Innholdsfortegnelse for 19-Oct-2021 i Woman's Weekly

This is a photo of my parents on their wedding day. My ever-thrifty mum chose a dress she could wear again – a Horrockses red and blue gingham dress. Sadly, she passed away in 2014, but the dress is now worn by my daughter, who loves vintage clothes. It shows how long a well-made, well-loved garment can last. ✢ We’d love to see how great you looked in any era up to and including the 1980s. Please send a good-quality photo with your name, address and daytime phone number clearly written on the back, to: Fashion Dept, Woman’s Weekly, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Photos will be returned.…

Spot of bother Forget wrinkles, one of the biggest concerns for women today is uneven skin tone. In fact, internet searches for hyperpigmentation rose by 140% during lockdown. By the time we get to 50, brown clusters across our hands, arms and face are common. These blotches are the result of excess melanin, the body’s natural tanning pigment. UV exposure is the main culprit, but ageing, hormonal changes, certain medications and lifestyle factors like smoking can all trigger the skin’s pigment-making cells to go into panic mode. If you have one or two distinct dark spots, rather than large mottled areas, try Peace Out Dark Spots, £25 for 12. These nifty patches are coated with teeny-tiny microneedles (don’t worry, you won’t feel them) that deliver skin-brightening heavyweights, tranexamic acid and…

The plantar fascia ligament on the sole of the foot can become inflamed where it joins the heel and on the ball of the foot under the big toe, causing pain all along the arch of the foot. The exact cause is unclear. It’s more common between the ages of 40 to 60, if you’re overweight, have changed your activity level or changed to less supportive footwear. Flat feet, a high arch, even an abnormal walking pattern can affect weight distribution when standing, putting added stress on the fascia. New, repetitive activity such as walking or running, especially on hard surfaces, may trigger it, as can exercising with a tight calf or overstretching the sole of your foot. Occupations where you stand or walk more increase the risk. The main…

1 REST Sore throats are common, usually nothing to worry about and most get better by themselves within a week. Be gentle on yourself, and rest. 2 GARGLE To help soothe a sore throat and shorten its duration, adults (but not children) can gargle with warm, salty water. Drink plenty of clear, non-salty water. 3 ICE Eat cool, soft foods, suck ice cubes, ice lollies or iced drinks. Ask your pharmacist about lozenges – some include local anaesthetic to ease soreness. 4 SEE YOUR GP …if it lasts over a week, you’re feverish, or if you have another chronic illness, such as diabetes, or are on chemotherapy.…

There’s no stepping into the ring and rolling with the punches with this workout. You can do it all in the comfort and safety of your own living room. And you can stick to your own pace. But you’ll still improve your agility, balance, strength and cardiovascular fitness. And you might even banish those bingo wings! Even though you aren’t connecting with a bag or person, you’re still getting a good workout, says Sophie Graham, boxing trainer at popular London boxing gym KOBOX. ‘Your back and abdominal muscles will be working as your body absorbs the force of the punches and counter-balances.’ Your coordination is tested throughout, as shadow boxing requires the chest, shoulders, arms and leg muscles all to work in unison. Plus, stepping in and out of punches,…

SUPER SUPPORT The thick shoulder straps and a crew neckline make this Aubrion Dagenham sports bra fully supportive. It has flat-lock seams to stop chafing. £17.99, Sports Direct TIED UP Stay snag-free with these three super soft and stretchy hair scrunchies. £15 for a three-pack, Sweaty Betty MAGIC MUSCLES These 2lb hand weights can help you build muscle mass. They come in a very pleasing purple colour with an easy-grip and easy-clean vinyl finish. £15.99, John Lewis YOGA TOWEL Made from hard-wearing polyester to absorb sweat, with anti-slip PVC dots on the underside to help grip. £8, Tesco HANDY HOODIE This turquoise Peter Storm Marley Hoodie is soft and cosy – fab to wear for a post workout cool-down. £15, Go Outdoors ON THE BALL Available in three different sizes…

‘During these cooler months, you should overhaul your skincare routine and move onto more nourishing products to prepare for much colder weather,’ says Dr Ejikeme. If you tend to get tight, flaky skin, look for products that contain glycerine, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and ceramides – these ingredients work to help seal in moisture. And, it’s not just the skin on your face that can suffer. The drop in air temperature also affects our body, typically drying skin out. ‘Use emollient body moisturisers that contain bakuchiol, niacinamide or lactic acid, as they are great for hydrating the skin,’ says Dr Ejikeme. For a brightening boost, look for formulations with vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant not only prevents damage caused by UV rays, smoking and pollution, but will leave your skin looking…

1 LIMIT HOT SHOWERS OR BATHS As tempting as it is to soak in a steaming tub, hot-water exposure after being in the cold leaves skin feeling raw. ‘Have shorter, cooler showers, and add moisturising oils to baths. Avoid ordinary soaps and gels, which remove the skin’s natural oils,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Adam Friedmann. 2 REDUCE YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE Are you prone to rashes or menopausal skin flushes? Then cutting down booze can help. Red wine, beer and spirits are triggers for rosacea. Alcohol is also dehydrating, which can lead to wrinkles and a dull complexion. 3 CHECK YOUR MOLES ‘It’s during the long winter that changes to moles can go unnoticed,’ says Dr Friedmann. ‘Being wrapped up in layers of clothing means we forget to look, so take…

1 Dark florals Give vintage florals a modern update with a decadently dark look. Polished metallic accessories and light voile curtains will help lift the moody hues. 2 Back to basics This rustic look celebrates natural materials and pared-back colours. Stick to colours you’d find in nature, like blues, greens and browns, and team with rich wooden furniture and lots of faux or real plants. 3 Lots of layers Create a cosy escape with plenty of plush bedding. Layer a linen bedding set with a simple quilted throw and then top with a knitted blanket for texture. Complete the look with a warm, cinnamon-coloured fabric headboard. 4 Picture this If you’re short on space, or have a home with a low ceiling, ditch the headboard in favour of a picture…

GO FOR A GLOW Shimmering in the breeze while the low sun intensifies their changing colours, grasses can look simply stunning over the autumn. Here are two of the best... Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’ is a native, tufted hair grass with striking silvery-purple flower spikes that mature to fluffy clouds of golden seed heads. Pheasant’s tail grass (Anemanthele lessoniana) has slender green leaves that will become tinted with rich red, yellow and orange through autumn. WINDOW BOX REFRESH Give containers a makeover with plants that deliver colour and structure. Mix an upright grass, such as Festuca glauca or pheasant’s tail, with lower-growing perennials with contrasting foliage – such asHeucheraorBergenia. Finish with Gaultheria, flowering heather orCyclamen.…

MEASUREMENTS Approximately 20cm/8in across main body of bag. MATERIALS 1 x 100g (295m) ball of Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic) in Orange (Spice 1711) and oddments in each of Yellow (Mustard 1823) and Black (1002)*. Size 4mm crochet hook; stitch marker. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION Is not critical for this project. ABBREVIATIONS Ch, chain; st(s), stitch(es); dc, double crochet; htr, half treble crochet; tr, treble crochet; dc2tog, double crochet 2 sts together (to decrease 1 st) thus: [insert hook into next st, yrh and pull loop through] twice, yrh and pull through all 3 loops; slst, slip stitch; yrh, yarn round hook. NOTES Some pieces are made in rounds that are worked in a continuous spiral. Place a stitch marker at the end of each round and move…

“Do you remember last week that a new manager arrived at the charity shop? And how it was a bit of a surprise because nobody had told us he was coming? And that the reason nobody had told us he was coming was that he’d arrived a week early? Well, he’s gone. He lasted a whole five days, although we were slightly surprised he was still there beyond Day Three. Let me explain. David is supposedly a retired headmaster, known for his people skills and dynamism. He had a limp, old-fashioned sort of charm, in a cut-price Sergeant Wilson from Dad’s Army sort of a way. You could see him at the end of a golf club bar, telling women what a pretty dress they’re wearing, referring to them as…

✢Change to activities that don’t put pressure on feet, such as swimming. Rest and elevate your foot whenever seated, doing gentle foot-stretching exercises. ✢Put an ice pack in a towel on the painful area for 20 minutes every three hours. Roll a cold drink can under your foot. ✢Wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole. Ask your pharmacist about analgesia and soft insoles or heel pads for your shoes. ✢See a physiotherapist for exercise advice and ask about extracorporeal shock wave therapy – a sound wave treatment that may help to stimulate healing.…

1 HAVE HOT DRINKS And drink them regularly to help you to stay hydrated as well as warm. Have at least one hot meal a day – eating stokes your digestion and metabolism, and helps to heat up your body. 2 KEEP YOUR HOME WARM Draw your curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to stop draughts. Keep warm in bed with a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (never both). Heat your home to a comfortable temperature – at least 18C is recommended if you are over 65 or not very mobile. 3 DRESS CLEVER Wear several thin layers rather than one thick one – layers trap warm air. Choose wool and fleece fibres, rather than cotton, as they help to maintain body heat. Outside, keep your face and hands…

‘Aim for a food-first approach when getting all your essential vitamins and minerals,’ says Dr Macciochi. ‘Food comes conveniently packaged with fibre, whereas supplement pills don’t. They can also sometimes become an excuse for a bad diet because you think you’ve got yourself covered with your multivitamin.’ ‘The exception to that rule is in the UK in winter, when we don’t get enough vitamin D. Or if you are vegetarian or vegan – you may want to take a B12 supplement.’…

THE GP Don’t put up with recurrent pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints – it’s important to see your GP if something doesn’t seem right, says Dr Deborah Lee of doctorfox.co.uk. ‘As well as examining the area, they will take a thorough history and may arrange blood tests, X-rays or a scan. If necessary, they’ll refer you to a consultant rheumatologist. They can also offer treatments to reduce swelling and inflammation.’ Deborah says: ✣ Quit smoking Smokers have greater cartilage loss in their knee joints than non-smokers, and smoking exacerbates all types of arthritis. ✣ Look at drug-free solutions NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends topical capsaicin cream or gel for joint pain. ✣ Consider HRT Joint pain often becomes a problem as a result…

Taking aim helps my anxiety Sally Kettle, 44, lives in Pwllheli, Wales, with her husband Clint, 60, and their daughter Flossie, five. I first fell in love with shooting when I was 12. My brother was a Boy Scout and, one summer, families were invited along to a camp where they had air-rifle shooting. I loved it immediately. Of course, back then, I didn’t consider it as a hobby I could actually take up, and forgot all about it. But over the years, I’d watch the shooting in the Olympics and wish I could take part myself. Then, in November 2019, I decided to research shooting clubs in my area. I’d been struggling with anxiety and, as a busy mum of one, I was worried that with the dark nights…

✢ For hypertension and high cholesterol There’s evidence to suggest that raw garlic may help to lower blood pressure. ✢ For cystitis Fresh parsley has diuretic properties that can cleanse the bladder of infectious organisms. ✢ For stress and anxiety Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that balances the adrenal glands and calms the central nervous system. ✢ For constipation A spoonful of olive oil and lemon juice in the morning may help to get things moving. ✢ For menopausal symptoms Sage has been found to ease hot flushes and night sweats.…

‘Collagen is an essential protein in our body that helps to make up many structures such as tendons, bones, hair, muscles, ligaments, joints – and skin,’ explains GP Dr Nisa Aslam. We produce less collagen as we age, so these structures weaken, resulting in thinner, drier skin that starts to sag. Luckily there’s an easy way to get a boost. Add a daily scoop of Colnatur Complex, £26.99, colnatur.co.uk, to drinks or meals to see a difference. One study found that women who took a collagen supplement showed a significant improvement in skin hydration and elasticity after three months of intake. 4 RULES FOR COLD WEATHER 1 Apply an SPF – even on cloudy days – to reduce your exposure to damaging UV rays. 2 Use a hydrating eye cream…

JO WOODBRIDGE, 55 Tell us about your look My jumpsuit came from Weird Fish – it was in the sale. My daughter likes it as well, which is good! The bag is Vera Pelle, my scarf was a gift and my sandals are Birkenstocks – I’ve had them for three years and they’re still fantastic. And the best bit of your body? My legs. They were what first attracted my husband when he saw me playing basketball! KAREN PARKINSON, 45 Tell us about your look I love supporting local boutiques, where you can find something special. I balance this with buys from high street shops. My jumper is Zara, jeans from Topshop and coat by Ilse Jacobsen from Lips & P’s boutique in Dublin. My trainers are from a local…

British society has changed in so many ways over the past 70 years, perhaps most notably through the addition of peoples from Commonwealth countries all around the world. But we all need role models to inspire us, and initially there were none for the women of the communities new to these islands. So it fell to these impressive individuals to forge a career in their chosen professions, and demonstrate how anyone could aspire to success in the UK. First black female book publisher, 1967 Margaret Busby CBE, Hon FRSL was born in Ghana and became Britain’s youngest and first black female book publisher. She founded Allison & Busby in 1967 at the age of 23 with Clive Allison. Passionate about women’s writing, in 1992 Busby edited Daughters of Africa, an…

‘Time doesn’t care what you are up to’ “Consider my friend Martin – he gets up at 6am every day, does an hour of yoga and wellness breathing, makes breakfast for his wife, cycles to work, where he does a 10-hour shift with only a 20-minute lunch, which he has at his desk, and chooses to stay on for an extra hour to empty his inbox. On arriving back home, he finishes off his latest DIY project, contacts friends to tell them about his latest project, signs several petitions, and makes soup before turning in early to continue learning Dutch on a special app. One of the few things Martin knows nothing about is the joy of being lazy. He has never woken up late on Sunday and spent the…

CHOCOLATE, BEETROOT AND STEM GINGER BROWNIES Beetroot and chocolate are unlikely friends, but these fudgy dense squares will keep you coming back for more. MAKES 12 SQUARES ✣200g (7oz) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing ✣200g (7oz) 70% dark chocolate, broken into pieces ✣125g (4oz) light muscovado sugar ✣125g (4oz) caster sugar ✣4 medium eggs ✣150g (5oz) self-raising flour ✣1tbsp cocoa powder, plus extra to dust ✣Pinch sea salt ✣200g (7oz) cooked beetroot, peeled and grated ✣5 knobs stem ginger, finely chopped You will need ✣20cm (8in) square brownie or cake tin, greased and lined 1 Heat the oven to 170C/ Gas 3. Put butter and chocolate into a heatproof bowl over a pan of boiling water and heat gently, stirring until both have melted. Set aside to cool. 2…

1 SLEEP SMART Adopt a good wind-down routine, avoiding alcohol and caffeine in the evening. Go to bed and get up at the same time each night and morning. 2 DON’T SMOKE It can make restless legs worse. Symptoms can also be triggered by stress, being overweight and certain medications, such as antidepressants and some antihistamines. 3 GET MOVING Lack of exercise can make symptoms worse and underlying health problems can result in restless leg syndrome. If your symptoms are severe, see your doctor, who can help.…

A Coffee seems debatable, but tea may be protective. A large, umbrella review of studies, published previously in the BMJ, looked at the vast amount of available data, and concluded that coffee drinking was safe and unlikely to harm health. However, a new finding, suggesting that high levels of coffee consumption carries increased risks of dementia, challenges this view. Of 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank, those drinking more than six cups of coffee a day were most likely to develop dementia. A tea study, part of the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study, found that the tea drinkers had a 50% lower risk of dementia, consistent with earlier studies showing tea consumers scored higher on various cognitive tests. Genetic tests on the group found that tea drinkers who carried the APOE4…

Welcome to the Woman’s Weekly health extra – 32 pages devoted to keeping you and your family well this winter. You don’t have to spend hours of your day boosting your wellbeing because we’ve done the hard work for you – consulting health experts and asking the questions that matter about your winter health. Just a few simple tweaks to your lifestyle and diet could make all the difference over the coming months. We hope you find these features useful, and that you have your healthiest and happiest winter ever.…

1 Eat for wellness A diet rich in antioxidant foods is one way to control inflammation in the body and ensure that our immune system works properly, says Philip Calder, professor of nutritional immunology at Southampton University. Try to eat more of these: ✣ BERRIES Blueberries and cranberries are excellent infection-fighters. Blackcurrants and strawberries are packed with all-important vitamin C. ✣ ONIONS AND GARLIC Onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to alleviate coughs and colds. Garlic is a powerful antiviral herb with an immune-boosting compound called allicin, which supports white blood cells. Eat soon after crushing and only cook lightly. ✣ DARK LEAFY GREENS Dark cabbage, sprouts, broccoli, spinach and kale contain high levels of glucosinolates – strong immunity-boosters – which studies have…

Let the sunshine in Despite its name, vitamin D is actually a hormone rather than a vitamin, explains Dr Shireen Kassam, a consultant haematologist and certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician. ‘It has receptors throughout the body and performs many roles – including gene regulation, which is why a deficiency increases your risk of many cancers, autoimmune diseases and infections. ‘Having enough vitamin D is also thought to improve brain development and function. ‘During summer, the sun’s UVB rays are strong enough to enable your body to make vitamin D – though you need to expose your arms, legs and back of neck (SPF-free) for 15 minutes a day if you’re fair-skinned, and 30 to 45 minutes a day if you have darker skin. ‘Your body stores the vitamin D that it…

Q WHY DO I FEEL MORE TIRED AT THIS TIME OF YEAR AND HOW CAN I MANAGE THIS? A Many people feel tired and sluggish during winter. As days shorten, your sleep and waking cycles may become disrupted, and reduced sunlight makes your brain produce more melatonin hormone, making you drowsy. Open your curtains on waking to let more sunlight in, and get outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible. Ensure your workplace and home are light and airy. Activity helps – even just a brief lunchtime walk or late-afternoon exercise help reduce early-evening fatigue, improving sleep. Avoid oversleeping, which makes you sluggish – aim for eight hours, whatever the season. And go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Ensure your bedroom is relaxing,…

Thriving Mind by Dr Jenny Brockis (£14.50, Wiley) Another science-based book full of evidence-backed tips to help you love life more. Dr Jenny Brockis, a lifestyle medicine physician, explains how laughter, play and mindfulness can shape your thinking. To whet your appetite, she throws in inspirational proverbs like: A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything. A Mindfulness Guide for Survival by Ruby Wax (£14.99, Welbeck) In her newest book, written during the pandemic, comedian Ruby shows you how mindfulness can help you drop anchor when life, and the world around you, gets too daunting. ‘It’s not just about coping with post-pandemic fallout,’ she says. ‘It’s about holding the rudder straight no matter how turbulent the waves are.’ 365 Ways to Feel Better by…

The Party Crasher by Sophie Kinsella (£20, HB, Transworld) Effie is an ACOD – Adult Child of Divorce. She knows she’s meant to be able to deal with her father and step-mum separating, but it’s not that simple. When her dad’s new girlfriend throws a party to say goodbye to their family home, Effie hatches a plan to break in and retrieve her treasured Russian dolls. But is she prepared for what she might overhear while hiding in the house? This is a farce with a heart. Classic Kinsella – we loved it! Are We Having Fun Yet? by Lucy Mangan (£16.99, HB, Profile Books) From one of the funniest writers we know comes a debut novel that shows family life for what it really is. Liz is married with…

The Woman in the Middle by Milly Johnson (£16.99, HB, Simon & Schuster) Shay Bastable is overburdened by responsibility and feels trapped by the pressures of ailing parents, a selfish husband and troubled offspring. Two watershed moments collide, turning Shay’s life upside down – her mother’s dementia begins to merge past secrets into present-day dramas, and her husband packs his bags. For the first time in her adult life, Shay puts herself first and returns to her childhood village, seeking answers and solutions to traumas from her past. This absorbing book reminds us to be honest and true to ourselves.…