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Fashion fans are raving about ‘comfiest trousers ever’ from M&S – they’ll keep you cool in summer & come in 11 colours

FASHION fans are raving about the ‘comfiest trousers ever’ from M&S.

Not only are they cute and bloat friendly, but they’re perfect for keeping cool in summer too. 

a marks & spencer store with mannequins in front of it
Fashion fans are raving about the ‘comfiest trousers ever’ and they’re less than £30 from M&S
Woman modeling striped pants.
Jess Bacon is a big fan of the striped trousers, which are priced at £27.50
tiktok@jesskbacon
Woman wearing a denim shirt and striped trousers.
Not only are they so cute and great for keeping cool, but there’s plenty of colours to choose from too
tiktok@jesskbacon
Woman modeling striped pants.
Marks & Spencer
But you’ll need to move fast if you want to nab them, as sizes are selling out fast[/caption]

Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers

So if you’re looking to give your wardrobe an upgrade this season, then we’ve got just the thing for you. 

Jess Bacon, a fashion enthusiast and writer in her 20s from the UK, was left beaming with her new pair of high waisted trousers, which she claimed are ‘great for midsize girls’.

Thrilled with her purchase, Jess took to social media to give her followers a close-up look at her new M&S buy, leaving many totally stunned. 

The blonde managed to get her hands on the viral Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers, which she described as a ‘staple’ for summer. 

Posting online, Jess uploaded her short clip modelling the trousers with the caption ‘Obsessed with the M&S linen trousers this summer and always!! They have them in plus sizes as well and are great for midsize girls and curvy fashion too.’

She then said: “I have gained weight and there is nothing wrong with that, but there is everything wrong with opening a wardrobe and everything being a size too small to wear.

“Now, I am slowly building up a very limited size 18 to 20 wardrobe and I’m running through some of the firm staples on that list, including the M&S viral linen trousers from last summer.

“Now, I wore these over and over and over again last year and styled them in lots of different ways.

“I think they’re perfect for spring, summer and autumn and I actually bought another pair this year because I’m scared I’m gonna wear the other pair out, I wear them that much.”

Jess styled the striped trousers, which she nabbed in a size 22, with a baby tee from Hollister and a denim jacket.

The trousers are priced at £27.50 and are available in 11 colours, to which Jess continued: “I absolutely love these trousers, and M&S have them in a great range of sizes – I would always recommend sizing up because they are linen and sometimes it just makes the fit look a bit nicer.”

But if you want to get your hands on the linen-rich trousers, which are designed in a breezy wide-leg shape, making them perfect for warm-weather days, you’ll need to move fast, as sizes are selling out quickly. 

Why Everyone Is Loving M&S

Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale revealed to Fabulous why M&S is the shop of the moment. She explained:

“M&S has really pulled it out of the bag this season, there is so much good product to be excited about.

“A brand once known for its ‘frumpy fashion’ that notion is long gone with it now being one of the leading high street stores for womenswear.

“Its handbag range in particular is super strong with them selling 170% vs plan, with lots more designer dupes for just a fraction of the price.

“The brand is now also the #1 for style perceptions, compared to the #3 spot it had last year, this comes from a really strong design team focused on modernising the brand, not only taking into consideration how the pieces look, but how easy they are to wear also.

“Price is also a big factor with you being able to get many good quality pieces all for under £30.

“After having a sneak peak of the upcoming collection there are so many more amazing pieces that are dropping over the next few months to keep your eyes on.

“Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and amazing accessories, as well as great wardrobe staples that will last year on year.”

The wide leg trousers fasten with a drawstring at the comfortable high rise waist and have handy side pockets and patch pockets at the back for the ultimate practical look. 

They are an easy-to-wear wardrobe staple that combines classic and contemporary styles and there’s three leg length options available – short/petite, regular and long.

The comfiest trousers I’ve ever owned. I have them in the oat colour too!

Jess Bacon

Meanwhile, sizes range from a 6 to a 24, making them perfect for a variety of different body shapes

Fashion fans beam

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @jesskbacon, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as at the time of writing, it had quickly racked up 87,500 views, 6,358 likes and 115 comments. 

Fashionistas were open-mouthed by the gorgeous trousers and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this. 

One person said: “I love and live in my M&S linen trousers.” 

Another added: “Linen trousers are my GO TO.” 

Whilst a third commented: “Thank you for this, I always struggle with pants being overweight!”

Meanwhile, someone else asked: “Do they feel roomy, like great for long walks or long sit downs travelling? I hate feeling restricted in trousers.”

To this, Jess replied and claimed: “SO roomy! The comfiest trousers I’ve ever owned. I have them in the oat colour too!” 

Shoppers rave

Not only this, but numerous M&S shoppers have taken to the website to share their rave reviews of the trousers, which now have an average rating of 4.4 out of five, with over 2,220 reviews. 

67% said they would recommend these shoppers and the length has been hailed as ‘perfect’.

I bought these trousers in five colours and will be living in them all spring and summer

Fashion fan

One shopper wrote: “I absolutely love these trousers! Lovely quality and fit so well! Just hoping they come back in stock in my size in some other colours!!”

A second chimed in: “My fifth pair of these linen trousers! Almost have every colour, definitely recommend! 

Is supermarket fashion the new high street?

DEPUTY Fashion Editor Abby McHale weighs in:

The supermarkets have really upped their game when it comes to their fashion lines. These days, as you head in to do your weekly food shop you can also pick up a selection of purse-friendly, stylish pieces for all the family. 

Tesco has just announced a 0.7 per cent increase in the quarter thanks to a ‘strong growth in clothing’ and M&S has earnt the title of the number one destination for womenswear on the high street.

Asda’s clothing line George has made £1.5 million for the supermarket in 2023, 80 per cent of Sainsbury’s clothes sold at full price rather than discounted and Nutmeg at Morrisons sales are also up 2 per cent in the past year.

So what is it about supermarket fashion that is becoming so successful?

Apart from the clothing actually being affordable, it’s good quality too – with many being part of schemes such as the Better Cotton Initiative.

A lot of the time they keep to classic pieces that they know will last the customer year after year. 

Plus because they buy so much stock they can turn around pieces quickly and buy for cheaper because of the volumes.

“I’m 5’2 and a size 6 and went for the ‘short’ and they fit perfectly! I wore my other three constantly last summer and the quality is still the same!” 

At the same time, another praised: “I love linen wide-leg trousers and these are very comfortable and flattering and a good fit. 

“I’m 5′ 2″ and the short length is perfect. I bought these trousers in five colours and will be living in them all spring and summer.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

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Huge Disney remake on hold ‘indefinitely’ after Snow White bombs at box office

A HUGE Disney movie reboot is on hold after the company’s big budget Snow White offering bombs at the box office.

Snow White was meant to be one of Disney’s biggest releases in recent years but has hugely underperformed and become a box office bomb after being shrouded in controversy and generating very little public interest.

Rachel Zegler in a red hooded cloak in a scene from "Snow White."
AP
Disney have axed plans for another live-action remake after Snow White underperformed[/caption]
Flynn and Rapunzel from Tangled.
Handout
Plans for a live-action remake of Tangled have been put on hold[/caption]

Now, it is being reported that the disaster has caused Disney to re-think their plans for another live-action movie remake that was understood to be in the works.

Sources have told Variety that plans to commence work on a live-action remake of the 2010 movie Tangled have been paused as a result of the Snow White disaster.

It is not yet clear if Disney hope to pick up the Tangled remake in the future or if it has been shelved for good.

Plans to bring Tangled to life were in full swing with The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey on board to direct the flick.

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson was also attached to the project as a scriptwriter.

Whilst it appears the company have been able to pause Tangled in its early stages – two other live action remakes are already virtually complete and as such will continue to receive the backing of Disney.

A live-action release of Lilo and Stitch is due for release later in the year whilst Disney will be releasing a remake of 2016’s Moana on its 10th anniversary in July 2026.

The new version of Snow White, which features Rachel Zegler in the leading role, has seen an enormous amount of backlash upon it’s release.

The film’s release saw it slapped with a slew of ‘woke’ warnings about what viewers would expect in the classic family fairytale.

Viewers are informed that the £200million remake of the 1937 classic features a woman being “deliberately poisoned”.

The British Board of Film Classification also warns that “a character threatens to shove something up another’s backside during a comic exchange”.

Elsewhere, “characters drink alcohol briefly” in the film, which has been shrouded in controversy.

Actress Rachel Zegler, 23, who plays Snow White, said the original Prince Charming acted like a “stalker”.

She also refused to sing Someday My Prince Will Come because she felt it was “weird”.

Andrew Burnap and Rachel Zegler in Snow White.
Alamy
The current Snow White movie has been engulfed in backlash[/caption]

Disney bosses have been criticised for using CGI dwarves instead of casting real actors.

Game Of Thrones star Peter ­Dinklage slammed them for even “making that f***ing backwards story about seven dwarves living in a cave together”.

The film has so far grossed $145million worldwide – a huge under-performance and currently stands at making Disney a $50miilion+ loss.

Read More »

Super-glue armed anti-tourist activists to flood Majorca TOMORROW & demand visitors ‘go home’ to kick off summer carnage

SPANISH activists are urging angry locals to vandalise key boxes outside rentals before the country’s anti-Airbnb and tourism protests.

Locals in over 40 cities across Spain will take to the streets this Saturday, raging against Airbnb rentals and mass tourism that they say is ruining their hometowns.

Protestor holding a sign that says "Tourist Go Home" at a demonstration.
Anti-tourist marches have been taking place across Spain since last summer
Up to 50,000 people are believed to have attended the march in Tenerife
Up to 50,000 people are believed to have protested in Tenerife in April 2024
Illustration of a map showing protests against overtourism in several European cities.

Locals on the Costas, Tenerife and other British hotspots have been told by activists to damage rental properties by supergluing their locks.

“Please vandalise all the locks you see. Go super glue mad,” reads a message posted on a campaign site.

Below the post is a photo of several key boxes outside an apartment block in the Costa del Sol capital of Malaga.

Nearly 40 organisations from the Balearic Islands will take part in the protest in the Mallorcan capital of Palma.

Majorca, one of the centres of the protests last year, will host the first mass protests of the year this Saturday.

The slogan for Saturday’s protests is: ‘Let’s end the housing business’.

Locals have been saying for the past year that they cannot afford to buy a home, blaming the government for allowing holiday rentals and accommodation construction to drive up housing costs.

Protests will also take place in Valencia, Andalucia, Madrid, as well as Tenerife and Costa del Sol, which are especially popular among Brits.

With the summer holiday season fast approaching, anti-tourism protestors are expected to take over the streets across Spain – as they did last year.

Malaga’s protest on Saturday will be its third in less than 12 months.

In Majorca, after anti-mass tourism protests in May, foreign holidaymakers received so much abuse that organisers even had to apologise.

In Malaga, over 15,000 people took to the streets an anti mass-tourism demonstration in June.

They demanded an end to the problems associated with mass tourism, including pollution, traffic chaos and the lack of affordable housing for locals.

In street demos in Malaga, marchers held up banners, reading: ‘We feel strangers in our own city’ and ‘Malaga is for the people of Malaga, tourism forces us out.’

Some of the banners, in many cases pieces of cardboard the protestors had scrawled messages in felt-tip pen on, said: ‘One more tourist is one less local resident’.

Others read: ‘Padlocks out of our neighbourhoods’ in reference to apartments’ coded key holders.

Before the march stickers were plastered over the front of tourist apartment blocks in Malaga with messages in Spanish reading: ‘F##k off from here’ and ‘Stinking of Tourists’.

Others wrote: ‘This used to be my house’ and ‘A family used to live here’.

Javier Barbero, a spokesman for the ‘Majorca Is Not For Sale’ platform, who will take part in Saturday’s demonstrations in Spain, said: “Majorca is no longer an attractive place to work.”

“The number of people quitting seasonal jobs in tourism and hospitality has shot up because it’s not worthwhile.

“The same thing is happening with education, healthcare and security.

“Not only is the present at stake, so is the future of our children on the island,” he said.

But the tourism industry, which rakes in billions across the globe every year, is responsible for keeping many of the Spanish towns and villages afloat.

The scheme to destroy Airbnb locks was also used by protestors in Italy last November.

Locals vandalised key boxes in Milan and Florence, placing stickers reading ‘Less short lets, more houses for all’ on the safes that had keys for tourists to access their accommodation.

This had the desired outcome – the Italian government went on to ban metal key boxes in a move to clamp down on over-tourism.

What are Spain's anti-tourist protests?

In April 2024, residents across Spain began protesting against overtourism.

Since then, large protests have taken place across the country, especially in tourist areas like the Balearics and Canaries, and cities like Barcelona and Málaga.

In April 2024, between 20,000 and 50,000 people reportedly protested in the Canary islands.

By July, around 50,000 took to the streets in Palma de Mallorca.

Locals say overtourism has reduced their quality of life, increased the cost of living, and brought in cheap, “low-quality” tourists who do not contribute to the local economy.

But critics argue that the protests and their messages could be considered ‘tourismphobia’ – an ‘aversion or rejection of tourism’.

Anti-tourism movements have been gaining traction not just in Spain, but across Europe in countries like Italy and Greece.

In response, measures have been implemented across Europe to curb mass tourism.

Protest against tourism policies in Tenerife.
An anti-tourist protest on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands last summer
A graffiti against tourists is seen at the Guell Park in Barcelona, Spain
Anti-tourist graffiti at the Guell Park in Barcelona, Spain
Anti-tourist protesters held up banners reading 'People live here' and 'We don't want to see our island die'
Anti-tourist protesters held up banners reading ‘People live here’ and ‘We don’t want to see our island die’ in Majorca in April 2024
Tourists walking past graffiti that reads "Tourist Go Home."
Graffiti with the slogan ‘tourist go home’ in Majorca in April 2024

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5.15 Aintree result – day 2: Who won the Handicap Hurdle 2025? How every horse finished at Grand National Festival

THE final race of day two is here as attention turns to the Handicap Hurdle.

Sun Racing brings you how every horse finished in the 5.15pm at Aintree.

Jockey Jonjo O'Neill Jr. riding Wellington Arch to victory in a horse race.
Getty
The Handicap Hurdle is underway[/caption]

5.15 Aintree result

Full results and horse placing to follow…

Full Aintree Grand National Festival TV schedule and race times

Thursday, April 3

All times BST

1:45pm: Manifesto Novices’ Chase (WINNER: IMPAIRE ET PASSE)
2:20pm: Juvenile Hurdle (WINNER: MURCIA)
2:55pm: Aintree Bowl (WINNER: GAELIC WARRIOR)
3:30pm: Aintree Hurdle (WINNER: LOSSIEMOUTH)
4:05pm: Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase (WINNER: GRACCUS DE BALME)
4:40pm: Red Rum Handicap Chase (WINNER: SANUS BRUIT)
5:15pm: Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (WINNER: SEO LINN)

Friday, April 4

1:45pm: Mildmay Novices’ Chase (WINNER: CALDWELL POTTER)
2:20pm: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (WINNER: WELLINGTON ARCH)
2:55pm: Top Novices’ Hurdle (WINNER: SALVATOR MUNDI)
3:30pm: Melling Chase (WINNER: JONBON)
4:05pm: Topham Handicap Chase (WINNER: GENTLEMAN DE MEE)
4:40pm: Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (WINNER: JULIUS DES PICTONS)
5:15pm: Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle (Racing TV)

Saturday, April 5

1:20pm: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (ITV)
1:55pm: Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (ITV)
2:30pm: Freebooter Handicap Chase (ITV)
3:05pm: Liverpool Hurdle (ITV)
4pm: Grand National (ITV)
5pm:
 Maghull Novices’ Chase (Racing TV)
5:35pm: Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Racing TV)

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
  • GambleAware – GambleAware.org

Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

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The 17 ways you can slash your risk of stroke, depression and dementia all at once revealed

FOR many conditions, particularly those without a cure, prevention is key.

When it comes to slashing your risk of age-related brain diseases, such as stroke, depression and dementia, there are 17 ways, according to a new study.

Illustration of a woman with a backpack and illustrations of kidney disease symptoms surrounding her.
Risk factors linked to stroke, depression and dementia include kidney disease, hearing loss and alcohol use

Researchers at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham found a reduced risk of all three conditions by modifying any one of the 17 factors.

They looked at previously published meta-analyses of risk factors associated with the conditions, then combined the data to identify modifiable risk factors (those that can be altered through behavioural changes) shared amongst at least two out of the three diseases.

They also estimated the relative impact of each risk factor on measures of quality of life and early death.

Altogether, the researchers identified risk factors shared by at least two of the diseases, including blood pressure, kidney disease, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, alcohol use, diet, hearing loss, pain, physical activity, purpose in life, sleep, smoking, social engagement, and stress.

Of these, high blood pressure and severe kidney disease had the biggest impact on the incidence and burden of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression.

In contrast, physical activity and engagement in leisure activities with a cognitive aspect, for example puzzles, were associated with a lower risk of disease.

But the researchers suspect these associations may be symptomatic rather than causal, since individuals with brain disease may be less capable of engaging in physical and cognitive leisure activities.

“Dementia, stroke, and late-life depression are connected and intertwined, so if you develop one of them, there’s a substantial chance you may develop another one in the future,” said one the study authors, Jasper Senff, a postdoctoral fellow at the Singh Lab at the Brain Care Labs at Mass General Hospital and at Harvard Medical School.

“And because they share these overlapping risk factors, preventive efforts could lead to a reduction in the incidence of more than one of these diseases, which provides an opportunity to simultaneously reduce the burden of age-related brain diseases.”

The researchers developed and validated the Brain Care Score to measure efforts to protect brain health and offer guidance on how to improve it. 

This has been updated with the latest scientific findings.

The team emphasise the need for more studies on modifiable risk factors of late-life depression and call for a randomised controlled trial to test an intervention using the Brain Care Score.

Find out the 17 modifiable risk factors…

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to a wide range of diseases, including liver and heart problems, various cancers, and mental health issues.

What you can do: Try switching to low alcohol alternatives, have drink free days, or give stopping completely a go.

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call Drinkline’s helpline for free at 0300 123 1110.

Blood pressure

Woman using a blood pressure monitor.
Getty
Managing stress is one of the things you can do to keep your blood pressure in check[/caption]

Unmanaged high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, leading to strokes or smaller, unnoticed brain damage, both of which contribute to cognitive decline. 

What can you do: To lower blood pressure, focus on a combination of lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing sodium intake, limiting alcohol, and managing stress, and consider medication if necessary after consulting with a healthcare professional. 

Body mass index

A high body mass index (BMI), particularly in midlife, is associated with an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and depression, while a decline in BMI in late life may also increase dementia risk. 

What you can do: To achieve a healthy BMI (between 18.5 and 24.9), focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sustainable lifestyle changes, rather than drastic measures. 

Fasting plasma glucose

A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) it the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood after you’ve fasted (not eaten or drunk anything except water).

Elevated FPG can indicate diabetes and prediabetes, which can increase the risk of stroke, dementia an depression.

What you can do: To keep FPG in check, focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress, as well as getting enough sleep and potentially consulting with a healthcare professional for personalised advice. 

Total cholesterol

Woman's hands holding an apple and a donut.
Getty
Eat less fatty foods to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol levels[/caption]

High total cholesterol, particularly elevated levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, increases the risk of stroke and may contribute to dementia, including vascular dementia, by affecting blood vessels and brain function. 

What you can do: To lower high cholesterol levels, eat less fatty food, exercise more, stop smoking and cut down on alcohol.

Leisure time cognitive ability

Leisure time cognitive ability refers to the mental skills and processes engaged in during free time activities, like reading, puzzles, or games, which can positively impact cognitive function and potentially reduce cognitive decline. 

What you can do: To improve cognitive abilities during leisure time, engage in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, games, and social interactions.

Depressive symptoms

Depression can manifest in various ways, including persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness.

What you can do: To combat depression, focus on self-care, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and engaging in activities you enjoy. And consider talking to a healthcare provider or therapist and exploring therapies or medication if needed.

Diet

Woman holding a bowl of superfood salad.
Getty
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet[/caption]

A healthy diet is crucial for preventing various diseases.

What you can do: To eat a healthy diet, focus on a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. 

Hearing loss

Hearing loss is linked to an increased risk of dementia, depression, and social isolation, and can also be a early sign of stroke, particularly posterior circulation strokes. 

What you can do: Prioritise protecting your ears from loud noises, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek regular hearing checkups. 

Kidney function

Impaired kidney function, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), is linked to an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and depression, with CKD being a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and cerebrovascular disease. 

What you can do: To maintain healthy kidney function, focus on a balanced lifestyle that includes a kidney-friendly diet (limiting sodium intake), regular exercise, managing blood pressure and blood sugar (if you have diabetes), quitting smoking, staying hydrated, and regular checkups. 

Pain

Woman sitting up in bed experiencing back pain.
Getty
Ensure good posture and sleep habits to help prevent pain[/caption]

While pain itself doesn’t directly cause dementia or stroke, chronic pain can increase the risk of developing dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) and stroke, and it can also contribute to depression. 

What you can do: To prevent pain, focus on maintaining good health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and ensuring good posture and sleep habits. 

Physical activity

A lack of physical activity is linked to an increased risk of dementia, stroke, and depression, as well as other health problems. 

What you can do: To improve physical activity, incorporate more movement into your daily routine, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, and include strength training exercises at least twice a week. 

Purpose in life

While having a strong sense of purpose in life is generally beneficial, a lack of purpose or a sudden loss of it can contribute to mental health issues like depression.

What you can do: To find purpose in life, explore your values, passions, and strengths, set meaningful goals, and engage in activities that bring you fulfillment and allow you to make a positive impact. 

Sleep

Woman sleeping peacefully in bed.
Getty
Establishing a regular sleep schedule can help improve sleep[/caption]

Sleep is crucial for overall health, impacting physical and mental well-being.

What you can do: To improve sleep, establish a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, optimise your sleep environment, and limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, especially before bed. 

Smoking

Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, by damaging blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the brain.

What you can do: To successfully quit smoking, consider setting a quit date, seeking support from friends, family, or a stop-smoking service, and using nicotine replacement therapy or other medications if needed, while also identifying and avoiding triggers and finding healthy distractions. 

Social engagement

Social engagement plays a crucial role in mitigating the risks and impacts of depression, dementia, and stroke, with studies showing that social isolation and loneliness are linked to increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, while social engagement can improve cognitive function.

What you can do: To maintain strong social connections, prioritize quality time with loved ones, actively participate in community activities, and nurture existing relationships through regular communication and shared experiences. 

Stress

Woman practicing pranayama on a sofa.
Getty
Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing to reduce stress[/caption]

Chronic stress and depression are potential risk factors for dementia and stroke, with studies showing that they can increase the likelihood of developing these conditions, particularly in later life. 

What you can do: To reduce stress, try incorporating regular physical activity, practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and prioritising sleep, healthy eating, and social connections. 

Best diet for your brain

The MIND diet, short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, is a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet (rich in plant-based foods, healthy fats, and fish) and DASH diet (focused on reducing sodium and saturated fat), focusing on foods that may help protect brain health and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. 

Foods include:

  • Green leafy vegetables: Kale, spinach, and collard greens
  • Berries: Blueberries and strawberries
  • Nuts: Almonds and walnuts
  • Whole grains: Brown rice, oats and quinoa
  • Beans: Kidney beans and lentils
  • Fish: Salmon, mackerel and herring
  • Poultry: Chicken and turkey
  • Olive oil

The MIND diet suggests limiting or avoiding:

  • Red meat
  • Butter and margarine
  • Cheese
  • Pastries and sweets
  • Fried or fast food

Read More »

Amazon shoppers rave about cordless vacuum that’s ‘better than a Dyson’ and 40% cheaper for Prime members

Cordless vacuum cleaner on carpet.
Credit: Amazon

SPRING has arrived, which means it’s the perfect time to get stuck into some cleaning.

Amazon has cut the price of a little-known cordless vacuum cleaner exclusively for Prime members: it’s now less than £120.

Cordless vacuum cleaner in three positions.
Amazon has reduced this little-known cordless vacuum by over £80 for Prime members

SunSare Cordless Vacuum Cleaner,
£119.98 for Amazon Prime members (was £199.99)

Now down from £199.99 to £119.98, this vacuum is only available to Amazon Prime members.

Deals like these usually pop up during the twice-yearly Prime Day sales, but every now and then, Amazon surprises us with these members-only discounts.

It’s already racked up over 300 reviews online, with an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Our shopping reviews team hasn’t tried out the SunSare, but some shoppers are saying it’s better than a Dyson.

It’s powered by a 550W brushless motor, offering a suction of 45KPa. That’s 65% better than the previous model.

Its cordless design makes it easy to carry around the house, and its self-standing feature means you don’t have to prop it against a wall while you take a break.

The vacuum can run for up to 60 minutes on its ECO setting, thanks to eight removable lithium batteries.

Much like Dyson vacs, it comes with a wall-mounted charging dock for simple storage.

There’s also a smart LED touch display that shows battery levels, filter clogs, and other useful updates.

Shoppers are by and large impressed with its performance, particularly its lightweight design – it’s garnered an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.

One reviewer writes: “I have a very old Dyson, which is reliable but heavy and awkward to use.

“This SunSare vacuum is light, easy to move around, and clears cat fur quickly.

“The LED lights on the front are great for spotting dust under furniture.”

Another reviewer compared it to the same brand: “Looks and feels better than a Dyson. Picks up general dust brilliantly on the low setting.

“It works better [than a Dyson] on rubber flooring, and the replaceable batteries are a fantastic feature.”

Not all feedback was perfect: some users mentioned that emptying the dust cylinder can be fiddly, as you sometimes need to pull dust out manually.

If you’re looking for a new vac with some tried-and-tested recommendation, head to our best cordless vacuum round-up, where you’ll find models from Hoover, Ryobi and, yes, Dyson.

Just remember, if you want to pick up the SunSare at that low price, you’ll need to sign up for Amazon Prime, which has a 30-day free trial.

SunSare Cordless Vacuum Cleaner,
£119.98 for Amazon Prime members (was £199.99)

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Shoppers race to get ‘brilliant’ KitchenAid dupe in major supermarket that’s £335 cheaper than the original

Shoppers are rushing to snap up a budget-friendly stand mixer that’s similar to an expensive brand – but it’s on sale for hundreds of pounds cheaper.

George at Asda is flogging its stylish White Scandi Stand Mixer for a reduced price of £44.76.

White stand mixer with a stainless steel bowl and wooden accents.
George at Asda is flogging its stylish White Scandi Stand Mixer for just £44.76
Shoppers at the entrance of an Asda supermarket.
Alamy
The budget mixer was previously priced at £55, saving shoppers a further £10[/caption]

Shoppers reckon it’s a bargain alternative to a KitchenAid, which is currently selling for a whopping £381.65 on the brand’s own website.

The budget mixer was previously priced at £55, meaning shoppers can save just over £10 in the current clearance.

It features a 600W motor, 7 speed settings and a 5L stainless steel mixing bowl.

The lightweight machine also includes dishwasher-safe attachments – a whisk, dough hooks, and paddle – plus a removable splash guard to help keep mess to a minimum.

One delighted customer raved: “This is my second one of these (my previous one had an electrical issue) which they refunded me even after 2 years of having it! I replaced it with another and they are perfect for home baking. Highly recommend.”

Another wrote: “Purchased to make birthday cakes – looks amazing, love the white and the wood look. Brilliant for the price and powerful.”

A third added: “I bought this product more than six months ago. It really helps me when I do cakes. It is a very excellent product.”

But not everyone was as impressed, with some users reporting issues with durability.

One shopper claimed: “Lasted a few months but the attachments ended up breaking. The whisk fell to pieces just from cake batter and the screws went into the mixture.”

Another added: “Bought this in March, used a handful of times and it just died – less than four months for something that’s used a handful of times is shocking.”

Still, with hundreds of positive reviews and a price tag that’s a fraction of a high-end mixer, it could be worth getting if you’re on a budget.

Remember to compare prices across lots of retailers before investing in an appliance like this, as you may find a better deal elsewhere.

Elsewhere, Aldi is selling a popular baking must-have for £216 cheaper than one from Lakeland.

The bargain retailer is bringing out its own pastel take on the classic stand mixer, just in time for Easter – and shoppers are already gearing up to bag one before they sell out.

Lakeland’s 6.5L Digital Stand Mixer can cost you up to £249.99, but Aldi has a dupe that is cooking up excitement.

And Aldi’s returning Classic Stand Mixer is being scanned for £34.99 and is a must-have for any kitchen.

Last week, the retailer announced it was flogging a garden gadget for £160 less than Karcher.

The budget supermarket is still currently selling the FERREX High Pressure Washer for just £89.99.

This type of product has proven to be a hit with customers in recent years.

The deal will save shoppers a tidy sum compared to big name brands.

This includes Karcher’s high pressure washer, which costs between £200 to £250, depending on the offers and promotional events.

When's the best time to shop at Aldi?

WHEN it comes to shopping at Aldi, the best time to do so depends on what you want to buy.

For reduced items – when shops open

Red sticker items are rare at Aldi’s 830 UK stores, but the supermarket says that none of its food goes to waste so there are some to be found – if you’re quick.

A spokesman for the supermarket said: “All items are reduced to 50 per cent of the recommend sales price before stores open on their best before or use by dates.”

That means you have the best chance of finding reduced food items if you go into stores as soon as it opens.

Opening times vary by shop but a majority open from 7am or 8am. You can find your nearest store’s times by using the supermarket’s online shop finder tool.

For Specialbuys – Thursdays and Sundays

Specialbuys are Aldi’s weekly collection of items that it doesn’t normally sell, which can range from pizza ovens to power tools.

New stock comes into stores every Thursday and Sunday, so naturally, these are the best days to visit for the best one-off special deals.

For an even better chance of bagging the best items, head there for your local store’s opening time.

Remember: once they’re gone, they’re gone, so if there’s something you really want, visit as early as possible

Remember to compare prices

Websites like Trolley and Price Spy let you compare thousands of products across different retailers to find the best price.

Price Spy even lets you see how much an item has cost over time.

A quick scan on the Google Shopping/Product tab will also bring up how much retailers are selling a certain item for too.

How to save money at Asda

It’s worth signing up to the Asda Rewards scheme to save money at the supermarket.

The loyalty scheme, which is free to join, lets you earn Cashpot points by completing “missions” like hitting spending targets or buying products in certain categories.

You can also earn cashback by buying “star” products.

If you’re a regular shopper and often go for Asda’s premium lines, it’s worth taking on the “downshifting” challenge, too.

This means going for budget lines instead, which could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your shopping.

It’s worth joining specific Facebook groups where shoppers flag bargain deals they’ve found online or in-store.

Two worth checking are the Latest Deals Facebook Group and the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group.

The Sun revealed earlier this year the best time to score deals at Asda is once in the morning and again in the evening.

Look out for fresh produce like fruit and veg, often reduced to as low as 10p, especially during the morning reductions.

Check the reduced shelf throughout the day as different times can offer varying discounts.

How to bag a bargain

SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…

Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.

Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.

Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.

Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.

Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.

When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.

Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.

Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.

And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.

Black KitchenAid stand mixer with stainless steel bowl.
Oliver Dixon
It’s a bargain alternative to a KitchenAid, selling for a whopping £381.65[/caption]

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