Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage

Government Urges GPs To Cut Pain Relief For Women Giving Birth

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A lot of things make being a woman seem unfair. Periods, unequal pay, the biological clock, having your breasts stared at. But life is unfair and you just get on with your life. I mean, there is only a certain amount of time a person can stress over things, but yesterday I read something that I think is worth stressing over. Whilst reading the March 2013 edition of Easy Living magazine, in an article entitled, ‘How Can That Fit Through There?’, I read the following:

“In August 2012, new guidelines were drawn up for GPs, urging them to encourage mothers-to-be to have a natural labour with as little pain relief as possible in a bid to save the NHS money – given that an epidural costs £200.

Frankly, if the NHS needs to cut things then a women in the worst pain imaginable trying to push a baby through a 10cm hole is not the most humane choice. If men gave birth, would these ‘guidelines’ have been put through? I don’t have children, but I have been in a relationship for three years and it is on my mind whether or not to have them. This piece of information is not encouraging. I doubt any of the taxpayers money was considered when it came to Kate Middleton and her morning sickness (and neither should it).

If women stopped having children the world would stop. We need to be given more respect for the ordeal of being pregnant for nine months and then giving birth. Childcare is also expensive. Maybe this is the governments answer to the population crisis? Anyway, it feels like an attack on women and completely inhumane. If someone gets drunk and falls over do they get pain relief? Yes, and they should. I don’t want to live in a country where a doctor will see someone in pain and not give them pain relief. If the government really wants to save money why don’t they cut the £400 per month food allowance MPs get while families rely on food banks to feed themselves. Or the money to pay their rent and mortgage. Most of the population does not get paid expenses on these things.

We are not ‘all in this together’, some of us have a great deal more pain to bear.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Host Girls’ Night Out For Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

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Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, the UK’s only dedicated cervical cancer charity, supported Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (20-26 January) in style with the ultimate girl’s night out last night. I went along with Frost writer and fellow actress Paola Berta. I had a great chat with sexpert Tracey Cox and uber glamourous showbiz journalist Zoe Griffin. TOWIE’s Lauren Goodger looked amazing in a studded leather jacket and black leggings.

I had an abnormal smear in 2010 so it is a cause that is very close to my heart. Girls’ Night Out host Zoe Griffin and author, Tracey Cox, shared their experiences of cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities with a celebrity audience to raise awareness of this preventable disease and urge more women to attend their cervical screenings.

Over 60 guests, including Embarrassing Bodies’ Dr Dawn Harper, Made in Chelsea’s Lucy Watson and TOWIE’s Lauren Goodger, joined the party. All guests were treated to goody bags with thanks to Lucky Voice, Vita Coco, Butlers in the Buff, Beverly Hills Formula, Walkers Sunbites, Blue Nun, Lauren’s Way and Ferrero Rocher.

Frost’s editor Catherine Balavage is in the pink, third from left.

Every day nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and three lives are lost to the disease. Cervical screening can help reduce these numbers and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust urges more women to attend as statistics show a worrying downward trend in cervical screening uptake. The cervical screening programme saves 5,000 lives each year in the UK yet 20% of women are not attending their test, and for girls aged between 25 and 29 this figure drops significantly to 1 in 3 – a worrying statistic as cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35.

Robert Music, Director of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “The focus of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2013 is to raise public awareness by providing information about the causes of the disease and ways to prevent it. With the exception of a dramatic rise in 2009 following Jade Goody’s battle with cervical cancer, since 2002 figures[1] have declined year on year culminating in a 3% drop in screening uptake to 78.6% over the past 10 years. The more we can do to stress the importance of this life saving test the better.

“This year we have also focused on symptoms awareness and early detection as a study[2] we have commissioned shows that women are more likely to seek medical attention with common ailments such as a cough and cold, rather than with symptoms like abnormal bleeding which include bleeding in between periods or after sex.

“Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is thrilled to raise awareness of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week with the help of some friends and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners for their support.”

Paola Berta and Catherine Balavage

Author Tracey Cox added: “I was diagnosed with cervical cancer when I was 30 and had two cone biopsies as a result. It was picked up early, so I was lucky. But if I hadn’t been screened, I wouldn’t have made it to 32. It was an incredibly frightening experience and one most women can avoid if they get regular screenings. I’m delighted to be supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust important work in raising awareness and I’m constantly nagging friends to be vigilant about getting screened on a regular basis. It saved my life and it can save yours too.”

Author and celebrity blogger Zoe Griffin of livelikeavip.com said: “I was diagnosed with cervical abnormalities, but early detection meant I could treat the problem. When I opened the envelope giving me the all clear I felt a huge relief. It is essential that people attend their cervical screening test so that, like me, abnormalities can be treated before they turn into cancer.”

Dr Dawn Harper said: “Cervical cancer is a preventable disease thanks to cervical screenings so it’s absolutely vital that women keep up to date with their invitations. There may be nicer ways to spend your time but the test is painless and should only take around five minutes. I would encourage anyone who is overdue their screening to make an appointment now. Don’t put your health at the bottom of your agenda.”

For more information on Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust visit www.jostrust.co.uk

Flight Film Review

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You may think that Flight is an air disaster movie, but you would be wrong. It is a film about addiction and consequence, but do not let that put you off. This dazzling and adult film from Robert Zemeckis is a punchy, entertaining and thrilling look into the life of Whip Whitaker, a pilot who is introduced to us in the opening scene in a hotel room with empty bottles, cigarette butts, a naked women and cocaine. The cocaine he then snorts because he is working that day and has to go and fly a plane.

The role of Whit Whitaker is played by Denzel Washington, and, boy, does he go for it. Washington really is one of the best actors that we have. He is just excellence personified. As the pilot that can fly better when high and drunk than other pilots can do sober, his charisma makes you like him, even when he is pressing his self destruct button over and over again. His character’s arrogance is beautifully played by Washington, ‘Nobody could’ve landed that plane like I did.’ An investigation is launched into the crash and the people surrounding Whit are trying to get him off, but is he?

John Goodman’s drug dealer is always underscored on entrance to a Rolling Stones tracks and the supporting cast are all first class. Kelly Reilly is also very good as a drug addict who Washington tries to save.

I loved this film. An entertaining, adult look into addiction and people trying to connect with each other. Go see.

Secret Service Files – Protecting The President.

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This documentary about the Secret Service is riveting  and informative. Broken down into four different events in which a President was in danger. It has access to the Presidents themselves and good archive footage.

Agent Robert Rodriguez and President Clinton talk us through King Hassan’s funeral. Dozens of world leaders were in Morocco for the funeral. Which the secret service agents refer to as a ‘sea of humanity’. There was a two mile walk during the funeral that left the President open to attack. The Secret Service advised him not to do the walk but he Insisted on it. Their were two leaders who were not popular in that part of the world, Presidents Clinton and Bush.

The Secret Service were on high alert as the death of a leader and religious figure is a recipe for disaster.

Agent Staropoli, who was in the counter assault team, otherwise known as CAT, was there to back up their Secret Service colleagues if anything went wrong as they have enhanced weapons that the rest of the team don’t have.

Bill Clinton says of the Secret Service when he was President,  “they were good at trying to be flexible because they knew I liked to be with people.”

The feeling you really get from this documentary is of bravery and courage. Of men risking their lives for their country and the man who runs it. As Agent Rodriguez says, “I would rather be dead than labelled a coward… I have never heard of an agent who had doubts about taking a bullet for the president.”

In another scenario with President George Bush Snr The president had to be evacuated. The agents say that, ‘the welfare of the president is always more important that pomp and circumstance.’

Joseph Funk said this event was the first time the CAT team had a full employment. There were tear gas, gunshots and unruly crowd. The Secret Service work by ‘cover and evacuate’.  They do 360 degree coverage of the President. Above, below and around and they also create a stable shooting platform.

When President Clinton went into Pakistan in March 2000 for a television address the Secret Service were against it. Clinton himself says that he, “knew I was in greater danger after going after Bin Laden”.

The agent says that AK47 are popular and easy to get in that region and that they went in against their better judgement.

They had a decoy airplane and made use of the element of surprise. Intelligence revealed that Pakistani secret police had been infiltrated and had people with Taliban sympathies.

They had six armed cars with the presidential seal so any assassins had a one in six chance of getting the president. Clinton’s speech was only 15 minutes. The Secret Service can never relax or put their guard down. That is what normal people do. “We don’t think it is a job well done until we arrive back at the White House.” they say. They do an impressive job.

When President Bush went into Georgia a loner with violent tendencies, Vladimir Arutyunian,  threw a grenade at him which bounced of a little girl’s head and miraculously did not go off. One brave Georgian policeman took the live grenade and ran away from the crowds with it, knowing it could go off at any moment. The Georgian people love the United States and they wanted to show appreciation to President Bush because of the destruction of the Soviet Union. They even named the highway leading to the main airport after him

Bryan Paarmann, Special agent FBI. said they had metal detectors, which were very important but because of overcrowding the Georgian security team switched off the metal defectors. So they had an unscreened crowd of up to 100,000 people.

The Secret Service say that their greatest fear is an isolated loner prone to violence and that they have to be on their game 100% of the time. There is no room for error.

Secret Service Files – Protecting The President shows on the National Geographic Channel.

Bring Back Fawlty Towers!

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Iconic British sitcom crowned most wanted comeback TV show

 

Comedy is still top of the box for Brits with legendary sitcom Fawlty Towers topping nationwide polls as the show Brits would most like to see back on TV screens.

 

Commissioned by Freeview, the brand new research polled over 2,000 TV fanatics nationwide to celebrate the year of comeback television, which has seen the re-launch of the hugely popular ‘Surprise, Surprise’ on ITV and a brand new series of super soap Dallas debut on Channel 5.

 

With 29% of the votes, Fawlty Towers emerged as the clear comeback favourite, followed closely by TV comedy gold One Foot in the Grave (22%), Jim Henson’s The Muppet Show (18%), timeless treasure The Good Life (17%) and retro action series The A-Team (9%).  Starring John Cleese and Prunella Scales as Basil and Sybil Fawlty and Andrew Sachs as the bumbling Manuel, Fawlty Towers ran for twelve unforgettable episodes and was broadcast on BBC2 from September 1975 to October 1979. With Freeview offering access to over 50 standard definition TV channels and four HD channels, there’s never been a better time to take a fresh look at the nation’s most treasured TV gems.

 

Top 10 most wanted TV comebacks:

1.       Fawlty Towers

2.       One Foot in the Grave

3.       The Muppet Show

4.       The Good Life

5.       The A-Team

6.       Birds of a Feather

7.       Dad’s Army

8.       The Bill

9.       The Office

10.   The Generation Game

 

 

Sara Jones, Head of Communications at Freeview said; “The results of this research highlight the nation’s love of timeless British comedy classics. As the cold nights draw in, Freeview customers can continue to enjoy their favourite TV shows, both old and new, subscription-free.”

 

Suits Season Two Preview

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Suits was a legal drama that lived up to the hype when it premiered last year. The tale of two lawyers, one experienced and one a drop out who blags his way into a firm that only takes Harvard graduates, was entertaining and smart. So there is no surprise that Suits is back for season two.

The Suits series 2 premiere (from Thursday 24th January, 9pm ) is a strong start into the new season.

Spoiler Alert.

Jessica finds out that Mike did not go to Harvard and lied to get into the firm. She tells Harvey to fire him but he can’t. Will his job be saved?

Elsewhere in the episode a women who has had her book idea stolen goes up against Mike, who decided to help her.

Their is a great relationship between Harvey and his secretary, Donna.

Rachel drunk dialed Mike after they kissed but he did not get the message because it was deleted. As Rachel tells Donna, it was a ‘kiss good enough to drunk dial’. Will they get together?

Some top quotes from the episode:

Are you mad at me? Good. If you are mad it means you are not panicking.

We are at a funeral and you are quoting Highlander? Yeah, a lot of people die in it. It seemed appropriate.

Brilliant college drop-out, Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) continues to live a lie in the highly-anticipated second series of the excellent legal drama. Guided by his cocky and confident boss, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), Mike continues to fool those around him that he is a fully-qualified lawyer.

Suits is still on form. Great entertainment.

Jessica knows about Mike. She lets Harvey know that she knows too and puts pressure on Harvey to get rid of him before he hurts the company. While Harvey must decide whether or not to keep Mike on staff, the firm’s co-founder, Daniel Hardman (recurring guest star, David Costabile) returns after a prolonged absence following the death of his wife. Despite claiming to be a changed man, it is clear there is no love lost between Daniel and Jessica and Harvey must choose sides.

Argan 5 + Softening Body Polish Review

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I love exfoliating. Nothing else really makes your skin as super soft. Apparently Elle MacPherson exfoliates every single day, morning and night. Mostly with a soft exfoliator but also with a harder one for a few days. If anyone has seen how amazing the 49-year-old supermodel looks in a bikini they will see that exfoliating is an important part of any beauty regime. Elle says, “It’s the only way to keep skin soft, smooth and glowing,”

So what did I think of Argan 5 + Softening Body Polish? Well, it is possibly my favourite exfoliator ever. It has the perfect ‘grit’. It is hard enough to do the job but does not damage or tear the skin. It has one of the biggest beauty ingredients of the moment: argan oil. It leaves my skin so soft I can forgo moisturiser. A little amount goes a long way so the tube lasts. It also smells great and leaves skin glowing. What more could you ask for?

Would I buy it? Yes, in bulk.

What they say: crushed olive stones and pumice combined with the unique Argan+ Synergy help remove dead skin cells to restore healthy skin radiance and softness. Skin is left refreshed, reinvigorated and glowing with radiance.

Argan oil, sometimes known as ‘liquid gold’ due to its’ amazing transformational properties, is a prized ingredient in skincare. It has been used for centuries by the Berber tribe in Morocco and is highly valued by skin specialists. Rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, Argan oil helps to protect the skin’s oil barrier, shield against free radicals, improve elasticity and protect against skin ageing.

Argan + Synergy

Argan + Synergy is an all-natural 100% blend of precious Moroccan Argan oil with 4 other amazing oils: Baobab, Kukui, Moringa and Sacha Inci, all selected for their restorative, regenerating and nourishing properties.

Argan Oil – with Vitamin E, Carotene (antioxidants) and Omega 6 and 9

Baobab Oil – with Vitamins A, D, E and F as well as Omega 3, 6, and 9

Kukui Seed Oil – Rich in Linoleic and Linolenic acid (essential fatty acids)

Moringa Oil – Rich in antioxidants plus Vitamins A and C

Sacha Inci Oil – Contains extremely high levels of Omega 3 and 6 plus Vitamin A

300ml costs £12.99

Confidence Coach Vivienne Goldstein Tells All

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Tell us exactly what you do?

With a background of NLP as a Master Practitioner and qualified as a Personal Performance Coach, I support my clients to deal with a range of personal challenges. I specialise in improving the communication and impact my clients make in their work and home life.

My role is that of a thinking partner. I give a balance of support and challenge. I provide a safe and confidential environment without any outside distractions where my clients can concentrate on themselves without any interruptions. It’s important to be allowed time to think, time to reflect. By speaking out loud, it enables your thoughts to come into your consciousness and you lower some of the filters that have been stopping you seeing the options and opportunities that are there for you. You get your “juices flowing” so that one thought can easily lead to another … or not … and then we can find out what’s stopping the flow.

In the recent Olympics, all the Veteran Medal winners and the Coaches were saying how very important the mindset of an athlete is to their success. It’s the same for you and me in our everyday lives. We need to find out what motivates us, what our best qualities and skills are, understand how to hone them and how to get the negative thoughts under control and pushed to the side so that we can be our best.

To do my job well, I have to be completely in the moment. I listen carefully not only to the words that my clients speak but also the way in which they say them, the tone of voice, the intonation and their body language eg lots of fidgeting, screwing up their face, rolling their eyes, sitting very still, not showing emotion.

Everyone is an individual so my success lies in how quickly I can establish rapport and get my clients to feel comfortable to open up and dig deep into themselves.

The most difficult thing for me is when someone comes to me knowing they have a block and yet they keep hanging on to a belief that means this block is impenetrable. … they won’t let go of it to see what could happen if they did let go.

It takes time for new ideas to settle into the consciousness. Some people take longer than others. And it’s down to the individual themselves. I’m the catalyst. Ultimately, it’s their responsibility.

How did you get into coaching?

I was brought up in Brazil as a child and returned to London to finish my education.
I have many years’ experience in retail, photography, recruitment, teaching and charity work. And then someone suggested I’d make a great Coach. I’d never even heard of such a thing! I studied a lot and I love it! I combine my professional coaching expertise with life experience.

What kind of people do you coach?

My clients are mostly professionals who come to see me privately on a one-to-one basis. I sometimes run workshops which give a group of people a foundation in becoming more self-aware of the impact they make on those around them.

The typical client is the one who knows they have an issue they want to address. They’ve been thinking about it for a while and not getting any clearer on how to improve things. They then realise that working with me will get them to a better place quicker.

One lady came to me because her boss is a bully and she was struggling to cope with various situations at work.

A man came because he was anxious about his wedding day speech.

One lady was up for Partner in a very large law firm. She had to be interviewed by all 150 Partners. After 30 interviews she was given the feedback that she lacked gravitas. She came to me to understand how to change the message she was sending out.

Some people are struggling to come to terms with their situation which they know they can’t change but want to see it in a different light.

A mother came to see me because she wasn’t getting on very well with her teenage son.

Successful women in business who take maternity leave and on returning to work, they feel a sudden loss of confidence. It’s a whole different world once you’re a parent as well as a business person.

Are people born confident?

Of course. We are all born perfect. It’s what we experience that shapes our lives and the choices we make.

How do you fix a lack of confidence?

Firstly, you have to recognise when you are feeling a lack of confidence. Then work your way backwards in your life experiences as to when this feeling first started. Then understand how you are behaving when this feeling starts. Then change your behaviour. It’s starts with faking confidence and eventually you become confident.

Can someone who has no confidence be completely cured?

Nobody is 100% confident 100% of the time. We all experience moments on uncertainty – whatever anyone may tell you otherwise!

Top tips for confidence?

What is happening inside your head is reflected outside by your body language. So an easy tip is to make sure you wear clothes you are comfortable in, fit you well, make you feel good. Good grooming is always helpful.

If you’re unsure of something, do some research, find out as much as you can before doing whatever it is that is causing you to feel unconfident. The more prepared you are for something, the better and more comfortable you will feel going into the situation.

Be aware of your mindset. Don’t walk into a room in a bad mood. The results will not be satisfactory for you. As Abraham Lincoln said:

“Most folk are about as happy as they make up their minds to be”.

Who mostly has a lack of confidence: men or women?

I think that it’s pretty evenly distributed but the situations in which there is a lack of confidence may differ.

How do you relax?

I always feel better after an exercise workout. That gets rid of my toxins both physically and emotionally!

I love the cinema and theatre …. and laughing. Laughing is the best relaxation!