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‘My mum’s happiness means everything to me’ Carol Vorderman has a lot to smile about as she celebrates her return to daytime TV, not least her mum’s good health 14

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By Pam Francis arol Vorderman is in top form. Not only is she back on daytime TV, in Loose Women, and set to host the Pride of Britain Awards but, very importantly, she is celebrating family successes. Family is crucial to Carol’s happiness. The upside of being ousted from Countdown was being able to spend a lot more time with her mum, Jean (83), daughter Katie (19) and son Cameron (14) when they needed her to be around. The four live together in Bristol and, as Carol says, “Children need you more when they’re teenagers than they do when they are young.” Her daughter Katie, who wants to be a particle physicist, headed off to Cambridge University this autumn. “My mum had been poorly over Christmas and was very lethargic, and when the letter arrived saying Katie had her place, it was like seeing Lazarus. Mum got off her bed, put a bit of lipstick on and has been dancing ever since. It’s wonderful – and my happiness always relates to how my mum is. I am overly sensitive to her.” Unsurprisingly, she can’t stop smiling either about her return to daytime TV. “I was so excited about joining Loose Women. The show is all about women chatting with their friends

though I do occasionally have to bite my lip over one or two stories,” says Carol, who never talks about her love life. She adds: “I’m loving being back on daytime TV, but nothing is forever – I just wake up every morning and think ‘gosh I’m so lucky’.” This fortnight also sees Carol hosting the annual Pride of Britain Awards, which celebrate the achievements of the nation’s unsung heroes. She’ll be welcoming Prince Charles and Camilla among a host of A-list celebrities to present the awards. “I can’t believe it’s the show’s 13th year. Prince Charles loves it and Camilla says it

‘I feel as though I’ve got the balance right in my life. Age has made me appreciate every day’ makes her cry. Even if one day they want someone else to host it, I don’t mind, so long as they let me sit in the audience,” says Carol. But, for the moment, she isn’t ready to take a back seat and when invited on to Loose Women she was more than ready to return. “I was really bursting to get going. As I’ve been on daytime TV for all but a couple of my 30 years in the business it’s lovely to be back.” Carol is never one to complain, Family is hugely but she does important to Carol, who acknowledge that lives with her mum, Jean her muchpublicised departure from the old Countdown ‘gang’ left a huge gap. “It wasn’t anybody’s fault. Richard died and everything changed,” says

Carol, who left the show in 2008 after failing to agree terms with Channel Four. Does she still watch the show? “God no. When you’re told you’re not to go back into a studio after you’ve done nearly 5,000 programmes… I hold on to my memories about the good times, of how it was with Richard, and that is how it will always be in my head. You can’t be on something for 26 years and feel bad about it. That’s like feeling bad about half your life.” “I missed being part of a gang with Richard Whiteley on Countdown, so I’m loving having that all over again – only this time with a new gang.” So is she worried some of these new gang regulars like Carol McGifﬁn might lead her astray when it comes to partying? “Er, well, I might be the one leading them astray,” she laughs. She’s certainly feeling good about being 50 – and, following her break up with journalist Des Kelly, being single, too. “I’m loving it. This was the ﬁrst summer as a singleton for years and it was one of the best summers I’ve had in decades. I’ve laughed, I’ve danced, I’ve sung, I’ve partied. I had 200 people at my 50th party in a big marquee in the garden. It was fantastic.” With a Seventies theme, Carol was dressed in a white mini dress and silver thigh-high boots, while guests included members of the Red Arrows team and friends including Gok Wan and Alan Carr. “I’m a happy person most of the time, but this year I’m having a blast. I feel as though I’ve got the balance right in my life. Age has made me appreciate every day.” D The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards 2011, sponsored by Littlewoods. com, is on ITV1 on October 5, at 8pm. YOURS

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y star chat y

25 stylish winter co Tiffany wears: Fur collar and cuff ﬁt coat, £79, 10-28, Isme

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Classic collection

✤ Brown belted coat, £80, 8-18, Principles by Ben de Lisi at Debenhams

✤ Knit cocoon coat, £65, 6-20, Next

✤ Classic beige mac, £25, 8-22, George at Asda

✤ Navy military style jacket, £35, 8-22, George at Asda

✤ Camel wrap coat, £85, 8-24, Very.co.uk

✤ Mid-length coat, £49, 10-28, Isme

Stay snug this winter with these cosy coats to help you look stylish whatever your shape By Michelle Nightingale

coats

Short & ﬂattering

✤ Faux wool coat, £45, 12-24, Bonmarché

✤ Dufﬂe coat, £45, 12-24, Bonmarché

✤ Collarless coat, £69, 10-28, Isme

✤ Blue cape style coat, £85, 8-20, Wallis

Style notes

Tiffany wears: Cape style coat, £55, 8-20, M&Co

NEXT ISSUE Our pick of the best winter boots

✤ Mustard yellow short coat, £85, 8-20, Wallis

✤ Black short dufﬂe coat, £28, 8-22, George at Asda

from Yours

Complete your look with our selection of practical and pretty winter accessories. Go to Yours.co.uk YOURS

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Style notes

The beauty mi that a

It’s easy to get stuck in a routine – but doing what you’ve always done means not making the most of how you look now. Avoid the pitfalls with our expert guide By Michelle Nightingale

PICS: ISTOCKPHOTO; THINKSTOCK; CORBIS. *PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AT BOOTS AND OTHER MAJOR STOCKISTS NATIONWIDE

✤ Update your approach Assuming that the make-up style that worked for you in your 30s will still look good on your now is one of the most common mistakes to make. Besides, ageing skin is constantly changing – in texture, appearance, colour – so a regular make-up review is good practice. “Many women tend to stick to the same make-up look year after year but this can end up seeming dated,” says Karen Loraine from The Makeup Box Studio (www.themakeupboxstudio.com). “If you feel you’ve fallen into a make-up trap, start afresh and visit a make-up counter with an open mind as to what will suit you.”

✤ Put a ban on soap “Never wash with basic household soap, as it may contain harsh chemicals that dry out the skin and strip it of oils,” explains Simple’s skincare expert, Caroline Frazer. Dry skin is parched skin, and can look more wrinkled and uneven. “Instead, choose a mild cleanser, which will be gentle on your skin, and look out for formulas containing Vitamin E, which is great for mature skin as it helps to nourish and hydrate.” Try Simple Kind To Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion* (£3.25/200ml).

✤ Always use conditioner Skipping conditioner is a big no-no if you’re 50-plus. Dull, dry, brittle hair is very ageing; conditioners can help to restore some youthful bounce by increasing the moisture content of your hair. “It is important for helping to retain elasticity, as well as strengthening the hair against breaks and smoothing the surface to create shine,” explains hair specialist Tony Maleedy. “It’s also a good idea to use an intensive conditioner every couple of weeks, as it will deliver conditioning ingredients right to the central core of the hair shaft for longer-lasting beneﬁts.” 40

mistakes t age you! ✤ Tame unruly eyebrows Brows help to frame the face and deﬁne your eyes, so it’s worth keeping them neat – particularly if they’re thinning. “Hair absorbs the light and shadows are created around the eyes, making them look tired. Simply tidying up strays and shaping your brows into an

arch will help to give the illusion of a face-lift,” says brow expert Shavata, who recommends a professional groom every 4-6 weeks. If your budget won’t stretch to that, tidy them yourself – it’s easier to see which hairs to pluck if you keep them tidy.

✤ Keep things simple

✤ Cleanse properly

“Many older women fall into one of two traps: either shying away from make-up completely or going far too over the top,” warns Karen Loraine of The Makeup Box Studio. “Make-up, when applied correctly and in the right amount, can be ﬂattering and conﬁdenceboosting. Always remember to keep it soft, feminine and subtle.”

Most of us love the idea of multi-tasking products but choose wisely, otherwise your skin could suffer. “Always use a separate eye make-up remover and cleanser,” says Simple’s Caroline Frazer. Eye make-up removers are specially formulated for the delicate eye area, so won’t cause irritation – we like Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover Pads* (£3.99/30 pads). And always remember to take off your make-up at night – leaving it on is as bad for mature skin as it is for young.

✤ Love your neck

✤ Look after your nails

Most of us religiously moisturise our faces morning and night, but how often do you do your neck? “Remember to apply moisturiser to your neck because, along with your hands, it’s one of the ﬁrst places to show signs of ageing, with that crepy skin look,” says Simple’s Caroline Frazer. “Apply your usual moisturiser in an upward stroking motion and rub any left over onto the back of your hands.”

Hands are often quick to show the signs of ageing but there are things you can do to keep them looking younger. “Ridges are common in mature nails and can make them fragile,” says Jessica Hoffman, a nail expert at Sally Hansen. “Tackle them by gently buffing, then follow with a ridge filler such as Sally Hansen’s Miracle Nail Thickener* (£9.65/13ml).” To keep your hands looking youthful, moisturise them regularly and use a cuticle oil – massage it in to help stimulate the blood flow. 41

Recharge your

health

✤ Memory Keeping to a healthy weight and getting a regular good night’s sleep will not only help to keep you healthy overall, but it could also prolong your memory. Disturbed sleep is a common symptom of obesity and experts believe that weight-loss improves sleep patterns, and therefore memory and concentration. Try to establish a relaxing bedtime routine to encourage good sleep.

Age-proof yo Want to know how to stay youthful and healthy for as long as possible? We’ve digested the latest research so you can give yourself an all-over up-to-date boost By Michelle Nightingale

✤ Eyes When it comes to preserving your eye health, what you eat is key. Studies have found that high levels of lutein found in dark leafy veg, such as kale and spinach, help to increase macular pigment, which has an important role in protecting your eyes and can become depleted over time. Making sure you get enough lutein is a good way to help reduce your risk of agerelated macular degeneration.

✤ Joints We all know that regular exercise is important for keeping joints healthy – and the experts reckon that yoga is a great gentle choice. In fact, any exercise is good for joints, as it helps to strengthen the muscles around them and can even ease the pain caused by arthritis. Plus, exercise helps to keep weight down, reducing the strain on joints. 44

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❙ healthy body ❙

your body ✤ Bones A cup of green tea and gentle exercise, such as t’ai chi, could keep your bones strong, say researchers. A study found that post-menopausal women who combined the two saw an improvement in their bone health within three months, as well as an increase in their muscle strength. High in health-boosting antioxidants, green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of osteoarthritis.

Ask Dr Trisha The Yours doctor is here to answer your questions every fortnight I keep having dizzy spells and my balance seems off when I’m walking about. I’m 65 and my health is good – what might be causing it?

✤ Bowels

✤ Breasts

A diet rich in brown rice, beans and lentils could reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer by a third, according to scientists. Just three portions a week is enough to reduce your risk of developing polyps – small growths that, over a long period, can sometimes develop into cancer. Keep your bowels healthy with plenty of high-ﬁbre foods, including fruit and veg, and limit red meat, because studies have also found a link between red meat and a raised bowel cancer risk.

Recent US research found that upping your fibre intake can help lower your risk of developing breast cancer. In the study, those who consumed the most fibre had an 11 per cent lower risk than those who consumed the least. Fibre is essential for keeping your digestive system running smoothly, has shown to help lower cholesterol and could even reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Most of us consume around 14g of fibre a day; we should be aiming for 18g.

✤ Heart Think of the humble spud as more than just carbs. In a recent study, US experts found that two portions of microwaved potatoes helped to reduce blood pressure without giving any weight gain. Just hold back on the butter and, sorry, chips are most deﬁnitely out. See your GP before taking supplements or herbal remedies, particularly if you take prescribed medicines. Always speak to your GP before stopping any medication or before starting any diet or exercise regime. Never stop taking medication unless advised by your GP.

Dr Trisha says: There are several different causes for dizzy spells and balance problems. If you’re otherwise well, the most likely cause is a disorder in your vestibular system, which is part of your inner ear. It contains sensors that detect when you move your head in different directions, as well as the effect of gravity. Inﬂammation of your inner ear (also known as laryrinthitis) can disturb your vestibular system and affect your balance. This is a common but temporary complication of colds or other viral respiratory infections. Lying on your side and getting plenty of rest can help, as can simple cold remedies, including antiinﬂammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen. If you don’t have a cold, there is a more persistent condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which causes brief, intense episodes of dizziness that occur when you change the position of your head. It is caused by tiny calcium crystals rattling around in your ventricular system. Simple head exercises can help to dislodge them. However, be sure to see your GP for a proper diagnosis because a sudden onset of dizzy spells and loss of balance could be a sign of a stroke. Low blood pressure can also cause dizziness, as can disorders of the nervous system, joints, muscles and eyes, and some medicines can interfere with your balance. Dr Trisha Macnair is a hospital physician who specialises in medicine for older people. She works part-time at Milford Hospital near Guildford and writes health information for the BBC Health website.

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Keep your man healthy at 50, 60 & 70+

Worried that your partner isn’t looking after his health? You can help to keep him ﬁghting ﬁt – whatever his age ometimes it has to be a case of tough love. He may feel that, at his time of life, he deserves to eat what he likes and put his feet up, but the chances are it’s not going to do him any good in the long run. Do your bit for your man and help him to stay on the right health track…

IN HIS

WORDS: REBECCA SPEECHLEY; PICS: MASTERFILE; ALAMY; ISTOCKPHOTO; GETTY IMAGES

50s

Take note of his libido

Mood swings, weight gain, a loss of libido and fatigue could all be signs that your man is going through the ‘male menopause’, which, according to the latest study, affects two per cent of men. Along with the symptoms above, ‘menopausal’ men will also experience a lack of an erection in the morning, a lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction, all caused by testosterone levels. These naturally dip with age but some men see a bigger decrease than others. Losing weight and following a healthy diet can help matters – as can hormone treatment, which some GPs will prescribe. Always get your man checked out, though, because

his symptoms could be signs of more serious health problems such as prostate cancer.

Keep a drink diary A glass of wine here, a few beers there – just how much does your man drink? Many middle-aged men have much more than the recommended 21 units a week. Aside from the damage it does to the liver, alcohol has also been found to raise blood pressure, particularly after the age of 50, which can increase the risk of stroke. If your man tends to have a heavy day of drinking each week he could be doubling his risk of heart disease, too. Encourage him to write down honestly what he drinks over a week. One unit is equal to half a pint of beer, a small glass of wine and a pub single of a spirit.

He may have the ‘male menopause’

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Regular exercise is just as important as a healthy diet

Watch his red meat intake Burgers, bacon and a good Sunday roast might be your man’s favourites – but if he eats too much red meat he could be at risk of cancer and other serious health problems. The Department of Health has issued new guidelines, based on research that found that too much

IN HIS

60s

Get him a health check

Make the most of the free services that the NHS has to offer. At 65, as well as bowel cancer screening, your partner might be invited for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening. Your aorta is your largest artery, taking blood from the heart to the rest of your body. As you get older, the wall of the aorta in your abdomen can become weak and start to swell (known as an aneurysm), which can be life threatening. AAA is most common in men over the age of 65 and it’s often symptomless – so encourage your partner to attend the simple, pain-free ultrasound. If he has an aneurysm and it is more

than 5.5cm in size he may be offered surgery to remove it.

Make him walk Send him to the shops on foot and ban the use of the car – particularly if he has prostate problems. US researchers have found that brisk walking for 20 minutes a day can slow or even prevent prostate disease. Be sure to pick up the pace, though – a gentle stroll won’t give him the necessary beneﬁts. In fact, brisk walkers lower the risk of their prostate problems getting worse by 57 per cent, compared with gentle walkers. Walking has also been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and other types of cancer – besides being a great way to get ﬁt.

Beat his bulge

red meat is heavily linked to bowel and colorectal cancer (illnesses that are more common in people over 50). They recommend we eat just 70g (cooked weight) of red or processed meat a day. Most people eat about 90g a day – having 70g means just two slices of roast meat, three slices of ham, three rashers of bacon or two sausages.

Men with pot-bellies could be putting their eyesight at risk, according to Australian research. Even a small growth in waist size can increase a man’s chance of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by up to 75 per cent. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the UK. Scientists believe that belly fat releases oestrogen, which causes inﬂammation in the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Women with thicker waists don’t have the same problem because their bodies are less sensitive to oestrogen changes. Losing weight with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise could help your partner avoid future problems – for slimming advice, see www.yoursdietclub.co.uk And what about the 70s? Turn over YOURS

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20 £2.

Christmas show saver The Ideal Home Show at Christmas is at London’s Earls Court from Nov 16 to 20, 2011. There will be Christmas goodies, plus seasonal home interior advice. Advance adult ticket price is £11 weekday, plus £1.60 transaction fee (£16 on door), £13 weekend (£18) and advance over-60s’ tickets £10 weekday (£12 on door), £12 weekend (£14 on door). Yours readers can get two tickets for the price of one by calling 0844 415 4144 and quoting ‘IHSP2’ before Oct 31. We have ten pairs of tickets

EXTRA to give away. To be in with

FOR YOU

BUDGET BEATERS Tesco has added new desserts to its chilled puds range together with irresistible introductory prices until October 11. Pick up two Zesty Lemon Cheesecake Slices for £1.79 (rrp £2.09), two Finest Caramel Melt in the Middle Puddings or an Apple & Blackcurrant Cobbler for £2.20 (rrp £2.50).

a chance of winning, send a postcard marked Yours/ Ideal Home Show, PO Box 57, Coates, Peterborough PE7 2FF by October 18. If you do not wish to be contacted in the future by Yours magazine, write No Further Contact clearly on the postcard.

Watching the

| DID YOU KNOW? | Up to

pennies Yours cash saver

of British women hide purchases from their partner compared to just16% of men. Source: VoucherCodes.co.uk

26%

Domino’s Pizza is offering any large gourmet pizza, gourmet garlic bread plus two choc melts for £19.99, saving around £8, until October 16. The new gourmet trio range consists of Rustica (chicken, bacon and spinach), Firenze (salami, pepperoni and peppers) and Florentine (feta, spinach and tomatoes), all on a fresh thin crust.

Cash in the attic The Beswick Pottery was founded in Loughton, Staffordshire, in 1894. The animal figurines, for which Beswick is now best known, appeared from 1900. Collectors tend to focus on one type of animal, with cattle currently one of the most popular. Other popular figurines include the Beatrix Potter characters and Disney figurines. Variations in colour, glaze and form (ie differently-positioned legs) will affect value. Similarly, matt glazes can be more valuable than glossy. Examine horns, thin legs and tails for breakages. This ‘Songthrush’ figure is valued at £100 to £150. 72

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GREENWATCH

Ask Michael...

The Yours money expert Michael Wilson answers your questions

The E. coli outbreak in Europe has highlighted the need to wash fruit and vegetables before eating. Earth Friendly Products’ Fruit and Vegetable Wash (500ml bottle rrp £3.90) removes pesticides and bacteria without affecting taste. Simply spray the whole fruit, rub, then rinse. Earth Friendly Products are stocked at selected Holland and Barrett stores and online at www.greenbrands.co.uk We have 25 Fruit EXTRA and Vegetable FOR YOU Wash (trial size) to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, send a postcard marked Yours/Fruit & Veg Wash to PO Box 57, Coates, Peterborough PE7 2FF by October 18.

My husband is very ill and I have discovered that he owes a lot of money on credit cards. In the event of his death, what happens to these debts?

If you do not wish to be contacted in the future by Yours magazine, write No Further Contact clearly on the postcard.

Best buy Air Wick’s new Odour Detect automatically releases air freshener when it comes into contact with nasty smells. It’s available from supermarkets in Compact, ideal for bathrooms (rrp £9.99), and Max for larger rooms (rrp £13.99) in fragrances including Cool Linen and White Lilac. Sign up at www.airwick.co.uk/ fresher-homesclub.php to get a £1 off coupon.

99 £9.

| IT’S A FACT | More than 5,000 pairs of knickers and socks were recovered from the nation’s drains last year. Other pipe blockers include mobile phones, shuttlecocks and cash! Source: HomeServe

| IT’S A FACT | One in three people use a credit card for everyday items such as food.

Source: UK Cards Association

Michael says: This can get complicated. If the credit cards are in your husband’s name alone, it should not be possible for the credit card companies to expect you to repay anything outstanding. But, in the event of your husband’s death, his estate will have to repay all amounts still owing at that time. This might present you with some serious problems if you jointly own your home, and you wouldn’t want to put this at risk. I strongly advise you to obtain some expert advice while your husband is still alive; please do not leave it until he dies. There are a number of excellent agencies which exist to deal with this very problem. One is the National Debtline and can be contacted by calling 0808 808 4000 or by visiting www.nationaldebtline.co.uk. For anyone who is facing this problem following someone’s death, the National Debtline has published a helpful factsheet called What to do About Debts When Someone Dies. If you are worried about this, do please bear in mind that credit card debt is unsecured – which means the credit card companies have no automatic right to repossess your home. But the sooner you obtain advice and take some positive action, the better. Turn the page for more advice YOURS

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5 ways to...

revamp a classic

Five top chefs celebrate the humble egg in this cookery special Compiled by Sheena Correa

ANNABEL KARMEL’S Mini Cheese Soufﬂes A dinner party favourite, these are quick and easy to make Serves: 4-6 Per serving: 267 cals Fat: 20g

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 12-15 minutes ✢ 40g (1½ oz) butter ✢ 40g (1½ oz) plain flour ✢ 300ml (½ pt) milk ✢ ½ tsp mustard ✢ 50g (2oz) Parmesan, finely grated ✢ 50g (2oz) Gruyère cheese, grated ✢ 3 eggs, separated 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6 and put a baking sheet in there. Lightly grease 4 10cm/4 inch ramekins or 6 smaller ramekins. Melt the butter in a saucepan before adding the flour. Stir for a few seconds 96

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Sat fat: 11g

UNDER 300 CALS!

before whisking in the milk, until smooth and thickened. 2 Remove from the heat and add the mustard, Parmesan and Gruyère. Stir until melted, then add the egg yolks and season. Separately, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Fold in one tablespoon of egg whites into the cheese mixture before folding in the remaining whites. 3 Spoon into the ramekins and place on the baking tray. Bake for 12 minutes for the smaller ramekins or 15 minutes for the larger ones, or until well risen and lightly golden on top. Serve immediately.