Soothe the sole

A nightly foot rub could be the cure for better sleep during the menopause. A study of 70 Turkish women found that those who were given a foot massage every day for a week slept an hour more each night compared to those who did not.

The 20-minute relaxation technique not only helped to ease nighttime disruption but reduced the resulting fatigue, brain fog and anxiety.

Dr Stephanie Faubion, of the North American Menopause Society, said further studies into the treatment were needed but: ‘There is little downside in recommending foot massage as a non-hormone option to help relieve symptoms.’

“To be inspirational you don’t have to save lives or win medals. I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things: volunteers, carers, community organisers and good neighbours; unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special. They are an inspiration to those who know them” The late Queen Elizabeth II, speaking at the 2016 Olympic Games

If other nations cycled as much as the Netherlands, the world would save 686 million metric tons of carbon a year – equivalent to Germany’s annual emissions.