Afternoons with Helen Farmer

We know the increasing use of vapes among teens is an issue we should be concerned about. But when vapes first appeared on the scene, they were largely portrayed as being much safer than cigarettes and experts fear that may have led people to underestimate the risks they pose. Jennifer speaks with Dr Rania Ayat Hawayek, Specialist Paediatrician and the Medical Director at Circle Care Clinic to know the realities of those risks.

Meanwhile, a new survey by recruitment firm Robert Walters has revealed a rise in employee turnover here in the UAE - with delays in salary hikes for professionals and white-collar employees cited as taking a toll on workforce stability. While over in the UK, a new government proposal to reduce pay inequality promises, or threatens, to force the publication of information about worker's salaries that would previously have been known only  to managers. Does it help make work feel fairer for employees? Or can it also lead to internal conflict and limit flexibility for recruiters and managers? Toby Simpson, Managing Director, Global Head of Executive Search and Lucy D’Abo, Founder of Together workplace culture consultancy discuss.

And the region's first Female Majlis on health equity will be aiming to shine a spotlight on a frightening truth: women are diagnosed with disease later, suffer for longer, but often remain unheard in the healthcare system. Jennifer is joined by the event's host, Christina Ioannidis.

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As new research shows young men are more likely than women to have spent money on injectables and one in six parents say they support non-surgical procedures for teens, are we at risk of normalising extreme skincare procedures? Dermatologist Dr Natalia Spierings sorts the must-haves from the rip-offs.

Meanwhile, from end of school year commitments to travel planning via current affairs and the wild contrast of our social media feeds, overwhelm is real right now. But when does it become a problem – and how do we deal with it? Helen asks Dr Thoriya of the Human Relations Institute.

And from public holiday pay to annual leave entitlement via four-day weeks, we’re answering your pre-summer employment questions with Dentons’ Ali Al Assad.

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It’s known as dumping season in the animal industry – but what do responsible pet owners need to know about choosing the right boarding or pet sitting business? Helen asks vets, boarding firms and pet owners how to find a safe care option. Also from the animal kingdom, we learn how Dubai is marking World Sea Turtle Day. 

Meanwhile, Genevieve Chenneour, a Bridgerton actress and trained boxer, has gone viral after CCTV showed her fighting back against a mugger and reclaiming her phone. But when is it right to defend yourself — and how? Helen asks defence coaches Taylor Hamilton and Leah Nichol. And Harrison from Haus & Haus is on hand to answer your property questions.

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You’ve gotten used to using it at work. But could a Dubai-founded food app make your home life easier too, by letting AI plan your meals? Arij Baidas, founder of YuFood, tells Helen how she’s aiming to solve our dinner dilemmas. Meanwhile, from tomato shortages in India to issues growing rice in Japan, climate change could be about to change what we view as staple foods. Dr Dhanush Dinesh, Founder of ClimEat, tells us how to prepare. 

On the entertainment front, Susanna Skelding, the Founder of Active Netball, tells us all about a brand new international female sports event, The UAE Netball Cup, taking place this weekend. And from the re-release of Jaws to Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the F1 premiere, via new TV shows and family movies, Entertainment Editor William Mullally is on hand today to address all your viewing needs.

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Dancing with the Stars co-host Julianne Hough has revealed that she recently had her eggs frozen for the third time. With more women than ever choosing to freeze their eggs, how much do we really understand about the process, the costs, and the emotional toll? Cassie Destino – Founder, IVF Support UAE and Dr Bohaira El Geyoushi, Consultant Gynecologist at American Hospital Dubai, specialising in Reproductive Medicine and IVF join Helen to discuss.

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Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have reportedly signed an “ironclad” pre-nup which lawyers have described as more complex than a business merger. But is a pre-wedding agreement something ‘normal’ couples should be considering too? Helen askes Expat Law's Byron James.

We also talk hustle culture, and the impact on male mental health, with Dubai's stressed men, and psychologist Joslin Gracias. 

And do your kids stick to screen limits appropriate to their age? Do you even know what they are? 

Vivamus Clinical Director, Dr. Marie Thompson, and Dr Alison Burrows, Professor of Education at Middlesex University Dubai, give us the facts...

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Forty per cent of professionals aged 18 to 25 have already held three or more jobs early in their careers, according to 2025 MENA Salary Survey. But are they wrong to job hop – or are employers missing a trick when it comes to keeping new talent? Helen asks a recruiter – and some Gen Zers themselves.

We also talk teen skincare, acne, and the dangers of taking your dermatological advice from TikTok with two leading dermatologists.

And if you’re struggling with the mental health impacts of menopause, you’re not alone. We get the lowdown on the hormonal realities of transition with a specialist psychologist.

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It's a controversial topic - but with communal discipline still common in many cultures, does it truly take a village to raise a child? And if so, how do you establish the norms in your own community. Helen puts it to three parenting experts.

Meanwhile, as a major oncology conference in the USA hears how cancer patients are now delaying or refusing treatment in favour of miracle diets, essential oils and advice from TikTok influencers with no medical qualifications, Helen factchecks some medical claims with breast cancer surgeon turned patient, Dr Liz O'Riordan.

We get the facts on healthcare before travel, and vaccine catch-ups, with Dr Howard Podolsky, and Tom Poulson from Haus&Haus is also on hand to talk property buying mistakes, and how to avoid them.

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Researchers say 69 per cent of workers believe their boss has as big an impact on their mental health as their partner. That's grand if your boss is great - not so helpful if your boss is a less supportive influence. But what does good and bad management really look like? And what can we do if our bosses are draining us more than they're empowering us? Paul Littlejohn, Founder of Wingman Executive Consulting and Lorna King, workplace culture consultant, join Jennifer Crichton to discuss.

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Regulators in Europe have forced a ban on dangerous diet culture social media posts - but will it make a difference? Helen asks body image expert Florence Gillet.

Plus, Dubai Police are on hand to update us on their efforts to curb E-crime, we discuss the power of women over 50 in the workplace, and as the Beckhams make headlines for all the wrong reasons, therapist Marissa Peer explores the sad realities of family estrangement…

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