Chat -julkaisun 1 June 2023 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

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TRUE-LIFE Popping into my parents’ house, I pictured the sparkling turquoise seas waiting for us. ‘Not long now,’ I beamed. It was late 2010 and we were soon off to Vietnam. Only, they didn’t look in the holiday mood. ‘We can’t go any more, love,’ my Mum, Elizabeth, then 66, whispered. ‘It’s your Dad. He has bowel cancer.’ Thoughts of sandy beaches faded as I rushed over to my fun-loving Dad, Eric, then 66. ‘We’ll get through this,’ he promised, taking my hand. At 32, I loved my social work job and had a flat just 30 minutes from the family home I grew up in. We’d always been close - Mum, Dad, me and my two brothers. We spent childhood days in the garden, stripping leaves off sweetcorn cobs…

EDITOR’S WARNING YOU'RE THE JUDGE! When Heather Barron phoned an ambulance on 20 June 2018, saying her 10-year-old son Anthony had fallen, it seemed like a terrible accident. Anthony loved playing sport, was a bright student. Everyone agreed he was ‘a joy to be around’. The kindest boy, who’d sit next to the new kid in class just to make friends. And if he saw anyone being bullied, he’d step in. Yet, while he was looking out for everyone else, who was looking out for him? When the paramedics arrived at Heather’s home in Lancaster, California, it was clear that Anthony hadn’t simply fallen. His body was covered in cuts and bruises, his eyes bloodshot and sunken, and gashes on his small knees were still open. He was later described…

Q There's cheesy stuff under my foreskin. I think it's called smegma, but I thought that was a joke! Adrian, Merthyr Tydfil A Smegma is real and isn’t a joke! Your glans, the helmet of your penis, constantly makes lubricating oil. Sometimes this becomes trapped under your foreskin and combines with dead skin cells and sweat to form white cheesy lumps called smegma. Although it’s most common in men, women can develop smegma in skin folds around the entrance to their vagina. If smegma builds up in a man it can turn sticky, making it difficult to pull back your foreskin, and become infected and smelly leading to balanitis, an infection of your glans and foreskin. Treatment means pulling back your foreskin and washing with plain water every day. If…

NO-FUSS FOOD Butternut burritos A veggie take on a Mexican classic, these are packed full of goodness. SERVES 4 PREP 20 MINS COOK 35 MINS 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/ Gas 6. Put the butternut squash and onion in a roasting tin with 1tbsp of the oil and toss well. Stir in the spices and season. Roast for 30 mins, tossing every so often. 2 Meanwhile, cook the rice according to the pack instructions, then toss through the butternut squash and coriander. 3 To make the salsa, mix the tomato with the remaining 1tsp oil, the garlic and half the lemon juice. Mix the avocado with the remaining lemon juice. 4 Lay out a…

Head to toe in mud, my sons Joe and Nicky tumbled in through the front door. ‘Joe!’ I shrieked, seeing he was missing half a front tooth. ‘Skateboarding, Mum,’ he shrugged, flashing me his cheeky grin. Good job its only a baby tooth,’ I told him. They’d all fall out soon anyway - and I couldn’t stay mad at him for long. With that, now crooked, smile and his sparkling blue eyes, he was too adorable. It was April 1997 and, aged 32,1 was a single mum to Chevonne, then 13, Nicky, 9, and Joe, 7. Thanks Mum, Joe lisped later that day, wolfing down his fish fingers. I loved having my three kids around the table. Most of the time, Joe was out playing with his mates. Skateboarding, climbing…

TRUE-LIFE BEHIND THE BIG CRIME Ted DeMers just couldn’t wait for the arrival of his first grandchild. With only weeks until the birth, the 62-year-old was dreaming of special times they’d share in years to come. Woodland walks. Learning about nature. Ted was known as a kind man who smiled and laughed a lot. ‘It’s always a good day in Ted’s world,’ his wife Cindy would say. It was May 2020 and the couple had been married for 42 years. Still had so much to look forward to. But Ted’s life was brutally snatched away before he had a chance to hold his grandchild. Kind, loving Ted was always willing to help anyone On 22 May 2020, Ted spotted a young man wearing a motorcycle helmet walking down the quiet…

MAUREEN ROSE, FROM ROTHES, MORAY, SAYS: I’m delighted to nominate my friend Dawn Walker as one of Chat’s Local Heroes. Dawn works as a cleaner at her local vet’s in Keith, but she goes way above and beyond her role when it comes to helping out with the animals. From baby birds to poorly chickens, her husband Terry never knows what she is going to bring home next! On one memorable occasion, when a difficult Labrador was left at the surgery, she arranged for him to go to a dog training centre. It’s not just animals Dawn helps either. She is always the first to offer a warm welcome to anyone new to the area, and even goes shopping twice a week for a neighbour. She manages to fit it…

HALTERNECK STYLE TIP Make your body appear longer and draw the eye away from broad shoulders in a halterneck design. HIGH CUT STYLE TIP Elongate your pins for a lovely leggy look in a high-cut style that will also draw attention away from the tummy area. TUMMY CONTROL STYLE TIP Featuring 'power mesh' to pull you in, these draped swimsuits will smooth your shape and boost your confidence. FROM £4 FRILLY STYLE TIP Short frills are great for adding volume to a small bust, while longer frills will cover bigger boobs.…

True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Sitting at my desk, nervously chewing my tuna sandwich, I kept my head bent low. As always, I was desperately trying to avoid anyone staring at me. It was November 2021 and I’d suffered from inflamed, angry red skin all my life. As a child, I’d been diagnosed with eczema. Thought I might grow out of it. But things had only worsened as an adult. Horrible, dry red patches erupted all over my face. I tried all sorts of creams and ointments through my GP and specialists. Not to mention natural remedies. But at best, the results lasted for a mere few weeks before the problem skin returned. ‘Is there anything else that I can try?’ I begged the doctor. I was at my wits’ end. By…

TRUE-LIFE Sliding a giant, fabric orange over my head, I wriggled it down around my body and took a look in the mirror. ‘Zesty,’ I laughed, inspecting my outfit. It was April 2009, and I was preparing to run my second London Marathon. For the past 11 years, I’d been a physiotherapist in the Army, helping severely wounded soldiers. The stress took its toll. I struggled daily with depression and anxiety, yet as soon as I started running I felt myself relax. Now, by wearing a wacky costume I hoped to raise cash for mental health charities. And for inspiration, I had my name - Sally Orange! As I set off, the bulky costume made running tricky. It was hot, and heavy on my shoulders. But mile after mile, the…

Sinking into my boyfriend Paul’s solid arms as we cuddled up on the sofa, I soaked up our blissful bubble. It was December 2016, and we’d met through mutual friends. I’d never felt happier. But there’s still something missing, I thought. ‘I’ve always wanted kids,’ I confessed to Paul. We were both 39. I worried I’d left it too late. 1 hadn't meant to. When I was a teenager and all my mates had boyfriends. I didn’t meet anyone. I comfort ate to make myself feel better. Gorged on chocolate and crisps in my bedroom. Scoffed takeaways for tea. The pounds began to pile on. By 15, I was a size 16-18. As an adult, before a long day at my office job, I loved lashings of butter on my…

Changing Ends ITVX ● Alan Carr stars in this sitcom based on his early years in Northampton in the 1980s while his dad was the manager of a fourth-division football team. The Chatty Man host stars as his older self, while Oliver Savell, who starred in the 2021 film Belfast, plays a young Alan in the six-parter which follows his journey through puberty, adolescence and self-discovery. Set in a time and place where things weren’t always inclusive, the comedy recounts his experiences of being a gay teenager in the East Midlands and his daily battles with bullies. Shaun Dooley plays his dad Graham alongside West End star Nancy Sullivan as his mum Christine. DON'T MISS Midsomer Murders ITV1 ● Postponed from earlier this year, DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and…

Rhyme & Reason Wave Revival Shampoo, £8.99, Boots Curls have had the spotlight for years, but what if your hair is wavy? This shampoo will define and nourish loose and tight waves, for a happy hair day everyday. Q+A Grapefruit Multi-Balm, £6.50, qandaskin.com This handy multitasker will soothe chapped lips, nourish dry cuticles and moisturise dry patches on your face or body. It also smells zingy and fresh. Nivea Derma Skin Clear Night Exfoliator, £5.99, Boots If you have blemish-prone skin, try this overnight treatment. An intensive exfoliator, it uses salicylic acid to zapzits and balance excess oiliness. OHH! The Caretaker Razor, £7.99, H&M This fun new brand has a great selection ofvegan-friendly body products, but our favourite is the razor. It provides a close shave without irritation, and will look stylish…

What do actors Jane Fonda and Angelina Jolie have in common? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the three-word prize answer. WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 ACROSS Veryshy5 Cutleryitem4 Suggests8 Circusperformer7 Strappyshoes7 Waterway5 Trackonwhichpeoplewalk (4) Breakfastfood6 Concealed6 Weavingmachine4 Bodilyorgan5 Parisianartgallery6) Openingsinthenose(8) Ascends6 Orchardfruit5 One-wheeledbike8 Knowledge6 Greekcheese4 Royalseat6 CapitalofJapan5) Truthful6 Dullpain4 Renowned6 Flat-sharer8 Shredcheese5 Changes6 Plentiful8 Beveryhungry6) RicaCentral American country (5) Largestcontinent4 Guidance6 Begins6 Crustacean4 FirstGreekletter5) Wearingaway7 Youngchild7 Ballad8 Catchsightof4) Beakerchildren’s book character (5) DOWN Gymnasiumitem10 Verylongraces9) Moneyowed4 Destiny4 Looksimilarto8) Putindanger4)…

Help for nasty gnashers Q I clean my teeth but they’re still yellow! Do home whitening kits work? Meg, Barnoldswick A Don’t be hard on yourself, tooth colour depends largely on your genes and yellow teeth don’t necessarily mean you’re not cleaning them properly. It’s possible to whiten your teeth by bleaching and a dentist can help, although you’d have to pay privately. Home kits are a cheaper option, but you should think twice before using them. One problem is that the bleach might not be powerful enough to have much effect. Another pitfall is that the special mouthguard designed to hold the bleach against your teeth isn’t custom-made for you and might leak, causing sore, blistered gums and sensitive teeth. And if you already have any tooth problems such…

1 Stick to a sleep routine A good night’s sleep can combat daytime sleepiness. ‘A regular sleep routine can boost energy levels,’ says Dr Hana Patel, sleep expert at Time4Sleep. ‘During sleep, the body carries out restorative processes, including replenishing glycogen and adenosine - two key chemicals for boosting energy during the day.’ Go to bed at the same time every night and avoid screens two hours before lights-out. 2 Have a vitamin check-up ‘Certain nutrients play a key role in energy production, such as iron, B12 and vitamin D,’ says nutritionist Rosie Millen. ‘Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough haemoglobin - the compound that carries oxygen around the blood. As a result you may feel tired.’ A blood test will flag any deficiencies. 3 Have a go…

Mum's raiding my savings Q I’m saving to buy my own home while living with my grandparents. I’ve worked hard to get where I am in a job I’ve always wanted but my mum has always struggled. She’s never liked working and works a job which does not pay well. I’ve been lending her cash which she never pays back. She now needs my help paying her mortgage and bills and I feel like I can’t say no. How can I handle this? Kacey, 28 A Is mum really asking for help for necessities or is she spending this money on other things? Either way, it’s time to say no. You’re not a bank or extra financial support, sweetheart. Sometimes you’ve got to be cruel to be kind. You can…

3 ways to… IMPRESS IN A JOB INTERVIEW 1 Plan ahead When you’re preparing for your interview, re-read the job description and consider all the specific skills the employer is looking for, then write a list of examples from your current or previous jobs that you can talk about and that will demonstrate you showing each of these skills. Compile a list of questions you may be asked, and think about how you’d answer them. Then practise saying your answers out loud, either to yourself, or rope in a friend or family member to help you prepare for your interview - that way you can ask for feedback, too. And it goes without saying that being on time for your interview is vital, so consider doing a trial run of…

26 May-1 June 2023 Aries 21 March-20 April You can take it easy now that Jupiter has moved out of your sign. The pace will calm, giving you time to reflect on the events of the past few months. • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May With the expansive planet Jupiter settling in for a few months, this is lucky for you, So embrace all the positive new opportunities that will be coming your way! • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June With the Sun in your sign for three weeks, focus on your most important goals in life and reflect on any intentions you set yourself at the start of the year. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22…

Q How do I pick the best blusher colour for me? And are powders or creams better? Hannah Stewart, Carlisle A A good blusher can help you look fresher, younger and radiant - as long as you pick the right shade. Bright pinks or orange shades look best on darker skin tones, whereas pale skin tones should pick lighter, pastel shades. Whether you’re cool or warm makes a difference, too. Look at your veins - if they’re blue, you’re cool-toned, if they’re green you’re warm - if they look somewhere in-between, you’re neutral and can pick any shade. Powders are more traditional, giving better staying power and buildable brightness - we love L’Oreal Paris Melon Dollar Baby Blush, £8.99, Boots. Apply with a fluffy brush to the apples of your…

Dear Chris, Relaxing in my plane seat on the flight home, I couldn’t wait to get some kip. I was about to close my eyes, when you appeared. ‘Just stretching my legs,’ you grinned. We’d both been proud to represent Paralympics GB in the Rio Olympics that September 2016, even though we hadn’t won a medal. You were a decorated judo player with a visual impairment. I was a wheelchair-tennis player, then ranked 10th in the world. We’d sat at the same table at a special dinner a couple of months earlier, and I’d thought you were sweet. Despite the terrible dad jokes! We hadn’t really chatted much then, though. Now I couldn’t shut you up! Every hour you appeared in the aisle next to me. Gibbering on, asking me…