Associations Between Covid-19-Related Threat, Stress, and Smoking in UK Adults Aged Under- and Over-30

It has been suggested that smoking and age are associated with higher vulnerability to Covid-19. While threat of Covid-19 may reduce or stop smoking, increased stress due to lockdown could increase smoking behaviour. This study aimed to investigate changes in smoking behaviour in relation to age, Covid-19-related threat and subjective perceived stress during the UK lockdown. A cross-sectional study was performed. Online adverts were used to recruit UK residents who smoked combustible tobacco any time from January 2020. A questionnaire measured demographic information, smoking behaviour pre- and during-lockdown, perceived subjective stress (PSS), and Covid-19 related threat. Data were collected from a total of 145 participants (58% women, 39% men, 3% non-binary; mean age: 26 years, SD = 7.7), during UK lockdown between 22nd May and 22nd June 2020. Independent of stress and Covid-19-related threat, smoking was reduced in those aged less than 30 years. In participants aged 30 and above, increases in smoking behaviour were associated with higher PSS. The results highlight the relevance of the different stages of life on the relationship between stress, threat, and smoking behaviour. Greater emphasis should be placed on stress reduction for adult smokers aged 30 and above to enable smoking cessation

Body Mass Index and Body Satisfaction: Does Availability of Well-fitting Clothes Matter?

Relatively little is known about the factors that mediate the relationship between high body mass index (BMI) and reduced body satisfaction. This is the first study to investigate whether availability of well-fitting clothes mediates this relationship. Eighty-five women with an age range of 18-81 years were 3D body scanned and weighed and measured at Time 1, and number of retailers stocking their sizes (determined through body scans) was calculated. At Time 2 they completed an online body satisfaction measure. Body satisfaction at Time 2 was predicted by both BMI and availability of well-fitting clothes in UK retailers at Time 1, with the two factors explaining 27% of the variance in body satisfaction. Availability of clothes size partially mediated the relationship between BMI and body satisfaction. Results suggest that the clothing retail sector might contribute to reducing body dissatisfaction by providing a wider range of choices for all sizes of consumer

Letter from Sarah J. Mc Chesney to [John Muir], 1880 Oct 1.

[in margin: [illegible]]00950Oct 1, 1880Oakland Oct 1 80-My Dear FriendYour kindly remembrance in the form of a box of most delicious grapes, come safely and in prime condition. The view on opening the box was a lovely one and the sequel was very gratifying - We shared them with friends - and only wished that you & yours could also join us. We are all well and very busy this week, in fitting Clara off to New York where[Page 2]she is to study a year. She goes with Mr & Mrs Richardson and is very happy in prospect of hard work this winter - For me, it is a little sad, the flitting of the first one from the home-nest, but it must be so & I hope for the best. Now that the busy season is past, cannot you & Mrs Muir come and see us? You will be always welcome, and I am always your friend-Sarah J Mc Chesney

Letter from Sarah J. Mc Chesney to [John Muir], 1880 Oct 1.

[in margin: [illegible]]00950Oct 1, 1880Oakland Oct 1 80-My Dear FriendYour kindly remembrance in the form of a box of most delicious grapes, come safely and in prime condition. The view on opening the box was a lovely one and the sequel was very gratifying - We shared them with friends - and only wished that you & yours could also join us. We are all well and very busy this week, in fitting Clara off to New York where[Page 2]she is to study a year. She goes with Mr & Mrs Richardson and is very happy in prospect of hard work this winter - For me, it is a little sad, the flitting of the first one from the home-nest, but it must be so & I hope for the best. Now that the busy season is past, cannot you & Mrs Muir come and see us? You will be always welcome, and I am always your friend-Sarah J Mc Chesney