Time To Give Up Sugar? Mentor Me Off Sugar Day Two

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Day two and I am okayish. I have taken it better than I thought I would. Yesterday, apart from a cup of tea in the morning, I had no added sugar. However, I still seemed to eat a lot of sugar. It is in everything so when I say I am on a no sugar diet I just mean no added sugar. Sugar is in everything and almost impossible to avoid.

Yesterday I actually managed okay. I had a coronation chicken salad from Waitrose for lunch, a banana ( which turned out to be a mistake at 19g of sugar!) and for dinner I had a mishmash of stuff in the fridge; prawn cocktail, salmon, salad and half an egg sandwich. I have just moved into a flat and out of laziness my fiancé and I just ate what was in the fridge. We haven’t even learned how to turn the oven on yet.

So no biscuits, chocolate, fizzy drinks or sweets on day one. So far so good, although on week one you are allowed fruit and dark chocolate. I even have some green tea with mint and actually enjoy it. Around lunchtime I was craving tea and the Jaffa cakes in the fridge but I refrained.

Today is another matter. It is not that I miss added sugar but I decided to try without the tea, even though I have loads of work to do and I worry about caffeine withdrawal, a headache is not something I need when I am this busy, but in the end I start feeling nausea and faint. I have a cup of tea and feel better.

So far I feel proud of myself. I looked at a bottle of Coca Cola with my name on it in WH Smith but I didn’t buy it even though I have been looking for one for ages. Still no biscuits, sweets or chocolate. No dessert last night either. I might last the distance yet.

Time To Give Up Sugar? Catherine Balavage Tries To Get Off The White Stuff

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

It is not like I have a problem. I just like it. A lot, in fact so much I could never give it up, which is precisely why I am doing so. For an entire month. Well, nearly. My birthday is the 12th of August and I have allowed that as a cheat day, because, it’s my birthday and I only get one every year.

To be honest, I am being a bit unfair on myself. I am not addicted to sugar, and certainly not as much as other people seem to think. Nothing bores me more than people making a fuss that I take two sugar in my tea. It won’t kill me, really. I also occasionally drink coca cola, but, again, not as much as people think. I do like occasional sweet food and chocolate can be a serious weakness but I am more savoury than sweet.

But this is going to be hard. A month without sugary tea and coca cola and chocolate? Hellish. What will I drink? What will I eat? Exactly how grumpy am I going to be? A lot probably.

When I was growing up we were not allowed fizzy drinks, or McDonalds. My parents were strict and made sure we ate well. Something I am thankful for, However, I rebelled as I got older. I never went into a fast food restaurant until I was 14 and had a Burger King. McDonalds was something I thought was exotic. Unfortunately I have not kept up my parents good work. I struggle to get through the day without a cup of tea, in fact, I find it hard to start the tea off without tea and it tastes awful without sugar.

Thankfully I have Laura Thomas, founder of happysugarhabits.com, helping me on her Mentor Me Off Sugar programme; A 4-week course that helps people get rid of sugar cravings and rewire their eating habits. Today is day one and I will update daily. Laura has sent me a text to take it easy as it is day one and just avoid any nasty obvious sugary stuff. So I decide to have one cup of tea to start off the journey in a gentle way. I have just moved and I have a lot to do. I will need lots of energy and the sad thing is that I know the easiest and quickest way to do that is usually with sugar. This month will be very educational. I am excited.

Mounting Evidence Against ‘Sneaky Sugar’ :

The Negative Effect on Our Heart and Liver

That sneaky, sweet substance in many people’s favourite treats can be downright dirty when it comes to playing with the heart and liver. Unfortunately, Britons love the stuff and consume, on average, 238 teaspoons of the substance each week, more than three times the average from 50 years ago. Now that’s a lot of sugar.

Broken down, table sugar is essentially composed of molecules of fructose and glucose. When too much fructose finds its way into the human body, it doesn’t break down and metabolise like other carbohydrates. Robert Lustig, professor of pediatric endocrinology at University of California, explained that what the body does instead is “turn excess fructose into liver fat. That starts a cascade of insulin resistance (insulin promotes sugar uptake from blood) which leads to chronic metabolic disease, including diabetes and heart disease.”

Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) recently published a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association which showed a correlation between eating too much sugar and heart failure. The reason for this is a small molecule called glucose 6-phosphate (G6P). When too much of this sugar molecule accumulates, it causes changes to muscle proteins and also induces poor pump function, which can ultimately lead to heart failure.

Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition illustrated that fructose can rapidly cause liver damage even if no weight is gained. During the study, researchers at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center tested animals who were fed a diet high in fructose to measure biomarkers of liver damage. The control group was fed a diet of complex carbohydrates and soy protein.

“What surprised us the most was how quickly the liver was affected and how extensive the damage was, especially without weight gain as a factor,” said Kylie Kavanagh, D.V.M., assistant professor of pathology-comparative medicine at Wake Forest Baptist and lead author of the study. “Six weeks in monkeys is roughly equivalent to three months in humans.”

Results indicated that, in the high-fructose group, intestinal bacteria was migrating to the liver more rapidly than the control group and causing damage. This was apparently due to the fact that fructose was causing the intestines to be less protective than normal and allowing bacteria to leak out a fairly high rate.

Laura Thomas, founder of happysugarhabits.com, commented, “Changing one’s sugar habits is truly about making a conscious choice to be healthier and live longer, and it seems like science is continually proving that point as it delves further into the chemistry and effects of sugar.”

28 Quotes On Happiness

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

“Happiness is the secret to all beauty. There is no beauty without happiness.” Christian Dior.

“Happiness quite unshared can scarcely be called happiness; it has no taste.” Charlotte Brontë

“Happiness leaves such slender records; it is the dark days that are so voluminously documented; but we see no reason to add to the darkness now. Happiness is precious, beyond all other riches, there to be cherished, however fleeting, and in finding the courage to be happy, we may also find the strength to be true to ourselves.” Truman Capote.

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” Dalai Lama

“Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln

“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.” John Barrymore

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony”. Mahatma Gandhi

“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” Oscar Wilde

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama

“The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.” Benjamin Franklin

“True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Thomas Jefferson

“Just do what must be done. This may not be happiness, but it is greatness”. George Bernard Shaw

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” Epictetus

“I think happiness is a combination of pleasure, engagement and meaningfulness”. Ian K. Smith

“If we did not look to marriage as the principal source of happiness, fewer marriages would end in tears.” Anthony Storr

“It is great happiness to be praised of them who are most praiseworthy”. Philip Sidney

“You can run, run, run away from a lot of things in life, but you can’t run away from yourself. And the key to happiness is to understand and accept who you are”. Dale Archer

“Happiness is not a matter of events; it depends upon the tides of the mind”. Alice Meynell

“I always remembered that when I saw people get married they got on a rocketship and went to Planet Happiness, Population: Them.” Marc Webb

“We all of us deserve happiness or none of us does”. Mary Gordon

“My family didn’t have a lot of money, and I’m grateful for that. Money is the longest route to happiness.” Evangeline Lilly

“Happiness consists in activity. It is running steam, not a stagnant pool.” John Mason Good

“There’s a happiness that comes from writing that I won’t live without”. Maria Semple

“I learned that people everywhere are basically the same and have similar goals that we do. They want health and happiness and the opportunity to provide for their families”. Steve Kerr

“I think money helps us. It helps us. It’s our – it’s our exchange system. But it does not buy you happiness. It doesn’t buy you health”. Victoria Osteen

“The secret of happiness is to find a congenial monotony”. V. S. Pritchett

“Too much good fortune can make you smug and unaware. Happiness should be like an oasis, the greener for the desert that surrounds it.” Rachel Field

Do you have a favourite quote on happiness? Add it below.

Should You Take Vitamins?

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Frostie

It is hard to know what is the best for your health and the media always seems to be giving conflicting stories. I take a multivitamin but recent press has said this is not a good idea. So, what is fact and fiction? Let’s try and find out.

In response to an article in the Daily Mail on Thursday July 25th posing the question as to whether vitamins can take years off your life, the Health Supplements Information Service (HSIS) is reminding the nation about the many benefits behind vitamins and minerals that are needed daily to fuel our bodies and keep us healthy.

SORTING OUT THE REAL FACTS:

Vitamins and minerals perform a variety of vital functions in the body, mainly due to their participation in biochemical processes including:

ü working with enzymes to help in the release of energy from food

ü helping to maintain the health of body systems and organs such as the brain, heart, blood vessels and nervous system.

Vitamins and minerals work together to maintain our health and the body cannot function without them. They are essential nutrients and a lack of such vitamins and minerals can lead to poor health.

Vitamins and minerals can be obtained from food, but modern diets are often lacking in these nutrients due to poor food choice. This is amply demonstrated by the findings from the large UK Diet and Nutrition Surveys, which methodologically are among the most robust surveys in the world.

These surveys continue to show a lack of essential nutrients to some extent across population groups but particularly in young women whose mineral intakes may be severely compromised and in children and older people where vitamin D intakes fail to match recommendations.[1]

The most recent data from this survey[2] shows that mean intakes fell below the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for a number of minerals, in particular iron, magnesium, potassium and selenium. This was particularly the case for boys and girls aged 11 to 18 years. Mean iron intake was 58% of the reference nutrient intake (RNI), the same proportion as in the previous survey of this age group. Mean intakes of magnesium and potassium also fell below the RNI for both boys and girls aged 11-18 years, as did zinc, calcium and iodine for girls.

Substantial proportions of older girls had mineral intakes below the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI; a level at which deficiency is likely); 46% of girls aged 11-18 years had intakes of iron and magnesium below the LRNI; the equivalent figure for potassium was 30% and for zinc 15%. Among boys of this age group, 26% failed to achieve the LRNI for magnesium.

Intakes of calcium were of particular concern in 11-18 year old girls, an age at which calcium is particularly important for bone development. More than one in 10 girls in this age group failed to achieve the LRNI for calcium.

Significant numbers of adults also had low intakes. One fifth of adult women failed to achieve the LRNI for iron, while one in 10 men and one in 10 women failed to achieve the LRNI for magnesium.

Intakes of selenium fell below the RNI in both older children and adults. Adult women overall achieved 72% of the RNI while adult men achieved 74% of the RNI. Around half of adult women and older girls and a fifth of men and older boys had intakes below the LRNI.

It is clear that UK dietary surveys continue to show that significant numbers of the population do not achieve recommended intakes of essential nutrients. In the light of this continuing dietary gap, it is misleading to imply that vitamin pills are unnecessary.

A 2010 report entitled “Towards a Healthier Britain”[3] found evidence that vitamin and mineral supplements boost intakes and increase blood levels of these essential nutrients with fewer people taking multivitamin and mineral supplements having intakes below recommendations.

NUTRIENT SPOT LIGHT:

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is the collective name for a group of fat-soluble compounds that exhibit antioxidant activity. Antioxidants protect the body cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, which are molecules that contain an unshared electron. Unshared electrons are highly energetic and react rapidly with oxygen to form reactive oxygen species (ROS). The body forms ROS when it converts food to energy. The body is also exposed to free radicals from environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, air pollution and UV radiation. Free radicals damage cells and may contribute to the development of body organ damage.

In addition to its activities as an antioxidant, vitamin E is involved in other essential functions such as immune function, chemical messaging between cells, regulation of gene expression, and other metabolic processes.[4] Vitamin E inhibits the activity of protein kinase C, an enzyme involved in cell proliferation. Vitamin-E–replete blood vessels have been shown to be better able to resist blood cell components adhering to the blood vessel surface so helping to maintain the health of the blood vessels. Vitamin E also increases the activity of two enzymes that influence fatty acid metabolism, which again helps to maintain the health of the blood circulation.[5]

Vitamin E is one of the essential nutrients for health. Several studies, including the two studies mentioned in the Daily Mail article have evaluated the role of vitamin E in large doses, often 40 times and more greater than the RDA. These studies have involved methods similar to those used in drug trials to see if vitamin E and other essential nutrients can prevent or treat disease.

However, vitamin E, like all essential nutrients is essential for the maintenance of health and prevention of deficiency. Such drug-like trials may be of interest to researchers looking for mechanisms of action but are of no relevance for the daily health maintenance of the UK population where intake of vitamin E should follow recommended amounts. Recommended daily amounts of vitamin E have not been associated with adverse effects in healthy populations. Anyone taking medication or with any disease should ask for the advice of their health care professional about their nutrient intake.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential vitamin required for the formation of collagen in bone, teeth and blood vessels. It also helps to maintain the optimal activity of several enzymes and is involved in the synthesis of several physiological compounds in the body such carnitine and noradrenaline. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and helps in the absorption of non-haem iron (iron from plant sources).

Low vitamin C intake has been associated with conditions such as stroke[6] and periodontal disease.[7] Studies in which people have taken vitamin C supplements on a regular basis indicate that vitamin C may reduce the duration of colds.[8] Vitamin C may be useful for reducing the development of colds in people exposed to brief periods of severe physical exercise.[9]

Calcium

Calcium is an essential nutrient that plays a whole host of vital roles for health in the skeleton, blood and neuromuscular system. The essentiality of calcium for bone health is indisputable and as many as one in 10 young women in the UK have an intake which falls below the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI),[10] an intake at which deficiency is likely with consequences for bone health throughout life.

The Journal of the American Medical Association study[11] mentioned in the Daily Mail article in which calcium was linked with cardiovascular disease (CVD) was not a randomized controlled trial (RCT) but a prospective study from which a cause and effect cannot be established with certainty. There was also no information in the JAMA paper on the duration of supplement use and a lack of information on family history of CVD. Calcium intake was self reported by the study participants and therefore subject to error. In addition, calcium intake was only measured at baseline; so change in dietary or supplemental calcium intake could not be assessed during follow-up.

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace mineral which functions as a part of several seleno-proteins and enzymes involved in essential metabolic processes. However, In the UK, intakes of selenium are low. Data from the 2006 UK Total Diet Study showed that the mean intake of selenium is 48-58 micrograms a day which is below the UK reference nutrient intake of 75 micrograms a day for men and 60 micrograms a day for women.[12] Similar findings emerged from the latest UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) [13] in which intakes of selenium fell below the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) in both adults and older children. Adult women overall achieved 72% of the RNI while adult men achieved 74% of the RNI. Around half of adult women and older girls and a fifth of men and older boys had intakes below the Lower Reference Intake (LRNI). Such low intakes are associated with reduced blood levels of selenium and significantly increased risk of mortality in both Europe and the US.[14],[15]

Summary:

Overall, there is ample evidence to suggest that many people in the UK have a poor diet with below recommended intakes of essential nutrients. Though these nutrients should ideally be obtained from the diet, it is clear that this is not happening. A multivitamin and mineral supplement in recommended amounts represents a useful means of helping to bridge this dietary gap.

[1] Bates B, Lennox A, Prentice A et al. (2012) National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Headline Results from Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 (combined) of the Rolling Programme (2008/2009-2010/2011). Department of Health

[2] Ibid

[3] Mason P, Ruxton C. Towards a Healthier Britain. Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB) 2010

[4] Traber MG. Vitamin E. In: Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins R, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006;396-411.

[5] Ibid

[6] Myint P, Luben R, Welch A et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2008 ;87 :64-69

[7] Leggott P, Robertson P, Rothman D et al. J Periodontol 1986 ; 57 :480-485

[8] Hemila H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jan 31;1:CD000980.

[9] Ibid

[10] Bates B, Lennox A, Prentice A et al. (2012) National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Headline Results from Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 (combined) of the Rolling Programme (2008/2009-2010/2011). Department of Health

[11] Xiao Q, Murphy R, Houston D, et al. Dietary and Supplemental Calcium Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality. The National Institutes of Health–AARP Diet and Health Stud. JAMA Intern Med. Published online February 4, 2013. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.3283

[12] Food Standards Agency. Survey on measurement of the concentrations of metals and other elements from the 2006 UK total diet study. Food Survey Information Sheet 01/09. London: UK. FSA 2009:16-17, 37-45

[13] Bates B, Lennox A, Prentice A et al. (2012) National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Headline Results from Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 (combined) of the Rolling Programme (2008/2009-2010/2011). Department of Health

[14] Bleys J, Navas-Acien A, Guallar E. Serum selenium levels and all-cause cancer and cardiovascular mortality among US adults. Arch Intern Med 2008;168:404-10

[15] Akbaraly NT, Arnaud J, Hiniger-Favier I et al. Selenium and mortality in the elderly: results from the EVA study. Clin Chem 2005;51:2117-23.

My QVC With Lisa Snowdon

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Frostie

This year QVC is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. 2013 marks the 20th birthday of QVC UK and to mark 20 Years of making shopping fun, British model and presenter, Lisa Snowdon, has curated a special selection of her top picks from QVC, ranging from jewellery and homes to beauty – shop the products at QVC

Anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year with a variety of brand experts from the likes of fashion journalist Eve Pollard, beauty editor Nadine Baggot and many more in the next few months picking their own assortment of favourite products.

Clarisonic Plus Face & Body Complete Sonic Cleansing System

Item number – 400407

QVC Price – £197.00

“I’m a skincare addict with my dermatologist on speed dial! Nothing cleans your face better than Clarisonic”

Bose SoundDock II Digital Music System and Bose IE2 Headphones

Item number – 502821

QVC Price – £290.00

I love music and as a breakfast radio DJ I start my morning every day with two hours of tunes. Having this at home means I can end my day with music too. And it charges my iPhone – perfect!”

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

Item Number – 222526

QVC Price – £30.50

“I love a natural sunkissed look as if you’ve just stepped off the beach. This is great to give you that holiday glow all year round”

bareMinerals Deluxe 16g Foundation

Item number- 203593

QVC Price – £32.50

“I like the natural ingredients and the in built SPF of this foundation. You can even your skin tone with a light dusting or layer it up to get fuller coverage, whatever you need that day!”

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

Item number – 214876

QVC Price – £51.00

“Cult classic, it gently deep cleans, I can’t be without it”

Nails Inc 4 Piece Happy Nude Year Collection

Item number – 203106

QVC Price – £23.50

“Nude shades are never out of vogue, these cool colours will suit everyone and go with anything you wear”

H2O X5 Multi-Floor Steam Mop & H/held Steamer with Accessories

Item number – 832294

QVC Price – £69.00

“I like things to be clean and steam mops can clean almost everything!”

Benefit Waterproof Liner & Mascara Duo

Item number – 202807

QVC Price – £29.00

“Big, long lashes give you an instant boost and make everyone look good, the thick black kohl liner adds depth and sexiness”

Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial

Item number – 226630

QVC Price – £39.60

“When I’ve had a few too many late nights and early starts, this overnight facial gives my skin a great boost”

Elemis Tan Accelerator 400ml

Item number – 219847

QVC Price – £44.00

“I love to be a bronzed goddess but always make sure I’m safe in the sun by wearing a high SPF. This helps me prepare my skin to make the most of those all-too-rare sunshine rays”

Lisa Snowdon Diamond Charm Ring Sterling Silver

Item number – 608771

QVC Price – £68.00

Lisa Snowdon Diamond Cross Ring Sterling Silver

Item number – 608763

QVC Price – £92.00

Do you shop at QVC? What is your favourite product?

Women’s vulnerability to mental illness may be underestimated by general public

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Frostie

Women’s vulnerability to mental illness may be underestimated by general public, cautions leading scientist.

The vulnerability of women to mental illness is being under-estimated by the general public and many mental health professionals too. Two-thirds of people believe that rates of psychological problems are the same in men and women, according to a new survey. Yet research suggests that women are between 20 to 40 per cent more likely than men to suffer mental health issues in any given year.

The survey of 500 people (204 men and 296 women) also revealed that most believe men are judged more harshly for showing emotional problems, with 76 percent reporting that a man saying they are miserable or anxious is generally considered worse than a woman saying the same thing.

However, while 43 percent of respondents believe that depression is as widespread in men as in women, 40 percent correctly say the condition is twice as prevalent among women. Similarly while 37 percent of those questioned believe rates of anxiety disorder are the same for both sexes, 50 per cent correctly say women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety as men. Perhaps unsurprisingly, more than 60 per cent of people believe that alcohol problems are more common among men than women. But this is one area where women are more harshly judged with 89 percent stating that a woman getting drunk is generally considered worse than a man doing likewise.

The survey was carried out by Professor Daniel Freeman of the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Oxford University Press. Professor Freeman, the author of The Stressed Sex, which addresses the gender imbalance among those suffering mental illness, said: ‘The survey provides a fascinating – and unprecedented – initial insight into everyday beliefs about gender and mental health, and the behaviours that can help determine our psychological wellbeing.’

As Professor Freeman points out, the research also highlights the common misconceptions held by both the public and many medical professionals. ‘The respondents underestimated the extent of psychological problems in women – and so do most mental health professionals.

‘The general view seems to be that overall rates of mental health are virtually identical for men and women, but when you examine the results of national health surveys the reality is quite different.

He added: ‘Women outnumber men for psychological disorders as a whole. Indeed the most comprehensive of the national surveys suggests rates are almost 50 percent higher in women than in men. However, this is not an issue that receives the attention it deserves.’

Boys don’t cry

The survey shows that we tend to be much harder on men who express fear or unhappiness than women. Professor Freeman said ‘While girls may be indulged in their fears and worries, boys are taught to overcome them. Big boys don’t cry. It’s not simply a case of boys learning to mask their feelings, though doubtless that happens too: they may actually feel less anxiety. When we avoid what we fear, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to discover that, in fact, we can handle the situation. And thus our fear is maintained. But if we face up to our fear, it will dwindle and die.”

Women’s greater vulnerability to psychological problems, warns Professor Freeman, represents a major public health issue. “The lack of attention given to the issue of gender and mental health is striking – which no doubt helps explain why the survey respondents consistently underestimated the scale of the problem among women. By ignoring this important issue we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to change the situation for the better.”

The Stressed Sex Survey

Are men or women more likely to have a psychological disorder?

Men and women have about the same rates: 66%

Women have more: 25%

Men have more: 9.0%

Do men or women have more stressful lives?

Men have more stressful lives: 5%

Men and women have equally stressful lives: 77%

Women have more stressful lives: 18%

Do rates of depression differ between men and women?

Four times more common in men: 0%

Twice as common in men: 12%

The rate is equal in men and women: 43%

Twice as common in women: 40%

Four times as common in women: 4%

Do rates of alcohol disorders differ between men and women?

Six times more common in men: 6%

Three times more common in men: 63%

The rate is equal in men and women: 28%

Three times as common in women: 2%

Six times as common in women: 0.0%

Do rates of anxiety differ between men and women?

Four times more common in men: 0%

Twice as common in men: 5%

The rate is equal in men and women: 37%

Twice as common in women: 50%

Four times as common in women: 8%

In general, are men and women judged differently for getting drunk?

Men and women are judged equally: 10%

A woman getting drunk is generally considered worse than a man getting drunk: 89%

A man getting drunk is generally considered worse than a woman getting drunk: 1%

In general, are men and women judged differently for saying that they are miserable or anxious?

Men and women are judged equally: 15%

A man saying they are miserable or anxious is generally considered worse than a woman saying the same thing: 76%

A woman saying they are miserable or anxious is generally considered worse than a man saying the same thing: 9%

Do you think the links between gender and mental health receive sufficient attention from health professionals and the general public?

Yes: 30%

No: 70%

30% rise in suicidal calls to Mind Infoline

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Frostie

Sad news from Mind;

Mind, the mental health charity, today expressed alarm as new figures from its national telephone service show a 50% call increase within twelve months. The number of calls rose to over 68,000 in 2012/13^[1], from 46,000 in 2011/2012.

The Mind Infoline has seen a corresponding shift in the nature of calls, with people presenting more acute and complex problems, many stemming from severe financial worries. This is reflected in a concerning 30% rise in calls relating to suicide: In 2012/13 there were 1,546 calls from people who had experienced suicidal thoughts, had taken steps to end their own life, or had concerns about a loved one, this was up from the 1,185 contacts received the previous year.

In response to the worrying figures, Mind acknowledges the increased need for its services, and urges people not to wait until they hit crisis point before getting in touch. As the charity announces the appointment of a new celebrity ambassador, TV presenter Anna Williamson, it hopes she will help raise crucial awareness through her role to ensure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Anna Williamson, who this week starts her new summer role offering viewers advice on ITV’s This Morning, has battled severe anxiety and panic attacks for many years. She now talks openly about her experiences and the vital first step of asking for help. Anna will play a key role as a Mind ambassador, encouraging others to seek support as soon as they need it.

Anna Williamson said: “I know just how scary it can be to start the conversation – worrying what friends or colleagues will think. But I also now know that opening up is the key to getting better. Since I first shared my own experiences, I’ve heard from so many others in the same position. It’s easy to forget you’re not alone, that actually 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem every year.

“I am passionate about raising awareness and thrilled to be joining Mind as an ambassador. Through my new role I’m determined to let people know its OK to ask for help.”

Paul Farmer, CEO for Mind says:

“Today many people face the stark reality of severe financial pressures, be it through employment worries, benefit cuts, increased cost of living, or a lethal combination of all three. It’s therefore no surprise that people need Mind more than ever. We urge anyone who needs our support to pick up the phone and to do it today.

“We know that when people in the public eye speak out, it inspires others to seek help. We are delighted to have Anna Williamson’s support and are confident her honesty and candour will strike a chord with many others across the country and prompt them to get in touch.”

The Mindinfoline is a confidential telephone service providing information about mental health diagnosis, treatment, medication, local service provision and advocacy. Open from 9am – 6pm Monday – Friday, calls to the service are charged at a local rate and can be reached on 0300 123 3393.

Should You Go To Brazil? A Pondering On The Brazilian Wax.

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

There is a scene in Sex & The City where Carrie and her friends go to Los Angeles, Carrie goes to a new beautician for a wax who ‘takes everything’. Later, when the girls are discussing their shock about being ‘totally bald down there’, Samantha tells Charlotte that her husband Trey, who has been having some problems in the bedroom, might finally be able to consummate their marriage as ‘he probably hasn’t been to Brazil before’. After this episode, the Brazilian wax became hugely popular. But what is it, where did it come from and should women really be getting them? Let’s find out.

With a Brazilian wax all of the pubic hair is removed, front and back, by waxing. Ouch. Some people like to leave a thin strip of pubic hair, referred to as a ‘landing strip’.

The Brazilian wax, apparently, was first named by the J. Sisters salon in Manhattan in 1987.

According to Wikipedia, some people claim that the concept of the Brazilian came from a letter documenting in 1500 AD, which read: “…suas vergonhas tão altas e tão çarradinhas e tão limpas das cabeleiras que de as nós muito bem olharmos não tínhamos nenhuma vergonha” (English translation: “their private parts were so exposed, so healthy and so hairless, that looking upon them we felt no shame”).

Brazilian waxing is the most controversial form of waxing, Brazilian waxing is unpopular amongst some women (and men), especially feminists who claim the only people who like it are men who want their women to look underage. Which may be why it is hugely popular with porn stars.

Model and Socialite Lisa B said that when she got a Brazilian at a salon in LA that “It was so painful I collapsed. I only fainted, but I was nearly carted off to hospital and I have vowed never to try it again.”

Other negatives are that it is a painful experience and if it is not done properly it can cause infection, prolonged bleeding or swelling of the area. It helps to take ibuprofen an hour before you have your Brazilian wax (this is what Madonna does).

The positives are that many women say it improves their sex life. If you get it done frequently then the hair will become weaker and the regrowth will become less as time goes on.

A Brazilian wax usually last between three to six weeks, but this depends on your hair regrowth rate. Some irritation may occur too, try some aloe vera on the irritated area. If you have ingrown hair (which will look like little bumps. They happen when the hair is not pulled out correctly. The hair curls back in on itself or grows sideways into the skin) you can buy beauty products that specialise in the improvement of ingrown hair. If you are confident you can even tackle the problem with some tweezers, just be careful.

The new rise in Brazilian waxing may be because of The Only Way Is Essex and the popularity of vajazzling, which was pioneered by Amy Childs.

Interestingly, New Jersey has banned the Brazilian wax for health reasons. This happened after two women in New Jersey were hospitalised after having the procedure.

If you want to have a Brazilian do so. Just make sure you go to a salon which is hygienic and knows what they are doing, take a painkiller before and make sure you are not prone to infection.

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