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    • Exploring LinkedIn for Hiring and Sun Protection TipsLinkedIn is a powerful hiring tool, reaching 70% of users not on other job sites. For sun protection, understand UVA, UVB, SPF, and star ratings to ensure effective use.

      LinkedIn is a valuable resource for hiring professionals, especially those who aren't actively looking for a new job. With over 70% of LinkedIn users not visiting other leading job sites, businesses risk missing out on great candidates if they don't post their jobs on LinkedIn. Additionally, sunscreen is an essential product for protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. However, it's crucial to understand the differences between UVA, UVB, SPF, and star ratings to ensure effective sun protection. Consumers can seek advice from experts like Antonia Mariconda, a beauty writer and founder of the Safety in Beauty campaign, to make informed decisions about safe products and treatments. It's never too late to start taking better care of our skin, and it's important to remember that past sun damage can lead to health concerns later in life. So, whether you're looking for a new professional opportunity or trying to protect your skin from the sun, remember to do your research and make informed choices.

    • Understanding Sunscreen LabelsBe informed about sunscreen labels, including UVA/UVB protection, SPF, water resistance, and reef-safety, to effectively protect your skin and marine ecosystems.

      Understanding the labels on sunscreen bottles is crucial for effective sun protection. There are common sources of confusion, such as the differences between UVA, UVB, and SPF, as well as the meaning of terms like "water resistant" and "mineral." Dr. Andrew Birney, a dermatologist, emphasized the importance of sunscreen and clarified some common misconceptions. He noted that UVB rays cause burning, while UVA rays contribute to aging and skin damage. Sunscreen with a high SPF protects against both types of UV rays. Water resistance refers to how long the sunscreen remains effective while in contact with water. Dr. Birney also mentioned that reef-safe sunscreens are important for protecting marine ecosystems. He created his own sunscreen brand, Ultra West, with the goal of reducing skin cancer incidence and making high-quality sunscreen affordable. While he has a vested interest, his primary role is to share his expertise as a consultant dermatologist. Overall, the key message is to be informed about sunscreen labels and to use sunscreen regularly as part of a comprehensive approach to sun protection.

    • UVB and UVA: Causes of Sunburn and Skin DamageUVB causes sunburn and skin cancer, while UVA contributes to wrinkles, aging, and skin cancer. SPF numbers indicate sunburn protection, but regular application and consistent UV intensity are crucial.

      UVB rays, which have more energy, are the primary cause of sunburn and have a stronger link to skin cancer. UVA rays, which have longer wavelengths and penetrate deeper into the skin, contribute to wrinkles, photoaging, and also play a role in skin cancer development. UVB does not pass through glass, but UVA can. Sunscreen labels with SPF numbers indicate how long you can stay in the sun before getting burned, with SPF 30 offering double the protection of SPF 15 by blocking a greater percentage of UVB rays. However, it's important to note that these calculations assume consistent UV intensity and regular sunscreen application.

    • Understanding UVA and UVB Protection in SunscreensLook for broad spectrum sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection. The European Union's Kite Mark with a UVA circle and star rating system can help ensure this. However, remember that a higher star rating doesn't always mean better overall protection.

      When choosing a sunscreen, it's important to look for broad spectrum protection, which means it shields against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause aging and skin damage, even when you don't feel burned. The European Union's Kite Mark with a UVA circle and the star rating system are two ways to ensure broad spectrum protection. However, the star rating is a ratio of UVA to UVB protection, not an absolute measure. Therefore, a sunscreen with a lower SPF but more UVA stars may provide better overall protection than one with a higher SPF and fewer UVA stars. Consumers often mistakenly assume a higher star rating means better overall protection, but it's essential to understand the context of the rating system.

    • People with different skin tones need varying application amounts of sunscreen for the same SPFIndividuals with darker skin require less sunscreen for the same SPF due to longer MED, but all skin types should use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50 for UVA and UVB protection to prevent skin damage and cancer.

      While the sun protection factor (SPF) may provide the same level of protection for individuals with different skin tones, the length of time before burning varies significantly. People with darker skin have a longer time before burning, which affects the Minimal Erythema Dose (MED). Therefore, while the factor of protection remains the same, the initial figure for application differs. For instance, someone with very dark skin may need only SPF 13 to protect them for a longer period compared to someone with very fair skin who would need a higher SPF for the same amount of protection. It's essential to understand that people with darker skin can still get skin cancer, and using sunscreen is necessary to prevent both skin damage and aging. When purchasing sunscreen, look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50, labeled as UVA and UVB protection, and either a circle or 4 or 5 stars indicating UVA protection. Mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, work by reflecting or scattering UV rays, while organic or chemical sunscreens convert UV energy into heat and lose it. Both types have their advantages and are often blended in sunscreens.

    • Understanding the Meaning of Organic, Reef Safe, and Water Resistant in SunscreensOrganic in sunscreens refers to carbon rings, not environmental friendliness. Reef safe is a marketing term, high concentrations of certain ingredients may harm corals. Water resistant means sunscreen can last in water, but reapply after toweling off.

      While the terms "organic," "reef safe," and "water resistant" may have certain connotations for consumers, their actual meanings and implications can be more complex. "Organic" in the context of sunscreens refers to the presence of carbon rings in the product's organic chemistry, not necessarily environmental friendliness. "Reef safe" is often used as a marketing tool, but high concentrations of certain sunscreen ingredients, such as octinoxate and oxybenzone, may contribute to coral bleaching. "Water resistant" means the sunscreen can withstand water exposure for a certain period, but it should be applied well before swimming and reapplied after toweling off to ensure effective protection. Consumers should be aware of these nuances to make informed decisions about their sunscreen choices.

    • Water resistance in sunscreen can be misleadingSunscreen labeled as water resistant only maintains 50% SPF after water exposure, reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating for proper protection.

      Sunscreen labels can be misleading, especially when it comes to the terms "water resistant" and "all-day protection." According to the discussion, a sunscreen is considered water resistant if it maintains at least 50% of its SPF protection after being exposed to water and not towel-dried. However, many people may assume that sunscreen is waterproof and rely on it to last all day without reapplication. This false sense of security can lead to sunburns. Furthermore, the ability to apply perfect sunscreen coverage evenly on one's body is challenging, and missing even a small area can result in sun damage. To ensure proper sun protection, it's recommended to use enough sunscreen to make your skin look white before rubbing it in, and to reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Cheaper sunscreen brands can still provide equal protection as more expensive ones, and it's essential to look beyond marketing claims to determine the actual quality of the sunscreen.

    • Protecting Skin from Sun: Focus on Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens, UVA Protection, and Year-Round ApplicationFocus on broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or 50, look for UVA protection, apply 20 minutes before sun exposure, wear hats and clothes, reapply after sweating or swimming, and apply year-round for regular sun exposure

      When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, focusing on broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or 50, and looking for UVA protection indicated by a 4 or 5-star rating or a UVA circle, is key. Myths like being able to get a sunburn only on sunny days or that tanning beds are safe have been debunked. A tan is actually a sign of skin damage, and while it provides some protection, it's your body's response to damage, not a preventative measure. To ensure adequate protection, apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside, wear a hat and clothes, and reapply after sweating or swimming. Sunscreen application is recommended year-round for those with regular sun exposure. Additionally, be wary of sunscreen claims on social media and send any questionable products our way for investigation. Remember, sunscreen is an essential part of maintaining healthy skin.

    • Shopify: Growing Businesses and 1800flowers.com: Delivering HappinessShopify helps businesses grow online and offline with a top-converting checkout, while 1800flowers.com delivers happiness through thoughtfully sourced gifts. Both prioritize care, safety, and growth.

      Shopify and 1800flowers.com offer solutions to help businesses grow and deliver happiness, respectively. Shopify is a global commerce platform that assists businesses in selling online and offline, from their initial stages to significant growth. It boasts the Internet's best converting checkout, making it 36% more effective than other leading commerce platforms. Shopify provides a one-month trial for $1 at shopify.com/work. Meanwhile, 1800flowers.com goes beyond being a gift-giving destination. They put heart into everything they do, ensuring that all their products are made with love and care. From farmers, bakers, florists, and makers, they deliver smiles for various life occasions. To learn more, visit 1800flowers.com/acast. Antonio Mariconda, the founder of the Safety in Beauty Campaign, and Dr. Andrew Birney, a consultant dermatologist at East Kent Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized the importance of safety and care in their respective industries. Antonio advocated for safer beauty products, while Dr. Birney shared insights on skin health and safety. In essence, whether it's growing a business or delivering happiness through gifts, the importance of care, safety, and growth was a recurring theme throughout the discussion.

    Recent Episodes from Sliced Bread

    Cholesterol Lowering Products

    Cholesterol Lowering Products

    Can fortified drinks and spreads really reduce cholesterol?

    Almost half of UK adults have raised cholesterol, according to the charity Heart UK - and Sliced Bread listener Cathy is one of them. She found out after taking a test at her GP and wants to do something about it. Her first plan of action is to make changes to her lifestyle, such as diet and exercise. As part of that, Cathy wants to know if the spreads and drinks that claim to lower cholesterol really do work.

    Greg Foot is joined by Cathy and a panel of experts at our studios in Salford to investigate. What are the ingredients that are proven to lower cholesterol? How effective are they compared to widely-prescribed statins - and are the supermarket own brand versions of these drinks and spreads just as good as branded ones?

    All of the ideas for our investigations come from you, our listeners, and we're always on the lookout for more. If you have seen a wonder product that claims to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if it is SB or BS then please do send it over on email to sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807

    PRESENTER: Greg Foot PRODUCER: Simon Hoban

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    Acupressure Mats

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    Twelve year old Bradley got in touch with Sliced Bread after trying out his mum Jennifer’s acupressure mat. Jennifer says she swears by it, it relaxes her, and she even falls asleep on it! But after testing it out himself, he was less than convinced.

    He asked us to find out what these mats are meant to do, whether they work or if they’re a placebo effect, and whether paying more for one could mean better results? Joining Greg in the studio to discuss them, is Clinical Acupuncturist Phil Trubshaw from the Manchester Movement Unit based at Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as the Director of Research at the Northern College of Acupuncture, Dr. Karen Charlesworth.

    Have you seen a product that claims to make you happier, healthier or greener? Want to know if it is SB or BS? Then please do send it over on email to sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807.

    PRESENTER: Greg Foot

    PRODUCER: Kate Holdsworth

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    Pest Control

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    What's the best - and most humane - way to get rid of pests?

    For some of us Tom and Jerry might be the sum total of our knowledge of the struggle between domestic life and unwanted rodents. But for listeners Colin and Mary, things are getting much more real! Colin wants to know if the plug-in devices he's seen that promise to deter rats and mice using ultrasonic actually work. Mary has caught mice and then released them back into the wild in nearby woodland, believing it's the more humane way to deal with the problem. But is it?

    With the help of Natalie Bungay from the British Pest Control Association and Rob Young, Professor of Wildlife Conservation at the University of Salford, Greg Foot sets out to find the answers, hoping to nibble at the metaphorical cheese without getting caught in the figurative trap (or something).

    All of the ideas for our investigations come from you, our listeners, and we're always on the lookout for more. If you have seen a wonder product that claims to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if it is SB or BS then please do send it over on email to sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807

    PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: SIMON HOBAN

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    Contact Lenses

    Contact Lenses

    Listener Jennifer is considering switching contact lenses, if there's an alternative that's more eco friendly. She's not alone - we've had lots of questions about eyecare options, and whether the fancy features some lenses offer are worth the extra cash. Joining Greg and Jennifer in the studio to talk all things contact lens are Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, a clinical adviser to the College of Optometrists, and Sarah Smith - a research optometrist who's studied the environmental impact of these tiny pieces of plastic.

    Have you seen a product that claims to make you happier, healthier or greener? Want to know if it is SB or BS? Then please do send it over on email to sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807

    PRESENTER: Greg Foot PRODUCER: Tom Moseley

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    Car Tyres

    Car Tyres

    Is it worth paying more for premium car tyres?

    There's a huge range of car tyres to choose from and the price differences between them can be significant. So do you really need to pay more to get a good tyre?

    Listener Ian runs a car maintenance business and wants to know if the budget tyres he's been fitting are the right choice. Will they last as long and be just as safe? What do the different ratings on the labels you can see online mean? And as he moves towards electric cars he's also keen to know whether they need a special sort of tyre.

    With the help of two experts in the field, Greg Foot 'treads' through the studies and the science to find out more. It's how he rolls (we'll stop now).

    As ever we are still looking for your suggestions of products to look into. If you've seen something promising to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if it is SB or BS please do send it over on email to sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807

    PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: SIMON HOBAN

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    Sustainable Period Products

    Sustainable Period Products

    Lots of different types of period products claim to be eco friendly, from menstrual cups to period pants and reusable pads. But how do their environmental credentials stack up? That's what listener Sam wants to know - and she's not the only one asking about not just the impact of these so called sustainable period products on planetary health, but also on women's health too. Joining Sam and Greg for this one are Natalie Fee, founder of the non profit City to Sea, who campaigns for "plastic-free periods", and Dr Nicola Tempest, a senior lecturer in gynaecology at Liverpool University.

    And if you've seen something promising to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if it is SB or BS please do send it over on email to sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807

    PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY

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    Air Fresheners

    Air Fresheners

    The UK market for air care products is expected to grow to £674 million this year - and for this episode, we're investigating just how these products tackle bad smells in our homes. Can air fresheners really "eliminate" stinky odours with science, or do they just smell nicer? And what does using them do for our air quality? That's what listener Conor from Manchester wants to know. He joins Greg in the studio, alongside two experts - Nicola Carslaw, a professor in indoor air chemistry‘ at the University of York, and emeritus professor of chemo-reception at the University of Manchester, Krishna Persaud.

    Have you seen something promising to make you happier, healthier or greener? Want to know if it's SB or BS? Please let us know - you can email sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807.

    PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY

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    LED Face Masks

    LED Face Masks

    Is an LED face mask the secret to brighter, clearer, more youthful skin?

    Greg Foot is back with a new series of Sliced Bread to run a whole new batch of your suggested wonder products through the evidence mill. From car tyres to contact lenses, air fresheners to LED face masks, Greg will separate science fact from marketing fiction as he investigates whether each product is 'the best thing since sliced bread' or 'marketing BS'.

    There's a slightly new sound to this new series: having recorded most of the previous episodes remotely, Greg is going to be joined in the studio by the listener and experts to investigate the wonder products together!

    First to join Greg is Helen Leneghan from County Down. She’s seen LED Face Masks all over social media and wants to know if they actually work. Do they reduce your wrinkles? Will they give you a radiant glow? And can they help with some skin conditions like acne or rosacea?

    As ever, if YOU have seen something promising to make you happier, healthier or greener and want to know if it is SB or BS please do send it over on email to sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or drop us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp to 07543 306807

    PRESENTER: Greg Foot PRODUCER: Simon Hoban

    Toast - Safeway UK

    Toast - Safeway UK

    Why did Safeway's UK supermarkets disappear?

    Safeway was once one of our biggest supermarket chains, so why did it drop down the list of top performers before disappearing altogether?

    The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, looks into it and speaks to the former Safeway director, Teresa Whickham, a former Safeway supplier, Judy Garner, and the News Editor, Ronan Hegarty, from The Grocer magazine.

    Alongside them all to analyse Safeway's fortunes is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White.

    This episode was produced by Viant Siddique.

    Toast examines the brands that reached dizzy heights only to end up…toast.

    It is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

    You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.uk

    Feel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.

    Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in May. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.

    Toast - Green Shield Stamps

    Toast - Green Shield Stamps

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    Sean Farrington examines their rise and fall and discovers how they spawned a famous retail chain which is still trading.

    The stamps were the centrepiece of an early form of loyalty scheme and were collected by tens of millions of people across the UK.

    They were given out by shops with every purchase and could be exchanged for a wide range of household goods and luxury items from handbags to vacuum cleaners and even cars.

    The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, speaks to expert guests including:

    Sir John Timpson - chairman of the retail services provider, Timpson, who dedicated a chapter of his book on 'High Street Heroes' to the Green Shield Stamp founder, Richard Tompkins.

    Professor Leigh Sparks - Professor of Retail Studies at the University of Stirling.

    Alongside them, analysing the stamps' fortunes is the entrepreneur, Sam White.

    Toast is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

    This episode was produced by Jon Douglas.

    You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.uk

    Feel free to suggest topics which could be covered in future episodes.

    Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in May.

    In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread.

    In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.

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    The Keri Report dissects health and nutrition with a no-nonsense approach.

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    To find more information and to join Keri's mailing list, visit her website: https://kerigansny.com/

    Instagram/Twitter: @kerigans

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