Weight problems are an increasing cause for concern for many parents, with obesity on the rise in many countries. In the UK alone some 25% of adults are classed as obese, with men more likely than women to suffer from serious weight problems – yet the slimming industry pays far more attention to women’s weight problems than it does to those of our male population.

High profile advertising campaigns from well known diet brands have done little to broaden their appeal to guys, with 28% of men feeling existing weight-loss programmes are too female-focussed, deterring them from joining.

This is despite 52% of men admitting they are unhappy with their body shape with the majority of chaps looking to lose between 1 and 2 stone in 2012. Interestingly, married men were more likely to be unhappy with their body shape than their single peers.

Men want options, and in such a female focused industry, those options have clearly been too few and far between. According to the report from the new male focused weight loss plan LivSmarter, guys in the UK have to this point compounded their problem by being too shy, 42% would not have the courage to ask anyone for advice if they wanted to lose weight, preferring (20%) instead to look online for information.

We all know how easy it is for those extra pounds to creep up on us especially when you’ve got treats for the kids in the house and teatime ends up with you finishing off leftovers.

So, what are the solutions? How can you ensure your partner has the time to lose that winter weight? Father and star of Cold Feet and The Fast Show, John Thomson gives fellow fathers his top tips.

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Midwife and fertility expert Zita West discusses the ‘2-week wait’

No-one likes to wait, especially when it’s for such a life-changing answer. Fertility expert, Zita West, says, “the 2-week wait, the time between ovulation and the time to test, is a time of great uncertainty for many women while they are waiting to test.”

As a midwife, Zita is often asked about what lifestyle changes need to be made at this stage. There are so many questions a woman may ask herself – what should I be eating? How much caffeine am I allowed? Should I say no to a glass of wine? How much exercise should I be doing?

Staying healthy and relaxed during this period is key. Pinktimeline.com is a new resource for those trying for a baby and provides details on what is happening to a woman’s body during this time along with Zita’s tips for staying healthy and relaxed.

The website even has a forum where you can connect with others who are also waiting to test and a bespoke fundraising section that allows couples to raise funds for the costs associated with trying for a baby.

In the following video, midwife and fertility expert Zita West answers some of these common questions and gives advice on areas such as diet, exercise, stress relief and positivity, suggesting small lifestyle changes that can lead to a healthier you and a healthier pregnancy.

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Watch our video for dancing tips from Arlene and Len designed to help you get fit and stay fit

National treasures Len Goodman and Arlene Phillips have a firm belief in staying active keeping you healthier and happier longer. Now, in what is set to be Britain’s biggest sporting year ever, the famous duo are encouraging over 55s to follow in their footsteps as the faces of the Your Personal Best campaign.

With London 2012 only a few months away, people all over the world will be inspired to get more active. And whilst we can’t all be world class athletes, people of all ages can get involved. To ensure we do just that, Len and Arlene have joined forces to launch the Your Personal Best campaign with the specific objective of encouraging over 55s who may feel limited by long term health conditions to lead a more active lifestyle.

With nearly 8 million over 55s in the UK suffering from long term conditions, the dancing legends have teamed up with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), who is launching Your Personal Best in association with NHS London. Their hope is that the national campaign will inspire and motivate those who feel they can’t lead as active a lifestyle as they would like to achieve their personal best – just by making some simple changes.

Watch our video to see Len Goodman and Arlene Phillips take a lucky group of over 55s through a very special dance class at the launch of the campaign where they also talk about why they want to help you reach Your Personal Best.

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Watch our Web TV show to hear Amanda’s inspiring story and how you can help the cause by joining her in London

Show date: Friday 27th January
Show time: 9am

She’s best known for her starring roles in Holby City and Strike Back, but Amanda Mealing is hoping to become known for another role later this year – that of marathon runner.

The actress will line up in the Virgin London Marathon in April for Team PB which will raise money for both the Prostate Cancer Charity and Breast Cancer Care, a charity close to her heart after she fought the disease following the birth of her second child.

And she’s urging people who are running the marathon to run for Team PB which will call on their runners to take part in the theme for Race Day, by running with their underwear over their usual athletic gear to help highlight both causes.
Log on to our Web TV show where Amanda talks about her successful battle with breast cancer and how you can help fight the cause for both Breast Cancer Care and The Prostate Cancer Charity by joining with Team PB. Alongside her will be Owen Sharp, the Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, who will also line up for the first time, in the Virgin London Marathon.

Amanda Mealing and Owen Sharp join us live online HERE on Friday 27th January at 9am send your questions in now, or watch here at a later date

CLICK HERE FOR FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

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Log onto our live and interactive webTV show with Dr Pixie McKenna where she discusses the availability of emergency contraception in Ireland

Show date: 27th January 2012
Show time: 2pm

One year on from the morning after pill becoming available without prescription from pharmacies in Ireland, new research by HRA Pharma shows that, despite fears that increased availability could lead to misuse, the vast majority of women would still only consider using emergency contraception as a last resort.
The research also appears to demonstrate an increasing awareness and support of the improved availability, with almost three quarters of women now aware that emergency contraception can be purchased over the counter and over 90% agreeing that the move has given women more freedom due to the improved access to emergency contraception.

However, there are many arguments both for and against the use of the morning after pill and the increase in its availability has been a controversial issue in Ireland. The research shows though, that two thirds of women disagree with the notion that over the counter availability of the morning after pill has encouraged Irish women to be more promiscuous.

Similarly a huge 91% agree that the ability to purchase the pill over the counter would reduce their risk of an unplanned pregnancy thanks to improved accessibility, while over two thirds of women are of the belief that the stigma which has surrounded using the morning after pill in the past has been significantly diminished since it has become available from pharmacy.

So do you think that over-the-counter emergency contraception is a good thing? Do you think it has led to an increase in unprotected and unsafe sex? And what do you think are the implications of the increased availability?

If you have an opinion on this, or want to learn more on the topic, then log onto our live and interactive webTV show with Dr Pixie McKenna, Mark Sadja, Superintendent Pharmacist from Sam McCauley Chemists, and Tony Fraser, HRA Pharma, where they discuss the morning after pill in Ireland.

Click here to watch Dr Pixie McKenna, Mark Sadja and Tony Fraser join us live online on 27th January at 2pm

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Watch our video where Sue Perkins gives her handy tips on how to de-complicate your family

There are lots of complicated things in this world like combating global warming or solving the Eurozone financial crisis. But is anything as complicated as organising and running a family?

From getting them out of bed in the morning, making breakfast for all and actually getting them to school or work – sometimes it’s all to much for even the best of us. Chuck in family issues, bickering and the demands of the kids and other half and you’ve got a recipe for confusion, chaos and massive complications.

But what if you could eradicate the pain of the mornings? Make sure everyone got on and left you alone to lead a stress free life? How much less complicated would your life be if your family life was breezy and easy?

Look no further, as Sue has all the answers you need to de-complicate Britain’s families in 2012. Watch our video to see her unusual suggestions to make life less complicated for parents by getting the kids ready for school in record time.

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Tweet about this! #alifelesscomplicated

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TV presenter Catherine Gee gives her top tips for cost effective and simple renovation around your home this winter

Show date: Thursday 12th January
Show time: 15:30

If you’ve just moved into a new home, or are thinking of making some major changes to your house then you’ll know about the stress and worry involved in doing it yourself.

While many of us would like to think we’re master builders at heart, the reality is that there’s a lot more to renovation than just knocking down some walls and slapping on a coat of paint.

It’s vital that if you are thinking of doing some major renovation that you take the time to research all the options carefully.
One area of the home that can often be a last minute consideration when it comes to renovation is the staircase, but in fact for safety and aesthetic reasons, it should be one of the first things you consider when you’re about to renovate.

So if you’re about to start renovating your home and are looking for some timely advice and tips then log on to our Web TV show where TV presenter Catherine Gee joins with Mark Horrocks from Richard Burbidge with their top renovation tips.

Click here to watch our live webTV show.

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2012 Travel Trends Report released as January blues kick in and millions of us predicted to take to the internet to start planning our next getaways

The resorts of Spain have once again topped the list of the UK’s most searched for travel destinations, just ahead of New York, while Estonia and Iraq were the fastest rising searched for destinations in 2011.

That’s according to a new travel trends report from travel search site Skyscanner, which details the most searched for destinations on their website in 2011 and predicts the hottest travel spots in 2012.

Some of the picks for 2012 include the Cape Verde Islands – which have opened to tourism over the last five years thanks to an increase in hotels as well as charter flights and package holidays. The Islands ranked third on the list of emerging destinations in 2011, proving there is now a strong winter sun rival to the Canaries in the mid-haul market from the UK.

And if you want to take ‘alternative’ to a whole new level then, while starting from a low-baseline, the emerging travel industry in Iraq has begun to proactively market the country with regular flights now flying from Europe.

For those with a more traditional outlook on their holiday destinations, Spain is still the no.1 destination for British travellers, leading the list of country searches and with four of the top five city & resort searches.

While Spain’s enduring popularity may offer few surprises, it is the emerging nations highlighted in the Destinations Of The Future section that offer a window on how travel from the UK may look in 2012.
Estonia, boosted by Riga’s status as the current joint European Capital of Culture and the fact it remains a relatively undiscovered Baltic country, is the no.1 rising destination with a search increase of 89.8%, followed by Iraq at 75.4%.

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Log on to our Web TV Show for top tips and advice from Mica Paris and Professor David Haslam on staying motivated, staying full and losing weight

Show date: January 3rd 2012
Show time: 15:00

Millions of women will be about to, or will have already started a new year’s diet in the last few days. But how many of us will have fallen off the wagon by the end of the week?

Let’s face it, more women probably start diets in the first week of January that at any other time of the year after finding on January the 1st, that after the over-indulgent festive period, their jeans are just a little bit tighter, or their favourite dress no longer does up.

The start of a new year is also a time when many of us reassess our lives and for women, that often means declaring that this is the year we get the body of our dreams.

But regardless of when we embark on a new healthy eating plan or exercise regime, sticking to our guns is never easy, as temptation, boredom and a lack of willpower kicks in and all our good intentions become a distant memory.

So why do so many women fail on diets? What is the secret to success for those lucky few who do succeed? And if you’re embarking on a New Year’s diet, what are the biggest mistakes you can make and what are the best things you can do to help you stick to your new regime and ultimately get the body you’ve always wanted?

Mica Paris knows all about the diet rollercoaster, but after years of yo-yo dieting she now maintains a healthy weight thanks to a few easy and simple secrets. She’s joined with XLS-Medical Fat Binder in conjunction with new weight loss programme ‘123 Hello Me’, a new easy to follow plan, to help women lose weight for life.

Log on to our Web TV Show for top tips and advice from Mica and Professor David Haslam to give you the motivation and information you need to make your New Year’s diet your most successful ever.

Mica Paris and Professor David Haslam joins us live online at http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/how-to-make-your-new-years-diet-a-success-this-year on January 3rd at 15:00

Click here to submit questions before the show.

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Average Brit set to fill almost three bin bags full of waste each this Christmas that’s 125 million bags of rubbish throughout Britain

More than 12 million Brits will be hosting their family and friends this Christmas and as we build up to the big day, the amount of food and drink now being purchased and stockpiled through family homes around the nation is reaching massive proportions.

But have you ever thought about just how much rubbish, food waste, wrapping paper, packaging, bottles and plastic containers you and your family go through at Christmas?

Well, according to new research the average person will go through a staggering three bin bags of rubbish each this Christmas that’s about 125 million bags of rubbish sitting around Britain this festive season.

The study also shows that a lot of what will be filling these bags, shouldn’t be, with 40% of people saying they will throw away food, almost 15% saying they will throw away plastic bottles, more than one in ten won’t recycle food packaging and the same amount won’t recycle wrapping paper.

One in ten of us admit that we will recycle less than 50% of all the waste we create this Christmas, with a fifth of us admitting that we will recycle less during that time than we do in a normal week – which could be down to the sheer volume of waste that we are set to generate and the fact that for many of us sorting through, so much rubbish seems like an arduous task.

However, sorting and recycling waste as you go along can save time in the long run and it also means that you’re likely to have less rubbish lying around your home during Christmas.

Sodastream have commissioned the research to highlight the practice of ‘pre-cycling’, reducing waste before there is any need for recycling and they’ve created some handy tips to help families cut back on rubbish by recycling this Christmas as much as possible.

Top Five Waste Reducing Tips for Christmas

1. Get organised before the big day by having separate bags and containers ready to fill with different types of rubbish.
2. Save on card this Christmas, by sending e-season’s greetings cards instead.
3. Wrap up leftover food as soon as you’re finished to make into meals and snacks on Boxing Day
4. Instead of buying lots of bottled drinks – make your own.
5. Make recycling fun for your kids by making it a competition to see who can collect the most recyclable items over the weekend and get them to save all their wrapping paper to be used for next year.

CLICK HERE for more information.

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Nearly six million Brits admit to basing gift choices on whether they can wrap them… if you’re one of them, don’t miss this!

Do books and boxsets frequently fill your Christmas shopping lists simply because they’re easy to wrap? Do you long to give a guitar, a stuffed toy or a boomerang but fear ending up in a heap of ripped and scrunched wrapping paper?

Well don’t despair, you’re certainly not alone with new wrapping research released today showing that nearly six million of us have purposely not bought a gift someone wants because we were worried about wrapping it.
The survey found that the top three most difficult presents to wrap are a cuddly toy, a bike and a bottle of wine, with other difficult presents people have endured to wrap including a didgeridoo, antlers and even a Cortina MK3!

Considering how poorly many of us seem to rate our wrapping skills, you would think we would leave ourselves plenty of time to get it right. Yet 30% of people admit they always leave wrapping presents until Christmas Eve and, in between mince pies and carol services, inevitably end up rushing it.

According to the study by Sellotape, the average Brit spends an hour and 50 minutes wrapping Christmas presents each year, but whilst 53% of men said they did all of their wrapping in between half an hour and an hour, only 23% of women were so quick.

Over the Christmas period Brits will buy and use enough Sellotape to go around the world twice, making sure their presents are securely wrapped and peek-proof. And no wonder, as when it comes to the excitement of unwrapping – some of us simply can’t wait till the morning of the 25th. Almost a third of us admit that at some point in our lives we’ve undone some of the wrapping around one of our Christmas presents before the big day.

That’s where Arona Khan comes in. According to Harpers & Queen, Arona was the world’s first gift wrapping consultant and her passion for her “art form” has seen her share her tips and techniques around the UK and Europe, across the United States and in Japan where she was described as the world’s foremost gift wrapping expert. She even received an invitation to train the Prime Minister’s staff at 10 Downing Street.

CLICK HERE Listen to our podcast with Arona Khan, the world’s first gift wrapping guru where she offers tips and advice on how to get your Christmas wrapping done ahead of the big day.

CLICK HERE for more information.

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She’s prepared to work extra hours, face struggles to avoid any debt or miss household payments, all so her kids don’t miss out this Christmas

A strong army of Lambrini drinkers – young, hard-working women and mums – are worried about how they will cope with the mounting costs of the festive season this year, with the vast majority set to make huge sacrifices just to make sure their kids still get a Christmas.

That’s according to a study released today by drinks brand, Lambrini which shows that more than two thirds of these women – viewed as being disenfranchised from politics but far from ignorant about policy – will be forced to spend less money this Christmas than last year, with a third blaming Government cuts, one in five saying they are earning less now than they were this time last year and one in seven saying they or their partner has been made redundant in the last 12 months.

These tough times mean 70% of those surveyed, will be spending less money on Christmas presents, more than half will even cut back on food, while ‘treats’ such as clothes, make-up and magazines are completely out of the question for two thirds of women.

With more than half of all Lambrini ladies admitting they feel guilty about not being able to afford the presents their children want, it’s probably no surprise almost one in five will be tempted to turn to credit cards, one quarter will want to dip into their savings and one in six will be putting in extra hours at work. With the pressures of paying for Christmas, these ladies face an uphill struggle to make sure they don’t even miss any household bills or mortgage payments.

2011 has seen a growing trend for ‘savvy shopping’ and Christmas won’t be any different, more than half of women plan to use special offers and vouchers to be able to afford Christmas essentials.

So, what impact is the pressure of Christmas likely to have on women, such as Lambrini ladies this year, when many are already finding it tough to get by as it is? Are they sacrificing too much to keep everyone happy? And would children be just as happy with less presents and more quality time with their mum?

CLICK HERE to listen to our podcast with Jenni Trent Hughes, a life coach and relationship expert.

CLICK HERE for more information.

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Zoe Ball and Prudence Staite’s festive treats for all the family

The decorations are up, the holly is hung and all eyes are fixed on the little boxes under the tree. If you’re finding it hard to keep the overexcited little ones occupied, why not get creative in the kitchen - pass a fun and festive afternoon together, making Curiously Cinnamon Christmas Reindeers.

In this easy-to-follow recipe, Zoe Ball and food artist, Prudence Staite, use a variety of Nestlé Cereals made with whole grain which provide fibre, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, to make a yummy festive inspired creation. Using Nesquik for antlers, a raspberry for a nose and cinnamon cereal to make the head, Zoe and Prudence produce a great Christmas treat.

Watch this video, where Zoe and Prudence show you step by step how to create these deliciously merry cinnamon Reindeers:

CLICK HERE to watch our video.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Curiously Cinnamon Christmas Reindeer

Description: A yummy festive inspired creation. Cinnamon cereal hand moulded into reindeer head shapes, with crunchy Nesquik antlers, and red raspberry noses.

Ingredients:
300g Curiously Cinnamon
125g Butter
150ml Condensed milk
100g Dark chocolate
20g Nesquik Cereal- approx 24 pieces per reindeer
6 Fresh Raspberries, strawberries or cherries
24 Currants

Makes 12

Equipment:
2 Baking sheets, or boards, lined with greaseproof paper, or tin foil.
1 Plastic food bag and rolling pin to crush cereal
2 Microwavable bowls
2 Tablespoon spoons
Greaseproof paper piping bag or teaspoon

Method:
1) Place the Curiously Cinnamon in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until broken into small pieces, do not make the pieces too fine, we want to make this crunchy! Place crushed cereal into a bowl.
2) Place the butter and condensed milk into a microwavable bowl, and heat on medium until melted. Mix together until combined. Add to the cereal and mix well. Divide into 6 equal amounts.
3) Using a spoon push one part of the mixture into the tablespoon to make a rounded top triangle shape, press in well to bind together and level with a knife to form a flat base. Turning the spoon over carefully slide the mixture from the spoon onto the prepared baking sheet. Continue with remaining mixture. Chill for 1 hour.
4) Whilst they are chilling make the antlers. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place into a small microwavable bowl. Melt the chocolate in the microwave on medium setting in 20 seconds blasts, stirring every time until melted, but not hot.
5) Fill the piping bag with chocolate and pipe chocolate into antler shapes on the prepared baking sheet/board. Or you can use a teaspoon and draw the chocolate into shape.. Before the chocolate sets press in the Nesquik to create the velvet texture of antlers. Best completed one at a time. When all are completed or the tray is full, chill in fridge until set firm.
6) To assemble the reindeer melt a little dark chocolate and join the antlers to the back of the head shape, adding 2 currants to make eyes, and finish by adding a red raspberry nose.

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Panto Cinderella Louisa Lytton’s top tips on how to look like a princess this festive season

As those Christmas invitations start rolling in, you know that the party season has officially arrived. And that means it’s time to plan our outfits.

Unfortunately, shopping for the perfect party dress can often take all of the fun out of the festivities. With so many different styles to choose from, over-crowded shops and queues for the fitting rooms, many of us can be left feeling more cranky than celebratory.

But fear not, you don’t need to be a princess (with a royal budget) to feel like one. It’s not about spending a fortune on new clothes, it’s about the little touches that can make you sparkle this Christmas.

Watch our video featuring Louisa Lytton, as she tells us how to sparkle more than ever before with the help of official jewellery supplier to Panto princesses across the UK, QVC, and gives us a step by step guide of how catch your Prince Charming’s eye this Christmas.

CLICK HERE to watch our video.

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Where does your local region rank?

If you’ve ever wondered where the funniest people in the UK live then wonder no more, because a new Foster’s Comedy Map of the nation is sure to point you in the right direction – that is if you’re looking for people who think they’re funny, not those who necessarily are!

The map shows that the average Brit thinks they make family, friends and work mates laugh around six times a day, with a cocky 5% claiming they get laughs at least 16 times a day – or once an hour. One in ten however, has absolutely no confidence in their ability to provoke laughter and say they never make people laugh

In England it’s those from London who rate themselves as Jason Manford’s in the making, followed closely by people in Northern Ireland and the Midlands.

The modest folks of the South West are the least likely to think they can make you laugh – so perhaps head there if you’re not looking to be bombarded with wannabe comedians.

On the whole, we rate comedy as our favourite type of film, with observational comedy as our favourite type of humour, followed by surprise, surprise – sarcasm, satire slapstick and black comedy, while a very straight-laced 5% of people don’t find anything funny – nothing, nada, zilch.

Foster’s created the Comedy Map to support British comedy and The British Comedy Awards, which take place on the December 16th. So where do you fit in – have a look at the Comedy Map and see if you laugh out loud.

CLICK HERE for more information.

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The celebrity trio applaud the British public for embracing micro-donations through Pennies, the electronic charity box, which hits one million donations in its first year

This Christmas, celebrities such as Cheryl Cole, Gary Barlow and Jason Donovan are urging their fans to remember those less fortunate as they lend their voice to a new charity scheme which will make it easier to give a little something to those who really need it.

With most of us preferring to use our cards rather than cash, dropping a few loose pennies into a charity box on a shop counter has become a thing of the past. However, Pennies is a new channel which gives people the choice to round up their bills when they pay by card. The Pennies technology can now be switched on in stores, ranging from high street chains to corner shops, as well as for online and mobile purchases.

“I love the idea that if we could all give a tiny amount of money, loose change really – micro-donations – we really could make the pennies add up to something truly significant,” says Gary Barlow, a new supporter of the scheme.

The British public has already made one million micro-donations in just 12 months through Pennies raising over £250,000 from ‘spare change’ for more than 20 UK charities.

Cheryl Cole, who is also excited to be backing the initiative adds that she “can’t believe that no one had previously thought of this”.

“Now there is an amazing scheme where if you round up the lump sum on your card to £20 instead of £19.99, that penny will go to charity. All those pennies can add up to so much money. What an amazing idea and I hope this catches on. I’m in; all my pennies are going to you!”

Jason Donovan is a fan of how easy and quick the scheme will make donating for all of us this Christmas.

“It’s a new technology solution for the old habit of dropping change in the charity box. I encourage everyone to get behind Pennies and together we can raise millions to help thousands.”

CLICK HERE to watch our video to learn more about Pennies for Change from Cheryl and Jason.

CLICK HERE for more information.

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Every year it seems the countdown to Christmas starts earlier, but what of its after effects?

It appears that the ever extending festive period populated with planning, spending and general consumption is attributing to increasing instances of anxiety and a hangover in physical and financial terms which for some lasts until March.

A pre-Christmas survey released today shows that it takes 1 in 5 people until March to pay for Christmas; over 80% say it takes a month to recover from the stress caused; and 1 in 10 take 4 months to lose the weight we put on.

Taking these factors into account it’s perhaps unsurprising that over half the population is considering spending the Christmas period abroad, with this most marked amongst 25-34 year olds (59%).

Of those who have previously turned their back on the traditional, anxiety fueled festivities a considerable one in three have felt more relaxed as a result.

As well as saving our sanity, 30% of people surveyed by Thailand’s new luxury resort Conrad Koh Samui who have gone away, said they actually spent less on food and drink.

So what difference would it make to start thinking about a different type of Christmas this year? Watch our video with Dale Keller, from Conrad Koh Samui, where he discusses why we should relieve the stress of Christmas by getting away.

CLICK HERE to watch our video.

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Let’s face it, Christmas dinner disasters are far from rare in most households. A poll just released shows a quarter of us have first-hand experience of something going badly wrong on the 25th December.

The most common mishaps are dry meat, turkey that is uncooked or hasn’t defrosted properly, people buying the wrong size bird and those that have simply left it so late that the shops have actually run out.

Cooking a feast of massive proportions for extended families of aunties, uncles, grandparents, and children is a task daunting enough to even make a top chef break into a cold sweat, so it’s no surprise three quarters of the great British public suffer stress as a result of buying and preparing Christmas meat.

But the survey commissioned by The Q Guild of Butchers to launch their ‘Meat Your Butcher Sessions’ found an overwhelming 95% of the nation has never asked for expert advice about cooking Christmas dinner whilst more than half of us just head blindly go to the supermarket, and pick meat off the shelf hoping for the best. That’s despite the fact that there is usually a butcher’s shop right round the corner, who can offer quality advice on choosing, preparing and cooking meat.

So how can a local butcher help to reduce stress, focus on value and give fresh advice for your festive feast? When should you have ordered your meat by? What’s the difference between a corn-fed turkey and a gold turkey? How much do you actually need to buy so that you don’t get stuck with masses of meat, or even worse don’t have enough to feed the family? And if you don’t even like turkey, what are the great Christmas meat alternatives?

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Celebrity make-up artist Oonagh Connor gives her tips on how to get a natural healthy glow

It’s that time of year again, winter is here and all of us want to stay snuggled up warm in bed. Unfortunately we are all leading busier lifestyles, with earlier starts, later finishes and no sun to give us that natural healthy glow.

Whether it’s longer days at the office or juggling activities with the kids, we are finding less and less time to get a good night’s sleep. According to a new study by the Sleep Council in conjunction with National Sleep-In Day, the latest trend in bags and eye shadows for women has become a dire sign of the times and one in 10 women feel so tired it affects their appearance every day.

Watch our video to see make-up artist Oonagh Connor, who works with a number of celebrities from Daisy Lowe to Lisa Snowdon, and has worked on such shows such as Britain’s Next Top Model, give her top tips on how to overcome that tired appearance.

CLICK HERE to watch our video.

CLICK HERE for more information.

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He’s one of the nation’s favourite comedians, but there’s a lot more to Dom than just laughs. He’s also a huge travel enthusiast and the award winning “Dark Tourist” writer is back with an exclusive insight to his recent trip to the French wine capital of Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is probably best known for its incredible wine, and that requires the perfect soil and climate to produce the perfect grape, all of which Bordeaux has in abundance. It’s these conditions that allow vineyards to flow with not only world famous reds, but also mouth watering whites and rose wines.
The vast array of exemplary vineyards has allowed this beautiful city, which translates to “beside the water”, to become a hub for wine lovers from around the world, who flock to the region to sample some of the world’s best wines.

But to say the wines of Bordeaux are the only attraction would be an injustice. From the Medoc Marathon, which sees participants refreshing themselves with wine on their 26 mile race, to the local food markets in cobbled streets, this city has hidden gems that keep the tourists coming back for more.

Dom recently journeyed to Bordeaux to discover the extraordinary wines and activities on offer. In the following video he tours around some of the region’s best vineyards in typical Dom style, tasting, harvesting and learning about all the different varieties on offer. He even graduates from wine school, with “flying colours!”

CLICK HERE to watch our video.

CLICK HERE for more information.

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Log on to our live webTV show with Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Dr Cheryl Rezek for advice on how to reduce and manage stress levels

Show date: 2nd November 2011
Show time: 11am

Money worries, fear around the security of our jobs and family pressures are enough to make anyone stressed. There are numerous causes and triggers of stress and at some point, most of us will feel under pressure – but at what point does being stressed become a problem and start to feel out of control?

Stress Awareness Day is 2nd November and it is the ideal opportunity for you to learn how to identify the warning signs of excess stress and discover ways to cope with these and prevent your stress levels from getting out of control.

So, are you feeling the pressure of everyday life? Do you feel that stress is getting too much for you to handle? Or, do you think you know someone who is silently suffering?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then watch our live webTV show with Dr Cheryl Rezek, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Karin Mochan, Editor of benhealth magazine, a health and wellbeing magazine for members of Benenden Healthcare Society.

Both Dr Cheryl and Karin Mochan will be revealing the new findings of a survey carried out by leading health and wellbeing mutual organisation Benenden Healthcare Society, which looked into the top things that are stressing us out and they will give their advice on what how to deal with these and reduce our overall stress levels.

CLICK HERE to watch Dr Cheryl Rezek and Karin Mochan join us live online on 2nd November 2011 at 11am

CLICK HERE to submit questions before the show

CLICK HERE for more information.

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Millions of adults are acting like celebs, living like teenagers and wearing ‘young people’s clothes’ - all while fulfilling their commitments with a childlike humour.

So is it the Peter Andres, Jamie Olivers, Davina McCalls and Holly Willoughbys of the celebrity world who are showing us how to handle responsibilities such as parenthood with our teenage impulses, bucking the natural forces of adulthood which should make us more serious?

Certainly, over the past 50 years, our celebrity role models have changed and regardless of fame, fortune or friends in high places, nearly half of all British adults now admit to living life as though they were a teenager. Indeed, according to new research by Barratts sweets, three quarters of us, regardless of how old we are, still feel like big kids.

Furthermore, while turning 18 might be when we legally become an adult, with reaching 21 seen as significant in terms of ‘coming of age’, the study shows that in 2011, we now don’t actually feel like grown-ups until the ripe old age of 28. A third admit they don’t think they’ll ever really feel like a proper grown-up - even when they have kids of their own, with parents admitting to prancing around to pop music, eating alphabet spaghetti and drooling over young celebrities.

Peter Pan syndrome seems to have taken hold of the over 40s in particular, with two thirds of adults still admitting to enjoying children’s TV shows with their kids. Additionally, 30% of them are still confident they can get away with wearing ‘young people’s’ clothes, while one in ten still ring their parents to ask them how to cook and do household chores.
A staggering 70% of over 40s think they look younger than they actually are and more than 90% can’t believe how old they are, which is probably why nearly half of those surveyed for the study by Barratt Sweets are usually in denial when another birthday comes along.

So are our teenage impulses good for us, or should we just grow up and leave the celebs to their immature ways? Is it healthy to act as we feel and not how one ought to act? Judi James on the podcast below tells us more.

CLICK HERE to listen to our podcast.

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Celebrity chef James Martin is supporting a new campaign, which calls for young people to master at least five simple recipe dishes by the age of 25.

Research shows that the majority of 18-25 year olds (57%) are leaving home without the ability to cook even a simple recipe such as Spaghetti Bolognese.

Whilst the majority of young people claimed they could cook, when tested on popular recipes such as Spaghetti Bolognese, curry and even the humble Yorkshire Pudding, the majority simply couldn’t. Only 6% of this age group could make all three of these recipes.

5by25 is an umbrella campaign aimed at helping youth and parent groups co-ordinate their activities behind a single purpose – supporting young people to master at least five basic recipe dishes by the age of 25.

Core to the campaign is the www.5by25.com website which contains 25 basic recipes each with a Master the Dish challenge. The campaign is looking to encourage 5 to 25 year olds to visit the site and master a dish for life.

CLICK HERE to watch our video.

CLICK HERE for more information.

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From the school pick up, to the after-school taxi service to clubs and sports, to the dinner rush - how do they manage?

Every day, millions of mums around the country head to the school gates straight from work or a day of numerous chores and tasks at home to pick up their little darlings, but while they may have been up since six and working hard all day, it’s more than likely that the hardest part of their day starts after 3pm.

By the time mum’s taxi service turns into mum’s café – full of picky and demanding customers – mums have been at the beck and call of their kids for hours.

And a new study shows that it reaches fever-pitch during dinner time with nearly half of all parents saying they spend anywhere between half an hour and an hour preparing meals for their children.

One in five parents say they have to make a completely separate meal for their children as an alternative to the main family meal twice a week on average, as they contend with fussy little eaters who often refuse point blank to eat what the rest of the family is eating.

In fact, parents say their kids and now getting so demanding about what they eat that 40% of those surveyed by Philips believe their children would be more critical of the meals they cook than a celebrity chef or food critic.
So what’s the solution for parents desperate to make dinner time an enjoyable part of the day, instead of the most stressful part of it?

CLICK HERE to listen to our podcast with Beverley Glock – food writer and TV cook, discussing her tips from a cooking perspective when it comes to cutting down on cooking time and different meal preparation.

CLICK HERE for more information.

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Log into our live webTV show where David Grant, hospital director of the RSPCA Harmsworth Animal Hospital, gives his top tips on how to protect man’s best friend from the big freeze

Show date: Wednesday 26th October 2011
Show time: 3.30pm

It’s that time of year again, winter has arrived and we are all pulling our wooly jumpers out from the back of the wardrobe and turning the central heating back on to prepare for the big freeze. However, whilst we are making sure we don’t catch a cold, we shouldn’t forget about man’s best friend – our dogs.

While most responsible pet owners will make sure their pets are warm and well exercised this winter, despite the cold weather, what most of us don’t realise is that fleas are one of the biggest health issues for dogs during the colder months.

Fleas can lie dormant in household items such as carpets, dog bedding and soft furnishings and when central heating systems are turned back on, they come out searching for a new home usually in the warm fur of our precious pups.

So how can you protect your dog from fleas this winter? And what other measures should dog owners be taking now to make sure their pooch is winter ready?

Log into our live webTV show where David Grant, hospital director of the RSPCA Harmsworth Animal Hospital, will be there to give you his top tips on getting your dogs winter ready and will give you the most up to date, information on treating your dog from fleas this winter.

CLICK HERE to watch David Grant join us live online.

CLICK HERE to submit questions before the show.

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