Innholdsfortegnelse for 18-Jan-2021 i Woman's Own

After five years on the panel, Saira Khan has made the difficult choice to leave Loose Women – the second big name to bow out of the show since anchor Andrea McLean left in December. But while it clearly isn’t a decision she came to lightly, Saira told Woman’s Own she’s excited for the future now that she’s not tied to the ITV show. But why do the Loose Women panellists seem to be dropping like flies? ‘Sometimes on a show you get stereotyped’ OPEN TO OTHER THINGS Saira tells us, ‘Sometimes when you’re on a particular show, you get stereotyped. Opportunities don’t come your way because people presume that you’re not available.’ She adds, ‘Now, to publicly say, “I’m available, I’ve left the show, I’m really open to other…

Q I have been on sertraline for several years for anxiety. I started a new healthy-living plan during the second lockdown and was feeling so good I decided to stop them. Sadly, I became very agitated again and, after a few weeks, had to restart them. I’m so disappointed. Am I going to be on them forever? A Hopefully not. Sertraline is one of a family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They are not addictive, but if stopped abruptly, they can cause agitation. Have a chat with your GP, who will probably advise that you wean down slowly. Usually, we suggest you start by reducing the dose to alternate days for a few weeks and then review the situation.…

Our children are at war with each other Q Four months ago I moved in with my new partner. I love him, but I’m now worried that we rushed into it. We both have two kids, and every second weekend they are together with us, and it is horrible. Our daughters (both 10) hate each other, and our sons (eight and 14) refuse to speak to anyone. We desperately want them to get on, but they say they won’t even try. Katie, 47, by email A Maybe you did rush into it, maybe you didn’t, but what’s important now is what are you going to do to make it work. If the kids don’t get on, swap their weekends around so that they are not together. There’s plenty of time…

Have you heard about? Eating mushrooms for vitamin D boost Mushrooms contain a compound called ergosterol, enabling them to produce vitamin D. ‘If you can’t get vitamin D-enriched mushrooms, place regular mushrooms outside in direct sunlight for 30 minutes and they will enrich with vitamin D,’ says nutritionist Rob Hobson.* Yoga for menopause Struggling with symptoms? Guided yoga and meditation may help ease hot flushes, insomnia and mood changes. Try YogaBellies’ Rock Your Menopause course (£49, yogabellies.com). Hair washing for a healthy scalp 79% of Brits suffer with scalp problems such as sensitivity or dandruff – but good hygiene can help. ‘Don’t leave more than three days between shampoos,’ advises trichologist Anabel Kingsley. How to... Spot the signs of early diabetes Dr Sarah Brewer, working with CuraLin, shares her advice…

It is a pivotal moment in a relationship when you set up a joint account, symbolising your commitment to each other. You’re in it for the long run, but relationships can be unpredictable. And so, women are setting up a different sort of account when falling in love, one that won’t be shared with their other half. More than a fifth of women are arming themselves with financial support by setting up a savings account in case things don’t work out. Where children are involved, that figure rises to a quarter. Women such as mum-of-two Eimear O’Hagan, 39, believe it doesn’t matter how solid your relationship is, you may one day have a need for a back-up bank balance. But is it pessimistic and unreasonable to set up a secret…

As I sat in a session on baby-choking prevention with my daughter Isabelle, then eight months, propped on my knee, I listened intently as the group leader described the intense trauma of a child’s suffocation. As all the other mothers and babies sat quietly, Isabelle suddenly began to bawl. Subtly whipping out my boob so she could latch on for a feed, I hoped I’d prevented her potential screaming session in the middle of a very serious moment. But, as Isabelle withdrew to catch her breath after the initial suckle, my breast acted like a sprinkler, super-soaking her and a couple of nearby babies and toddlers. Other parents gave me an awkwardly sympathetic smile before quietly wiping the warm breast milk from their children’s faces. ‘Well, that’s something they don’t…

‘We are incredibly proud of this’ Davina McCall on the 10th series of Long Lost Family Get the tissues out because Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell are back with more heartbreaking stories of separation and emotional family reunions in a new series of Long Lost Family. ‘The stories are all so different’ Supported by a team of trained intermediaries, DNA experts and investigators, Nicky and Davina help people find relatives who, for one reason or another, are missing from their lives. ‘In the first episode, we meet Phyllis and Kevin, who were teenagers when their baby son was adopted against their wishes,’ says Davina. ‘They fought through the courts to get him back when he was a baby and they had spent 40 years looking for him before contacting the…

MOSTLY As Introvert You hate interrupting people, even if you’re busy or disagree with what they’re saying. But interactions should be positive and beneficial to you, so make sure you don’t allow yourself to be a ‘doormat’. Practise speaking up – starting with something small. It doesn’t mean you’re rude, only that you’re looking out for yourself – and that’s OK. MOSTLY Bs Rudely introverted You’re introverted to the point of occasional rudeness. It’s fine to be a little shy, but it’s better to try not to ignore people or listen half-heartedly, as you could find they turn against you. Bite your lip in situations you can’t get out of, or smile and apologise, making the excuse that you’re needed elsewhere. MOSTLY Cs Extrovert You’re open, confident and like to…

Why Dancing on Ice star Jason wants to get his skates on… down under! How’s it all going? It’s going! I’m cautiously optimistic. I’ve put in the time. I love Alex [Schauman, Jason’s pro Dancing on Ice partner] and it’s all about the pairing. No risk, no gain – you’ve just got to get in there. I’m an adrenaline junkie. I like to ski, swim and surf, but the ice is very different. Put it this way, you don’t want to go near it if you had a [glass of] red [wine] the night before! Well the ice is very slippy… I’m aware of the jeopardy. It’s a certain type of person who is crazy enough to get out there. When you’re with professionals, you see the hard work paying…

BIG BROTHER WANNABE Alison Hammond first came to the nation’s attention when she appeared in the 2002 series of Big Brother, alongside the likes of the late Jade Goody and eventual winner Kate Lawler. Despite being the second housemate to be evicted, Alison, now 45, cemented a place in our hearts in that hilarious moment when she broke the garden table after jumping on it! HER BIG BREAK Her brief stint on Big Brother caught the attention of TV execs and, in 2003, she was signed up to be a celebrity reporter on ITV’s This Morning. In the last 17 years, she’s interviewed some of the biggest A-listers in the world, including Will Smith (right), Renée Zellweger and Harrison Ford – who she managed to get drunk. She’s even been…

Her departure may be another blow for Loose Women, but businesswoman Saira has plenty of other things to focus on. As well as being mum to 12-year-old Zachariah and nine-year-old Amara, who she shares with husband Steve Hyde, Saira is taking part in the new series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and is quickly becoming something of a fitness guru on Instagram. Turning 50 has been life-changing for Saira, too. ‘For me, 50 has been a turning point and a realisation that self-care, self-discipline self-respect [are] the key to living a healthy, happy life,’ she says. Saira’s positive attitude is not only refreshing, but is clearly the key to her success, too. She recently said, ‘Never give up on your dreams, goals or objectives. Just keep chipping away at…

Labia surgery has caused her problems Q My daughter told me she has had her labia trimmed and that now whenever she goes to the loo, the urine sprays all down her thighs. She is distraught. Is this normal and will it settle down? A The inner labia are designed to funnel urine and prevent this. It could be that too much tissue has been removed. She should speak to her surgeon in the first instance. I have seen this once before and the lady required plastic surgery to recreate a functioning labia.…

1 BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. If you’re feeling anxious, angry or stressed, admit it. When you express it out loud, the emotion you’re experiencing will slowly start to decrease. 2 BREATHE AND DROP YOUR SHOULDERS. Relaxing your body and consciously taking breaths takes you out of the stress response and will start to calm you down. 3 DOWNLOAD THE SIMPLE HABIT APP. This app (in-app purchases, available on iOS and Android) offers stress relief for busy people. It provides audio meditations as short as five minutes, which helps to reduce stress and calm the mind.…

What can you do in five minutes, really? Make a sandwich? Listen to one song? Hang the washing out? How about improving your wellbeing? Yep, that’s right – in just five minutes a day, you really can make a difference to your mental health. We show you how with this exclusive extract from author and life coach Joanne Mallon’s Change your Life in Five Minutes a Day (£8.99, Summersdale). IN THE MORNING This is when motivation and energy levels are highest, making new, positive habits easier to begin. Slot one of these into your day… Breathe in confidence A trick used by professional speakers to help them feel calm and confident; place your dominant hand on your stomach. Take relaxed, full breaths, feeling the abdomen pull in then out again.…

Spiced chicken with fruity couscous and yogurt Serves 4 Fresh herbs, dried apricots and marinated chicken meld together beautifully in this colourful salad. You will need ✽ 3tbsp harissa paste ✽ 150g natural yogurt ✽ 4 skinless chicken breasts ✽ 200g couscous ✽ 50g dried apricots, sliced ✽ 50g sultanas ✽ 350ml hot chicken stock ✽ 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed ✽ 2 carrots, grated ✽ Handful fresh parsley, roughly chopped ✽ Fresh mint, leaves picked How to do it 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. 2 Put the harissa paste and yogurt into a bowl and mix together. Place ¾ of it in an ovenproof dish, add the chicken and turn, so the meat is coated. Leave for 15 mins to marinate. Transfer to the oven and…

We’re a nation of pet lovers and, on average, take up to seven photos of our pets every day – that’s 2,555 per person, per year! Online phone retailer Mobiles.co.uk searched the country for pictures of the UK’s cutest and funniest pets and the winning entries didn’t disappoint. Striking their sweetest and funniest poses, here are our top four faves. PAWSOME POUNCE We often end up wondering where our pets get all of their energy from, especially when they’re happy to run after a ball, only for us to throw it again – and again and again! Here, pup Rudi shows us just what a bundle of fun dogs can be with this spectacular high jump. WHO, ME?! As pet owners, we know that guilty look all too well. Who…

Raymond Blanc Learn to cook like the Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur in his new ITV series Simply Raymond Blanc, which will see him share the secrets of a new collection of simple, rustic recipes. Cher In Cher’s Elephant Airlift on Smithsonian, the singing legend embarks on a journey to save Kaavan, aka the world’s loneliest elephant, by transporting him from captivity in Pakistan, where he’s spent 10 years alone, to an elephant refuge in Cambodia.…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr You’re touched by everything around you and are looking at ways to help others. A community support group or charity could use your services. Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May Relaxing with a good book and cooking for your partner makes you happy. There’s magic in the air, you’re planning your future and making more time for yourself. Gemini 21 May – 20 Jun Explore all possibilities with a partner, break down walls, follow your emotions, trust your instincts. You can move forward if you let your heart speak. Cancer 21 Jun – 22 Jul Don’t concern yourself with others’ problems – recharge your own batteries. A call will surprise you, and a friend reveals that a past love wants to return. Leo 23…

WEDDING BELLS FOR STACEY AND JOE! Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have already got lots to look forward to in 2021 – after revealing he popped the question on Christmas Eve! And Loose Women panellist Stacey, 31, is clearly wasting no time in planning their big day, as she’s confirmed they will marry this year. Taking to Instagram, Stacey shared the moment Joe, 38, proposed, and her three children – Rex, one, Leighton, eight, and Zachary, 12 – could be heard cheering in the background as she said yes. Congratulations!…

If months were people, January would definitely be the one you avoided. Dull, grey and definitely not sexy. But woah, hold on there. Because those people whose job it is to come up with special ‘days’ for us to commemorate have packed the first month of 2021 with so much weird stuff that by the time you’ve got your head around it, it’ll be February. ‘It means you have no time for normal stuff’ For instance, this week you can celebrate Kiss A Ginger Day. No, really. Evidently it originated in 2009 to offset Kick A Ginger Day (wait, what?!). The advice is to share the love for the special redhead in your life. Or if you don’t have one, you could stop by your local bakery for a ginger…

Getting more calcium for my bones Q My mum suffered with osteoporosis and my GP tells me this can run in families, so asked me to have a DEXA scan. The results show I’m on the border between normal and osteoporosis. I’ve been told to increase my calcium, but have been dairy-free for years. Should I take supplements? A Good sources of calcium include green leafy veg including kale, okra and spinach, and fish like sardines where you eat the bones. Some soya drinks and breads may be fortified with added calcium. Check out theros.org.uk for more information and if you still think you aren’t getting enough dietary calcium, speak to your doctor about supplements. I don’t know how to help my dad Q A few weeks ago, my dad…

It’s unlikely that going for a smear test is top of your favourite-ways-to-spend-half-an-hour list. But the stark truth is, it could save your life. Every year, over 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK – it’s the second most common cancer after breast cancer. However, if caught in the early stages, when cells might be abnormal but not yet cancerous, it can be treated much more easily, and your chances of surviving it are high. From 18 to 24 January this year, the cervical cancer charity Jo’s Trust are launching Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, with the aim of making women aware of the signs as well as encouraging them to go for screening. ‘Our main aim is to prevent cervical cancer, and one of the best ways…

Dark When it comes to finding the perfect red for a darker skin tone, blue or brown undertones tend to be safer and easier to pull off than warm, orange shades. NYX Shout Loud Satin Lipstick in Everybody Lies, £8, is a sultry red with cool notes. If it’s the perfect neutral you’re searching for, look no further than Becca Ultimate Lipstick Love in Dusk, £20, ASOS – a warm and soft pink. Pale Lipsticks with cool undertones work well on alabaster complexions. Warm, orange-based shades can exacerbate underlying redness. Try a blue-red like MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, £17.50, – it will make your teeth look whiter, too. If you prefer the natural look, a pinky balm like Lanolips Tinted Balm in Perfect Nude, £8.99, cultbeauty.co.uk, will…

BUY IT Cook it Asda Fusilli, Penne, Conchiglie and Spaghetti 500g SPICY MEATBALL PASTA BAKE Serves 4 You will need ✽ 6 spring onions, chopped ✽ 2 garlic cloves, chopped ✽ 2 red chillies, deseeded and chopped ✽ 500g minced pork or chicken ✽ 1tsp dried mixed herbs ✽ 1tbsp olive oil ✽ 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes ✽ 1tsp brown sugar ✽ 300g fusilli pasta ✽ 4tbsp freshly grated Parmesan How to do it 1 Mix together the spring onions, garlic, chillies, minced pork or chicken and mixed herbs. Season and shape the mixture into approximately 24 balls. 2 Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the meatballs for 2-3 mins until golden. Add the canned tomatoes and brown sugar, then bring to the boil…

Dogs look like their owners, right? Yes, actually, it is a proven scientific fact! Various studies have shown this to be the case, as participants have been able to match photos of dogs with those of their owners with incredible accuracy – 80% of the time on some occasions. But why is this? Psychologist Sadahiko Nakajima, who has carried out research on dog-owner facial resemblance, puts it down to the so-called ‘mere exposure effect’, or the notion someone might choose to get a dog who looks similar to themselves because of a natural preference for familiarity. A dog may seem more comforting to us if it resembles members of our family who we are close to. Studies have shown that women with long hair are more likely to prefer dogs…

1 It’s a Sin, C4 Set in the 1980s, this five-part drama follows gay teenager Ritchie Tozer (Olly Alexander), who begins a new life in London with a group of friends, but their lives are tested when AIDS arrives on the scene. Keeley Hawes, Stephen Fry and Neil Patrick Harris also star. 2 The Bay, ITV Morecambe detective Lisa Armstrong (Morven Christie) is back with yet more challenges both in her work and home life. This time, there’s a new case involving a shocking murder within a loving family. But can she solve it and prove her worth? 3 Finding Alice, ITV Busy Keeley Hawes (see top) stars as Alice, whose husband Harry (Jason Merrells) has a fatal accident after they move into their dream home. The six-part drama follows…

Five years ago, Gregg Wallace was told by his doctor that he was at risk of having a heart attack because of his sky-high cholesterol levels. It was the wake-up call he needed to lose weight and, after shedding an incredible 4st, he launched his own website, ShowMe.Fit, during the first lockdown last year – which offers recipes, exercises and nutritional advice. The MasterChef star – who is also back on our screens with two new travelogues this month, South Africa with Gregg Wallace on ITV and Gregg Wallace’s Fun Weekend on Channel 5 – also recently opened up about his battle with alcohol, crediting his fourth wife, Anne-Marie, 34, – whom he refers to as Anna – for turning his life around. Here, the 56-year-old tells us about their…