Latest news with #summer
Times
44 minutes ago
- Lifestyle
- Times
Why does summer bring out all the smug couples?
I love everything about summer, even the school run. Getting my daughter dressed and out of the house feels easier in the sunshine, and the walk past the duck pond to her primary school is positively bucolic. However, this summer — the first since the break-up of my marriage — the school run comes with a cost. I'm spotting smug couples everywhere. Morning sunshine seems to be a magnet for WFH couples to walk to school en famille then do something smug-coupley before starting their working day. The other morning I noticed one couple holding hands like maniacs as they dropped their child at the gates. Another couple breezed off for a walk around the woods, chatting away, while a few minutes later, I spotted yet another couple grabbing a morning latte at the local posh café-hotel. 'Go away,' I thought to myself, like the summer Grinch, as I marched home on my own. • Read more expert advice on sex, relationships, dating and love My grudge isn't just confined to the school run. Suddenly smug marrieds are everywhere. It hits me without warning when a friend complains about her husband's 'irks': 'Oh he's in Waitrose again, he's cooking a roast for dinner. I keep telling him it's not roast weather now, but he insists.' Or when another friend drops into conversation that it's been their wedding anniversary. 'Super low-key, we didn't want to make a big fuss for 16 years, so we just went out for steak and chips.' Coupley things that have never irked me before now feel like someone is prodding me with a needle when I least expect it. I feel pangs of uncontrollable envy, and annoyance at my situation. Here I am, aged 47, living solo without my kids for half the week. The things that my friends consider normal, and I once did too, now seem far away and fantastical. I'd love someone else in my house to be doing the shopping, especially fronting a trip to the supermarket (I can no longer afford Waitrose). I'd love to be going out for a 'low-key' meal for two to celebrate my anniversary (steak and chips is my favourite). This week was my 20th wedding anniversary. In another lifetime we would have thrown a big party or have organised a holiday around it, but in reality, I've barely mentioned it. Twenty years! It's a biggie for sure and since we're not yet divorced, I feel it still counts. I also felt it was important to celebrate: it's a wonderful achievement to have three children and to have come this far. Mostly the marriage was happy, it's just the last — ooh — five years that have been a little rocky. Now we're living apart and emotions are still raw, however, it's been a tricky subject to navigate with myself let alone with my ex. But we did do something on the day. In the end, he made me lunch (burgers) at his new home and we rewatched the video from our Ibiza wedding from June 23, 2005, which I had finally had digitised from the DVDs. It had dated! It was beautiful! It brought on some tears, at how young and happy — and yes, smug — we once were too. • No, we single women are not desperate for a partner My ex and I got together when I was 23, so I've existed my entire adult life as a couple, doing all the things that couples in love do. We've held hands like maniacs, grabbed morning coffee together, gone off on walks and weekends away, hosted dinner parties that showcase all the things that I now regard as 'smug' when other couples get up to them. The things that irk me now are the things I used to do quite naturally. I used to be the woman joking about my husband's niche trips to the supermarket or nonchalantly talking about my anniversary plans. I wonder how many people I accidentally annoyed by my smug coupledom in the process …@mollyjanegunn
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Community reacts to alcohol consumption in Ottawa parks this summer
The Ottawa community is on the fence about drinking booze in parks, under the legal alcohol consumption pilot project coming July 1. Some people may be in favour of it but some people say parks are for families and kids and alcohol consumption should not be allowed. 'I'm a little concerned about people coming and getting kind of unruly or leaving garbage around mixed in with family gatherings. There's going to be a lot of kids here. Don't love the idea of that,' says Lisa Meyer, an Ottawa resident, 'I think people might get carried away.' The ones looking forward to cracking open a cold one say why not. 'I think it's maybe a good opportunity for people who don't have a nice outdoor, communal space to get together and share a drink outside and enjoy the weather during the summer,' says Pablo De Larrinaga, an Ottawa resident, 'I might give it a go on a nice hot day. I wouldn't mind having a drink in one of our beautiful parks in the city.' 'I'm for the drinking. I think it'll be, a little more fun to be able to have some drinks. People are already doing it anyways, so it just takes away, the sneakiness of it. I think it's a good idea and I'm excited for it,' says Ingrid Drevniok. A number of city councillors are not in favour of the permit and, therefore, those parks will not be participating in the project. 'Out here we're not getting any demand for it. You know, there's not a large group of people asking to have it in the parks. Our parks out here are more geared towards family, that there's lots of activities in each park for families to enjoy,' says Allan Hubley, Ottawa Councillor. Some parents told CTV News that they don't want it around their children and don't want hem to be influenced by the drinking of alcohol. They say rules should be in place, such as allowing drinking between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. and stay at least five metres away from where children play and parking lots. Mother and daughter duo, Amanda Wilson and Debra Bourne, are divided on their opinion about the liquor drinking. 'I don't necessarily have a problem with it. I think, like any substance, there can be harms and problems with it. People consume it in their homes or at bars. If they're going to do so in a public park, I think that does impose additional risks. As long as people are doing it responsibly and taking care of each other,' says Wilson. 'Based on how much you drink can cause behaviour that is not necessarily appropriate, the drinking should be done in places where supervision is there, like a restaurant or where you need smart serve or in your private residence. (At) the parks or sidewalks, that does not happen,' says Bourne. 'I believe the legislation that we have in place right now is there to protect the public and I think it should stay there.'
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Climate
- Washington Post
A springtime day intrudes on summer's scorch
Summer in Washington is far from over. But on Friday, in a reversal of the week's scorching trend, in a halt to the recent heat wave, in a seeming refutation of cherished meteorological convictions, the afternoon's high temperature here reached only 72. However temporary the thermal respite, however short-lived might be the deviation from seasonal orthodoxy, Friday seemed a welcome interruption in the searing doomsday scenarios many Washington residents might have been gloomily concocting.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Traveling With Ozempic This Summer? Here's What Doctors Want You to Know
Traveling while taking a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic or Wegovy comes with its own set of challenges, and those challenges only multiply in the summer. Whether you're navigating a heat wave, spending hours on a plane or just trying to keep up with your summer routine, it's not always easy to stay consistent with your medication or manage potential side effects like nausea and fatigue. Hot weather alone can be a major obstacle, since most GLP-1 medications need to be kept refrigerated or at a stable temperature until use. Add in airport security, changing time zones and irregular meals, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But with the right planning, it's entirely possible to travel safely and comfortably while staying on track with your treatment. More from Flow Space 6 Expert Recommended Steps to Take Before the FDA Cracks Down on GLP-1 Drugs Here's what to know before you hit the road or friendly skies this summer. Traveling with GLP-1 medications requires some planning, especially during the summer months. When in room temperature conditions, opened pens can remain at room temperature for up to 28 days. However, if you are traveling by car in the summer heat, it is best to keep your medication in an insulated bag with cooling packs, Dr. Britta Reierson, a board-certified family physician and obesity medicine specialist at metabolic health company knownwell, tells Flow Space. 'Ensure that the packs don't directly touch the medication to avoid freezing,' she says. 'Store the medication out of direct sunlight and heat sources, and if you have overnight stops, use refrigeration whenever possible. You can even consider a portable mini-fridge that can go in the car for longer trips.' And what about while flying? Reierson says if your summer plans have you traveling by air, it is important to always carry your medication in your carry-on luggage to maintain consistent temperature and inform TSA officers that you are carrying injectable medication. Keep the medication in its original packaging with the prescription label. 'Also, use cooling packs to keep the medication cool during the flight,' she adds 'For international travel, I have provided my patients with a letter to present to TSA and customs if required. I recommend checking with state and country specific traveling with medication requirements prior to travel.' GLP-1s are known to cause side effects like nausea, an upset stomach, diarrhea and constipation. Not to mention, most GLP-1s are given via injection, which can sometimes cause pain at the site and might even require a band-aid. Because of this, Reierson recommends packing a 'medication go-bag.' To prepare, she suggests including the following: All prescription medications—enough to cover the entire trip, plus a couple extra days to cover for unexpected travel delays All injection supplies needed Over-the-counter medications, like pain relievers, antihistamines, antacids and anti-diarrheal medications First-aid supplies, such as bandaids, antiseptic and cleaning wipes, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen and insect repellent A printed list of your medications, dosings and a copy of health insurance/dental insurance card And while you may think you've packed and prepared everything needed, it's also important to start preparing your body in the days leading up to your travels. Dr. Shaline Rao, chief of cardiology and vice chair of the Department of Medicine Hospital Operations at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, recommends not starting a new medication or dose change in the days before travel as you may find yourself facing unexpected side effects. She says that with travel comes changes in hydration, frequency of meals, as well as the possibility of nausea or low appetite. If you have strong symptoms or are prone to these types of issues, talk to your physician before traveling for possible supportive care plans. 'For the majority of patients, making sure to stay hydrated, avoid extreme temperatures and eat small meals throughout the day should be sufficient,' she says. 'Making sure to take cues from your body is important. If you need time to rest, take the time you need.' If you forget a dosage during travel it will be easier to manage if you are traveling nationally, not abroad. You may consider transferring your prescription to a local branch of your national chain pharmacy, or contacting your doctor to call in a prescription to a nearby pharmacy. If you are abroad, you may need to find a local pharmacy or healthcare provider to prescribe the medication. 'In some countries you may be able to find GLP-1 medications for purchase without a prescription at a local pharmacy, however it is important to ensure you're buying from a reputable source to avoid counterfeit medications,' says Reierson. And if you fall off your dosing routine during travel? Rao says it is best to consult with your provider for guidance, but in general, you will be able to get back on a routine and be OK. 'If you do not have diabetes, then the consequence of a missed dose or delayed dose is likely low and you can work with your team to set up a resumed schedule,' she says. 'These medications are typically once a week, so the average traveler can get back on track quickly. This is why it is best to travel with extra supplies so as to minimize the stress of changes during travel.'
South China Morning Post
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Top 10: What are you looking forward to this summer?
Top 10 will also be taking a break during the summer, but we'll be back in September! Cleo Tam, 10, St Rose of Lima's School: This summer, I'm looking forward to writing book reviews. I love reading books at different levels so that I can learn harder words. I would like to write about interesting plots, mysteries and discoveries. I am also excited to prepare for Primary Five because I want to know how much I have improved from Primary Four. Sana Zaman Wong Sum-wai, 14, PLK Mrs Ma Kam Ming - Cheung Fook Sien College: I'm excited about starting Form Three next year! I am curious about the new subjects I'll be studying and eager to meet my new teachers. I look forward to joining activities designed for Form Three students because these will help me learn and grow in new ways. It's going to be an adventure. Top 10: Gen Z asks Hong Kong's fossilised tree what it's seen over the years Micah Wong, 13, Sha Tin College: With the recent release of the Nintendo Switch 2, I am looking forward to playing some games this summer. As this is Nintendo's first console since 2017, everyone is excited, even with the high price tag. Playing Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 has been awesome so far, and I am expecting Donkey Kong Bananza, which will be released in July, to be just as good. Chan Yan-tin, 13, St Paul's Co-educational College: I am looking forward to exploring different places by having a boat trip in the Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark and hiking Lion Rock. The former is a place with geological wonders, while the latter is Hong Kong's signature mountain that I have never been to. These activities help me to not only step away from the stress of studying, but also enjoy the vibrancy of summer. The rocky coastline of Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark with the iconic Mok Min Cave. Athena Chan Lai-wan, 16, Pui Kiu College: I am excited to shadow a doctor, who will provide me with insight into the medical field. Observing a physician will help me understand their daily responsibilities and patient interactions. I'm particularly eager to learn how medical professionals communicate and make decisions. This experience will shape my aspirations in healthcare and confirm if it's the right path for me. Hylia Chan, 12, St Paul's Co-educational College Primary School: I'm looking forward to all the me-time I'll be getting. Freed from the stress of tests, homework and tiring social interactions, I can finally unwind by doing things I enjoy. I imagine myself holding a book or spilling my thoughts into my trusty journal while a playlist echoes from my smartphone. It'll be one and a half months of heaven. Top 10: The book characters we'd love to swap lives with Ida Ho, 13, St Paul's Convent School: Summer holidays haven't started yet, but my mind is already filled with excitement and delight. My family and I are going to the beach, which is a fantastic place to feel the warmth of sunshine and the coolness of the sea breeze. Most importantly, I can spend time with my family and create memories. I can't wait to see the ocean glittering beneath the sun. Chau Tsz-ching, 15, Stewards Pooi Kei College: I'm looking forward to a school trip in July. I'm going to Mongolia for seven days. I've never been anywhere like that before. I heard that we will be able to learn and try new things like riding a camel, gazing at stars and sleeping in Mongolian tent homes. It would be such a precious experience for me as Mongolia feels so different from Hong Kong. A man in a traditional Mongolian costume stands outside a Mongolian tent. Photo: AFP Winnie Wing Yin-cai, 13, Pui Kiu College: This summer, I hope I can learn an important skill: swimming. I have always wanted to learn to swim and soar freely in the pool. Cheung Nga-suet, 13, St Paul's Co-educational College: I am looking forward to hiking with my family. These activities can bring us happiness, relaxation and fun, strengthening our family's unity. Coping with obstacles while we take on steep slopes like those on Sunset Peak can help us be more perseverant. I can also appreciate beautiful seascapes such as Cape D'Aguilar. I can't wait to enjoy these unforgettable climbing experiences!
