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3 surprising symptoms that could be linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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How to get a GP to take your period problems seriously, according to a former NHS doctor

Have you ever gone to the doctor with a period issue… only to leave feeling like you’ve been brushed off? So many of us have struggled to get proper support when our menstrual health has gone pear-shaped and yet, according to new research from Bupa Health Clinics, 75% of women who menstruate live with painful, heavy or irregular periods. Perhaps even more disturbingly, nearly half of women have been told that life-limiting symptoms like pain are ‘normal’ parts of menstruation by people in their lives. Clearly, we’re not getting the help or information we need to have a better period experience.

That’s why it’s so important to go about that initial GP appointment in the right way. We know that the NHS is massively stretched and that education and interest in menstrual health can vary between GPs, so the key is making sure that you know exactly how to use that 10-minute chat to help you on your way to a resolution. And who better to offer tips on how to do just that than a doctor?

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Here’s what nutritionists order at high street coffee shops
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Keep having vivid nightmares? Your hormones could be to blame – and this is why
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Been inspired by the London Marathon and want to sign up for a race? Then it’s time to invest in a couple of hair heroes that’ll keep tresses at bay while you cut through the miles…
Larry King / £20
The key to stylish and practical braids is in the baby hair prep. This set is perfect for dividing and smoothing hair for race day
Buy now
DryBar / £15
No one wants to be swatting sweat-drenched bits of fringe from their eyes after an hour of running, so clip back bangs at the start
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Invisibobble / £9.99
This adjustable headband is made to keep all hair types back. It also sparkles, so ideal for adding a bit of vim to your running kit
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Lululemon / £20
Are you really a ‘running girlie’ (sorry) without the mandatory hair scrunchie? TikTok would suggest the answer is no
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Kitsch / £4
Strong Women editor Miranda swears that no kit is complete without a stash of snag-free braid elastics for mid-run hair-fixing
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Nike / £12.99
It’s always a good idea to have a sweat-wicking headband on hand to give drenched hairlines the dignity they deserve
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3 hay fever-friendly recipes that could help to ease symptoms
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Why Versaclimber is the walking-spin hybrid workout you absolutely need to try
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Abbie Ward is a rugby player who plays for Bristol Bears and England’s Red Roses. She is part of the squad currently competing in the Women’s Six Nations

Juggling training and motherhood is really hard… not least from an energy perspective. I’m still working on finding time to prioritise myself as well as my family – but fuelling well throughout the day has been key so far.

On that note, my go-to breakfast is always… overnight oats. Former Bristol Bears chef Mike Bache has a special recipe that’s the best.

When I’m not playing rugby, you’ll find me… playing tennis. I’d love to ski, but as a rugby player, I can’t afford to get injured so I won’t be on the slopes any time soon. 

Simply spending time with my family… is a great recovery for me. Being present with my daughter allows me to take a break from thinking about rugby. If I get the chance, though, I love an ice bath and/or sauna.

My kit bag non-negotiables are… my gum shield, line-out lifters (pads that go around the thighs to give the lifter’s hands better support), sports bra and snacks.

The key to staying organised is… plan, plan, plan! I think ahead to any pinch point that may come up, like the Six Nations camps and upcoming matches. It’s all about making sure that I’m well-prepared ahead of time.

I find winding down hard… so you’ll usually find me with my feet up in front of the TV after a long day. When I get home, it’s back to being a mum rather than a rugby player.


“I did a 10-day posture challenge to fix my desk hunch. Here’s why you should try it”
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Upgrade your weekend mornings with this high-protein shakshuka recipe

Post-Parkrun or your own weekend jog, there’s nothing like having the time to put together a really delicious, protein-packed brunch dish. You want something that’ll fill you up, help to repair those hard-worked muscles and has a good dose of antioxidant vitamins to protect against bugs and inflammation.

Shakshuka is loved across the Middle East for good reason: it’s as tasty as it is nutritious. And this recipe features six plants, a whack of calcium, plenty of protein and a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids – and it doesn’t take that long to cook. While you’re simmering down the tomato sauce, get your bread sliced, the coffee brewed and your favourite weekend show loaded – and then return to crack in the eggs. Saturday morning perfection.

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Image credits: Stylist; Getty; Strong Women; Babur; Holly Bullock; Farmer J
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