Now, take a bath without water!

Here's an invention couch potatoes would have longed for years: a new shower gel that does not require one to take a bath. Experts say it could prove to be a boon for people who don't have much access to clean water. Developed by Ludwick Marishane, a South African graduate student, the 'Drybath' gel kills germs, moisturises the skin and exudes a pleasant, light smell, unlike hand sanitisers. Marishane drew inspiration for developing the gel from one of his friends, but his invention, experts said, could be of greater use for those who live in areas where clean water is in short supply. Marishane recalled once when he nagged a friend to take a shower, his friend replied, "Why doesn't someone invent something you can just put on your skin and avoid the need to bathe?" "A light bulb went on as I realised I would be willing to pay money out of my pocket to buy such a product," Marishane was quoted as saying by a website. Soon after, he searched on the internet and learned that no one had invented anything similar, and that billions of people worldwide don't have access to clean water for bathing (which can lead to many diseases). Over six months, he searched for ideas for the shower gel's formula before developing one for his product, which is available in small, easy-to-open sachets. He got the idea of selling individual packets when he learned from mentors that the world's poorest people buy things in very small quantities. Marishane said he wants his company, to become a 'huge conglomerate', while developing novel products for the world's poorest people.

More and more women seek 'perfect' vagina

A research charity has launched an animated film with the aim to encourage debates about the surge of women seeking "designer vaginas". The film called 'Centrefold', funded by the Wellcome Trust, features three women discussing how labiaplasty - the surgical reduction of the inner labia - has affected them. Last year more than 2000 labiaplasties were carried out on the NHS, and in the last five years there has been a fivefold increase. Experts believe that the total number is likely to be much higher when considering the unregulated private sector, where the surgery costs upwards of 3,000 pounds. Despite the increase in labiaplasty, there are no universal NHS guidelines on the size and shape of normal female genitalia. Researchers have said that there is little known knowledge about the long term effects and are concerned that women are not receiving enough psychological support before opting for surgery. Many NHS trusts consider the surgery a low clinical priority procedure and will not routinely fund it. Dr Lih-Mei Liao, a consultant clinical psychologist at University College London Hospitals, said that women seeking labiaplasty need more opportunity to discuss their concerns. "Worries about the labia are quintessentially psychological. When a woman says she is worried about her labia, surgeons may hear the word 'labia' and operate, I hear the word 'worry'," the BBC quoted Liao as saying. "It's difficult when surgery is being advertised as a straight forward solution. It makes it hard for these women to engage psychologically with what's going on," she said. She added that psychologists "simply aren't being accessed as surgery is being presented as the obvious solution". The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons is calling for mandatory psychological screening before cosmetic surgery. It said a recent report found that routine psychological checks were carried out in fewer than 35 per cent of clinics. Dr Liao believes that a woman's anxiety or dissatisfaction with certain areas of her life may manifest itself as body image concerns. "Surgery may have its place, but it needs to be seen as an extreme solution," she added. Consultant gynaecologist Dr Sarah Creighton said her clinic sees girls as young as 11 years old seeking surgery. She found that although a small percentage of women do have abnormal labia, in the majority of cases those with concerns had what she would consider a normal sized labia. The trend for more extreme pubic grooming leaves the labia more exposed - something which has contributed to more women seeking surgery, Dr Creighton said.

Flexi hours may help you live better

People who believe they have flexibility in their work lives have healthier lifestyles. Individuals who perceive an increase in their flexibility are more likely to start some positive lifestyle behaviors," Joseph G Grzywacz, author of the study on effects of workplace flexibility on health behaviors. Data for the study came from Health Risk Appraisals (HRAs) completed by employees of a large multinational pharmaceutical company. This company is consistently recognized by Working Mother magazine as among the most family-friendly employers in the United States, in large part, because if its commitment to flexibility such as compressed workweeks, flextime, job sharing, and remote or telework. Employees with a wide variety of jobs and responsibilities completed the HRA, including executives, administrative support staff, and warehouse and production workers. The data was analyzed to determine if lifestyle behaviours differ between employees with different levels of perceived flexibility and to identify if changes in flexibility over a one-year time period predicted changes in health behaviour.

Flexi hours may help you live better

"People who believe they have flexibility in their work lives have healthier lifestyles. Individuals who perceive an increase in their flexibility are more likely to start some positive lifestyle behaviors," Joseph G Grzywacz, author of the study on effects of workplace flexibility on health behaviors. Data for the study came from Health Risk Appraisals (HRAs) completed by employees of a large multinational pharmaceutical company. This company is consistently recognized by Working Mother magazine as among the most family-friendly employers in the United States, in large part, because if its commitment to flexibility such as compressed workweeks, flextime, job sharing, and remote or telework. Employees with a wide variety of jobs and responsibilities completed the HRA, including executives, administrative support staff, and warehouse and production workers. The data was analyzed to determine if lifestyle behaviours differ between employees with different levels of perceived flexibility and to identify if changes in flexibility over a one-year time period predicted changes in health behaviour.

Flexi hours may help you live better

"People who believe they have flexibility in their work lives have healthier lifestyles. Individuals who perceive an increase in their flexibility are more likely to start some positive lifestyle behaviors," Joseph G Grzywacz, author of the study on effects of workplace flexibility on health behaviors. Data for the study came from Health Risk Appraisals (HRAs) completed by employees of a large multinational pharmaceutical company. This company is consistently recognized by Working Mother magazine as among the most family-friendly employers in the United States, in large part, because if its commitment to flexibility such as compressed workweeks, flextime, job sharing, and remote or telework. Employees with a wide variety of jobs and responsibilities completed the HRA, including executives, administrative support staff, and warehouse and production workers. The data was analyzed to determine if lifestyle behaviours differ between employees with different levels of perceived flexibility and to identify if changes in flexibility over a one-year time period predicted changes in health behaviour.

Flexi hours may help you live better

"People who believe they have flexibility in their work lives have healthier lifestyles. Individuals who perceive an increase in their flexibility are more likely to start some positive lifestyle behaviors," Joseph G Grzywacz, author of the study on effects of workplace flexibility on health behaviors. Data for the study came from Health Risk Appraisals (HRAs) completed by employees of a large multinational pharmaceutical company. This company is consistently recognized by Working Mother magazine as among the most family-friendly employers in the United States, in large part, because if its commitment to flexibility such as compressed workweeks, flextime, job sharing, and remote or telework. Employees with a wide variety of jobs and responsibilities completed the HRA, including executives, administrative support staff, and warehouse and production workers. The data was analyzed to determine if lifestyle behaviours differ between employees with different levels of perceived flexibility and to identify if changes in flexibility over a one-year time period predicted changes in health behaviour.

Simple Ways to Live a Healthy Lifestyle

You hear a lot about living a healthy lifestyle, but what does that mean? In general, a healthy person doesn't smoke, is at a healthy weight, eats healthy and exercises. Sounds simple, doesn't it? The trick to healthy living is making small changes...taking more steps, adding fruit to your cereal, having an extra glass of water...these are just a few ways you can start living healthy without drastic changes.

Take this Challenge Now

DO YOU NEED TO LOOK STYLISH FOR YOUR JOB? How to look good at work. Are you a little nervous about a job interview? You want to make a good impression so the interviewer sees straight away that you are the right person for the job. Maybe it seems that you are being passed over for a promotion? You know you deserve a promotion, but perhaps your current style and image is letting you down. Do you want to be taken more seriously at work? Get the respect and recognition that you deserve . . .

Lifestyle Features

We already know you better than you think we do. And with our lifestyle features, we’ve compiled more than enough articles, facts and tips for you to lead a happy, healthy and productive life. From cocktails to horoscopes and gift ideas to inspiring stories, Marie Claire knows best