Victoria Beckham is famous not only for her fashion empire but also for her glowing, young-looking skin. That's right-the 49-year-old former Spice Girl and fashion mogul still steals the show, proving that genetics alone are not enough, but rather the right habits as well. In fact, Beckham recently shared with fans her daily health rituals, giving them an insight into the inexpensive skincare secrets that help keep her looking vibrant.

One of her great tips is a simple, though highly effective morning ritual which costs less than your Netflix subsciption: apple cider vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar Empty Stomach

Early morning start by Victoria Beckham in her pursuit of good health is the simplest but one of the most powerful ingredients in her skincare regime—apple cider vinegar (ACV). When taken with an empty stomach, says Victoria, 'it has various benefits, and a couple of tablespoons of ACV have apparently worked for me as well as my husband, David Beckham'. For less than a fiver, this common kitchen ingredient offers a range of benefits.

With detoxifying properties, apple cider vinegar is known to help normalize pH levels of the body, enhance digestive processes, and improve the texture of the skin. It even leads to weight loss, decreases cholesterol, and balances blood sugar levels in people. Victoria attributes her ritual for keeping everything in the right system, with glowing skin. Due to its acidic properties, balancing a system of oils on the skin contributes to having a smooth, clear complexions.

Green Smoothie for the Glowing Skin

The second daily routine that Victoria Beckham has learned to share with her family is a green smoothie. She chooses an incorporated mixture of fruits and vegetables which comprises of spinach, broccoli, celery, cucumber, avocado, apple, lemon, and ginger. This very antioxidant-rich smoothie is rich in fiber and anti-inflammatory ingredients, all contributing to her skin's glowing exterior.

Each ingredient has a specific benefit that contributes to her glowing complexion, much the way high vitamins A, C, and K in the spinach and broccoli help promote and maintain healthy skin, reduce wrinkles, and encourage a youthful glow. Good fats associated with avocados hydrate the skin and keep it looking plump. Finally, the apple adds a touch of sweetness and provides extra fibre. Both lemon and ginger have strong antioxidant properties that fight off oxidative stress, free radicals, and other damage, thereby hastening skin aging. The properties of these ingredients do not only imply internal health but also offer skin care nutrition. Including them in her daily routine helps Victoria nourish her skin internally for a glowing and youthful glow.

LED Therapy for Glowing Skin

Diet and supplements are well within the range of her skincare routine, but Victoria Beckham doesn't steer clear of new beauty technology either. One of her go-to devices is an LED machine. Employing various wavelengths to treat the skin, LED therapy has been shown to increase collagen production, soothe inflammation, and create more evening out of the complexion.

Victoria Beckham's LED machine is an impressive piece of equipment, working its magic in her home, offering a non-invasive treatment that targets skin concerns like fine lines, pigmentation, and dullness. In addition to the treatment itself, it can be an added bonus to other skincare rituals as it aids in the amplification of topical skincare applications and rejuvenates the skin from within.

Face Dunking: An Ice-Cold Wake-Up

Another refreshing way through which Victoria tries to bring back the beauty of her skin is by cold water dipping her face. This method is proven to be refreshing, reviving, giving a tight aspect and very energetic since it helps to shrink pores and diminish puffiness by stimulating circulation. Of course, this sounds as an unusual ritual but indeed so many skincare lovers around the world have adopted this method.

The cold water causes the blood vessels to contract and pores close. This can make the skin look smoother and firmer. It also contributes to improving the blood circulation that helps to bring much oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin, making it shine in good health.

How does a Healthy Routine boost your health

The strong message coming from Victoria Beckham's skincare routine is consistency and mindful rituals. Instead of expensive treatments or products, she focuses on simple, affordable practice for long-term health and beauty. These include apple cider vinegar, green smoothies, LED therapy, and face dunking with the intention of maintaining her youthful looks and glowing skin.

Her message is clear: youthful skin does not need high-tech solutions or pricey products-it is nourishment from the inside out with wholesome foods, good supplements, and right skincare practices.

One of the less frequent, yet critical, aspects of Victoria Beckham's health and beauty routine is hydration. Though she has discussed her morning rituals and skincare practices, she is often seen to be hydrated with water throughout the day. Hydration helps in maintaining healthy and youthful skin. Water flushes out toxins, keeps the skin plumpy, and maintains elasticity.

It also plays a role in digestion so that the body absorbs her diet and supplements efficiently. Although Victoria does not disclose how much water she consumes, hydration is a part of the overall program to which she adheres to be healthy and beautiful. Hydration supports all her other skincare efforts and keeps that great glow of hers. Adding this simple yet powerful habit to your daily routine further enhances the effectiveness of your skincare and diet rituals.

The Stratus strain, also known as the ‘Frankenstein’ variant, belongs to the SARS-CoV-2 XFG and XFG.3 lineages and has been spreading swiftly across the United Kingdom, with evidence suggesting it is also circulating globally. According to recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), these variants now account for nearly 30 percent of all COVID-19 cases in England, with XFG.3 emerging as the most dominant strain.

In recent weeks, medical experts have voiced concerns that the Stratus variant might have the ability to partially evade immunity built through vaccination, potentially increasing infection risks across all age groups.

What Sets the Stratus or ‘Frankenstein’ Variant Apart?

One of the unusual symptoms linked to this strain is a hoarse or raspy voice, which doctors say was rarely reported with previous variants. “Unlike earlier strains, Stratus carries specific mutations in its spike protein that may allow it to slip past antibodies formed through prior infection or vaccination,” explained Dr. Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street general practitioner and founder of the Hannah London Clinic.

Is the Stratus Variant More Transmissible?

The XFG or Stratus strain is a member of the Omicron family and is a hybrid of two subvariants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. This combination of genetic material helps the virus attach more tightly to human cells, making it potentially more contagious. Like other variants, it also contains several mutations that may enhance its ability to evade antibodies produced either through infection or vaccination.

Could The ‘Frankenstein’ Variant Be The Most Vaccine-Resistant?

Early reports from health authorities suggest that existing COVID-19 vaccines still provide a degree of protection against the Stratus variant. Vaccines designed for earlier strains continue to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization across multiple variants, and experts remain cautiously hopeful that they will do the same against Stratus. However, studies are ongoing to determine how much protection current vaccines actually provide against this specific strain.

As the situation develops, public health recommendations may change. Officials are urging people to follow reliable updates and continue to follow safety advice. Vaccination appointments remain widely available in the UK, and eligible individuals are encouraged to receive their doses or boosters as recommended.

What Are the Symptoms of Stratus?

The most common symptom so far appears to be a sore throat, though overall, the symptoms are similar to those caused by other COVID-19 variants. People infected with Stratus may experience:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Runny or congested nose
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

So far, XFG has not been linked to more severe illness compared to previous variants, and hospitalization rates have not shown a sharp increase, which is reassuring.

Why The Stratus Variant Still Deserves Attention

Although it does not appear to cause more severe disease, the Stratus variant is a reminder that COVID-19 continues to evolve. Vaccines remain the strongest line of defense, and researchers are continuing to study how well they perform against this strain. Staying informed through credible sources and following updated health guidance can help limit the spread and keep communities safer.

Infertility impacts millions across the globe, touching both men and women alike. According to the World Health Organization, around 17.5% of the global population, roughly one in six people, experience fertility challenges. This condition can significantly reduce or even prevent natural conception.

Yet, despite its prevalence, infertility remains clouded by myths and misconceptions, many of which unfairly place the blame solely on women. Seeking to debunk these long-held beliefs, Dr. Holly Miller, an American Board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, took to Instagram to share three important truths every woman should know about fertility.

3 Truths About Fertility Women Should Know

With the help of modern medicine and medical interventions like IVF, fertility treatment can help people boost their chances of reproducing.

Infertility Isn't Just a Woman's Issue

It’s important to understand that infertility affects both partners — it’s not solely a woman’s issue. Blaming only the woman is both unfair and inaccurate. In fact, experts find that the causes of infertility are almost evenly split between men and women.

Roughly one-third of infertility cases are linked to the woman, another third to the man, and the remaining third result from issues affecting both partners — or from causes that doctors are unable to clearly identify.

To identify the cause of infertility, both partners should undergo testing simultaneously. For men, a semen analysis — a quick and straightforward test — is often the easiest and most informative first step.

The "Wait One Year" Rule Changes with Age

Most couples automatically try to conceive for a full 12 months before they think about seeing a fertility doctor. However, the doctor emphasizes that the woman's age is the single most important factor that affects the chances of successful treatment.

If you are under 35 years old: You can safely try for a full 12 months of regular, unprotected sex before seeking a specialist.

If you are 35 or older: You should contact a specialist after only 6 months of trying without success.

If you are 40 or older: You need to see a specialist right away—as quickly as you possibly can.

The doctor explains that after age 35, the woman's egg supply starts to decline more quickly. Time is essential, so couples should strongly ask their doctors for an early referral.

"Unexplained Infertility" Often Means "Undiagnosed Problem"

When a couple is diagnosed with "unexplained infertility," which happens in about 10% to 20% of cases, it means the basic first tests did not find a clear reason. This can be upsetting, but it does not mean you can never have children. In the doctor's experience, the term "unexplained" often means there are hidden problems, such as:

• Small issues with the male partner's sperm that were missed by the basic tests.
• A hidden condition called Endometriosis, which can only be confirmed by a surgical procedure.
• Not having sexual intercourse at the best time or not often enough.

In today's corporate world, desk jobs have become the order of the day and so are the health problems associated with them. Endless typing, long hours of sitting, and poor posture are silently taking their toll on young professionals who spend most of their day glued to screens. Many don't realize that their daily work habits could trigger unexpected medical conditions.

Such a growing concern was once highlighted by Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, who recently shared a case on X. He wrote about one such case of Riya (name changed), a 25-year-old software engineer who developed a sharp, burning pain in her elbow-a pain which began as a minor ache while typing and gradually became so severe that even lifting a teacup felt unbearable.

What was the cause of the sharp elbow pain that Riya experienced?

Riya tried everything she could think of: Rest, pain relief balms, painkillers, even switching hands while using her computer, but the pain refused to fade. When she finally decided to visit the doctor, her symptoms immediately pointed to something unexpected: Tennis elbow. The diagnosis came as a surprise, considering she had never even held a tennis racket. On examination, Dr Sudhir Kumar found the tell-tale signs of the condition, medically known as lateral epicondylitis — tenderness along the outer elbow and pain when she tried to extend her wrist. He explained that the culprit wasn’t a sport, but repetitive strain from long hours at the computer — a problem increasingly common among desk workers.

What is Tennis Elbow?

The Mayo Clinic describes tennis elbow, medically termed lateral epicondylitis, as a painful condition resulting from the overuse of muscles and tendons in the forearm. It develops where these tissues are repeatedly strained by similar wrist and arm movements, leading to tiny tears and inflammation near the elbow.

The name is misleading, and you don't have to be an athlete to get tennis elbow. As a matter of fact, most people who develop it never have used a racket. It's common for the condition to strike people in jobs that require repetitive motions: plumbers, carpenters, painters, butchers, and yes, office workers who spend hours typing or using a mouse.

The pain generally arises on the outside of the elbow, precisely at that bony prominence to which the muscles of the forearm attach. For some, the discomfort may extend into the forearm or even the wrist, making most activities quite arduous.

How Can Tennis Elbow Be Treated?

Once the diagnosis was confirmed, Dr Sudhir Kumar focused on addressing the underlying cause — repetitive stress and poor workstation ergonomics. The holistic treatment for Riya included the following:

• Avoided repetitive activities that triggered her pain.
• Adjusting the computer setup and improving posture.
• Establish a physiotherapy regimen to stretch, strengthen, and gradually build muscle endurance.
• A short course of anti-inflammatory medication

Employing a counterforce brace-a tennis elbow strap-to reduce strain in daily activities. By her six-week follow-up, Riya’s pain had completely resolved. Her grip strength was back, and she could type, lift, and exercise without discomfort. Three months later, she was symptom-free — and far more aware of how small ergonomic changes can make a big difference.