Table of contents for 25-Jul-2019 in Pick Me Up!

Contact troubles QI used to wear contact lenses regularly, but now I find them uncomfortable to the point where I only wear my glasses. Is there anything I can do? Lindsay, Stoke. A Straying from contact lens wearing and returning to glasses is actually very common. Prolonged contact lens wear, can cause long term problems to your eye health if not managed correctly. One of the most common reasons why people find contact lenses uncomfortable is Contact Lens Induced Dry Eyes (CLIDE). This occurs because of a lack of oxygen flow to your eyes meaning that you struggle to develop natural tears. Try Omega-3 supplements to boost the overall health of your eye, or an eye drop to decrease inflammation. I recommend Hycosan Original (£9.99 in Boots) which are easy…

This is a severe case of sunburn, but unfortunately once it’s happened, there is little to be done. Apply soothing gel like aloe vera or cream such as Sudocrem to keep the skin hydrated and help avoid any infection from blisters. Patients should also stay well hydrated – both in case of sun stroke and also to help the skin recover. Going forward, the advice we give to all patients is to wear high SPF every day of the year, not just for holidays or when sunbathing. This habit protects the skin against the harmful UVA/UVB rays, which can cause burning, as well as premature ageing and harmful skin cancer. Severe sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer by four times, so it is imperative not to get burnt.…

Q As I’ve hit my forties, I’ve found it harder to read small print. Do I need reading glasses? Jay, Swindon A As we get older, our eye performance can worsen. A lot of these changes are a normal part of ageing and you might notice it’s more difficult to focus on objects up close after the age of 40. This is because the lens inside the eye begins to lose its ability to change shape – this is called presbyopia. Reading glasses are often inexpensive and help boost eyesight, so it’s worth having some to hand if you’re reading or using a computer. If you notice changes in your vision, I recommend an appointment with an optometrist. They will be able to recommend the best course of action for…

Animal news: Elephant hunting approved In May this year, Botswana lifted its ban on elephant hunting after a five-year probation period, which is devastating. Botswana is thought to be home to some 130,000 elephants – about a third of all the elephants in Africa. The country has long been a safe haven for the animals after the former president put the hunting ban in place in 2014. The ban has been lifted due to elephant’s increased contact with humans. Paula Kahumbu, CEO of the non-profit organisation Wildlife Direct, tweeted ‘hunting elephants in Botswana will not reduce human elephant conflict … no hunter wants to go after elephants in a village, they only want the big Tuskers’. Bottom Sniffer Beer for Dogs, Luxury Pawsecco Pethouse Wine (Rosé and white), £2.50,…

BEFORE: Day 1 Breakfast: cereal or white toast with butter and marmalade Lunch: quiche, salad with dressing, creamy coleslaw Dinner: takeaway Snacks: fruit, crisps, biscuits Drinks: lattes and fruit juice Day 2 Lunch: chippy or KFC Dinner: chili with rice and cheese NOW: Day 1 Breakfast: fat-free Greek yoghurt with blueberries Lunch: peri peri chicken salad with fat free dressing Dinner: 5% fat chili, cauliflower rice, Babybel Snacks: melon, pineapple, apples, HiFi bars Drinks: 2 x coffees with skimmed milk, green tea Day 2 Breakfast: fat-free Greek yoghurt with blueberries Lunch: homemade veg soup Dinner: lean steak, salad, sweet potato wedges…

YES: Blogger Lyndsey Thomas has over 20,000 readers on  her online blog, girlabout.co.uk… I think mums sharing their experiences online is a positive thing! I am a very responsible parent and I’m careful about the photos I use online. But equally, I love writing blogs about my kids and my readers love reading them. I always make sure images of my kids are appropriate, and I never geotag my home address. I fade out school uniform logos and always ask the permission of other mums. I would advise other parents to share if they want to. Just make sure all images are appropriate and ask permission from other mums. Posting images of your kids doesn’t make you a bad parent. NO: 13-year-old student journalist Tatjana Mager-Burr believes… Parents should  have…

We all know the pain of spending an hour in front of the mirror curling our hair, only for it to drop within 5 minutes of leaving the house. So, here are some simple hacks to keep your curls in place all night long! • If you want curls for a big night out, avoid using conditioner when washing your hair, and don’t wash the day of the event. Curls hate soft clean hair! • Prep your hair with a thickening mousse. The alcohol within removes any moisture from your hair, giving it grit and hold. • ALWAYS spray heat protector before going in with your tongs! • Use a curling wand that reaches 150°C and has a tourmaline or ceramic coating. BaByliss have some good options for this. •…

1 Choose to be positive The most important aspect to being positive is choosing to be positive. It seems too simple to be true, but it really does work. You can either be negative about what life gives you, or choose to be positive. The first way to do this is to be thankful. Grab a pen and a piece of paper and write down every single thing you’re thankful for. Start with food and water, a bed, then let your mind go. You’ll soon realise how much you have to be grateful for and your mindset will quickly change. 2 Smile Our DNA is hardwired to feel happier after smiling. Smile by yourself or at someone else to experience how your brain begins to feel happier. It’s remarkable! Similarly,…

ARIES 21 March–20 April You get the chance to show how good you are when under pressure. This brings out a more ambitious side, which we have not seen in months. Try to embrace new paths which are opening up to you. They’re what you’ve been waiting for. Don’t pretend that you’ll accept less than one hundred per cent commitment. Make your priority: Relationship planning. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May The power of positive thinking is the key to you making this week a productive one. Why are you asking those whose lives you would not want for your own what you should do? Remember what sign you are and accept that you’re an original. A sense of humour is the key to getting back on track…

I thought Siobhan would never stop, until... ‘Get off her!’ Aaron cried, running down the stairs. He’d heard my screams and had rushed out. He managed to push Siobhan off of me, and with that, she ran out, without saying a word. ‘I’m so sorry,’ Aaron said, helping me to my feet. ‘I thought you were just chatting to the delivery man.’ ‘My baby,’ I cried, clutching my belly. I ran straight to the bathroom while Aaron called the police. Looking in the mirror, I could see that my face was swollen from Siobhan’s punches. I held my breath for the sound of a heartbeat A few minutes later, an ambulance arrived and took me to Peterborough City Hospital. Doctors were shocked when they saw the state of me. ‘Please,…

Jenni Donato is a Life & Mindset Coach for mums. You can join her growing community of mums in her free Facebook Group ‘More to Me than Mum’ or visit her at jennidonato.com Lost my way Since becoming a mum, I’ve lost all my confidence. I used to be able to talk to anyone and now I rarely go out. I feel so boring. Even my friends are starting to drift away from me. Debbie, Hampshire This is such a common feeling after having a child. Often when we become a mum, our focus shifts away from what makes us happy and we concentrate purely on the needs of the family. See if you can consider the four areas of your Life Balance. What do you do which brings you;…

1 Cool the burn with cold or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes and as soon as possible after the injury has occurred. Never use ice or iced water, creams or greasy substances like butter. 2 Cover the burn in cling film. Apply the cling film loosely and not on the face. If there isn’t any available, use a clean non-fluffy cloth or non-sticky dressing. 3 Treat the pain from the burn with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always check the instructions on the pack and remember that aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16. 4 Sit upright as much as possible if the face or eyes are burnt. Avoid lying down for as long as possible, as this will help reduce swelling. When to go to…

Have you heard of this? More women using DIY tests for cervical cancer New figures show a 67% increase in women opting for a do-it-yourself HPV test over the last six months. Sexual health provider Better2Know have seen a huge rise in the test for cervical cancer, despite screenings on the NHS being at a 21-year low. These results follow on from an NHS report that found cancer screenings should be more convenient to fit in with modern and busy lifestyles. The NHS is currently piloting postal DIY HPV tests to get more women tested with one in three said to be too embarrassed to go for their screening. Have you tried... O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair and Protect Lip Balm? New for the summer, this lip balm not only helps repair…

Biting into a juicy cheeseburger, I grinned before glugging a sip of beer. ‘Cheers,’ I smiled, clinking bottles with my husband Tom. ‘Date night is just what we needed,’ he winked, tucking into his fries. It was a Friday night in July last year, and Tom and I were relaxing after a long week. Just then, a woman came over to us with a shy smile. ‘I’m sorry to pry, but I just wanted to say how sweet you two look,’ she said, draping her arm around Tom’s shoulder. ‘Thank you,’ Tom said, edging away from her grasp without trying to seem rude. But she didn’t get the hint. Batting her eyelashes, she pulled up a chair at our table, staring at him the whole time. I raised my eyebrows,…

Switching on my laptop, I logged on to Amazon. Adding a pregnancy test to my basket, I then selected the amount I wanted. ‘I’ll take 50,’ I said. ‘Do we really need that many?’ my husband Joshua, now 38, laughed. ‘I’m not taking any chances,’ I smiled. It was May last year, and Joshua and I had been trying for a baby for months. We’d met on Tinder two years before, and by our fourth date, I knew he was the one. And we didn’t waste any time - getting married just a year later in a castle in Ireland. We’d always dreamed of having children, so, back at our home in Salt Lake City, Utah, we got to trying right away. As I was already over 35, my doctor…

Chef Miguel Barclay is known for creating delicious recipes to help you make meals for just £1! His latest cookbook Vegan One Pound Meals (Headline Home, £16.99)  is out now and proves that meat free can still be minimum fuss, but with maximum flavour. Caper puttanesca Miguel says: Using the brine from a jar of capers is what makes this dish so special. Something that would ordinarily be thrown away actually has the ability to transform this into one of my favourite pasta dishes. Serves: 1 • 2 garlic cloves, sliced • 2 pinches of dried chilli flakes • 200g chopped tomatoes (from a 400g tin) • Small handful of capers, plus a splash of caper brine • Small handful of pitted black olives • Handful of dried spaghetti •…

Mars Soft Centres, £1.99, ASDA Filled with two layers of gooey caramel and covered in crunchy cookie with chocolate and caramel pieces, these biscuits from Mars are ideal with a cuppa! Geeta’s new Indian sauces, £1.99, Ocado Add some flavour to your summer BBQ with Geeta’s new range of Indian-inspired sauces. Perfect for dipping or with Indian street food-style dishes, these sauces are the perfect and easy way to liven up any meal. Shloer Spritzed, £2.50, ASDA, Sainsburys, Waitrose Great for cooling down in the summer heat, the Spritzed range from Shloer has three exciting new flavours. Choose from zesty lemon, gorgeous grapefruit and vibrant orange to keep you refreshed this summer. DrOetker Pizza, £2.50, all major supermarkets Teaming up with Quorn, Dr Oetker have created the ultimate meat free…

Keeping a diary is something we loved doing when we were younger. We wrote about our growing pains, our friendships and secret crushes. It made us feel better getting our feelings down on paper – so why did we stop?! Having a diary or a journal is great for your mental health. It is a safe place to get out your life stresses and a perfect way to celebrate your successes as you sum up your day. You can write things you’re too worried to tell people, and then see how far you’ve come when you reflect. Writing something down can also be enough to help you move on from a troubling issue. Give it a go!…

Incontinence 1 There are different types of incontinence. ☐ True ☐ False 2 Incontinence is a normal part of the ageing process. ☐ True ☐ False 3 There is no cure for the condition. ☐ True ☐ False 4 Incontinence is more common in women. ☐ True ☐ False 5 Pelvic floor exercises can help incontinence. ☐ True ☐ False 1 TRUE There are several types of urinary incontinence, including stress incontinence, when your bladder is under pressure, and total incontinence, when your bladder can’t store any urine at all. 2 FALSE Although it’s more common in older people, it’s not an inevitable part of ageing. It can happen at any age and 1 in 8 young women have experienced it. 3 FALSE There are lots of different ways incontinence…

‘Stacey and I fell in love with each other over a long period. ‘We know we won’t have as much time as some others would have together, but we will make the best of whatever time we have. ‘There is only one way to live and that’s just one day at a time. ‘What I really appreciate about Stacey is her incredible love and understanding of animals and their behaviour. ‘What really makes the difference is with whom you have the relationship, not how old they are. ‘Stacey is a beautiful person inside and out. She has a wonderful heart, she loves animals and people, and she means no harm to anyone. ‘I love her a lot for that and she loves me. ‘It’s the best thing that ever happened…

Clicking ‘print’ on my computer screen, I smiled to myself as the piece of paper came chugging out. Grabbing it, I walked to the living room where my daughter Amber, 18, was sat watching the telly. ‘Got something for you,’ I smiled, passing her the paper. She scanned her eyes over the words, then jumped up from the sofa excitedly. ‘Thank you so much, Mum!’ she squealed, running into my arms. It was two tickets to the Shawn Mendes concert in London in April. ‘You can take one of your mates,’ I smiled. Amber was beside herself with excitement. When me and her dad Steve, 47, divorced two years before, we agreed that Amber, her sister India, 14, and brother Drake, 12, would live with him in Cardiff. I had…

Stuffing candyfloss in my mouth, I washed it down with a generous gulp of Coke. Crowds of people were bustling around, and the whoosh of rollercoasters blared all around me. It was 2013, and I’d taken my kids, Charlie, then nine, and Hermione, then five, for a fun day out at Alton Towers. But while I was perfectly content gorging on hot dogs and candyfloss in the food court, the kids were all about the rides. ‘Can we go on the Galactica, please Mum?’ Charlie begged. ‘Oh alright then,’ I sighed. I had a feeling this was not going to end well. As the kids plonked themselves into their seats, I heaved myself into mine, just about managing to squeeze myself in. But, as I tried to pull the safety…

World leaders in cyber security solutions AVG have shared five tips for proud parents wanting to share their family photos online… 1 Ensure the settings on your social channels allow you to share with family and friends only to reduce the chance of your photo being misused without your control. 2 If your child is old enough to understand, ask for their consent prior to uploading any images. It ensures you both agree to it and helps to have the conversation about online safety in context. 3 Consider the types of photos you are uploading and the online profile of your child that you are creating. 4 Check that no personal information is in the photos you upload. Pictures of a school uniform or front door could reveal clues to…

What’s hot right now? We all want to keep up to date with the latest trends, so celebrity hairstylist Phil Smith (www.philsmith.co.uk) is here to guide you through the latest looks. Grown-up accessories From throw-back 90’s velvet hairbands to nostalgic hair combs with your name encrusted in rhinestones (or a designer brand if you’re feeling flashy), childlike accessories are in, but for adults. This trend is fun and lighthearted. It’s the perfect way to make an everyday style feel current and exciting. The royal wave Meghan Markle is a strong influence for hair trends. Probably put down to her modern interpretations of a classic. The favourite of the moment? Her set wave. Not as forced as the 1920’s finger waves, but a wider, relaxed version. It’s important to have healthy…

WOBURN SAFARI PARK Milton Keynes With both a road safari and a foot safari, the kids are sure to be entertained all day. While you can see rare animals from the comfort of your car, take the foot safari through designated areas featuring meerkats, elephants, sea lions, and penguins. There’s also a play area for younger kids and the popular high ropes course, Go Ape, for the teens and grown-ups who want to monkey around, too! Tickets from £17.99 www.woburnsafari.co.uk DON’T MISS Kingdom of the Carnivores BLAIR DRUMMOND SAFARI PARK Stirling This 120-acre safari park is packed with activities to keep the whole family busy. With a large drive-through exotic animal reserve, sea lion presentations and bird of prey displays, kids definitely won’t get bored. For something a little different,…