The clothes you wear when you work out may do you more harm than helping you to stay healthy as you hit the gym. This is because research has revealed alarming levels of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound linked to significant health risks in several sports wear, including sports bra, leggings, and athletic wear. The Center for Environmental Health (CEH), which is a nonprofit consumer advocacy group has brought these concerns to light, and have raised awareness about the potential danger and damage these sports wear can cause because of the common chemicals used.

What is BPA? Is it concerning?

Bisphenol A, or BPA is a chemical that is used to make plastics and resins. It is also used in certain fabrics and is known for its endocrine-disrupting properties, which can also interfere with one's hormonal balance. There have been studies, including a 2019 study titled The adverse health effects of bisphenol A and related toxicity mechanisms that have linked BPA exposure to various health problems, including asthma, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and even cancer.

Many of research which have been conducted focus on the ingestion, which can happen when you store food in BPA-lined containers. Among them, some of the more recent studies show that skin absorption is also a pathway. This means when you are handling receipts which are printed on thermal paper, or wear BPA-containing fabrics, the chemical can seep through your skin and enter your bloodstream.

Though it is also true that BPA is exposed from the body within days, however, continuous exposure from multiple sources can be concerning.

Sports Wear and the harm it may cause you

CEH also tested popular athletic wear in October 2023 and found BPA levels were exceeding California's safety standards by as much as 22 times.

Testing also showed that top brands contained up to 40 times the permissible limit of BPA.

What do the laws say?

As far as laws are concerned, under California's Proposition 65, the maximum allowable dose for BPA exposure via skin is 3 micrograms per day. While this law is among the strictest in the United States, it highlights a broader issue of chemical safety in consumer products nationwide.

Ana Soto, an immunologist with decades of research on BPA, even low doses of dermal and oral exposure can combine to create a significant health risk. She also warned that prolonged exposure through fabric, especially when you are exercising, as your pores are open and sweat is present, can in fact, amplify these effects.

How does BPA affect your health?

BPA can disrupt your body's endocrine system, which is a network of glands and organs that produce hormones that control many bodily functions. These include growth and development, metabolism, and reproduction, to name a few. BPA can mimic natural hormones like estrogen and interfere in those bodily functions.

Studies also link it with obesity and diabetes, respiratory issues, especially asthma risk in school-aged children, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer risks.

How can you be safe?

There are certain steps you can follow to protect yourself:

• Avoid wearing BPA-lined sports-wear
• Change immediately after your workout
• Do not wear sports-wear for an elongated period

New health data has prompted the NHS to once again encourage certain groups to get their flu vaccination. Recent figures from NHS England show that cases of winter viruses are climbing again.

For example, as per Mirror, hospital admissions due to flu have risen by 9% over the past two weeks, after the previous fortnight had suggested a decline in cases. At the same time, daily numbers of patients admitted with norovirus and Covid have increased compared with the previous week.

Despite these rising cases, the NHS confirmed that it has administered over 18.6 million flu vaccines this winter, an increase of more than half a million compared with the same period last year. With the surge in winter viruses putting extra strain on hospitals and ambulance services, the NHS emphasised that thousands of flu vaccination appointments are still available.

NHS Issues New Flu Jab Alert

Posting on X, the NHS said: "Flu can be serious, especially for older people and those at higher risk. Millions have already been vaccinated this season, and there are still thousands of appointments available.

"If you're eligible, it’s not too late to get yours." Many people, particularly those in vulnerable groups, may qualify for a free flu vaccine.

Who Is Eligible For The Free Flu Jab?

According to NHS guidance, there are six main categories of people eligible for a free flu jab. You might qualify if you need additional protection or if someone in your household does.

This includes people who:

• Are pregnant
• Have certain long-term health conditions
• Live in a care home
• Are aged 65 or over, or will turn 65 by March 31, 2026
• Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• Live with someone with a weakened immune system (for example, someone undergoing chemotherapy)

NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said: "It’s clear that the worst is far from over for the NHS this winter. Hospitals have seen another rise in admissions from flu and other respiratory viruses last week. The cold weather is also contributing to an increase in vulnerable patients visiting A&E with respiratory issues and more injuries from slips and falls due to icy conditions, so it remains an extremely busy period."

How To Get The Flu Vaccine For Free?

If you qualify for a free flu jab, there are several ways to access it. As per Mirror, you can call your GP surgery directly to book an appointment, or arrange one at a pharmacy either online or through the NHS app, as long as you are 18 or older.

Some pharmacies also offer the NHS vaccine at no cost and accept walk-ins without prior booking. This service isn’t available at every pharmacy, but you can locate the nearest pharmacy offering the complimentary vaccine here.

Itchy skin is something most of us deal with occasionally, and in many cases, it is harmless. Everyday triggers such as rough clothing, insect bites, or dry winter air can all leave the skin irritated. Itching is also commonly linked to skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

That said, an oncologist has pointed out that persistent itching can, in some cases, be linked to certain cancers. In a TikTok video, Dr Amit Garg, a cancer specialist based in California, explained that itching can appear as a symptom in four specific types of cancer. While itching alone is not usually a cause for concern, it may become more meaningful when it occurs alongside other symptoms that should be checked by a GP.

1. Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a relatively rare cancer that affects lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help the body fight infection. Dr Garg explained that this cancer can cause “severe, widespread itching,” which often becomes worse at night. The NHS also lists itchy skin as a possible symptom, along with:

• A painless lump or swelling, usually in the neck, armpit, or groin, which is the most common sign
• Pain in the glands of the neck, armpit, or groin after drinking alcohol
• A high temperature
• Night sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss

The NHS advises seeing a GP if you notice any of these symptoms. Although they are common and do not always point to Hodgkin lymphoma, it is important to rule it out. Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment, so symptoms should not be ignored.

2. Polycythemia Vera

Polycythemia vera is a rare, slow-developing blood cancer. According to the NHS, it is most often caused by a change in the JAK2 gene, which leads the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells. An increased concentration of red blood cells is known as erythrocytosis, although having this condition does not automatically mean cancer.

One symptom of erythrocytosis can be itchy skin, particularly after bathing or showering. You should speak to a GP if symptoms persist. Other signs may include:

• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Reddened skin, especially on the face, hands, and feet
• Tiredness
• High blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Discomfort in the abdomen
• Confusion
• Bleeding issues such as nosebleeds or bruising
• Gout, which can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling

3. Gallbladder And Pancreatic Cancer

Gallbladder cancer and pancreatic cancer often share similar symptoms. These can include a reduced appetite, unintentional weight loss, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea or constipation.

Dr Garg explained that both cancers can cause “intense itching,” which happens when bile salts build up under the skin. The NHS also lists itching as a symptom for both conditions, noting it may occur alongside darker urine, paler stools, and jaundice, which can cause yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.

One key difference between the two cancers is the type of pain experienced. Gallbladder cancer may cause a dull ache on the right side of the abdomen, while pancreatic cancer more commonly causes pain in the upper abdomen and back, which can worsen after eating or when lying down.

In both cases, you should see a GP if symptoms last longer than two weeks or if you have lost weight without trying. You should call 111 if vomiting lasts more than two days, diarrhoea continues for more than seven days, or if your skin turns yellow.

4. Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a form of skin lymphoma and a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It begins in the T cells of the skin and often appears as flat, red patches that may be itchy.

In its early stages, these patches can resemble common skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Seeing a GP is important if symptoms develop, as they can assess whether it is a common skin issue or something more serious.

Cancer Research UK states that around 150 people in the UK are diagnosed with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma each year, making it a rare cancer. As with many cancers, early diagnosis can play a key role in improving treatment outcomes.

A GP has advised women to make three simple health checks part of their monthly routine, saying the start of the month can act as a helpful prompt to stay consistent. The advice comes from Dr Carys Sonnenberg, an NHS women’s health GP and the founder of the Rowena Health Menopause Clinic. Speaking to her large audience on TikTok through her account @Rowenahealth_menopause, the doctor, author, and public speaker suggested setting aside the first day of every month for these routine checks.

Even if the date has already passed this month, she noted it can still serve as a timely nudge for those who have not yet done them, and a useful habit to follow going forward.

Three Health Checks Doctor Recommends

In her video, Dr Carys explained to viewers: “It’s the first of the month, so it’s a really good day to do your chest check, to do your vulva check, and also to examine any moles that you have on your body, not forgetting your head.” She added that becoming familiar with your own body is key. “When you’re checking yourself, it really helps to understand what’s normal for you. I’m Dr Carys Sonnenberg.

“I’m a GP and a menopause specialist. There is some excellent guidance online that shows you how to check your chest properly, what changes to be mindful of, and which symptoms should be discussed with your GP.

How To Do Health Checks Properly

“For the rest of your body, you’ll need a mirror. You might also want someone to help check areas you cannot easily see, such as your back, in case there are skin moles that look different or have changed. Don’t forget to part your hair and look at your scalp as well, in case there’s anything unusual that needs attention. I hope that’s helpful.”

Breast Changes To Watch For

Health experts stress the importance of staying alert to changes in your breasts or chest that could signal a problem. Making monthly checks a habit is a simple way to stay aware, while also remembering that some changes can occur naturally, such as during different phases of your menstrual cycle.

Possible signs of breast cancer can include:

• Skin changes like puckering or dimpling
• An unusual lump or swelling in the armpit or near the collarbone
• New lumps or areas of thickened tissue
• Fluid leaking from the nipple
• Crusting or a rash on or around the nipple
• A nipple that turns inward or changes direction
• A sudden change in breast size or shape
• Ongoing, unexplained pain in the breast, chest, or armpit

Secondary symptoms may include trouble sleeping, feeling generally unwell or sick, a loss of appetite, unexpected weight loss, and ongoing tiredness or low energy. While these signs do not always point to breast cancer, doctors advise contacting your GP if you notice anything unusual. Always speak to your GP if you have concerns about your health.