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People who read books live almost two years longer than non readers

Anew study titled A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity published in the Social Science and Medicine journal recently suggests that being engrossed in a good book can

make people’s brains sharper, give them more empathy and is one of the best forms of stress relief.


The study also claimed that it gave readers an important “survival advantage” over non readers.

Researchers looked at the link between reading and living longer by analysing reading patters of 3,500 people aged 50 and older. They found that on average, book readers lived almost two years longer that people who did not read.

Avni Bavishi, one of the researchers from the Yale University School of Public Health, said:

“We found that reading books provided a greater benefit than reading newspapers or magazines. We uncovered that this effect is likely because books engage the readers mind more providing more cognitive benefit, and therefore increasing the lifespan.”

“Reading doesn’t have to be a massive commitment, as any level of reading books could potential extend your life. Reading a chapter of a novel every night is a great way to unwind and benefit health,” she added.

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South Asian women

Research shows that South Asian women often enter menopause earlier

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South Asian women and menopause: Breaking generational silence

Kiran Singh

Highlights

  • October marks Menopause Awareness Month, with World Menopause Day on 18 October.
  • South Asian women often face earlier menopause, more severe symptoms, and higher health risks.
  • Cultural stigma and silence leave many women isolated and unsupported.
  • The Sattva Collective CIC is the UK’s first organisation focused on South Asian women and menopause.
  • Founded by coach Kiran Singh, it provides safe spaces, resources, and monthly Midlife Circles.
  • Plans underway for a Midlife & Menopause Summit in October 2026.
  • Awareness is key: “Silence leads to shame. Awareness leads to empowerment.”

This October, the world observes Menopause Awareness Month, with World Menopause Day on 18th October. For many South Asian women, this is more than a health milestone, it is an opportunity to finally challenge silence, stigma, and cultural barriers that have silenced generations before us.

Menopause is universal. But its impact is not. Research shows that South Asian women often enter menopause earlier, with more severe symptoms and higher risks of diabetes and heart disease. Yet in many South Asian communities, menopause remains an unspoken subject, whispered about in kitchens, dismissed as “just part of ageing,” or hidden entirely.

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The new ‘Stratus’ Covid strain is testing UK defences

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From scratchy throats to hoarse voices: Understanding the new Covid strain spreading across UK

Highlights

  • New Stratus strain linked to hoarse voice among UK cases
  • Experts say no increase in severity, vaccines remain effective
  • Reduced testing makes tracking variants increasingly difficult

Noticing the subtle signs

Across England, some people are reporting a hoarse voice alongside mild cold-like symptoms — a subtle signal of the new Stratus Covid strain. With its two offshoots, XFG and XFG.3, this variant is quietly becoming a larger part of UK infections.

Unlike previous waves marked by fever or loss of smell, the Stratus strain is drawing attention for more understated changes, prompting doctors to remind the public that even minor symptoms can indicate infection.

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Traditional sarees in blue and white marked the occasion

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Bangladeshi community in Yorkshire raise £2,000 for Parkinson’s with saree walk

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  • Charity walk at Clumber Park united 38 participants across generations
  • Traditional sarees in blue and white marked the occasion
  • Over £2,000 raised for Parkinson’s UK

Sarees and solidarity at Clumber Park

Members of the Bangladeshi community in Yorkshire gathered this summer for a colourful charity walk that raised more than £2,000 for Parkinson’s UK.

The event, held on 26 July at Clumber Park in Worksop, was organised by the Dhaka Medical College Alumni Association UK (DMCAA UK). Thirty-eight participants, from children to grandparents in their 60s, walked in coordinated blue and white sarees – colours reflecting Parkinson’s UK – turning the park into a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and purpose.

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Aniruddhacharya Ji urges devotion and unity at Siddhashram’s Navratri Garba

Aniruddhacharya Ji urges devotion and unity at Siddhashram’s Navratri Garba

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The International Siddhashram Shakti Centre has brought devotion and colour to Harrow with its 19th annual Navratri Garba celebrations, launched on 22 September at the Harrow Leisure Centre under the guidance of HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji. The fortnight-long festival, running until 2 October, will end with a Sharad Poonam finale on 5 October. This year, the event also honoured 60 years of Harrow Council, reinforcing the connection between culture, faith and civic pride.

Aniruddhacharya Ji’s Message

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