Author Archives: Frostie

Women ‘Three Times More Likely to die of Heart Disease than Breast Cancer’

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fitness-get healthyCardiovascular disease kills as many women in the UK as it does men, accounting for a combined total of 155,000 deaths each year or one death every three minutes.

More than 30,000 women die from coronary heart disease in the UK every year with over 700,000 women living with the consequences of heart disease and stroke, according to research published by The British Heart Foundation ahead of World Heart Day on 29th September.

World Heart Day is organised by the World Heart Federation and aims to raise awareness of heart disease through education, advocacy and research. The aim of World Heart Day is to create healthy heart environments and encourage individuals to make healthy heart choices wherever they live, work and play.

This year, World Heart Day will be focusing on women’s heart health, as despite the shocking statistics above, The British Heart Foundation claim that women often wait longer then men before calling 999 after experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. Often, this is due to women being less likely to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack or being reluctant to cause a fuss. As Dr Cliff Bucknall, Consultant Cardiologist at London Bridge Hospital, notes,

“Many women believe that heart disease is a condition that only affects men. This is simply not true and as a result, women are less likely to be aware of the associated risks, particularly, around heart disease and contraception.” 

Dr Bucknall states that for most women taking oral contraception, or Evorel HRT patches, there is a very low risk of experiencing a heart attack. However, this does rise with age as the risk of having a heart attack rises significantly following the menopause. Dr Bucknall comments:

“There are different types of hormonal contraception which can have different effects on the formation of blood clots and potential heart attacks. Consequently, it is extremely important to discuss with your healthcare provider the birth control options that carry the least risk for you.”

Also, Dr Bucknall dispels the myth that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medication protects women against heart disease. He states,

“HRT will help to relieve menopausal hot flushes and night sweats but don’t expect it to help your heart. Recent research now suggests that HRT isn’t heart protective and, as with all drug treatments there are potential side effects.” 

For women who are worried about their heart health, Dr Bucknall shares the following advice:

“There are a number of simple self-help actions that women can take to reduce their risk of heart disease. These include, giving up smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and undertaking more physical activity.”

 

 

F-Secure SAFE and F-Secure Buddy Review & Competition

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Security is important, especially online. It is important to keep safe, so we reviewed two products from F-Secure that keep you safer. We are also giving away a free F-Secure Buddy. Details below. F-Secure SAFE (1 year, 5 devices)= £39.99F-Secure SAFE (1 year, 5 devices) £59.99

F-Secure SAFE is F-Secure’s multi-device internet security service – covering PC, Mac, smartphones and tablets on up to five devices.

It offers ideal protection for the whole family with parental control, allowing parents to safely secure the devices before giving it to their children.

The key benefits of F-Secure SAFE are:
· Parental controls: The parental control functions enables parents to keep their children safe by allowing them to control what type of online content is accessible. They can also set ‘homework time’ which restricts internet access to educational sites during set times.
· Anti-virus: Detect and remove any malicious software that may have reached the device, including trojans, viruses and spyware.
· Banking protection: Gives added security for online banking in a more visible and tangible way.
· Safe browser: Blocks any known malicious websites, such as phishing websites. It also helps with online banking and parental control.
· Safe contacts: Call and text message filtering to block unwanted or nuisance calls and texts. Simply add numbers to the block list.
· Anti- theft: Remotely lock or wipe data from the phone in the event of loss or theft. It allows the user to locate the phone through an easy-to-use personal portal.

F-Secure SAFE anti-virus technology has won the Best Protection award from the independent test house AV-Test.org in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. It was also given the Best Security Award at the UK Internet Industry Awards 2015.

We were very impressed with F-Secure SAFE. It’s protection is outstanding. It is a diverse product that protects your computer, tablet or phone (or all of them). The list of stuff it does is above, and we are just incredibly impressed. Highly recommended.

F-Secure Buddy

F-Secure Buddy (£34.99)

F-Secure Buddy is a small, durable mobile phone accessory that helps people track items they need to keep on hand. The device’s small size and award-winning design makes it easy to attach to items like keys, bags and mobile phones. People activate F-Secure Buddy simply by pushing a button and pairing it with a Bluetooth capable iOS or Android device. Once the devices are paired, both will emit a loud signal if they move out of range of one another. This prevents people from leaving objects lying around, or thieves from grabbing these items and running off with them.

People can also use the free F-Secure Buddy app to request Buddy’s location, create circles of contacts to share locations and send messages. This gives Buddy “panic button” capabilities that allow the sharing of alarms and location information with other people. In addition, the Android app can also monitor physical activity, such as the number of steps taken or distance travelled.

Another great product from F-Secure: this is just brilliant. Small and durable, it is easy to attach and works via bluetooth. We think it is a brilliant invention. Smart and accessible, both F-Secure products are great Christmas presents. Only 98 days to go!

We are giving one away. To be in with the chance of winning this fantastic prize, follow @Frostmag on Twitter or Instagram, or like us on Facebook. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz.Then comment below saying what you did. Competition finishes in one month.

 

 

A Guide To Becoming A Film & TV Extra In The UK (Don’t Be A Grubb) Book Review

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A Guide To Becoming A Film & TV Extra In The UK (Don't Be A Grubb)A Guide To Becoming A Film & TV Extra In The UK (Don’t Be A Grubb) is part satire, part comedy and part guide. It is a really good book with great advice on being an SA, but is also funny and original. We loved this book. Grub is really interesting (read it to find out more!) and the book is unique. We love how it is structured and has an original take on its subject. A must read, excellent book.

OUT NOW ON AMAZON KINDLE!!!

Be more than a 9-5.

Once captured on film, you’ll always be alive!

No longer the domain of the select few, this is by far the most brutally honest representation of the the world that exists in front of camera. Satirical, informative and an invaluable guide for a budding extra/supporting artist. As this book illustrates, TV and film land evokes commitment, passion and self-expression in a way that very few industries can.

Approaching film and TV extra/supporting artiste work with the wrong attitude can take you down the road of inflated dreams, unrealistic expectations and unfulfilled ambition. However, if you approach this work with the right mind set, a whole new world that you never thought you could be part of can present itself to you. This book (guide) will give you the tools you need and the rules that must be adhered to. Note that no one will make you a star overnight. You will dictate how bright and long your star will shine, according to your commitment, talent and willingness to play the showbiz game.

If you’re willing to make personal sacrifices (sometimes of dignity) and follow the rules of the Showbiz Jigsaw, you could be immortalised in HD. However, never forget that you are a small cog in a mammoth machine. When you are dead and buried, you can live on forever on celluloid film or on UK TV Gold. Just remember, don’t be a Grubb!

#getontv #comedicsatire #dontbeagrubb

A Guide To Becoming A Film & TV Extra In The UK (Don’t Be A Grubb) is available here.

twitter account: @sexyartistes

 

 

September Book Picks

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bookreviews

Geetu Bharwaney Emotional Resilience.

An intelligent and accessible book. This brilliant book helps you develop your emotional resilience. It has practical steps which are easy to follow and understand, leaving you with the tools to perform at your best. It is all broken down well and is an original, unique book that allows you to prepare yourself against challenging situations. This great book gives you the toolkit to be your best at work.

Pressure, stress and annoying problems are all part of life, especially at work.

By developing your emotional resilience you can be bulletproof, prepare yourself against even the most challenging situations, and focus fully on achieving your goals, getting things done, moving ahead and being the best you can be.

With this comprehensive, practical and empowering guide, you will start feeling the benefits of emotional resilience straight away as you learn to:

·   quickly adapt to tricky and pressured situations and get the best from them;

·   be at your best all the time by successfully managing your emotions, thoughts and actions;

·   handle everyday demands, hassles and annoyances with positivity and confidence;

·   realise your full potential – whether on your own or with others.

Being clever, skilled or smart is not enough. To get an edge, stand out and really succeed you need emotional resilience.

Emotional Resilience: Know What it Takes to be Agile, Adaptable and Perform at Your Best is available here.

 

J.D. Robb Obsession In Death.

Another brilliant crime thriller from J.D Robb AKA Nora Roberts. Entertaining and indulgent. These books are hugely popular for a reason.

A crisp winter morning in New York. In a luxury apartment, the body of a woman lies stretched out on a huge bed. On the wall above, the killer has left a message in bold black ink: FOR LIEUTENANT EVE DALLAS, WITH GREAT ADMIRATION AND UNDERSTANDING.

Eve Dallas is used to unwanted attention. Famous for her high-profile cases and her marriage to billionaire businessman Roarke, she has learned to deal with intense public scrutiny and media gossip. But now Eve has become the object of a singular and deadly obsession. She has an ‘admirer’, who just can’t stop thinking about her. Who is convinced they have a special bond. Who is planning to kill for her – again and again…

With time against her, Eve is forced to play a delicate – and dangerous – psychological dance. Because the killer is desperate for something Eve can never provide – approval. And once that becomes clear, Eve knows her own life will be at risk – along with those she cares about the most.

Obsession in Death is available here.

 

Helen Oyeyemi Boy, Snow, Bird.

Now out in paperback. this imaginative and original novel is well worth a read. Read our review here.

The fifth novel from award-winning author Helen Oyeyemi, who was named in 2013 as one of Granta’s best of young British novelists. A retelling of the Snow White myth, Boy, Snow, Bird is a deeply moving novel about an unbreakable bond . . .

BOY Novak turns twenty and decides to try for a brand-new life. Flax Hill, Massachusetts, isn’t exactly a welcoming town, but it does have the virtue of being the last stop on the bus route she took from New York. Flax Hill is also the hometown of Arturo Whitman – craftsman, widower, and father of Snow.

SNOW is mild-mannered, radiant and deeply cherished – exactly the sort of little girl Boy never was, and Boy is utterly beguiled by her. If Snow displays a certain inscrutability at times, that’s simply a characteristic she shares with her father, harmless until Boy gives birth to Snow’s sister, Bird.

When BIRD is born Boy is forced to re-evaluate the image Arturo’s family have presented to her, and Boy, Snow and Bird are broken apart.

Sparkling with wit and vibrancy, Boy, Snow, Bird is a novel about three women and the strange connection between them. It confirms Helen Oyeyemi’s place as one of the most original and dynamic literary voices of her generation.

Boy, Snow, Bird is available here.

 

J.D Robb Devoted In Death

Another entertaining thriller. A must read and destined to become a film (we hope).

It’s a new year in New York city, and two star-crossed lovers have just discovered an insatiable appetite…for murder.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has witnessed some grisly crimes in her career and she knows just how dark things can get on the streets. But when a much-loved musician is found dead, Eve soon realises that his murder is part of a horrifying killing spree, stretching right across the country.

Now the killers have reached New York, and they’ve found themselves another victim. Eve knows she only has a couple of days to save a young girl’s life, and to stop the killers before their sadistic games escalate. Eve’s husband Roarke is ready to put his brains and his considerable resources behind the search. But even as the couple works closely together, time is running out…

Devoted in Death is available here.

 

 

Organii : Organic Shea Butter Shower Gel | Beauty

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organiishowergelWe reviewed Organii : Organic Shea Butter Shower Gel. Organii is not very well known but is an organic brand created by Pravera. The packaging is super cute, fun and stylish. Although it looked a bit like a smoothy and it made me want to drink it. At £5.95 for 300ml it is an affordable price point for something which is organic. It lathers well and becomes a slightly creamy foam. The shower gel comes in six scents, Aloe Vera and Bamboo, Argan, Liquorice, Peach, Shea Butter and Strawberry. We reviewed the Shea butter one.

The gel has a lovely scent and cleanses skin well. It doesn’t dry out the skin or irritate. As well as being organic, the gel is also vegan.

Have you tried the Organii range?

 

Actor Interviews: Rakesh Dasgupta

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Actor Interviews- Rakesh DasguptaWhat made you become an actor?

It all started while I was in school. I never really had any friends to talk during my school days. I was experiencing domestic violence almost everyday; I could not find anyone to listen to me. I was getting bullied at school. All these experiences started giving me depression at that age and I was so helpless. But I always loved to watch movies and I liked portraying those characters I saw in the movies. Its hard to explain but when I used to portray the characters in front of the mirror I used to (kind of) become those characters from within which helped me for that short span of time to forget everything surrounding me. I found this to be a very helpful technique to stay away from my depression and the unwanted ambience. As time progressed, I just got hooked up with this acting.

Did you train and if so where?

Sounds weird but I must say my initial training started in front of the mirror. Being a commerce graduate I never had any formal acting qualification. Until 2013 when I started taking informal acting and accent removal classes in Sydney with some of the experienced actors.

Career Highlight

Instead of taking names of some of the projects that I have worked on, I would like to consider my career highlight to date being given the opportunity to go to Hollywood and perform in front of the film directors and casting directors. Also getting representation offer from one of the leading agencies in USA during my first week in Hollywood was something completely unexpected. (Well its a different thing that I could not accept the offer for having no work rights in USA)

Lowest Point

Those first days in Sydney when I did not have a place to live and was visiting Salvation Army to ask for food as I didn’t have any money with me. I don’t want to speak too much on my lowest points in life as I think people who want to pursue acting, want to become actors and have big dreams would get discouraged and scared listening to my past. So I would prefer to keep this point short.

Hardest thing about being an actor

1. Getting job – you can be an acting degree holder from the best acting university in the world and you might have the best acting talent but you might not get any acting job. If you ask me why, I don’t have that answer. It’s the way it is. 2. Uncertainty of the future – as an aspiring actor you never know where you will end up in the next 5 or 10 years time; you can end up with stardom or you can just end up with nothing. 3. No financial security – In the early stages of acting career, it does not pay you much, if at all to make both ends meet. It’s very likely that you might just end up with one meal a day as that’s all you would be able to sometime afford being an aspiring actor.

Do you make enough money from acting, if not, what else do you do?

At this stage of my career I do not make enough money from acting to pay all my bills. As such I have to do other stuff like working in supermarkets, gas stations, doing gardening work etc etc. I prefer these kind of odd jobs instead of a full time desk job because they provide flexibility to attend auditions and shoots.

Best and Worst audition

Best audition – When I had four days time to practice my lines which is quite unusual to get such a long time to prepare a script. I knew my lines and moves to perfection and was very satisfied with the way I performed in the audition room. The casting director appreciated my performance and I was so convinced about getting that role but guess what, I didn’t get the role.

Worst audition – I was driving to this audition and my car broke down in the middle of the highway. I had to get my car towed to the nearest gas station and then I got a cab and was able to reach the audition venue just on time. It was summer and I was profusely sweating. I went to the audition room and I couldn’t recall half my lines; I left the script in my car which made me look so unprofessional. I came out from the audition room dejected with no hope. Two days later my agent informed me that I got that role.

Advice for other actors

Firstly you should only pursue acting if you enjoy the actual art; If your reason to pursue acting is to become famous, you got a bad news coming – you are in the wrong business. Do not have a back up option because if you have a back up option you are basically preparing for failure. Acting is a business in which ‘YOU’ are the product that you sell, so maintain yourself (a good physique is always an asset in the acting business). When you are an aspiring actor you will get naysayers coming by default who will tell you that it cannot be done – just ignore them. Most importantly, you have to honestly believe in yourself that one day you will become a successful actor; Well, if you don’t believe in yourself, who else will.

What is the most important thing for actors to do to improve their career?

Practice Practice Practice! Practice your art, work on your art whole year, not just two days before going to an audition. Doesn’t matter if you practice lines in front of the mirror in your room, in the middle of the beach or in an acting school, but do something everyday to improve your confidence level.

Role Models

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Dwayne Johnson, Johnny Depp

 

Communication And Safety Tips For Parents

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keeping children entertained on car journeysAs a parent, you already understand that good communication is a necessary skill whether you are talking to a toddler or a teen. If your children are little, you can use communication as a way to teach them how to be safe around cars. This is an invaluable lesson you can teach them when they are out in the garden or when they are with you on the street.

You may also want to teach them that not all strangers are to be trusted. This is particularly useful when they first go to school. If your child is older, then good communication with your child will be instrumental in building up a sense of self-esteem and develop a feeling of mutual respect.

10 Tips to Build Rapport 

1. If your child wants to play, let your child know that you are interested in the things that interest them. Agree to help them with their game if they need it.

2. If your child has something they feel important, let him or her know that they are more interesting to you than some form of media entertainment. For instance, if your child is talking to you while you are watching television, pause to. If they have something that they urgently want to say, then turn off the television and give them your full attention

3. If your child is chatting with you when they are sharing something with you, let him or her know that they are more important than a casual telephone call. Rather than excuse yourself when your friend calls, let the answering machine pick up the message.

4. If you get to spend some personal time with your child, let your child know how much you enjoy your private chats with them.

5. If your child does something foolish when you have company, don’t rebuke them in front of everyone. Scolding them in front of others can be embarrassing for them. Public humiliation only leads to a feeling of resentment.

6. If your child has to constantly look up to talk to you, occasionally drop down to their level when you talk.

7. If you are really angry about your child’s behavior, give yourself time to cool down so that you can have an objective talk.

8. If your child is telling a story, don’t correct their grammar or how they narrate the story. Instead, show an interest in the story rather than how it could have been told better.

9. If you get a negative report about your child from another parent or a teacher, don’t simply launch into a tirade. First, listen to your child’s side of the story. They may have behaved badly because they misunderstood the situation and did not know that their behavior would upset others.

10. Be open and receptive to your child’s attempts to communicate and explain their point of view. Encourage your child to communicate by asking leading questions.

5 Ways to Make the House Safe for Kids

While safety in the home can be improved through communicating about dangerous things—like not jumping on the bed, climbing on the pipes, or touching hot plates—safety can also be ensured by taking proactive measures.

Here are some common household dangers that you should either warn your child about or use safety measures to protect them.

1. The danger of scalding when turning on a tap. Teach your child the difference between the hot and cold taps.

2. The danger of falling out of an upper story window. One solution is to install window guards.

3. The danger of falling down stairs. This can happen if your child is learning to crawl or it can happen if your child is rushing around the house. It’s only too easy for a child to roll down a flight of stairs.

4. The danger of leaving your house unprotected. One ADT security company discusses the need for extra precautions for your family. “The list of potential threats that could affect their safety includes burglary, fire, carbon monoxide and flooding.”

5. The danger of medications or poisons. Your curious toddler likes to taste all sorts of things. Make sure that you don’t leave your medications lying around and that you have locked all detergents and garden supplies in a safe place.

From our contributor Jenna.

ASDA Protect Kids Ice-Cream Scented Sun-Care For Kids Review

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AsdaprotectkidsreviewAsda has launched a UK 1st for the sun-care market with its own brand ice-cream scented sun lotion for kids. In an effort to help make applying children with suncream fun and easy, the lotions and creams feature a delicious vanilla scent and are priced a just £3.50. All products featured in the range are highly water resistant, 24 hour moisturising and have been dematologicaly tested. You can also get two for £6.
We tested them and…yes, they do smell like ice cream. Not in a sickly way, but in a nice way. Hopefully the smell will make your little ones stay still long enough for you to get the lotion on them. Some of the sun protection even comes in a handy spray container. They are water resistant and protect little ones skin well. Recommended.