CERTIFIED child nutritionist Tanya Mehra’s mission to empower parents led her to become a popular mom influencer.
The online star has used her own life experiences and divorce to inspire parents, especially single mothers, to break free from toxic relationships, stand up for themselves, and achieve financial independence. She also offers top childcare tips, tackles taboos, and discusses the challenges of motherhood.
Mehra’s platform, centered around her personal experiences raising her daughter Noor, advocates for the importance of healthy child nutrition, while also speaking openly about the struggles of being a single mother.
Eastern Eye caught up with the inspiring content creator to discuss her journey, parenting, top childcare tips, and how she got through her divorce. She also shared advice for single mothers.
What made you want to become a content creator, and did you expect to become popular?
Content creation wasn’t even considered a career when I started. It began when a close friend suggested I document my parenting journey after my daughter, Noor, was born. I never aimed for fame – just to be a resource for new moms. I was an accidental content creator who found her passion in sharing my journey. As a former economic researcher, I applied my skills to provide validated information to new moms.
What inspired you to focus on parenting in particular?
My daughter, Noor, was my inspiration. As a single mother, I relied on selfresearch for every parenting decision. My friends encouraged me to share my hands-on parenting style, and it naturally evolved into my content’s central theme. It resonates with my audience because it’s authentic, relatable, and vulnerable.
How would you describe your journey as a ‘mom influencer’?
My journey feels like a Bollywood film. I was the heroine, and my daughter, Noor, was the lifechanging hero. The journey wasn’t easy – sleepless nights, my divorce, and content creation. But the love and support from my community kept me going. Today, when moms tell me my content helped them, it’s the most rewarding feeling. My journey is based on one rule: sharing my truth, with no filters – just real moments.
As a child nutritionist, how crucial is it to focus on what children are eating?
It’s essential. Kids today consume too many processed foods, which harm their physical health and energy levels. Nutrition is about a balanced diet with wholesome grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Parents must be vigilant, as obesity and juvenile diabetes are on the rise.
Do you think enough attention is paid to a child’s diet, and what common mistakes do parents make?
Parents are more informed than ever, but lifestyle pressures often lead to unhealthy food choices. A common mistake is not reading food labels. Many ‘healthy’ products are loaded with sugar and preservatives. Parents should educate themselves and their kids on making better food choices. Small changes, like opting for Makhana over chips, can make a big difference.
Where do you get all parenting tips from?
Parenting is about instinct. I observe and respond to Noor’s cues, but I also rely on research, books, and credible online sources. I experiment with new ideas first with Noor before sharing them with my audience.
Can you share a top parenting tip?
Always trust your instinct as a mom. You know your child better than anyone else. Don’t compare or get confused – just trust your gut.
How important is self-care for parents, who devote their time to work and raising children?
Self-care is essential. Parenting is demanding, and the only way to keep going is by prioritising your own health. Whether it’s a quick workout, coffee break, or just some quiet time, carving out personal time makes you a better parent. I ensure to get at least an hour to myself each day, even if it means waking up early or delegating tasks.
How significant is it for you to empower single mothers, and how do you approach this?
Empowering single mothers is close to my heart. I often share my struggles and strategies on Instagram to inspire single moms to take small steps and not feel alone. I encourage financial independence, building a supportive network, and focusing on self-care. Being a single mom is tough, but it’s worth it for your child.
How did you get through the pain of your own separation?
Separation was incredibly painful. I struggled with depression, anxiety, and even alopecia. Therapy, gratitude, and focusing on Noor were my anchors. Slowly, I’m rebuilding my life. I never imagined doing it all alone, but I’ve become stronger through it.
What are your top tips for single mothers navigating life’s challenges?
Build a support system of people who love and care for you. Invest in financial independence, even with small steps. Healing takes time, so be patient with yourself. Ask for help, whether from a therapist or your support system. Remember, your child looks up to you, so prioritise your own healing.
Tanya with Noor
What is the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself through this s journey?
I’ve learned that I’m not emotionally dependent, as I once thought. Through consistency and discipline, I built a career while raising a child and going through a divorce. I have learned to focus on my own path and not care about people who don’t matter.
What are your plans going forward?
I plan to grow my platform to inspire more parents, especially single moms. I also want to maintain a balanced home life while running a thriving business that allows me to be present for Noor.
What inspires you to keep moving forward?
Noor is my driving force. I want to ensure she feels complete and cherished, despite the absence of her father. Her happiness is my ultimate inspiration.
Bryan Johnson, a 47-year-old tech entrepreneur from California, has become a prominent figure in the global longevity movement, attracting both fascination and criticism for his intense health regime. Known for creating the “Don’t Die” project, Johnson has turned his body into a human laboratory, experimenting with extreme methods to delay ageing and boost long-term health.
From tech success to health obsession
Johnson made headlines in 2013 after selling his company, Braintree, to PayPal for $800 million. Following years of depression and personal upheaval, including leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and divorcing his wife, Johnson redirected his focus to health and longevity.
Now, he claims to live with a singular goal: to be the healthiest and most biologically youthful person alive. He documents his journey on social media, where he has 1.8 million Instagram followers, and recently appeared in the Netflix documentary Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever.
A day in the life of Bryan Johnson
Johnson’s daily routine is strict and meticulously planned. He wakes at 4:30am and begins his day with light therapy to regulate his circadian rhythm, followed by exercise, sauna sessions, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He wears a red-light cap for hair growth and consumes a carefully measured breakfast.
He takes around 40 supplements each day, including vitamin D, magnesium, creatine and collagen peptides. His calorie intake is limited to 2,250 per day, with a focus on plant-based ingredients and healthy fats such as olive oil, which he includes in his shakes and meals. His final meal is consumed at least four hours before bedtime.
His bedtime is 8:30pm, following a wind-down routine involving reading, journaling and family time. He avoids evening exercise and limits screen time in the evening to promote better sleep.
Tracking health by the numbers
Johnson tracks an extraordinary range of metrics. He takes over 33,000 internal images daily via colonoscopy, monitors his heart rate and organ performance, and even uses the presence of night-time erections as a marker of biological health. He believes these physiological signs indicate whether the body is functioning at an optimal level.
His health data includes:
Heart health comparable to a 37-year-old
Skin age estimated at 28
Lung capacity of an 18-year-old
Body fat consistently between 5 and 6 per cent
One hour of daily exercise plus several high-intensity sessions weekly
Longevity as a lifestyle
For Johnson, rejuvenation is not a hobby but a competitive pursuit. “Rejuvenation is my sport,” he explains. “I feel energetic, clear-headed and my mood is stable. That’s my reward. It’s just a really great way to navigate life.”
He argues that most people begin by criticising his lifestyle but often reconsider once they see results. “People are initially critical, then they want to feel good too – and then they change their habits.”
Despite his regimented lifestyle, Johnson makes space for community. He hosts early morning dance parties and evening gatherings to maintain social connections, which he views as essential for health and longevity. He describes socialising as “one of the most important things anyone can do.”
Parenting and personal life
Johnson shares his health principles with his teenage son, Talmage, and the pair enjoy outdoor sports such as hiking, biking and running. He has previously undergone plasma transfusions involving his son, although he has since moved on to other treatments.
He discontinued taking rapamycin after research suggested it could accelerate ageingNetflix
His approach to relationships and dating is less straightforward. He admits that his tightly structured life can make romantic partnerships difficult due to scheduling demands.
Treatments he’s abandoned
Johnson is open about treatments that have not worked. He discontinued taking rapamycin after research suggested it could accelerate ageing, despite initial promise in anti-ageing studies.
He also avoids environmental pollutants by minimising plastic use in his home and kitchen, testing water monthly for contaminants, and even manufacturing some of his own food to control for heavy metals.
A controversial but influential figure
While his methods may appear extreme, Johnson says he is motivated by a desire to avoid the health decline he experienced during his depression. “The greatest joy in my day is that I don’t feel depressed,” he says. “Even though I take so much heat in the world… I feel great, I’m having fun and I enjoy life.”
Rather than aiming to live forever, he says his focus is simply not wanting to die now. “We all want to wake up tomorrow and feel great, for our body to move, and to have no aches and pains. It’s about being your best, moment to moment.”
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Experts warn that nimbus may be more efficient at infecting human cells than earlier variants
A new covid variant, known as nimbus (scientifically NB.1.8.1), is causing concern among health experts as cases rise globally. The variant, a descendant of omicron, has been detected in several countries, including China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UK. While its symptoms are largely similar to previous covid strains, doctors have identified a distinctive new symptom: a razor blade sore throat, characterised by an intense stabbing pain when swallowing.
Experts warn that nimbus may be more efficient at infecting human cells than earlier variants, which could lead to increased transmission rates. Although there is no current evidence to suggest that it causes more severe illness than its predecessors, the rapid spread has raised concerns, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Symptoms of nimbus
Like previous Covid variants, nimbus presents with a range of symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, congestion, and shortness of breath. However, one symptom, in particular, is capturing attention—the razor blade sore throat. This sensation, described by medical experts as a sharp, stabbing pain at the back of the throat, makes swallowing extremely uncomfortable.
Other symptoms include redness in the throat, swollen neck glands, and general discomfort when eating or drinking. Some patients have also reported experiencing fatigue, headaches, and a persistent cough. While these symptoms may overlap with those of earlier variants, doctors emphasise that the severity and persistence of the sore throat are unique to nimbus.
Spread and concerns
Although only a small number of cases have officially been recorded in the UK, experts believe the actual spread of nimbus could be significantly wider. This is due to the decline in routine Covid testing since the height of the pandemic. According to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data, the number of people testing positive for Covid has increased significantly in recent months. Reports indicate that infection rates have surged by 97% compared to figures recorded earlier in the year.
Virologists are warning that the number of Covid cases could continue to rise, particularly as summer approaches. Increased social interaction, crowded events, and holiday travel all create conditions for virus transmission. Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, notes that while many respiratory viruses, such as flu, tend to subside in warmer climates, Covid continues to spread even in hot and humid weather. This makes it difficult to predict the scale of a possible summer wave.
Another concerning aspect is that population immunity, whether from vaccination or prior infection, appears to be waning over time. This means that even those who have had previous covid infections or vaccinations may still be at risk of catching nimbus.
Severity and vaccination
Laboratory studies suggest that nimbus is capable of infecting human cells more efficiently than previous strains. While there is no evidence indicating that it leads to more severe illness or higher fatality rates than earlier Covid variants, doctors stress that infection can still be dangerous for vulnerable individuals.
In May alone, Covid was a contributing factor in the deaths of over 300 people in England. The elderly, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with pre-existing medical conditions remain particularly at risk.
The UKHSA is closely monitoring its progression and is assessing its impact on public healthiStock
Vaccination continues to be the strongest defence against severe illness. Experts say that current Covid vaccines, reformulated to target omicron-related variants, are expected to offer protection against nimbus. Research indicates that individuals who received a Covid booster jab as part of last spring’s vaccination campaign were 45% less likely to require hospital care following infection, compared to those who had not been vaccinated.
Global outlook
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nimbus now accounts for 10.7% of global Covid cases, a sharp increase from just 2.5% a month earlier. The UKHSA is closely monitoring its progression and is assessing its impact on public health.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of the UKHSA, has stated that the organisation is keeping track of all available data related to Covid variants in the UK and abroad. While nimbus has only been detected in small numbers in the UK so far, international data indicates that it is growing as a proportion of all Covid cases worldwide.
Preventative measures and vaccination eligibility
Health authorities continue to urge eligible individuals to receive their Covid vaccinations. In the UK, free vaccines are available for specific groups, including people aged 75 and older, care home residents, and those with weakened immune systems. This includes patients undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, and individuals with genetic disorders that affect the immune system.
Getting vaccinated remains essential in protecting against severe illness and hospitalisation. While nimbus may not be more lethal than previous variants, experts emphasise that its ability to infect cells efficiently makes it highly transmissible. Vigilance, personal hygiene, and vaccination all play crucial roles in reducing the risk of infection.
The spread
The emergence of the nimbus variant is a stark reminder that Covid continues to evolve. While symptoms are similar to previous strains, the distinct razor blade sore throat is emerging as a defining characteristic of the latest variant. Experts warn that its ability to spread efficiently could lead to a summer surge in cases, particularly as population immunity declines.
Although there is no evidence that nimbus causes more severe illness than past variants, it remains a threat to vulnerable individuals. Health officials continue to recommend vaccination as the best means of protection. With the UKHSA closely monitoring its spread, staying informed and maintaining caution remain essential as the situation develops.
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The charity is encouraging individuals to honour a bereaved father with a special online dedication
As Father’s Day approaches, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, Sands, is extending vital support to grieving fathers and their families. With Sunday, 15 June, likely to be a challenging day for many, the charity is making special efforts to ensure bereaved dads do not feel alone.
Sands has announced extended hours for its confidential Freephone Helpline (0808 164 3332), which will be open from 10 am to 12 pm on Father’s Day. This service offers a safe, non-judgmental space for those affected by pregnancy or baby loss to talk and seek support. Support is also available via email (helpline@sands.org.uk) and through the charity’s online community atwww.sands.community.
Every day in the UK, 13 babies die shortly before, during or soon after birth. In addition, at least one in six pregnancies ends in miscarriage. The emotional toll on families is deep and lasting, with key dates such as Father’s Day serving as painful reminders of loss.
The day, which is often filled with images of family and celebration, can be especially isolating for those who have experienced the death of a baby. Sands recognises that men in particular may find it difficult to talk about their grief, which can intensify feelings of loneliness and exclusion.
To help people connect and show solidarity, the charity is encouraging individuals to honour a bereaved father with a special online dedication. They also offer meaningful tokens and cards as gestures of remembrance and support.
Jen Coates, Sands’ Director of Bereavement Support, said: “This Father’s Day and beyond, let’s recognise all the wonderful dads and grandads in our lives. Whether their children can be held in their arms or in their hearts and minds, they’ll always be a dad or granddad.
“We know from bereaved families that the build-up to Father’s Day can be one of the most emotionally complex times of the year. We want people to know that Sands is here for them, not just on Father’s Day, but whenever they need support.”
Guidance for grieving dads
Sands has also issued practical advice for bereaved fathers navigating Father’s Day. The charity recommends acknowledging that the days leading up to the event may be more difficult than the day itself. It suggests reaching out to someone trusted, or speaking to an employer if time off is needed.
The charity emphasises that it’s acceptable to step back from social media or cancel plans to prioritise self-care. For some, visiting a meaningful location, looking at baby photos, or finding quiet time in nature can help provide comfort and reflection.
Sands also highlights the role of physical activity and peer connection. One of the unique ways the charity supports men is through Sands United FC – a network of football teams across the country for bereaved dads and family members. The initiative helps participants find strength through shared experiences and sport.
How to support a bereaved dad
For friends, colleagues, and family members who want to help, Sands provides advice on how to offer meaningful support. A key message is not to avoid talking about the baby. Using the baby’s name and acknowledging their existence can make a huge difference.
Simple gestures – such as sending a thoughtful message, giving a remembrance token, or writing a heartfelt card – can help grieving dads feel remembered and less alone.
Sands also encourages openness. Humour and light conversation may sometimes ease tension and offer relief, though this should always be guided by the individual’s comfort.
Vikas’ story: Remembering Aum
Vikas Jain, a volunteer befriender and parent speaker with Sands, lost his baby son Aum in January 2016. Aum passed away peacefully at just five days old. Since then, Vikas and his wife Reena have been actively involved in their local Birmingham Sands group, where they found invaluable support from other bereaved families.
Vikas Jain, a volunteer befriender and parent speaker with SandsSands
“Please don’t forget about dads,” Vikas said. “Don’t minimise their experience or only ask after their partner. They have lost their baby too. Take time to listen and ask how they want colleagues or teams to be informed about their loss, just as you would for a bereaved mum.”
Vikas is also a passionate advocate for Sands’ Bereavement in the Workplace training, which helps organisations understand how to compassionately support grieving employees. He said: “My key advice to business leaders is to talk with the individual and show that you care. Acknowledging their loss – regardless of when it happened – means everything.”
He added: “Workplaces are a major part of people’s lives. Having the right language and confidence to offer support makes a real difference. Sands’ training can help create a compassionate workplace, which benefits everyone.”
Support beyond Father’s Day
Sands offers dedicated support for men year-round through a range of resources and services. In addition to its helpline and online community, the charity runs a men’s support Facebook group and continues to grow the Sands United football initiative nationwide.
With ongoing campaigning, research, and training, Sands is committed to ensuring that no bereaved parent or family member faces loss alone, on Father’s Day or any other time of year.
The NHS has launched an urgent appeal for more people to come forward for blood donation, warning that a shortage of over 200,000 donors in England could pose a risk to public safety. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is aiming to boost the number of active donors to one million to meet growing demand.
Blood supplies under pressure
Currently, fewer than 800,000 people – just 2% of England’s population – give blood regularly. This small group kept the NHS running last year, but officials say more support is needed. A severe drop in supply last year led to an amber alert, and NHSBT warns that without more blood donations, the situation could escalate to a red alert, meaning hospitals may not have enough blood for patients in critical need.
Dr Jo Farrar, chief executive of NHSBT, said: “Our stocks over the past 12 months have been challenging. If we had a million regular donors, this would help keep our stocks healthy – you’d truly be one in a million.”
Impact of cyber-attack
The amber alert was issued in July 2024 following a cyber-attack that disrupted services at several London hospitals. Blood stocks have remained low since, with donation levels struggling to recover. While more people have registered to donate, only around 24% have actually gone on to give blood.
Focus on O-negative and black donors
There is a particularly high demand for O-negative blood, which can be used in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown. NHSBT is also calling for more black donors, as they are more likely to have the specific blood types needed to treat sickle cell disease – a condition affecting many in the black community.
About two-thirds of all blood donations are used to support people who need regular transfusions, such as cancer patients and those with blood disorders.
‘Hulk blood’ brings young patient back to life
Isaac Balmer, a four-year-old from Hull, has a rare condition called hereditary spherocytosis, which causes red blood cells to break down too quickly. He requires blood transfusions every 12 weeks.
His mother, Jasmin Suggit, who works at the hospital where he receives treatment, said: “Isaac’s haemoglobin levels fluctuate, and when they drop, he becomes lethargic and jaundiced. After his transfusion, you see the colour return to his cheeks and his energy come back. It’s incredible.
“He calls it ‘Hulk blood’ and imagines himself getting stronger. But this wouldn’t be possible without regular blood donation from everyday heroes who keep Isaac and others like him alive.”
Government urges action
Health minister Gillian Merron added her support, saying: “The NHS is in urgent need of more life-saving blood donation from people of all backgrounds. We are working with NHS Blood and Transplant to make it easier than ever to give blood, with more centres and appointments now available closer to home.”
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‘Nimbus’, is raising concerns among health experts
A new highly transmissible Covid variant, known as ‘Nimbus’, is raising concerns among health experts as cases rise sharply in parts of Asia and begin to appear in the UK. Official data shows that the strain, which has been labelled N.B.1.8.1, could drive a summer wave of infections due to its increased contagiousness and potential to evade immunity from earlier vaccinations or infections.
Cases detected in the UK
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 13 confirmed cases of the variant have already been recorded in England, and 25 British samples have been submitted to international databases since the end of March. However, experts say these figures likely underestimate the true spread, given the current limited Covid testing regime compared to the height of the pandemic.
UKHSA data up to 1 June reveals that 6.1 per cent of those tested for Covid were positive—the highest weekly figure for 2025. This marks a 7 per cent increase from the previous week and a 97 per cent rise compared to early March.
Rapid international spread
Nimbus, which is a descendant of the Omicron family of variants, has been linked to a spike in cases in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Globally, it now accounts for around 10.7 per cent of Covid infections, up from just 2.5 per cent a month earlier, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The WHO has designated the variant as a ‘variant under monitoring’, which means it is being tracked for its potential impact but is not currently classified as a variant of concern.
Scientists warn of summer spike
British scientists are now warning that the new strain could fuel a rise in cases over the summer months, particularly as people become more socially active during the warmer weather.
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, said: “We are very likely to see a spike of infections over the next couple of months, possibly by later this month or in July. But it’s difficult to predict the level of this infection wave.”
He explained that population immunity from previous vaccinations or infections is likely waning, and unlike flu, Covid continues to spread in hot and humid weather. Laboratory studies also suggest that Nimbus is more efficient at infecting human cells and may have enhanced abilities to evade the immune system.
No evidence of increased severity
Despite its contagiousness, there is currently no indication that Nimbus causes more severe illness or higher mortality rates than earlier strains. However, experts caution that vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, people in care homes, and those with weakened immune systems—remain at risk of serious illness.
Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that Covid contributed to just over 300 deaths in England during May 2025.
Symptoms and vaccine protection
The symptoms of the Nimbus variant appear to be consistent with those of previous Covid strains. These include fatigue, fever, sore throat and muscle aches.
There is currently no suggestion that the variant causes different or more severe symptoms. Moreover, scientists believe that existing Covid vaccines, reformulated to tackle Omicron and its descendants, should still offer protection against Nimbus.
UKHSA data shows that people who received a Covid booster last spring were 45 per cent less likely to require hospital treatment compared to those who remained unvaccinated.
Who is eligible for the vaccine?
In the UK, free Covid vaccinations are currently being offered to:
Adults over the age of 75
Residents and staff in care homes
Individuals with weakened immune systems
The UKHSA has urged all eligible people to take up the vaccine offer to help protect themselves and others from severe illness, particularly with the rising presence of the Nimbus strain.
Officials closely monitoring situation
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director at UKHSA, confirmed that the agency is closely tracking the spread of the N.B.1.8.1 variant both domestically and internationally.
“UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and Covid-19 surveillance reports,” she said.
“NB.1.8.1 has been detected in small numbers in the UK to date, but international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all Covid-19 cases.”
As the summer approaches, experts are reminding the public that even though the pandemic is no longer dominating daily life, Covid continues to evolve. The emergence of Nimbus underscores the need for vigilance, particularly among those at higher risk.