Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, March 25, 2024 i Woman's Own

We’re a long way from January and resolutions, but it doesn’t have to be the start of the year to make a big change. If you’ve ever fancied trying something new and just need a bit of a push, turn to p58. I love reader Dee’s story about picking up a brand new hobby (not just cycling, but riding a BMX!) – her story proves that sometimes all you need to do is take the leap! If you’re inspired to get adventurous but you’d rather do it in the kitchen, why not try the new recipes on p32? Those noodles were a big hit at my house! There’s plenty more, too – on p52 Kaye Adams lifts the lid on the Loose Women team’s dream reality show! Enjoy, and have…

When Chloe Madeley and James Haskell called time on their five-year marriage last year, Chloe admitted that her parents, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, were ‘incredible’ and ‘supportive’ and ‘didn’t leave [her] side’. ‘I’m so grateful to have parents like that. They’re so kind, warm, generous, funny and intelligent. I really hit the jackpot,’ she said. It’s clear that Richard and Judy will do anything to support their daughter and reports at the time of the split claimed that Richard, especially, ‘wasn’t happy’ with James. And with the former rugby player seemingly withdrawing from the rumoured Celebrity Big Brother line-up following reports that Chloe was ‘worried’ about him airing their dirty laundry, has James been encouraged to keep schtum? Chloe’s concerns In January, James was said to be ‘in advanced…

WONDER WOMEN Please, let’s stop treating the menopause like an ‘illness’. I have an apology to make. I’m a woman of a ‘certain’ age and I feel marvellous. I don’t feel diseased, mentally ill or have an overwhelming urge to tear the head off anyone. I’m also managing perfectly well to get out of bed, slap on some make-up and go to work. In short, I’m functioning well and enjoying being part of an amazing group of humans. The strong, caring, feisty, fearless and, frankly, the best kind. Or women as I like to call us. Yet, to wallow in some of the stuff written about us today, you’d think we were all pathetic gibbering wrecks permanently at the doctors begging for medication. Whatever stage of womanhood you are currently…

Happy to see the back of long winter days and bad weather? The new season is a great opportunity to eat healthier, move more, be outdoors, and get your sleep back on track – but health niggles can also strike as we head into spring. Think you know what will help you feel your best? Test yourself and get our expert tips on handling the switch. Take the test Grab a pen and circle your chosen answer for each question. 1 WHICH OF THESE MIGHT IMPROVE IN SPRING? A Blood pressureB InflammationC Eyesight 2 WHAT SURPRISING THING SHOULD YOU DO FOLLOWING THE CLOCK CHANGE? A Drink more teaB Take care drivingC Change your bed sheets 3 WHAT IS LEISURE SICKNESS? A Being allergic to exerciseB Feeling ill when you relaxC…

Struggling to remember names? Always misplacing your keys? Forgetfulness is a natural part of ageing, but occasionally it can be a sign of something more serious, such as dementia*. The condition affects almost 950,000 people in the UK, with women more at risk than men, found a report by Alzheimer’s Society. And numbers are set to soar to 1.6 million by 2040. ‘Many people fear dementia runs in the family, but in the vast majority of cases it’s not inherited,’ explains Kensa Morgan, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK. While there’s no cure yet, it’s possible to delay development. ‘Getting older is undeniably the biggest risk factor, however research shows that one in three cases are preventable.’ Here’s how to help ward off cognitive decline. 1 Look after your heart…

Everything chop suey SERVES 1 Great for a clear-out, anything goes in this American-Chinese classic. PREP TIME: 10 MINSCOOK TIME: 6-7 MINSCALS: 353 FAT: 18GSAT FAT: 3G CARBS: 8G YOU WILL NEED 1tbsp rapeseed oil1 garlic clove, crushed1 red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped¼ red onion, sliced100g mini chicken fillets, sliced into strips1tbsp Shaohsing rice wine or dry sherry2-3 raw or cooked tiger prawns, shelled, deveined and sliced in half down the middle30g bacon lardons, finely diced1tsp dark soy sauce6 tinned water chestnuts or 10 tinned bamboo shoots, drained1 small handful bean sprouts1tbsp oyster sauce¼tsp chilli bean sauce1tbsp low-sodium light soy sauce2 spring onions, sliced on the diagonal Cooked rice, to serve HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat a wok over a high heat until smoking. Add the oil and give…

READER QUESTION Q What is a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and how do I get one? A The UK GHIC lets you get necessary state healthcare in EU countries, and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident – so if they get free treatment, so do you. The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but you can use an existing EHIC until the expiry date on the card. Visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk. Go green for less When you’re using your washing machine, turning items inside out can help prevent colour fading and it can also protect decorative designs such as screen prints and embroidery too, says Whirlpool*. 3 easy ways to... spend less on shopping See if you can slash what you…

Presenter Kaye Adams has enjoyed more than 30 years of TV success, but is best known as a panellist on lunchtime chat show Loose Women. Kaye, 61, who competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, also hosts the How to be 60 podcast. She lives in Glasgow with her partner Ian Campbell and their two daughters, Charly, 21, and Bonnie, 17. We chatted to her about her biggest passions. 1 Item in your wardrobe My Strictly Come Dancing dressing gown. It’s the fluffiest, warmest dressing gown ever and it reminds me of my time on Strictly when I was happily in my dressing room, rather than out on the dance floor making an a**e of myself! I love a dressing gown, I’m like Hugh Hefner! Sometimes, I’ll catch my poor…

Denise’s ABUSE ORDEAL Former Coronation Street star Denise Welch has bravely opened up about her past experience with domestic abuse. As part of Loose Women’s awareness campaign Facing It Together, Denise, 65, revealed, ‘Many, many, many years ago I was in what I would call an emotionally abusive relationship.’ She continued, ‘It was never physical – but they are bruises that you just can’t see. It makes me shudder now to think that I put up with that for so long and getting out of that was the best thing that I ever did.’ Denise, who did not disclose the name of the former partner, added, ‘These people chip away at your personality. People have said to me that I can’t imagine you’d “put up with that”, but my personality…

PETAL POWER The ideal outfit for a garden party. Top, £15, sizes 8-20, Matalan GOLDEN GIRL Complete your outfit with these gorgeous earrings. £10, Accessorize SAVE THE BEES Soothing and delicious. Honey & Vanilla Lip Balm, £6.20, beegood.co.uk EYE EYE! Banish signs of fatigue. Wishful Eye Lift & Contour Mask, £4, cultbeauty.co.uk WALK TALL Slip into neutral. Trousers, £35, sizes 8-24, Cotton Traders TIME FOR TEA Create the perfect spring tablescape. Tablecloth, £5, cake stand, £10, checked mugs, £3 each, dessert bowl, £3, woven place mats, £6 for two, daisy bowl, £5, daisy mug, £3.50, daisy place mat and coaster set, £6, daisy plate, £3.50, wooden boards, £5 each, mini bowls, £3 for three, woven coasters, £3 for two, candle holders with flowers, £8 each, faux grass with flowers, £15,…

Looking across at my husband Hughie, 43, who was sitting next to me, I saw the fear in his eyes and knew he could see it in mine too. We were at an oncology appointment. Hughie had been referred for tests after he’d suffered severe pain in his hip. Fit, healthy and a keen runner, for months we’d put it down to a pulled muscle, but now our worst fears were becoming a reality. ‘IT WAS LIKE A CYCLE WE COULDN’T ESCAPE’ ‘Hughie has high-grade giant cell-rich osteosarcoma (GCRO),’ the doctor said. Instinctively, I reached a hand out to hold Hughie’s and desperately tried to keep it together. I’d not long found out I was pregnant with our second child, which made the diagnosis all the more devastating. I had…

WHAT’S WRONG WITH MY TONGUE? Q Over the past few weeks my tongue has looked weird. There are smooth red patches that seem to change shape and sometimes my tongue feels sore, especially if I eat anything spicy. Otherwise, I’m fit and well. Is this something I should be worried about? A This doesn’t sound worrying, but you should see your doctor. You may have a fungal infection, which is easily treated with antifungal lozenges, or you could have a condition called geographic tongue, which often goes away without the need for treatment. Your doctor may also offer you a mouth rinse to numb the tongue or a topical steroid to reduce the inflammation. Help! I’ve damaged my eardrum Q Recently, I was involved in a car accident and hit…

Hair repair Give your hair the TLC it deserves with a repairing shampoo. Infused with nourishing oils and extracts, these are ideal for dry and damaged strands in need of a moisture injection. Over time your hair should be softer, silkier and stronger. SAVE Rhyme & Reason Repair & Restore Shampoo, £8.99, Boots SPLURGE Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo, £54, Harrods Relax your body Nothing helps you unwind more than a bath loaded with fragrant oil or a relaxing massage. Lavender is known for its calming properties so invest in a formula that will soothe mind, body and soul. SAVE Botanics Peaceful Night Massage & Body Oil, £9.50, Boots SPLURGE Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Body Oil, £52, John Lewis & Partners Floral fragrance You can’t go wrong with a…

Thousands of people are born into care each year in the UK, going on to be fostered or adopted. But while for most, there are records of their birth, details of their biological parents and family history, for a rare few, no such information exists. From newborns left on doorsteps to infants deserted in hospital wards, their stories reflect the challenges faced by those in crisis. Back in January a newborn baby was found in an East London park by a dog walker, wrapped in a towel inside a bag in sub-zero temperatures. An appeal was made for her parents to step forward but when nobody emerged, the courts appointed the baby, named Elsa, with a legal guardian. Stories like these make headlines but behind each one lies stories of…

CLUES & ARROWS Fill in the clues in the direction of the arrows Sudoku To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each column and each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Wordsearch In the 1920s, the first airport to introduce air-traffic control was found in which part of London? The answer is the one missing from the grid. ACTONBRENTCAMDENCHELSEACROYDONEALINGFULHAMHARROW LAMBETHLEYTONNEWHAMPOPLARSOHOSTEPNEYSUTTON CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Hawker (6)4 Shindig (8)10 2022 comedy thriller starring 19 Across, 24 Across, 7 Down, and 21 Down (9)11 Picture puzzle (5)12 Pungent (5)13 Beach (9)14 Ten-sided shape (7)16 Button (4)19 Christian _, star of Batman Begins (4)21 The Yellowhammer State (7)24 _ Washington, star of Malcolm & Marie (4,5)25 Parent’s brother (5)26 Freight (5)27 Depose (9)28 Underlet (8)29 Attractive (6) DOWN 1 Posters…

Danny Dyer ‘BAKE OFF WAS ON MY BUCKET LIST’ The ex-EastEnders star enters Britain’s famous tent… As The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer continues, Danny Dyer is among the second bunch of famous faces out to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith with their baking skills. ‘IT’S GREAT TO BE HERE!’ ‘There are a few things I have always wanted to do and doing Bake Off was on my bucket list,’ says Danny. ‘I’ve always loved watching it and it’s great to be here!’ Joining Danny is radio DJ Yinka Bokinni and comedians Rhod Gilbert and Leigh Francis, while hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond keep an eye on things. When all their bakes have been judged, one celeb will be crowned Star Baker.…

Following her ‘planned abdominal surgery’ at The London Clinic in January, the Princess of Wales is taking a break from royal duties and isn’t expected to return to work until after Easter. As she continues her recovery at home, we take a look at those closest to Kate, who are undoubtedly rallying around to support the princess and her family during this challenging time. SOPHIE SNUGGS A close friend of the Middletons, Sophie, 40, is from the elite group of English farming families known as the ‘Turnip Toffs’ and has been part of the royal circle for years. In fact, she used to date Prince William’s close pal, Thomas van Straubenzee – who was best man at his wedding and is Princess Charlotte’s godfather. But, in 2018 she wed Robert…

Have you heard about? EATING LATE CAN INCREASE BREAST CANCER RISK Often sit down for dinner right before bed? You could be increasing your breast cancer risk by 25%*. Those who routinely eat after 9pm and don’t leave two hours before going to sleep, have a higher risk of getting this type of cancer, says research. Scientists believe that this is down to the disruption of your sleep-wake cycle. Busy schedule to blame? Try meal-prepping on a Sunday to save time. It worked for me Sophie Morris, 55, from London ‘I used to suffer from fatigue and struggled with daily activities. I now take Nutravita Marine Collagen (£16.99 for 90 capsules, nutravita.co.uk). It’s a food supplement packed with collagen, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which all contribute to the normal…

Health ask us Her critisism is wearing me out Q I’m in my mid-60s and look after my two-year-old granddaughter during the week. I adore her, but it’s exhausting. What doesn’t help is my 35-year-old daughter. She’s always shouting at me and complaining. I know she’s not happy and struggles with being a mum – and I have suggested she talk to someone – but she has started attacking my own parenting. It’s insulting. A While logically your daughter can’t think you’re that bad a parent if she’s leaving her daughter with you all day, it sounds like she’s not in a place to be rational and fair. As you can’t force her to seek help, you have to set boundaries. This means telling her she cannot treat you badly.…

Standing on the doorstep, waiting for my next client, I felt calm, ready to soothe and heal. As the doorbell chimed, I swung the door open and with a welcoming smile ushered them inside. ‘Shall we break the ice?’ I offered. I watched my client, a woman in her 40s, hesitate for a moment. Then her face broke into a smile as I pulled her into my arms and gave her a quick hug. ‘We can relax now,’ I laughed, leading her into the special cuddle corner in my cosy living room, where we’d spend the next hour using cuddle therapy. I enjoy every aspect of my job as a professional cuddle therapist, but cuddling hasn’t always been a service I’ve offered. When I trained as a cognitive behavioural therapy…

And… relax 19-25 March 2024 ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr The Sun is in your sign for the next month, giving you a direct and fiery approach to your life. Take charge and know that others will follow your lead. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Your grounded and practical take on life will help you hugely. It’s time to plan what is achievable and then act on this to create stronger connections in your career. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun If you’re finding a relationship difficult, try to see things from the other person’s perspective. You are a flexible thinker – this approach will restore your inner peace. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul It is time to ask for help. You know which area of life…

WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA? by Dervla McTiernan (£16.99, HB, HarperCollins) From the outside, Nina and Simon seemed like the picture-perfect couple. Until the young lovebirds headed off for a weekend in Simon’s cabin in Vermont, and Nina never came back. Distraught and desperate to find their daughter, Nina’s family demand answers. Simon’s story doesn’t quite add up, but his own family will stop at nothing to protect their son. A media storm descends on the quiet town, unleashing a whirlwind of unscrupulous journalists and obsessive fans, and both families will have to play dirty to discover the truth. A pulse-pounding thriller exploring power, violence and sinister lies. FINDING SOPHIE by Imran Mahmood (£14.99, HB, Bloomsbury) How far would you go to find your child? When their only daughter, Sophie, goes…

Straddling the bike, I firmly placed my hands on the bars and my feet on the pedals and stood, leaning forward, ready to go. Behind me, my husband Chris, 34, held the back of the seat. ‘Ready?’ he asked. I gave him the thumbs up and he let go as I whizzed down the slope, half in trepidation, half in excitement. Then, towards the bottom, I spotted my five-year-old son Alfie jumping up and down, waving his arms in the air. ‘You’re doing great, Mummy!’ he cheered as I completed the full circuit. It was January this year and only three months since my first attempt on a BMX bike – an unexpected hobby that I’ve come to love and one I only started up because of my son. ‘SPEEDING…