Would you like to experience something different in Tenerife, living here or on holiday?

If so, Tenerife Cabildo probably has the answer: details have just been announced of the 17th Nature and Adventure Programme which will appeal to all ages and abilities.

You might opt for walking or hiking, star-gazing or rock climbing, orienteering or zip lining. Perhaps a descent down a barranco appeals or a route all the family can enjoy?

This popular initiative once again offers 1,000 places, including for the disabled, with prices ranging from 12 euros to 21 euros. As the Cabildo’s sports councillor Cristo Pérez says: “There are options for all people, regardless of their age or physical condition, as well as activities for all the family.”

Jim Hunter was recently contacted by the Director of Hogar Chindia in Valle de San Lorenzo.

Hogar Chindia is managed by the Council of Arona. Hogar I is a home for about seven children of ages varying from 10 to 16 years. These children have been taken away from their parents, whom the Social Services consider incapable of looking after their own children.

If you are worried about catching ’flu, you are right to be cautious but the common cold could be the problem in the Canary Islands over the next few months

Health experts say the incidence of ’flu in the archipelago is significantly down on this time last year because we have experienced a mild winter and many people have had the ’flu jab.

The good news is that you are less likely to be struck down by the virus which affected thousands of people last winter. The bad news is that the common cold lives on and the warmer winter will still be generating germs!

The NHS definition of binge drinking is drinking heavily in a short space of time to get drunk or feel the effects of alcohol. 

The amount of alcohol someone needs to drink in a session for it to be classed as ‘bingeing’ is less clearly defined but the marker used by the NHS and National Office of Statistics is drinking more than double the daily recommended units of alcohol in one session.  

The Government guidelines state that men should not regularly drink more than three to four units a day, and women should not regularly exceed more than two to three units daily.

Binge drinking for men, therefore, is drinking more than eight units of alcohol – or about three pints of strong beer. For women, it’s drinking more than six units of alcohol, equivalent to two large glasses of wine.