Morning Glow Newsletter

Solana
Jul 1, 2025
10 min read

1st July 2025

Cervical Screening Just Changed & Here’s What You Need to Know

Today marks a quiet but important change in women’s healthcare across England. NHS cervical screening guidelines have shifted. From now on, women aged 25 to 49 who test negative for HPV will be invited for screening every five years instead of every three. The change is based on strong evidence and brings England in line with countries such as the Netherlands and Australia.

This longer screening interval may come as a surprise to some. You might feel cautious, or even unsure about waiting two extra years. That’s fair. Screening saves lives, and the thought of doing it less often might raise eyebrows. But here’s what’s happening—and why.

What exactly has changed?

Previously, if you were between the ages of 25 and 49, you were invited for cervical screening (often called a smear test) every three years. The test checks for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for nearly all cervical cancers.

As of 1 July 2025, the interval between tests will extend to five years—but only if your results show no HPV infection. If HPV is found, you’ll be invited back sooner for further monitoring or treatment. This new timeline has been reviewed and approved by the UK National Screening Committee.

Why the change?

The key reason is HPV primary testing, which replaced the older smear testing system in England back in 2019. The newer method is more accurate and can detect potential problems much earlier—even before abnormal cells appear.

In other words, if your test shows no HPV, your risk of developing cervical cancer in the next five years is very low. The science supports a longer gap between screenings in these cases. It’s not about cutting corners; it’s about precision. More sensitive testing means fewer unnecessary appointments and less anxiety from inconclusive results.

This is part of a wider movement toward more personalised care. Your test results, rather than your age alone, now guide your screening timeline.

What if I don’t feel comfortable waiting?

That’s a valid feeling. For many women, attending regular screening gives peace of mind. But it’s worth knowing that the new five-year window comes with safety nets. If you test positive for HPV, the system triggers a faster response. You won’t be left in limbo.

You’ll also continue receiving reminders through your GP. And if you develop any new symptoms between screenings, such as bleeding between periods or after sex, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain, it’s important to speak with your doctor promptly.

Screening is preventative, but it doesn’t replace listening to your body.

What else is coming?

The change in screening intervals is just the start. NHS England has announced plans to trial at-home cervical screening kits starting in 2026. These kits would allow women to collect their own sample using a simple swab, then return it by post for testing.

Home testing has already been used successfully in Australia, Sweden, and parts of the US. Early studies in the UK suggest it could improve screening rates—particularly for those who find clinic appointments uncomfortable, difficult to access, or emotionally triggering.

Groups most likely to benefit include:

Women with disabilities or chronic illness
Those with past trauma or anxiety around medical exams
Women from communities where cervical screening is less commonly discussed or understood
Anyone with childcare, work, or travel barriers.

Offering a choice of how and where to take the test could shift participation levels dramatically. In some pilot schemes, participation rose by over 30 percent.

What should I do now?

If you’re due (or overdue) for a cervical screening, now is a good time to book it. Your results will determine your next screening date. If you test negative for HPV, you’ll be offered the five-year interval. If not, you’ll be supported through the next steps.

Here’s a quick checklist:

Check when your last test was. If it was more than three years ago, call your GP.

Make sure your contact details are up to date so you receive your next screening invite.
Consider booking your appointment at a time that feels easiest—first thing in the morning, lunchtime, or after work. Some clinics now offer evening slots.
Ask a nurse any questions you have during the appointment. They’re there to help, and no question is silly.

A final word

This update signals a shift toward more evidence-based, tailored healthcare for women in England. The five-year interval is not a step back; it reflects progress in the quality of testing and trust in our ability to use data well.

Still, the emotional part of this journey matters too. Cervical screening isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. But for many of us, it’s a moment of self-respect and care. Whether you go with a friend, talk it over with your partner, or reward yourself with a strong cup of tea afterwards, it matters that you go.

And when home kits arrive? That’ll be a whole new chapter, convenient, private, and on your terms.

Stay well,

The Morning Glow Team

Ob‑Gyn Exodus and Mental Well‑being: Why It Matters to Texas Women

Recent studies reveal a troubling trend: nearly 20 percent of U.S. abortion travellers in 2024 came from Texas . Meanwhile, a new JAMA Network Open paper links Texas’ abortion restrictions to a nearly seven‑percentage‑point rise in frequent mental distress among women aged 18–44. That’s nearly one in five women reporting more than 14 bad‑mental‑health days each month.

This matters because mental health is deeply connected to women’s overall well‑being, affecting everything from physical health to relationships and job performance. When access to reproductive healthcare is limited, the ripple effects can touch emotional lives and long‑term resilience.

There’s cause for hope: Governor Abbott recently secured a federal waiver for the Healthy Texas Women programme, which funds screenings, contraception and postpartum support for low‑income women,running now through 2030. That means hundreds of thousands of women will continue to receive vital healthcare, even as other services shrink.

What to watch:

• The ongoing mental‑health impact of Dobbs‑era laws

• Whether expanded contraceptive access and screening help buffer these tensions

• The arrival of new providers and clinics into underserved areas.

Takeaway for members

Prioritise mental‑health check‑ins with peers and providers. If you’re experiencing emotional distress, reach out, support is out there. And stay informed about community clinics, tele‑health options and wellness programmes funded through Healthy Texas Women.

Texas Resource Corner

Where to Find Support and Care: if you’re based in Texas and feeling overwhelmed, here are trusted places to start:

1. Mental Health Support

Texas Health and Human Services Mental Health Hotline. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress
NAMI Texas (National Alliance on Mental Illness), www.namitexas.org
Peer-led groups, crisis text line, family support services
Free Online Therapy Options
Search for therapists offering sliding scale or pro bono sessions via Open Path Collective

2. Reproductive and Preventative Health Clinics

Healthy Texas Women Programme
Covers screenings, family planning, counselling, www.healthytexaswomen.org
1-866-993-9972
Every Body Texas. A statewide network of reproductive health clinics www.everybodytexas.org
Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas
Still offering care including STI testing, contraception and cancer screening, www.plannedparenthood.org

Tip: Some local libraries and churches now offer private tele-health booths and tablets. Ask discreetly.

Glow Notes: 8 Real-Life Anti-Ageing Tips That Don’t Cost a Fortune

Forget miracle creams and celebrity regimes. Aging well starts from the inside out.

At YaraGlow, we’re more interested in feeling good in your skin than chasing some filtered version of youth. Ageing is natural, but how do you age? That’s flexible. These small, science-backed habits won’t break the bank—and they make a real difference to how you feel, move and look.

1. Eat, then pause

Intermittent fasting gives your body time to tidy up. Even a 12-hour overnight break (say 7pm to 7am) helps kick-start cellular clean-up, which supports regeneration and slows damage.

2. Pick up something heavy (safely)

Strength training twice a week keeps your bones strong and your muscles ticking over. It also supports metabolism and hormones. You don’t need a gym membership; bodyweight exercises count.

3. Sleep like you mean it

Deep sleep is when your body gets busy repairing itself. Make it easier on yourself: regular bedtime, low lights, no scrolling late. You’ll notice the difference in mood, skin and memory.

4. Stress shrinks your cells

Chronic stress wears down your chromosomes. You don’t need a retreat—just a walk outside, a belly laugh or a moment to breathe. It all helps.

5. Shade is skincare

Most visible signs of aging come from the sun. Daily SPF, wide hats, and skipping midday rays are your best long-term beauty ritual.

6. Eat colours, not hype

Omega-3s, dark greens, berries, spices, these fight inflammation and feed your cells. It’s not about dieting; it’s about nourishing.

7. Stay connected

Having people to talk to literally helps you live longer. Family, friends, neighbours, book clubs, whatever keeps you feeling known and seen.

8. Learn something awkward

Trying new things (yes, even badly) keeps your brain sharp. Learn to salsa. Speak Portuguese. Take up ukulele. Your brain loves novelty.

Bottom line?

No magic bullet. Just little daily rituals that, over time, help you age with strength, clarity, and a good sense of humour.

How to Help Your Hair Thrive After 50

Thinner ponytail? More scalp showing than usual? You’re not alone. By 50, over half of women notice hair thinning. and not just on the brush. Hormones, stress, and age all play a part.

Start with a few basics:

Check in with your doctor

Hair loss can signal low iron, thyroid issues or vitamin D deficiency. A simple blood test can help.

Prioritise protein

Hair needs protein. Aim for 70g a day. Think lentils, tofu, eggs, fish—whatever suits your plate.

Massage your scalp

Just four minutes a day boosts blood flow and can wake up sleepy follicles.

Try rosemary oil

Studies suggest it’s as effective as minoxidil for some. Always patch test first.

Stress matters

Hair loss often trails big life stressors. Breathe. Walk. Sleep. Your hair needs peace as much as product.

Still struggling? A dermatologist can offer stronger options if needed. It’s not vanity, it’s investing in yourself.

Why That One Song Sticks – Music, Emotion, and Memory

We’ve all had it happen, hearing a song that instantly takes us back to a moment in time. But why does music do that? A recent study in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests it’s not just about the song, but how you feel when you hear it.

Researchers Kayla Clark (Rice University) and Stephanie Leal (UCLA) found that emotional reactions to music, not genre, mood, or familiarity, are what really shape memory. People who had strong emotional responses tended to remember the overall feel of an event. Those with moderate reactions recalled specific details. In other words, music’s effect on memory depends on how deeply it moves you.

This could be a game-changer for memory care. Personalised playlists for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia may need more than just familiar songs, they should be ones that emotionally resonate.

Reference

“Fine-Tuning the Details: Post-Encoding Music Differentially Impacts General and Detailed Memory,” Journal of Neuroscience, June 2025.

Glow Notes: Is Oestrogen Cream the Skin Boost Midlife Needs?

Old-school oestrogen creams are back in the spotlight, and your skin might just thank you.

We lose up to 30% of our collagen in the five years after menopause begins. That’s why skin can suddenly feel thinner, drier, and less firm. Oestrogen plays a role in collagen, elastin, and even hyaluronic acid production, three big players in skin plumpness and hydration.

Topical oestrogen creams, particularly those containing estriol (the gentlest of the three oestrogen types), may help. Studies show they can improve elasticity, smoothness, and moisture. Unlike stronger hormone creams used for vaginal dryness, estriol-based formulas are usually well-tolerated on the face.

But are they safe?

Generally, yes, especially in low doses. These creams act locally and don’t significantly affect overall hormone levels. Still, women with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers (like oestrogen-positive breast cancer) should speak with their doctor first. And always patch-test before full use.

Should you try it?

If you’re noticing more dryness, dullness or fine lines in your 40s or 50s, it might be worth discussing with your GP or dermatologist. Some products are available OTC (over-the-counter), but most need a prescription or online consultation through platforms like Musely or Midi.

It won’t replace sunscreen, antioxidants or retinoids, but it might become a helpful ally in your skincare routine. Personalised ageing support is the future, and for some women, hormone skincare fits right in.

What Is Keratosis Pilaris (KP) and How Can You Treat It?

Those little bumps on your arms, thighs, or bum? They might be keratosis pilaris—also called KP or, less fondly, “chicken skin.” It’s common, harmless, and linked to dry skin, keratin build-up, and sometimes eczema or sensitive skin.

So what’s going on?

KP happens when dead skin and keratin (a protective protein) clog hair follicles, leaving small, rough bumps, often with dry patches. It can show up anywhere but usually sticks to arms, legs, and bottom. It may get worse in colder months and can sometimes itch, but it’s not dangerous.

What helps?

Two things: gentle exfoliation and deep moisturising.

Dermatologists recommend skipping the scrubs and choosing chemical exfoliants instead. Look for ingredients like:

Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, urea (to loosen dead skin)
Ceramides, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, glycerin (to lock in moisture).

Use an exfoliating body lotion a few times a week and follow with a thick moisturiser. Consistency is key. It won’t disappear overnight, but smoother skin is absolutely possible with regular care.

UC Berkeley researchers: just one night of disrupted sleep increases toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s

Poor sleep now proven to worsen brain's ability to flush out harmful proteins

Your brain doesn’t just rest when you sleep, it cleans itself. And according to new research from UC Berkeley, when that process gets interrupted, trouble starts.

One poor night’s sleep leads to a build-up of beta-amyloid, a toxic protein linked to Alzheimer’s. These proteins normally get flushed out during deep non-REM sleep, but when sleep is fragmented, that “clean-up crew” stalls. Worse, as beta-amyloid builds, deep sleep becomes harder to achieve, creating a feedback loop that damages memory and brain function.

In the study, older adults with more beta-amyloid had less deep sleep and performed far worse on memory tests the next day.

This flips the script. Instead of sleep issues being a symptom of Alzheimer’s, they may help trigger it, years before diagnosis. Deep sleep helps transfer memories from short-term to long-term storage and clears the brain of waste.

The good news? Sleep is treatable. From better sleep hygiene to CBT-I and even new brain wave therapies, improving sleep may protect cognitive health as we age.

Quality sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s essential brain maintenance.

References

Walker, M. et al. (2015). Nature Neuroscience

Mander, B. et al. (2015). Nature Neuroscience

Anwar, Y. (2015). UC Berkeley News

University of Rochester Medical Center. (2013). Science

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