22 hours agoViral XComments Off on The 60p food that repels house flies from your home – it’s the perfect natural barrier
NOW that spring is finally here, it’s time to shake off the winter blues and enjoy more time outdoors.
But as we open windows and doors to let in the fresh air, there’s one uninvited guest that always ruins the fun – house flies.
GettyHouse flies are a nuisance during the warmer weather in spring and summer[/caption]
GettyCucumbers are the perfect natural deterrent for flies in your home[/caption]
These big, buzzy intruders are more than just annoying in the sunny weather.
House flies carry over 100 different pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.
They’re known to transmit around 65 diseases, and some can even lead to food poisoning, making them a serious threat to your health.
As the temperature rises, flies come out of hibernation and start searching for warmth, food, and a place to lay eggs.
Unfortunately for us, our homes provide the perfect environment for them to live rent-free.
While this may be annoying, it also poses a significant threat to our health and hygiene.
But a bargain buy from the vegetable aisle in supermarkets could be the answer to your fly problem.
Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades, says: “When it comes to keeping flies out of the home, many people turn to chemical solutions, but a simple, natural remedy can work wonders.
“Cucumber slices are a surprisingly effective way to repel flies. Flies hate the scent of cucumbers, particularly more bitter ones, so it’s a natural deterrent for flies.”
By placing cucumber slices around your home, you’re creating a natural barrier that flies can’t stand.
To get the best results, place slices near windowsills, doorways, or any other areas where flies tend to gather, like the bins. Make sure to replace the slices every few days to maintain the effectiveness.
But cucumbers aren’t the only way to keep flies out.
If you’re looking to strengthen your defences, Glen’s got a few extra tips to help create a fly-free environment.
He says: “Keep windows and doors closed – this is the easiest way for flies to enter your home, so if you keep them shut they’re much less likely to enter.
“Limit light at night – flies are attracted to light, so turn off exterior lights and close your blinds/curtains at night time so they’re not seeing an open invitation to come in.
“Take the bins out regularly – flies are attracted to the food they can find in the bins, and fly larvae often develops here so its important to dispose of them often.”
He adds: “If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, installing fly screens can be a great way to block flies from getting in while still allowing you to enjoy fresh air.
“If you’re into DIY, you can even build your own custom-sized fly screens.
“Using a stanley knife blade will make the job much easier, allowing you to make a precise cut to fit screens perfectly over your windows or doors.”
22 hours agoViral XComments Off on Urgent warning to all parents over popular drinks that must ‘NEVER be given to kids’ – due to health risks
KIDS shouldn’t be given drinks laden with artificial sweeteners, experts have warned over fears of long-term health issues.
Younger children – typically those under the age of five – have previously been advised not to consume sugary drinks.
GettyYounger children shouldn’t have drinks sweetened with sugar or NSS, and they should only be given unsweetened food, says the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition[/caption]
Now experts advising the government say they shouldn’t be given “drinks sweetened with sugar or NSS (non-sugar sweeteners)”.
Academics said limiting intake of sweetened drinks in early childhood means children become accustomed to drinking unsweetened drinks.
But for older children, sweeteners “may help reduce sugar intake”, experts said.
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) also said that younger children should be given “unsweetened food (not sweetened with either sugar or NSS)”.
Low or no calorie sweeteners are used instead of sugar to sweeten some foods and drinks.
These substances are found in products such as drinks, desserts and ready meals and cakes.
Sweeteners approved for use in the UK include acesulfame K, aspartame, erythritol, saccharin, sorbitol, steviol glycosides, sucralose and xylitol.
Some squash drinks, which are popular with children, contain sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame K.
Scientific evidence has linked sugar consumption to a range of health conditions including obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Because of the ability of artificial and natural sweeteners to impart a sweet taste without calories, some have argued they can help to prevent people becoming overweight or obese.
But global health leaders from the World Health Organisation said in 2023 that people should avoid NSS as a tool for weight control.
The latest SACN update is in response to this report.
Experts on the committee, which advises government on nutrition and related health matters, said some of the evidence assessed by the WHO about sweeteners and weight loss should be “treated with caution”.
It said the evidence linking NSS to non-communicable diseases is “concerning” but should also be “treated with caution”.
The evidence on the impact of NSS on tooth decay is “poor”, the committee added.
‘Precautionary’ recommendation
The SACN said it agrees with the WHO that a reduction in free sugars, alongside “other positive changes to diet”, is likely to be beneficial to health overall.
It added: “In relation to the use of NSS to reduce free sugars intake, SACN concludes that the evidence indicates that there may be some value in using NSS to help reduce weight gain in the short to medium term but it is not essential and is not the only option.”
The committee said it is “concerned about the gap in data on UK population exposure to NSS”.
And it said there is “currently insufficient evidence to carry out a full risk assessment of the evidence on NSS and health.”
Nonetheless, the committee made “precautionary” recommendations that younger children should not have drinks sweetened with sugar or NSS, and they should only be given unsweetened food.
But the group of experts say that for older children “swapping sugars for NSS may help reduce sugar intake from foods and drinks (and so reduce energy intake), at least in the short term – the long-term goal is to limit both sugar and NSS intake”.
Aspartame 'may increase risk of heart attack and stroke', says study
It was shown to trigger insulin spikes in mice, which can lead to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries) and increased inflammation – potentially raising the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Researchers fed mice daily doses of food containing 0.15 per cent aspartame for 12 weeks – the equivalent of consuming about three cans of diet soda each day for humans, they said.
Aspartame-fed mice developed larger and more fatty plaques in their arteries compared to mice who weren’t given sweeteners.
They also showed higher levels of inflammation, both of which are hallmarks of poor cardiovascular health.
When the research team analysed the mice’s blood, they found a “surge” in insulin levels after aspartame entered their system.
They said aspartame – which is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar – seemed to “trick” the receptors into releasing more insulin.
The mice’s elevated insulin levels appeared to fuel the growth of fatty plaques in their arteries, researchers added.
Scientists not involved in the study said you don’t need to pour out your diet soda just yet – as we don’t yet know whether the artificial sweetener has the same effect on humans.
Commenting on the recommendations, Naveed Sattar, professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, said: “I think this is a very balanced statement.
“SACN have accepted that the best quality evidence available (ie randomised trials) show that non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) lower weight albeit modestly as compared to taking sugar rich drinks and that other types of evidence which suggest some harm from NSS are unreliable.
“I fully agree and would rather people take low calorie drinks with artificial sweeteners every time than sugar rich drinks both for weight and dental benefits and potentially other gains.
“However, SACN also correctly points out that until we have more evidence in the future on benefits and safety of NSS, it would be best to limit the intake of all such sweetened (including NSS) drinks in early childhood so that children become accustomed to drinking unsweetened drinks, preferably water.”
Prof Robin May, chief scientific adviser for the Food Standards Agency (FSA), said: “We welcome SACN’s advice on the consumption of non-sugar sweeteners and their call for further research.
“All sweeteners approved for use in foods in GB have been subject to a rigorous risk assessment before being authorised and the FSA maintains strict oversight of these products.
GettyLow or no calorie sweeteners are used instead of sugar to sweeten some foods and drinks[/caption]
“We strongly support SACN’s call for industry to make data on the quantity of these sweeteners in their ingredients publicly available to provide better information on how much people are consuming and to help inform our assessments of these ingredients.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson added: “This government is committed to turning the tide on obesity and we have already taken bold action to block fast-food outlets near schools, alongside further measures to crack down on child-targeted junk food advertising on TV and online.
“These are just the first steps we’ll take as we shift the focus from sickness to prevention to deliver our Plan for Change and meet our ambition of raising the healthiest generation of children ever.”
The Funnel Diamond Padded Jacket is available online and in stores nationwide.
Rachael, who posts under @primiavie, took to TikTok to share her latest find.
She said the coat was “so nice for the price”.
The padded coat has a high collar, pockets and a diamond quilted design.
Dunnes Stores designers said the jacket is perfect for everyday wear.
They said: “This funnel padded jacket has a relaxed feel with its diamond stitching and muted tone.
“The snap-button front, concealed zip, and high collar create an easy layered look, while subtle contrast details and pockets add depth.
“A go-to layer for everyday wear.”
Retailing at just €35, the cute coat comes in sizes XS to XXL.
It is the perfect jacket for transitional weather from spring to summer.
Shoppers can choose from a cool stone shade or a classic khaki.
One shopper said: “Ohh love it.”
THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
