19 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
I’m a prostate cancer specialist — don’t ignore these 7 warning signs
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer after experiencing ‘urinary symptoms’.
Though the disease appears to have spread to his bones, a statement from the 82-year-old’s personal office described the cancer as ‘hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.’
Like with all cancers, the earlier you notice symptoms of prostate cancer, the more chance there is that you can access effective treatment.
With this in mind, a prostate cancer specialist has shared some of the little-known warning signs of the condition he thinks everyone should know about.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer amongst men in the UK and mainly affects those over the age of 50, although you can get it at any age.
According to Cancer Research, it’s cancer of the prostate gland. The gland is a part of the male reproductive system and is located at the base of the bladder. It’s about the size of a walnut but gets bigger as men get older.
Cancer occurs when abnormal cells start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way. The cells can grow into surrounding tissues or organs, and may spread to other areas of the body.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In many cases, prostate cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms at all. The best way of detecting prostate cancer early is with a PSA blood test, this can be done even in the absence of symptoms.
However, there are a number of warning signs you can should keep an eye out for, most of which are to do with urination. Problems with urinating can often be one of the first signs that something is wrong, especially if the cancer is pressing on or growing near the urethra.
Professor Hashim Ahmed, a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Cromwell Hospital, told Metro: ‘It’s really important that men speak to their GP as soon as possible, if they notice any changes to their urine.’
He went on to share seven changes to be wary of, including needing to pee more frequently, as well as straining to pee and difficulty when starting to urinate.
1. Needing to pee more frequently, often during the night
You’ll know what’s normal to you but, if you start needing to urinate more often during the day, get a sudden urge to go or needing to get up during the night it can be a sign that your prostate has enlarged or of something else that is wrong such as a UTI.
2. Straining or difficulty starting urinating
As well as needing to urinate more often, men tend to find that when they get to the toilet, they have problems starting to urinate. This may be because the enlarged prostate or tumour is blocking the urine flowing through to the urethra.
3. A weak flow of urine
A weak flow of urine can occur if the cancer is pressing on the urethra, meaning not all the urine in the bladder is able to pass. It may also mean that your bladder doesn’t feel empty and you need to go more frequently.
4. Difficulty to stop when peeing or dribbling urine
Similarly to finding it difficult to start urinating, men might also find it difficult to stop urinating once they’ve started, or may find they dribble urine after they’ve finished peeing.
5. Feeling like you’re not able to fully empty your bladder
As with other symptoms, this may be caused because the tumour or enlarged prostate is blocking the urine flowing through the urethra.
6. Blood in urine
Blood in the urine can be a key sign that something is wrong. Even if it is only a small amount of blood, it is really important that this is checked by your GP as soon as possible.
7. Erectile problems
This can include difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, painful ejaculation, blood in the semen and decreased volume of ejaculation.
The expert adds: ‘If you’re displaying these symptoms, don’t panic. These can all be caused by other problems, and many are just temporary symptoms. All the same, it’s still a good idea to speak to your GP about any concerns you may have as soon as possible, so they can investigate further.’
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
19 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
These 7 travel buys made my economy long-haul flights feel bearable
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Planning your next long-haul holiday but can’t stand the thought of those endless, uncomfortable flights?
Between crying babies, cramped conditions and uncomfortable seats (not to mention the person next to you with the pointiest elbows known to man), economy flying can take a toll on even the most resilient of travellers.
I’ve recently just come back from a trip to Sri Lanka, with each leg there and back consisting of two arduous six-hour flights – and while to some that might not sound too bad, living through it is no walk in the park.
Being a fairly seasoned traveller, however, I’ve learned there’s a few things I can invest in that’ll totally change how my flights go, helping to ensure I get at least a few hours kip and feel decently comfortable while I do.
From revolutionary neck pillows to the one tool that means you never have to use a flimsy pair of plane headphones again, I’ve found some of the best product hacks that’ll make you dread flights that bit less.
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I’d always wanted to try the trtl neck pillow but only got around to it on my most recent trip. Needless to say, I’ve been totally missing out by not having this in my travel repertoire earlier.
This clever, adjustable neck pillow is nothing like the U-shaped pillows of times gone by (which, by the way, I never found to be comfortable), instead featuring a patented, wrap-around design that keeps your head upright as you nap.
That means that you’re not left with any painful cricks in your neck or a sore back after an awkward snooze. Instead, you’re supported and comfortable all flight long – even if you’ve got the middle seat. Total game-changer.
If, like me, you love having your legs up on your chair and hate that restless feeling in your legs when you can’t get them up (like when you’re on an endless plane journey), then you need to invest in a plane footrest.
Totally affordable but transformative for long and short flights alike, an airplane footrest will help to take the stress and weight off your knees and back, supporting your feet for unparalleled relief.
In truth, part of me thought this rest would be a gimmick when I packed it in my hand luggage. I’ve never eaten my words so heartily.
It’s as easy as slipping it over your tray table and getting comfy, and I found myself so much better prepared for sleep and relaxation when I had the ability to bring up my legs.
Better yet, its compact and easy to slip in your bag. I honestly couldn’t fly without this anymore. 10/10.
Sick of crumby plane headphones that leave movie audio purely to the imagination? Sorry, but I simply can’t relate anymore now I have this super-clever piece of tech.
This adapter is designed to seamlessly connect any Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to your in-flight entertainment system, allowing you to use your own, likely better quality and more comfortable headphones on the plane TV.
With just a touch of a button, I can connect my noise-cancelling AirPods and really properly enjoy my plane movies. There’s not much else to say apart from this one is an essential in my travel kit now.
Related to the above, this pair of Apple AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation changed the game when it comes to travel.
Planes are notoriously loud, which can be a drag when you’re trying to have a zizz or watch some in-flight entertainment.
These AirPods, however, boast pretty sensational noise cancelling, meaning I can block out all the unwanted noise from the flight (screaming baby three rows behind, I’m looking at you) and catch a few winks or watch Bridget Jones again in utter peace.
The fact that the audio quality is second to none is just an added bonus.
Never underestimate the power of a really good face mask like this one from Drowsy.
Totally blocking out the light while remaining silky soft and cushioned against your face, it creates the perfect environment for a great, undisturbed sleep – even if the person in the window seat insists that it stay open all flight long.
Ideal for longer lashes or those who hate sleep masks pressing against the eye, this Drowsy mask has fully contoured eyecups that block off light while keeping your eye area protected. Made with mulberry silk for total luxury, it’s a must in my travel repertoire.
Plus, this mask combined with noise-cancelling AirPods, trtl neck pillow and footrest? Chef’s kiss.
Sometimes on those long flights you need just a shred of semblance of things being normal – and keeping your oral hygiene up us a great way to do just that.
I’ve loved the SURI Electric Toothbrush for a while now thanks to its excellent cleaning power and near-endless battery life (one charge lasted me three weeks in Sri Lanka).
But it’s the handy case that makes it so perfect for travel. Sleek and compact, it not only keeps your brush safe and sound, but, when plugged in, charges your brush as well. Huge win for those post plane-dinner brushes.
If you’re anything like me, planes dry you out like nothing else. It’s the artificial, AC air that does it, and my lips are usually first to fall victim to its moisture-stealing ways.
I always make sure to have an E45 Lips & Dry Skin Lip Balm on me when I hop on the plane now, as its deeply softening and moisturising properties rescue dry lips (and any other dry areas on your face and body) in a flash.
With these must-haves you’re guaranteed better, more restful and far more comfortable flights henceforth. You’re welcome.
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Watching the colour drain from my mum’s and wife’s faces, I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt.
It was like I was watching them being told I was dead already.
I’d been having chest pains for a couple of days, but instead of being concerned, I’d continuously put it down to stress. It was only after my wife kept on at me to go to hospital and get it checked that I finally discovered the truth…
‘You’re having a heart attack,’ said the doctor.
I remember asking him whether I was going to be alright, to which he just looked at me and said: ‘I can’t promise you that.’
At that moment I made a silent promise to myself to quit smoking, for good.
Growing up, I never saw smoking as a problem. My parents, grandparents and friends all did it so it’s no wonder I took up the habit when I was 15.
But what started as a social habit, only smoking when around friends, soon became an addiction – even if I didn’t want to admit it.
By my late thirties, I smoked at least 30 cigarettes a day and, though I could generally keep up with my peers, I was starting to have issues with my breathing.
Ever since I’d had a large section of my right lung removed at the age of three, I’d always had problems in this area. But lately, the breathlessness was worse than usual.
Over the next decade my lung health continued to decline until, aged 41, I was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) – a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke.
Having COPD meant I couldn’t clear my airway properly, which led to a build-up of excess mucus that in turn gave me a persistent cough and meant I suffered recurring chest infections.
The one thing that would have eased my symptoms would have been to quit smoking, so I tried using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
However, as soon as I experienced any type of stress, I’d turn back to cigarettes. ‘One’s not going to hurt me,’ I’d think. Before I knew it though I’d have smoked a pack of 20.
Each time I lapsed, I blamed myself, thinking I’d failed so what was the point in carrying on?
Two years later, my COPD was worse than ever. I struggled for oxygen and it impacted my daily life – I’d get breathless getting out of the bath and even struggled to get ready in the morning.
I vividly remember being sat on the bed trying to put a pair of socks on but I needed to stop and catch my breath while doing so.
It was humiliating.
Around that same time, my first grandchild was born. Yet despite being a ‘young’ grandad, I just couldn’t keep up as I didn’t have the energy.
I knew I had to make changes and went back to the doctors to try to quit again. I managed to go cold turkey for a couple of weeks but that’s as long as it lasted and soon, I felt like I was back to square one.
Then at the age of 48, I started having those chest pains.
At the hospital, doctor’s said the pains were actually a heart attack, not indigestion as I had believed and I was shocked – my experience was nothing like the sudden pain and clutching of the chest that’s depicted on TV and in films.
Then, seeing the terrified looks on my loved ones faces, I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. I’d done this to myself, I was in this position because I’d refused to quit smoking.
I was transferred to James Cook University Hospital soon after where I had three stents fitted. Doctors told me afterwards it had been touch and go for a while as to whether I’d survive the surgery as my smoking was making every organ, including my heart, have to work much harder.
Even though I’d already made my silent promise, I knew then I had to do better.
Quit smoking
Download the free NHS Quit Smoking app to try and quit today.
Before my heart attack, I used to roll my eyes at anybody who asked me whether I smoked because I thought I was doing other things to protect myself, like eating healthily. But nearly dying made me realise how important health is.
I had three grandchildren at the time, and I knew I needed, and wanted, to be around for them for a long time to come.
Now, I’ve been smokefree for 18 months and my health has improved beyond my dreams.
This time around I used a vape to help me quit – when I got cravings, I used that instead of returning to old habits – and I’m a lot less stressed because I finally feel I’m in control instead of the cigarettes controlling me.
I’ve even had the chance to star in a TV ad for a regional quit smoking campaign, which is something I never thought I’d do. But, if hearing my story gives just one person the motivation to quit then I’ve done my job.
Best of all though, I now feel better than ever.
I’m enjoying life again and am even able to play on the beach with my grandkids without getting breathless. I’m so pleased I get to be here with them and make those precious memories.
Smoking is one of the most lethal addictions of all but I know how hard quitting can be.
The important thing to remember is that there is lots of support out there to help you to quit. No matter how many times you have tried before, you should never treat a blip as a failure – just try something else and keep going.
I never thought I’d be able to stop, but now I have and it’s the best thing I ever did.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing James.Besanvalle@metro.co.uk.
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Faith Burke was just 20 when she found herself on the front line of the Covid pandemic.
As a trainee pharmacist assistant in Wiltshire, she worked 10-hour shifts during a time of intense demand, staff shortages, supply chain issues, and a very real risk of exposure to the virus. Despite the problems, it was a job she loved – a stepping stone to her dream career as a paramedic.
When her employers told Faith that all staff would need a vaccine or alternatively, would have to be gloved, masked and aproned up for the entirety of every shift, she agreed to take the 1.5-hour round trip to visit one of the few centres offering the first jabs.
‘I assumed it would be safe because the Government said it would be, ‘ Faith tells Metro. Despite her confidence, it didn’t stop her parents from expressing their concerns. ‘They were asking: “Do you really think you need it? You’re healthy. Do you want to just wait until the rest of your age category have it?”‘ she remembers.
‘But I didn’t want to be the odd one out at work and at the time, it felt like there was social pressure,’ Faith, now 24, adds. ‘If you didn’t have the vaccine, you were treated almost like a leper. People were unfriend-ing people on Facebook who didn’t have it.’
So on Friday 15 January 2021, she stood in a socially-distanced queue, feeling very conspicuous among the octogenarians alongside her and rolled up her sleeve. The injection passed by without event, and Faith went to work as usual.
‘My legs were covered in lumps and hives’
By the time she got home that evening, Faith had begun to to feel itchy all over her body. She was able to mostly forget about it and enjoy a ‘normal weekend’, however, by Monday morning, her ailments became unignorable.
While at work, Faith remembers that her hands began to hurt and swell to such a degree that she couldn’t move her fingers or hold a pen. Her legs also became covered in hives and lumps appeared on her arm. So, she went to see a pharmacist who told her she was likely having an allergic reaction and advised antihistamines.
Faith took the advised medication but the swelling worsened and she began to experience ‘crushing, aching’ chest pain. When she had to undo her shoelaces to make room for her swollen feet, Faith finally decided it was time to go home.
There, she called a health advisor on 111, who advised her to go to the hospital. Her mum drove her straight there but waited in the car due to Covid restrictions, and Faith was admitted to hospital alone.
She was initially told she might have Kawasaki disease, a serious illness which causes inflammation of the blood vessels and can affect the heart, but less than 24 hours later, Faith was reassured again that it was an allergic reaction.
Yet, her body continued to deteriorate; she was breathless, with hands ‘like rubber gloves’ and covered in rashes.
‘My lips swelled up badly and by the third day, it looked like I had horns coming out of my forehead due to swollen lumps,’ Faith recalls. ‘During the night I was struggling to breathe so they gave me a shot of adrenalin.’
There was so much going on, she says she didn’t have a chance to feel scared, but grew convinced that her vaccination had something to do with her symptoms. When she tried to share her views, Faith says she was quickly shut down.
Finding out the cause
‘The nurses said: “Don’t tell anyone on this ward that you think it was the vaccine because you don’t know that and shouldn’t spread misinformation.”’,’ she claims.
Faith complied but when her curtains were pulled closed for the evening, she says she overheard a conversation she was never meant to be privy to. ‘I remember a nurse saying to her colleague, “I’m getting my vaccine tomorrow, and I don’t want to get it now I’ve seen her, I’m a bit nervous.”’
After five days Faith was sent home. A rheumatologist told her she was likely to be suffering from reactive arthritis following the vaccine, and prescribed steroids, vowing she’d be ‘right as rain before long’.
But Faith not right as rain. Three years later, she says she is now disabled and struggles with pain, brain fog, breathlessness, headaches and fatigue. She’s gone from dancing competitively and working out at the gym three times a week, to barely managing a short dog walk.
Her symptoms correlate with a little-understood, persistent condition, referred to as post-vaccination syndrome. She is one of a number of people speaking out about their experiences on behalf of charity UKCVFamily.
Facing the future
Faith’s work has also been impacted, leaving her feeling she had no choice but to leave the pharmacy and her dream to be a paramedic. She moved on to an estate agency, assuming it would put less stress on her body, but after two years she resigned, and now works in her mum’s gift shop.
‘My long-term plan has been completely wiped, which is pretty rubbish,’ says Faith. But it’s not just work that’s been affected, as she feels she can no longer be the adventurous friend she once was, going nightclubbing every weekend and enjoying spontaneous trips. Her predicament has put a strain on relationships, adds Faith.
‘I feel like a friend that always poo-poos everything,’ she explains.
‘My life has been pretty much ruined, and there’s no end to it. If they diagnosed and treated me, it might have just cost me my early 20s. I could have dealt with that, but how long will this go on? Will it be forever?’
Faith is now on a waiting list to see an endocrinologist – a medical specialist who treats people with conditions that are caused by problems with endocrine glands and hormones – but until then, she has to take it very easy.
She has reported the reaction under the Yellow Card scheme which safeguards medical products’ quality and efficacy in the United Kingdom, as did her pharmacy and doctor. Faith says she doesn’t want compensation but instead wants people to know what happened.
‘People just don’t understand. One doctor told me I was too young to label myself as disabled, and that I just needed to get myself out of it, mentally. I cried after the appointment,’ she remembers.
‘For the first three years, I was positive, because I’d assumed it would get better. But in the last six months, there’s been a noticeable difference where I’m getting frustrated. As I’ve gotten more ill, I get a lot more annoyed, upset, and emotionally fragile.
‘There are still people out there calling me anti-vax – but I’m not,’ she emphasises. ‘I never have been. I had all my inoculations through school and I understand that we had to do something to slow the spread of the virus, but I do regret having this vaccine.
‘I am such a positive person who usually says there’s no point in wishing that you hadn’t done something, because you can’t change the past – but if I could turn back time, I wouldn’t do it again.’
Covid-19 vaccinations
Faith’s experience was rare and unfortunate. In 2021 alone, Covid-19 vaccines saved at least an estimated 14.4 million lives worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation.
A spokesperson for Pfizer said: ‘Patient safety is paramount and we take any reports of adverse events very seriously. Adverse event reports do not imply causality, and in the context of vaccination, such events may be unrelated to the administration of the vaccine. Hundreds of millions of doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine have been administered globally and the benefit-risk profile of the vaccine remains positive for all authorised indications and age groups.
‘As with every medicine and vaccine, including the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer has robust processes to meet its regulatory responsibilities to closely monitor, report and analyse all adverse events, and collect relevant information to assess any new potential safety risks that may be associated with the Covid-19 vaccine. In addition to our pharmacovigilance efforts and compliance with regulatory requirements related to quality and safety, we also work with regulatory authorities around the world as they independently monitor the safety profile of our vaccine.
‘Patients who receive the Covid-19 vaccine should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse if they have any concerns or experience any side effects. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. Side effects can be reported directly via the Yellow Card Scheme here.’
18 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Drop waist dresses are everywhere at the moment — here are some of our favourites
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After dominating the runways in 2024, it looks like drop waist dresses are set to once again take over the fashion scene this summer. Just ask Kendall Jenner, who turned heads at Coachella in a now completely sold-out Proenza dress in an on-trend butter yellow hue.
Effortlessly elegant and surprisingly versatile, the chic yet structured silhouette of a dropped waist dress has the ability to elongate and balance out your frame — making it a truly flattering and fuss-free fit.
Best of all, there are endless styles to explore — from romantic fitted bodices with flowing swishy skirts, to shirred low waist dresses that would be just right for a relaxed barbecue or daytime event.
Looking for a little inspiration? Whatever your budget or style, we’ve got you covered with our edit of top picks.
Cream One Shoulder Drop Waist Trent Midi Dress
With its asymmetric neckline, lightly gathered bodice, and dropped-waist swishy skirt, this dress oozes elegance right from the off — requiring very little additional styling. A real high-quality piece, it’s got a concealed zip fastening for added security, and it’s primarily made from the sustainable material, Lenzing™ Ecovero™ Viscose — which is silky soft, breathable, and designed to drape beautifully.
ASOS DESIGN V-neck Button Through Maxi Dress with Dropped Waist
A flattering yet laidback fit for a daytime date, this lovely dress truly well and truly looks the part with its v-neck bodice, button placket, and delicate dropped waist. But — thanks to its breathable blend of cotton and linen material — it’s also a practical pick for warm summer days. For a complete look, simply throw on your favourite denim jacket, and a neutral pair of sandals or trainers.
Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi
This iconic Free People dress comes in thirteen different colours — but Banana Cream is the hue we’re currently most obsessed with. A clean and modern take on a more vintage silhouette, the pointed hem of the bodice and flattering pleating at the waist accentuate any curves — while the A-line skirt adds all the necessary elegance and romance. The best bit? It’s even got hidden pockets!
Red Jersey Drop Waist Dress
Effortlessly cool, this dress has a really simple design — allowing the dropped waistline to take its rightful place at centre stage. With its scooped neck and fitted feel, the bodice hugs the body in all the right places — perfectly complimenting the loose fitting skirt underneath. It comes in three different colours, but this fiery red is definitely our favourite.
ASOS Design Slash Neck Button Down Dropped Waist Mini Dress
This mini dress brings together two trending features; boat necks, and dropped waistlines. With its sleeveless waistcoat-style bodice — complete with a button placket — and short flowing skirt, it feels like the perfect preppy outfit. Just pair it with chunky loafers or slingback sandals to complete the look.
Dipped-Waist Smocked Midi Dress
Made from a lovely and lightweight soft poplin fabric, there’s a lot to love about this simple summer dress. From the gorgeous smocked bodice with its flattering scooped neckline, to the flattering dipped waistline and flowy skirt,it’s guaranteed to become a staple addition to your wardrobe. But best of all, the adjustable straps make it easy to ensure you’re properly supported — and it also comes in Petite, Regular, and Tall lengths.
Black Drop-Waist Cora Midi Dress
You can’t go wrong with a classic black midi dress — and this gorgeous one from Nobody’s Child feels like the kind of piece we’ll be reaching for again and again. We love the square neckline and waist-defining bitted bodice — and the A-line skirt beautifully skims the body and lightly flows in the breeze. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s the perfect breathable dress for warm days and balmy summer nights.
Abercrombie & Fitch Drop Waist Bubble Midi Dress in Pink
Pretty and playful, this stunning A&F dress makes a stunning statement with its square neckline, dropped waist, and super trendy bubble-style skirt that gathers beautifully at the hem. And it’s pastel pink — so it feels especially fitting for a girly bottomless brunch, or a summer baby shower.
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17 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
A paramedic’s revelation about my everyday habit brought intense shame
With fumbling fingers, I quickly cobbled together a message to my mum.
‘Something is seriously wrong,’ I wrote.
My mind was foggy. My stomach bloated. My heart hammered. And I had no idea why.
For weeks, there had been signs that something wasn’t quite right with me. I had a persistent headache that I brushed off as stress, a sluggish feeling in my muscles, and a bone-deep exhaustion that sleep couldn’t touch.
Yet, I thought, if I doubled down on ‘healthy’ habits, if I kept doing the ‘right’ things – getting better sleep, eating nutritious food, exercising daily, and, above all, staying hydrated – I would feel better.
I was living by the rule that if a little was good, a lot must be better. But the more water I drank, the worse I felt.
Then, one Monday evening in April 2025, I was overtaken by an overwhelming wave of nausea and dizziness that felt as if I were dragging myself through wet sand. I feared I’d collapse if I stood up and so, in a panic, I texted my mum and called 111.
My voice slurred, and I struggled to steady my thoughts as I explained my symptoms. I was advised to head to the hospital immediately.
Within the hour, my mum was driving me and I was frightened, but more than that, I was baffled.
I didn’t drink alcohol, always ate my five-a-day and attended regular Pilates classes. And, of course, I was comfortably gulping down at least eight litres of water a day.
So why did my body feel like it was shutting down?
As the paramedic on duty put it, I was internally drowning. In other words, I had water intoxication.
Can you drink too much water?
Also known as water poisoning or hyponatremia, water intoxication is something that happens when you have more water in your body than it needs.
This dilutes the sodium in your blood and can cause a dangerous chemical imbalance, which makes your cells swell, including those in your brain.
Left untreated, it can cause confusion, seizures, coma, and in extreme cases, death.
Though I was fortunate that it was caught in time, and was able to go home that same night, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, ashamed, and strangely guilty.
I thought I was taking care of myself, when in reality, by chasing ‘health’ and wellness, I’d pushed my body to the brink. Had I known about or heard of this condition before, perhaps I would have thought twice before upping my water intake.
Yet I’m far from an anomaly.
Because the conversation is always about dehydration – the fear being that we’re not drinking enough – we rarely hear about, nor does anyone warn you, how drinking too much can be just as perilous.
What’s even more terrifying is how much overhydration is encouraged online. Influencers show off how many litres they’ve chugged by lunchtime and giant water bottles have become something akin to a badge of honour.
I’ve even stumbled across ‘water cult’ pages that glorify drinking up to 10 litres a day for better skin, energy, and digestion, when, in actual fact, consuming that quantity of water is more than enough to be fatal.
We need better public messaging, and influencers and ‘health gurus’ need to be held responsible with the ‘advice’ they give.
And those viral drinking challenges? They have to stop. People should know that drinking when you’re thirsty is enough, and pushing beyond that isn’t a flex, it’s a risk.
More doesn’t always mean better. Our bodies are a delicate, beautifully balanced system, and if you flood it – even with something as seemingly harmless as water – real, irreversible damage is possible
Looking back, I now realise I wasn’t drinking water because I was thirsty, I was drinking for control and out of habit, for the illusion that if I followed all the rules perfectly, I’d be happy and healthy.
That mindset could have cost me everything.
Since my experience, I’ve realised that real self-care isn’t about mindlessly following trends. It’s not about forcing yourself into extremes because you’re scared of not doing ‘enough’.
It’s about listening – really listening – to what your body is asking for and trusting it.
Nowadays I stick to the recommended eight glasses. That’s enough for me.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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17 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'I'm abrosexual – I only realised in my 30s and pals made cruel comments'
A woman has admitted she was hit with some upsetting comments from friends when she came out as abrosexual – a term she only found when she was 30-years-old. Luckily, now she feels ‘seen’
17 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
I’ve been called an undateable ‘red flag’ because of my health condition
I honestly never thought I’d be considered a red flag when it came to dating.
I’m a great date – I show up on time for dinners or drinks, I ask them questions about themselves, I never ghost people (unless it’s truly deserved) and I don’t expect people to pay for the entire bill, no matter where we go.
Would I label myself a catch? Yes. I have a successful career, great friends, I don’t live with my parents, I’m good with my money, and I’m kind and caring.
So why do a fifth of the UK population think I’m a red flag? It’s because I’m gluten free.
However, unlike the people of the world who think being gluten free is a lifestyle choice, for me it’s a health condition – I’m coeliac.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease where my body’s immune system attacks my healthy tissues when I eat gluten. It damages my gut and means I can’t absorb any nutrients from the food I eat – hence being gluten free (GF).
Not following a GF diet could lead to an increased risk of cancer for me, including small bowel cancer, small bowel lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma, so you can see why I’m keen to avoid it.
But dating has been daunting, given the fact that a third of Brits would avoid inviting someone over for dinner if they were gluten free, according to Warburton’s research.
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A quarter would request that GF guests bring their own food (which I often do in case of a cross-contamination emergency), while more than half of Brits don’t know what to cook us for dinner.
I was diagnosed at 19, after being very poorly for two years, and it came at a time when I was very much single and dating.
I’d just split up with my boyfriend of six months, so I was feeling free, happy and ready to throw myself into the scene at my university.
About half a year after my diagnosis I was flirting with a friend of a friend at the student union bar of a university close to mine.
He was tall and handsome, with relatively good chat, until he offered me a sip of his beer. I politely declined saying ‘no thanks, I can’t’.
‘What do you mean you can’t,’ he replied, pushing his pint close to my face.
‘I’m coeliac,’ I said. I can’t drink beer.’
Whether he simply didn’t care, or didn’t understand, there was no excuse for what he did next.
Placing one hand behind my head and tipping his pint, he poured beer over my face and into my mouth while saying: ‘Don’t be such a wimp.’
I shoved him off, beer flying everywhere, and stormed off to the girl’s bathroom. Running the tap I tried desperately to rinse out my mouth, trying not to be sick at the thought of how much I’d already swallowed.
Dabbing my face and feeling violated, I left and headed home. That was the most obvious disrespect I’ve faced for simply being gluten free, but throughout my dating experiences, it wasn’t an isolated incident.
Throughout my time on various apps – like Tinder and Hinge – I would try to avoid bringing up the fact I was coeliac, but when it came time to go for dinner with a potential suitor, I’d have to fess up.
Then would follow the same generic responses. ‘Your life must be so miserable’, or ‘I think I’d just keep eating gluten to be honest’ were common.
‘What can you even eat?’ was another favourite of mine.
I’d inevitably have to book the restaurant myself because they would refuse to do so much as Google gluten free menus in London.
But I have had dates who were considerate of my needs. The sweetest in particular being my now partner, who got his coeliac co-worker to write down a list of restaurant recommendations that she had tried and tested.
He then took me to Pho – a casual Vietnamese chain which has an almost entirely gluten free menu.
But once you find that special someone who doesn’t berate you for being coeliac, there’s another challenge: meeting the parents.
Trying to make a good impression on your boyfriend’s loved ones is significantly harder when you have to list what they can and can’t cook for you, as well as how they have to cook it.
A simple mistake can mean you can’t eat the meal they’ve made for you, and it can seem like you’re rejecting their efforts. It takes time to learn to cater to someone with a strict dietary requirement.
Sadly, despite being the one with the disease, in the dating world, you’re often the one trying to make accommodations for them when it should be the other way around.
I’m not hard to date or cook for – it just takes a little effort.
And if you can’t do that, maybe it’s you who is the red flag.
This article was originally published 29 May, 2024.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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I rarely ever buy wine from Co-op. Sandwiches, sure. Emergency compostable bin bags, absolutely. A bag of spuds when I inevitably realise we’ve run out at 6:43pm on a Sunday, heck yes. But wine? Not the first place I’d look… until recently.
I’ll preface this by saying I love Co-op – it’s one of the supermarkets that feels like it genuinely cares. It’s democratic, community-minded and engages with local causes. It was championing Fairtrade before it was trendy to pay your staff and suppliers fairly and it now sells over 100 Fairtrade wines – more than any other retailer.
But, maybe that was the problem for me when it came to its wine.
Because if I’m honest, for as long as I can remember the Co-op wine aisle has given me functional, but not exciting. More than that, there was a earnestness and ‘pick me, I’m Fairtrade’ vibe that was putting me off. (Plus, the wine labels were always a little practical-looking and I’m superficial, so those two factors were never going to align.)
Then I tasted Muriel Tempranillo Vendimia Seleccionada Rioja and it was good, like really good.
I’d love to say that my eyes locked onto it whilst I was in store looking for cat litter and oat milk – although I actually have a dog and I drink cow’s milk – but, no. It was at the Co-op wine tasting that I tried this bottle, along with 70 other of their spring/summer wines.
This Rioja is currently down to £7.35 making it head spinning value for money and is basically the definition of a barbecue red. It’s the real deal, pure ‘Riojan roll’, aged for seven months in French and American oak, so you get a suggestion of wood influence without feeling like you’re running your tongue along a barn door.
It’s made by one of the oldest wineries in Rioja Alavesa, the northernmost and arguably most refined of Rioja’s winemaking subregions. Bodegas Muriel has been going since 1926, but is now producing a modern, fruit-driven style. This is made from 100% Tempranillo, the classic Rioja grape, We’re talking flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, damson, and dried mint flavours with a touch of baking spice. It’ll work best with roast lamb in front of a Netflix documentary about exes from hell.
So, while I was busy side-eyeing its Fairtrade Sauvignon, it seems Co-op has been quietly levelling up its wine game. Still making ethical, mindful choices, only now with much better wine and a ramped up sense of style.
Here are six other bottles that caught my attention and should be front and centre on your shopping list…
Co-op’s best Sparkling Wine for summer
Codorniu Gran Crémant Cava Brut Organic, Spain, £10.25 (in store, £11 delivered)
I’ll bang on about Cava’s indecently good value for money forever if you’re not careful. Start drinking it so I don’t have to. It’s made in the same way as Champagne, for goodness sake, yet this is only just over a tenner. Plus, it’s organic and we all know what an expensive process that is. But, why is it using the French term ‘Crémant’? Probably piggybacking on the success of the Crémant category, and why not. You’ve got to try this bottle, it’s dry, peachy, tingly and saline.
Co-op’s best White Wine for summer
Co-op Soave, Italy, £5.65
Italian whites are massively up in quality across the supermarkets. Here’s a great case in point, given Soave can taste like mediocre dish water if it’s not made well. The flavours are barely-there, it has to be said, but for the price this has some citrussy minerality and almond flavours going on, giving you lime sherbet happy ending. You really can’t go wrong, then you can trade up to the ‘Classico’ version which sits at £8.25.
Co-op Orvieto Classico, Italy, £6.85
This is the crisp summer white you’ve probably never heard of. If you’re Grigio devotee or you like sipping Soave, this should be on your drinking rotation, stat. Orvieto is from the Umbrian hills of central Italy, and for under £7 you get a decent amount of dry lemon sherbet and macadamia nut flavours in your glass. Sometimes, keeping it simple tastes pretty good.
Co-op’s best Rosé wine for summer
Welmoed Rosé, South Africa, £7.95
South Africa seems to be the epicentre of good value rosé at Co-op. This coral-coloured Fairtrade example is all blood orange and cantaloupe melon in the mouth, with a dry and spicy finish. It’s lovely. No wonder it has a piquancy about it, it made from 100% Shiraz. A great choice for all the al fresco frolics and shenanigans we’re inevitably going to be having over the summer.
Co-op’s best Red wine for summer
Muriel Tempranillo Vendimia Seleccionada Rioja, Spain, £7.35 (save £1.50 until 3rd June)
Now for the main event, and what can I say that I’ve not already said? Run, don’t walk to grab some while it’s still on deal. Even off promo, it’s still an incredible bargain. This is classic elegance of Rioja meets the new movement from younger winemakers bringing the region up to date with the modern palate. Off you go…
Al Fresco Red, Spain, £8.50
The winemaker of this fun little number is a friend of mine, Ray O’Connor MW. He’s crafted a summer glugging wine for Co-op, mid-way between a rosé and a red in colour and style, would that be a redé or a rosed? Either way, it’s innovative, and thankfully it tastes good, because that could have been an awkward conversation. It’s made 100% from the juicy Garnacha grape, so think pomegranate and dragon fruit in flavour, light in texture and very, very morish. Must be chilled before sipping, it’s the law.
Looking for more expert drinks content?
If you count yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, Metro’s Drink Up column is where you need to be.
Immerse yourself in the world of good drink, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven – a place for readers to whet their whistle with the latest and greatest in the world of drinks. From unpacking the best supermarket wines from Aldi, Tesco and Lidl, to introducing audiences to the wallet-friendly Cremant out-bubbling the fanciest of French Champagnes (or the best wines to drink after sex), and finding out what it’s like to go on a bar crawl with Jason Momoa, this is a haven for those who love to celebrate.
Stay ahead of the curve as Rob plucks from the vines the wines of the season and the spirits you need to know about; speaking with experts and mixologists while unpacking the latest concoctions, finding the best non-alcoholic options for those looking to moderate, discovering the best food pairings for your drops, and going up against the latest TikTok chatter to demystify the liquid landscape.
Can you really make cheap vodka taste expensive by putting it through a Brita filter?
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Standing in front of the full length mirror at the gym, I flexed a bicep to admire my muscle definition, then snapped a photo on my phone.
‘Looking good!’ I said to myself.
A year ago, I started working out with a personal trainer and the results were obvious. The reflection in the mirror was fit and strong, with a narrow waist.
Striking a pose for the camera in the gym is pretty standard behaviour these days, you might think.
But I’m no Gen Z influencer. I’m actually a septuagenarian – a person who was born in the age of typewriters, not smartphones.
This year I celebrated my 74th birthday, but I feel more like I’m 40.
In fact, I’m in the best shape of my life. And I’m here to tell you that it’s never too late to make changes.
If I can do it in my early 70s, then you can do it too.
I haven’t always felt so body confident. As a busy working mum I had the same hang-ups as so many other women.
I didn’t like the way I looked, hiding my figure beneath baggy Laura Ashley dresses. I hated eating in front of people, fearing they’d judge me.
In my forties I fell into the trap of trying to do it all. I juggled raising my daughter Laura, now 43, with a career in NHS clinical leadership that left me feeling stressed and depleted.
By 50 I’d reached breaking point. I wasn’t very good at asking for help – instead I’d sit in my car, listening to classical music and having a good cry.
It was a good friend who eventually convinced me to see my GP. We were in the pub after work one day, nursing large glasses of wine, and I felt like I needed to share how I was feeling.
She was very understanding, which helped me to stop judging myself, and she gave me the confidence to seek help.
I ended up breaking down in the doctor’s surgery, but thankfully my GP was extremely sympathetic and I was signed off work with stress-related depression.
I went swimming and walked a lot. After six weeks, I thought I felt a little better, so I went back to work – only to end up off again two years later. The situation hadn’t changed and the dark feelings were coming back.
That was my lightbulb moment. I handed in my notice.
I did a lot of soul searching. My burnout had set me on a completely different path.
Around this time, my approach to my health was also shifting. So many women hit 50 and think that’s it, they’re done, but for me it felt like a new beginning.
I enrolled in a gym and learned how to use the machines, as I’d heard resistance training can help protect against frailty and falls as we age.
Over the next few years I went to the gym roughly twice a week. Sometimes I didn’t want to go – but at the end of every session I always felt better.
Becoming a grandma in 2011, when Laura had my gorgeous grandson, Jacob, spurred me on even more. They live in the US and I knew I needed to keep myself well to manage the long-distance flights. Jetlag is no fun if you’re not fighting fit.
I wrote and self-published a book in 2011 called Journey to Chocolate about my quest for a more balanced and satisfying life. People go through life on autopilot – I wanted to reach out and give them a shake.
I started eating ‘clean’ with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, avoiding processed food and not drinking alcohol from Monday to Thursday. The changes to my diet made me feel more energetic and alert; I slept better, and managing my weight was much easier.
My husband, Iain, was totally on board. He started eating in a similar way and began feeling better, too, and I found that I was meeting and making friends with younger women who shared my enthusiasm for life.
In spring 2020, as the Covid pandemic hit and the world went into lockdown, I became sick of hearing the over-50s described as ‘vulnerable’. I’d recently celebrated my 70th birthday and I felt anything but. In fact, I felt I’d had the best years of my life since turning 50.
But staying well as you age does take work, so in October 2022, I signed up with a personal trainer, Janine Worthington.
I met her through a women’s networking event and initially assumed she was quite young but when I saw her in person at a Macmillan Coffee Morning, I realised she was a mid-lifer who just looked really healthy.
‘I’d love to have a session or two with you,’ I admitted. If she could look so good then why couldn’t I?
During our first session in her garage gym she had me doing squats, lunges and lifting weights. Despite being hard work I surprised myself with how much I liked it.
It was different to how I normally worked out: we were chatting at the same time, so it was more enjoyable, and she helped me get the best out of each exercise, so I was learning as well.
I discovered I responded well to being pushed during our one-to-one sessions, and Janine focused on what I could do, rather than my age.
‘I can’t believe this is actually fun!’ I laughed.
Now I work out with Janine once a week, do regular pilates sessions with my teacher Beverley Densham and go for daily walks with Iain.
We’ve been married 45 years and we’re still going strong.
I run a Facebook Group called The Unlikely Guru, to bring together other like-minded folk who want to enjoy their lives as they age.
I call myself the ‘unlikely’ Guru because if you’d told the 40-year-old me that I’d be a fitness influencer in my 70s, I’d have burst out laughing.
Now, I’m determined to lead an ‘ageing well’ movement.
My message is simple: it doesn’t matter how old you are – don’t give up and don’t settle. With a few simple tweaks, such as prioritising exercise, a good diet, lots of sleep, lowering stress and having a sense of purpose, it’s never too late to improve your vitality.
As told to Jade Beecroft
This article was originally published April 28, 2024
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
Share your views in the comments below.