Stories I loved this week.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop

It’s been a tough, emotional week. Sometimes it’s difficult not to feel powerless in the face of such terrible tragedy in the world. But there are little things that you can do – winter is coming, so coats and blankets are needed. There are also a disproportionate number of babies and children coming through refugee routes, all who need help.

I love self-help books. And as long as the advice is scientifically sound, they can be very worthwhile. (Aeon)

A fascinating article exploring how immigrants to New York are bringing their love for herbal medicine with them and using it as an alternative to expensive US allopathic medicine. (New York Times)

I don’t personally agree with long-term HRT (hormone replacement therapy) usage, however I am happy to see discussions about menopause in the mainstream media. It’s utterly disappointing that there haven’t been any significant breakthroughs in menopause research in the last 5 years. (Guardian)

I finally watched Fed Up. I’ve watched quite a few of these types of TV programmes and documentaries and I still find them shocking. Food education must become a priority in schools, so children understand what they’re eating, where it comes from and how food is used and digested in the body.