Twice as many women as men are losing their jobs

February 16, 2012, 12:35 am

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Twice as many women as men are losing their jobs Getty

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed that twice as many women as men have lost their jobs, with unemployment on the whole jumping by 48,000 at the end of last year.

Between October and December, 32,000 women became unemployed - compared with 16,000 men. That period also saw the highest unemployment figures for women since 1987, reports the Daily Mail.

The worst hit group are women over 50, with figures of jobless women between the ages of 50 and 64 rising by almost 20% in the last year. 145,000 women in this age group are unemployed.

One in three of those unemployed has been jobless for over a year, and almost six people are fighting to fill each job vacancy.

Yvette Cooper MP, Labour's Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, commented on the statistics, saying: "The figures show women being heavily hit by the Government's current economic policies with the number of women on unemployment benefit in the last year up by 18 per cent and the number of redundancies among women up 27 per cent.

"Women's unemployment is now at its highest for over two decades, as more and more women are being forced out of work and back into the home by a combination of cuts to jobs and childcare.

"The Government has got a blind spot on women and needs to urgently change track."

Minister for welfare reform, Lord Freud, said the private sector is "still creating jobs" despite the tough competition.

On the whole, employment rose between October and December by 60,000 to 29.1million, largely driven by part-time positions being filled.

What do you think about the current unemployment situation? Leave a comment and let us know.

And don't miss our gallery of weird news stories from 2012.

Weird news

Breastmilk couriers help working mothers in Indonesia
 Indonesian motorbike couriers are feeling the need for speed - they're busy transporting freshly pumped breastmilk from new mums who have had to return to work, reports the Telegraph. This innovative service, which charges between £2.20 and £3 per delivery, ensures that mothers can feed their children with their own milk and still manage their working schedules. Jakarta's crowded roads mean that each delivery can take up to an hour, so let's hope grannies looking after the babies have a dummy to hand.  <o:p></o:p>
Mobile phone photo of grinning mortician found holding severed head
 Children in Aylesbury found a mobile phone with this photo of a mortuary assistant laughing as he held up a severed head. The children's father removed the SIM from the phone and started viewing images on his computer when he came across this photo. He told the Daily Mail: "It's like when you find a wallet, you look inside to see if there's anything to say who it belongs to." "However, after finding that, I don't want to get in touch with this guy. It's a total lack of respect for the dead." "That was probably someone's father, someone's son and someone's brother, it's unbelievable to think they could do that to someone." Police are currently investigating the case.
Man doesn't notice 9cm nail stuck in his brain
 Dante Autullo, from Illinois, accidentally shot a 9cm nail into his brain with a nail gun - and didn't notice for 36 hours. He eventually went to hospital, complaining of nausea and headaches, where it was discovered that the nail was lodged just millimetres from the part of the brain that controls motor functions, making the fact he was "walking and talking" even more miraculous. His fiancee's reaction to the ordeal? "Un-freaking-believable." Autullo had the nail removed and a titanium plate installed in his skull and is said to be recovering well.
Giant rat found in shoe shop
 Seems like the rats in New York are getting too big for the sewers - <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/09/giant-mutant-rat-found-in-shoe-shop/" target="_self">staff in a Bronx location of Foot Locker uncovered a three-foot-long giant rat in their storeroom</a>, believed to be a Gambian pouched rat. Some questioned the validity of the photo of the dead rat (was it just a trick of perspective?), which was posted to Twitter by @TheGoodFella_.
Traditional New York accent could be dying out
 <div> It may soon be time to bid adieu to a classic - the strong Noo Yawk accent (one of Woody Allen's trademarks). Kara Becker, an assistant professor of linguistics at Reed University, wrote in the New York Post that: "Current linguistic research finds that many of the defining features of local speech are losing ground."</div> <div> </div> <div> "Research shows that not all accents are created equal in the US. When Americans are asked to rank locations in descending order from most to least 'correct' speech, the New York City accent is rated second to last (only the South rates lower). Speakers of the New York City accent, it turns out, are associated with a number of negative attributes, like being unfriendly and unkind." Get outta hee!</div> <div> </div> <div> </div>
Indian minister's shoelace row
 Gauri Shankar Bisen, a minister in the state government of Madhya Pradesh, has found himself a bit tied up recently - the result of footage emerging of a child tying his shoelaces as he attended a state event. Bisen - who had been advised by doctors not to lean forward after a bypass surgery and hernia operation - has since pledged to wear only slip-on shoes from now on after Congress minister Kamal Nath referred to the incident as "the most obnoxious episode" he'd seen.
Thai man marries dead girlfriend
 In the ultimate show of romance (or creepiness), Chadil Deffy (also known as Deff Yingyuen), married his deceased girlfriend in a funeral/wedding ceremony after Sarinya "Anne" Kamsook died tragically in a car accident. The footage of the ceremony - and Deffy slipping a ring onto his dead bride's finger - later went viral on YouTube, prompting critics to accuse Deffy of publicity-hounding (he also posted photos of himself on Facebook in an album called "Corpse Bride").
'Ugly' dog breeds increasing in popularity
 It turns out getting a cute puppy to cuddle and admire isn't motivating pet owners these days - new statistics from the Kennel Club show that 'ugly' dog breeds (like the Mexican hairless and Chinese crested), which provoke a reaction, are increasing in popularity. Paul Keevil, who runs a group called British Heritage Dog Breeds, told the Telegraph that the trend was about "making a statement - whatever that statement is." "There is certainly a growing appeal for these breeds, who seem to be, shall we say, a less attractive bunch. "It is a desire for the bizarre. People want something that looks a bit unusual, a bit striking. The dog is to make some kind of fashion or lifestyle statement. "Maybe it makes the owner more beautiful. They say that people look like their dogs, but perhaps it doesn’t apply in these cases."
TV gardening expert feeds his plants Viagra
 Viagra's been known to help those with wilting issues, and one gardening expert, David Domoney, has tried the little blue pill on his blooms - and claims it helps them stay alive for up to a week longer. "You only need a tiny amount of Viagra to stiffen things up nicely. Just 1 mg - there are 50mg in a single tablet - dissolved into water with your plants will make them last a week longer." "Viagra contains nitric oxide - which slows down the dying process in plants. The same chemical relaxes the muscles in a man's penis - allowing the blood rush which is how Viagra perks things up in men, too." "We are very similar to plants - our genetics are compatible in many ways. Now scientists are working on ways to market a gardeners' version of Viagra for plants." If you don't have any Viagra handy, aspirin works too - on your flowers.
Pony kept in living room of semi-detached house
 Pensioner Stephanie Noble, based in the remote Scottish island village of Back, Lewis, wasn't horsing around when she moved her pony, Grey Lady Too, into her living room after a grazing dispute left the horse without a field. "This is my own property - if I want to even keep an elephant in the house I can," Noble said. "I have had nothing but stick from people because it is unconventional. "It is not normal to keep birds in a cage, because they should be flying about, but people don’t complain about that. Grey Lady Too is very happy. "She goes out to the lawn - though she has eaten a couple of the neighbour’s plants - and comes back in the house herself. The situation is not ideal, but it is safe and secure for her."

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BPA found in plastics now linked to obesity and diabetes

February 16, 2012, 3:11 am

≫ Next: Amy Childs and Tricia Penrose in same dress style snafu

≪ Previous: Twice as many women as men are losing their jobs

Filed under: Fitness

BPA found in plastics now linked to obesity and diabetes Getty Images

You might be getting a lot more from that water bottle than your daily dose of H20.

The organic compound BPA (bisphenol A), which is found in many plastics and tins and has been linked to breast and prostate cancer, also plays a role in weight gain and diabetes, according to new research published in the journal PLoS ONE.

According to the Daily Mail, researchers have found that even small doses of the chemical can interfere with hormone signals, tricking the body into creating more fat.

BPA can also affect the pancreas, leading to the increased production of insulin, which can cause weight gain and type 2 diabetes, according to the research, led by Dr. Angel Nadal.

The research found that only a quarter of a billionth of a gram of BPA is enough to trick the pancreas into releasing almost double the amount of insulin needed to break down food.

"When you eat something with BPA, it's like telling your organs that you are eating more than you are really eating," Nadal said.

However, there are conflicting reports about how harmful BPA actually is, with the chemical industry assuring that it's safe for use.

What are your thoughts on BPA? Leave a comment and let us know.

And don't miss our gallery on foods to boost your mood.

5 Mood-Boosting Foods

Salmon
 Oily fish (including sardines, salmon, trout and mackerel), is a great mood booster, according to O'Byrne. "Oily fish is full of the essential fats, EPA and DHA, found to greatly enhance state of mind. Studies have even shown they can ease depression."
Dark green leafy vegetables
 If you're not a fan of dark green leafy veg (kale, collard greens, spinach), then the prospect of eating them might seem depressing, but believe it or not, they can actually help cheer you up. According to O'Byrne, these veggies "are full of B vitamins, which can increase energy and ease depression." She recommends adding a large portion of green leaves to a lean protein source (like turkey or chicken) for a balanced dinner.
Nuts
 Nuts are another good source of tryptophan and essential fatty acids, which aid the nervous system and will help you feel energised. Another mood- and energy-booster O'Byrne recommends snacking on? Sunflower seeds.
Turkey
 Turkey also contains tryptophan, which increases ‘feel good’ hormone serotinin, according to O'Byrne. "Plus it’s packed with protein, which keeps you fuller for longer." She suggests adding it to a large mixed salad for a nutrient and fibre-packed meal. "And include 1/3 sliced avocado for added fibre and healthy fats," O'Byrne adds. "Combining complex carbs, such as salad with turkey, will help the tryptophan to be more readily absorbed."
Avocados
 Need some extra motivation? Add an avocado to your salad. According to Atkins nutritionist Linda O'Byrne, avocados are "high in both tryptophan (an amino acid which increases serotonin) and essential fatty acids, which help the nervous system to work properly. Eating foods like this will also fill you up so you’re less likely to crave sweets as a comfort measure - a sure-fire way of leaving you feeling miserable and bloated."

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Amy Childs and Tricia Penrose in same dress style snafu

February 16, 2012, 3:36 am

≫ Next: Pet dogs can keep pregnant women healthy

≪ Previous: BPA found in plastics now linked to obesity and diabetes

Filed under: Fashion

Amy Childs and Tricia Penrose in same dress style snafu PA/EMPICS Entertainment

We thought Amy Childs only ran the risk of dressing like her former TOWIE castmates (who else would be so over-the-top and brazen in their fashion choices?). But it appears Hearbeat star Tricia Penrose also has a taste for the revealing and the ultra-glitzy.

Both Childs and Penrose showed up to the Pia Michi collection launch in London last night wearing the asymmetrical leopard print dress with revealing side cutouts - and the two didn't just laugh off the incident.

According to the Sun, Penrose was reportedly overheard saying she had "been around for 18 years" and "a lot longer than Amy," so Childs had to take her dress off (which she did, returning to the party in a dramatic purple gown).

Of the incident, Penrose tweeted: "Been in the biz since '84, told by Amy's mgmt to change my dress!! Not @MissAmyChilds tho, she and her mum were absolutely lovely :) xx."

Should Amy have stood her ground or was Tricia in the right? Leave a comment and let us know.

And don't miss our gallery of celebs looking hot in red dresses.

Celebrities in red dresses

Mary J. Blige
 Fitted and belted, this red hot number shows off Mary's enviable hourglass curves.
Helen Mirren
 For a lesson in rocking red over 60, look to Helen to lead by example. She looks gorgeous in this fitted long-sleeved frock with figure-flattering ruching at the waist and shoulder.
Claire Danes
 Claire proves that red can make a statement without the sex appeal in this lace midi frock by Valentino.
Kim Cattrall
 Kim keeps it simple and covered up, but adds some drama with patterned shoes.
Kyra Sedgwick
 At 46 and fabulous, Kyra flaunts her ultra-toned figure in this sexy cut-out Pucci dress.
Amber Heard
 The Rum Diary star wowed in this strapless Elie Saab dress with thigh-high slit, which is just the right side of sexy.
Dita Von Teese
 How to wear red everyday? Keep it simple, covered up and add a printed accessory or two.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
 Rosie brought Jessica Rabbit-style sex appeal to life in this strapless, sparkling Antonio Berardi dress.
Andie MacDowell
 Red over 50? Why not? Andie shows off her cleavage in this plunge-neck wine-coloured dress, but keeps it classy with the knee-length hem.
Emma Stone
 This asymmetrical Lanvin frock is modern, feminine and fuss-free.
Viola Davis
 The Help actress opts for a column gown with flattering plunge neckline and blouson-style top.
Michelle Williams
 The touch of lace takes this Valentino frock from sultry to sweet.
Sofia Vergara
 The Colombian bombshell knows how to work the red hot look on the red carpet; this Vera Wang mermaid dress fits her curves like a glove.
Anne Hathaway
 Princesses don't have to wear pink. Anne's red hot Valentino gown is romantic and dramatic - without screaming sexpot.
Kate Winslet
 Kate's red Stella McCartney illusion dress was one of the most-copied styles of 2011.
Kelly Osbourne
 Kelly's red dress is styled with her trademark retro glamour - a red lip and Old Hollywood waves.
America Ferrera
 For everyday, a curve-hugging dress in red, like America Ferrera's fitted version, is perfect for adding a colour burst to office-wear.
Beyonce
 Red is a good hue on mums-to-be as Beyonce proved when she announced she was expecting in an asymmetrical draped dress in the bold hue.
Ashley Greene
 The Twilight star wows in an ultra-feminine ruffled red frock by Donna Karan and even amps up the wow factor by adding a bright red lip.
Caprice
 Red inspires people to pull out all the stops, and Caprice took note, working strapless, skintight and micro into one dress. She pulls it off and the result is fabulous.
Taylor Swift
 Taylor keeps it short and sweet in a red strapless prom dress.
Jennifer Hudson
 One way to show off some dramatic weight loss is to go bold, like Jennifer Hudson did in this fitted red mini-dress.
Katherine Jenkins
 Red is also a playful shade, as Katherine proves in this skater dress which is perfect for date night.
Eva Longoria
 Eva flaunts her petite frame in a fitted strapless satin number; she adds a belt in a different shade of red to give her look some added dimension (and highlight her tiny waist).
Priscilla Presley
 The 66-year-old star shows off her fit physique in a dark red shift dress.
Elizabeth Banks
 Red leather may sound scary, but actress Elizabeth Banks pulls it off in this fitted mini-dress. The key is neutral accessories and minimal jewellery - all you need is a dab of red lippy for a going-out statement.
Myleene Klass
 This retro-style halter dress is figure-flattering and subtle enough to go to work under a buttoned-up cardigan.
Olivia Wilde
 Red can be tricky if you're too overexposed, so take a style tip from Olivia: If you want to flaunt your cleavage, keep the dress long.
Nina Dobrev
 The Vampire Diaries actress achieved everything a red dress is supposed to in this Donna Karan gown: People still can't stop talking about how fabulous she looked.
Selma Blair
 Selma drew attention to her svelte post-baby frame in this draped Lanvin number.
Rachel Weisz
 Rachel knows the cardinal rule of sexy dressing: If you show off some leg, keep your top half covered up.
Kristen Bell
 Classic and feminine lace on top and rock chick leather on the bottom - Kristen Bell works multiple style personas in her LRD.
Pippa Middleton
 Pippa shows there's more to admire than her backside in this racy, plunge-neck halter dress.

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Pet dogs can keep pregnant women healthy

February 16, 2012, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Cake and Eat It: Cheese blintzes with poached rhubarb

≪ Previous: Amy Childs and Tricia Penrose in same dress style snafu

Filed under: Health & wellbeing

Pet dogs can keep pregnant women healthy AFP/Getty Images

If you're looking for the perfect present to keep a pregnant woman happy and healthy, how about a puppy?

Sound unlikely? New research from the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, in collaboration with the Universities of Bristol, Liverpool and South Carolina, has found that pregnant women with pet dogs are more physically active than those without, reducing their risk of gaining excess weight in pregnancy, reports the Daily Mail.

The research, which studied data on over 11,000 pregnant women in the UK, found that owning a pet dog made it around 50% more likely that a pregnant woman would attain her recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day. Other than dog walking, yoga and swimming are excellent ways to exercise in pregnancy.

Dr Sandra McCune, of the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, said: '"We are increasingly seeing that exercising with a dog can lead to improved motivation and effectiveness.

"As a low-risk exercise, dog walking can help women who may otherwise find it hard to meet their exercise targets, keep active and fit during pregnancy."

Plus, there's the added bonus of caring for another life - so owning a dog is kind of like training for motherhood.

What do you think about pregnancy and pets? Let us know below.

Don't miss our gallery on celebrities and their pets.

Celebrity pets

Blake Lively and Penny
 A Maltipoo (Maltese-Poodle hybrid), this lucky pup gets to hang out on the set of Gossip Girl with her gorgeous owner...
Ryan Reynolds
 ... and Penny's also close to Blake's current squeeze Ryan Reynolds' retriever Baxter (Ryan rescued him from a shelter in Houston in 2009).
Adele and Louie
 Adele's Dachshund Louie was almost named Britney (as in, Spears) but when she heard him howling along to Louis Armstrong, she knew she had to name him after the jazz great. Looks like he takes after his musical mum!
Barack Obama and Bo
 The Portuguese water dog gets to go everywhere with the President and First Lady, from holidays in Martha's Vineyard to the grocery store, where he sees lots of fans.
Miley Cyrus and Lila
 Miley loves to pamper pooches Lila, Ziggy and Floyd - she recently confessed on Twitter that she spends "more time/$$$ shopping for my dogs than myself."
Hugh Jackman and Peaches
 French Bulldog Peaches gets a workout as his fit dad jogs him across the street.
Ashley Judd and Rodesia
 In October 2011, the actress became the proud godparent to Lipizzan horse Rodesia - looks like they're having fun horsing around together.
Kate Bosworth and Lila
 Kate's one responsible dog owner - she was spotted taking injured Lila to the vet in December 2011 (with boyfriend Michael Polish). And that's one of the best dog-walking outfits we've ever seen.
Orlando Bloom and Sidi
 Bloom rescued Saluki mix Sidi while he was shooting his film Kingdom of Heaven. He told Men's Health in 2011: "I rescued this man in Morocco about seven years ago now. He has been everywhere with me." Aww!
Sharon Osbourne and pomeranian
 Sharon has 12 pooches - too many for her to handle on her own. In December 2011, she admitted she has 'a full-time nanny just to care for them.'
Ryan Gosling and George
 Every woman in the world who hadn't yet fallen in love with Gosling felt her heart melting when the actor brought his best bud George on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in July 2011.
Sienna Miller and Bess
 Mixed breed Bess is one of Sienna's pet pooches; the other's named Porgy after the title characters in the opera Porgy and Bess.
Paris Hilton and pomeranian
 The woman singlehandedly responsible for the 'handbag dog' trend goes a little over the top when it comes to pampering her pups: in 2009, she built them an extravagant 300 square-foot house featuring a spiral staircase, black crystal chandelier and miniature Philippe Starck furniture.
January Jones and Max
 Yorkiepoo Max (a cross between a Yorkie and a Poodle) doesn't want for attention as he gets taken for a stroll by a relaxed January.
David Beckham and Coco
 Adorable English bulldog pup Coco got a doggie sibling when the Beckhams adopted Scarlett, a French bulldog, in May 2011. The reason for the new addition? Then-pregnant Victoria was craving pets. She told Elle magazine: "When I was pregnant, I just wanted to get lots and lots of animals, for some reason. We talked about cats, but David said absolutely not."

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Cake and Eat It: Cheese blintzes with poached rhubarb

February 16, 2012, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: One in five pregnant women in the North East smoke

≪ Previous: Pet dogs can keep pregnant women healthy

Filed under: Food

Cake and Eat It: Cheese blintzes with poached rhubarb Jassy Davis

This week's recipe is an Eastern European take on pancakes, filled with sweetened soft cheese and served with the first of this year's delicate forced rhubarb.

Blintzes have their origins in Poland and are similar to France's thin, lacy crêpes. Blintzes were popularised in America by Jewish immigrants and cheese blintzes are traditionally eaten during Shavuot, the Jewish festival that celebrates the receiving of the Torah. One of the traditions of Shavuot is eating dairy and the rich, creamy cheese filling warmed inside the blintz until it's on the point of melting fits the bill perfectly.

Cheese blintzes are often served with jam, but I've paired them with a simple compote made from forced rhubarb. The warm winter delayed this year's harvest, but tender pink stems of forced rhubarb have finally hit the markets. Forced rhubarb is grown outside until the cold bites, then it's moved into dark sheds and quickly 'forced,' producing succulent stems with a sweet-sour flavour.

Both the rhubarb compote and the blintzes can be made ahead. You can assemble the parcels, store them in the fridge and then reheat them at gas mark 4/180°C/fan oven 160°C for 10-15 minutes. Brush them with a little melted butter before you bake them to get a good golden-brown colour.

Cheese blintzes with poached rhubarb

25 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes to cook

Serves 6

Cook's note: Suitable for vegetarians

FOR THE PANCAKES

200ml semi-skimmed milk

2 medium eggs, beaten

15g butter, melted

75g plain flour

Clarified butter, for frying

FOR THE FILLING

100g full fat cream cheese

250g ricotta

25g caster sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

FOR THE RHUBARB

300g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped

25g caster sugar

Whisk together the milk, eggs and melted butter, then sift in the flour with a pinch of salt and whisk to combine. Cover with a clean tea towel and set aside to rest for 1-2 hours.

Lightly grease an 8cm heavy-based frying pan with clarified butter and place over a high heat. Give the batter a quick whisk, then add 2 tbsp of the batter, swirl to coat the bottom of the pan and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the bottom of the pancake is cooked. Flip with a palette knife and cook for a further 30 seconds. Slide out of the pan and repeat with the remaining batter to make 12 pancakes in total.

While the batter is resting, beat the soft cheese until it's smooth, then beat in the ricotta, caster sugar and vanilla extract. Set aside.

Place the rhubarb and sugar in a pan. Add 3 tbsp water. Cover and heat for 3-4 minutes or until the rhubarb has just softened. Remove from the heat and keep covered.

Place 2 tbsp of the cheese mixture in the middle of each pancake and lift the left and right edges over to cover the cheese. Lift the top and bottom end of the pancake over the middle to make a neat, rectangularish parcel.

Grease a large frying pan with clarified butter and add the blintzes, in batches and seam-side-down. Fry for 1-2 minutes, then turn and fry for a further 1-2 minutes or until golden on both sides. Serve the blintzes with the warm rhubarb compote.

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One in five pregnant women in the North East smoke

February 16, 2012, 10:15 pm

≫ Next: Doctors warn that new 111 helpline could put patients at risk

≪ Previous: Cake and Eat It: Cheese blintzes with poached rhubarb

Filed under: In the news

One in five pregnant women in the North East smoke Getty

Despite numerous warnings about the health risks associated with smoking during pregnancy, new figures show that significant numbers of mums-to-be are still lighting up - especially in the North East of England.

The Independent reports that new data published by the NHS Information Centre, covering 167,300 pregnancies, reveals a clear North-South divide in the smoking habits of pregnant women.

Figures for the last three months of 2011 show that 20 per cent of women in the North-East classed themselves as smokers when they gave birth, compared to just six per cent in London.

The highest smoking rate was in Blackpool, where 30 peer cent of pregnant women said they were smokers when they gave birth, compared to 2.8 per cent of women in Brent, north-west London.

Smoking rates were higher in every northern strategic health authority, compared with those in the south.

The overall figure for England is 13.4 per cent, down from 15 per cent in 2006-7.

BBC News reports that smoking in pregnancy is linked to low birthweight and premature delivery.

As part of its tobacco control plan, published in March 2011, the Government is aiming to cut the number of women smoking at the time of giving birth to no more than 11 per cent by the end of 2015.

However, these new figures suggest that it is unlikely that this target will be met.

NHS Information Centre chief executive Tim Straughan told the BBC: "Smoking can cause a range of serious health problems, including lower birthweight, pre-term birth, placental complications and perinatal mortality.

"The statistics we have published today highlight stark regional variation in the proportion of women smoking at the time of giving birth."

Last year the BBC reported that research from University College London showed that women who smoke when pregnant also increased the risk of birth defects, including missing or deformed limbs or a cleft lip, by more than 25 per cent.

Did you smoke during pregnancy? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out if you're ready for a baby...

Are you ready for a baby?

Independent women
 For superstar mum and business powerhouse  Beyoncé, pre-pregnancy accomplishments were integral to being a better parent. She recently revealed she'd held off having a family "to build an empire, relationship and [her] self-worth before becoming a mother." If you're having doubts about whether now is the right time or not, Brookes suggests listing your life goals: "... then separate them into goals that are attainable even after a baby and those that would be harder. Which column is fuller? If there are a lot in the latter column it may be an indication that you don't feel ready."
The time to reevaluate?
 Even if you think your career is your priority, having a baby may change your life goals. According to Brookes: "Having a baby gives us permission to re-evaluate. We're often so busy working and socialising that we never ask: 'Is this what I want anyway?' Prior to having children our focus is on ourselves." If you're already pregnant, make the most of your maternity leave. "It's easy to want solely to relax but this can often contribute to that 'unfulfilled' feeling. Seek out local family events and get-togethers with other parents so you start to recognise everyone is having their own challenges and triumphs, too. This also allows you to look forward to a time when you aren't working and of course builds up a bank of positive memories that aren't just career-related," Brookes explains.
What about the social aspect?
 Fact: Having a baby will impact your social life. How do you feel about that? Brookes suggests asking yourself: "Are you still partying hard and living for the weekends or are you finding yourself staying in more? The more party-hardy your evenings, the chances are you may not be feeling quite ready and haven't done enough." She also recommends chatting to friends about anything they've regretted not doing before baby came along - even if you wouldn't miss the same things, it could alert you to something that would only be visible in retrospect.
How to silence those fears
 Doubts and fears are a natural part of any big decision. "Actually, they're providing an opportunity to weigh up the pros and cons of a situation, reflect upon where we are at and what needs to change," explains Brookes. Chat to other parents for some perspective, and look at your own situation (your health, relationship, etc) to see if it's your environment that's causing you to postpone your decision. <o:p>Brookes adds that: "Having a baby will not prevent you from doing anything unless you let it. Yes, you may need more support but it's doable if you want it enough."<o:p></o:p></o:p>
When is the right time?
 Over the past decade, the number of women waiting until they are over 40 to have a baby has increased by 50%. The biggest dilemma for some women is the question of balancing career with baby and feeling that they've achieved what they hoped they would. As life coach, psychologist and mum of two, Jenny Brookes, explains: "Achieving personal goals before having a baby certainly allows you to more fully engage in the process of being a mum. You enter parenthood with higher self esteem and empowering memories of adventure and achievement which can provide confidence in your own parenting ability."

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Doctors warn that new 111 helpline could put patients at risk

February 16, 2012, 10:38 pm

≫ Next: Disrupted body clock can damage your immune system

≪ Previous: One in five pregnant women in the North East smoke

Filed under: In the news

Doctors warn that new 111 helpline could put patients at risk PA

The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned that there are "serious problems" with the free 111 number that will replace NHS Direct in England from April 2013.

The Telegraph reports that David Cameron announced the launch of the free 111 number in October last year. He claimed that it would make the NHS "a 24/7" service and would help to reduce unnecessary trips to A&E.

It is intended to be the single point of contact for non-emergency care outside of normal surgery hours, and would also enable patients to book appointments with their GP.

However, following a number of pilot schemes, the BMA says that doctors have identified a numbers of problems and concerns with the service and want the roll-out to be slowed down so that these issues can be resolved.

In a letter to Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, doctors warn that rushing to meet the April deadline "could lead to serious unintended consequences."

Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the BMA's GP committee, wrote that doctors want the roll-out "slowed down, to allow for proper evaluation of the pilots" and to allow a "flexible deadline".

He told The Telegraph: "If there isn't a pause then the Government could end up implementing something which doesn't work to the benefit of all patients, which could unnecessarily overburden the ambulance service and GP surgeries, reduce the quality of existing out-of-hours services and ultimately cost the taxpayer a lot of money."

He warned that the strict deadline meant that lessons might not be learned from the pilots meaning that "mistakes will just be repeated".

Last month it was reported that they had been nine "serious untoward incidents" during the pilots, including patients being told to contact their GP when they needed "a higher level of care".

The Daily Mail reports that some concerns about the pilot schemes related to the training of medical staff and whether they will be qualified to direct patients to the right help.

Nevertheless, it seems that doctors broadly support the 111 service, but just need more time to ensure that it runs smoothly.

Dr Buckman said: "More flexibility would allow clinical commissioners to get properly involved in how NHS 111 is being rolled out in their area, making sure it is sensitive to local need.

"GPs are happy to work with NHS 111 to iron out any problems, but they need time in order to do that."

The 111 number is currently being piloted in County Durham and Darlington, Luton. Nottingham City and Lincolnshire.

The Telegraph reported that Anne Milton, the Public Health Minister, responded to the letter saying: "The BMA supports the principles of the NHS 111 service - it will benefit patients by improving access to NHS services and ensuring they get the right care at the right time.

"We will consider the BMA's concerns. We agree that any long-term decision should be made with full approval from local commissioning groups."

Do you think that the 111 number is a good idea? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out which foods aren't as healthy as they look...

Not-so-healthy 'healthy' foods

Ready-made salads
 Putting the word 'salad' at the end of a food description doesn't make it healthy, unfortunately. So watch out for high-fat dressings, mayo and add-ons like cheese and croutons. Your best bet is to make your own; short of that, opt for a salad with vegetables and a protein and top off with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Cereal
 While cereals are vitamin-fortified, they may not be the best start to your day since many are still packed with sugar (a recent report from the U.S. found that several have more sugar per serving than a handful of chocolate chip cookies). If you love starting your morning off with a bowlful, then choose a cereal with high fibre content and under 10g (ideally under 5g) of sugar per serving.
Energy bars
 If you're trying to stave off calories with a meal replacement energy bar, you may be consuming more than you bargained for. Many are filled with added sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and saturated fats, not to mention loads of calories. Be sure to read the nutrition label - some energy bars have more in common with candy bars than you'd like.
Turkey burger
 If you think ditching red meat from your diet and replacing that hamburger with a 'lean' turkey burger is a healthy option, think again. Depending on the type of turkey used, the meal can be just as high in fat and calories as its beef alternative.
Muffins
 If you've conned yourself into thinking that muffins are healthy (they have blueberries! and bran!) it's time for a reality check. They are high in calories, fat and sugar - it's like eating cake for breakfast.
Sports drinks
 Sure, they give you an energy boost, but consuming too many sports and energy drinks can also leave you jittery from caffeine and can wear down tooth enamel from all of the acidity, sugars and additives.
Dried fruit
 While dried fruit might seem like a healthy snack alternative, watch the quantity you consume - since there's no water in it to fill you up, it's easy to guzzle handfuls at once which piles on the calories. It also has a high concentration of sugar.
Reduced fat and fat-free foods
 While 'fat-free' and reduced-fat foods may sound like a blissful invention, they can actually lead you to consume more (since they seem 'healthier'). The fat is often replaced with other undesirable alternatives like added sugar and salt.
Smoothies
 Smoothies shouldn't be a fruit replacement - they have lots of sugar and are high in calories (a large size can give you over 500 in one go). Also, if you're ordering the drink in a shop, it could get blended with ice cream - delicious, yes, but not ideal for a weight-loss regimen.

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Disrupted body clock can damage your immune system

February 16, 2012, 11:29 pm

≫ Next: Friday Fashion Fix: Watches for £100 and under

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Filed under: In the news

Disrupted body clock can damage your immune system Getty

Scientists claim that it's harder to fight off infection if you've been suffering from disrupted sleep or jet-lag.

People, animals and even bacteria go through a 24-hour cycle known as the circadian rhythm. And the Daily Mail reports that this also controls the level of a gene, known as TLR-9, which supports the immune system.

The newspaper reports that scientists at Yale University have linked TLR-9 to the circadian clock in mice. They found that when the gene was at its most active, the mice responded better to infection and vaccinations.

They now think that the same principle should apply to the gene in humans, suggesting that disruptions to the cycle - such as jet-lag, night work or a noisy environment at night - could make us more susceptible to illness.

Professor Erol Fikrig, who conducted the study, said: "People intuitively know that when their sleep patterns are disturbed, they are more likely to get sick."

He added: "Sleep patterns of patients in intensive care are often disrupted because of the noise and prolonged exposure to artificial light. It will be important to investigate how these factors influence immune system response."

The BBC reports that these findings could influence the way that drugs are administered. This research suggests that they could be given at certain times of day to make them more effective, or drugs could be made which target the body clock to make the immune system more active.

Dr Akhilesh Reddy, who is researching circadian rhythms at the University of Cambridge, said that he could see the body clock impacting medicine "within 10 years".

Are you more likely to get ill if your sleep pattern has been disturbed?

Click on the image below to find out how to boost your immune system...

Tips for boosting your immune system

Exercise regularly
 Regular moderate exercise helps stimulate the lymphatic system which ensures the efficient removal of bodily toxins; in addition, exercise like cycling, jogging, walking or swimming can help you relax and reduces stress, which is also known to weaken your immunity. A study found that brisk walking for at least 20 minutes a day helped reduce chances of catching a cold. In addition to exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high blood pressure are also beneficial for your immunity. <div> </div>
Wash your hands
 So simple yet so effective, regular hand washing does play a role in reducing the spread of bacteria during cold and flu season (so it's important to keep it up even if your hands are <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/16/winter-skin-bargain-buys/" target="_self">dry and flaky from winter winds</a>). A study found that soap and water (and alcohol-based hand sanitisers) reduced the germ count on health care workers' hands by 58 per cent after 30 seconds of washing. Just note that while hand sanitiser does kill many bugs, it isn't very effective against norovirus, that nasty winter vomiting bug. <div> </div>
Get some rays
 Scientists have found that vitamin D can be crucial in boosting the immune system, particularly in helping the body to fight off serious infections. Get a daily dose from the sun (even on a cloudy day) or in vitamin D-rich foods like eggs, salmon and mackerel.
Stop smoking
 If you're still not convinced it's time to stop smoking, cigarettes can also hinder your immunity because they affect the health of blood vessels, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. In addition, smoking puts you at a higher risk for respiratory infections.
Sleep well
 The immune system is more vulnerable when the body is sleep-deprived since a good night's snooze allows time for our organs to replenish themselves. Aim for eight hours a night. Quality of sleep is also thought to be important for helping the immune system thrive, so reducing alcohol intake may help you achieve an optimal night of rest.

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Friday Fashion Fix: Watches for £100 and under

February 17, 2012, 12:00 am

≫ Next: Drinkers have caused £700million of damage thanks to boozy accidents

≪ Previous: Disrupted body clock can damage your immune system

Filed under: Fashion

Friday Fashion Fix: Watches for £100 and under M&S/Adidas at House of Fraser

There's no better jewellery investment than a statement watch. Not only will the right watch keep your work-to-weekend outfit looking smart, it will also ensure you make it to all of your important engagements on time.

Check out our picks of the top watches for £100 and under - from sporty to sophisticated, these stylish timepieces will last the long haul, without breaking the bank.

Watches £100 and under

Jewelled
 This everyday expanding bracelet watch looks clean and sharp with any ensemble, and easily slips on or off. The glittery bezel means it's perfect for nighttime frolics, too. Fossil Stella watch, £95, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Fossil+ES2953+Stella/158729358,default,pd.html" target="_blank">House of Fraser</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_catpage.php/catzero=229" target="_blank">-Shop watches</a>
Multitasking
 Swatch's funky new touchscreen timepiece is a piece of arm candy that's as cool (and colourful) as you can hope for. In six hues, the watch's digital capabilities (including date, alarm and chrono functions) are all just a finger tap away.  Swatch Touch Blue Alarm Chronograph Watch, £100, <a href="http://www.watchshop.com/swatch-touch-blue-alarm-chronograph-watch-surs100-p99944482.html" target="_blank">Watch Shop</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_catpage.php/catzero=229" target="_blank">-Shop watches</a>
Gold
 This interlocking 'G' watch is a timeless choice that pairs well with everything from workwear to formal outfits.  Gold bracelet watch, £79, <a href="http://en.guesswatches.com/#/?for=both" target="_blank">Guess Watches</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_catpage.php/catzero=229" target="_blank">-Shop watches</a>
Leather
 This stainless steel and leather watch with square face has an easy-to-read large dial and matches everything in your wardrobe. Ladies' Royal London The Pioneer Watch, £69.99, <a href="http://www.watchshop.com/ladies-royal-london-the-pioneer-watch-41086-02-p99944201.html" target="_blank">Watch Shop</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_catpage.php/catzero=229" target="_blank">-Shop watches</a>
Tortoiseshell
 This timepiece with gold-tone case and plastic tortoiseshell strap is durable enough for everyday use - and delicate enough to team with your party looks.  ASOS Brown Tortoiseshell Watch with Gold Dial Detail, £35, <a href="http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Brown-Tortoiseshell-Watch-with-Gold-Dial-Detail/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1546709&cid=4175&Rf900=1624&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=3&clr=Brown" target="_blank">ASOS</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_catpage.php/catzero=229" target="_blank">-Shop watches</a>
Digital
 The signature Timex gets an utterly original makeover in a selection of metal printed designs, from tribal motifs to jungle prints. Timex Metal Print, £62.13, <a href="http://www.colette.fr/#/eshop/article/30765392/timex-metal-print/95/" target="_blank">Colette</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_catpage.php/catzero=229" target="_blank">-Shop watches</a>
Bracelet watch
 This delicate pearl timepiece is so pretty on its own, you can skip the other jewellery. Faul Pearl Analogue Bracelet Watch, £29.50, <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Gifts-Her-Flowers-Gifts/b/489845031" target="_blank">Marks & Spencer</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_catpage.php/catzero=229" target="_blank">-Shop watches</a>
Sporty
 This chunky timepiece will add a pop of colour to any look, and the durable plastic can handle a bit of adventure. Adidas Purple Candy with Purple Coloured Bezel, £49.99, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Adidas+Adidas+purple+Candy+with+purple+coloured+bezel/139175087,default,pd.html" target="_blank">House of Fraser</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_catpage.php/catzero=229" target="_blank">-Shop watches</a>
Stainless steel
 For a fashion-forward take on a classic bracelet watch, Storm's Caviar has an exaggeratedly large face and floating crystals, making it perfect for evening. Caviar watch, £89.99, <a href="http://www.stormwatches.com/watches/womens/caviar-20434" target="_blank">Storm</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_catpage.php/catzero=229" target="_blank">-Shop watches</a>
Printed fabric
 Liberty's lovely cotton knot watches come in a variety of exclusive floral prints that ensure you'll make a statement year-round. Small Glenjade Liberty Print Knot Watch, £59, <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty//Small-Glenjade-Liberty-Print-Knot-Watch/70793" target="_blank">Liberty</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_catpage.php/catzero=229" target="_blank">-Shop watches</a>

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Drinkers have caused £700million of damage thanks to boozy accidents

February 17, 2012, 12:03 am

≫ Next: Manufacturers to stop selling chocolate bars that contain more than 250 calories

≪ Previous: Friday Fashion Fix: Watches for £100 and under

Filed under: In the news

Drinkers have caused £700million of damage thanks to boozy accidents Getty

If you've ever broken a glass, set fire to some toast or left your keys in the door after a big night out, then you won't be surprised to hear that post-pub slip-ups have caused millions of pounds worth of damage to British homes.

The Daily Express reports that new research by insurers More Than has found that drinkers have caused more than £700million worth of damage to their homes when they are a little bit worse for wear.

More than a third have smashed a valuable item, caused a flood or started a fire, and as many as 1.5 million properties are thought to have been damaged as a result.

It costs an average of £461.47 to clear up the damage in each case, and the worst offenders are those aged 35-54.

The most common drunken disaster is falling over and breaking something valuable, with 3.33 million incidents reported.

Around 2.2 million people have left the keys in the door when they get in and a further 1.16 million have started a fire after falling asleep when rustling up a post-party snack.

A further 600,000 fires have started as a result of candles being left burning.

A spokesman for More Than told The Mirror: "Drink-driving risks are well documented but the perils of being drunk in the home aren't. It's a precarious place to have impaired judgement."

Have you ever had a drunken disaster? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out how to cut back on the booze...

Five tips to cut back on drinking alcohol

Start swapping
 One simple trick to limit your alcohol intake on a night out is to have a glass of water between drinks - it will keep you hydrated, pace your drinking and fill you up so you won't feel tempted to drink as much. Also, start swapping your usual glass of wine for a spritzer (use half your usual tipple amount topped off with soda water). At holiday parties, ditch the holiday cocktail for a tasty-yet-alcohol-free mocktail.
Get writing
 Make a list of goals emphasising why you want to stop drinking (To save money? Lose weight? Wake up refreshed as opposed to exhausted?) This will help you stay motivated, especially if you post the list on your fridge (or somewhere prominent) and look at it frequently as a reminder of what you want to achieve. You can also cut down on the amount you drink by jotting down a list of what you drink, who you tend to drink with and where you like to drink to get an idea of how much you're consuming.  Finally, a list of drinking rules - only drink on weekends, only have one cocktail at the party, only imbibe in your formal wear, for example - will help give you structure and keep your drinking in check. Post somewhere prominent to ensure you stick to the message.
Keep track of your alcohol expenditure
 Calculate the amount you spend on alcohol per week and make a commitment to spend a third less or half that amount. Reward yourself with a (non-alcoholic) treat with all of the money you save from not drinking.
Keep your home alcohol-free
 It's tough to cut back on drinking when the first thing you see after a long day in the office is a tantalisingly well-stocked home bar. Give away some of your bottles as holiday and host/hostess presents, stock up on non-alcoholic drinks and make your favourite cocktails at home, minus the booze.
Learn to avoid temptation
 If your weekly social gatherings are always in the pub, think about switching locales. Only drink when you're in? Then start going out. Or, if you have a certain group of friends you love to drink with, tell them you're cutting back and want to do coffee this week instead of happy hour. Do you tend to drink in times of stress? The holidays have some people reaching for the bottle, so prepare some other coping strategies to deal with the stress in advance.

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Manufacturers to stop selling chocolate bars that contain more than 250 calories

February 17, 2012, 12:29 am

≫ Next: British models banned from using sunbeds

≪ Previous: Drinkers have caused £700million of damage thanks to boozy accidents

Filed under: In the news

Manufacturers to stop selling chocolate bars that contain more than 250 calories Getty

If you've got a soft spot for a super-size Snickers, you'll be sad to hear that their days are numbered.

The Daily Mail reports that confectionary giant Mars Inc. has announced plans to stop selling products which contain more than 250 calories by the end of 2013, as part of a plan to sell snack foods in a more responsible way.

The new rules won't include family bars or packs that are meant to be shared, but king-size Snickers, which packs a whopping 510 calories per bar, will vanish from shelves, and existing products will be made smaller and slimmer to meet with the new guidelines.

The company have also said that it will reduce sodium levels in all products by 25 per cent by 2015.

A company spokesman said: "We believe that all of our products can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.

"Our commitment to making all our chocolate products no more than 250 calories per portion reflects this."

Do you snack on king-size chocolate bars? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out how to burn off a burger...

How to burn off a Big Mac

Big Mac
 There are 490 calories in a Big Mac - that's around a quarter of a woman's RDA. Get set to sweat by taking a spinning class for an hour to burn off that burger.
Chicken McNuggets
 If you snack on some nuggets (250 calories) and dip (45 calories), head out for a brisk paced 30 minute jog to undo some of the damage and burn 300 calories.
Chicken Legend
 Fans of the Chicken Legend sandwich may be surprised to hear it clocks up more calories than a Big Mac. To burn off 535 calories try a 90 minute Bikram yoga class and prepare to suffer.
Soft drinks and coffee
 If you're opting for diet drinks or black coffee, no exercise is required. However a medium Fanta at 170 calories will require 15 minutes vigorous activity on the rowing machine to burn it off.
Filet-O-Fish
 Fans of the Filet-O-Fish will need to do 30 mins of circuit training to cancel out the calorie damage of their meal.
Salad or fries
 Salad dodgers who opt for medium fries (330 calories) will need to climb stairs for 40 minutes to burn it off. Choosing salad means you can walk around the block and burn it off - but who orders salad at McDonald's?
McChicken Sandwich
 Clocking in at 385 calories, burning off the McChicken sandwich will involve an hour of low-impact aerobics or half an hour's tennis.
Milkshake
 Slurping down a milkshake will cost you a massive 420 calories. Be prepared to swim for at least 45 minutes to burn it off.
Quarter pounder with cheese
 If your regular order is a quarter pounder with cheese, you'll need to skip rope at a fast pace for 30 minutes to make a dent in the calories. You could also head for the stationary bike but be prepared for a 45 minute slog.

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British models banned from using sunbeds

February 17, 2012, 2:16 am

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Filed under: In the news

London Fashion Week models banned from using sunbeds PA

Some of Britain's top model agencies have signed up to a No Sunbed policy for all their models and have been advised to have spray tans instead.

The Daily Mail reports that directors from 11 model agencies, including Elite, Premier Model Management, Storm and Next have banned models from using UV beds, in support of Cancer Research UK's R UV UGLY? campaign, designed to warn Britons about the health risks associated with using tanning beds.

According to Cancer Research UK, the first time use of a sun bed before the age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, by 75 per cent.

And using a sunbed just once a month can increase the risk of melanoma by 50 per cent.

Elle UK reports that malignant melanoma is the second most common form of cancer among 15-34 year olds, and shows like The Only Way is Essex and My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding have been accused of championing sunbed use.

The launch of the No Sunbed Policy coincides with the start of London Fashion Week, which begins today.

Sarah Doukas, Managing Director of Storm Model Management, told the Daily Mail: "Storm Model Management is pleased to support the No Sunbed Policy.

"Supporting this campaign makes perfect sense as the wellbeing of our models is of paramount importance and we take a serious approach to their health.

"We do not advocate the use of sunbeds for any of our models, and recommend that they choose safer options if they require a tan - spray tans are easy to apply and can last a week.

"It is well documented that UV from sunbeds can cause serious skin damage, especially in the under 35s."

Chris Lunn, SunSmart campaign manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "We are delighted that leading model agencies are backing our R UV UGLY? campaign.

"Using sunbeds can make your skin coarse, leathery and wrinkly. The UV rays from a sunbed can also damage the DNA in your skin.

"Over time, this damage can build up and may lead to melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. So, if you feel you must have a tan, it is safer to fake it."

Do you still use sunbeds? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out which foods will give you better skin...

Foods for better skin

Eggs
 At breakfast, lunch or dinner, integrate an egg into your meal. A rich source of vitamin A, eggs are one of the purest forms of protein. "Skin is made up of protein and amino acids, which are used to repair skin tissue," O'Byrne explains. "Eggs contain <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/20/mushroom-omelette-could-cut-your-risk-of-pancreatic-cancer/" target="_blank">selenium</a>, a great antioxidant which has been linked to a lowered incidence of skin cancer." Selenium also boosts the immune system, which improves the appearance of skin, leaving it looking healthy and radiant. There's more: eggs also contain copper, which aids skin tissue regeneration and boosts elastin, a compound that keeps your skin strong and firm.
Salmon
 "For glowing skin, aim to eat two to three servings of oily fish, including at least one serving of salmon, each week," O'Byrne recommends. Salmon is the king of all fatty fish, containing a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and obtain moisture from within, warding off fine lines and wrinkles and decreasing the chance of getting blocked pores, which cause spots and blackheads.  <div> The reason salmon's so beneficial? "One omega-3 fat in particular, called EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), has been shown to preserve collagen, so skin stays firmer and younger-looking," explains O'Byrne. Salmon also contains vitamin A, an antioxidant which may slow down the ageing process by helping with skin rejuvenation.</div> <div> </div>
Avocado
 "The top food for healthy skin is always the avocado," explains O'Byrne. "This fruit is packed with healthy fats and fibre and has a good dose of the potent anti-ageing vitamin E." Mixing avocado with certain veggies may increase their nutritional power as well. The carotenoid antioxidants lycopene and beta-carotene, which prevent premature ageing and are found in tomatoes, romaine, spinach and carrots, increase significantly when eaten with this super-food. Mix some avocados into your favourite salad or mash them up - they'll double as a great DIY moisturising face masque, advises O'Byrne.
Turkey
 Turkey isn't just for festive season. O'Byrne recommends swapping your chicken for turkey breast slices - they're a healthier (and lower-fat) addition to meals. "Turkey contains a high concentration of zinc, which maintains the collagen and elastin fibres that firm the skin and decreases the chances of developing fine lines," says O'Byrne. It also contains arginine, known to improve blood circulation which in turn increases the reproduction of cells and improves the appearance of skin.
Broccoli
 Broccoli is packed full of antioxidants, vitamin C and B complex, vitamin E, A and K - just to name a few! O'Byrne advises picking the darker florets, as they contain more potent vitamins and provide more power to fight off those crows’ feet. Broccoli also has cleansing properties and stimulates liver function, aiding the detoxification process in the body.
Spinach
 According to Atkins nutritionist <a href="http://www.atkins.com" target="_blank">Linda O'Byrne</a>, snacking like Popeye could be seriously beneficial for more than just our muscles. "Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse for skin as it contains lutein, a carotenoid that protects your skin from UV damage," O'Byrne explains. It also contains antioxidant vitamins C and E, and good levels of vitamin K, which promote skin elasticity and may help to protect against premature ageing and the development of wrinkles.

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Three cups of tea a day protects your health

February 17, 2012, 7:59 pm

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Filed under: In the news

Three cups of tea a day protects your health Getty

It looks like a cuppa really can make everything better.

A review in the journal Nutrition Bulletin found that drinking three or more cups of tea a day can protect against heart attacks and diabetes, by reducing bad cholesterol and blood sugar.

The Daily Mail reports that this is because tea is packed with flavonoids - the antioxidants that protect against heart disease.

Although tea isn't the only source of antioxidants, which are thought to reduce inflammation, reduce excess blood clotting, improve blood vessel function and prevent arteries from furring up, it is one of the best.

One cup of tea provides 150-200mg of flavonoids, making it the best source of antioxidants in the British diet. Just two cups delivers delivers the same benefits as five portions of vegetables.

It doesn't matter whether you drink it black or with milk - the beneficial effects remain the same.

Nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton, co-author of the review and a member of the Tea Advisory Panel, said: "There is far more to the nations favourite drink that we realise.

"With antioxidant flavonoids, black tea packs a powerful punch with many health benefits particularly for the heart. And recent studies show that the flavonoids work their magic whether or not we choose to add milk."

How many cups of tea do you drink each day? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out which foods will boost your energy...

Foods to boost energy

Salmon
 A top source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is also thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease (among other conditions) and even depression. The oily fish is also full of B12, niacin and minerals like selenium and iron, which boost energy production and immune function.
Beans
 Beans (and lentils) are great for lowering cholesterol and are a good source of potassium, protein and healthy carbs. Throw them into salads, soups and pasta and rice dishes for a nutritious pick-me-up. Hummus and whole wheat pitta is another tasty, energy-boosting snack to have on the go.
Broccoli (and other green vegetables)
 Leafy greens contain lots of iron to boost energy levels, plus they're packed with vitamin C and folate, which helps produce red blood cells and is associated with better moods. Add some broccoli and other green leafy veg like spinach, collard greens and kale to salads and other dishes.
Whole grains
 Whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa and healthy cereals like oatmeal are loaded with B vitamins (which help the spleen function properly) and give you the fuel you need to keep your body and mind going all day long. Be sure to choose whole wheat varieties - all the fibre and nutrients have been processed out of 'enriched' white versions.
Eggs
 High levels of protein correlate to better energy levels, and eggs are considered a complete protein source containing all nine amino acids. Kick-start your day with eggs for breakfast or munch on a hard-boiled egg to get energy levels up in the afternoon.
Blueberries and oranges
 Natural sugars and healthy carbs make all fruits a great snack choice, but blueberries and oranges are packed with extra benefits. Blueberries are full of antioxidants, help boost your metabolism and fight off urinary tract infections, while the vitamin C in oranges aids with muscle repair and iron absorption, making them an ideal post-workout snack.
Green tea
 As an alternative to coffee, green tea works wonders. It's packed with flavonoids which fight free radical damage, and studies have shown it's linked to a reduced risk of various cancers and heart disease. Drink up.
Honey
 Honey is a great source of natural sugars and antioxidants (the darker the honey, the higher the antioxidant content). It's thought to boost the immune system, aid digestion and promote healing - use it as an alternative to sugar.
Green parsley
 Start chewing on those parsley sprigs - they serve more than just a decorative purpose. The leafy herb is full of vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid and flavonoids, which work to boost cell regeneration in the body and increase energy levels.
Seeds
 Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are rich in protein as well as a healthy mix of fats and minerals (magnesium, iron and copper in pumpkin seeds; selenium and vitamins E and B6 in sunflower seeds) which will keep energy levels high. Sprinkle over salads or yoghurt or munch them on their own instead of that unhealthy packet of crisps.
Dark chocolate
 Packed with antioxidants and shown to help lower blood pressure and improve mood, dark chocolate is actually good for you in moderation. Try swapping your cup of joe for a couple of squares as a pick-me-up.
Nuts
 Nuts, (raw almonds, cashews and hazelnuts in particular) are a great snack option packed with protein and healthy fats, and also contain magnesium which helps convert sugar into energy. Nut butters are also energy-boosters whose heart-healthy fats can help keep you going longer.

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Andie MacDowell says women over 50 shouldn't wear short skirts

February 17, 2012, 8:18 pm

≫ Next: Number of flu cases hits a record low

≪ Previous: Three cups of tea a day protects your health

Filed under: Celebrity

Andie MacDowell says women over 50 shouldn't wear short skirts Getty

She's a beautiful actress and model with a great figure and perfect pins - but Andie MacDowell reckons that women over the age of 50 shouldn't get their legs out.

In an interview on US television, Andie - who has been the face of L'Oreal for more than 20 years - was asked to pass on one piece of style advice to viewers.

The Four Weddings And A Funeral actress, who is now 53, said: "No super short [skirts]. You've got to take the hems down, especially past 50. I don't care how good your legs are."

The Daily Mail reports that she also said that women in their 50s should resist the urge to slob out in tracksuit bottoms.

She said: "Women my age should not wear Juicy Couture sweatpants or anything that looks like junior high school."

Looks like it's maxi skirts and ball gowns all the way once you hit the big 5-0 then, ladies...

Is Andie right? Do minis look wrong on women over 50?

Click on the image below to find out which skirts suit your body shape...

Skirts for your body shape

Fitted pencil skirt with splits - Hourglass
 The most flattering way to encase those hourglass curves is in a high-waisted pencil skirt - just look to Joan Holloway on Mad Men for inspiration and team with fitted cardis and colourful blouses. This navy skirt from Jaeger is perfect for office - and the subtle-yet-sexy splits ensure it can work the night shift, too.  Double split hem pencil skirt, £160, <a href="http://www.jaeger.co.uk/Product_Detail?productid=750050C" target="_blank">Jaeger</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Pleated skirt - Athletic
 Add curves to an athletic frame with frills, pleats and embellishments. This maxi will brighten up any look and can be teamed with peasant tops and voluminous blouses to soften an athletic physique. Butterfly by Matthew Williamson pleated maxi-skirt, £40, <a href="http://www.debenhams.com/" target="_blank">Debenhams</a> - <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">Shop skirts</a>
Peplum skirt - Inverted triangle
 The playful peplum detail on this bright lace skirt from ASOS adds width to the hips to help balance out broader shoulders on an inverted triangle body shape. Play with texture and colour to add volume to your narrower bottom half. ASOS Midi with lace peplum, £35, <a href="http://www.asos.com/?hrd=1" target="_blank">ASOS</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Above-the-knee - Petite
 Lengthen a petite frame by showing off your legs in an A-line above-the-knee skirt in a darker hue. The ruffle detail on this mini from Comptoir des Cotonniers is a subtle way to add some curves to smaller frames. Team with a light-coloured blouse or jumper to draw the gaze upwards and give the illusion of longer lines.  Melba skirt, £105, <a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/eng/home_EN.aspx" target="_blank">Comptoir des Cotonniers</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Printed maxi skirt - Tall
 Tall silhouettes should make the most of their long frames in dramatic maxi styles. A printed skirt, like East's crinkly vintage floral version, draws the eyeline across the body instead of up and down.  Floral maxi skirt, £72, <a href="http://www.east.co.uk/" target="_blank">East</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Pencil skirt with flippy hemline - Tall/petite/hourglass/pear
 This tailored wool skirt from Boden is a great workwear item that suits a variety of body shapes. It hugs curvy hourglass and pear silhouettes (but has a wider hemline than normal pencil skirts to flatter bigger hips), is elongating on petite shapes and also works on taller women - just add a brightly hued top and belt to break up your lines. Flippy wool skirt, £79, <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Skirts/Knee-Length-Skirts/BQ011/Womens-Flippy-Wool-Skirt.html?strShortKey=LNU1&cm_mmc=PriceGrabber-_-Women's%20Clothes-_-Women's%20Knee%20Length%20Skirts-_-BQ011%20Navy%20Pinstripe%20Flippy%20Wool%20Skirt" target="_blank">Boden via AOL Shopping</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Belted knee-length A-line skirt - Pear
 Knee-length A-line skirt shapes are especially flattering on pear figures. We love this colourful, striped version by Hobbs since it includes pleats and a belt to highlight a tiny waist, while skimming over bigger hips and bums. Paige skirt, £119, <a href="http://www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1017&productid=0112-7635-3487L00&productvarid=0112-7635-3487L00-BLACK%20MULTI-14&refpage=1199" target="_blank">Hobbs</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Frill skirt - Slender
 Slim girls should look for skirts with volume and texture - tulip shapes and anything with ruffles and embellishments are particularly flattering. This tiered frill skirt from Jigsaw will add curves to a slim frame and highlight slender legs.  Twig print frill tiered skirt, £110, <a href="http://www.jigsaw-online.com/fashion/1001450/J15204/womens/skirts/twig-print-frill-tiered-skirt" target="_blank">Jigsaw</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Textured pencil skirt - To add curves
 A pencil skirt is a classic wardrobe staple for a reason - it can work with a variety of tops and in a variety of settings, from office to evening out. This metallic leather version by Mary Portas has a reflective surface that will make slimmer frames appear curvier, so slender, athletic and petite shapes can try the silhouette (prevalent this season as it's part of the catwalk craze for all things fetish-inspired). This skirt would also suit hourglasses looking to enhance their naturally voluptuous shape. Leather pencil skirt, £199, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Mary+Portas+Leather+pencil+skirt/160421592,default,pd.html" target="_blank">House of Fraser</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Bold print A-line skirt - Apple shape
 An A-line skirt that goes out at the knees is perfect for balancing an apple shape and keeps your waist looking slim. Opt for a boldly printed version which will draw the gaze to your slimmer lower half. High fly skirt, £45, <a href="http://www.whitestuff.com/high-fly-skirt-prod337940_graphite_b/" target="_blank">White Stuff</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>

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Number of flu cases hits a record low

February 18, 2012, 7:37 pm

≫ Next: Britain's first male mum says: "I'll be a good daddy"

≪ Previous: Andie MacDowell says women over 50 shouldn't wear short skirts

Filed under: In the news

Number of flu cases to hit a record low Getty

This time last year we were all worrying about swine flu, but this year the Health Protection Agency says that there has been a record drop in the number of cases of flu.

The Daily Mail reports that 474 people died of flu in 2009, and 535 died last winter.

But in its last weekly report the HPA said that numbers of people visiting their GP with flu symptoms had fallen to just 15.6 per cent per 100,000 in England - around half the usual rate.

The rates in Wales and Scotland were lower still, at 9.4 per cent and 13.6 per cent respectively, although Northern Ireland was higher at 25.9 per cent.

These rates are more in line with the levels expected during the summer months and, if the trend continues, the UK is on course to experience the lowest levels of winter flu on record.

The Independent reports that the swine-flu virus H1N1 has now almost disappeared and a new virus, H3N2, has become dominant.

Experts believe that the drop in cases may have occurred as a result of better hygiene, lower pollution, vaccination, more people self-treating at home and changes in the natural cycle of the disease.

A HPA spokesperson told the Independent: "You can never predict what happens with flu - but we were surprised."

In an average winter, seasonal flu causes delays in A&E, waiting lists for NHS operations get longer and supplies of the flu vaccine often run low.

However none of this has happened this winter - yet.

Professor Nick Phin, a flu expert at the HPA, told The Independent: "It's still too early to say if this is one of the lowest flu seasons we have seen in recent years as the season is not over yet and flu is still circulating in the community."

Have you had flu this winter? Let us know below...

Click on the image below for some flu-fighting foods...

Flu-fighting foods

Chicken soup
 Chicken soup has long been a go-to cold cure thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mucous-thinning properties. Adding noodles or vegetables will help bolster the immune system with additional carbs and nutrients, and give your body a much-needed energy boost.
Garlic
 Not great for your breath, garlic is good for your body, thanks to allicin (produced when garlic is crushed), which helps fight infections.
Mushrooms
 These immune-boosters contain cytokines which help defend the body against viruses and tumours. A 2011 study found that the <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/20/mushroom-omelette-could-cut-your-risk-of-pancreatic-cancer/" target="_self">selenium and nickel in mushrooms can also help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer</a>.
Sweet potatoes
 Full of fibre and beta-carotene - which is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps with respiratory infections - sweet potatoes are among the tastiest immune-boosters. Other orange foods like carrots and squash are also good.
Oats
 Packed with vitamins E and B as well as beta-glucan, a fibre with strong antioxidant capabilities, oats have been found to help stave off flu and herpes in animals, as well as boosting immunity and healing wounds faster in humans.
Chilli peppers
 Hot peppers have capsaicin, which will thin mucous and help with congestion. Make a warming, veggie-packed chilli dish to get a nutrient boost and energy levels up.
Strawberries
 While vitamin C's flu-fighting effects are debatable, it's still a powerful antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure, boosts collagen production and acts as a natural antihistamine. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and aid in reducing inflammation, as well as preventing cancer and promoting heart health.
Tea with honey and ginger
 Full of antibacterial polyphenols which are anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, tea (without milk) is an easy, natural cold fighter. Add honey for energy (it will help with a sore throat and will fight off bacterial infections), and some ginger to calm an upset stomach.
Dark chocolate
 Here's some tasty news: dark chocolate can help boost your immunity, thanks to high cocoa levels which support the body's T-cells and help aid in fighting infection. In addition, dark chocolate's theobromine content has been found to work as a cough suppressant.
Yoghurt
 A study found that the probiotics in yoghurts with live and active cultures may reduce cold and flu symptoms, cutting the duration of a fever, cold and runny nose.

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Britain's first male mum says: "I'll be a good daddy"

February 18, 2012, 8:04 pm

≫ Next: One-Pot Winter Warmers: Baked eggs with smoked mackerel

≪ Previous: Number of flu cases hits a record low

Filed under: In the news

Britain's first male mum says: 'I'll be a good daddy' Getty

The man thought to be Britain's first 'male mother' has expressed his wish for anonymity and says that his 11-month-old daughter is a "little angel".

A reporter from the Mail on Sunday has tracked down the man, who they refer to as 'Bob', living in a town in the North of England.

He has said that he has no desire to talk publicly about his situation, like American transexual Thomas Beatie (pictured above) who made headlines around the world when he gave birth to a daughter in 2008.

It seems that Bob, 27, who was born a woman, gave birth to his daughter in March 2011, after stopping the male hormone treatment which enabled him to make the gender transition.

He had been living as a man for five years and had legally changed his name and gender, before deciding to conceive with his male partner. The couple have since separated and he is raising the child as a single parent.

His daughter was conceived using his own egg, but it is not clear how she was conceived or whether his former partner supplied the sperm.

He told the Mail: "It is not something I want to become famous for. I don't want everyone to know that I'm transgender."

He added: "I would certainly want to help people in an anonymous capacity but I wouldn't want to become famous for that, I wouldn't want to be known like Thomas Beatie. And I have to think of my daughter and I don't think it would be good for her."

According to the Mail on Sunday, Bob's daughter calls him "Dada" and refers to his former partner as her "other daddy".

In a blog which he kept to chart his pregnancy he wrote: "I'm not the first man to have a baby and I won't be the last, but we're not fully accepted and understood yet, there's still a long way to go."

It's not clear if he had gender reassignment surgery, but in his blog Bob explained that his pregnancy meant that he had to cancel an appointment with his doctor for chest surgery. As a result he was worried about how he'd cope when his breasts began to enlarge and produce milk.

In his final post in May 2011 he wrote: "I went through the pregnancy pretty damn well if I do say so myself." His account has since been deactivated.

News of the birth emerged last weekend when the Beaumont Society, a charity supporting transvestite and transgender people, revealed that a man had phoned a confidential hotline requesting information on the practicalities of having a baby after sex change surgery.

The man called again several months later to say that a baby had been born, but official bodies had no knowledge of the situation.

It is still not known whether the man identified by the Mail on Sunday is the same man who contacted the charity.

Do you think that 'Bob' is right to protect his anonymity? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out if you're ready for a baby...

Are you ready for a baby?

Independent women
 For superstar mum and business powerhouse  Beyoncé, pre-pregnancy accomplishments were integral to being a better parent. She recently revealed she'd held off having a family "to build an empire, relationship and [her] self-worth before becoming a mother." If you're having doubts about whether now is the right time or not, Brookes suggests listing your life goals: "... then separate them into goals that are attainable even after a baby and those that would be harder. Which column is fuller? If there are a lot in the latter column it may be an indication that you don't feel ready."
The time to reevaluate?
 Even if you think your career is your priority, having a baby may change your life goals. According to Brookes: "Having a baby gives us permission to re-evaluate. We're often so busy working and socialising that we never ask: 'Is this what I want anyway?' Prior to having children our focus is on ourselves." If you're already pregnant, make the most of your maternity leave. "It's easy to want solely to relax but this can often contribute to that 'unfulfilled' feeling. Seek out local family events and get-togethers with other parents so you start to recognise everyone is having their own challenges and triumphs, too. This also allows you to look forward to a time when you aren't working and of course builds up a bank of positive memories that aren't just career-related," Brookes explains.
What about the social aspect?
 Fact: Having a baby will impact your social life. How do you feel about that? Brookes suggests asking yourself: "Are you still partying hard and living for the weekends or are you finding yourself staying in more? The more party-hardy your evenings, the chances are you may not be feeling quite ready and haven't done enough." She also recommends chatting to friends about anything they've regretted not doing before baby came along - even if you wouldn't miss the same things, it could alert you to something that would only be visible in retrospect.
How to silence those fears
 Doubts and fears are a natural part of any big decision. "Actually, they're providing an opportunity to weigh up the pros and cons of a situation, reflect upon where we are at and what needs to change," explains Brookes. Chat to other parents for some perspective, and look at your own situation (your health, relationship, etc) to see if it's your environment that's causing you to postpone your decision. <o:p>Brookes adds that: "Having a baby will not prevent you from doing anything unless you let it. Yes, you may need more support but it's doable if you want it enough."<o:p></o:p></o:p>
When is the right time?
 Over the past decade, the number of women waiting until they are over 40 to have a baby has increased by 50%. The biggest dilemma for some women is the question of balancing career with baby and feeling that they've achieved what they hoped they would. As life coach, psychologist and mum of two, Jenny Brookes, explains: "Achieving personal goals before having a baby certainly allows you to more fully engage in the process of being a mum. You enter parenthood with higher self esteem and empowering memories of adventure and achievement which can provide confidence in your own parenting ability."

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One-Pot Winter Warmers: Baked eggs with smoked mackerel

February 19, 2012, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Starving yourself on alternate days could help you lose weight - and boost brain power

≪ Previous: Britain's first male mum says: "I'll be a good daddy"

Filed under: Food

One-Pot Winter Warmers: Baked eggs with smoked mackerel Helen Graves

Baked eggs are so simple to make, yet so deeply comforting and perfectly delicious at any time of day; for brunch, dinner or - best of all - a sudden attack of the late-night munchies. A single egg, coddled in a pot, baked until just set and served with buttery toast, feels much more elegant than a simple boiled number, and can be tarted up in an endless variety of ways.

The idea here is to nestle something underneath the egg, to add extra flavour and interest. In this recipe, I've used smoked mackerel, which is cheap and plentiful, with a really intense flavour. The richness of this oily fish works so well with the egg and cream, particularly when offset by tangy capers.

Other smoked fish like haddock will also work beautifully, as indeed would smoked salmon. Vegetables are lovely too, the most obvious choice being spinach, although this will need to be wilted down first to avoid ending up with watery eggs. The idea of some shredded leeks, gently fried in butter, should never be dismissed, nor should the idea of topping the pot with a little grated cheese. Finally, for those of you who simply must have meat, try adding some pieces of cooked ham.

This couldn't be easier to make as it involves nothing more taxing than putting everything into a ramekin and baking gently until the egg is, importantly, just cooked. A runny yolk is essential, for dunking and dipping all those buttery soldiers.

Baked Eggs with Smoked Mackerel (serves 2)

2 eggs

A fillet of smoked mackerel, broken up into large flakes

1 teaspoon capers

2 tablespoons single cream (double wouldn't hurt if you want to up the ante)

Chives, finely chopped

Toast, to serve

Preheat the oven to 180C.

Divide the smoked mackerel and capers between two ramekins. Gently crack an egg into each and spoon a tablespoon of cream on top. Season with salt and pepper, then bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the egg is just set.

Sprinkle the chives on top and serve with plenty of buttered toast.

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Starving yourself on alternate days could help you lose weight - and boost brain power

February 19, 2012, 9:47 pm

≫ Next: Alcohol could kill 210,000 people in the next 20 years

≪ Previous: One-Pot Winter Warmers: Baked eggs with smoked mackerel

Filed under: In the news

Starving yourself on alternate days could help you lose weight - and boost brain power Corbis

We're used to hearing that eating three healthy meals a day is the key to losing weight.

But now US scientists believe that fasting on alternate days is the secret to staying slim - and they believe that it can also help to prevent age-related disease, boost brain power and extend lifespan.

The Daily Mail reports that researchers at US-based National Institutes for Aging found that feeding animals the minimum amount of calories enabled them to love up to twice as long.

The calorie-restricted diet has now been tested on humans and the benefits appear to include weight loss and protection from heart disease, Alzheimer's and diabetes.

The Sunday Times reports that it was assumed that people wouldn't have the willpower to stick to such a low-calorie eating plan. But scientists have now found that fasting every other day is almost as effective, and dieters can eat whatever they like in between fasts.

Mark Mattson, head of the laboratory of neurosciences at the NIA, told the Sunday Times: "Dietary energy restriction extends lifespan and protects the brain and cardiovascular system against age-related disease.

"We have found that dietary energy restriction, particularly when administered in intermittent bouts of major calorific restriction, such as alternate day fasting, activates cellular stress response pathways in neurones."

Researchers found that mice that were fed intermittently had a higher sensitivity to insulin, which controls sugar levels in the blood, and therefore needed to secrete less. High levels of insulin are linked to a higher risk of diabetes and reduced brain power.

The calorie restricted diet also improved resistance to a neurotoxin that simulates Alzheimer's disease and has been found to improve memory in older people.

Could you cope with fasting every other day? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out which celebrities have struggled with food...

Celebrities with food struggles

Demi Lovato
 The 19-year-old Disney star recently came out of a stint in rehab for bulimia, drugs and alcohol. From the age of 12, the star started to starve herself, before beginning the binge and purge cycle in her teens. "At my worst, I was doing it five times a day. I threw up so hard and so much, it was just blood in the toilet," she told People magazine. Since leaving rehab, Lovato has been vocal about eating disorders, even lashing out at the Disney channel on Twitter for an eating disorder joke on one of its programmes. <div> </div> <div> </div>
Jane Fonda
 The exercise queen has had her share of eating and body image issues over the years. She told Harper's Bazaar: "I wasn't very happy from, I would say, puberty to 50. It took me a long time. It was in my 40s, and if you suffer from bulimia, the older you get, the worse it gets. It takes longer to recover from a bout." <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div>
Kirsty Young
 The Desert Island Discs presenter told the Radio Times she was working as an au pair in Switzerland when she began to suffer from bulimia. "I feel funny saying it because I'm now a different person Although it was horrible, I don't want to overplay it because people suffer for decades. I was lucky. I talked myself out of it in six months." <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div>
Diane Keaton
 In her autobiography, the 65-year-old opened up about her bulimia, which "outshone the power of my desire for Woody. Pathetic, but true." She used to binge on large quantities of food, eating a dozen buttered corn muffins, three fried eggs with bacon, pancakes and four glasses of chocolate milk just for breakfast. She revealed she got the idea for throwing up because she overheard another actress talking about it. <div> </div> <div> </div>
Kate Thornton
 The former Loose Women presenter revealed on This Morning that she became anorexic from the ages of 11 to 15 after suffering bullying at school. She is currently working on a documentary about the condition. "There was a 20-year distance between me and my recovery. And I have to say I completely misjudged it. I found it really hard. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. I can't watch it. I was looking away then when that clip was on. It is undignified, it's embarrassing, but it's happening all around us. It is a deceptive illness, a lonely illness and still one that's really difficult to fathom." <div> </div>
Mel C
 The singer became bulimic as a reaction to the fame she experienced in the Spice Girls. "I felt like I wasn't in control of my life, I was public property and I was fixated on my body image. Controlling my food was my way of fighting back and not feeling powerless," she told She magazine. She credits having her baby, Scarlet, with changing her relationship with her body into a positive one. "Having Scarlet hasn't just changed my life, she's saved it." <div> </div> <div> </div>
Alanis Morissette
 Morissette revealed she suffered from anorexia and bulimia as a teenager. In her blog on iVillage.com, she wrote: "We of the Hollywood standard-affected variety (read: sadly, the world) work tooth, nail and treadmill to adhere to this number (measuring tape, scale and otherwise) that hovers directly below any that would allow for a cupcake here and there... I remember being at my most thin one day, feeling like I could barely drag my lethargic body around, only to be met with the most compliments I had ever received. There are often traumas and abuses/neglect that are begging to be healed... I often find anxiety, fear, boredom, disappointment, loneliness, excitement and grief to be the top feelings food can attempt to prevent. My fraught relationship with food and fat has always been a cloaked invitation into a more profound kindness to myself (one I have so often ignored)." <div> </div>
Christina Ricci
 The Pan Am actress suffered from an eating disorder in her younger days, and body image issues that caused her to cover up all the mirrors in her house. She has blamed her disorder on family life rather than Tinsel Town, but Hollywood did contribute - in its own strange way. "At the time that I was starting to diet and stuff, I saw this TV movie, and I thought, 'Ooh - anorexia. I could probably do that,'" Ricci told The Guardian.
Lily Allen
 The singer-turned-retailer/designer admitted that she fell victim to the pressures of the spotlight, and began to suffer from bulimia. "It is not something I am proud of. But I tell you what, a lot of people used to come up to me and tell me how great I looked. And I was on the cover of every magazine with them saying, ‘Lily is looking amazing – look how much weight she has lost’. I thought I looked good. It was great to try on clothes and walk out of the shop feeling a million dollars. When you have been a victim of people saying the complete opposite, you want more of it. But I wasn’t happy, I really wasn’t. I would like to be the skinniest, mini-est person in the world, but I know I can’t do that without being unhappy. I like my food." <div> </div>
Portia De Rossi
 Portia De Rossi's struggles with eating began as early as age 12, but she hit her lowest point when she began working on the show Ally McBeal. "I weighed 5st 12lb when I collapsed on a film set in early 2000," she says. "I had osteoporosis and signs of cirrhosis of the liver. My potassium and electrolyte balance were at critical levels, threatening my organ function. I had to accept that I'd chosen the wrong road - one that led to sickness and death," she revealed in her autobiography. After she started eating again, she developed bulimia and her weight ballooned, and the star credits her wife, Elle DeGeneres, with helping her come to terms with her body. "We first met in 2001 when I weighed 168lb, but she says she never saw me as heavy - only the person inside."
Princess Diana
 In 1995, Diana admitted in a television interview that she had suffered from bulimia. "I had bulimia for a number of years. And that's like a secret disease. You inflict it upon yourself because your self-esteem is at a low ebb, and you don't think you're worthy or valuable." Once the news was revealed, there was an increase in the number of bulimia diagnoses, as many people felt more comfortable admitting their problem. This became known as the "Diana Effect."
Lady Gaga
 The singer recently opened up to a group of schoolchildren about her body image issues as a teen. "I used to throw up all the time in high school. So I'm not that confident. And maybe it's easier for me to talk about it now because I don't do it anymore," she said. "I wanted to be a skinny little ballerina but I was a voluptuous little Italian girl whose dad had meatballs on the table every night." She revealed she became bulimic, and it was singing that finally prompted her to stop - the acid was damaging her vocal chords. <div> </div> <div> </div>

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Alcohol could kill 210,000 people in the next 20 years

February 19, 2012, 10:17 pm

≫ Next: British women are hoarding 156 million unworn bras

≪ Previous: Starving yourself on alternate days could help you lose weight - and boost brain power

Filed under: In the news

Alcohol could kill 210,000 people in the next 20 years Getty

Leading doctors have warned that 210,000 people could die in the next 20 years as a result of alcohol abuse, unless the Government takes action now.

BBC News reports that figures for England and Wales suggest that 70,000 of the deaths could be from liver disease and the rest from accidents, violence and chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, breast cancer and cancer of the gastrointestinal tract.

The projected mortality figures come from Professor Ian Gilmore, a former President of the Royal College of Physicians, Dr Nick Sheron, from the National Institute for Health Research and members of the British Society of Gastroenterology.

The figure of 210,000 is a reduction of their previous estimate of 250,000, and represents the "worst-case scenario" unless the Government makes some changes to alcohol policy.

Writing in the Lancet medical journal, doctors said: "It remains entirely within the power of the UK government to prevent the worst-case scenario of preventable deaths.

"We are at a potential tipping point in the UK in taking on the shameful, preventable loss of life caused by alcohol.

"The potential prize of reversing this tragic toll of alcohol-related deaths is there for the taking."

The Daily Mail reports that the introduction of 24-hour drinking laws in 2005, combined with the fact that supermarkets now sell alcohol very cheaply, has helped to create the problem.

The Department of Health will publish its alcohol strategy for England later this year.

As part of the strategy, ministers are expected to recommend a higher minimum price for alcohol.

The public health minister, Anne Milton, said: "As the Prime Minister said earlier this week, we are determined to tackle the scandal of alcohol abuse. People that misuse alcohol endanger their own lives and those of others.

"It costs the NHS £2.7 billion per year and in our forthcoming alcohol strategy we will set out our plans on how to deal with the wide range of problems and harms it causes."

What do you think is the best way to tackle alcohol abuse? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out how to cut back on the booze...

Five tips to cut back on drinking alcohol

Start swapping
 One simple trick to limit your alcohol intake on a night out is to have a glass of water between drinks - it will keep you hydrated, pace your drinking and fill you up so you won't feel tempted to drink as much. Also, start swapping your usual glass of wine for a spritzer (use half your usual tipple amount topped off with soda water). At holiday parties, ditch the holiday cocktail for a tasty-yet-alcohol-free mocktail.
Get writing
 Make a list of goals emphasising why you want to stop drinking (To save money? Lose weight? Wake up refreshed as opposed to exhausted?) This will help you stay motivated, especially if you post the list on your fridge (or somewhere prominent) and look at it frequently as a reminder of what you want to achieve. You can also cut down on the amount you drink by jotting down a list of what you drink, who you tend to drink with and where you like to drink to get an idea of how much you're consuming.  Finally, a list of drinking rules - only drink on weekends, only have one cocktail at the party, only imbibe in your formal wear, for example - will help give you structure and keep your drinking in check. Post somewhere prominent to ensure you stick to the message.
Keep track of your alcohol expenditure
 Calculate the amount you spend on alcohol per week and make a commitment to spend a third less or half that amount. Reward yourself with a (non-alcoholic) treat with all of the money you save from not drinking.
Keep your home alcohol-free
 It's tough to cut back on drinking when the first thing you see after a long day in the office is a tantalisingly well-stocked home bar. Give away some of your bottles as holiday and host/hostess presents, stock up on non-alcoholic drinks and make your favourite cocktails at home, minus the booze.
Learn to avoid temptation
 If your weekly social gatherings are always in the pub, think about switching locales. Only drink when you're in? Then start going out. Or, if you have a certain group of friends you love to drink with, tell them you're cutting back and want to do coffee this week instead of happy hour. Do you tend to drink in times of stress? The holidays have some people reaching for the bottle, so prepare some other coping strategies to deal with the stress in advance.

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British women are hoarding 156 million unworn bras

February 19, 2012, 10:38 pm

≫ Next: Britain faces rise in diseases that are impossible to treat

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Filed under: In the news

British women are hoarding 156 million unworn bras Getty

Is your underwear draw full to bursting with bras that you never wear?

If so, then new research suggests that you're not alone.

Running specialists Sweatshop, who are launching a new sports bra-fitting service, found that British women boast an incredible 156 million unworn bras that are uncomfortable, unflattering or simply the wrong size.

The Daily Mail reports that one in ten women don't know their own bra size, a third had never been properly measured and 74 per cent don't try bras on before they buy them.

The new research shows that the average women has nine bras, but wears only half of them.

In fact, most women rotate the same three bras, perhaps because more than half admitted to owning a range of different sizes.

In addition, more than a quarter of women admitted to buying bras in a size too small to make their breasts look bigger.

Head sports bra buyer for Sweatshop, Amanda Brasher, said: "Too many women are wasting money on bras that don't fit, or fail to offer the right support. It is vital to get measured, especially if you are active or play sport, as an ill-fitting bra can potentially cause long term breast damage.

"Women depend on their bras as something they will wear pretty much every day of their lives, so it's important to invest in them wisely.

"Most women own bras for different reasons whether it's for everyday wear, exercise of bras for special occasions."

How many bras do you own? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out which lingerie suits your body shape...

Lingerie for your body shape

Full-coverage balcony bra and contouring high-waisted brief - Apple
 Support an apple's ample bust with a balcony (or balconette)-style bra, which offers full coverage but is cut low so you can wear lower-cut tops. We love this 60s-inspired style from Ultimo, and the high-waist knickers provide extra  slimming and contouring support around the tum and bum area. Ultimo Spy Balcony Bra, £28-£31, and Brief, £14.50, <a href="http://www.ultimo.co.uk/shop/spy-balcony-bra-dd-g-1252?clid=1572&from=/shop/quick-shop?sale=1" target="_blank">Ultimo</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a>
Lace triangle underwire bra and brief - Athletic
 Soften an athletic frame with a delicate lace bra and brief. A triangle-shape is particularly flattering on smaller busts, and the skimpy lace and silk design on this Stella McCartney set draws attention to a toned physique while adding a feminine touch.  Stella McCartney Selma Dancing Bra, £96 and Brief, £48, <a href="http://www.foxandrose.com/" target="_blank">Fox & Rose</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a>
Underwire bra and high-rise thong - Hourglass
 Flaunt your curves in a lightly padded underwire bra and high-cut thong knickers to play up your bum and hip area. This playful floral print with lace trim is very nice... and just a little bit naughty. George <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/lingerie/bras/satin-floral-bra/GEM119183,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Satin Floral Bra</a>, £6, and <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/lingerie/knickers/satin-floral-thing/GEM119191,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Satin Floral Thong</a>, £3.50, ASDA <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a>
Lace-detail bra and lace boy short - Petite/Slim
 Frilly additions like lace and floral patterns help add curves to smaller frames. The high-rise detail on these red hot knicker shorts from Simone Perele gives the illusion of creating a longer leg line, while the lace embellishment on the bottom will help shape the bum. Perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond. Divin half-cup bra, £74, and shorty, £45, <a href="http://www.simone-perele.com/fr/language/shop" target="_blank">Simone Perele</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a>
Shapewear slip - For all-over coverage
 Gok Wan's new Wall of Fame shapewear range for Simply Yours is sexy and silhouette-enhancing - this slip provides all the support a larger-busted woman needs, cinches in any wobbly bits and is a versatile piece that can be worn under all of your frocks (the straps are removable), while the suspenders take it into sultry evening territory... Sassy slip, £55, <a href="http://www.simplyyours.co.uk/shop/" target="_blank">Gok Wan for Simply Yours</a> (available from 1 March) <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; " target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a>
Soft cup bra - Small bust
 The worst mistake someone with a small chest can make is overcompensating with too much padding. Work your assets in this adorable heart print soft-cup bra from Playful Promises; the heart design and bow detail are a subtle way to add some curves. Heart Noir Bra, £19, <a href="http://www.playfulpromises.com/shop/product/617/heart-noir-black-and-white-heart-bra" target="_blank">Playful Promises</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a>
Push-up bra and high-cut brief - Pear
 A pear shape with a smaller bust and bigger hips will look great in a push-up bra and bikini brief cut high up on the legs - to elongate and slim the leg and hip line. The lace detail on this Triumph bra will also divert the eye up towards a pear's slim upper body - and help it look more in proportion with bigger hips. Triumph Lovely Dots bra, £36, and string bikini, £14.50, <a href="http://uk.triumph.com/" target="_blank">Triumph</a> <div style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; "> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a> </div>
Corset top and tummy shaper - To hide a bigger tum
 Cinch in your waist and camouflage problem areas with this silk and lace high-waist brief and corset bra set, which offer all of the sex appeal of skimpy lingerie but will keep you feeling body-confident thanks to the fuller coverage. This set from M&S is ready to jet off on your honeymoon, but works just as well for day-to-day. M&S Autograph bra, £32.50 and waist-nipper brief, £19.50, <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Lingerie-Underwear-Womens/b/43233030?ie=UTF8&ie=UTF8?ie=UTF8&intid=gnav_Lingerie&pf_rd_r=1ZYGDGHYANVHR8W382Q8&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=42966030&pf_rd_p=257503947&pf_rd_s=global-top-8" target="_blank">Marks & Spencer</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a>
Playsuit - Universal
 This retro-style, high-waisted polka dot playsuit is a playful and useful item that will suit a variety of shapes. The ruffle detail at the hem can add curves to slim or athletic frames, and draw the eyeline away from bigger shoulders on an inverted triangle shape. The vintage 50s shape also suits curvy body types like the hourglass or bigger-bosomed, and the belt can help add definition to the waist of apple shapes. Mimi Holliday Polka Dot playsuit, £86, <a href="http://www.foxandrose.com/" target="_blank">Fox & Rose</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a>
High-waisted suspender brief and corset bra - Inverted triangle
 Divert attention downwards and away from broader shoulders with this sexy corset and high-waisted suspender brief set, which will give the illusion of curves on slimmer hips. To further elongate your line, add stockings and heels for a special night in. Olympia bra, £26, and high-waisted brief, £18, <a href="http://www.annsummers.com/" target="_blank">Ann Summers</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a>

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