From workout wear inspired by Caribbean shores to an amazing initiative to tackle period poverty, here's all your health and fitness news

CARIBBEAN FLAVOUR

With its pristine palm-lined beaches, dramatic hilltops and azure waters, the tiny enclave of Mustique provides endless inspiration for designer Lotty B. Working from a pink gingerbread style boutique on the idyllic Caribbean island – a playground for the rich and famous – Lotty dreams up delightfully exotic designs.

Palm fronds take centre stage in this, her latest yoga range, which features flattering deep navy-blue contour panels and is constructed from a quick-drying Italian polyamide elastane blend for ultimate comfort. Perfect for practising sun salutations on icing sugar sands or perfecting your tree pose in the back garden!

Fan Palm sports racer back top, £116, Fan Palm leggings, £130, by Lotty B at pinkhousemustique.com

HOT SHOT

Having discovered a love for table tennis aged just nine, when he joined his school team in Hong Kong, Jay Law has gone on to be crowned a county champion.

Jay – who is a Culinary Arts student at Cambridge Regional College - moved to the UK in 2021 and joined table tennis clubs in London, Manchester and Cambridge.

Towards the end of 2021, Jay entered the Schools’ Individual Table Tennis Competition as the youngest competitor in the U19 category (by then, aged 16) – and was consequently announced Cambridgeshire Champion in the regional heats. “I am happy and excited to have the opportunity to learn more about table tennis as a sport and gain further experience at a competitive level,” Jay enthuses. “At this stage table tennis is a hobby as I have always wanted to be a chef. . .but who knows what will happen in the future.”

SENSORY SCENTS

It's an invigorating morning ritual for many of us that emerge from our beds bleary-eyed and lethargic. A hot shower can do wonders for your mood, and for some extra therapy, add one of Dr Bronner’s nine sensory soaps. Blocked sinuses? Treat yourself to a powerful burst of tingly Peppermint or a menthol-rich elixir of Eucalyptus. Feeling stressed about a company presentation? Add some calming Lavender, delicate Rose, brightening Cherry Blossom or zesty Citrus-Orange. There’s a scent to enhance most moods, with prices starting from £2.39 for a 60ml bottle.

Dr Bronner’s Soaps are available at drbronner.com

STOP PERIOD POVERTY

Romsey Mill’s Blue Bag Project, which aims to end period poverty amongst young people in Cambridgeshire, is being expanded to foodbanks across the county.

The project, which launched in 2021, gives young people access to free menstrual and hygiene supplies in a discreet and easy way.

Cambridge City Foodbank has been distributing blue bags from its Cambourne hub since November 2021 but is expanding the initiative across all seven of its distribution centres.

Research shows that 36 per cent of young people in the UK who menstruate struggled to afford sanitary products during the pandemic, with many missing school and experiencing social isolation.

Blue Bags are available at all Romsey Mill’s youth work settings, as well as at many primary and secondary schools. Find Donation Points at Morrisons Cambourne, Upper Cambourne Co-op and Waitrose Trumpington.

MAGIC MUSHROOMS

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Well, here’s some food for thought: mushrooms can fire up the grey matter and boost mental health! So says health and wellness specialist Tero Isokauppila, who explains that certain varieties of mushroom contain compounds small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, providing nutrients that other foods and drinks can’t. These nutrients are said to improve mental wellbeing and give you a surge of energy. Harness this potent power in Four Sigmatic’s mushroom drinks; an alternative to your morning brew perhaps?

The Mushroom Elixir with Chaga offers high levels of antioxidants, providing stimulation without the jittery effect of caffeine, whilst Lions Mane Elixir helps achieve mental clarity and enhances productivity.

Find out more at organax.co.uk