{"id":689567,"date":"2026-07-13T16:31:03","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T16:31:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/689567\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T16:31:03","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T16:31:03","slug":"my-birth-was-unbearable-the-nhs-hospitals-keeping-radiators-on-in-the-heatwave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/689567\/","title":{"rendered":"‘My birth was unbearable’: The NHS hospitals keeping radiators on in the heatwave"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last month, my father spent two weeks as an inpatient in a south-west London hospital<\/a> where he was receiving treatment for a complex fractured pelvis. His stay coincided with record-breaking <\/a>temperatures<\/a> across the country, which caused critical problems with machinery, IT systems and overcrowding in some hospitals.<\/p>\n

My dad, who is 70, was treated on two different wards and, as far as I\u2019m aware, neither of them had air conditioning<\/a>. As the days went on, and the temperatures climbed, the wards became darker and darker as staff attempted to keep things as cool as possible by closing blinds, doors and windows. At this stage, the night-time temperatures were at record highs of around 23.5\u00b0C.<\/p>\n

The areas of the hospital where I experienced almost unbearable heat were the entrances and ground floor outpatient clinics and cafes. The automatic doors at the hospital\u2019s main entrance were permanently open, creating a wall of boiling air for anyone walking in or out to pass through. Patients in wheelchairs waiting for transport home, sometimes for hours at a time, looked hot beyond belief. The cafe staff had a huge fan blowing on to them but were also taking every opportunity to leave their counter and sit somewhere cooler, away from the open doors.<\/p>\n

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How to age well
without pain<\/p>\n

Will Harlow, a physiotherapist
for the over-50s and author of Independence for Life, shares
the key signs you\u2019re ageing
badly \u2013 and what to do about it.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

How to know <\/p>\n

Ageing well is maintaining the ability to do what you want you want for as long as you want without needing help. Everyone is talking about\u00a0longevity but what\u2019s the point in living longer if the last decade is painful and you\u2019re [totally] reliant on people?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

The signs to look out for<\/p>\n

\"SeniorSenior woman on sofa feeling and suffering from back pain. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

The most obvious early warning sign of bad ageing is pain says Harlow.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Another is losing confidence in doing daily tasks, which can quickly lead to a lack of independence.<\/p>\n

One call Harlow often receives is people calling after having a fall and struggling to get up.<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

\nHow to age without pain\n<\/p>\n

\"\"Many will worry about not saving enough for retirement (Photo: Alex Tihonov\/Getty\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

Not just stopping<\/p>\n

When people retire, they often put their feet up and stop. Your body really is use it or lose it.<\/p>\n

Sleep<\/p>\n

Throughout our entire lives, Harlow says we need between seven and nine hours of sleep.<\/p>\n

\"TiredNaps before 1pm can lead to better cognitive performance in the following hours (Photo: Lord Henri Voton\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"MaribelCaption: Maribel Ezcurra, 77, a retired milling machine mechanic, practices tai chi with fellow seniors in a park in the Playa neighborhood of Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ramon Espinosa)
Photographer: Ramon Espinosa
Provider: AP
Source: AP<\/p>\n

Social isolation<\/p>\n

The lack of connection can increase the risk of premature death by
as much as 29 per cent.<\/p>\n

Strength training<\/p>\n

It really is the proxy for
overall independence.<\/p>\n

The more muscle mass you have, the less chance of heart disease, diabetes, falls and even anxiety,\u00a0depression and\u00a0dementia.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"ThisCaption: This is a photo of a senior man helping his wife lift weights. See PA Feature HEALTH Physio. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA feature HEALTH Physio. PA Photo.Picture credit should read: Alamy\/PA. <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HEALTH Physio. <\/p>\n

Photographer: Alamy
Provider: Alamy\/PA
Source: PA<\/p>\n

The brain can be linked to muscle mass too, Harlow says. It\u2019s not just about being able to lift things. It gives you more energy, better sleep and you\u2019ll look and feel better.<\/p>\n

\nHow to age without pain\n<\/p>\n

Daily habits<\/p>\n

Do short bursts of exercise, between 30 and 60 seconds, in otherwise dead time during the day.<\/p>\n

\"ElderlyFit more walking into your day (Photo: andreswd\/Getty\/E+)<\/p>\n

\"ASleep can affect your heart health (Photo: Flashpop\/Getty\/Digital Vision)<\/p>\n

Stretch in bed<\/p>\n

Take joints through a full range of motion for five minutes to loosen it before getting up.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t crash diet<\/p>\n

It can increase the decline of muscle mass and bone density, which needs to be avoided.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"ACalorie counting every day can be a pain (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\nHow to age without pain\n<\/p>\n

\"Protein(Photo: Inga Erhan\/ Gingagi\/ Getty).<\/p>\n

Protein<\/p>\n

Harlow advises 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight to stop muscle loss alongside resistance training.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t wait<\/p>\n

Harlow finds that many patients put off making a change to their lifestyle until their lives are consumed by pain.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"MenstrualMenstrual pain, woman with stomachache suffering from pms at home, endometriosis, cystitis and other diseases of the urinary system \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"Close-upCaption: Close-up view of female jogger tying laces of her sport shoes before running exercise routine. Motivation, healthy lifestyle and fitness concept.
Photographer: Xavier Lorenzo
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

Recovery<\/p>\n

For most people, it\u2019s\u00a0about reducing the number of times per week you\u2019re exercising, not reducing intensity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe three ageing tests to do\n<\/p>\n

Lie completely flat on the floor and get back up to a standing position using any technique. This should take less than 10 seconds.<\/p>\n

See how many times you can sit on the chair and stand back up again in 30 seconds. Men should be aiming for more than 14 times and women\u00a012.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The single-leg stand, which involves standing on one leg and balancing for 10 seconds. Everyone should be able to do that and for those under 65, Harlow asks them to do it with their eyes closed.<\/p>\n

Despite the job market hiring fewer entry-level roles, employers are still looking for grads\u2026<\/p>\n

But you should be prepared to keep an open mind. <\/p>\n

We\u2019ve compiled the sectors hiring graduate roles, what degree is required, and what they pay.<\/p>\n

\"YoungPlan 5 applies to students who began university courses on or after August 2023
(Photo: Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez\/Getty Images\/
Source: Moment RF)<\/p>\n

\nThe degrees to choose for a career\n<\/p>\n

Hiring in the UK could
finally be on the up<\/p>\n

47%<\/p>\n

of employers offered entry-level
positions from July.<\/p>\n

That is up nearly 15 per cent from the same period last year.<\/p>\n

700,000<\/p>\n

But graduate unemployment\u00a0rose to six per cent in 2025 and 700,000 jobless graduates were\u00a0claiming benefits.<\/p>\n

\nFinance and insurance\n<\/p>\n

Around 42 per cent of UK finance and insurance employers say they will be open to graduate roles this summer.<\/p>\n

Business loan company Portman Finance\u00a0Group has taken on 50 graduates over the past four years.<\/p>\n

\"AA lot of thought needs to be put into transferring a DB pension to a DC pot (Photo: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Portman graduates start on \u00a336,000 for the two-year programme and the education you need to apply is a minimum \u201cABB\u201d of A-levels, and a 2:1 or above university degree. But not in a specific subject.<\/p>\n

\"MatureLoose, natural fabrics are the best clothing option when the temperature rises (Photo: Kate Wieser\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Trade and logistics<\/p>\n

What makes it particularly rewarding is that there\u2019s always something to learn.<\/p>\n

Nearly half (47 per cent) of trade and logistics companies will be giving graduates a go this year.<\/p>\n

Salaries start at \u00a330,000 with an uncapped bonus, rising to \u00a350,000 plus a company car as a senior account partner.<\/p>\n

Technology and IT<\/p>\n

More than half (52 per cent) of UK tech and IT firms are actively looking for graduates.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Successful entry-level candidates can earn a basic salary of up to \u00a335,000, with the opportunity to triple that within their first three years of working.<\/p>\n

\"YoungCaption: Young business woman searching for job online. Woman writing resume on laptop.
Photographer: Maria Korneeva
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

\nPublic sector, health
and social services\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

46 per cent of public sector, health and social services organisations are also\u00a0ready to take graduates, according to a survey by Manpower.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"AA policeman walking away from an elderly person\u2019s home. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

For example, Police Now runs a graduate\u00a0programme into policing. They\u00a0recruit graduates from any degree field, as long as they achieve a 2:2 or above. Starting salaries range from \u00a331,164 to \u00a342,210 depending\u00a0on location and rising each year.<\/p>\n

Can we treat guests without blowing our budget?<\/p>\n

According to Waitrose, a dinner party revival is underway led by younger people trying to reduce the cost of getting together.<\/p>\n

The i Paper food writer Sophie Morris [below] asks chefs for their best ideas for hosting at home. <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Always have bread<\/p>\n

People will feast on the
bread, and then need less fish\/steak\/expensive whatever. All small plates restaurants know this: this is why the first thing on the menu is always artisan bread and butter. <\/p>\n

ELLA RISBRIDGER, AUTHOR OF THE KITCHEN BOOK \u2013 GOOD FOOD FOR EVERY DAY<\/p>\n

\"FemaleFemale Hands cutting bread. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\nUse vegetables as centrepieces\n<\/p>\n

Chef and food writer Helen Graham turns vegetables into centrepieces to cut down on meat and fish expenses.<\/p>\n

\"VarietyVariety Fresh of organic fruits and vegetables and healthy vegan meal ingredients in reusable eco cotton bags on beige background . Zero waste shopping concept. Healthy food, clean eating, eco friendly, no plastic. Flat lay, top view \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"BeautifulBeautiful woman unpacks a full fabric bag with fruits and vegetables on the kitchen. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Add pantry items<\/p>\n

Graham\u2019s recipes include a braised cabbage with a preserved lemon sauce, a roast cauliflower with saffron, and harrisa roast carrots with mango labneh.<\/p>\n

\nHow to host on a budget\n<\/p>\n

\"TableMany of the dishes we take for granted in British curry joints are entirely unlike anything you might find to eat in the subcontinent (Photo: Getty\/E+)<\/p>\n

Improve the everyday<\/p>\n

Guests will\u00a0always appreciate a stellar interpretation of the ordinary. Think lasagna or curry. <\/p>\n

Generosity<\/p>\n

Cooking dinner for your guests is spoiling them \u2013 you\u2019re being generous with your time, your effort, and your home. So don\u2019t feel the need to go overboard elsewhere.<\/p>\n

\"A(Photo: FilippoBacci\/Getty Images\/E+)<\/p>\n

\"ManMan serving friends salad at backyard dinner party \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Ask for help<\/p>\n

Ask friends to bring a contribution, be it a nibble or a pudding.<\/p>\n

Big platter energy<\/p>\n

[Presentation] can be the key to elevating something\u00a0. Spaghetti and tomato sauce suddenly looks like a feast when tumbled\u00a0on a lovely big plate, dressed with olive oil and parmesan and placed in the middle of the table.<\/p>\n

Food writer and editor Eleanor Steafel\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Entertaining doesn\u2019t have to be stressful (Photo: The Good Brigade\/Getty\/Digital Vision)<\/p>\n

\nHow to host on a budget\n<\/p>\n

Taco party<\/p>\n

Have one expensive filling, like shredded chicken, and two cheaper options, like refried beans, says Ella Risbridger.<\/p>\n

\"TraditionalTraditional ice cream parlours are still going strong (Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

\"TacosTacos are a popular dish throughout the country (Photo: Daniela White Images\/Getty) <\/p>\n

Sundaes<\/p>\n

Shop-bought ice cream is so easily zhuzhed up with the help of handy toppings, says Eleanor Steafel.<\/p>\n

\"LynseyCaption: Lynsey Crombie @lynsey_queenofclean, home expert and TV presenter<\/p>\n

Low-effort tricks for
a cleaner house<\/p>\n

While many Britons feel inspired to\u00a0tackle their homes\u00a0during summer, the warmer months can also make cleaning harder.<\/p>\n

But Lynsey Crombie, known as the Queen of Clean, says the hotter months\u00a0can increase mould, musty smells and sweaty clothes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Here, she shares the tips and practical
hacks she lives by.<\/p>\n

\nEvery 30 washes, clean the machine\n<\/p>\n

A study of 1,000 UK residents by Domestic & General revealed that almost one in 10 Brits have never\u00a0cleaned\u00a0their washing machine, yet it could be grubbier than the toilet seat.<\/p>\n

\"OverheadOverhead view of young Asian woman loading the washing machine with laundry \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"WomanWoman loading washing machine in the kitchen \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Crombie says after 30 washes, use 500 grams of soda crystals on the hottest wash to clean out the drum. If there\u2019s sludge, run a quick rinse cycle with some white vinegar. <\/p>\n

Always make sure to leave the door and drawer ajar for 10 minutes to dry out too and avoid stale smells.<\/p>\n

\nHousehold ingredients to use\n<\/p>\n

\"EnsureProlonged exposure to forever chemicals has been linked to health problems (Photo: Olga Rolenko\/Moment RF\/Getty)<\/p>\n

White vinegar<\/p>\n

This is Crombie\u2019s go to. It can descale the kettle and taps and deodorise places in her home.<\/p>\n

Table salt<\/p>\n

For tough stains like red wine, rub salt into the stain, leave overnight and wash as normal. <\/p>\n

\"UnrecognizableThe drunken monkey theory could explain humans\u2019 drinking habit (Photo: Olga Pankova\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\"FreshThe fridge extends a lemon\u2019s lifespan (Photo: Paul Calinescu\/500px\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Lemons<\/p>\n

For stubborn water marks, use half a lemon and bicarbonate of soda and leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing. <\/p>\n

\"DetailFor Valentine\u2019s Day, try giving her something she\u2019ll really love (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Cold water is better<\/p>\n

You\u2019re damaging [wooden] floor [with hot water], making it expand, stretch
and cause gaps\u2026<\/p>\n

During hot days, Crombie says to avoid cleaning with hot water altogether to avoid adding humidity to the home.<\/p>\n

\u201cCold water is much better, and if you\u2019re using the right floor cleaning product, it\u2019s still going to be clean,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\nHacks for a cleaner home\n<\/p>\n

Three is the magic number<\/p>\n

Wash your towels after two to three uses and make sure they dry properly in-between.<\/p>\n

\"OrangeAs it turns out, a human towel is like Alton Towers for bacteria. A lot of fun can be had. (Photo: Joxxxjo\/ iStockphoto\/ Getty)<\/p>\n

\"TOTOCaption: TOTO Neorest WX<\/p>\n

TOTO toilets
www.gb.toto.com<\/p>\n

Image supplied by
Julienne Webster <\/p>\n

Focus on hotspots<\/p>\n

Clean the \u201chigh traffic\u201d areas, like the toilets, kitchen worktops and the hallway daily.<\/p>\n

Open the windows<\/p>\n

To keep a home fresh open the windows for 15 minutes each day \u2013 even in colder months. <\/p>\n

\"AnKeep your curtains closed (Photo: Mireya Acierto\/Getty\/Photodisc)<\/p>\n

\nWeekly habits\n<\/p>\n

Do it more frequently, to cut down how long it takes<\/p>\n

\"LazyHe doesn\u2019t always have time to do the cleaning, the ironing, or walk the dog
Photographer: Maryviolet
Provider: Getty Images\/iStockphoto
Source: iStockphoto<\/p>\n

One task Crombie does weekly is her fridge. This includes a 10-minute wipe-down, focusing on the salad and vegetable tray. \u201cIf you save\u00a0that job\u00a0up and do it every other month, it\u2019s going to be a very big chore.\u201d<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

\nHacks for a cleaner home\n<\/p>\n

\"AnCaption: An employee of the French pan maker Cristel, wipes a frying pan at the Cristel factory, on May 23, 2024, in Fesches-le-Chatel, eastern France. At Fesches-le-Chatel, in the Doubs region of France, the Cristel factory is on a roll: France\u2019s number-one manufacturer of stainless steel kitchen equipment has seen \u201cdemand explode\u201d since the National Assembly passed a law restricting the use of PFAS in April. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON \/ AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON\/AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: SEBASTIEN BOZON
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n

Stainless steel<\/p>\n

Crombie\u2019s hack is one product: Barkeeper\u2019s Friend in powder form. <\/p>\n

The expensive products<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you spend more money, you get the floral scents. The\u00a0difference is scent, not performance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DeepDeep cleaning glass door handles for Covid-19 disease prevention. alcohol,disinfectant spray on Wipes of Banister in home for safety,infection of Covid-19 virus,contamination, germs \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"CleaningCleaning day at home \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Ignore online advice<\/p>\n

The biggest issue she sees is product overuse. \u201cYou don\u2019t need half a bottle of washing up liquid to clean a surface.\u201d<\/p>\n

\nCrombie\u2019s essentials\n<\/p>\n

Four products can do do\u00a0a full clean\u00a0of the house.<\/p>\n

Antibacterial washing-up liquid: \u201cIt can clean almost anything, and any brand works.\u201d<\/p>\n

M&S Fabric Refresher spray: It\u2019s pet-friendly, eco-friendly and \u201cticks all the boxes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cif cream cleaner: \u201cIt\u2019s an old school product. It\u2019s so good.\u201d<\/p>\n

White vinegar: \u201c\u201cIt\u2019s great for\u00a0washing sportswear, gym kits and is a great stain remover.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ExhaustedMost British houses are built to retain heat (Photo: Antonio Diaz\/Getty\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n

How to keep your sex life going in a heatwave<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t endure it<\/p>\n

For some people, the heat and the sun boost the production of hormones responsible for joy, pleasure and connection like serotonin and dopamine. For others, the heat causes fatigue and irritability. For them, being touched can set off an anxiety response.<\/p>\n

GEMMA NICE [BELOW]<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t endure sweaty cuddles<\/p>\n

Long-term partners can be upfront and honest with each other and say that it\u2019s too hot to touch right now.<\/p>\n

For others, break the tension by having an open and honest conversation.<\/p>\n

Choose dates with built-in air conditioning, like the cinema.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t ignore the issue or
power through if you\u2019re too hot.<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

5 min read<\/p>\n

\nHow couples can manage a heatwave\n<\/p>\n

Take penetrative sex off the table<\/p>\n

It may make you feel lightheaded, tired, and can even lead to erectile dysfunction because the body is overheating.<\/p>\n

\"LesbianThe UK had pretty low numbers of libidinous romantic lovers, suggesting that \u2018Brits may not be having as much fun between the sheets as people in other countries\u2019
(Photo: RealPeopleGroup\/ Getty Images\/ iStockphoto)<\/p>\n

\"A(Photo: Dmitrii Marchenko\/Getty).<\/p>\n

Indulge in dirty talk instead<\/p>\n

Because you aren\u2019t distracted by physical movement, your focus is entirely on your partner\u2019s voice. This can help build\u00a0a massive amount of tension and sexual desire.<\/p>\n

\nHow couples can manage a heatwave\n<\/p>\n

\"YoungCaption: Young couple at home practicing yoga. They are watching online fitness live streaming classes.
Photographer: svetikd
Provider: Getty Images
Source: E+
Copyright: SVETIKD<\/p>\n

Breathwork<\/p>\n

This syncs up your nervous systems and can trigger a deep, full-body energetic response.<\/p>\n

Mutual play<\/p>\n

Set up a fan and touch yourselves while looking directly into each other\u2019s eyes, says Nice.<\/p>\n

\"A\u2018Humid heat is harder heat,\u2019 one expert says (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"RearOur reader\u2019s new partner always wants to \u2018chill\u2019 at home rather than go for walks or dinner or come up with ideas (Photo: vm\/E+)<\/p>\n

Strip and chill out<\/p>\n

Just sharing the space and being close to each other\u00a0can strengthen your bond.<\/p>\n

Why you shouldn\u2019t have
sex in the sea<\/p>\n

Water actually washes away
your body\u2019s natural lubrication.<\/p>\n

It creates friction against the delicate tissue.<\/p>\n

This can cause micro tears and severe irritation.<\/p>\n

It drastically increases the risk of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a yeast infection.<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

The one easy habit which keeps your
brain young<\/p>\n

From adopting a different running route to taking up a new hobby, here are seven ways in which new experiences can dramatically alter your brain health for the better.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"Women,Making friends at work can have a profound impact on happiness (Photo: Tim Robberts\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Why we need new experiences<\/p>\n

A well-connected brain is more resilient to stress, illness and the\u00a0effects of ageing.<\/p>\n

Neurologist Dr Steve Allder says when we try unfamiliar things, our brain is forced to work in new ways. <\/p>\n

Over time, this improves the brain\u2019s ability to adapt to change and respond to challenges, helping us to preserve thinking skills and emotional balance.<\/p>\n

\nWhy we need new experiences\n<\/p>\n

They strengthen memory formation<\/p>\n

Regularly exposing yourself to new situations \u2013 even small ones \u2013 helps exercise your memory systems, which improves your ability to store and retrieve information. <\/p>\n

\"AA human brain made of wool with folded paper brainwaves \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"FrustratedPuzzles like sudoku have now been widely shown not to protect against cognitive decline (Photo: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

They improve overall learning ability<\/p>\n

Just as muscles adapt to\u00a0new exercises, the brain adapts to\u00a0new mental demands.\u00a0As we age the brain then benefits from regular stimulation and maintains sharpness.<\/p>\n

\nWhy we need new experiences\n<\/p>\n

\"HappyCaption: Happy woman walking with male partner in vineyard during sunset. Elderly couple are touring in field against sky. They are enjoying during weekend.
Photographer: Morsa Images
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Digital Vision<\/p>\n

Boosts dopamine<\/p>\n

New experiences naturally stimulate dopamine, which encourages positive behaviour patterns.<\/p>\n

Reduce cognitive decline<\/p>\n

New experiences activate different brain regions, helping to keep more areas working.<\/p>\n

\"HappyHappy pregnant mother sitting close to smiling teen daughter while taking selfie on smartphone \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"PortraitCaption: Portrait of elderly woman solving sudoku puzzles at home, sitting in living room. Sudoku as popular game for aging people, logical thinking, problem solving.
Photographer: Halfpoint Images
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

Problem-solving<\/p>\n

Your brain must evaluate options, test ideas and adjust its approach.<\/p>\n

\nThe benefits of new experiences\n<\/p>\n

Each time you adapt successfully to something new, your brain learns that change can be handled. This improves emotional flexibility, making it\u00a0easier to cope with stress\u00a0and unexpected events.<\/p>\n

They also often involve other people, whether through\u00a0travel or social activities. This stimulate areas of the brain
responsible for communication, empathy and\u00a0understanding others\u2019 perspectives.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Running might not seem like the most appealing hobby, but if you give it a try, you might be surprised (Photo: EMS-FORSTER-PRODUCTIONS\/Getty\/Digital Vision\/ems-forster-productions)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Your sleep has a huge impact on your heart health<\/p>\n

How sleep and your heart
health are linked<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Adults who regularly sleep fewer than seven hours are at increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity, heart attack and diabetes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The risk of coronary\u00a0artery disease is 45 per cent higher in adults with short sleep durations at night.<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

\nThe bedtime habits that reduce risk\n<\/p>\n

\"SleepSleep tourism in hotel. Exhausted woman sleeps sweetly in bed in the morning \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Consistency<\/p>\n

Keep daytime naps to less than 20 minutes and aim for seven to eight hours sleep per night.<\/p>\n

Wind down<\/p>\n

A reasonable 20-30 minute bedtime routine can include reading, light stretching, and meditation.<\/p>\n

\"AA mature man meditates in the last sun rays coming into his bedroom \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"Close-upCaption: Close-up view of female jogger tying laces of her sport shoes before running exercise routine. Motivation, healthy lifestyle and fitness concept.
Photographer: Xavier Lorenzo
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

Time your exercise<\/p>\n

Vigorous exercise within three hours of bedtime can cause insomnia.<\/p>\n

The bedroom environment<\/p>\n

\"PensivePensive young Asian woman sitting on bed writing on journal in cozy bedroom. Copy space. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Sleeping in a bedroom with bright overhead light has been associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, including\u00a0heart attack\u00a0(47 per cent higher risk),\u00a0stroke (28 per cent) and heart failure.<\/p>\n

Darken the room with blackout blinds or an eye mask, avoid blue light and leave your mobile phone outside your bedroom. \u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe bedtime habits that reduce risk\n<\/p>\n

Food and drink<\/p>\n

Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and large evening meals can all disrupt sleep quality.<\/p>\n

\"AOne theory is that alcohol and drugs can hijack the brain\u2019s pathways (Photo: Guillermo Spelucin\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Know your numbers<\/p>\n

If your blood pressure at bedtime is consistently high, consider discussing medication with your GP.<\/p>\n

Beware of snoring<\/p>\n

Sleep-disordered breathing is linked with cardiovascular conditions, so it could be time for a GP evaluation.<\/p>\n

\"YoungSeparate bedrooms is not the first step on the road to dissolution; it\u2019s the route to joint survival (Photo: LordHenriVoton\/E+\/Miljan Lakic\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\"BrainAlzheimer\u2019s can be seen on brain scans (Photo: Tek Image\/Getty)<\/p>\n

HEALTH<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the early signs of dementia<\/p>\n

Three families reflect on the early signs of the illness, which affected their parents.<\/p>\n

They include the things they missed or dismissed, what they\u2019d do differently and what they\u2019d want other people in the same position to know.<\/p>\n

\nRobert and his mother Joyce\n<\/p>\n

She fell for a scam<\/p>\n

\"RobertRobert\u2019s mother Joyce spent her last six years in a care home<\/p>\n

One of the first incidents that rang alarm bells for Robert was his mum falling victim to a suspected scam from someone selling mattresses door-to-door.\u00a0<\/p>\n

She also started to struggle with cooking and making her special dishes she\u2019d been making for decades without a problem.<\/p>\n

\t
\n\t\t\"\"\/
\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n

LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

5 min read<\/p>\n

Did he tell his mother?<\/p>\n

We [had] just sort of played along with everything. But on one particularly bad day, I blurted it out over the phone, \u2018Because you\u2019ve got dementia, mum!\u2019 She threatened to kill herself, which was very scary. Maybe it\u2019s something I should have explained properly to her from the get-go.<\/p>\n

JOYCE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER\u2019S IN HER EARLY SEVENTIES<\/p>\n

\"OldOld man with dementia enjoys sunny weather \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Rosie became a carer
in her early thirties<\/p>\n

I think we missed some of the really early subtle signs.<\/p>\n

Rosie\u2019s mother was diagnosed with Young Onset Alzheimer\u2019s Disease at 58 but some symptoms, like brain fog, were put down to the menopause. <\/p>\n

She had become more forgetful, and was repeating herself, but as she had always \u201cbeen scatty\u201d it was dismissed.<\/p>\n

She became fixated<\/p>\n

It was on strange things like going to\u00a0the same buffet.<\/p>\n

Chloe was just 14 when her mum, Sarah, was diagnosed with young onset frontotemporal dementia, a rare form of the disease.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Another time Sarah, who was diagnosed in her forties, forgot how to boil an egg.<\/p>\n

On Saturdays, when she\u2019d usually go shopping, she\u2019d go out and come straight back home, almost like she was forgetting
what she was going out for.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"\"\/<\/p>\n

Hospitals are huge, sprawling buildings and obviously they have to prioritise the areas which need to have air conditioning, such as the critical care wards, theatres and other places where people are seriously ill. St George\u2019s Hospital, in Tooting, issued a statement on 7 July saying: \u201cAgeing hospital buildings weren\u2019t designed for extreme temperatures, so dedicated NHS teams are doing everything they can to keep people safe and comfortable, such as providing extra drinking water and prioritising air-con for the sickest patients.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"One hospital department which often struggles with high temperatures is the maternity ward<\/p>\n

Hospitals across the country have also been contacting patients to reschedule non-urgent appointments so they don\u2019t have to travel in the heat or sit in an uncomfortably hot waiting room. But millions of healthcare professionals, patients and visitors will have no choice but to endure the conditions.<\/p>\n

One hospital department which often struggles with high temperatures is the maternity ward. I gave birth to my first child in a heatwave in August 2016 and stayed on an incredibly hot postnatal ward. Trying to latch and feed my hours-old baby with sweat running off my forehead and between my breasts was one of the most stressful moments of early parenthood for me.<\/p>\n

And women who have recently given birth say conditions in this year\u2019s heatwaves<\/a> have been similarly difficult. Arianne Teles, 37, had her baby on 23 June at a hospital in Swindon when temperatures were in their mid-30s. She was in a private room after her Caesarean, which she says had no fan and was very hot. \u201cMy partner brought a portable fan and a mini air cooler from home in an attempt to keep us more comfortable.\u201d Teles says she didn\u2019t receive any advice from staff on how to keep herself and her newborn cool, apart from being told to keep the windows closed to keep the heat out. \u201cI felt really ill. My mother-in-law was wetting paper towels to put on my forehead to make me feel better. Our baby had red blotches all over his body because of the heat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"\u2018I was finding it difficult to move after my planned C-section and my baby was struggling to feed. The heat was so uncomfortable,\u2019 says Eleanor Bell <\/p>\n

Eleanor Bell, 30, gave birth to her second child at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield on 26 June when it was around 30-32\u00b0C in West Yorkshire. This was also the day that the highest ever June temperature in the UK was recorded, at 37.7\u00b0C. \u201cI was finding it difficult to move after my planned C-section and my baby was struggling to feed. The heat was so uncomfortable,\u201d says Bell. \u201cLuckily, we\u2019d ordered a load of fans the day before to take in with us, but I was still having to put cold flannels on the back of my neck as I was getting quite distressed.\u201d She says the staff were giving out a lot of water but they were sweating and struggling with the heat themselves. \u201cThe staff were telling us to keep the babies in just nappies because it was just so warm on the ward,\u201d she says, instead of the usual babygrow and hat.<\/p>\n

Lizzie Egan, 38, had her second baby at Queen Charlotte\u2019s Hospital, south-west London, on 26 May when it was 35\u00b0C. \u201cI was very worried about the heat and bought a really good handheld fan which we attached to my bed. I managed to keep quite cool, only because of that. The staff were all complaining that there was no air conditioning. My main concern after giving birth was what to dress my new baby in, if anything at all, because we were all so hot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aimee Taylor gave birth in a 2025 heatwave. \u201cI remember staff eating ice lollies to try to stay cool, and air conditioning units had been set up on the unit,\u201d she says. \u201cWomen were given fans where possible, but fans often disappeared home with patients or broke. My husband slept on a plastic recliner chair and woke up drenched.\u201d She says the weather \u201caffected my comfort, my pain, my swelling, my ability to recover, and my confidence in caring for my baby safely in those first few days\u201d.<\/p>\n

So why are hospitals so hot? Ellora Coupe is founder of Her Retrofit Space, which advises professionals and individuals on how to adapt buildings to rising temperatures and improve climate resilience. She explains that hospitals are much harder to keep cool than regular buildings. \u201cThey have substantial internal heat gains from medical equipment, lighting, kitchens, IT systems and higher than normal occupancy levels. Many wards also may be particularly difficult to cool because of their orientation, glazing, limited ventilation or the age and design of the building.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the same time, hospitals cannot simply open windows or introduce conventional cooling everywhere because of infection control, security, noise, air quality and clinical requirements,\u201d she adds. Many hospitals even have their heating on at all times, due to centralised control systems that staff can\u2019t switch them off.<\/p>\n

\"\"\u2018My partner brought a portable fan and a mini air cooler from home in an attempt to keep us more comfortable,\u2019 says Arianne (Photo: Arianne Teles)<\/p>\n

We know that as heatwaves become more common we\u2019re going to have to adapt our housing, infrastructure and public buildings to be able to keep us all cool, but how easy is that going to be for hospitals? Coupe says: \u201cRetrofitting buildings with triple glazing and improving thermal mass, airtightness and ventilation would make a significant difference to the comfort factor of these buildings and significantly improve the running costs. However, the logistics of undertaking that work in a building that is occupied heavily and relies on a 24\/7 working schedule, makes it extremely challenging.\u201d<\/p>\n

She explains that installing cooling across a hospital estate requires major electrical infrastructure upgrades, plant space and extensive work to ventilation and building services systems. \u201cThere is also the operational energy demand to consider. Simply adding air conditioning to poorly performing buildings can increase electricity consumption and place additional pressure on the grid during periods of peak summer demand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coupe says the priority should be to reduce the overheating risk through a combination of measures, including \u201csolar shading, better glazing strategies, improved ventilation, reducing internal heat gains, building fabric improvements and passive cooling, before relying solely on mechanical cooling\u201d.<\/p>\n

My dad is keeping cool at home now, where he\u2019s not being served a roast dinner with gravy in 30\u00b0C-plus temperatures. But anyone who has to go through medical treatment or work in the hot conditions has our sympathy this summer. And let\u2019s hope that the issues hospital trusts have seen in the past few months will trigger some changes and improvements for future heatwaves.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Last month, my father spent two weeks as an inpatient in a south-west London hospital where he was…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":689568,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[63276,556,242,102,2960,1103,2196,1102,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-689567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-healthcare","tag-childbirth","tag-climate-change","tag-features","tag-health","tag-healthcare","tag-heatwave","tag-hospitals","tag-hot-weather","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689567","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=689567"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689567\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/689568"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=689567"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=689567"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=689567"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}