Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 471 i Yours Magazine

When Dr Michael Mosley died last year, he left a legacy of health and wellbeing wisdom for us to live by. Here, we share some of his best advice and his easy-to-adopt tips and habits. Eat an apple a day… So, it seems there is truth in the saying, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’. Dr Mosley said, ‘We know that the skin of apples is rich in fibre and flavonoids [a beneficial compound], and research has shown that apples feed the good bacteria in your gut and help stop sugary cravings.’ He also explained that flavonoids from fruit can increase the production of a molecule in our body called nitric oxide that regulates blood pressure and maintains blood vessel health. ‘Most of an apple's flavonoids lurk in…

It's easy to come up with excuses not to exercise during the winter, but walking can fit in with whatever life throws at you – plus, it's simple and free! When teamed with healthier eating, you can drop up to 1-2lbs a week. Walk off the pounds A great calorie and fat burner for weight loss, walking helps reduce ‘stress pounds’ and can help beat tiredness and cravings, too. Personal trainer, Federica Gianni @fedfit_training), explains, ‘If you've got stubborn abdominal fat, then walking can help reduce this, as well as help insulin sensitivity and lower Type 2 diabetes risk. ‘Many of us are also often stressed, causing our cortisol levels to increase, which can inhibit fat loss. Walking can help relax you and boost fat burning.’ Walking is also a…

Everyone is talking about how consuming more protein can help keep you full and boost fat-burning, weight loss and muscle mass. ‘Current government guidelines suggest adults consume about 0.75g of protein per kilogram of their bodyweight. But these recommendations have been set as a minimum to prevent protein deficiency. There's a growing consensus among health professionals that this is not enough, particularly for women over 50,’ says Zoe Cottrell, registered dietitian and cofounder of Provytl 50+. Zoe recommends 1.2-1.5g per kg of body weight and, as protein can't be stored by the body, suggests you distribute your intake across the day. Cottrell explains it's particularly important that women from midlife onwards raise their protein intake, because our ability to digest and utilise protein decreases as we age, so we need…

‘By observing the stars and planets, we gain insights into the workings of the cosmos’ Ever gazed in wonder at a starry sky? Then you'll understand the allure of astronomy, the study of celestial bodies, space, and the physical universe we live in. ‘Astronomy offers a unique perspective on our place in the universe,’ says Mike Meynell of Flamsteed Astronomy Society at the Royal Observatory Greenwich (flamsteed.info). ‘By observing the stars, planets, and even our own sun, we gain insights into the workings of the cosmos. Stargazing and solar observing provide moments of wonder, whether it's spotting Saturn's rings, the beauty of constellations, or sunspots on the sun's surface. Getting started in astronomy doesn't require fancy equipment or years of study – just a bit of curiosity and a willingness…

Our money advice expert Faith Archer is an award-winning money journalist and blogger at Much More With Less, Faith was deputy personal finance editor at The Daily Telegraph and is a regular on BBC radio. She aims to make money matters such as family budgeting, pensions and tax easier to understand Many of us start January determined to revamp our finances, only to see our best intentions crash and burn before the month ends. Instead, the best way to achieve a major goal is to break it down into bite-sized chunks. Adopting manageable money habits can help maintain your motivation. Automate accounts While you are fired with enthusiasm, open a high-interest savings account and set up a direct debit once a month. This way, your savings balance will keep building…

£1,000 WORTH OF PRIZES TO WIN! WIN A RELAXING TWO-NIGHT BREAK WITH THE VENUES COLLECTION WORTH £1000 The Venues Collection has an awardwinning selection of highly individual hotels across the UK, all with countryside locations and leisure facilities, and now you could win a relaxing break at one of them. Our winner and a guest will enjoy two nights’ comfortable accommodation in a Superior Room, with a bottle of Champagne on arrival, full English or continental breakfast each morning, a three-course dinner each evening, complimentary use of the leisure facilities and late check-out until 2pm on departure day. They can choose their break from the following three hotels: Eastwood Hall, Nottinghamshire – a country setting close to Nottingham city centre and just a short distance from the Theatre Royal and…

Sarah Beeny and family have been busy building their life in the country, converting a semi-derelict Seventies former dairy farm near Bruton in Somerset into the house of their dreams – but there is always work to be done on her show New Life in the Country. Sarah, who turns 53 on 9 January, and Graham, 51, with kids Billy, 20, Charlie, 18, Rafferty, 16, and Laurie, 15, are making the most of time in nature along with building a band and an environmentally friendly home. We caught up with Sarah to find out more… Is your family as close as you all seem on the show? We are and I think it's great that we are so close. I love being with my children. I'm a very proud mum.…

Dear readers, My natural position is sedentary. My inclination to leap up, squeeze my spare tyres into unforgiving lycra and swab down sweaty equipment at the gym is less than zero. I like talking, eating, reading and watching films full of beautiful people in gorgeous outfits talking, eating and reading. I can't, of course, deny that there is one indoor sport/ aerobic activity I rather enjoy. There's no need to shock you with the nitty-gritty. I'm afraid that's about it on the revving up your heart-rate front. To me, all other calorieburning exercise is (a) torture (b) boring beyond belief and (c) utterly alien to my nature. I watch folk pumping iron with bewilderment. They are grunting, dripping with perspiration, veins bulging in their foreheads. They're in torment, suffering, straining,…

Blind Strictly winner Chris McCausland, 47, has rightly received widespread praise for turning the scary prospect of sight loss into a hopeful story. Chris's success, with partner Dianne Buswell, is inspiring to anyone with or without a disability. As former Home Secretary David Blunkett, who is also blind, pointed out, ‘Chris has shown how, if you're committed and ready to learn – and have the right partner – you can sometimes make the impossible commonplace.’ Elton's legacy For someone who made such a phenomenal mark in the music world, Sir Elton John's epitaph request is humbling. ‘On my gravestone, all I want to say is, “He was a great dad”,’ he told People magazine in New York. ‘The music, the career is fantastic. It's been mind-blowing, groundbreaking. But the most…

Hot on the heels of the incredible final episode of Gavin and Stacey, Jo, 47, is returning to our TV screens for something a little different. In Joanna Page's Wild Life, the star is living out her childhood dream by volunteering as an animal care assistant at the Wildlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead. She talks to Yours about the experience. Was filming the show a dream come true for you? It was so much fun! I've always absolutely adored animals. I've had animals all my life and I've always loved wildlife. I think it was growing up in Wales – on dog walks we'd be listening to the birds and going through the woods or walking on the beach. When they asked if I would like to come to this…

Longleat Estate in Wiltshire announced that it wants to bring back hippos to its Safari Park and become a ‘key part’ of the European breeding programme. Hippos made their debut at the safari park in 1967, a year after it opened. It hopes to reintroduce the fan favourites by the summer, with plans for a new hippo house and improvements to the grazing paddock and Half Mile Pond.…

Step one: Cleanse regularly It's important to cleanse morning and night to remove make-up and impurities that will otherwise leave your skin looking dull. Liz Earle's Cleanse & Glow Transforming Gel Cleanser, £30, is packed with acerola cherry, black bee honey and elderberry seed oils to purify, brighten and soften skin. For a barrier-boosting cleanse that'll leave you glowing, opt for Byoma's Creamy Jelly Cleanser, £10.99. It features ceramides, liquorice root and green tea to deeply nourish and strengthen your complexion. Or deep-clean skin with Beauty Pie's Super Healthy Skin Foamy Face Wash, £15 or £25 for non-members. Your face will feel and look refreshed. Step two: Exfoliate Alpha, beta and poly hydroxy acids are exfoliating ingredients that work wonders for targeting uneven skin texture. Often applied in the form…

From corns and calluses to bunions and blisters, our feet can often be the cause of discomfort and pain. And it's no wonder, according to advanced health foot practitioner Katie Simner. ‘Our feet bear the entire weight of our bodies. Over periods of time, this constant strain can lead to wear and tear on the muscles, joints, ligaments and bones in the feet,’ she explains. ‘Poor foot health can also affect posture and the alignment of the rest of the body, leading to problems in the knees, hips and lower back as we age. Foot care, including regular exercise, wearing correct footwear and seeking help for foot issues early, can help maintain mobility and overall wellbeing.’ Luckily there is plenty you can do to improve your foot health. Follow these…

Research by Age UK has found that millions of older people are worried about the prospect of having a fall. The good news is we can take steps to avoid falling, and injuring ourselves, by improving our proprioception – this is the medical term for the ability to know where and how the body is oriented in its surroundings. It's also referred to by health experts as a ‘sixth sense’ and is responsible for keeping us balanced. ‘We use proprioception all of the time,’ says Dr Esther Fox (estherfox.co.uk), a chartered physiotherapist with a PhD in balance and mobility. ‘If you were to pick up a cup of tea, or put your arm out to lift your leg, you're using proprioception. Your body knows that the arm or leg is…

Getting out of bed on a cold, dark, wet morning is no easy feat, and this time of year often brings a particular hardto-shake morning grogginess. If you're looking for easy ways to supercharge the start of your day, read on. We spoke with experts, from sleep specialists to nutritionists, to share their top tips. EAT A NUTRITIOUS BREAKFAST Giving in to comfort foods, that are often high in fat and sugary carbs, could be affecting your energy levels. Kerry Beeson, nutritional therapist at Prep Kitchen, says, ‘Incorporating the right foods into your breakfast can provide sustained energy and improve alertness. ‘One of my favourite energy-boosting breakfasts is maple pecan porridge with fruit and yoghurt – the oats are complex carbohydrates, which stabilise blood sugar and provide a lasting source…

Yours WHAT'S BEST test Karcher WV 6 PLUS N We were completely wowed by this vacuum, which removed stubborn marks from our windows effortlessly. The paper instructions are quite basic, but a video on the Karcher website shows you exactly how everything works. Spritz your window using the spray bottle, wipe with the microfibre cloth and then vacuum. After just a few minutes we'd mastered the technique and were delighted with the results. The rechargeable battery lasts for 100 minutes. The vacuum is also great for cleaning shower screens, tiles and mirrors, as well as spills on floors and worktops. It is at the top end of the price range, but the quality is superb and our windows have never been so clean! ■ karcher.com Tower TWV10 There aren't many…

Elvis Presley performed a groundbreaking concert, Aloha from Hawaii, which was broadcast live from the Honolulu International Centre to audiences across the globe. Following a successful 59-show engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton, Colonel Tom Parker was looking into ways for his star to reach a wider audience. However, he was reluctant to allow Elvis to undertake international tours (some speculate this was because of Parker's hidden status as an illegal alien to the United States). ‘It is the intention of Elvis to please all of his fans throughout the world’ Colonel Parker Inspired by the satellite transmissions of Richard Nixon's recent visit to China, Presley's manager had the idea to promote a live broadcast concert. News reached a Hawaiian newspaper journalist who approached Parker about using the concert as a…

* We see beautiful faces and gorgeous bodies staring out at us from glossy magazines all the time – is it any wonder people are brainwashed into thinking we should look just like them? But beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder and to be happy in your own skin is all you need. My friend has a son who has Down's syndrome. Fortunately, he has no health problems. She has always encouraged him to be just like others and recently he joined a model agency and is getting his fair share of auditions. And why not? Although some of us may not fit society's idea of conventional beauty, we can still radiate inner strength and confidence and have a great life. Amy Clarkson, Ormesby, Norfolk Yours says: We…

Mystery unfolds ■ Patience, Wednesdays 8 January, Channel 4 This new crime drama takes the premise of the French hit Astrid et Raphaëlle but moves the action from Paris to York. Ella Maisy Purvis plays Patience, a young autistic woman who works for the police in the Criminal Records Office. When she spots a link between a suspected suicide and previous cases, maverick Detective Inspector Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser) decides Patience's talents could be put to better use during investigations. Geordie's challenges ■ Grantchester, Wednesday 8 January, ITV1 Robson Green is back as detective Geordie Keating for a ninth series of the popular period drama, but don't get too used to his crime-solving partner, vicar Will Davenport, being around. Actor Tom Brittney will be leaving after a couple of episodes,…

With their pretty coloured feathers and sweet, melodious song, European goldfinches became popular as cage birds in Victorian Britain. Less fortunate ones were used like canaries to detect the presence of dangerous gases in coal mines, a practice that only ended in 1996. These wild birds are collectively known as a charm, a word derived from the old English word c'irm to describe their twittering sound. The high demand for the birds made them a magnet for trappers. In the year 1860 alone, 132,000 were reputed to have been removed from Worthing in Sussex, where this picture was taken. As a result, the wild population was almost wiped out. Halting the decline was one of the first priorities of the Society for the Protection of Birds, which was formed in…

Meet Molly, my one-year-old Netherland dwarf fur baby. She loves her cuddles, and I get loads of bunny kisses – she licks my nose! Her favourite treat is half a cream cracker. Beryl Hodgson, Chorley My gorgeous Spencer, getting cosy on Nanny's bed. Rosa Kennedy, by email Our border terrier, Max, (right) celebrating his 12th birthday with his siblings, Eric and Ernie and our son's Welsh springer, Reggie. We love the festive hats! Darrell Gibson, by email GET IN TOUCH Send us a picture of your pet with personality, tell us their likes, dislikes and age and if we print it you'll receive a £10 cheque…

While it might seem like a low-impact activity, the benefits of walking are wide ranging and profound, extending far beyond just physical fitness. We spoke to celebrity trainer and founder of Omni Wellness, Aimee Victoria Long, about why this simple activity should be a staple in everyone's routine. She says, ‘Walking can aid in weight loss, especially when combined with balanced nutrition. ‘While it may burn fewer calories than high-intensity workouts, it is sustainable and can be easier to maintain over time, making it more effective for long-term weight management in a lot of cases.’ To start reaping these benefits, Aimee recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderateintensity walking each week. ‘Broken down, that equates to about 30 minutes per day, five days a week. Even shorter periods,…

Expert tips and advice for keeping your grey matter in shape The latest research has found that by building a cognitive reserve – that's learning new things and enriching our brains – we can help protect ourselves from losing our memories and lower our chances of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The 2024 study from the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, noted those with a higher cognitive reserve had better mental processing speed, memory and reasoning skills. ‘As a population we are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of brain function as we get older, and the impact of cognitive decline,’ says GP and wellbeing expert Dr Gareth Patterson (@theirishgp). ‘There's a raft of things we can do to reduce the risk of dementia, including physical activity – which increases blood flow…

Doctors say a cold lasts for seven to 10 days on average. However, researchers from Queen Mary University of London have noted that some of us get ‘long colds’ and are unable to shake off symptoms. We asked some health experts for their advice when it comes to shortening symptoms of the common cold. Get your R&R ‘Sleep and rest are necessary to support recovery during a cold, says Will Jordan, nutritionist at viridian-nutrition.com. ‘Proper and adequate sleep can help reduce the risk of catching a cold and help support general health. “Sleeping off” a cold is commonly suggested as our bodies often need extra sleep. Listen to your body to see what it needs and, where possible, try not to overexert yourself as this can prolong recovery.’ Keep hydrated…

Smart plugs give you a better idea of how your regular appliances are functioning, and include a host of features including automatic timers, schedules and energy-use tracking. These devices are easy to set up; simply put the smart plug into a regular socket, connect it to the Wi-Fi then plug in your appliance. From here, you can download the smart plug's partnering app, which allows you to customise control. Lights, thermostats, fans and heaters are the most common appliances used with smart plugs, because users benefit from their automatic timer scheduling feature. As smart plugs allow you to schedule when your appliances turn on and off, this helps save both money and energy as they are not being overused. The eco-conscious can also buy certain smart plugs that track energy…

Eze, France ‘A visit to the Medieval Eze village in the South of France makes you feel like you've stepped back in time,’ suggests travel writer Lucy Brown. ‘It's extremely high up on the cliffs (often above the clouds) so be prepared to get your steps in climbing up. ‘Start your visit at Eze's Jardin De Exotique for spectacular views from one of the highest points of the village, then stroll through the winding cobbled lanes and stop by one of the many amazing local shops such as Good Karma or L'Atelier. Dine at Château Eza afterwards and eat fresh pizzas overlooking the Mediterranean.’ Cala en Porter, Menorca Stylist Scott Da Silva-Wells shares Cala en Porter, the hidden gem of Menorca. ‘Tucked away in a little coastal town, the small…

I spread strawberry jam on a few slices of bread and cut off all the crusts, just how he liked it, all that was left to do was pour him a glass of milk and greet him with the usual enthusiasm as he walked through the door. There's a certain etiquette when it comes to being a grandmother, you know! No sooner had the big hand touched five past when the door swung open. Aaron and his granddad always knew how to make a grand entrance. ‘I don't care! I just hate everyone!’ were the first and last words he uttered before stomping his seven-year-old feet out of the kitchen and up the stairs. ‘What did you do to the poor boy?’ I stared at Peter who looked just as…

£1,200 WORTH OF PRIZES TO WIN! Wordsearch Travel from the heights of the Himalayas to the lush shores of the Laccadive Sea and see if you can find all the Indian states and union territories in the grid. ANSWERS ON PAGE 111 ASSAM BIHAR CHANDIGARH DELHI GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU AND KASHMIR JHARKHAND KARNATAKA KERALA LADAKH LAKSHADWEEP MADHYA PRADESH MAHARASHTRA MANIPUR MEGHALAYA MIZORAM NAGALAND ODISHA PUDUCHERRY PUNJAB RAJASTHAN SIKKIM TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA UTTARAKHAND UTTAR PRADESH WEST BENGAL WIN £100 WHERE IS SAMMY SQUIRREL? Find where he's hiding in this issue of Yours and you could win £100. To enter, fill in the Competitions answers coupon on page 111. Closing date for entries is 27 January 2025. More prizes to win at yours.co.uk WIN £50! TWO £50 PRIZES Prize crossword For…

Live tour Sarah Hadland, Tasha Ghouri and JB Gill may have lost out to comedian Chris McCausland in the Strictly Come Dancing final, but they get a second chance to win as they are hitting the road for the live tour from 17 January. They are joined by fellow classmates of 2024 celebrities Jamie Borthwick, Wynne Evans, Montell Douglas and Shayne Ward. For more info see strictlycomedancinglive.com Theatre Stephen Daldry's acclaimed production of JB Priestley's An Inspector Calls is heading out on tour again in 2025, beginning in Salford on 7 January. The classic play sees Inspector Goole turning up at the house of the prosperous Birling family to ask some awkward questions about the death of a young woman. For more information see aninspectorcalls.com/tour-dates Podcast Food writer (and son…