In June 2000, the Diana Memorial Playground was opened in memory of the late Princess of Wales, who tragically died in a motor accident in Paris, France, in 1997.

With her patronage of The Royal Marsden Hospital and Great Ormand Street Hospital for Children, the playground is a fitting memorial to someone with such consideration for the welfare of the young, and who was so loved by the nation.

The playground is located on The Broad Walk, close to her Kensington Palace home, and just a 10-minute stroll across Kensington Gardens from Hyde Park London. The playground is totally free, but with restrictions. Only adults with children aged up to twelve years are allowed entry, and numbers in the playground are restricted, so arriving early is recommended.

The park’s centrepiece is a large pirate sailing galleon, complete with sand and a water play area. Other attractions include wooden climbing frames and bridges, Indian Tepees, a sensory trail, and swings and slides. Areas are separated by hedges, so keep an eye on the little ones, as the park can get busy.

For the grown-ups, there are toilets and a baby changing room, and a café and ice cream shop where you can buy snacks to eat at the picnic tables dotted around the playground.

During opening hours, the playground is fully staffed with security and first aid personnel, and all children must be supervised by a parent or guardian. The playground opens from 10.00 to 19.45 through the summer, with earlier closing through the winter months.

By Mark Ahsmann – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25533370

Non-comedogenic skin products are those that are less likely to cause pore blockage or breakouts. It is derived from the word “comedones,” which means the small bumps or papules commonly found on people with acne. These bumps are normally caused by blockage of the pores. If you are prone to clogged pores or have blackheads, you can reduce the number or likelihood of breakouts by using non-comedogenic skincare products.

While these products do not increase the likelihood of breakouts, they do not treat acne or related conditions. They may also be labelled “oil-free” or contain oils that are less likely to cause breakouts. Some of the non-comedogenic oils include those derived from sunflower, sweet almond, grapeseed, neem and hempseed. Other ingredients that are generally considered non-comedogenic include Vitamin C, aloe vera, rosewater, dimethicone and allantoin.

Which Products Are Non-Comedogenic?

Any product used on the skin can be non-comedogenic. The most common product types that you should consider checking to see if they are non-comedogenic if you are prone to breakouts include moisturizers, foundations, skin cleansers, sunscreen and toners.

In addition, you should use the products sparingly, as even the non-comedogenic ones can block pores if overused. Besides, cleanse thoroughly before going to bed with a gentle cleanser or just water and soap to open up the pores.

While the word “non-comedogenic” is not a medical term and the ingredients have not been proven by the FDA, they can help deal with breakouts where blockage is the main issue. If you are not sure which product to use, contact a dermatologist.

Nana Plaza Bangkok is located at Sukhumvit Soi 4, also referred to as naughty central. The 3-storey building is renowned for its adult scene and racy-themed bars. If you are looking to enjoy a toxic visual experience, there is no better place you would rather be. Here is what you need to know.

What to expect

The plaza claims to be the largest adult playground in the world, and a visit proves they may be just right. Here you will find adult-themed live shows, pole dancers and go-go dancers entertaining its patrons as they have a good time. The ground floor has a variety of beer bars, while the upper levels have short-time hotels.

What to experience in adjacent areas

There are also other attractions, such as bars adjacent to the plaza. Some of the popular ones include Stumble Inn, Big Dogs, Black Morning Night, and Hillary 4, among others. There is also plenty of food and bites along the pavement of Sukhumvit road, which is transformed into a market at night.

If you want to enjoy an exotic visual experience in one of the red light districts, look no further than Nana Plaza Bangkok for an unforgettable nightlife experience.

The Importance of Nail Care

Nails aren’t just for painting to look pretty. They are functional as they protect the fingertips but also any issues with finger or toenails can be an indicator of an underlying health condition.

Common Nail Problems:

• Lack of growth

• Brittleness or hardness (onychoschizia)

• Softness or weakness

• Peeling

• Ridges

• Discolouration

• Black lines

• White spots

• No lunular (half-moon at base of nail)

• Fungal infection (onychomycosis)

Any of these can be due to an internal issue or otherwise the treatment to which you subject your hands and feet.

Fingernails and toenails need to be looked after as much as any other part of the body. They are easy to injure and will react to external factors and internal problems.

Common Causes of Nail Problems

• Hyperthyroidism

• Iron or other mineral deficiency

• B vitamin deficiency

• Diabetes

• Nail melanoma

• Fungal infection

• Malnutrition

• Anaemia

• Allergic reaction

• Psoriasis

• Lichen planus

• Poor diet

As you can see, there’s quite a range of issues associated with fingernail and toenail health. Some can be cured by over-the-counter preparations or a change of care routine. Supplements like biotin may also improve nail health. Sometimes, however, the problem needs expert attention.

Nail Care

In the medical profession, nail health is the province of dermatologists.

Healthy nails are smooth without discolouration so if you have any of the issues outlined above, contact a specialist dermatologist. A course of treatment will be advised after the cause has been established. Diagnosis may require a blood test or a fungal culture.

Allergy testing is a vital medical tool. Allergies can be a nuisance, interfering with your efforts to go about your day peacefully, or they can be life-threatening in the most extreme cases. Around one-third of all adults have at least one allergy and about three percent of the population have allergies so bad that they could be lethal. Allergy testing involves exposing sufferers to a minute dose of the allergen to see if there is any reaction.

In some cases, even this tiny amount can cause a serious reaction, but for most people the 'scratch test' or 'skin test' is sufficient to show a reaction without causing harm. Once an allergy is diagnosed, you will be able to consult your doctor about medication to control your reactions, and can also take steps to avoid the allergen in question as allergic reactions can be cumulative.

It is important to note that a negative allergy test does not mean that you are not suffering. Irritations and intolerances can seem similar to mild allergies and you can feel very uncomfortable while you are suffering. Avoiding the food or substance that causes your symptoms should give you almost immediate relief.

If you experience any of the following symptoms

    Sore, irritated eyes
    Runny, itchy nose
    Sneezing fits
    Rashes (patches of discoloured skin) or hives (similar to rashes, but with raised, welted areas)
    Stomach cramps
    Swelling and bloating
    Digestive issues (diarrhoea, vomiting)
    Airways closing or chest becoming tight/ coughing/ wheezing
    Feeling faint or disoriented or having a sense of being doomed.

You may well be experiencing the symptoms of an allergy.

The skin is relatively large among the many organs in the human body. Taking good care of your skin can have positive effects on your overall well-being for this reason. When exposed to the elements, your skin is both your strongest defence and your weakest link. There are more outside influences than you might think. The following, for example, are all factors that can affect your skin’s condition.

• Exposure to UV radiation in tanning beds
• Exposure to chemical toxins in tobacco
• Unprotected sun exposure for long periods of time
• Not getting enough rest, fluids, or nutrition
• Aging

Healthy Skin Routine

Here are some tips on how to keep your skin healthy.
Staying hydrated – There is evidence that drinking water is beneficial to your skin, though the exact mechanism by which this occurs is unclear.
Consuming anti-oxidant-rich foods – Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet can help shield your skin from environmental damage. Greens, fruits and vegetables of the yellow and orange families, and fatty fish like salmon are all examples of these foods.
Exercising – Aerobic exercise, both in animals and humans, has been shown to alter the skin’s composition for the better.
Protecting against the effects of the sun – The DNA in your skin cells is harmed by UV rays, which can cause premature ageing, dryness, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Avoiding smoking – Premature ageing and wrinkles, as well as an increased risk of acne and psoriasis, are all results of second-hand and inhaled tobacco smoke.
Drinking less alcohol – Photodamage, or sun damage, to the skin has been linked to alcohol consumption. Dehydration, brought on by excessive drinking, is a known cause of dry skin and accelerated ageing.

Famous the world over, Kew Gardens, or more correctly, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, is one of Southwest London’s most popular attractions. Easily reached by the underground, bus, or train, the gardens contain the most important collection of plants and trees in the world. With the gardens covering 330 acres and with more than 30,000 types of plants, there is more than enough to see on any visit.

Outdoor attractions

The Arboretum – accounts for more than half of the gardens and houses a huge collection of trees. It’s in three sections: The North contains the original botanic garden that dates back to 1759; the West which is home to the Rhododendron Dell, Kew Lake and the Bamboo Garden; and the South which housed Queen Charlotte’s Cottage and the Berberis Dell.

The mile-long Holly Walk which contains some trees planted in 1875, is a wonderful place for a stroll.

Indoor attractions

Collections of plants are housed indoors in structures that demonstrate incredible architecture. There are some amazing glasshouses at Kew, some of which are:

The Palm House – one of the most recognisable landmarks, it’s made from 16,000 panes of glass. Housing many rare species including a cycad specimen that’s been at Kew since 1775, there’s an elevated walkway for a bird’s eye view of the plants and trees.

 Princess Wales Conservatory – opened by HRH Diana in 1987, the theme here is tropical with 1,500 species of orchids, a collection of tree frogs and interesting ponds containing fish like piranha and water dragons.

The Alpine House – this spectacular glass structure that reaches a height of 10 metres at its centre was designed for alpine plants, more specifically, those that can survive at altitudes of up to 2,130 metres. The star of the collection is a Chilean Blue Crocus – an extremely rare plant once thought to be extinct.

This is just a very small taste of the sights and attractions of the gardens at Kew. Well worth a visit!