Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2025 i Woman's Weekly Living Series

It’s common to feel less flexible and more stiffness in the winter. ‘During cold weather, the body focuses on circulating blood around the core and major organs, and away from muscles and joints,’ says consultant rheumatologist Dr Rod Hughes. ‘Low barometric pressure can also have a physical impact on the joints, encouraging inflammation and making joint movement more painful.’ But there are plenty of ways to help you find immunity from the pain. LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH ‘Living with joint pain has been associated with increased prevalence of depression,’ says Dr Hughes. ‘If you notice you’re feeling low or are worried about your mood, seek support from your GP or healthcare professional. Charities such as Versus Arthritis can also offer help and advice.’ POWER UP PREVENTION ‘Maintaining mobility and…

There are many causes of swollen ankles, from simply being in a hot environment or being overweight to more serious conditions such as deep-vein thrombosis, heart failure, kidney or liver failure, thyroid disease, inflammation of joints or soft tissues, lymphatic blockage and local infections, such as cellulitis. For most people, simply resting, cooling and elevating the legs is enough to make the swell settle. Avoid standing for long periods, wear soft flat shoes, and don’t wear tight footwear, socks or tights. Swollen ankles are common in pregnancy, but can also indicate more serious such as pre-eclampsia, so you should urgently talk to your midwife about it. If swelling (also called oedema) does not go down or gets worse, especially if you notice it further up your legs or even your…

Feeling busier than ever? With work commitments, family, home life and friendships plus health issues to juggle, it’s no wonder that 86%* of people say they feel stressed at least once a month. But there are things you can do to help yourself feel happier and calmer – and less likely to fall ill – as we head into autumn… Poetic meditation ✣ WHY Research shows that meditation and mindfulness are effective ways of relieving stress, but in our busy modern-day lives, it can be difficult to find time for them. If you struggle with traditional meditation, poetic meditation might suit you better. Immerse yourself in poetry, either reading or writing it, and you’ll automatically be mindful by training your attention to remain fully present and aware. Studies show that…

LIME WOOD Hampshire The New Forest is one of the UK’s loveliest places to enjoy untamed nature on your doorstep. Staying at this grand country house hotel, that means tramping off around wild pastures and heathland where wild ponies graze and stumbling upon quaint country pubs. You’re sure to work up an appetite for Lime Wood’s swanky Italian bistro, created by TV chef Angela Hartnett and partner Luke Holder, where you can tuck into hearty fare. The hotel’s Herb House spa is completely immersed in its woodland setting, with an outdoor whirlpool and products infused with local flora. ✱ Double rooms from £425, room only; limewoodhotel.co.uk CARDEN PARK Cheshire By the time you’ve rolled up the snaking drive, you’ve already taken in several of the 1,000 acres that cocoon this…

1 WARM UP AND COOK WISELY Wood stoves and fires are popular, but they release particulates into our indoor atmosphere. ‘A wood stove can create many times more particulates than a diesel engine,’ says airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg. ‘Applying an allergen barrier around your nose and bones of eyes, like HayMax Pure (£8.49, Boots), will trap some airborne particles before they get into your body. When using an oven, put the extractor fan on or keep a window open. 2 SORT OUT LEAKS ‘Dampness and mould will affect air quality,’ says biochemist Dr Chris Etheridge. ‘They release fungi and spores, which are bad for respiratory issues and allergies.’ Fix any leaks. ‘Even if it’s small, it is creating moisture and mould loves moisture,’ adds Max. 3 SAVE YOUR SKIN…

Holiday health Is your perfect break a week by the beach or a cultural city trip? Whatever you choose, this year’s holiday will have given your wellbeing a boost long after your return, so long as you did something active and switched off from everyday stress/work, according to recent research*. But next year you might want to split your fortnight holiday into two one-week trips to extend the benefits, say researchers. IMMUNITY BOOSTER… GINGER ‘Ginger contains a substance called gingerol, which not only has wonderful anti-microbial effects but also has an anti-inflammatory action in the body,’ says nutritionist Shona Wilkinson**. ‘A warm ginger tea, particularly with a slice of lemon, can soothe the throat, calm inflammation, and help fight seasonal bugs.’ Time to try... ...A FILTERED SHOWERHEAD FOR BETTER SKIN…

As we head into the cooler months, it’s time to get our bodies into tip-top condition. And yes, that includes slipping back into your favourite jeans and smoothing fine lines. Our body-slimming and face-firming eating plan is based on findings by anti-ageing expert Dr Nicholas Perricone. At its core is salmon, rich in nutrients that help reduce inflammation, ease puffiness, and give skin a healthy glow. You’ll also eat plenty of antioxidant-packed berries and greens to support collagen production and protect your body from damage. YOUR THREE-DAY KICKSTART Repeat for three consecutive days. Upon waking ✣ 250ml glass of spring or natural mineral water. Breakfast ✣ 200g grilled salmon.✣ Small bowl of porridge, made with skimmed milk (145g made-up weight).✣ ¾ cantaloupe melon and a handful of berries.✣ 250ml glass…

Seoulista Beauty Instant Wonder Night Cream, £28, Boots They say This rejuvenating cream is powered by retinol, squalane and vitamin B5, which help to boost collagen, so skin looks plumper. The airless pump dispenser helps keep active ingredients protected, so the formula stays potent. We say I like lots of things about this night cream – the hygienic pump dispenser, the hydrating formula, and the texture of the cream, which sinks in easily and never feels heavy or sticky. Considering it contains retinol, it never leaves my skin feeling dry or irritated – my complexion always feels quenched, content, and looking bright, smooth and plump the next day. Rhiannon Derbyshire, senior beauty editor Botanics All Bright Recharging Night Cream, £7.99, Boots They say Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant with…

Exercise can do wonders for the immune system. ‘It increases the production of white blood cells and reduces inflammation,’ says GP Dr Donald Grant from The Independent Pharmacy*. ‘Whether it’s a short run or some strength training, exercise is a great way of adding additional immune support over the winter months.’ Resistance training, in particular, has been linked to better immune balance. Those with more muscle mass tend to have lower levels of inflammation. Similarly, stronger grip and knee extension abilities correlate with lower levels of inflammatory markers. ‘Maintaining muscle tone can be more challenging as we age, but it’s definitely achievable with the right approach,’ says personal trainer Rachael Sacerdoti, founder of It’s So Simple.** ‘Simply walking, running and taking the stairs can improve overall muscle tone and cardiovascular…

HOW TO GROW OUT YOUR GREY Ready to ditch the dye and begin transitioning to grey hair for good? There are a few things to note to make a seamless silver transition. The best advice is to be patient. Hair grows about 1cm a month, so give yourself a good year or so to complete the shift. To begin your journey, you’ll need a few inches of grey regrowth for your colourist to work with. They can add ultra-fine highlights through the lengths to break up your existing colour and to blend better with the grey. But the darker your hair when you begin, the more colour needs to be applied to combine and lighten it to your grey roots. You can use temporary root make-up, like Josh Wood Colour…

Did you know that exposure to sunshine, plants and soil microbes can help you dig yourself out of depression? Or that listening to birdsong could boost your mental health? Connecting with nature can be a powerful antidote to the stresses and strains of modern life – boosting immunity and levels of happy hormones, helping you to find mental balance, reducing anxiety, and encouraging you to relax and unwind. Of all our senses, sight has the most immediate impact, but gardens also offer a rich tapestry of sounds, smells, textures and tastes, which can help to soothe an overactive or troubled mind or invigorate and uplift the spirits. Harness the power of nature to help yourself de-stress. CULTIVATE THOSE HAPPY HORMONES The physical act of gardening increases the production of endorphins…

Keep a headache diary ‘It’s important to know what your triggers are,’ says Dr Kiran Johal from Vitality Healthcare. Keeping note of what you have done or eaten on days when headaches strike can help you avoid them in future. Food triggers include caffeine, alcohol, cheese, chocolate, gluten and citrus fruits. Other triggers include bright lights and too much time in front of a screen, as well as your menstrual cycle. Pile on the pressure There’s an acupressure point on your shoulder that, when pressed, helps to relax tense muscles and stimulate your vagus nerve, says health practitioner Fran McElwaine. ‘Place your little finger on the side of your neck and your other fingers along the ridge of your shoulder, with your elbows touching in front of you. Roughly where…

With more than seven million people in the UK living with a form of cardiovascular disease,* it’s never been more important to enjoy a heart-healthy diet. While plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, with some lean meat, fish and dairy, is the key to reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke, there are other simple switches that can also make a big difference. So, is your diet hitting the right beat? Let’s see how you score... TAKE THE TEST Answer each question, then tot up your scores and discover how you can make your weekly menu more heart-friendly. 1) Which oil do you usually cook with? A ButterB Coconut oil C Olive oilD Rapeseed oil 2) What’s your go-to snack? A CrispsB ChocolateC NutsD Dried fruit 3) Which…

Improving certain areas of your life can be easier than you think. Whether you’re struggling with your weight, fitness, mood or energy levels, there’s no reason why you can’t take action right away. And you don’t need to pay for a trainer, a therapist or a self-help book – just a bit of time to download one of these pocket-sized assistants onto your phone. So what are waiting for? Here are 25 fabulous free apps to get you started. EAT RIGHT Want to lose weight or eat well? These apps can help. ✣ NHS EASY MEALS Get inspired by 150 simple, calorie-counted recipes, and create a digital shopping list. ✣ WATERLOGGED Drinking water is vital for our health. This helps you note your intake and sends reminders when you need…

Pick up!’ said Heidi, pointing at the pile of clothes in the washing basket. Tail wagging, Rolo picked up a pair of trousers and waited for the next command. ‘Load!’ Heidi said, as Rolo placed the trousers into the washing machine. ‘Good boy!’ she said, ruffling his ears and rewarding him with a treat. As Rolo padded off to find the car keys, Heidi thought how much easier life had become with her new four-legged helper. A year ago, things couldn’t have been more different. ‘I was struggling to get out of bed’ Fifteen years ago, Heidi, now 53, from Derbyshire, was a mum to three teenagers and in the peak of health. Married to Dave, now 56, she ran a busy hair salon, loved swimming, dancing and motorcycling, and…

Ringworm has nothing to do with worms – it’s a fungal infection which can appear anywhere on the body. It’s caused by types of fungus called dermatophytes, which live off keratin, the tough, waterproof tissue found in skin, hair and nails. Around 10-20% of people will have ringworm in their lifetime. It’s more common in children, but can affect all ages. People at higher risk include those with conditions that reduce immunity – the very old or very young, people with chronic illnesses, including diabetes, those on steroids or undergoing chemotherapy, and obese people. Fungal infections, medically known as tinea, aren’t serious and are usually easily treated, but are contagious and easily spread. Ringworm (Tinea corporis) is similar to other fungal infections of the scalp, feet (athlete’s foot) and nails…

Skin areas most at risk of pressure ulcers are those with little body fat and in direct contact with supporting surfaces, such as a bed or wheelchair. If unable to get out of bed, you’re at risk of ulcers on shoulder blades, elbows, head, ears, knees, ankles, heels, toes and spine. Wheelchair users are more vulnerable on buttocks, back of arms/legs and hips. People with normal mobility don’t develop pressure ulcers, as they automatically make hundreds of regular movements, preventing pressure building up. Pressure on the skin interrupts the blood supply to affected areas, without which oxygen and nutrients can’t reach the tissue. The skin also no longer receives infection-fighting white blood cells, leading to infection. Ulcer severity is graded – the higher the grade, the more severe the injury to…

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is common, usually affecting hands and arms. It results from doing the same motion or activity repeatedly until things hurt. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, stiffness, weakness and sensitivity to heat and cold. Causes include sports and activities requiring you to make the same movement time and again, working out without warming up/cooling down, poor posture, typing, instrument practice or working in the cold or with vibrating tools. It can also occur if your occupation involves repetitive activities, such as hairdressing, decorating or assembly-line work. RSI can lead to tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, trigger finger/thumb, Osgood-Schlatter disease, back strains and shin splints, and can result in stress fractures, nerve compression syndromes, bursitis, Dupuytren’s contracture and vertebral disc disorders. Listen to your body –…