Tag Archives: Help

Kirsten Stewart is feeling the fall-out from her recent breakup

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Hair loss experts warn that stress-related hair loss is on the rise

Kirsten Stewart Hair Loss, stress related hair loss, alopecia areata

Could stress and heartbreak be the cause of Kristen Stewart’s hair loss woes? The Twilight star has been recently spotted with a large bald patch on the side of her head, fuelling rumours that she has been struggling to deal with the recent post break up stress from her ex, Robert Pattison.

Kirsten Stewart, kristen stewart, bald patch, hair loss,

A recent study by Nourkrin, found that 89% of women questioned found stress had been a major influence on the health of their hair, with it causing thinning and in some cases major hair loss.

The photo provides a rare glimpse of the star’s natural hair – she is usually wearing a cap and hair extensions when filming or being seen in public.

 

It’s not only image-conscious stars like Kirsten relying on extensions to add volume to their hair. The survey also found that two thirds of UK GPs have seen a rise in the number of women distressed and seeking help with hair loss with 70% of these hair loss cases being down to an increase in stress levels.

Dr. Wendy Denning, a Harley Street GP with a specific interest in women’s health comments: “I have seen many cases of thinning hair and hair loss over the years. Although most people think of hair loss being a problem for men, it is surprisingly common for women after the menopause and increasingly in young women. Of course there are many reasons for hair loss including hormonal changes, poor nutrition and certain medications – but one of the most common reasons that is on the rise, is stress-related hair loss”.

Celebrity hairdresser Jo Hansford MBE, whose clients include Angelina Jolie and Gwynenth Paltrow comments “Many of my clients are concerned about hair loss, whether it’s due to stress, hormonal changes such as being pregnant, or general over styling issues. Whatever the problem, it feels good to help them by explaining the benefits of Nourkrin. This is a natural, scientifically proven supplement for thinning hair, hair loss and general hair maintenance. Over time I have really seen the difference that Nourkrin makes to encourage hair growth and to the renewed confidence it gives my clients.” 

Nourkrin Woman 60 Tablets are available here and from Boots or Superdrug.

Actors Who Make Their Own Work

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actors who make their own work, lake bell, tina fey, kristen wiig, greta gerwig, lake bell, brit marling, vin diesel. The rumour that acting is the hardest and most brutal industry in the world is unfortunately true, I have been an actor now for over 10 years. Yikes. Along the way I have realised that the only way to have a brilliant career is to write and produce your own stuff. Which is what I did with Prose & Cons. It is currently being edited.

If you want to be inspired, here is our list of the Top Actors Who Make Their Own Work.

Brit Marling

This American producer, director, writer and actress caused a stir with Another Earth. She was only 27 at the time. Now 30 and with 13 films under her belt. She was even on the front cover of Vanity Fair’s prestigious Hollywood edition. She has written four films and directed one.

Check out these personal quotes from her IMDB page:

“I always started writing in order to act. I don’t know that I could have the discipline to sit down and write if I was going to give it away. That would be too hard. But I love to act in stories that are outside my imagination because I can only conceive of so many things from my point of view. The thing that’s intoxicating about being an actor is that you get to live in someone else’s world for a while and I hope to do more of that. But I think I’ll never stop writing now because I’m wondering why there aren’t more representatives of women that are like the women we know. Where’s the film with the women who are complicated and strong and beautiful and sexy and interesting and of all body types? You don’t get to see enough of them. So there’s something important in attempting to write them for myself and for the insanely talented women out there.”

“[on why she decided to become a screenwriter in relation to her being an actress] How terrifying to surrender your life to being chosen all the time. Having to be chosen and re-chosen. Writing so that I can act became a way of having not more control over my future but not having to wait for permission. You can choose yourself. Hmm, who should play this part? I nominate me!”

Mindy Kaling

Started out as a writer for The Office and even wrote a character for herself into the show. At the age of 34 Kaling has created her own show, The Mindy Project, and was named as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2013.

Mindy knows she is different and makes fun of it: “I’m a minority chubby woman who has my own show on a network. I don’t know how long this is going to last!” She told Jon Stewart. She has 2.3million Twitter followers and refuses to diet.

Kaling wrote in her bestselling memoir Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me?: “I fall into that nebulous, quote-unquote, normal American woman size that legions of fashion stylists detest. For the record, I’m a size 8 — this week, anyway. Many stylists hate that size because I think to them, it shows that I lack the discipline to be an ascetic; or the confident, sassy abandon to be a total fatty hedonist.”

Emma Thompson

She wanted better roles so she wrote the screenplay for Sense and Sensibility, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel. The film got Thompson the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and a nomination for leading actress. She hasn’t looked back since. The 54-year-old has 60 films as an actor under her belt and another 12 as a writer.

Nia Vardalos

She kept losing out on roles so she wrote My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The film was a roaring success. Vardalos says: ‘I run into other actresses and we talk about the lack of parts for woman. At least I can write myself a part, which is an amazing skill to possess.”

Barbra Streisand

Streisand was the first woman to win a Golden Globe for directing after co-writing, directing and starring in Yentl. She was 41 and had already broken down a lot of barriers for woman. She started off as a nightclub singer and is now one of the most famous actress, singer, producer, director, actor and writers. Has never been afraid to send herself up. She has inspired generations of woman.

In her own words: “I arrived in Hollywood without having my nose fixed, my teeth capped, or my name changed. That is very gratifying to me.”

“To have ego means to believe in your own strength. And to also be open to other people’s views. It is to be open, not closed. So, yes, my ego is big, but it’s also very small in some areas. My ego is responsible for my doing what I do – bad or good.”

Lake Bell

The 34-year-old is making waves with her film, In A World. She has 35 credits to her name but made her own film this year. After being an actor for 11 years she sat down to write a script and won the prestigious Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival. She told Glamour Magazine: “When I first started auditioning in LA, I realised it was a clique; this guy’s got the monopoly on epics, this woman’s got the monopoly on tampon adverts. It was the perfect environment for a modern comedy.” “I wanted to make a movie’, she went on, “so I wrote a part for myself.”

“Being willing to outsource all of your creative decisions, especially to a first-timer like me, is very ballsy. I had no other choice than to make it the way I made it. And I felt very supported in that. When you write and direct your own film you basically know exactly what you want. Or you hope to. For the studio, it actually can make life a little easier, because if you have a bunch of questions they only need to call one person.”

Kristen Wiig

While Kristen had been in many films and was a regular on Saturday Night Live, she never really broke out until Bridesmaids. Kristen co-wrote and starred in Bridesmaids which was one of the biggest hits of 2011, taking $300 million at the box office and was credited for turning the tide for women in film. She has an amazing 60 credits to her name and we get the feeling the that she is just getting started.

In her own words: “If you’re creating anything at all, it’s really dangerous to care about what people think”. She also states that woman are asked their age more than men.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

They wrote Good Will Hunting and won an Oscar. They rest is movie star history.

Vin Diesel.

He couldn’t get the roles he wanted so he wrote a short film called Multi-Facials about being bi-racial. Steven Spielberg saw it and cast him in Saving Private Ryan. He is now a movie star and has a few franchises under his belt.

Lena Dunham

She made her first film in her parents New York apartment with a Canon 7D. Tiny Furniture was critically acclaimed and lead to the huge hit and cultural game-shifter, Girls. Still only 27-years-old but was 23 when she wrote, directed and starred in Tiny Furniture.

In her own words: “I was constantly preparing for auditions in a way that was crazy… and then I’d literally get cast as, like, a bouncing ball or a fat man or a security guard.”

Tina Fey

Made her name in Saturday Night Live and also is the creator, producer, star and writer of 30 Rock. She wrote a book called Bossy Pants and had two children. She returned to work not long after giving birth saying, “NBC has me under contract; the baby and I only have a verbal agreement’. Is their no end to her talents?

Greta Gerwig

Became known thanks to her association with the mumblecore film movement. The 30-year-old is the indie IT queen of the moment. Was brilliant in Lola Versus and stars in film-of-the-moment, Frances Ha, which she co-wrote with director boyfriend Noah Baumbach. Plays strong female characters.

 

What do you think?

Check out my new book, How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur, out now.  It tells you all about how to become a successful actor.

 

 

Exam Results Helpline tells students not to panic

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Exam Results Helpline advisers urge students to ‘stay calm’, as they prepare for thousands of calls from students (and parents) who are keen to talk over their options after receiving unexpected exam results this year.

The Exam Results Helpline telephone 0808 100 8000 is a free telephone helpline staffed by independent careers advisers. Students across the UK who receive unexpected exam results (A levels, GCSEs and equivalent qualifications) can call in for advice about their learning and career options.

The Helpline is open throughout the exam results period, this year running between Thursday 15 and Saturday 24 August for students receiving exam results in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Helpline opens for students in Scotland between Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 14 August*.

The busiest time is always A-level results day, which is Thursday 15 August this year.  Last year, the helpline received almost 3,000 calls on A level results day and almost 9,000 across the whole exam results period.

Supporting schools and colleges, helpline advisers offer information and advice on a range of topics including further and higher education options, vocational learning, re-sits, re-marks, careers, employment and gap years.

The only careers helpline with access to UCAS’ applicant information and higher education qualifications, its experienced careers professionals also offer up-to-date advice about Confirmation, Clearing and Adjustment. Advice is timely and accurate.

 

Exam Results Helpline adviser Nick Hynes, who has 25 years’ experience as a professional careers adviser, said: 

“After all the planning and revising students do, results day is the moment of truth.   If they haven’t achieved the grades they were hoping for, if they’ve done better than expected or if they just want to consider their options before making any major decisions about their futures, our experienced careers advisers are here to help.

“We offer professional and impartial advice on what the best choice might be taking into account individual circumstances and goals. We are happy to speak to family members and friends also.

 

Student, David Murdoch, called the Exam Results Helpline last year. He said:

“It was really nice to have someone properly explain my options – what I could do, the alternatives I hadn’t thought about, and the processes I needed to go through.

“It was good to get objective advice.”

If a student is reconsidering their options based on results they have or have not achieved, they should contact the Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000.

If a student has a specific query about their university application, they should contact the UCAS customer service line on 0871 468 0468.

For further information, visit www.ucas.com/examresultshelpline

For students in Scotland receiving exam results
Tuesday 6 August Scottish exam results day    0800 : 2000
Wednesday 7 August                                        0800 : 2000
Thursday  8 – Friday 9 August                           0900 : 1900
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 August                       1000 : 1800
Monday 12 – Wednesday 14 August                 0900 : 1700

For students in the rest of the UK receiving exam results
Thursday 15 August A-level exam results day 0800 : 2000
Friday 16 August                                               0800 : 1900
Saturday 17 August                                           0900 : 1700
Sunday 18 August                                             1000 : 1600
Monday 19 – Wednesday 21 August                0900 : 1700
Thursday 22 August GCSE exam results day    0800 : 1900
Friday 23 August                                               0900 : 1700
Saturday 24 August                                           0900 : 12noon

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

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women's rick of mental health underestimatedWomen’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

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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.

 

Get Fit & Flab Free This Summer With The Dukan Diet & Nicki Waterman

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getfitandfabWith 96% of UK women admitting they are unhappy with their bikini body[1] the Dukan Diet and celebrity fitness expert Nicki Waterman have joined forces to help you fight the flab and feel fab this Summer.

Said Nicki Waterman, “What you eat is only one part of the weight-loss equation. Diet alone may help you drop pounds, but you’ll have trouble keeping them off if you don’t exercise. And that’s not to mention the added benefits you’ll miss out on, from improved mood, to better sleep, to disease prevention. The exercise has to be there!”

“It’s understandable that people want to look good on the beach, but it’s more important to be healthy and do this safely” said Dukan Diet creator Dr Pierre Dukan. “Thousands of UK women are still resorting to crash dieting and unhealthy methods because they are so unhappy with the way they look. Crash diets may help you may lose weight in the short term, but you will inevitably regain that weight in the long-term. My diet is the only plan which devotes 50% of the plan to stabilising your weight, for the rest of your life.”


In as little as 8 weeks you can lose up to 1 stone[1] and tone up those wobbly bits with this exclusive diet and fitness advice:


THE DIET PART

The Dukan Diet; a high-protein, low-carb and low-fat weight loss plan, has a huge worldwide following, with numerous celebrities reportedly fans too. No calorie counting, it’s based on protein rich food and veggies you can eat as much as you want of, to give quick results and long-lasting weight-loss.

The Dukan Diet is a 4-phase plan; two phases to lose weight and two phases to ensure you keep the weight off forever.

 

Phase 1: A brief ATTACK phase with immediate results – lasting between two and seven days, depending upon how much weight you have to lose, during this stage you can eat as many of the 72 protein-rich ‘approved’ foods as you want in any combination. Approved ATTACK ingredients include fresh fish, shellfish, poultry, lean meats, low-fat dairy products and eggs.  Expect to see quick results during this phase.

Phase 2: As you enter the CRUISE phase now add vegetables. CRUISE continues uninterrupted until your true weight is reached. Dieters alternate pure protein days with protein and vegetable days with anaverage weight loss of 2lbs per week. On average 5 weeks is spent on the Cruise Phase if you have one stone to lose.

 

Phase 3: Once you have reached your target weight the Dukan Diet differs from any other diet as it ‘weans’ you back into eating a balanced diet, ensuring all your hard work doesn’t go to waste. A CONSOLIDATION phase lasting five days for every pound lost is implemented and reintroducesfruit, wholegrains, fats and finally starchy foods to your diet. This phase is designed to reintroduce dieters to the ‘pleasure’ of food whilst prevent the rebound effect that occurs after any rapid form of weight loss. In an 8-week plan and with one stone to lose, you would bethree weeks into your Consolidation phase by the time you go on holiday, enabling you to enjoy a varied diet.

Phase 4:The final stage – STABILISATION – is less of a diet and more of a set of guidelines to live by to counter-act any mild weight gain:

·       Eat 3 tablespoons of oat bran per day

·       Regular exercise (min 20 mins walk per day)

·       Have a Pure Protein Attack day once a week.

To get started – calculate your True Weight on the dukandiet.co.uk’s free online calculator or pick up the Dukan Diet Book (Hodder; £12.99). Additionally, the following code will give you a 15% discount off all products in the online shop for twenty days fromtoday (4th July 2013): FITFLAB15

 

THE DUKAN DIET EXERCISE PLAN BY NICKI WATERMAN

Depending on your level of fitness aim for a minimum of 30mins exercise every day. This can be walking, cleaning the house or dancing to the radio – as long as you’re active.

 

The following exercises and tips are guaranteed to target those troublesome spots and get your body bikini-ready:

 

1.)Add Some Pounds

Adding resistance training to your routine will give you a toned – not bulky – look and increase metabolism.

 

 WALKING LUNGE

Tones your legs, bottom and thighs.

SETS: 3

REPS: 20

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Take a big step forward and bond both your knees to 90-degrees, keeping your body upright and feet pointing forward. Push off your back foot and brig it in front of you to go into the next lunge. Walk forward with each lunge

 

2.)Squeeze In A Fast Workout

If you’re short on time, simply do press-ups for a quick, calorie-burning upper- body workout.

 PRESS-UPS:

Tones your arms, chest, shoulders and deep core muscles.

SETS: 1

REPS: As many as you can do.

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Lie with your hands beneath your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to heels. Brace your stomach muscles and bend your elbows, keeping them close to your body. Lower as far as you can before pushing back up.

 

 

3.)Make Achievable Goals

Making lofty resolutions like deciding to lose 30 pounds in two months is setting yourself up for failure. Instead, make smaller goals you can tackle individually and incorporate into your lifestyle. Try adding a new fitness class to your exercise routine, taking a lunchtime walk instead of eating at your desk or do some simple Step-ups whenever you can.

 STEP UPS

Tones your legs, bottom and thighs and gets your heart pumping

SETS: 3

REPS: 15 each side.

HOW OFTEN: Every day.

Stand in front of stairs, box or a chair at about knee height. Place one foot flat on the stair, box or chair without letting your trailing leg touch down. Return to the start and do all your reps on one leg before repeating on the other.

 

 

4.)Plank It Out

The plank is one of the best moves to tone your core. After mastering the basicplank, you can add more advanced moves. Touching your elbow with your knee while in plank is great for the oblique muscles. To get some extra arm toning in, try the up and down plank: start in plank, come up onto your hands while holding the plank position and then return to the plank and repeat.

 PLANK WITH LATERAL TOE TAPS

Tones your core and upper body.

SETS: 3 sets

REPS: 30, alternating sides

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Rest your weight on your forearms and keep your body in a straight line from head to heels. Move one foot out to the side with a straight leg; tap the floor andthen return slowly to the start. Alternate sides.

 

 

5.)Try Some Big Movements

Don’t be intimidated by certain exercises. If you’re looking for all-in-one moves, push-ups, squats and planks are hard to beat. These powerhouse moves work the core, your legs and raise your heart rate.

WIDE LEG SQUAT

Tones your bottom, thighs and core.

SETS: 3

REPS: 20

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes turned out. Keeping torso upright and weight on your heels, squat down as far as you can manage, raising your arms fro balance. Hold for a second then push back to the start.

 

 

6.)Work Muscles Together

Don’t want to waste any time at the gym? Combine exercises that incorporate both your upper and lower body, and work multiple muscle groups at once. Try this military press as you come up from a squat.

 SQUAT MILITARY PRESS

Tones your shoulders, arms, abs, bottom and legs

SETS: 3

REPS: As many as you can do for one minute.

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a weight in each hand (half litre bottle of water or cans of beans will do), arms by sides. Squat down and then stand up quickly, bending elbows to bring dumbbells up in front of shoulders, palms facing forward. Immediately press arms straight overhead.

 

 

7.)Target Arm Flab

While genetics decide where your body will store fat (thanks, Mom and Dad), you can spot tone problem areas. To sculpt toned arms, incorporate moves that will work all three of the muscles in your triceps, your biceps and shoulders. Tricepkickbacks, bench dips, overhead presses and head bangers are all great options.

 

TRICEP DIP

Tones the back of your arms.

SETS: 3

REPS: 15 – 20.

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Place your palms on a sturdy bench or chair behind you, fingers pointing forwards. Keep your body upright, bum close to the bench and legs out in front of you. Bend at the elbows keeping them pointing back. Lower slowly and push back up.

 

 

8.)Do What You Love

If the idea of traditional exercise makes you shudder, there are other options. Have you always wanted to learn how to do a sun salutation? Try a yoga class. Interested in self-defense? Sign up for boxing lessons. Meet friends for a walk instead of lunch, or bike ride around your town instead of driving. You’re more likely to stick to a fitness routine if you’re enjoying it – and remember, you don’t have to be at the gym for it to count.

 YOGA: THE COBRA

Improves posture.

SETS: 1

REPS: Hold the position for 5 full breaths, then release.

HOW OFTEN: Every day.

Lie on your tummy with your legs spread at hip width and the tops of your feet on the floor. Rest your forehead on the floor and relax your shoulders; bend your elbows and place your forearms on the floor with your palms turned down and positioned near the sides of your head. As you inhale, engage your back muscles, press your forearms against the floor, and raise your chest and head. Look straight ahead. Keepyour forearms and the front of your pelvis on the floor, being mindful of relaxing your shoulders. As you exhale, lower your torso and head slowly back to the floor.

 

 

For more information or to create your free personal weight-loss plan please visit www.dukandiet.co.uk

 

[1] Depending upon how much weight you have to lose

[1]The research for Dukan Diet was carried out online by Opinion Matters between 03 / 05 / 2013 and 07 / 05 / 2013 amongst a panel resulting in 1,715 respondents. All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2010) in the UK andICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines. Opinion Matters is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and is fully compliant with the Data Protection Act (1998).

Why do our sugary cravings always strike at 4pm?

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clip_image002It’s 4pm, you’ve got an inbox that’s bursting at the seams, a to-do list longer than your morning commute, but all you want to do is devour an entire packet of biscuits in an effort to stay awake.

Overwhelming food cravings are the culprit behind most broken diets. But why does this sweet treat urge always seem to hit us at around 4pm? And what can we do to curb these calorific cravings? We enlist the help of independent nutritional expert and dietician Naomi Beinart to help explain this 4pm food phenomenon and offer us some healthy snack solutions.

When we are tired, we tend to make poorer food choices, wanting a quick sweet fix to perk us up. This can occur most often in the afternoon when cortisol levels can take a natural dip (cortisol is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands that fluctuates throughout the day) and when this dip occurs, we may feel more tired as cortisol normally gives us a feeling of energy.

Sweet Fix

Naomi explains ‘When you’re in your 20’s, it’s very easy to snack on sweet things without putting on weight, and still having enough energy to get through the day and go out all night. Fast forward to your 30’s and 40’s and sweet snacking can cause a host of problems from premature ageing, a decrease in energy levels, hormonal imbalances and mood problems.’’

Thankfully all of these health concerns can be helped by eating the right foods at the right time, ‘eating well will help balance out blood sugar, reduce sweet cravings, increase energy levels and help make skin look better,’ says Naomi.

Blood sugar rollercoaster

Fluctuating glucose levels can be harmful for our health. The rollercoaster of glycemic highs and lows is not good for our general health. If over time, you become insulin resistant, where more and more insulin is being produced by the pancreas, but the insulin receptors in your cells do not respond effectively to it, then this can increase your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.

Want to get off the ride?

Try taking a natural nutritional supplement that can help to balance out your blood sugar levels. Diabain has 2 such products that do just that. Diabain’s Inusol is a herbal remedy made from a scientific blend of 8 natural nutrients and minerals that can help to control blood sugar levels and is free from any harmful chemicals. Similarly Diabain’s Vittol is a multi-vitamin and mineral formula with a blend of 26 essential elements, ensuring you have the fundamental nutrirnets to help keep you healthy. Vittol has been scientifically formulated to help lower blood sugar levels & glycemic response in both type-2 diabetics and those diagnosed as having a pre-diabetic condition. Inusol and Vittol are £9.99 from www.diabain.com.

Naomi’s diet Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t be restricted by your circumstances. Travel, eating out and dieting can all restrict our food choices. Overcome these by always having a healthy snack with you, such as a banana, almonds or oatcakes with guacamole or hummus.

Supplements can be helpful in controlling sugar cravings and energy dips. Choose one with key blood sugar regulating properties such as Fenugreek extract, Cinnamon bark and Gymnema Sylvestre extract.

Avoid sushi, as the white rice can be bad news for your blood sugar levels, instead go for sashimi or grilled chicken and vegetables.

Eat every 3 hours. When you eat, your blood sugar (glucose) rises in response to the food. The higher and quicker it rises, the more

insulin has to be produced by your pancreas. The higher your blood sugar goes up, the lower it crashes down afterwards. This crash will also occur if you leave longer than three hours between eating. At the drop, your body will send you off for a quick fix, like a bar of chocolate or a cup of tea and biscuit, because it need to lift the blood sugar up again.

Get more of Naomi’ top tips here…

For your chance to win 1 of 10 prizes of Inusol and Vittol, please Follow Frost on Twitter, subscribe to our monthly newsletter or like us on Facebook and answer this question.

Where in the body is cortisol produced?

a) The adrenal glands

b) The kidneys

c) The small intestine

5 Ways to Prevent a Car Accident

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Car accidents are an unfortunate part of driving in the real world, no matter what you do. However, there are some ways you can minimize your chances of getting into an accident. The following are some of the best things you can do to keep yourself and your car safe.

Keep the Car in Good Shape

Prevent Car Accidents

How to Prevent Car Accidents

 

Image via Flickr by Alexandre Prévot

When your car is in good shape, it’ll be more able to handle the issues that tend to lead to getting into accidents. When your tires and brakes are good, you have a much better chance of dodging an accident. When your mirrors are properly aligned and your windows are clean, you can better see what’s either ahead of or coming toward you before it can cause damage.

Keep Yourself in Solid Condition

If you drive when you’re tired, you have a much higher likelihood of having an accident. As well, driving under the influence of even one recently consumed alcoholic beverage can slow your reaction times and muddle your perceptions enough to make an accident more likely. When your condition is at its best, you are more capable of noticing potential problems and heading them off before they become as serious as an accident.

Follow the Laws of the Road

As a good car wreck attorney in Dallas could tell you, following the law is just a good idea. If you don’t follow the law and get into an accident, the law won’t look favorably on your actions and your legal liability could be great. This is particularly the case if there is a large amount of property damage or loss of life because of the accident. If you follow the law, insurance will be more useful if an accident happens and you will be less likely to get into an accident in the first place.

Keep Distractions in the Car to a Minimum

Distracting yourself will only make you more likely to get into an accident. Having a visible screen, an overly bright stereo system or doing things with your phone will all divert your attention. Also, having a serious conversation that could become emotional while you’re driving is also an ill-advised way to go. The fewer things you have around to focus on, the better aware of how dangerous each thing is you’re going to be.

Be Aware of Other Drivers

When you have other drivers around, these are people you can’t control. Don’t imagine you can control them, but you do need to know what they’re doing in your presence. Most of the time this is simple awareness, but every so often you will need to dodge someone in order to avoid getting into an accident. The sooner you know what a reckless or unaware driver is doing, the more easily you will be able to get out of their way. The best way to avoid accidents is to be as far away from the crazy drivers as you can get.

Avoiding accidents isn’t always possible in the real world. However, the above suggestions will make staying out of an accident far easier.