Breakthrough £90,000 Alzheimer’s drugs unlikely to benefit patients, report suggests

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A major review has provoked a backlash after concluding the medicines provide too little benefit to be noticed.

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I feared my son had a brain tumour but he’d been poisoned with vitamin D

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Investigations found Roo had been accidentally poisoned with a dose of vitamin D prescribed for growing pains.

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Wellbeing garden opens to combat isolation

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The outdoor area at Yarm Wellness will officially open to the public on Saturday.

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When’s It OK For Kids To Play Out Alone? An Expert Shares 4 Questions To Answer

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Gaining independence is a crucial part of growing up – but at what point are kids ready to go it alone and play outside without you watching their every move?

In contrast to those who won’t let their kids go anywhere alone, there are a number of parents who are taking a more laidback approach and parenting “like it’s the 90s”, giving their kids the freedom to play out unsupervised.

I can see the appeal. We lived in a quiet cul-de-sac growing up and I was allowed to play out with our neighbours’ kids – we knew we had to stay in the street, or in one another’s homes. As we got older, we were allowed to venture a bit further afield. It gave my parents a break, and it made me feel like I was capable and trusted.

Nowadays I live on a relatively quiet street on the outskirts of a major city. There’s not much traffic, we’re near a park, but I’m not sure at what point I’d feel comfortable letting my kids go it alone (admittedly they’re both way too young, but it’s something I’ll have to consider in the years to come!).

Gail Sayles, a Childline practitioner, suggests there isn’t really an age when kids are ready for that next level of independence. Instead, it depends on the child and the situation.

“What matters most is whether your child feels ready, and whether you feel confident letting them take that step. If either of you isn’t quite there yet, that’s a sign they may need a bit more time,” she tells HuffPost UK.

What are the signs they’re ready?

Obviously, babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone because they can’t keep themselves safe.

The law doesn’t specify an age when parents can leave a child on their own, but it’s an offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk.

Sayles notes parents are in the “best position” to judge whether their child is ready to head outdoors on their own, “because you know how they usually behave when you’re not with them”.

It can help to ask yourself a few practical questions to help make this decision:

  • Can they remember important information like their name and address?
  • Do they stick to agreed timings?
  • Do they behave responsibly when you’re not with them?
  • Would they know what to do if plans changed unexpectedly?

The expert advises parents to talk through different scenarios with their child – for example, what they’d do if they hurt themselves or felt uncomfortable. “These conversations can be reassuring for both of you and help build confidence,” she says.

And if you’re unsure whether they’re ready for this next step, you can always start small. Let them play in a nearby area, go out for a short period of time, or spend time with certain friends you trust – this can be a good way to see how they manage, adds Sayles, while still keeping things safe.

What to tell your child before they venture out alone

If you’ve decided your child is ready to go it alone, there are a few important things to address first.

They should be able to share their full name and address and have access to phone numbers for at least two trusted adults.

They should also know what to do in an emergency, including where they could go for help – for example, a shop, library or approaching a police officer or shop staff.

It’s also crucial they feel confident crossing roads safely and know that they should never go anywhere with anyone, even someone they know, without checking with a parent or carer first.

My child’s not ready. What do I tell them?

If you don’t feel your child is ready to venture out alone, Action For Children suggests explaining which skills you’d want them to have first, and then making a plan together to help them learn those skills – that way, they won’t feel like you’re simply shutting them down.

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The $19 Anti-Sag Bra That Gives A Super Lift To Girls ‘Looking Toward The Floor’

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Ask anyone who wears one — a good bra can change your life. And if you’ve struggled to find something supportive and comfortable, breathable and lifting, you’ll be happy to know, we’ve found one for you — and they start at under $20.

From the brand LetsJoli, this wire and seamless bra is celebrated for its full coverage, wide straps, supportive sides with extra hooks that prevent “spilling” and inclusive size range, i.e., every color option is available in S-5XL. Yet, the crowning achievement of this “small miracle” is its lifting ability, keeping “very saggy boobs,” not just in place, but “perky” — you heard us right.

Whether aging, menopause, childbirth, hormonal changes or simply your natural body has your chest hanging a little low, reviewers say this is the dreamy bra is the one to have in your drawer.

If your girls have started “looking toward the floor,” reviewers say the fabric and cut will take them “from sagging to standing up.”

If you haven’t seen it on HuffPost shopping, the “jelly bra” is a popular style that uses thick but malleable material for superior support, without suffocation. While some jelly styles are literally gel-infused, this option from LetsJoli features jelly-like strips sewn into the nylon-and-spandex blend, offering 360 degrees of responsive support. Pair this yummy fabric with the shape: supportive sides, generous, adjustable straps, lots of eye-hooks, you’re looking at a one-and-done buy to keep the “girls” right where you want them.

“At this stage of life, and after losing a lot of weight, I need a bra to do more than just show up,” a shopper, who wear a L said. “I need it to smooth things over, be supportive, and simply contain, while avoiding turning my sides and back into a public event. Happily, this bra understood the assignment.”

Another reviewer in their 80s says their size S bra is approved for those with “sagging and crappy skin.” “This bra not only fits perfect but it holds the skin in place so I don’t have ‘overhang,’” they said.

Many call out how the lifting eases back pain, boosts confidence and feels so good on, you might sleep in it. Really.

Fans say the bra itself and the breast-lifting support are so comfortable, “I didn’t need to rush and take it off immediately when I got home.”

“I can’t believe this bra! It’s truly a miracle bra that had to be designed by women!!” A reviewer with self-described “very saggy boobs,” who wears an XL said. “It also causes my back to be more supported too…My ribs don’t want to subluxation nor do I have any chest wall pain! Iykyk.”

Another, who wears an XL, calls it “a wireless bra WITH SUPPORT for well-endowed ladies!” “I’m no longer sagging, with a painful back,” they said.

Others say the call lifting feature is “transformative,” saying it “really improves your physical appearance!”

“The fabric is incredibly soft, but it still holds everything firmly and comfortably in place all day,” a reviewer who wears an L wrote. “No bra-band digging, no side spillover, no top spillover, and no constant tugging and adjusting. Just smooth lines, solid support, and a much-appreciated confidence boost.”

Because it doesn’t ride up or roll down, people even report wearing it around the house for comfort and even catching some Zzz’s in it.

“I always take off my bra as soon as I walk in the house and I love this bra so much I even slept with it on last night,” a reviewer who wears an XXL said. “I absolutely hate wearing a bra and definitely never sleep in one but I absolutely love this one and it feels great and just enough support for me!!!”

Reviewers of all sizes say it feels like a comfy, custom fit.

If you’re feeling skeptical about ordering a bra without a waist and cup size, we get it. Yet, thousands, and we mean thousands of shoppers, with all different sizes swear by this option for support, comfort and looking good.

“This is a supportive bra that actually feels comfortable all day, which I’ve never experienced before,” TMC, who wears a 42DDD and ordered an XXL wrote. “I had to go off my own measurements and their size chart. My overbust is 51 inches and my underbust is 38 inches. I wasn’t confident, so I ordered two sizes to be safe — a 42D and a 2XL. This one is the 2XL, and it is hands down the winner.”

“I used to love a bra that was discontinued — it was the best I’d ever owned —until I bought this one,” a reviewer who wears a S said. ”…It flatters my figure beautifully, leaving no unsightly bulges or lines visible on my body. It’s wire-free, yet it makes my breasts look gorgeous and firm without needing any extra padding. I won’t have to struggle to find a good bra ever again.”

Another reviewer, who wears an XL calls the bra “no joke.” “I FEEL LIKE A SUPER WOMAN!! ✨️🦸♀️,” they wrote. “Thank you Jesus FINALLY a bra that supports me. I could sleep in this thing!! It makes you feel like you can do anything 🥹🤣👏🏻.”

Myriad reviews name it the best bra ever, and a welcome surprise after decades of ill-fitting and uncomfortable undergarments.

“It literally feels like I have nothing on, like a second skin, no exaggeration at all,” TMC said. “But at the same time, ‘my girls’ are fully supported.”

This full-coverage, seamless bra may be your new favorite purchase for a good lift and coverage. Read more 5-star reviews and grab one for under $20.

“Move over, Indiana Jones, because I have found the holy grail! I am an average-sized woman, 5′5″ and 135 pounds, but I am heavy-breasted (C cup) and I’m also a senior citizen who breast fed her baby many years ago. I have been searching for years for a bra that fits, is comfortable, and supports my poor saggy girls. This bra is IT! It is so soft I barely know I’m wearing it, but the girls feel quite protected and secure in it. I bought 2 of these bras to see if they fit. I love them so much that I just ordered 2 more. HIGHLY recommended for full-figured ladies of a certain age looking for support and comfort.” — Kathleen, Size L

“I am an 83 year old lady and due to a diatary change over the last few months I lost weight and have to buy new bras. I have ordered several different styles and this bra is wonderful. Unlike the young women in the videos I have sagging and crappy skin to deal with and this bra not only fits perfect but it holds the skin in place so I don’t have ‘overhang’ it remains to be seen how they hold up after many washings but I would recommend this bra to all older women. I am now 5’3 and 118 pounds. I purchased a size S.” — Carol from Michigan

“I have been wearing nothing but cotton sleep t-shirt/tank style bras since Covid. Fruit of the loom brand to be exact. I thought I would never find a ‘real’ bra that I could tolerate again. I have tried many over the years and just couldn’t find anything that didn’t irritate me in some way. I had for about the past year stopped trying new bras because every supposedly super comfortable bra I gave a try just failed miserably. Well, I decided to go out on a limb again recently and I tried one of these and after going half the day and suddenly realizing I hadn’t been bothered by boob/bra related discomfort one time and I was actually more comfortable than I normally am in my sleep bras because of the added support I ordered 6 more of these! If you have sensory issues or are sensitive to bras in general I’d recommend this to anyone – this is by far the most comfortable bra I have worn in my life!” — R2D2, Size 5XL.

“I love this bra. I was skeptical about ordering a wireless bra off the internet, but this is the bees knees. A friend recommended this to me, and I’m so glad she did. As a bigger girl, I’ve struggled to find a comfortable bra that doesn’t make me look saggy. The straps are wide, the sides are wide, and the material is soft. And the best part is, it actually lifts. I also like how you can adjust the strap all the way, unlike some bras. It doesn’t dig, cut, or ride up my back. I can’t even tell I’m wearing it. New favorite for sure!” — Ash, Size XXL

“I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and having anything around my ribs is torture! I also have very saggy boobs. I can’t believe this bra! It’s truly a miracle bra that had to be designed by women!! It also causes my back to be more supported too. My boobs stay in place and ‘perky’. I can even sleep with it and don’t worry about rolling over on my boobs!! The straps are very comfortable and stay in place. My ribs don’t want to subluxation nor do I have any chest wall pain! Iykyk. I can’t recommend this bra enough!!” — Charlee Bear, Size XL

“Best Bra Ever (Especially for Older Women). Unless it’s a brand and size I’ve purchased before, I don’t usually buy bras online for fear of getting something that doesn’t fit; however, I took the risk in buying this bra. After reading the positive reviews and also how it is designed for older women, I felt like it was worth the gamble in ordering. Believe me when I say, it definitely was worth it! Not only is this bra comfortable, but it is very supportive, especially for someone like myself with sagging breasts. My husband agreed that wearing the bra made me look much more supported than the ones I’d been wearing, which were comfortable to wear, but allowed me to look much too saggy. If you have any hesitation about ordering this bra, I encourage you to give it a try because you won’t be sorry. My breasts haven’t looked like this in a long time, and it’s all thanks to this bra. I’m an extremely happy customer!!!” — Cindy S. Shackelford, Size M

“I’ve been looking for a bra like this for years! Finally something designed for the senior lady. So soft and comfy, the cups give excellent support and shape. No more saggy titties!” —Gardencatbj, Size XXL

And if you’re in the market for more wardrobe upgrades, check out these 2026 HuffPost Shopping Award-winning style items currently on sale. Be sure to peep the exclusive codes for all the savings.

Gap

Gap 100% cotton oversized sweater (up to 40% off)

HuffPost editorial director Lindsay Holmes knows and loves good sweaters. And when she first wore her oversized Gap cotton sweater to our office, she successfully influenced several colleagues to purchase their own. She calls it the “It Girl of my wardrobe this season, thanks to its versatility and quality.”

It’s an easy-to-wear and stylish item that looks good on everybody and with a range of style aesthetics. It’s great for layering or worn on its own. Holmes added, “I’ve styled it tied around my shoulders, over T-shirts, with skirts, with lounge pants ― you name it. The cotton fabric makes it feel elevated with zero itchiness. Plus, as a tall person, I appreciate that it comes in a longer length option.”

Right now, you can snag a selection of colors and sizes for 20-40% off, but you have to act fast, as colors and sizes are moving fast. Yet, don’t fret — Gap is regularly releasing new colorways and restocking when it sells out; you can also snag a cropped version of it in different colors at Gap Factory as well.

Forme

A posture-correcting with a HuffPost exclusive discount (15% off)

We’re not in the business of recommending products simply because they have celebrity endorsements, but Liza Egbogah, a chiropractor, osteopath and myofascial release specialist, previously told HuffPost that posture bras could be a worthy purchase for those looking to improve their posture. “As you wear posture-friendly apparel, your muscles and fascia will adapt to support you correctly,” Egbogah said.

That led us to seek out posture-correcting bras and shirts, one of which is the viral Forme Power Bra. Swift was seen sporting the Power Bra during rehearsals for the physically demanding “Eras” Tour.

The Power Bra uses tensile fabrics to not only provide instant alignment, but also to engage your spine and shoulder’s muscle memory to help you self-correct over time for lasting better posture. Multiple reviewers mention significant differences in their pain levels and how using the bra has helped them with years-old aches. (If the Power bra isn’t for you, Forme offers a customized online assessment to help you choose the right posture product for your body.)

The Power Bra comes in eight colors and sizes XS-3XL. It’s a splurge, but you’ll be pleased to know that the bra is HSA/FSA-eligible .Even better? Forme is offering HuffPost readers an exclusive 15% discount with code HP15.

Amazon

Hanes EcoSmart fleece crewneck sweatshirt: A wildly popular unisex layer, with a HuffPost code (20% off)

This classic, ultra-soft crewneck sweatshirt is the gift that keeps on giving. Reviewers and editors alike pick it up in droves anytime it’s featured, largely in part because the price simply cannot be beaten, plus it’s light enough that it’s easy to layer with in the cold the perfect addition to a cool summer evening.

This unisex item of clothing from Hanes is a great tried-and-true basic made of soft, strong cotton-blend fabric that stays plush, cozy and warm no matter how many times you wash it. One reviewer noted that “the sweatshirt is warm, fluffy, and soft. It fits just right and launders well without pilling or shrinking.”

It features double stitching at the neck and armholes and has ribbed cuffs, neckline and hem, all of which help it hold its shape and structure. The iconic silhouette and drape of the sweatshirt are what make it so highly coveted and versatile, and the high-quality construction keeps it all intact. It looks and feels much more expensive than it actually is.

It comes in a large selection of colors in sizes S through 5X, so pretty much anyone can find that perfect fit. Through April 16, use code EXTRA20 to get 20% off your purchase of the Hanes EcoSmart fleece sweatshirt on Hanes.com.

Multiple people pointed out that it “doesn’t fade after washing” and the general consensus seems to be that it’s a wonderful piece of clothing. “I absolutely love this sweatshirt!!!” said reviewer DRW.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

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Senior midwife appointed to maternity inquiry

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Senior midwife Donna Ockenden will review maternity services in Sussex after a campaign by families.

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Laneige Juice Pop Box Lip Tint Review: Pricey, But 100% Worth It

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We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI – prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

If you’re remotely interested in lip tints, listen up – because I’d bet my bottom dollar that I’ve found your new favourite.

K-beauty brand Laneige launched its Juice Pop Box Lip Tints in the UK in March, to a decent amount of fanfare online.

Well, I’m here to tell you that the hype is very much warranted.

I tried the shade Mocha Remix, a semi-sheer plummy brown. While at first it goes on quite thinly, looking a bit like a wine-stain (only more chic), if you layer it up, it soon builds to a much deeper colour.

This is ideal for me, since it means I can wear it differently depending on my mood.

Its staying power is seriously impressive – you can couple a few layers of it, eat a good meal, and forget about it for hours before you notice your lip colour hasn’t budged.

Unlike lots of other lip products I’ve tried in my time, you can apply it on the go without looking with total ease.

Aidan trying the Laniege tip tint

And what’s more, it feels super nourishing on the lips, thanks to the ‘Water-Oil Remix Technology’, polypeptide, and ceramides boosting the tint’s moisturising and firming formula.

My only minor critique is that, after spending most of the day wearing it, the colour tends to sink into the natural creases in my lips, and I like to add a quick layer of some clear lip balm to even things out again.

But all in all, between the lovely shade, the tint’s versatility, and how very easy it is to use, it’s an ideal option for everyday wear.

At £20, it’s not the most budget-friendly buy in the entire world, but it’s very far from the most expensive too.

Further to that, in my humble opinion, it’s worth every penny.

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How Would 2026’s ‘Super El Niño’ Impact The UK?

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This year, multiple weather experts have predicted an El Niño by midsummer.

Some think it could even become a “super El Niño”.

But what does that mean, and how could it affect the UK?

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El Niño forming by May, potentially becoming strong by August — new ECMWF seasonal modeling.

By the numbers:

• 22% chance of a super El Niño by August
• 80% chance of a strong event
• 98% chance of a moderate event

That’s according to data from 50 ensemble members. pic.twitter.com/LDOogrRcEC

— Ben Noll (@BenNollWeather) March 6, 2026

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El Niño forming by May, potentially becoming strong by August — new ECMWF seasonal modeling.

By the numbers:

• 22% chance of a super El Niño by August
• 80% chance of a strong event
• 98% chance of a moderate event

That’s according to data from 50 ensemble members. pic.twitter.com/LDOogrRcEC

— Ben Noll (@BenNollWeather) March 6, 2026

What is an El Niño?

An El Niño happens when the surface of the Pacific Ocean heats up by 0.5°C or more.

During a super El Niño, though, temperatures rise by 1.5-2°C, professor emeritus of Geophysical and Climate Hazards at UCL, Prof Bill McGuire, told HuffPost UK previously.

During both regular and “super” El Niños, extreme weather events like drought and flooding are much more common.

“Broadly speaking, the bigger the El Niño, the greater its impacts on the world’s weather,” Prof Bill McGuire said.

El Niños can also heat up the world as a whole. The 2023-24 El Niño heralded record-breaking temperatures across the globe in 2024.

“The cost of weather disruption caused by the super El Niños of 1982-83 and 1997-98 has been calculated as being in the trillions of dollars,” Prof McGuire added.

Usually, the most immediate results are seen in countries on or near the Pacific, like Australia, Indonesia, Peru, Ecuador, and the Philippines.

How would an El Niño impact the UK?

In the short term, the effects of El Niños tend to reach us a little later than those in the middle of the event.

It might make our summers a little hotter. It could also make our winters a lot colder, though that’s not a given.

But Prof McGuire said the longer-term impacts might be more significant here, even though the UK’s experience of El Ninos typically “lags” behind other countries’.

“A super El Niño later this year is likely to see the global average temperature rise since pre-industrial times smashed again, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see both this year and next breaching the 1.5°C dangerous climate change guardrail,” he said.

That would affect the UK, as experts have cautioned that going over 1.5°C of global warming could lead a million more square miles of permafrost to thaw.

That might mean sea levels could rise from one to three feet by the end of the century, devastating coastal communities. That may bring about mass displacement and conflict.

Though the UK might not see the most extreme results of the possible super El Niño the fastest, the weather phenomenon could have truly global consequences.

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