, air con and chlorine from pools drying out your skin. In winter you tend to use heavy creams such as body butters, and for summer lighter lotions that won’t feel heavy on your skin and melt away when the temperatures rise. Light floral moisturisers, especially those with a hint of colour in them are great for summer.

Summer glow

Speaking of a hint of colour, because of all the dangers of UV light we wouldn’t recommend using a tanning bed instead go for the fake option, with fake tan. Over the years clever scientists have been mastering the art of self tanning so now you will be hard pressed to find one that streaks and smells of biscuits. You will also be problem free if you make sure you always do step one, exfoliate beforehand. If you’re scared about going too dark straight away you could always try tinted moisturiser as mentioned above, they build up a gradual colour and look more natural, so you won’t end up looking like an extra from Jersey Shore. 

Your skin is your body’s biggest organ and also one of the most important along with your heart lungs and liver, yet many people don’t seem to look after it, after all if you don’t have healthy skin you won’t have a healthy body.

One of the most important things is to protect your skin from the sun, excessive exposure to UV light has numerous negative effects on your body, and the worst is skin cancer which can be caused by exposing unprotected skin to harmful UV rays. As well as that it can cause wrinkles, freckles, age-spots, rough and dry skin. So it’s important to have sun protection, especially if you are out when the sun is at its strongest. That said it doesn’t mean you should avoid going out when it’s sunny as vitamin D which is obtained from sun exposure is important for a healthy body and it’s also thought that a lack of vitamin D attributes to Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Not surprisingly smoking and drinking also affects your skin, smoking will make your skin look much older than it actually is and contributes to wrinkles. It also narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health and on top of that smoking also damages collagen and elastin, which stops your skin being as movable and ends up looking wrinkly. Alcohol also destroys vitamin A which if you smoke can make the effects much worse, on top of that alcohol also dehydrates you and in turn your skin. Alcohol also makes you more prone to breakouts as the toxins look to leave your body.

You should look after and take care of your skin all year round and make sure you use the right protection. For example products you use during the hotter summer months may not be suitable during the harsh cold winter months because of the different environments your skin faces. Colder winter weather can be just has harsh on our skin as the hot summer weather, just in different ways, so you need to make sure you use products that are designed to reflect this.

For day cream you need to for an antioxidant packed formula and ingredients that seal in moisture, because during the winter you get a lot less sunlight because of weather and that you wear more clothing, sunlight is essential for your skin, so in winter you need to use specific creams to add vitamins and minerals you are missing.

You also need to take good care of your hands in the colder months, as the cold weather can dry them out. Always remember to wear protective gloves for household tasks, particularly when immersing your hands in hot water or gardening in cold weather.

During the summer months many people find they exfoliate their skin on a weekly basis to keep it looking good, however many fall out of this routine during the winter months because their bodies are covered up more. However it’s more important to exfoliate during the winter, you should exfoliate twice a week to remove the dead skin cells that will dull your complexion and prevent the skin absorbing moisture.

It is not just clothes, shoes and accessories that get a front-line in fashion weeks across the globe. The whole look of the finished model is what gets attention, including how the hair has been styled and what make-up has been applied. These two elements have the power to change the intension of design and to highlight the theme behind the inspiration.

Gordon Espinet, MAC’s Vice President of global make-up artistry, was at both London Fashion Week this year as well as New York’s. He thinks that are some major differences in make-up trends between the two fashion capitals, showing indeed how each city views fashion. In New York, the models were painted in gold, with browns being used to highlight features such as the cheekbones. Espinet’s assessment is that New Yorkers consider this industry as business, but in London the focus is more on creativity. He speculates that Britain’s capital has more essence of artistic originality, which shows in the make-up. In London Fashion Week, make-up was more colourful, with the use of pastels, and gold used as an add-on rather than a base.

At Vivienne Westwood’s show this year, the models were all applied with pastel colours across the face. Where a woman would normally apply bronzer (apples of cheeks, T-zone and chin) were replaced with blues and greens. The technique worked well as these are the spots of the face which catch the light and give the face definition. It also made the models look interesting.

Nordic diet

In 2004 Claus Meyer, co-owner of the much renowned Noma brought together a number of well respected Scandinavian chefs, their task – to formulate a number of principles which were to become the New Nordic Cuisine Movement manifesto.

Their main aim was to create a diet rich in Scandinavian foods that could be seasonal yet varied, traditional yet innovative, and above all, healthy without heavy resort to ingredients from outside the region, basically back to basics. Copenhagen University has also started a study to see how healthy a traditional Scandinavian diet is, with preliminary research indicating ‘very’ at this moment in time. Recipes for this diet have been developed from native ingredients such as lean wild game and fish, free-range lamb, cold climate vegetables, native berries, and whole grains including rye, barley, and oats.

Rich in protein, omega-3s and antioxidants, the Nordic diet is based on high intakes of cheap but tasty fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon and trout. Meat and fish are nearly always served with boiled potatoes and root vegetables, and the bread is dark brown and full of grains and oats. Research also shows that native berries from northern Europe such as blueberries, lingonberries and cloudberries contain as much unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids as fish per unit of energy. Cold-weather veggies such as cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts contain some of the highest antioxidants of any vegetables and are also a great source of vitamin K. Rapeseed oil, the most common cooking oil in Scandinavia, has been found to be a good alternative to olive oil, containing more omega-3 fatty acids and being a good source of vitamin E.