Table of contents for 02-Jan-2020 in Pick Me Up!

Hand-in-hand with my husband Paul, 32, he guided me through the shopping centre. It was just another normal day in my life - with my husband acting as my eyes. I’d been born with damage to the optic nerve in my left eye, so I was completely blind in that eye, and my right had limited visibility, too. As I was growing up, I leaned on my parents for everything. Then, at 18, that’s when I met Paul. It took four long years to get him By this point, my right eye had nearly lost all its vision from working so hard. But despite knowing the commitment he’d have to give me, Paul was so supportive. Just like my parents, he took on the responsibility of being my eyes, and…

Perched on the end of my bed, I typed out an angry text message to my boyfriend. You better answer the phone, I typed frantically. It was April 2008, I was 17, and in a heated argument with my then fella, John*, 21. I was getting ready for bed in the home I shared with my mum and dad, Jill* and Darren*, now both 60, in Durham, when the disagreement erupted. The row was about something silly and insignificant, but at the time, it felt like the end of the world. We’d got together when I was 15, and at five years older than me, I was head over heels for John. Still, he sometimes treated me like a child, which made me so angry. I dialled his number, ready…

GBS is a common bacterium carried by two in five adults in the UK, often in the gut, and for 25% of women, in the vagina. Carriers of GBS are often unaware that they have the bacterium inside them as it doesn’t cause any symptoms, but it can be fatal to newborn babies. Two babies a day in the UK will develop a GBS infection, with one baby a week dying and one a week surviving a GBS infection with a long-term disability. In the UK, pregnant women are not routinely offered testing for Group B strep by the NHS, but expectant mothers can pay £35 for a test.…

INSTANT appointment With Dr Gary Bartlett, a GP based in North Wiltshire. Recurring problem Q My eight-year-old son keeps getting tonsillitis. How can I stop it from coming back? Louise, Southampton. A Tonsillitis is an infection of the lumps of tissue in the back of your throat giving rise to inflamed tonsils, sore throat, swollen neck glands, appearance of white spots (pus) on the back of the throat, trouble swallowing, fever, stomach ache and feeling unwell. Tonsillitis is very common in children and your doctor can decide if a course of antibiotics is needed to treat it. Very commonly, a sore throat is caused by a viral infection and antibiotics are not necessary. Ways in which your child can reduce the risk of getting tonsillitis includes: • Avoiding contact with…

Are you prepared for cold and flu season? According to new research, Brits aren’t doing enough to ward off a cold. A new study commissioned by Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice found that half of us only take preventative methods to stop an illness once we’ve already started to feel unwell. But with the average Brit suffering from around 200 colds in their lifetime and spending upwards of five years under the weather, it might be worth thinking about. The new research also discovered that a third of us don’t take any further action to prevent seasonal-related illnesses, even after we’ve already been ill. 3 million…  That’s the number of people living with cancer in Britain after rates soared by a fifth in five years. Have you tried... LloydsPharmacy Reusable Hot…

When someone has really hurt us, it can be very hard to forgive. But holding onto that bitterness can be self-destructive. It’s key to remember that everyone is human. We all make mistakes – even you! If someone has upset you and is begging for your forgiveness, then perhaps they have learned the error of their ways? Forgiving someone isn’t just about giving in and saying you were wrong – it’s about showing simple kindness – and we all need more of that.…

Stirring in bed, the sun shone on my face. Waking with a smile, I saw that my husband Wilson was awake, stroking my hair. ‘I’ll make us a cup of tea,’ I smiled, pulling off the duvet. ‘Aren’t you forgetting something?’ Wilson winked. ‘Of course!’ I laughed. Leaning over, I kissed him on the lips. Ever since we got together, this was our little tradition - we wouldn’t get out of bed in the morning before sealing the day with a kiss. Every couple has their little traditions, and Wilson and I are no different to any other couple - despite our 51-year age gap. But, at 79, Wilson is certainly not your typical ‘old man.’ Back in 2016, I actually had no intention of ever getting married, having been…

Just want to try one or two vegan products? Here are some staples! 1. Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser, £4.99, Superdrug A good face wash is crucial to maintaining a flawless complexion. This hot cloth cleanser is great at removing makeup, whist providing a gentle exfoliation. Rich in vitamin E, it will leave your skin looking gorgeously radiant. 2. Milani Bold Colour Statement Matte Lipsticks, £10, Boots Providing superior bold colour, these standout lipsticks are just what you need in your handbag. With an easy, glide-on formula, these lipsticks will dry down with a comfortable matte finish. Infused with Monoi oil, these vegan lipsticks will leave lips ultra-soft and smooth. 3. Smith England Colour Shield Shampoo and Conditioner, £10, Sainsburys Want that gorgeous just-coloured feeling for longer? This shampoo…

Doctor Who, BBC One At last the Doctor is back! Jodie Whittaker, Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill return to our screens to travel time and space in their trusty Tardis. The first episode does not disappoint. Intelligence agents around the world are under attack from alien forces, so MI6 turns to the only people who can help – The Doctor and friends. As the team travel the globe looking for answers, attacks come from all sides. Earth’s security rests on their shoulders – but where will this planet-threatening conspiracy lead them? Dracula, BBC One The makers of Sherlock are bringing you a brand new take on the most famous vampire of them all: the magnificent, brooding, deliciously deadly Count Dracula. The ultimate bloodsucker is perfectly played by Danish…

I opened the door and was faced with a police officer who was asking after me. I was 28 by then, the events of that night having completely shaped my life. ‘We’ve found the man who attacked you, he’s been arrested,’ the officer explained sincerely. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Suddenly, my legs buckled and I collapsed to the floor. I fell to the floor in utter shock My dad came rushing to my side, armed with a full-fat Coke to try and stop me from shaking. ‘I can’t believe it,’ I stuttered, feeling relieved and overwhelmed at the same time. My attacker’s name was Henry Spark, and he was 69. I was told that he was on his way to work as a delivery driver the night…

Deal with anxiety 1 Try breathing exercises They can help you cope and make you feel more in control of your anxiety. 2 Keep a diary It can help you find out what happens when you get anxious, as well as help you identify certain triggers. 3 Take care of yourself Look after your physical health by trying to get enough sleep, exercising and eating well. This can all have a direct effect on your mental health. 4 Talk to someone Just getting it off your chest can help relieve some of the pressure you might be feeling. Feelings of anxiety are completely normal but if anxiety starts affecting your daily life or causes you distress, see your GP for more advice. Women are almost twice as likely to suffer…

1 PCOS isn’t common. 2 Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods. 3 The cause of PCOS is unknown. Symptoms of PCOS cannot be treated. 5 Thinning hair and hair loss can be caused by PCOS. 1 FALSE PCOS is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. 2 TRUE Other symptoms include difficulty getting pregnant, weight gain, oily skin and acne. 3 TRUE The exact cause is still unknown, but it’s related to abnormal hormone levels in the body and often runs in families. 4 FALSE There’s no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be treated. 5 TRUE As well as hair loss, PCOS can also lead to excessive hair growth. PCOS can also be linked to type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.…

The flexibility of McDonald’s has been amazing. I have two boys aged 14 and seven, and working here means I am able to look after them and not feel they are missing out. I was a bus driver for 12 years and enjoyed it but when I had my youngest son, I wasn’t able to do the shifts they required. A job came up at McDonald’s, so I went for the interview. I said I could only work evenings at that time and they said it was fine. That was five years ago. I’ve been able to be there for my kids - especially my younger son when he was starting primary school and going in gradually - and McDonald’s were very accommodating. They let me have time off in…

Relaxing by the pool in Greece, I watched as my son James, then nine, jumped in and out of the water. ‘Mum watch this,’ he shouted over as he cannonballed into the deep end. ‘Well done,’ I laughed. But my mood soon changed. Staring straight at me, a man shot me a filthy look. Fixing his eyes on my skin, he looked disgusted. But I was used to people staring at me. I had neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) - a condition that meant my body was covered in hundreds of bubble-like tumours. The tumours are non-cancerous but come with a whole host of symptoms and the condition can lead to problems with the bones, eyes and nervous system. I’d had it for most of my life and whenever I went…

With January fast approaching, many of us will take part in Veganary. So why not do the same with your beauty? Here to make the process a little easier, here are some 100% vegan brands! Essentiel Vie Gentle enough to suit a new-born’s delicate skin, as well as reducing the impact of pregnancy on a mother’s skin, this completely natural vegan brand is perfect for mums and babies. Catering for all areas of the skin, from stretch marks to daily moisturisers, this brand has everything you mums need. With a focus to help mums rediscover the importance of taking good care of their skin, their products create a routine that is quick and easy to manage. Prices start from £9.99, Boots. Botanical Labs Marrying the power of nature with a…

Mash Direct combines six generations of the Hamilton family’s farming expertise to produce a range of delicious ‘field to fork’ vegetable accompaniments, with the true taste of home cooking. The vegetables are gently steam cooked after harvesting to retain the nutritional benefits of the veg. These recipes all use their mashed potato! Mash muffins Serves: 6 □ 2 packets of Mash Direct Mashed Potato □ 1 large egg □ 340g grated cheddar cheese □ 3 tbsp chopped fresh chives □ Cooked smoked bacon 1 Preheat the oven to 190°C / 180°C for fan assisted ovens / 375°F. Grease a non-stick muffin pan. 2 In a large bowl, stir together the Mashed Potato, egg, 3/4 of the cheddar cheese, the smoked bacon and 2 tablespoons chopped chives. Season the mixture with…

At this time of year, the Great British weather is even more miserable than usual. And now that the festive period is over, we all face the dreaded January Blues. Experts at recruitment company Coburg Banks (www.coburgbanks.co.uk) share their tips on how to keep upbeat this month. 1 Go outside Exposure to daylight is good for us, and we often become depressed in darker months due to our limited exposure. Our brains love to be in sunlight, and it helps to regulate our sleep cycles properly. So at lunch, make sure you get yourself outside and get as much daylight as you can while it lasts! It’s good for you, and will certainly make you more productive! 2 Avoid unrealistic New Year’s resolutions Make sure your New Year’s resolutions are…

Ballie Ballerson This world-famous ball pit cocktail bar launched a new venue in Soho in September. Located on Berwick Street, the new 6,000 sq ft site has two large ball pits – one in glowing neon to channel Ballie Ballerson’s established playfulness, and one with vibrant, bespoke wall murals inspired by Soho’s unique atmosphere, plus a ceiling feature where distinctive light patterns react to the music The cocktail and food menu offers an exclusive Soho Sundown cocktail and a tasty spicy Soho-inspired pizza. • From £7.50 • ballieballerson.com Go Ape, various locations Spend hours in the treetops, swinging through the trees and experiencing the great outdoors in a whole new light at Go Ape. The treetop adventure has a growing number of sites in London, including an urban jungle in…

Stretching my toes, I waited for my cue. Then, as the music blared, I flitted out onto stage, my tutu bustling behind me. At 14 years old, this was the biggest moment of my life. It was 2010, and the final dress rehearsal for a ballet showcase I was taking part in. Joining the ballet school full-time when I was 11, I dreamed of pursuing a career as a professional ballerina. Now, as my big scene came up, I jumped up into the air, twirled around... then landed with a thud. ‘Oww!’ I cried. I’d landed badly on my right foot, causing pain to sear all the way up my leg. My ballet teacher came rushing over, told me to rest. ‘The show is tonight!’ I said. Determined to perform,…

Bad break QI went through a messy divorce. My friends say I should start dating again, but I’m so scared of getting hurt, that when I do go on a date, I’m so defensive, they run a mile! Am I destined to be alone? Paula, Hastings A You aren’t destined to be alone, but you probably still need time to heal. If you want to speed up the process of healing inside, I highly recommend starting a daily journal. Either ask yourself a question and then journal on it, such as ‘what am I scared of and why’, or just freestyle write every night and see what comes out. As you write, all your inner thoughts, fears and worries will flood out, and you can start to process it all,…

Veganism has leapt from our diets into our wardrobes. For the first time ever, New Look have designed a host of vegan shoes and bags that are free from animal products. Registered with The Vegan Society, this is their first high street collaboration. It’s easy to think that if it’s not leather, it must be team vegan. Surprisingly, it isn’t the case… The PU leather Most PU leather is finished with ground-cut leather sprays to give it a textured appearance, which features animal product. These vegan styles are leather-spray free. The adhesives Some adhesives, like glue and tape, are prepared using collagen from mammals, insects, fish and products found in mammal The metal hardware Metal is vegan. However, the process that it goes through to prevent it from rusting often…

For many women, having a child just doesn’t seem like a natural choice. Lauren*, 34, explains: ‘When I was in school, the thought of having children always felt like part of some abstract future plan. ‘I thought about it the same way I did marriage and career, assuming I’d feel the desire for children someday. ‘It would just happen one day – eventually. ‘Fast forward to my late twenties, and suddenly the pressure was unwavering. ‘The second I got engaged, the baby talk started, mostly from older family members. ‘The more questions I got, the more I started to worry. ‘Why wasn’t I yearning to have a baby? ‘I’d had friends cry in my arms about their fertility struggles, and while my heart ached for them, I couldn’t imagine what…

• Look for a vegan logo on the brand’s website and packaging. You want vegan not vegetarian. • Find out who owns the brand. They may claim to be vegan, but could be a part of a large corporation who aren’t. You can find this out on their website. • Vegan does not mean cruelty-free! Ingredients may have been tested on animals in the early stages of production – look for both certified stickers. • Keep an eye out for hidden ingredients such as: Cera Alba (beeswax) and Guanine (fish scales) • When in doubt, visit www.peta.org for their full list of up-to-date vegan brands.…

ARIES 21 March–20 April The more effort you put into your New Year plans, the more memorable your plans will become. Jealousy from someone in your inner circle has seen you act in a way you are not proud of. Change this and enter the New Year with your heart on your sleeve. It’s the key to others believing you really want all you say. Be bold, be bright, be you, Aries. You’ve got this! Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May A tired feeling to your chart could see you saying things you don’t mean – just to get the space and time you need to think straight. Be careful what you say to others. You already had and still do have the answers you need. What this…