Table of contents for 15-Aug-2019 in Pick Me Up!

Standing at an ATM machine with my card in hand, I was very confused. I didn’t know what the machine was. I was just staring at it, holding up the queue. That’s when I knew I needed help. I asked for a memory test, but I was told that I was far too young to have dementia. After all, I was only 58. But, after failing the test twice, the doctors sent me for a head scan, and soon, they dropped a bombshell. I had vascular dementia. ‘Where do you see me in five years’ time?’ I asked. ‘You won’t be alive then,’ the doctor confessed. I went home that night and tried to digest what I had just been told. I assumed that someone would be in touch for…

As I strolled up the long driveway of my parents’ home, I caught sight of their neighbour, Stanislaw Johnson, then 73, pottering about in his front garden. ‘Hi there,’ I called. ‘Alright,’ he grunted back. My daughter Mackenzie, then eight, and I had moved in with my mum and dad, Patricia, 74, and Peter, 70, in Lytham, Blackpool, after Mum was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. It meant we saw quite a bit of Stanislaw as we came and went. ‘That’s it, good girl, Caroline,’ he said in a soft voice as I walked past. ‘Lovely girl.’ His comments seemed a bit odd, but I just put him down as eccentric. ‘I’m sure he’s harmless,’ Mum reassured me. They’d known him for years and just thought he was an odd bod.…

Practice the four steps known as RICE therapy to help treat sprains and strains at home over the first few days. 1 Rest Try not to put any weight onto your injury and stop any exercise or activities that could aggravate it further. 2 Ice Apply ice to the area. Leave it on for 20 minutes every two to three hours. Try to avoid heat (hot baths or heat packs) for the first few days. 3 Compression Ensure the injury is supported and wrap a bandage around it – most strains will get better in around three to four days. 4 Elevate Keep the injury raised and supported by a pillow as much as possible. When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving…

Stepping onto the bus, I walked straight to the back, slumping down on the seat with my school bag on my lap. ‘Mum, what’s wrong with that girl?’ I heard a child in the opposite seat say. Looking up, I saw that she was pointing straight at me, a horrified look on her face. ‘Don’t point,’ her mum said, pushing her hand down. I stared down at my phone, pretending not to notice. But, looking up again, I realised that not only was the child still staring at me, but her mum was, too. I felt my cheeks burning up, and I tried to ignore them. Just then, my phone pinged. It was a text from a boy at my school, who I barely knew. How did he get my…

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, BBC Two Even if you’re not into fishing, this surprise hit second series is well worth watching. Lifelong friends and comedic royalty Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer were reunited by a common experience of heart disease, and after Paul invited Bob out fishing, the programme was born. It explores the UK’s finest fishing spots while they share stories and explore their formidable friendship. Step Up To The Plate, CBBC Maître d’hôtel Fred Sirieix and head chef Allegra McEvedy challenge a group of 10 - 14-year-olds to run their own restaurant in this brand-new series. Fred and Allegra put the contestants through their paces, tackling difficult dinners and tough dishes, as they set out to uncover the future chefs and restaurateurs who have the potential to…

When it comes to beauty, skincare is everything. But in a world of moisturisers, toners and serums it’s hard to know how to use them. Have no fear, here’s a step-by-step guide for you. • Start by removing your makeup and cleaning your face. Use a flannel for a thorough clean. • Next, wipe a toner around your skin. This will unclog your pores and restore your PH levels. • Now it’s time for your serum. It may seem an unnecessary step, but it’s important to give your skin the nutrients it needs. • Then apply your exfoliating acids. This is a gentle way to remove any dead skin. And it’s usually done in the evening. • Now wake yourself up with your favourite eye-cream. • If you suffer with…

Meal prepping is pretty simple and will save you loads of money in the long run. Experts at Vivotion.com share their clever top tips which will see you preparing up to a week’s worth of food in advance. 1 Pick a day Choose a day when you have nothing planned and you can shut yourself away in the kitchen with no distractions. Weekends are normally good for this. Meal prepping works best when you stick to a regular schedule. The schedule is up to you and should fit your weekly routine. Keep in mind that specific times and sticking to them will simplify the decision-making process, freeing up mental space for other things. 2 Pre-planning Don’t leave your meal prep shop to the day before. Do it in advance so you…

In 2014, I was due to give evidence at court, but the day before, I wasn’t feeling very well. Stan and I had moved into our own home just down the road from Mum and Dad’s. That morning, in bed, I started bleeding. I was only seven weeks along, so I knew it was serious. I grieved for the baby I'd lost and blamed him Stan rushed me to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, but by the time we got there, it was too late. ‘I’m so sorry,’ a doctor told me. ‘You’ve suffered a miscarriage.’ Crying into Stan’ s arms, I was completely devastated. Heartbroken, I was convinced the miscarriage was down to the trauma Stanislaw had put me through. I despised him for ruining my life and quashing all of…

How to keep your dog hydrated in the summer months Dr Jessica May, UK lead vet at the on-demand online veterinary service, FirstVet (www.firstvet.com), shares her expertise on how to keep your dog hydrated in the summer months... ‘During the summer months it is important to remember that our canine friends need plenty of shade and cool water to ensure that they stay hydrated. Heat stroke is very dangerous for dogs, so they must not be left in the car. Instead, leave your dog outdoors or at home. ‘The best time to exercise with your dog in the summer is during the morning and evening, when temperatures drop slightly. Walks are important, but you could consider shorter walks with regular stopping points for rest, shade, and water. ‘Signs of heatstroke…

Q I have eczema all over my body, but it’s particularly bad on my arms and hands. None of the over the counter treatments have worked. What else can I try? Ryan, Harrogate A Eczema is a condition causing red, dry, itchy skin which can sometimes become weeping, blistered, and thickened. It is typically a lifelong condition and can flare up if a person has dry skin, is stressed or has an infection. Whilst it cannot be cured, it can be controlled by using non-perfumed moisturisers, known as emollients, on a regular basis over your entire body at least 2-3 times per day. It is also important to wear clothing from materials such as cotton and to avoid wool, as this can make eczema worse. If you have tried these…

Ruth Kudzi is a mindset coach with an MA in Psychology. She uses her experience to help her clients build lives they love. www.ruthkudzi.com Sick of penny pinching My husband just wants to save all the time and I want to enjoy myself! We’re always camping or shopping in the discount aisles. He earns the money as I stay at home with our kids. But it’s not fair that I don’t get a say! Catherine, Leicester Often the way we behave around money comes from the behaviour that we experienced as a child. If we grew up around people saving, it is likely that we will adopt this behaviour. Sit down with your husband and talk about what you want as a couple. He may be saving as he has…

1. BLUE ON BLUE Experiment with different shades of blue. A light denim jacket and dark denim shorts will have less of an immediate impact than matching shades. 2. DIFFERENT DENIMS You don’t need to stick to blue denim. Black jeans and blue denim jackets work effortlessly together. And if you’re feeling like mixing it up, white denim and coloured denims are in! 3. ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK  Blue denim compliments shades of orange and red, and really brings a pop of colour. Try styling your denim shorts and denim jacket with red Converse or a red lipstick. 4. DENIM ACCESSORIES Double up with denim accessories. Vintage denim bags and denim sandals are a great way to incorporate texture and fabrics into your outfit. 5. CLASSIC TEES Blue denim…

What about money? Do foster parents get paid? The short answer is, yes. According to simplyfostering.co.uk, the amount of allowance paid depends on the type of care and the age of the child. Foster carers are also paid a variety of expenses. On average, private fostering agencies pay a basic weekly fostering allowance and fee of £450 a week, for all ages of foster children. Famous faces Foster care is a rather quiet part of the system set up for the public good. But sometimes foster children end up becoming well-known members of society. One example? Steve Jobs. As one of the most successful businessmen of our time, he created Apple computers, Pixar Animation, and is the father of the iPod, iPhone and iPad. Jobs’ mother gave him up when…

Running an ice cream parlour in Austria had been a dream for Mexican-born Estibaliz Carranza. But as she handed out refreshing cones to grateful tourists, there was something she wanted even more - to have a baby. She’d met her husband Holger Holz, 36, when she was just 22. They started running the ice cream parlour in Vienna, and Estibaliz couldn’t wait to fall pregnant. But their marriage was soon a mess. Holger wasn’t interested in sex - no matter how hard Estibaliz tried to tempt him with seductive outfits. Desperate to be a mum, she took on a lover. Manfred Hinterberger, 48, was an ice cream salesman. But even after sex with him, she didn’t fall pregnant. When Holger and Estibaliz finally divorced, Holger refused to move out. Tension…

The Collective kids puds yoghurt pouches, 75p, Waitrose New from The Collective, these chocolate and vanilla puds are a guilt-free way to let your kids have a little treat. Made with all-natural ingredients and with less than half the sugar of other kids’ yoghurts, these treats are a great way to give your kids more of the good stuff. Lambrini Parma Violet, £3.35, Morrisons To celebrate 25 years, Lambrini have launched a brand-new flavour – Parma Violet. Giving a nod to the nineties with the old school sweet taste, the sparkling wine is available exclusively at Morrisons. Bull’s Eye BBQ sauce, £2.49, Ocado, ASDA, Morrisons Fire up the BBQ because the ultimate, authentic American BBQ sauce is launching three new flavours across the UK. Packed full of heat, the new…

ARIES 21 March–20 April Mercury makes it hard for you to stick to plans, as you want to do what you want when you want. Why don’t you try dealing with the real issue at the root of this unrest? Events this weekend make you realise you could be out of a certain person’s league. Remember, you need loved ones who give as well as take, Aries. Trust in your flirtation and seduction skills. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May There is an anxious feel to your chart, which could see you nervous about things you don’t usually have to think twice about. This all seems to link to a relationship, which has left you with more than a few questions on your lips for a certain person.…

To Dad, I remember the last day I was able to have a proper conversation with you. It was April 2017, and you were at my new house, that me and my partner, Ryan, 24, had just moved into. I’d been living there for four months after leaving home. As I walked into the dining room, I was amazed at how hard you’d worked, putting up the lilac wallpaper. ‘Wow, it looks so good, Dad,’ I told you. ‘You’re welcome, Baba,’ you’d winked. As a painter and decorator, you had jumped at the chance to make my home perfect . I bought everything myself, but you decorated. You only asked for a pint of Stella in return. ‘I’m going to finish up now, love,’ you told me. ‘I’ll hang the…

New diagnosis Q My four-year-old son has recently been diagnosed with autism. He’s doing well, but I’m worried about when he starts school. How can I help him cope? Victoria, Luton A Autism is a developmental disability that means individuals have difficulty relating to and understanding the world around them. It’s a lifelong condition, but with the right support, people can live happy fulfilling lives. Not all children will experience exactly the same difficulties and to the same extent. Therefore, the first step in helping any child to cope is to get a diagnosis. It allows your son, and people around him such as family, friends and teachers, to understand why he has the difficulties he does. Autism affects people differently, so each child will need support that is individual…

Every year in the UK, more than 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. The best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer is by attending a cervical screening when invited by your GP. Jo’s Cervical CancerTrust is the only UK charity dedicated to women affected by cervical cancer, as well as their families and friends. They aim to provide information and support, and to campaign for quality treatment and prevention. For more information visit www.jostrust.org.uk.…

Insomnia 1 Insomnia can be caused by stress, anxiety and depression. ☐ True ☐ False 2 Adults on average need around seven to nine hours of sleep. ☐ True ☐ False 3 Changing your sleeping habits doesn’t help insomnia. ☐ True ☐ False 4 Insomnia can last for years. ☐ True ☐ False 5 Men suffer from insomnia more than women. ☐ True ☐ False 1 TRUE Mental health problems can cause insomnia. Other factors can include noise, temperature, comfort, alcohol and drugs, jet lag and shift work. 2 TRUE How much sleep you need varies from person to person, but most adults need at least seven hours a night to function at their best. 3 FALSE Insomnia usually improves when you change your sleeping habits. Having a regular routine…

In 1984, I was preparing myself for a bikini contest. I loved beauty competitions, and purchasing new glitzy outfits was my favourite part. I visited a little boutique in Truro and hunted around for the perfect bikini. I wanted to wow the judges. ‘That red bikini in the window is beautiful!’ I told the shop assistant. Moments later, I left the shop with a bag in hand and a spring in my step. Swinging the little glittery red bikini, I was ready for the competition. I’d really gone all out for this one - it cost £15! That was a lot of money in those days. The day of the show, I strutted down the catwalk, lights beaming off my bikini. In my little red bikini, I was crowned Miss…

My Bingo win was a GEM! Lorraine Gardner, 48, from Cradley Heath, made her holiday the best yet when she hit a £1,000 Full House! Flicking through a brochure about Majorca, I gazed at an image of a sun-drenched beach longingly. It was last September and I was about to set off for a week’s holiday. Those jet skis and beaches were still in reach I intended to spend my time chilling by the beach or pool or, if I felt more adventurous, I might rent a jet ski for the day. Later that night while I was relaxing on the sofa, I fancied a game of bingo. So I logged into Pick Me Up! Bingo. Entering the Sapphire bingo room, a 90-ball bingo game with cash prizes on One…

Fostering is extremely rewarding. Stephen, 34, and his partner Wayne, 30, from Warwickshire, were approved for fostering through Barnardo’s in December, and it was just a few weeks later that they were introduced to a young boy, Thomas*, now 11. Stephen says: ‘We both come from large families where several of our own relatives had been fostered or adopted, and we always considered them to be genuine members of our family – they were our aunts, uncles or cousins. ‘So, when the time was right, we started to do research into fostering and the different charities and agencies involved. ‘We settled on Barnardo’s because it was so established and well-known, and they clearly put a great deal of effort into matching the right family with the right child. ‘The preparation…

When it comes to budget beauty, there is so much out there, but how do we know what really works? This week, our beauty writer Hannah  shares her favourite products for less than a tenner! MUA Glow Bronzer, £4, Superdrug Summer is all about a bronzy glow. MUA have recently launched an entire glow range, but the bronzer is by far my favourite. For once, a budget bronzer that isn’t orange! The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10%, £5.80, ASOS The Ordinary has revolutionised budget skincare over the years. The Lactic Acid comes in 5% or 10% depending on the sensitivity of your skin. It’s a gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin cells, for a fresh and glowy face. Noughty Hair Care detangling Spray, £6.99, Boots Detangling sprays have typically stayed in the…

COASTAL CABINS Bideford, Devon Set just over a mile from the cliff-top trails of the South West Coast Path, Coast Cabins really does have a location to match its name. The glamping site has 10 cabins in total, half of which are fitted with bunk beds for those travelling with kids. Each one is equipped with a sleeping and living space, an en-suite shower room and a modern kitchenette with an oven, sink, fridge and everything you need to whip up a quick meal. In all, they’re an innovative, chic new take on the traditional beach huts of old. DON’T MISS The exclusive Wild Spa hot tub area OAK LODGE GLAMPING Thetford Along with old rope swings and special wildlife lookout areas, wisps of smoke indicate that campfires are all…