The Top 5 Garden Renovations in the UK.

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{Collaborative Content} Garden renovations have increased in popularity since the beginning of the March 2020 lockdown. With nowhere to go, people invested in their outdoor space to help them create a relaxing and enjoyable space. But since then, garden renovations have remained popular; £18.6 billion was present on garden makeovers in 2021.

If you want to know what you can do to give your garden a new makeover, this post has some great ideas.

Summerhouse

Among the most popular garden renovation searches in 2022 was for summer houses, with over 1.5 million searches. It's little wonder why summer houses are the ultimate luxury and can be an extremely flexible building to add to your home. Summer houses are typically wooden one-room structures that people use for many things. From an outdoor office, kids' playroom, cinema room, or just a place to sit, relax and enjoy being outside in all weather.

Paving

Paving can give your garden a whole new look. Natural stone and slate remain two of the most popular choices for garden paving in the UK. Porcelain tiles are becoming more desirable for people wanting a modern, sleek look, while yorkstone gives off a timeless rustic look for a more cottagey feel to add depth and texture to your garden. The best part is you can go entirely fully paved, partly paved or used paving to create a quirky design in your outdoor space.

Dining Area

As outdoor living becomes more popular in the UK, so does the desire to create the perfect outdoor eating and seating area. From a simple patio set with a table and two chairs to elaborate sets that can easily seat 8 or more people with a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, pizza oven and more. The key to creating the perfect dining area is to look at what you need from the space, whether it is for your family only or will you be entertaining, how the area flows with the rest of your garden and the weather in your local area; parasols can provide cover from the elements as can retractable awnings and pergolas too.

Lighting

Lighting your garden can completely change how it looks and feels. You can opt for mains lighting for your outdoor areas or solar lights, lamp posts, wall lights, lights in the ground, spotlights, and more. But you can use lighting in many different ways. Highlight other parts of your garden to provide after-dark illumination for dining and seating areas or security lights for added protection and safety when using your garden, significantly more extensive gardens.

Water Features

While swimming pools aren’t highly sought after in the UK and have been for many years. Water features can range from ornamental structures to add to your design, garden ponds, mini lakes for more extensive gardens, waterfalls and more. Running water in your garden can be highly soothing and relaxing, and many people incorporate some water features for this reason. Plus, it can make an exciting talking point for visitors too.

Overhauling your garden can allow you to make many changes for the better so you can enjoy your outdoor space and create the perfect playground for you.

Health Screening Tests You Should Take Regularly

 (Collaborative Content) You exercise regularly, try to eat healthily, and even make time to unwind and relax during your most hectic day. That's fantastic. But are you also getting the recommended health screenings? According to a study, only about 41% of people go for frequent health screenings. Health screenings can detect diseases at their early and curable stage and often avert major health consequences. Several health tests and screenings may be performed at various ages. Some are routine, while others are dependent on family history. Here are a few you can consider taking.

Image courtesy of Molly Rose

 1. Diabetes Screening

 Diabetes tests should begin at age 35 and be repeated every three years if you have no risk factors for diabetes. Diabetes occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or utilize it as it should. As a result, too much blood sugar remains in circulation. If you have factors such as a family history of heart disease, being overweight or obese, or having high blood pressure, screening should be done sooner and more frequently.

 

2. Cholesterol test

 Cholesterol is a fatty molecule present in the bloodstream. The liver produces it and every organ has some of it naturally circulating. It is required for the body to function; it is utilized by every cell, aids in producing vitamin D and several hormones, and is a component of bile. Even though this substance plays a major role, having too much of it can be a problem. The higher your cholesterol, the greater your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. However, without a test, you cannot determine how high it is, so it is critical to check.

 Cholesterol screening should begin at age 45 for persons with no risk factors and at age 20 for those with conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease.

 3. Eye screening

 A comprehensive eye checkup examines your eye health. It searches for evidence of significant eye illnesses that visible symptoms may not accompany. Ophthalmologists and optometrists at credible establishments like Sana are eye care experts who do comprehensive exams on your eye. They specialise in diagnosing and treating vision and eye diseases. Adults should get a baseline eye exam at 18, then every two years until the age of 60, unless there is a concern such as diabetes. You should have yearly eye checkups starting at the age of 61.

 

4. Sexually transmitted infections test (STIs)

 Because STIs are frequently asymptomatic, you can transmit them to your partner or, if pregnant, to your unborn child. Screenings for sexual health should begin as soon as you start being sexually active, if feasible. Even if you are not sexually active, discussing STIs with your doctor or health provider is crucial. This may be relatively non-invasive, and testing

 

 5. Frequent dental checkups

 Dental care entails frequent cleaning of your teeth and consuming a low-sugar diet to lower your chances of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Visit a dentist or other oral health expert at least once a year for a dental checkup and professional cleaning or as your dentist recommends. A checkup lets your dentist see whether you have any dental issues and helps you maintain good oral health. Leaving issues untreated frequently results in discomfort and makes them more difficult to cure in the future, so it is important to deal with them as soon as they arise or, if possible, prevent them entirely.