Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2022 i Woman&Home Feel Good You

SCRATCHVENT CALENDAR (£9.99, Amazon.co.uk) Fun for all the family – just scratch away each day to reveal an activity. BIRD & BLEND TEA ADVENT CALENDAR (£38, birdandblendtea.com) Sip your way to Christmas with 48 of Bird & Blend’s herbal teas. Expect festive favourites, such as Mulled Cider and Salted Caramel Lebkuchen. GRACES COURT WAX MELTS ADVENT CALENDAR (£34.99, gracescourt.com) Put your feet up and relax with this collection of soothing scents. Contains 24 all-natural aromas to add a Christmas essence.…

✢ MEDITATE FIRST THING When you rise, find some time to be still and tune in. It can be helpful to practise before your morning coffee or tea as caffeine can be stimulating and make meditation harder. ✢ SWITCH IT UP Changing location is really helpful to avoid getting too used to meditating in a quiet room. If sitting with eyes closed isn’t right for you, try a walking meditation in nature instead. ✢ HAVE A QUICKIE If you don’t have a lot of time, a five-minute meditation break to hit pause and get a little mental recharge can be so valuable. ✢ CHECK IN After each meditation, jot down how you felt before and afterwards. Avoid labels such as 'good' or 'bad' and instead note how you are feeling…

How often we need to socialise varies from person to person. Introverts tend to be more selective in their interactions, whereas extroverts feel most energised when with others. As a baseline, try to get out of the house every day and make time for face-to-face interactions at least three times a week, says Marisa. This is especially important if you feel lonely. Here’s how to keep your social biome in balance: ✢ Top up daily ‘Five meaningful exchanges with other people over 24 hours is thought to be ideal to support the health of our social biome,’ says Marisa. This can be with people you don’t know, too. ✢ Embrace small talk If you feel safe, initiating conversation in the lift or supermarket queue could make all the difference to…

About to flip the switch on your central heating? With energy bills set to soar this winter, finding other ways to warm up makes sense. The good news is there are plenty of healthy steps you can take to stay toasty. Here’s what will help you fight the chill. 1 SIP SPICES Swap your usual cuppa for a hot, spicy brew. ‘Warming spices can help support you this winter,’ says nutritionist Jessica Sepel. ‘Make a heated nut milk drink with cinnamon, or a fresh ginger tea.’ Add chopped ginger root to a saucepan of water, bring to the boil and simmer for up to 10 minutes. Strain and add honey or lemon to taste. 2 TRY YOGA ‘Stretching muscles and joints can reduce stiffness and cramping in cold weather, and…

‘Understanding what is affecting your mental health is an important part of preventing it getting worse,’ says Mark Rowland. ‘If you are struggling, consider how the seasons are affecting you.’ If you have any of these symptoms – specifically during autumn or winter – talk to your GP. ✢ Low mood ⬜ ✢ Sadness/depression ⬜ ✢ Lethargy or fatigue ⬜ ✢ Irritability ⬜ ✢ Anxiety ⬜ ✢ Lack of interest in life ⬜ ✢ Eating more or less than usual ⬜ ✢ Craving high carb or sugary foods ⬜ ✢ Trouble sleeping ⬜ ✢ Low libido ⬜ ✢ Weakened immunity ⬜ PERMISSION TO HIBERNATE! Say hello (or should we say halò) to Còsagach – the Gaelic version of the popular Danish Hygge trend. Còsagach is based on an old Scottish…

Adela Meer, 47, from London, still enjoys a drink from time to time – but now she has one only when she really wants one. ‘I’ve had to really work hard at reducing how much I drink, but every year it gets easier. I used to binge drink Friday-Sunday every week, but I can choose to have just one drink now – alcohol has no control over me anymore, it’s liberating. I woke up at New Year three years ago, and just decided that I’d had enough. I was sleeping badly too, and although at the time I’d not linked my anxiety to alcohol, now I know it was the main cause. I did a lot of research and took four months off alcohol entirely to break the habit, but…

1 BEANS AND PULSES (eg, chickpeas, kidney beans, baked beans). Slimline portion: ½ 400g can (without sugar or salt) 2 PASTA (preferably wholewheat or higher-fibre white). Slimline portion: 4-5tbsp, cooked 3 PEARL BARLEY (use in place of couscous or white rice). Slimline portion: approximately 5tbsp cooked 4 BROWN BASMATI RICE Slimline portion: 4tbsp boiled 5 WHOLEMEAL BREAD (preferably with added seeds and grains to give a grainier texture – this slows down a rise in blood sugar). Slimline portion: 1½ slices 6 PORRIDGE OATS Slimline portion: 45-50g serving 7 HIGH-FIBRE CEREAL (lower-sugar versions of All-Bran, Weetabix, natural muesli or Shredded Wheat). Slimline portion: 40g serving with milk 8 POTATOES Slimline portion: 1 medium jacket or 4 new potatoes 9 NOODLES (preferably wholewheat). Slimline portion: 1 nest of noodles 10 SWEET POTATO Slimline portion: 220g (raw weight)…

✢ MONDAY A Mediterranean traybake will get you off to a brilliant start. Instead of peppers try aubergine, add courgette, tomatoes, red onion and a few chunks of sweet potato and butternut squash. Plant count: 6 ✢ TUESDAY Swerve the iceberg lettuce for a side salad made with mixed leaves then add in cherry tomatoes, cucumber and radishes. Sprinkle with a mix of a few seeds to get an extra plant point. Plant count: 6 ✢ WEDNESDAY Eat your pot of houmous (contains chickpeas) with carrot batons, celery sticks, apple slices and at least two colours of peppers. Plant count: 6 ✢ THURSDAY Start the day with homemade muesli containing coconut, chia seeds, almonds and topped with berries or dried apricots, sultanas and dates. Plant count: 5 ✢ FRIDAY When…

The seasonal shift in weather brings with it a few cyclical lifestyle changes. Freshly painted toes are swaddled in thick cable knit socks, refreshing G&Ts make way for a warming glass of red wine. It’s also a fitting time to upgrade your signature scent. Our penchant for fresh florals and zingy citrus juices is superseded by a desire for something richer and more potent. Colder temperatures ignite an innate desire to surround ourselves with warmth, and that extends to our fragrance tastes as we seek out notes that err on the darker side. Incense, leather and black coffee are some of the decadently rich notes featured in the wave of new season scents, offering a depth that is not only comforting but confidence-boosting too. 1 Lacura Dark Blossom Eau de…

Save £16 on a packet of 30 Herbal Menopause Mood Relief tablets. These are a medicinal product used for the relief of symptoms of the menopause including hot flushes, night sweats, slightly low mood and mild anxiety. A traditional herbal medicine, it is THR (Traditional Herbal Remedy) certified. The tablets contain St John’s wort and black cohosh extract ,and include a number of unique phytochemicals, such as hypericins and hyperforins, which have been used by herbalists for centuries to support nerve disorders. Black cohosh is a perennial plant native to North America, and has been used historically by Native Americans for a wide range of female conditions. Each pack contains 1x30 tablets. The RRP is £21 but you will pay only £5. To claim your discount visit futureyouoffers.co.uk or freephone…

Feeling low? Runny nose? It’s that time of year when many of us get struck down with a cold or flu. ‘Generally, we don’t get more viruses because we’re exposed to colder temperatures, but because we spend more time indoors with people who pass on their germs,’ says Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa (your-doctor.co.uk). Most winter bugs are a nuisance rather than dangerous, but they can make us feel dreadful. Here’s how to fight them. Immunity vs infection ‘There are more than 200 cold viruses, and most of us will catch at least one or two colds every year, but rarely the same one twice,’ says Dr Roger Henderson*. ‘Once the cold ends, your body has built up immunity, which will protect you from catching the same virus again.’ The best…

Kate, 57, from Suffolk, chose to donate a kidney anonymously after reading about the procedure in a magazine ‘I was 49 when I donated a kidney. I just felt drawn to it. The satisfaction from giving someone a chance was a big bonus. I made an appointment with the local coordinator, had tests (physical and psychological), which took around two years. I had to lose four stone to donate, to be a healthy BMI, but actually lost six stone. I had a rough time afterwards, but was back to full health after six months. Since then, my life has changed – both from my weight loss and from friends I’ve made. I got chatting to a lady online who donated a kidney to her husband. We became friends and with…

Fact! In modern society, we spend more time than ever before indoors, with the heating on full blast and the lights often on. But exposure to electric light inside is not the same as being outside in the natural light. Being in the fresh air has many benefits. First, we need sunlight in order to make vitamin D, although supplements are required in the winter months, as there isn’t enough exposure to sunlight for the body to make vitamin D. Apart from vitamin D, being exposed to natural light helps to set the body’s internal body clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which helps it to function. After all, we don’t need to function at the same level at 3am when asleep, compared to midday. And if you are active…

✢ Be confident ‘Show your age and wisdom in exciting ways to attract the people who you want in your life,’ says Nia. ✢ Be informed Really think about what you're looking for in a partner when you answer their questions, she adds. ✢ Remember to breathe You’re likely to have first-date jitters, so take deep breaths to calm down before a date. Remember, they’re probably as nervous as you. ✢ Don’t hold back You’re adults with lots of life experience. ‘Feel free to talk about sensitive subjects and issues,’ says Nia. ✢ Don’t put up with bad behaviour If potential partners are rude, unreliable or ask for money, say your goodbyes. You are worth more than that. ✢ Include your friends They can guide and support you on your…

My exercise regime… My main staple is hot yoga. I do it three or four times a week. I also stay fit by running up and down the stairs in our house. My diet… I avoid sugar as much as possible, and have lots of fermented things like sauerkraut, kefir and kombucha. I’ve been having Boosh bone broth –it’s got collagen and amino acids and replenishes what you might be missing in your diet. My beauty routine… Trinny London does a lovely AHA/PHA Gel Cleanser called Better Off. My hair has been a bit straw-like and thin because of the menopause so I’ve been using a hair mask called Amika Soul Food. Ideal weekend… I love watching my daughter Polly play football on a Saturday morning – it’s lovely to…

It may be winter outside, but here at Feel Good You we’re spreading a little sunshine. With so much happening in the world, self-care has never been more important – so in this issue, we’re discovering ways to beat the blues, create some calm, and find comfort and joy. We’re counting down to Christmas (don’t panic – there’s still a month to go!) with expert advice on how to have a peaceful (p26) and healthy (p96) celebration. Our festive beauty fairies come bearing gifts too – advice on perfect party looks and a list of must-have stocking fillers (p68) that you should possibly leave out, circled, for loved ones to see! And, talking of treats, don’t miss this month’s special offers. We love the scented sleep box from TOYL (p32),…

Digital vs face-to-face Digital communication is here to stay, and it’s indispensable, especially for those who have friends or family members abroad, or are physically or mentally unable to socialise in person. However, communicating online is often less satisfying, says Gemma. ‘Instant messages, texts and emails don’t contain any non-verbal cues, such as body language.’ This can lead to miscommunication and even needless arguments. Indeed, ‘digital devices negatively impact our in-person social skills,’ says Professor Burianová, ‘leading to lower self-confidence and an inability to sustain eye contact and concentrate on a conversation without getting distracted.’ ‘It’s important to realise that social intimacy is essential to social interaction and mental and physical health, and it only exists in real-life, in-person socialising,’ says Professor Burianová. While digital socialising is definitely better than…

Peaceful, fragrant, deep sleep is perfect to heal and restore your body – and this beautifully curated collection of luxury products will help you on your journey. This offer includes three luxury products from wellness beauty brand Aromatherapy Associates and a lightweight, contoured eye mask to ensure complete darkness, without pressing on delicate eyes. Curated by beauty expert Karen Davis, founder of TOYL, the award-winning beauty box for women over 40, this box includes: Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil, RRP £12, to softly scent skin before winddown time. Aromatherapy Associates Hydrating Rose Face Mask, RRP £45, to soothe skin before bed. Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Sleep Mist, RRP £29, perfect for drifting off to sleep. SMUG Sleep Mask, RRP £12, to help your circadian rhythm enjoy complete…

Shepherd’s pie with root veg mash Mushrooms and lentils in the filling help cut down on meat and make this comforting classic a little lighter. Serves 6 • Prep 30 mins • Cook 1hr 30min 500g lean lamb mince1 large onion, grated2 carrots, grated1 celery sticks, very finely diced250g mushrooms, finely chopped1 sprig rosemary, finely chopped2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked1tbsp plain flour200ml red wine2tsp wholegrain mustard1tbsp Worcestershire sauce500ml beef stock1 bay leaf250g pouch cooked Puy lentils For the mash: 450g of each, celeriac, potatoes and carrots, peeled and diced50ml whole milkKnob of butter25g parmesan, grated 1 Cook lamb in a large lidded casserole over high heat for 12-15 mins. Add in the vegetables and herbs and cook for 12-15 mins more until softened. 2 Stir in the flour and…

Who doesn’t love a roast, especially at this time of the year? In fact, we chomp our way through almost 6,000 calories* on Christmas Day – the same amount as in two large tubs of Quality Street. But with a few tiny tweaks to the prep, there’s some big benefits to be gained. Here’s what you need to know… Turkey For slimming and sleeping ‘Turkey is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid involved in boosting sleep,’ says nutritionist Martina Della Vedova. ‘Poor sleep, stress and low mood have a direct impact on weight gain.’ TRY Remove the skin before eating and opt for the breast. FEAST ON One portion = 200g. Carrots For reversing the years ‘Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, an antioxidant important for healthy skin and immunity,’ says…

Trying to eat healthily? Can’t stomach the cost of fresh food? Despite what we’re led to believe, you don’t actually need to be filling your basket with fresh fruit and veg to get those all-important nutrients. This is especially true of products that are cheaper and more nutritious when frozen, such as berries, broccoli and beans. ‘Fresh foods destined for the freezer are harvested when they’re at their ripest and often nutritionally at their best. Many vegetables are also briefly blanched in hot water prior to freezing to help retain nutrients for longer,’ says Dr Tanja Harrison, a lecturer in public health nutrition at the University of Chester. So, yes – you can boost your winter immunity, stay healthy and save those pennies. Here’s how. CHOOSE WISELY Unfortunately for our…

In theory, all our faces look better veiled in a light, glowy base than smothered in a flat, full-cover one. In practice, light bases can’t even be trusted to make it to the end of a long night taxi ride, but the sandwich technique can help. Begin with a thin spreading of grippy, invisible, face primer, buff in a coat of lightweight base, then top it off with a smattering of soft-focus loose powder. Yes, that’s three products instead of one, but those extra workhorse layers allow you to wear a skin-like, dewy base and have it last. NARS Soft Matte Primer, £30.50, narscosmetics.co.uk, and Laura Mercier Light Catcher Setting Powder, £34, cultbeauty.co.uk, make a hardworking, weightless duo. L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum, £14.99, Boots, is water-light…

Can a nude nail be a festive nail? Sheer polish doesn’t exactly bleed tinsel, but if red glitter isn’t your thing, this could be your year because neutrals are the new sparkles. Or rather, sparkly neutrals, frosted toffee talons and arty designs in pared-back hues are the trends to try. This jazzy-chic combination says ‘party time’ wrapped around a glass of fizz at 8pm, but won’t look a bit much for doing the big shop the next day.…

JAB A straight punch with your lead hand. Step in with your front foot as you extend your fist with your knuckles pointing downwards, then bring your hand back to your face. REAR HOOK Pivot towards your rear hand. Keep your elbow at 90 degrees as you throw a punch. Bring your hands back to your face. LEAD UPPERCUT Shift your weight to the front foot, lower your stance and drop your front arm slightly. Rotate hips and drive your front hand upwards, with palm towards your face. CROSS Straight punch with your back hand (if you’re right-handed, this is your right fist). Pivot off your back foot as you extend your arm in alignment with your shoulder, knuckles down. Bring your hand back to your face. LEAD HOOK Both…

If you usually skip my column and head to those nice travel bits at the end, then just give me a moment. Earlier this year, you may have been one of the thousands of people who ‘joined a gym’. Box ticked. Phew, you feel fitter already. The fantastic range of classes that most health clubs offer do hit the spot. Yoga for flexibility, Bodypump for strength, Zumba for uplifting cardio, spinning for cyclists and weights for lifting. You like going, you feel good afterwards and the cafe serves great coffee. So the choice between joining a health club (lots of classes, danger of faffing) and trying a personal trainer (you do what they say and no faffing) might sound like a no-contest, but a PT could be a better bet.…

For most people, COVID-19 is a mild infection that improves over a few days to a week or so. The majority who have had the virus make a full recovery by 12 weeks. But around one in five patients may develop Long COVID symptoms. Within this group, most will slowly improve over time. Long COVID symptoms can affect every organ system in the body. The most common one is tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest, and you may also have brain fog. These symptoms relapse or worsen after episodes of physical or mental exertion – called post-exertional malaise (PEM). Other symptoms include headaches, weakness, long-term changes in taste and smell, tinnitus, recurrent fever, palpitations, shortness of breath, aches and pains, change to appetite, mood changes and more. Different people may…

EHARMONY ✢ Website: eharmony.co.uk Has an app: yes ✢ Cost: free to join. Membership from £9.95 per month ✢ Good for: finding a serious match ✢ Safety: users are vetted ✢ Choice: there are 3.5 million members (of different ages) ✢ Reasons to avoid: free membership doesn’t offer much MATCH ✢ Website: match.com Has an app: yes ✢ Cost: free to join. Membership from £9.99 per month ✢ Good for: matching similar interests, group events, meeting people of all ages ✢ Safety: profiles are moderated ✢ Reasons to avoid: Cancelling membership and getting refunds can be tricky MUDDY MATCHES ✢ Website: muddymatches.co.uk Has an app: yes ✢ Cost: free to join. Membership from £7.74 per month ✢ Good for: meeting people who enjoy a rural lifestyle, finding romance or friendship…

On average, people tell one to two lies per day.* Whether we tell a little white lie to protect someone’s feelings or to keep a life-changing secret, we’re all guilty of not being completely honest, all of the time. Take our quiz to discover what it says about you. 1 A colleague asks if you saw the latest must-see TV show, you… A Lie and say, yes, of course! B Say you think you know the one they mean… C Sheepishly say no D Say you’ve seen so many lately – so probably! 2 Your boss says you look peaky (you weren’t well last night), you… A Laugh and say you’re fine! B Say you will be OK C Admit you weren’t well D Act surprised, but say you’re going to see…

1 WHEN… waiting in an endless queue You can’t make the line at the supermarket checkout move faster, but you can control your irritation. How? Mentally transport yourself out of the queue, taking your mind to your favourite place for five minutes. Using all of your senses, imagine what you can see, hear and smell, thinking about how it feels to be there. 2 WHEN… tempers are flaring Step away from the drama, sit somewhere quiet, and try the four-seven-eight technique. Exhale through your mouth, then inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four. Then hold your breath for a count of seven. Let your breath out slowly through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat at least twice, then rejoin the family 3 WHEN… you’re overwhelmed…

The way your brain reacts to a social situation depends on how you feel about it, and some of us may still be a little out of practise since the pandemic. If you feel stressed by an interaction or situation, instead of all those ‘feel-good’ hormones, ‘you’ll experience the release of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol, which prepare you to fight or flee,’ says Ginny. This is more likely to happen if you struggle with social anxiety, which sadly can be debilitating. You may be tempted to avoid your triggers and therefore begin to isolate yourself, but this will only exacerbate your symptoms. Try these tips instead: ✢ Set small, achievable goals Try making time to see friends just once a week at first. Start with short periods of time and…

Brussels sprouts Don’t save them for Christmas! Sprouts not only contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, they are rich in fibre for a healthy gut. Research into the gut-brain axis – the biochemical link between our gut and our brain – suggests that a healthy gut equals a healthy mind. Chocolate An unbalanced immune system can affect our mood. To keep it in check, nibble on good quality chocolate – the darker the better. ‘Go for at least 80% cocoa, which is packed with polyphenols, highly protective antioxidants that help your immune system,’ says nutritional therapist Judy Watson. Clementines Apart from being packed with immune-boosting vitamin C, this citrus fruit can help boost your mood. The scent is uplifting and calming, according to an Austrian study. In addition, a UCLA study says eating…

✢ SET GOALS ‘Work out how many units you’re regularly drinking and how many you’d like to be drinking,’ says Dr Piper. Visit alcoholchange.org.uk to take their drinking quiz or use the unit calculator. Introduce other boundaries, like only drinking what you enjoy. ✢ MONITOR YOUR DRINKING This will help you identify patterns, such as when (and why) you slip up. Do you drink more when you’re alone or with certain groups of people? Do you drink faster or slower than others? Track things like where you drink, when, how much, with who and how you feel during and afterwards. Try the free DrinkCoach app (App Store, Google Play). ✢ PLAN AHEAD ‘When you aren’t prepared, your brain defaults to the easiest, most well-trodden path,’ says Angela. Decide what you…

Asian sticky salmon This dish is rich in vitamin D and EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which may regulate dopamine and serotonin, both helpful in beating anxiety. Serves 8-10 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 20 mins 1 whole side salmonCoriander, finely choppedRed chilli, deseeded and choppedLime wedges, to serve For the marinade 2tbsp each of soy sauce, honey and rice wine vinegar4tbsp hoisin sauce2 star anise2tsp Thai 7 spice or Chinese 5 spice2tsp fish sauce2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 Mix marinade ingredients together. Put salmon on a piece of foil, pour on marinade, scrunch foil edges together. Marinate in fridge for at least 6 hrs. 2 Heat oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7. Remove salmon from marinade, put on an oiled double piece of foil in an oven tray.…

Neutral shades get the most action in all of our palettes, but we are talking make-up for special moments here. As well as being very winter ‘22, green is glamorous, brings out golden flecks in brown or hazel eyes and contrasts with baby blues. You don’t have to go full Emerald City. Seek out shadows in shimmering moss or cool khaki. The risk-averse could start with eyeliner in a green so dark it’s practically black. Try Pixi Eyelift Max in Olive, £12, pixibeauty.co.uk, Diorshow 24H Stylo in 471 Matte Green, £22.50, Dior.com, or Sisley Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof in Matte Jungle, £34, sisley-paris.com. All have perfect textures for drawing along the lash line then blending out. Grab the Pat McGrath Labs Intensifeyes Artistry Wand, £27, patmcgrath.com. This clear stick primes the…

Christmas is just around the corner, so what better way to treat yourself than with a new fragrance? Traditional eau de parfum spritzed from a bottle is wonderful, but it’s not the only way to enjoy fragrance. From hair perfumes and body creams to diffusers and candles, there’s a wealth of olfactory offerings to choose from. But how do you decide what’s for you? Layer up Le Labo has adapted a few of its signature scents into luxuriously silky body lotions, including the iconic Santal 33, £52, lelabofragrances.com. So potent is the fragrance, you could wear it in place of perfume, all the while benefiting from the skin-softening cocktail of vitamin E, vitamin A and aloe vera. Bath oils, too, are a fantastic vehicle for fragrance, combining skincare with a…

While a humble pack of stretchy, multicoloured bands is a fraction of the cost of a home weights rack or annual gym membership, don’t underestimate their efficiency. Elastic resistance training supports similar strength gains to conventional resistance training, such as using free weights and machines, according to researchers. They’re cheap, powerful and easy to tidy away or carry with you, so your new workout routine can fit around your busy lifestyle, no sweat. Here’s all you need to know about these nifty bands so you can get toned up, fast! Resistance is not futile Incorporating resistance exercise into your fitness routine, rather than just relying on cardio, is key to maintaining mobility as you age. ‘Resistance training builds muscle and bone density. It can particularly improve spinal bone density and…

In the UK, 23% of breast cancer cases are preventable. Here are some ways to lower your chances. ✢ DRINK IN MODERATION That’s no more than the recommended 14 units a week. Around 8% of female breast cancer cases are linked to drinking alcohol. ✢ EAT A BALANCED, VARIED DIET Include lots of fruit, vegetables and wholefoods and very little processed food. Studies show that the Mediterranean diet is particularly good for cancer prevention. ✢ MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT Postmenopausal women who are overweight or obese are more likely to get breast cancer than women within the normal weight range. ✢ EXERCISE MORE It can reduce the risk by up to 40%. ✢ DON’T SMOKE Smokers and ex-smokers both have a higher risk of breast cancer than non-smokers. ✢ GET YOUR…

Q Recently I’ve noticed that my teeth seem to be stained. Why is this happening? I’d like to get them whitened, but I can’t afford it professionally – are home kits safe to use on them? A Tooth staining or having discoloured teeth is common and can be caused by ageing, as the enamel on the tooth wears away. It can also be related to disease or treatment, for example head and neck radiotherapy. Common food and drink culprits include ‘brown’ drinks such as tea, coffee and cola, as well as red wine and certain fruit and vegetables, such as blueberries. Smoking is another big culprit for teeth staining, as is poor dental hygiene. Cutting down on drinks that discolour them will help, as can drinking through a straw, so…

Mindful You is a fabulous digital magazine which can help you escape the everyday and prompt you to start seriously thinking about your wellbeing and mindfulness. Practising mindfulness is a great way to keep well and help you process the stresses of everyday life. If your get-up-and-go has got up and gone, we have expert advice for you. Discover how to boost your mood, find happiness and re-energise, as well as how to rediscover the real you. While mindfulness is often a solo pursuit, uncover the benefits of sharing it with a partner to strengthen your connection. Learn why self care is so important and what to consider when creating a dedicated space for mindful activities. If that wasn’t enough, the magazine explores a more conscious way of eating and…

Dating can be a scary prospect at any time in life, but it’s arguably more so as you get older. You may be out of practice and unsure about current dating etiquette or trends, you could be a long-time singleton or divorced or widowed and carrying some of the emotional baggage that comes with age. And while the days of exchanging numbers in a bar or flirting at work still exist, more and more people are connecting on websites and via dating apps. ‘In this era of technology, there are many opportunities for online dating in later life,’ says Nia Williams, a relationship coach for Miss Date Doctor (relationshipsmdd.com). The advantages, says Nia, are that online dating sites can help us to expand our social network. They can also provide…

It’s coming up to Christmas and soon – if you haven’t already – you will be decking the halls with boughs of holly and spreading tidings of comfort and joy. As lovely as this sounds, when it comes to family the festive season is often the opposite of jolly. Tension can soar as celebrating with your nearest and dearest brings bad feelings to the surface or simmering resentments to the boil. Here are five common festive family flashpoints, and some essential survival tips. Hosting hassles The classic question ‘who do we spend Christmas with?’ can create huge tension. The issues here aren’t just the practical ones of who hosts, who visits, who does the Christmas Eve drive and so on, but the meaning of the get-togethers. If your parents have…

MOSTLY As LIE FIEND Oh dear, you’re not a good truth-teller! You’ll find yourself bending the truth so much that it becomes detrimental. Take a deep breath, and be honest. MOSTLY Bs THE SKIRTER-AROUNDER You’re neither here nor there when it comes to truth-telling, you already know the answer is no but can’t bear to hurt anyone’s feelings. Does it not burden you? Relieve that weight and be truthful. MOSTLY Cs AN OPEN BOOK Well done, you’re a great example of a truth-teller. You’re open and honest, even when it’s scary or not what people want to hear. Being truthful helps you be a good friend and colleague who people trust. MOSTLY DS THE LINGERER Uh oh, you tend to dwell on the truth so much that you forget to…