Books to Explore Our Wild Isles

Wild Isles

This rich photographic guide accompanies the new BBC documentary series of the same name, which sees Sir David Attenborough celebrate the wonders of British wildlife across a range of habitats. Written by natural history journalist Patrick Barkham and producer Alastair Fotherginn, each chapter of the book focuses on a particular kind of wild space, from our wide variety of grasslands to our ocean shores, woodlands and scarce remaining forests, taking a deep dive into the insect, bird and mammal life they support. Harper Collins, £25.

North York Moors & Yorkshire Wolds

A “slow travel” guide to one of Britain’s most beloved landscapes, this newly updated book remains the only stand-alone guide to the region. Written by Yorkshire resident, outdoors enthusiast and travel writer Mike Bagshaw, it takes in sandy beaches, woodlands, chalk grasslands and heather-clad moors. It has information on walking and cycle paths, as well as wildlife-watching areas for otters, adders and seabirds. Whale-and dolphin-watching tours are also covered. Bradt Guides, £15.99.

Flight Paths

Swallows, redwings, nightingales: spring brings new bird life to UK shores, but until recently little was known about seasonal avian (鸟类) journeys. Bird enthusiast and science writer Rebecca Heisman uncovers the mysteries of bird migration, profiling (收集资料) the eccentric group of ornithologist, engineers and scientists who dedicated (奉献) their life to birds’ flight paths, behaviours, destinations and the challenges they face. It brings much needed insight into how best to protect the birds that visit our islands and destinations far beyond. Swift Press, £16.99.

Vaccination（接种疫苗）is among the most effective ways to help us prevent diseases. For viruses that don't change too much-the measles virus（麻疹病毒）, for example—getting vaccinated is a once-and-for-all method to prevent you from becoming infected with the virus. If you had two measles vaccines when you were a child, you will be protected for life.

However, it's a different story when it comes to influenza（流行性感冒）, commonly known as "the flu", which generally peaks between December and February. Flu vaccines cannot protect us in the long term.

There is no long-term immunity（免疫）, according to Theodore Strange, associate medical director at Staten Island University Hospital in New York. "The virus essentially 'changes its coat'—HIN1, H2N3, and so on," he told the website Healthline.

Apart from a person's immune protection from flu vaccination declining over time, flu viruses are also constantly changing. So the vaccines are likely to be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests may be the most common during the upcoming flu season.

Thus, to develop effective flu vaccines, over 100 national influenza centers around the world conduct year-round surveillance（监测）for influenza. Researchers will test thousands of influenza virus samples from patients, according to the official website of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention（CDC）. The World Health Organization also suggests there are three or four influenza viruses that are most likely to spread among people during the upcoming flu season.

But even when a vaccine is developed, getting it can prove to be difficult, as it is in high demand and short supply. The timing of influenza vaccine production and distribution is unpredictable, thus the availability of the flu vaccine supply does not always coincide with（与……一致）peak demand.

So scientists prioritize（划分优先顺序）access to the vaccination. The CDC recommends key populations, such as medical staff, teachers, students, children and those aged 60 and above, receive flu vaccines.

This year the situation seems more complicated, as the upcoming flu season coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic. This could overwhelm hospitals, straining（过度使用）resources and healthcare workers' time.

This is not a diet. It’s a simple way to lose weight. You don’t have to give up the food you love or join a gym. You just follow some habits thin people have. Keep them, and you’ll become thin.

When you wake up in the morning, sit up slowly without using your hands. With legs straight out, lean forward(前俯) until you feel sore(酸痛的) in your back. It will use up 10 calories.

Order a clear soup, and have it before the main food. In this way, you’ll feel fuller, so you’ll eat less when the main food comes.

Apples are full of fiber(纤维) and water, so your stomach will want less. Studies show that people who eat at least three apples or pears a day may lose weight.

Every time you use the cell phone, stand up and walk around. Heavy people sit on average two and a half hours more each day than thin people. This skill is very important as standing up and walking around will burn up 50 or more calories.Use these skills, and you will have a big weight loss.