Pick Me Up!の 24-Oct-2019 の目次

Walking my dog along the grassy Downs with my daughter Stacey, then eight, I suddenly fell flat on the ground. ‘You OK?’ Stacey laughed. I was fine, but it wasn’t the first time it had happened. In fact, I’d been falling over a lot recently! So, I went to the doctor to get it checked out. I was soon referred to a neurologist for tests and that’s when I discovered I wasn’t just clumsy after all. ‘You have Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis,’ the doctor informed me. At the time, I was juggling four jobs, including hairdressing and foster caring, as well as raising Stacey and being there for my two eldest boys, Lee, 36 and Shane, 32. ‘We should get you a T-shirt that says, ‘I’m not clumsy, I have…

This is my beautiful great grandson showing his first smile. I feel so happy to have him in my life and would like to give a big thank you to my clever granddaughter Chloe! Pauline Revell, Crewe Here are my two beauties Georgi and Billi sharing a massive bubble bath. What a pretty picture they make! Sue Hutchinson, Cheltenham Peace love and all that jazz! My little girl Italia enjoying an Essex wildlife event at Bedford Park. Angela Garvin, Romford I didn’t realise that my dress would match all the beautiful flowers when I visited our local garden centre! Colleen Brunton, Enfield Here’s a pic of me enjoying my favourite mag on holiday at Eyemouth Scotland. Life doesn’t get any better really! Jaki Noble, Dunston If your letter makes Star…

Smearing cold jelly over my tummy, the sonographer smiled. ‘So, do you have any names yet?’ she asked. It was October last year, and I was five months pregnant. It had come as a complete surprise, but my boyfriend Will, 21, and I were so excited. We were both young, but we knew this was what we wanted. And now, at my 20-week scan, we were desperate to know if our baby was healthy. ‘I like Jamie,’ I said. ‘Is that for a boy or a girl?’ the sonographer asked. ‘Both,’ I smiled. ‘I think it works either way.’ A few weeks later, my mum Jo, 42, had a surprise for us. It was Halloween, and she’d come over to ours with a pumpkin - carved open at the top…

Sometimes it’s hard to talk to family and friends about what’s going on in your life, and you just need that one person who takes the time to listen. Many people view seeking help from a therapist as being weak – but in fact, it can only make you stronger. Therapy can help you manage difficult life events such as bereavement, losing your job, upsetting traumatic experiences, and low self-esteem, as well as depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It’s OK to try therapy at any point in your life. In fact, getting support from a therapist when you’re not at crisis point can be really helpful – it might feel easier to reflect on what’s going on in your life, and could help you prevent things from getting…

Stepping out of the shower, I brushed through my long blonde hair with a comb. Just then, I heard my six-month-old baby, Jonah, crying from the next room. ‘Mummy’s coming!’ I said, quickly putting on my dressing gown. Picking him up from his cot, I knew he was hungry. So, sitting down with him, I let him latch on. ‘You’re going to have to learn to use a bottle soon,’ I whispered. ‘Mummy will have to go back to work.’ Working as a restaurant concierge, it was my job to book tables for some of the most famous and prominent people in the world. My appearance meant a lot to me, and it was important I always looked my best. But I’d taken time out from my busy job so…

1 Bowel cancer only affects men ☐ True ☐ False 2 Abdominal pain is a symptom of bowel cancer ☐ True ☐ False 3 Bowel cancer isn’t common ☐ True ☐ False 4 Bowel cancer is treatable and curable if diagnosed early ☐ True ☐ False 5 Attending bowel cancer screening reducesyour chances of dying from bowel cancer. ☐ True ☐ False 1 FALSE Bowel cancer affects both men and women and is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 60. 2 TRUE Other symptoms include blood in your poo and a persistent change in your bowel habits. 3 FALSE Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and second biggest cancer killer. 4 TRUE Like most types of cancer, the chance of a complete…

As we watched our little girl dart around the living room, my wife Aimee, 43, and I were thrilled. Our daughter Emily, then three, had just been given her first wheelchair, and watching her move around in a way she’d never been able to do before was amazing. ‘Look at this, Daddy,’ she said, as she raced around. Touching this and feeling that, she was now able to get hold of things that were previously out of reach. ‘She’s loving it,’ I said to Aimee, as I marvelled at our little girl. But it hadn’t always been smooth sailing. Back in 2003, two days before Emily’s due date, Aimee and I were given the news that she would be born with Spina Bifida - a condition that means the spine…

Win Scratch, reveal and unlock cash prizes! In this promotion, reveal a different slot game each day for your chance to unlock Bo x Bonanza games and cash prizes! Go to the Playing Scratch Up promo, opt in and each day you scratch the scratchcard between 18-24 October , you’ll reveal that day’s game and how you could win. Opt in and £3 wager required. Play £1,000 in prizes to be unlocked daily! This promotion is not one you’d leaf – enjoy the chance to unlock Box Bonanza games every day and cash prizes up to £1,000! Go to the  Pick Me Up! Bingo promotions page and flip the leaf each day between 21 -30 October to opt in and discover how you can enter the daily prize draws. Opt…

The Happy Dog Cookbook, £14.99, Available at Amazon, Foyles and Waterstones Tails.com have partnered with leading child nutrition expert and dog lover Annabel Karmel to create The Happy Dog Cookbook. Using ingredients from your kitchen, the nutritious collection of 24 beautiful seasonal recipes are treats that you can make or bake for your pup to enjoy for all occasions. RSPCA urges people to Adopt Don’t Shop! The RSCPA has launched a branded clothing range, including the best-selling Adopt Don’t Shop t-shirt, to coincide with the charity’s Adoptober campaign. Whether you’re looking to adopt, or an animal lover who wants to show your support, these tees are the purr-fect way to celebrate rescue animals. RSPCA t-shirt, £15.49, rspca.org.uk @halfhuskybros Follow Champ and Tyson on their adventures around New York City! Champ, a…

OSMO Intensive Deep Repair Mask, £5.40, Feel Unique Formulated with mega-moisturising hero ingredient Pataua Oil, this intense hair mask will reconstruct and care for damaged locks. Providing salvation for over-stressed, heat traumatised and chemically abused hair, this hydrating mask will leave your hair soft and smooth after just one use. Leaving you with manageable luscious locks, it’s no wonder this is a best seller. Cake The Mane Manage’r 3-in-1 leave-in conditioner, £8.99, Boots This triple-action formula is a post-shower leave-in, daily moisturiser and style refresher for softer and better looking hair. Driven by natural ingredients, this special blend works like a dream on damp or dry hair to detangle, hydrate and revive your locks with seriously smooth, feather-light body. Revamp your get-ready routine and take your hair from drab to…

Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire Want the first pick of the perfect pumpkin? Come to Cotswold Farm Park from 21 to 24 October and be amongst the first to explore the pumpkin patch. As part of the Halloween Land activities, you’ll get to pick your own pumpkin for free (one free pumpkin per child). Kids are also welcome to get creative and make their own pumpkin decorations. The pumpkins aren’t the only stars of the show, either – there’s some fearsome face painting and lots more spook-tacular fun, too! Tickets from £12.50 cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Willows Activity Farm, Hertfordshire As part of the Pumpkin Festival at Willows Activity Farm from 19 October to 3 November, kids can pick a free pumpkin to take home, or head to Carving Cavern to create their very…

Waving his phone around, my boyfriend Mike was trying to get a signal. ‘I’m sure they’ll turn up,’ I smiled, turning my attention to the beautiful scenery around us. It was August last year, and Mike, 30, and I had come to Falling Foss for the day, a waterfall tea garden on the outskirts of Whitby. Mike had brought me here on our first date back in December 2013, and we’d often come back. Now, Mike had arranged a double date with one of his friends and girlfriend - but they were nowhere to be seen. Just then... ‘Cat, turn around,’ Mike said. Turning my head, I saw that Mike was down on one knee, a sparkling diamond ring in his hand. ‘Will you marry me?’ he asked. He’d taken…

When I first met Robbie McBeath in 2005, I felt so lucky. Introduced by friends, we’d hit it off right away, and soon became a couple. Robbie, then 30, treated me like gold, and doted on my son Charlie*, then a year old, caring for him as his own. We were so happy, and I felt like I’d met the love of my life. But as the months went on, the cracks started to show. I soon noticed that Robbie was drinking all the time, and when he did, he’d become moody and aggressive. ‘Who are you going to see?’ he growled as I put my coat on one morning. ‘No one,’ I said. ‘I’m just popping out to get some milk.’ Robbie hated it when I went anywhere without…

Excessive drinking Q I’m worried I’m drinking too much. I often drink a bottle of wine a night and feel like I always need a drink. How can I stop? Jill, Brighton A The most important thing here is that you have recognised you are drinking too much. The current guidelines for alcohol consumption is a maximum of 14 units per week. If you are drinking 750ml of say 13.5% alcohol content per night that is approximately 70 units per week. I am assuming that your alcohol intake has increased gradually and is now becoming a habit, possibly psychologically and physically. There are various ways in which you can be supported and helped in reducing your alcohol consumption. This can range from support from your GP or referral to a…

Onion and garlic could reduce cancer risk New research suggests that eating raw onion and garlic could help women reduce their risk of breast cancer. Scientists looked at 600 women in Puerto Rico and found that those who ate the raw onion and a garlic-based condiment sofrito, were 67 percent less likely to develop the disease. The results were found in women who ate one serving every day. It’s thought that raw onion and garlic are key, with previous studies finding that cancer fighting antioxidants are destroyed when they are heated up and cooked. 3 in 4… That’s the amount of people who wrongly think dementia is a normal part of ageing. The same amount of medics thought the same. Have you tried...Excilor’s Skin Tag Removal Treatment, £24.99, Lloyds Pharmacy…

Rules are meant to be broken! Fashion trends come in and out of style, but for some reason, styling myths remain. It’s time to break the rules and be brave in our choices. Fashion is always what you make of it! MYTH: Never wear black with blue Black and navy have got a bad rap in the past because they can be easily mistaken for one another, but this is a really modern combination. The famously fashionable French love to mix navy and black. Pair black with denim or choose a more blue-toned navy to wear with your classic black pieces! MYTH: You can’t wear gold and silver together Just like navy and black, this is another unexplainable rule on colour mixing. Whether it’s your jewellery or accessories, metallic shades…

My daughter Paige, 17, walked over to me worried. ‘I’ve just passed out, Mum,’ she said. Paige is a drama queen, she’s just being dramatic, I thought. ‘Don’t be silly,’ I replied. Then seconds later, she dropped to the floor. Paige came round shakily. Concerned, I took her to work with me and left her in the office with the girls. ‘I won’t be long, just keep an eye out please,’ I told them. Last October, I worked with special needs children, so I couldn’t stay with her. But as soon as I left the room, the girls called up; ‘She keeps passing out!’ ‘I’m coming!’ I panicked. Driving Paige straight to the doctors, I worried about what it could be. ‘She’s just got a low level of sodium in…

We know with the likes of Pokemon Go, there are apps that can get us up and out of the house. There are many similar children’s apps, which give parents and children tasks to carry out. It’s a fun way to use mobile phones, while still ensuring you’re having fun play time together. Sesame Street Family Play has over 150 simple games that you can play with the kids, in the comfort of your home and back garden. It’s a safe way to use technology in a fun and interactive way.…

Follow Paws.com’s top five expert tips to help your new member of the family settle in: 1. Be realistic in your expectations How long it takes your new friend to come out of their shell and feel at home will depend on a variety of factors – such as their age, previous experience and whether they have been fostered or in kennels. Give your dog time! 2. Give them space In the first few days, avoid having visitors where possible and allow your new dog to choose their own level of interaction with you. Provide them a safe, private place. 3. Keep things consistent Try to provide as much stability as possible during this time. Continue on the same food for at least the first week and establish a daily…

KATIE SAYS: Hair washing is totally down to the individual hair needs! Some people with naturally dry hair or curly hair can get away with once a week, whereas people with finer hair tend to wash it almost daily to revive the style. Depending on your routine, ensure you are using the correct products for it – more frequent washers use a light daily shampoo. Less frequent washers will need to use something more nourishing that will last in the hair.…

Send us your stories and photos, including all namesand ages, a daytime phone number and full address. E-mailhello @pickmeupmag.co.uk WRITE TO Pick Me Up! Media Centre, Emma-Chris Way, Abbey Wood Park, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7JU PHONE 01174400607 FACEBOOK facebook.com/pickmeupmag SEE OUR WEBSITE lifedeathprizes.com TI Media Limited reserves the right to reuse any submission sent to Pick Me Up! magazine, in any format or medium. Unfortunately, we can’t return photos without a stamped sae. Letters/photos must not be sent to any other publication.…

Opening my eyes, I felt numb on the right side of my body. ‘Something’s wrong,’ I said to my husband, Nick, 57. ‘Did you sleep funny?’ he asked, but I knew it wasn’t that. ‘Let’s see the GP,’ he said. I was soon referred to the hospital and for the next three weeks, I underwent tests and scans, but no one could figure out what was wrong. Meanwhile, the pain spread down my entire right side. ‘We’re going to transfer you to a specialist hospital in London,’ the doctor told me. A few months later, when I arrived at the King’s College Hospital, I was taken down for lumbar punctures. Doctors put me on pain relief, but I was still in utter agony. ‘We just don’t know what is wrong,’…

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 Feeling the fallout QI had a car accident last year and it’s changed me. I’ve lost my confidence and things that I wouldn’t have thought twice about make me anxious, and I can’t cope. What’s wrong with me? Melanie, Hastings A After you have any trauma, such as a car accident, it can knock your confidence. The first thing I would advise is to see your GP. Often accidents leave emotional scars which can be helped by interventions such as CBT. This can help you reduce your anxiety and to put in coping mechanisms so you can rebuild your confidence. There is nothing wrong with you…

1 Stop the bleeding before applying a dressing to the wound. Apply pressure to the area using a clean and dry absorbent material. 2 Clean the wound under tap water. Avoid using antiseptic as it can damage the skin and slow healing. 3 Apply a sterile adhesive dressing such as a plaster. Keep the dressing clean by changing it as often as necessary. 4 If the wound is painful over the first few days, you can take over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Minor wounds should heal within a few days…

Q I keep feeling lightheaded and dizzy, but I don’t know what’s causing it. Could I have low blood pressure? Harvey, Kent. A Lightheadedness and dizziness often mean different things to different people. The potential causes are very wide ranging, and often associated with other symptoms. The first thing we normally do is find out exactly what you mean by dizzy. It is possible that your symptoms are caused by low blood pressure. In this case, patients will often complain of lightheadedness when they go from sitting to standing and may also feel like their vision is closing in on them. If you are taking any medications such as those for raised blood pressure this can often happen. If you are experiencing any other symptoms such as chest pain, or…

Kellyanne Downie, 42, from Aberdeen, treated the family with her third big win! In May 2013, my partner Steven, then 37, had gone to bed for an early night. But I couldn’t keep this to myself! I woke him up. Groggily, Steven opened his eyes. ‘You’ll never guess how much I’ve just won on Pick Me Up! Bingo,’ I blurted. ‘£100?’ joked Steven. ‘Nope,’ I shot back. ‘A grand?’ he asked, looking more alert and sitting up in bed. ‘Nope,’ I giggled. ‘Don’t keep me in suspense – how much have you won?’ ‘Exactly £5,464!’ I cried, wrapping my arms around him. ‘Oh, my gosh!’ Steven exclaimed, beaming happily. Then we talked excitedly about how to spend our unexpected windfall. I’d always played bingo for the fun of it. When…

This week Katie Allan, founder of MAYFIVE Hair salon is here to help with your hair needs. EVERYDAY HABITS THAT ARE RUINING YOUR HAIR: Hot showers Hot showers feel great, but they can also dry out your hair and scalp! If this is something you cannot resist, be sure to use a leave in conditioner to moisturise. Tight hairstyles Tight ponytails and top knots can cause traction alopecia, but if you use an elastic band this will also cause damage to the fibres when it is up. A traditional hair tie that looks like the old-fashioned telephone cords is my best suggestion. Dirty brushes Clean those brushes! A bit of warm water and shampoo will work perfectly – otherwise you will be brushing your clean hair with a tool that…

A shocking nine million people in the UK suffer from loneliness. A survey by flatsharing site, SpareRoom, has revealed our mood improves when we eat together, so they’ve appointed Andrew Clarke as Britain’s first ‘National Loneliness Chef.’ The collection of recipes created by Andrew has been backed by The Campaign to End Loneliness and the aim is to bring people together through the power of food. You can download the recipes for free at blog.spareroom.co.uk or start off by trying these delicious meals you can share. Chef Andrew says: ‘Sharing is at the heart of the recipes I’ve created, and they are simple enough so those who aren’t naturals in the kitchen or have loads of spare time on their hands can still get involved. I hope people will bond over…

Spice Chai Latte, £2.30, all major supermarkets. Create a barista-style beverage at home with these expertly blended spices from India. Enjoy hot or cold, these chai latte’s are the perfect alternative to tea or coffee. Green Saffron Spice Sachets, £1, Waitrose. Bringing a modern taste of India to the UK, this new range of spices include Bombay Potatoes, Madras and Red Lentil Dahl. Easy to use, these spices will transport you on an Indian adventure. Love Beets, £1.25, Tesco. Liven up your boring lunches and add a splash of purple with these new beetroot-based products from Love Beets. Try their Honey and Ginger Diced Beets or their beetroot salsa for a sweet and spicy kick. Itsu hoisin duck bao’buns, £3.75, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. Packed full of delicious hoisin sauce, these…

ARIES 21 March–20 April You’re growing tired of a situation which doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Why not take your foot off the controls and allow others to show you how well they can lead? You’ve been trying to do everything on your own, when others are ready, willing and able to provide you with the help required. Stop being stubborn. You’ve earnt the support being offered. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May Mars makes it hard for you to trust what others say this week, and you are left with a feeling that you are only being told half truths. Try not to ask too many questions this week. Sometimes silence can leave a space for others to fill with their voice and feelings. The moon…