Innholdsfortegnelse for 29-Jun-2021 i Woman's Weekly

Corncrakes coming home The hills and cliffs of Rathlin Island, off the coast of Northern Ireland, have long been a thriving habitat for birdlife. Now, thanks to conservation efforts, four corncrakes have been spotted for the first time since the 70s. These secretive birds are rare, but have been seen settling in nettle beds set up by the RSPB. They share the island with guillemots, kittiwakes, puffins and razorbills, which visit to breed during the warmer months. MAKE A BEETOPIA Create a garden haven for pollinators with bee-friendly blooms. Experts at online garden nursery Gardening Express advise planting nectar-rich, single flowers, such as daisies, and purple plants like lavender, which attract bees. Foxgloves and snapdragons are ideal for rare long-tongued bees. DID YOU KNOW? As the world’s slowest mammals, sloths…

✣ Approximately 54,250 balls are used during the Wimbledon fortnight. ✣ Wimbledon has used the same trophies since the 1880s, and winners take home a three-quarter-size replica. ✣ The competition has only been cancelled twice – in World War Two, when Centre Court was bombed during an air raid, and in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. ✣ Wimbledon’s longest-ever match took place in 2010, when American John Isner beat Frenchman Nicolas Mahut in 11hrs and 5mins, played over three days.…

Every single morning, without fail, beekeeper Kt Brewster, 41, starts her day by checking on her hives. Kt, from Horning, Norfolk, has two hives, each containing around 40,000 mainly female honeybees. ‘I call my bees “my girls” and visit them every day,’ she says. ‘But it’s not just to inspect them – I’m fascinated by these complex, amazing creatures and feel they could teach us a thing or two!’ Her love of bees started when she was a child. ‘I would run around the garden, following bumblebees from flower to flower,’ she remembers. But it was only as she got older that she considered beekeeping as a hobby. ‘I suffered a terrible accident with my horse in 2016, which left me unable to carry on life as it was before.…

With your garden in full bloom, take advantage of the abundance of greenery and bring some of the outside in, with these pretty preserving techniques. Keep flowers fresh with an indoor planter, or dry out your petals to keep their colour and fragrance for longer. Pressed flowers Try basic pressing using a thick, heavy book. Sandwich single flower heads and leaves between two sheets of blotting paper. Place inside the book and close firmly. Put more books on top and wait for the magic to happen. For speed, the microwave method is foolproof. Place your blooms in-between two pieces of paper towel. Top with a microwavable plate to act as a weight. With your microwave on a low setting, heat for 20 seconds at a time until the flowers are…

1 Eat a varied diet And prioritise sleep, advises nutritionist Emily Rollason. Poor sleep is linked to a higher susceptibility to illness. ‘To help aid relaxation in the evenings, I’d recommend switching your evening coffee or tea for a decaffeinated option.’ 2 Move around ‘Research reveals that regular exercise increases the circulation of white blood cells, and the purpose of these is to kill any sickness-causing pathogens,’ says Emily. 3 Consider a supplement Important nutrients for a healthy immune system include vitamins C and D, as well as zinc and selenium. Try Wild Earth Immune Support Complex, £19.99 for 30 capsules, Holland & Barrett, which includes all four.…

There’s plenty of evidence to show that too much time spent cooped up indoors negatively affects wellbeing. Worryingly, everything from osteoarthritis and obesity to dementia and anxiety can be blamed on a sedentary lifestyle. The good news is that having a regular dose of the great outdoors is an easy way to help prevent these serious health conditions. Not only does being outside keep you moving to burn off calories, it reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and strengthens the immune system. Nature is also used medicinally – known as ecotherapy. Due to scientific research that supports its success, the NHS now prescribes nature-based activities as a way to heal mild depression and anxiety. You don’t even need to be out for long to reap the…

The Body by Bill Bryson (£9.99, Black Swan) WHY Less self-help, more user guide, this book from celebrated author Bill Bryson, best known for his travel writing, is a brilliantly written and fascinating fact-filled guided tour of our bodies. We all have one, but few of us know how our body actually works. This book goes some way towards rectifying that. Learning about yourself and how you function has never been so much fun. Life Without Diabetes by Professor Roy Taylor (£9.99, Short Books) WHY Professor Taylor is one of the leading experts on type 2 diabetes. His research, alongside scientists at Newcastle University, led to the remarkable multimillion-pound trial which confirmed that simple diet advice could reverse the condition. This book explains why in easy-to-understand terms, and includes some…

It’s 200 years since Britain’s oldest lido – the beautiful Cleveland Pools in Bath – first opened to swimmers. At the time there was increasing awareness that swimming was good for you, but rivers and lakes were either not accessible or becoming too polluted for people in towns and cities, so building lidos was a way to address that problem. ‘Lidos really took off in the 1930s – surprisingly as a result of the economic depression that the country was emerging from,’ explains Emma Pusill, author of The Lido Guide. ‘Instead of plunging the nation into austerity measures, the government decided to fund public projects. ‘Lidos killed two birds with one stone: providing work for builders, while also improving public health. Not only were the pools somewhere for people to…

Sashaying up to the side of the pool in their fluffy robes, Jessica Walker, 57, and Nicola Foster, 56, beam from ear to ear. Every morning, at 6am, they head to Charlton Lido in London for a swim. You’d be hard-pushed to miss them. Usually, Jessica is sporting a flamboyant swimming hat, adorned with coloured flower petals; and while Nicola might look more serious, with her goggles at the ready, they’re both full of smiles and cheery greetings for fellow swimmers who recognise them from the news, or their Instagram page. ‘We’ve been swimming together in lidos since May 2019,’ Jessica says. The ladies had first met a few years earlier while walking their dogs in a park. At first, they’d exchanged polite hellos, but it soon blossomed into a…

BUNIONS Bunions occur when the joint of the big toe develops sideways, causing the toe to tilt towards the other toes on the foot. ‘They appear as bony lumps at the base of the big toe and can be very painful,’ says podiatrist Tony Gavin (osgo.co.uk). Bunions are often hereditary and arthritic conditions can increase the likelihood of them developing. FIX IT ✣ Tight, narrow shoes and high heels can make bunions worse, so choose more sensible footwear. Shoes with an adjustable strap fastening are the most comfortable, says Tony. ✣ If your bunions are painful, over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can provide relief. ✣ A podiatrist may recommend surgery for bunions if they cause severe pain and foot deformity that impacts on everyday life. Try this A…

Someone had mentioned he’d been invited. He was an old friend of the groom, just as she was, but Lisa had thought he was a no-show. She’d looked around for him before the service and hadn’t seen him in the church. But here he was, as the reception was winding up, wearing a smart suit, chatting to guests outside the marquee. Martin Floyd glanced up and caught Lisa staring. He smiled, nodded, and patted the arm of the man he was talking to, wrapping up the conversation as swiftly as he could. Then he wandered over. ‘Hi there.’ ‘Hello,’ Lisa said. ‘You’re either extremely late or you’ve been hiding.’ ‘Were you looking for me?’ ‘No.’ He chuckled. ‘I was late, actually. Unavoidable, but terribly impolite all the same. I didn’t…

THE PANTHEON We’re used to Roman ruins, even in the UK. But here’s a building in Rome that was built circa 125 AD that’s still in use today. THE ACROPOLIS Towering above Athens, is there are more influential group of buildings in the world? Classical perfection. CAIRO’S PYRAMIDS These days they don’t allow you to climb them as I did, finding ancient graffiti at the top, but they are still unforgettable.…

Since joining the cast of Coronation Street as Toyah Battersby when she was just 17, Georgia Taylor has gone on to build a successful career as one of soap’s most loved actors. Toyah was her first big role, but Georgia, 41, has also starred in Law & Order: UK, Casualty and Life on Mars. And it seems that home really is where the heart is, as she returned to the cobbles in 2016, after taking a break in 2003, and has been there ever since. The dramatic storylines of Corrie have propelled Georgia into millions of living rooms across the country, but being famous doesn’t make her invincible to the daily ups and downs of life – especially during the confusion of a pandemic. ‘There’s something about being in a…

ROYAL COMFORT Viewers’ hearts went out to Jana Novotná as she wept into the shoulder of the Duchess of Kent after the 1993 final. The Czech had thrown away a 4-1 final-set lead against Steffi Graf, but went on to lift the trophy herself in 1998. MURRAY MAYHEM There hadn’t been a British winner of the men’s singles since Fred Perry’s in 1936, but that ended in the scorching summer of 2013, when Andy Murray won a straight-sets victory against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. YOU COULDN’T LOOK AWAY The Björn Borg/John McEnroe fourth-set tiebreaker in the 1980 final, which went on for an nail-biting 22 minutes, is generally accepted to be one of the greatest sporting moments in history. McEnroe saved five match points before taking the set, only to lose…

Bees are an essential part of our ecosystem – without them, it would cost UK farmers £1.8 billion a year to pollinate our crops. But since the 1900s, the UK has lost 13 species of bee, with a further 35 in danger of extinction. Here’s how you can help make your outdoor space a bee-friendly place: ✣ Consider ‘No Mow May and June’ – flowers such as dandelions, which pop up on your lawn, are highly prized by all sorts of bees. ✣ Buy packets of bee and butterfly-friendly seeds to create your own little patch of countryside flowers. Ivy in flower also provides an amazing food source for bees in the autumn. ✣ If you see a sluggish bee, dissolve some sugar in warm water and offer a tiny…

My go-to remedy Movement and strength! Feeling flexible, strong and capable is empowering. I exercise to stay strong, healthy and grateful for my body. If I feel tight and stressed, I stretch and sweat. If I feel low in energy, I work on strength with Pilates or some light weights. For me, everything feels better after exercise, and I love supporting women to enjoy this too. My favourite meal I’ve always loved a traditional pub ploughman’s! When I have a night to myself, I love nothing more than some cheeses, figs, grapes and walnuts. It’s indulgent and nostalgic, but I get to use my hands and it makes me go slow. I feel connected. How I stay fit and healthy I’m anything but a routine person, so I mix up…

They refuse to do their chores Q I put up with a lot of things during the pandemic as I knew my teenage kids were struggling not seeing their friends. Life has fortunately become much easier and we are now more or less back to normal life. I want them to do the things they used to do, like tidy their rooms, take their things out of the living room, help with chores and so on, but they’re taking no notice. Gaye, Northampton A I’m not surprised they don’t want to go back to doing chores. Consider that a strategy of nagging them or shouting at them is maybe not the way to go. Take a moment to think about how you’ve ‘trained’ them before to do things that they…

Boost 1: Diet tweaks Months of slouching on the sofa, eating biscuits, have taken their toll on more than our waistlines. ‘Where we get our fuel can make or break our energy levels,’ warns nutritionist Judy Watson (judywatsonnutritionist.co.uk) ‘and too much sugar drains your mood and your motivation. Forget the ‘eat little and often’ mantra too– eating too often uses up energy instead of preserving it. TRY THIS ✣ Fresh start Cook from scratch and avoid processed foods – they’re more likely to drain your energy. ✣ Protein power A higher ratio of protein to carbohydrates will provide sustained energy until your next meal. Try two eggs with one slice of bread, instead of one egg and two slices. ✣ Fast fix Avoid late-night snacks. Fasting for 12 to…

Head into summer feeling lighter, brighter and more confident with this flexible eating plan from Slimming World – the UK and Ireland’s leading weight-loss organisation. The dishes are delicious and filling. HOW IT WORKS ✣ Choose one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner every day. Visit slimmingworld.co.uk for more ideas. ✣ Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is founded on the scientific principles of appetite regulation and helps members to reduce their energy intake and lose weight without feeling hungry or deprived. It’s based on an understanding of how a food’s nutrient content and energy density (its calories per gram) affect satiety (our sense of satisfaction and fullness). ✣ Free Food is at the heart of Food Optimising. Foods that are ‘Free’ include fruit, veg, pasta, rice, potatoes, pulses, lean…

Oregano Benefits A rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds believed to help fight disease and boost blood circulation and your immune system. Growing Oregano vulgare is a hardy perennial, thriving in hot, dry conditions but after a few years can get woody, so it’s best propagated from seeds or cuttings. Dried oregano has a more pungent flavour so to preserve the flavour, harvest the shoots when the flower buds have just formed. Tie in bunches and hang in a warm and airy place to dry. Using Add to a marinade or stuffing – it works well with red meat and chicken. It can also be used fresh chopped into bread or pizza dough, or in a salad. Rosemary Benefits It’s considered to be a cognitive stimulant, great at improving…

FITNESS ALL-ROUNDER Great for everything from Pilates to running, these leggings have a high waist and sculpting effect for a flattering fit, and are ultra stretchy for easy movement. The cropped top is a breathable, lightweight fabric. YOGA YOGI Bend, stretch and flex with confidence in these moisture-absorbing capri leggings. They include a high-rise elastic waist and inner back pocket. BE BRIGHT Perfect for any workout – from aerobics to Zumba – or a long weekend hike, this T-shirt is available in a range of vibrant shades. It’s high-wicking, quick-drying and lightweight. GET SUPPORT A strong underband and cushioned straps with a racer-back design will give plenty of support. This also has moisture-wicking fabric and padded cups. MAKE A SPLASH This flattering cossie has a secret slimming and tummy control…

No arguments, Mum. You’re coming to stay until you’re better. I’ll pick you up at…’ Paula paused and I imagined her juggling appointments in her head, ‘…around two.’ When I’d called to say I’d hurt my wrist, I knew she’d ask me to stay with her and David. She’s been wanting me to move in with them ever since my Frank died, three years ago. The problem is, I’ve lived here for 29 years. I’m not sure I’m ready to leave. I’m 72, which in the eyes of my 39-year-old daughter makes me an old woman. But I know plenty of people, some much older, who live on their own. They enjoy it too. Sometimes I wake up expecting Frank to bring me a cup of tea. At times like…

This world-famous tournament has produced the two greatest tennis matches in history, and this year promises more fierce competition; but will we see another great? Serena Williams – the most successful player of all time – is vying for her eighth Wimbledon title, and first since becoming a mum. She could face challenges from Japanese star Naomi Osaka and world number one Ashleigh Barty of Australia. On the men’s side, having already pulled out of this year’s Roland Garros tournament, can home favourite Andy Murray overcome his serious hip surgery and the towering trio of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to snag a triumphant third title? Sporting history The inaugural Wimbledon Championships took place in 1877, when 22 players stumped up the 11-shilling entrance fee. But it wasn’t…

Pain during or after sex can have several causes, but it’s surprisingly common. An estimated three-quarters of us will experience it at some point in our lives* and it even has its own medical name – dyspareunia. ‘The severity of pain can vary,’ says Dr Anne Henderson, consultant gynaecologist and menopause specialist at the Kent Menopause Clinic. ‘But most women describe a burning or tearing, throbbing, cramping and occasionally stabbing pain, which can extend from the pelvis to the vagina.’ For some women, it’s just a one-off, but some conditions are persistent. Here’s what could be causing it. Involuntary spasms The medical name is vaginismus, an involuntary spasm in the vaginal muscles. ‘It makes vaginal examination or penetrative sex impossible,’ says Dr Henderson. ‘This happens at a subconscious level, and…

1 CLASSICAL MUSIC Best Before exercise. To Help build motivation, rousing you into action. Actually getting out there to exercise is one of the biggest hurdles we face. 2 UPBEAT POP Best During exercise. To Inspire and keep you going. Synchronise the tempo to help your heart rate – a steady beat for walking, faster for jogging. 3 RELAXING TUNES Best After exercise. To Help you recover. Choose instrumental songs with a soothing melody. Brunel University London found they helped reduce cortisol levels.…

On a sunny summer’s day there can surely be nothing more glorious than swimming outdoors, surrounded by blue sky and birdsong. In England alone, at least 7.5 million people regularly take to outdoor pools and open water, says Jon Glenn of Swim England. ‘But we’ve seen more and more people take to wild swimming – in rivers, lakes and the sea – since pools have been closed during the pandemic. And I expect the habit to stick.’ If you’re tempted to join them, fans say that being in cold water will make you feel more alive and alert, while also boosting your immunity and waging war on a range of inflammatory conditions including depression, diabetes, dementia and arthritis. But as with anything involving water, you need to be sensible. Our…

The Swim Secure Large Microfibre Towel, £16 from swimsecure.co.uk, weighs just 200g, packs very small, and is designed to dry you in record time, before drying itself four times faster than a regular beach towel. Choose bright pink or navy blue. The Swim Secure Tow Donut, £27 from swimsecure.co.uk, is a high-visibility float with a small integrated dry bag to hold valuables such as your phone, wallet and keys while you swim. Use it to alert other water users of your presence, while also keeping you safe if you need to rest. For extra protection, you can use a Swim Secure Waterproof Phone Bag, £7, inside the donut. Subea Aquashoes 100, £7.99 from Decathlon, are lightweight, quick-drying, non-slip, and invaluable for protecting your feet as you walk across rocks and…

Staying healthy and protecting others has been everyone’s priority during the pandemic, but missing out on holidays has been hard. After all, they’re something we look forward to and are a way to rest and recharge. So now more of us are getting the chance to leave home and enjoy a long-awaited break. And while many of us won’t be jetting off abroad just yet, there are still things to consider when having a UK holiday. ‘What this pandemic has shown us is that by paying greater attention to good hand hygiene, sensible social distancing and wearing a mask in closed environments, a real difference can be made to virus transmission,’ says immunologist and clinical researcher Dr Ross Walton. ‘Some or all of these learned, good hygiene habits are ones…

Indulge in gastronomic delights on a river cruise in France Solo adventurers can dine out in style on-board Emerald Cruises’ eight-day ‘Sensations of Lyon & Provence’ tour. After setting sail, the mountain ranges, sun-soaked vineyards and Roman ruins will dazzle and delight. Excursions include a guided tour of the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and access to the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre, once home to gladiatorial battles and chariot races. Back on-board, you can wine and dine with fellow foodies while indulging in a Provencal dinner, hosted by renowned chef Fabien Morreale. ✣Prices start from £2,795 for solo travellers staying in an Emerald Single Stateroom; emeraldcruises.co.uk Discover art and architectural wonders in historic Italy Rolling hills, world-class art and fairy-tale flower-hung streets are in abundance on this ‘Classical Italy for Solo Travellers’…

THE STORY SO FAR: Sally Douglas, last-minute replacement tour guide for failing Lakes and Mountains Tours, is taking a group of people to Switzerland. She’s been informed by her boss that there is a mystery holiday inspector on the tour. A good report means the company will survive. Could this be Cedric Hampton, who is always scribbling in his notebook, or perhaps it is Simon Carson, who she is attracted to? Sally visits Hotel Victoria, where she meets the family who kept her father safe during World War Two. She is shown rare artefacts that were also saved at that time. During a dinner to celebrate the artefacts being sent to Britain, she comes across Simon Carson holding Cedric and Rona Hampton at gunpoint. In the short time it took…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Although it’s been quite a turbulent time, keep in mind that these are blips along the way. Remember not to take yourself too seriously. TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May Your relationships are in the spotlight this week. Do your best to give your full attention to every person you meet. GEMINI 22 May – 21 Jun Financially, you may be looking at new opportunities. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into anything. CANCER 22 Jun – 23 Jul This is a great time to focus on your creative abilities. No more procrastinating, it’s time to take action. LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug This week can be very productive for you, if you don’t allow your energy to be scattered in too many…