List of All Articles with Tag 'am'

The changeable weather is not just affecting our mood and how we dress – doctors have warned it is impacting our immune systems, too. After the warmest October temperatures in five years were recorded at the start of the month, temperatures have since plummeted, with the first frosts of the autumn recorded in several parts of the country this week. And now Storm Babet is set to bring heavy rainfall and wind to many parts of the country over the next few days. Old wives’ tales tell us that cold, damp weather means we’re more likely to become ill – but there is some truth in the warnings, says Dr Babak Ashrafi, GP and clinical lead for service expansion at Superdrug Online Doctor. Recent US research found an increased risk of illness when temperatures drop, because cold lowers immunity in the nose and makes us more susceptible to viruses. A drop in nasal tissue temperature of just 5°C has been found to reduce immune response by almost half. “Rapid shifts from warm to cold weather can stress the body and shock the immune system, making you more vulnerable to colds and infections,” warns Dr Ashrafi. “With Storm Babet on its way, it’s important to prepare your body for this sudden cold spell, to keep your immune system on top form.” To make sure your immune system is as healthy as possible, he recommends: 1. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D Dr Ashrafi points out that the changing weather has coincided with seasonal outbreaks of viruses, such as flu. “These infections can put additional strain on the immune system,” he says. “During colder months, decreased sunlight exposure can cut your main source of vitamin D, which is essential for a healthy immune system.” Dr Ashrafi says adding more vitamin D-rich foods into your diet, such as fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, mushrooms, egg yolks and certain fortified orange juices, is a great way to help strengthen your immune system. “It can help protect your immune system by providing an all-important vitamin boost,” he says. “And remember, vitamin D supplements are also a good idea during winter.” The NHS recommends everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during autumn and winter. 2. Dress for the weather Prolonged exposure to cold can increase the risk of illnesses such as the common cold or flu, warns Dr Ashrafi, who explains the body’s core temperature needs to remain within a narrow range for optimal function. “When you’re exposed to cold temperatures, your body works harder to maintain this temperature, diverting energy and resources away from other essential functions, including immune responses,” he says. “It’s always best to check the weather and layer clothing to help insulate your body, making it easier to maintain core temperature without excessive effort.” 3. Maintain a healthy diet Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains will provide essential nutrients to support immune function, says Dr Ashrafi. “Probiotics from yoghurt or kefir are also great for helping to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a significant role in immune health,” he advises. 4. Stay hydrated It’s important to drink plenty of water or sugar-free soft drinks, even in the autumn and winter, as good hydration also plays a role in keeping the immune system healthy, says Dr Ashrafi. “Ensure you’re staying hydrated despite the cold, to keep mucous membranes moist, helping to defend against infections.” 5. Get some rest Dr Ashrafi explains that sleep is crucial for the production of antibodies, which in turn recognise and neutralise pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. “To boost and support your immune system, it’s essential to prioritise and maintain healthy sleep habits. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night by establishing a regular sleep schedule in a comfortable environment. “These practices will help ensure your immune system functions optimally and can effectively protect your body from infections.” 6. Get your flu vaccination Flu vaccinations target the specific strains of the influenza virus that are expected to be prevalent during the flu season. Dr Ashrafi says: “If you’re considered vulnerable and are particularly concerned about the sudden cold, getting an annual flu shot can protect you from seasonal influenza. “Avoiding flu can be difficult, especially as it can be passed on through sneezing, coughing and even hand contact, so it’s important you wash your hands regularly. Getting vaccinated annually ensures your immune system is well-prepared to defend against the most likely influenza variants.” Read More How to protect your plants as the first frosts arrive How to prep your home for when the clocks go back This is shoe designer Jimmy Choo’s proudest achievement 4 black women on their experiences with breast cancer See Madonna’s extravagant tour outfits – including an updated cone bra Halloween pumpkins – how to grow your own

Dure Ahmed was held in a Syrian camp for more than three years, but has now been repatriated to Canada.

One man's trying to piece together what happened to loved ones based on live streams made by Hamas.

Famous faces have designed suits for the upcoming sequel.

Gaming nerd Post Malone has teamed up with 'Apex Legends' on a two-week event.

It's been claimed that the subscription service is looking to add "higher-end games", such as 'GTA'.

The Supreme Court's refusal to legalise same-sex marriage has dashed the hopes of India's LGBTQ+ people.

Rivers in the heart of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil fell to their lowest levels in over a century on Monday as a record drought upends the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and damages the jungle ecosystem.

(Reuters) -Bank of America's profit rose about 10% in the third quarter as it joined rivals in earning more from

The Biden campaign has taken its trolling of former president Donald Trump to the next level, by announcing that it has joined his Truth Social platform. A Biden campaign spokesperson told Fox News on Monday that it plans to use its new Truth Social presence to combat misinformation – but also admitted it had joined Mr Trump’s social network site “mostly because we thought it would be very funny”. They also said that President Joe Biden plans to “[meet] voters where they are” adding that: “Republicans can’t even agree on a speaker of the House, so clearly, not every Republican thinks the same.” “We will be leveraging the fact that Republicans can sometimes be our best messengers,” the spokesperson added. The first post from @BidenHQ read: “Well. Let’s see how this goes. Converts welcome!” Other posts on the account include videos of Republican politicians such as Senator Tim Scott, former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Rep Matt Gaetz criticising or disagreeing with Mr Trump. It comes as Mr Trump’s social media platform is facing financial difficulties after a founding partner announced plans to return hundreds of millions of dollars back to investors. Truth Social currently has about two million active users, compared to 450 million on X and 2.91 billion on Facebook, according to Search Logistics. The Biden campaign has been fighting back against Mr Trump’s attacks, adopting the “Dark Brandon” meme and using it to fundraise off the back of. The president also trolled Mr Trump by buying up advertising space on right-wing network Fox News to take aim at the former president. One of the ads, titled “Delivers”, slammed the former president’s record with union workers and blamed him for the loss of jobs within the industry. “He says he stands with autoworkers,” a voiceover in the ad stated. “But as president, Donald Trump passed tax breaks for his rich friends while automakers shuttered their plants and Michigan lost manufacturing jobs.” It continued: “Joe Biden said he’d stand up for workers and he’s delivering. Passing laws that are increasing wages and creating good-paying jobs. Manufacturing is coming back to Michigan because Joe Biden doesn’t just talk, he delivers.” Mr Trump is leading Mr Biden in four of six key swing states ahead of the 2024 presidential election, a recent The Telegraph poll found. The former president is currently the front-runner for the Republican nomination despite facing a number of criminal indictments at both the federal level and in state cases in New York and Georgia. Read More Biden campaign trolls Trump event by buying up ads on Fox News Can Donald Trump still run for president after four indictments? Trump vows to fight gag order as he returns to NY fraud trial – live Trump vows to fight gag order as he returns to NY fraud trial – live Trump roasts DeSantis for supposedly wearing ‘hidden heels’ Trump endorses MAGA Republican Jim Jordan for House speaker

(Reuters) -Choice Hotels on Tuesday proposed to acquire Wyndham Hotels and Resorts for about $7.8 billion in a cash and

Hundreds of lorries carrying aid are parked up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing.