elixirnews

Free tickets to The Times Destinations - Holiday & Travel Show

2011-12-28T10:05:38Z

Elixir has joined with the organisers of The Holiday & Travel Show to offer every one of our readers a pair of FREE tickets to the event which is being held in Manchester and London.

 Whether you are looking for a cultural weekend break, a relaxing beach holiday or an exhilarating adventure holiday THE TIMES presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show should definitely be a date for your diary. For the first time - Manchester's EventCity, a new venue in the heart of the North West will be welcoming Destinations from Thursday, January 19 to Sunday, January 22, 2012.

To claim your two free tickets (normally priced at £10 each) to either the London or Manchester events go to www.destinationsshowtickets.com, selecting either the Manchester or London show and using the code GNC.

If you would like to know about other offers like this please sign up to our newsletter below:

Travellers in the North West will have the opportunity to talk face-to-face with many of the leading travel companies and take advantage of some exclusive offers. A range of exhibitors who cover ever holiday imaginable will be taking part including Audley Travel, Cox & Kings, Explore Worldwide and Trailfinders. In addition, there will be specialist exhibitors and charities focussing on Responsible Travel.

Visitors to the Shows will also get an insight into culture from around the world with the interesting and interactive features showcasing food, drink, dance, music, and arts & crafts. Be inspired by the Wanderlust Travel Photo of the Year Competition Gallery, where you can admire the shortlisted photos. Also, the ever-popular Meet the Experts Theatres will be an added bonus where travel personalities, celebrities and travel experts will share their fascinating stories and expert advice to give people the inspiration they need to plan that perfect holiday.

Among the celebrities attending will be Marine Biologist and TV Presenter Monty Halls, TV Presenter & New York Times Bestselling Author Simon Reeve (see left), Explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell OBE; broadcaster & journalist Kate Humble and BBC Foreign Correspondent Sue Lloyd Roberts.

Our official Show charity, Stuff your Rucksack (www.stuffyourrucksack.com) is a UK based charitable website conceptualised by broadcaster and journalist Kate Humble. It helps responsible travellers to make a practical difference to the lives of under-privileged people in developing countries and there will be a feature wall where you can find out what small things you can take on your 2012 travels to do your part.

Times of the talks can be found on http://www.destinationsshow.com/manchester/meet-the-experts- timetable/- booking is not required

Manchester - location and travel information

Location: EventCity, Manchester M41 7TB

Fair Hours: 10am - 5.30pm each day

Admission Prices/Tickets: Tickets are for sale on the door for £10. Please note: Children under

12 go free.

Getting There: By Car: EventCity is located directly off the M60 at Junctions 9 & 10. There are 3000 free on-site EventCity car-parking spaces plus additional FREE parking around the Trafford Centre and a coach-park for over 60 vehicles.

By Train & Bus: Manchester Piccadilly - Bus Service x50 or 250 directly to the Trafford Centre.

Manchester Victoria - Bus Service 100. Stretford - Metrolink Shuttle bus directly to the Trafford

 Centre. Salford Crescent - Bus Service 100. For more details, visit www.eventcity.co.uk

A trio of anti-ageing beauty goodies to be won

2011-12-20T14:33:11Z

Elixir if offering you the chance to win one of a collection of anti-ageing beauty treats including an Elemis silver beauty bag containing £150 great products; Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath and a set of VO5 VibraShine professional ceramic hair straighteners each worth £50.

All you have to do is participate in our points scoring competition - the participants with the most scores in !st, 2nd and 3rd place will each win one of our prizes

lst Prize - an Elemis Silver Beauty Bag woth £150

In the Elemis goody bag is - Eoxtic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt (35ml); Meltig Cleaning Gel x 2 (125ml) and a Skin Nourishing Hand & Body Lotion (300ml)

2nd Prize - Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath worth £50

Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath 500ml is a limited edition beautiful Italian glass decanter reminiscent of the original 20 packaging years ago. This Luxury Milk Bath has a unique formula that captures the essence of Cleopatra`s ancient bathing ritual. Its milk protein base is rich in nourishing vitamins, amino acids and minerals.

3rd Prize - a set of VO5 VibroShine Professional Ceramic Straighteners worth £50

Create salon-quality straight hair with the ST-231-3GB VibraShine Hair Straightener from VO5. This blue straightener can reach a maximum temperature of 230°C, giving you enough heat to easily straighten your hair. Transform frizzy dry locks into silky smooth hair with this straightener, thanks to its floating ceramic tourmaline plates that lock in moisture. The 10 different temperature settings, shown on a clear LCD display, are handy to handle.

To win these products all you have to do is earn points

Why Vitamin D is vital, explains leading expert

2011-12-09T14:13:56Z

The winter is finally here! The weather is colder and the sun sets before most of us even leave the office. How do you know if you are getting enough vitamin D and how much should you consume?

Dr John Cuomo, Executive Director of Research and Development at USANA Health Sciences answers important questions on why this vitamin is so important to the optimum functioning of the human body:

What are the main functions of vitamin D in the body?

Vitamin D appears to have many functions in the body. Every cell, regardless of where it is located has a vitamin D receptor. This would indicate that vitamin D has multiple functions and the scientific evidence backs this up. The best documentation of the importance of vitamin D is in bone health. Absorption and utilization of calcium appears to be a vitamin D controlled process. Other minerals including magnesium, boron and silicon may also depend on vitamin D to be absorbed and deposited into the bone matrix. The RDA data for vitamin D is based solely on the function for uptake and utilization of minerals for bone health. So while bone health, and prevention of osteoporosis is an extremely important function of vitamin D, it is part of what makes vitamin D important to your health. There are numerous studies showing that Vitamin D is also essential for overall immune system function and for muscle strength. Epidemiological studies also show links to glucose metabolism, cell proliferation, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, impaired muscle function, infection, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, some cancers and CVD.

What are the best natural sources?

One of the best ways to get vitamin D is to expose your skin to sunlight. 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure between the peak hours of 10am-2pm will make thousands of IU of vitamin D. Just be careful not to burn. Dietary sources are lower. Some product such as milk and orange juice are fortified with vitamin D, but the dose is usually low and the form is different than from sun exposure. Some fish also have vitamin D but the amounts vary significantly.

-Is the vitamin D in milk etc a chemically made version and, if so, does it differ (like vitamin e) from the natural source?

The story here is a little different than for vitamin E. The form of vitamin D produced in skin naturally from sunlight is cholecalciferol or vitamin D3. This is also the form used in most nutritional supplements like USANA Vitamin D tablets. Milk is fortified with vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol. While it is naturally derived, it is not the same as the D3 that we produce naturally from sun exposure. In addition there are several clinical studies on supplementation with D2 vs. D3, and it looks like D3 is more bioavailable, and a better choice.

What are the best ways to take vitamin D to ensure you've taken enough?

Dietary sources are not sufficient. Even though milk, orange juice and fish do contain vitamin D, all of the data we have seen indicates that the vast majority of Americans are vitamin D deficient. The two best ways to get the vitamin D you need are to get adequate sun exposure to exposed skin (without sun block) or to take a good vitamin D supplement. In addition, the only good way to tell if you have adequate stores of vitamin D is to have a blood test run. If your doctor asks for this test, be sure they measure the amount of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in plasma, and the amount should be 40 - 60 ng/mL.

Does sunscreen stop us absorbing vitamin D?

Yes. To make vitamin D in the skin, UV light must hit the skin directly. Sunscreen effectively blocks this, and almost no vitamin D will be produced if you apply sunscreen.

-How often should vitamin D be taken?

A daily supplement of 200 to 500

IU of vitamin D.

Why is vitamin D important?

It supports healthy bones, immune function, muscle strength, glucose control, and may help prevent auto immune disease and heart disease.

Win an Estée Lauder gift set worth more than £300

2011-12-08T12:11:47Z

Be your own makeup artist with 30 colours, brushes and more. Discover what makes great Christmas Style, all in a chic red cosmetic travel bag.
This extraordinary collection includes:

Deluxe Eyeshadow Compact with 18 coordinating shades (Summer Linen, Amazing Grey, Amethyst Spark, Flirty Lilac, Pink Flash, Purple Passion, Nude Fresco, Tranquil Moon, Peacock Blue, Smoky Ember, Berry Burst, Tempting Mocha, Ivy Envy, Chocolate Bliss, Ivory Slipper, Sandbar Beige, Hot Cinnamon, Rivera Rose.)
Deluxe All-Over Face Compact (Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer, Estée Lauder Signature Silky Powder Blush in Pink Kiss, Radiant Peach and Nude Rose.)
2 Pure Color Gloss in Orchid Passion Shimmer & Electric Ginger.
3 Pure Color Long Lasting Lipsticks (full-size, in Barely Nude, Candy and Fresh Plum)
Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara (10-day supply; in Black)
2 Artist's Eye Pencils (great for smoky eyes, in SoftSmudge Black, SoftSmudge Brown)
Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (full-size 100ml.)
Chic Red Cosmetic Traveller

To win this lovely collection please give the correct answer to the following question the following question:

What colour is the free travel bag that comes with this collection?

A. Pink

B. Red

C. Black

Please send you correct answer to us at readeroffer@elixirnews.com. Please put Estee in the email header. This competition ends on 19 December 2011. The winner will be contacted by email by the 20 December 2011. Please note that the Editor's decision is final and no cash equivalent is being offered.

This competition is now finished and the lovely prize has been won by Steven Holman of Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Esther Rantzen's tips on managing winter fuel bills

2011-12-08T12:08:12Z

Following the recent fuel price hike from the Big Six energy companies, the Payments Council has teamed up with Esther Rantzen to help ease the additional pressures the cold season brings. They have produced a video and leaflet as part of the PayYOURway campaign to raise awareness around the different payment options which can help make life that little bit easier in winter.

It is estimated that for every one per cent rise in energy bills, an extra 40,000 households fall into fuel poverty^[1] , and over 3.5 million older people (in 2.8 million households) already live in fuel poverty in the UK^[2]. Every year, more than 30,000 older people die from preventable causes over the winter months, and additional deaths from cold weather contribute to 1 in 20 of all fatalities each year.

Research from the Payments Council shows that UK over-65s could save hundreds of pounds by

taking advantage of money management measures - including simply changing the way they pay.

The research pointed towards many over 65s being savvier than their younger counterparts about some money management measures: with 79% knowledgeable of energy efficiency grants compared with just 57% of the overall population; and 87% having loft insulation compared with 71% of the overall population. However, there were several key areas identified where older people in particular could be saving money and hassle this winter, including internet and telephone banking, clearing bills by direct debit, checking they are on the best energy tariff and reclaiming money they have overpaid to utility companies.

The video features Esther Rantzen and Mark Bowerman from the Payments Council providing their advice on how to save money and ensure you can still manage your finances when the snow and ice makes it more difficult to get to the bank. www.payyourway.org.uk/resources

See what Esther has to say here:

Elixir's Ten Best Health Buys

2011-11-20T20:14:05Z

TIMEX HEALTH TRACKER WATCH

POWER PLATETHE RUNNING MANUAL

HOMEDICS DELUXE SHIATSU MASSAGER

ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR DUO SET HOME GYM

PENTAX OUTDOOR CAMERA

KELLY HOLMES KETTLE WEIGHT GOLDS BOXERMAN TRAINER

TECHNOGYM'S SPAZIO FORMA

Hot spas amid snowy peaks in the Austrian Tyrol

2011-11-18T13:17:58Z

By Avril O'Connor

When it comes to spas Austria is in a class of its own - which is why they are so popular with their neighbours - the Germans, Swiss and Italians - and their favourite evening tipple is sparkling prosecco...so it ticks all my boxes! Outdoor pool at the Interalpen

Indoor pool at the Interalpen

Five star luxury at the Interalpen Hotel

The Interalpen is the vision of German building magnet, Dr Hans Liebherr, and inspired by US-style, luxury and service. You will want for nothing at this hotel from the moment you arrive.

Constructed so that it appears to merge into the mountainside so as to minimise its environmental impact, you do not get a peek of this five star hotel, as you ascend along the hairpin bends through breath-taking mountain landscape.

The hotel, which has 282 apartments, suits and rooms is tucked inbetween the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains at an altitude of 1,300 metres. The drive-in checkin desk Las Vegas style is a bit of a surprise but there is more to come. The bedrooms are big, the spa is big and so are the menus in all six of its restaurants.

Although this is skiing country, the guests for the most part don't come here for winter sports. The main attraction is the award-winning spa - the largest in Austria. It has a 50-metre long indoor pool, outdoor pools, a Tyrolean sauna village (where any kind of swimsuit is banned for hygiene reasons!), private sauna and steam rooms, a fitness room and relaxation rooms. My favourite was the tropical relaxation room in a glasshouse surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

As well as a huge palette of spa treatments, there is also a fully-equipped cardiology practice run by Dr Fritz Reinhardt from nearby Innsbruck who will give guests a full body MOT including ultrasound heart examination and colour duplex sonography.

We started our spa day in our bathrobe in the spa's own restaurant which is open from 8am until 6.30 in the evening.

For those who prefer golf there is the 18-hole Seefeld Wildmoos Golf Club nearby and in winter the hotel opened its own indoor golf range in 2009 - and dress code is strictly enforced ie no bathrobes!

This hotel cannot be faulted. Excellent food and service, great rooms, a spa which is big but still personal and plenty to do even if you visit alone.

Schwarz Alpine Resort

This spa hotel is for anyone who wants to stay somewhere great but completely different - but at the same time typically Austrian. A place where you really feel in Austria and where the locals also come, particularly in the evenings to enjoy the social life around the bar.

It was not so much built with vision but with passion. It started out as a farm, then become a Gasthof all owned by the same family through the generations. Until the current owner decided to turn the orchards one by one into one of the largest spas in Austria and the only one with its own cosmetic surgery clinic.

The owner, Mr Pirktl certainly stamps his own personality on his business - usually every Friday night when he joins employees for their weekly cabaret. When we saw him he was running around the stage with a broom.

The food portions here are huge - breakfast goes on forever or it could if you stayed a month to work your way through everything - every kind of fruit - even fresh pineapple strawberries and melon in the depths of winter; breads of every kind, cheeses, meats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, black sausage, white sausage - and a chef who will make omlettes, poached eggs and more.

When we arrived it was shortly before Christmas - the hotel was decked inside and out in traditional Christmas decorations. It was snowing and the nearby lake was frozen. We were greeted by a smiling waitress, in traditional dress, who handed us a glass of prosecco.

The pool area is new and beautiful, indoors and outdoors. It has a great sauna, nice spa treatments and plenty of relaxation areas - nothing better than lying in front of a fire with a book and watching the snow falling outside.

All in all a perfect place to spend a few days relaxing, have some spa treatments, swim, go for walks and enjoy the surrounding mountains. Its also a good place for people on their own -the bar is a friendly place and the locals turn up on Friday night to see Mr Pirktl and his employees perform their weekly cabaret. And even though we didn't understand a word it was hilarious.

The PostHotel Resort and Spa at Achenkirch

This is a luxury hotel created by a couple who have clearly been on lots of trips to the Far East and other places, collecting momentos from different cultures and religions - there are Buddhas and other figureheads...and lots of white linen.

The drive to the resort is breath-taking. The road runs by Lake Achen, the largest lake in the Tyrol .

The hotel's Atrium Spa is light and airy and has has 18 booths for massages, cosmetic and full body treatments. There are two rooms with floating beds for body wraps and wonderful pools. There is an oriental hamam with rasul bath and a relaxation room with divans/deck chairs, and an open fireplace.

Fitness room has all the latest technology equipment and you can add Pilates and Nordic walking to your programme.

In the summer, the massage pavilion goes outdoors and is situated on the bank of a nearby rippling mountain brook.

There are two salt water pools with waterful and integrated whirlpool - regenerative relieves the discomfort of rheumatism, cardiovascular problems and the hardening of muscles etc. And there are spring water drinking fountains throughout the entire hotel and all the taps in the hotel are supplied with the same water

The special thing about this hotel are the Lipizanner horses, which are bred there, and which you can visit and ride. It also has a little farm, for children, with rabbits, kid goats, pot-bellied pigs, American miniature horses and mini ponies.

Fact Box

Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol Dr Hans Liebherr-Alpenstrasse 1, A6410 Teifs-Bucken, Austria T: +43 (0) 50809 - 30 F: +43 (0) 50809 - 37190 E: reservations@interalpen.com www.interalpen.com

Schwarz Alpine Resort www.privatklinik.schwarz.at office@privatklinik.schwarz.at T: + 43 (0) 52 64 52 13 Posthotel Achenkirch www.posthotel.at posthotel@posthotel.at T: + 43 (0) 5246 6522 Interalpen- Hotel Tyrol www.interalpen.com reservations@interalpen.com T: + 43 (0) 50809-30

Posthotel Resort and Spa, A-6215 Achenkirch, Tyrol T: + 43 (0) 5246 - 6271 F: + 43 (0) 5246 - 6522-468 E: Posthotel@posthotel.at www.posthotel.at

British Airways to Innsbruck.

What are the top reads this Xmas - find out from the experts?

2011-11-15T10:36:09Z

There's nothing better on Boxing Day than opening the pages of a fresh book, lovingly given to you by someone for Christmas. But for those of us planning to give the perfect gift of a book to someone else this year, the choice of what to pick can be overwhelming.

To make the selection process a little easier, Foster Grant, the reading specs experts, have enlisted the help of Jonathan Ruppin and Katie Fforde (pictured), President of the Romantic Novelists Association to help them come up with the ultimate Christmas book list.

From Jeremy Paxman's Empire, to The Thread by Victoria Hislop, Foster Grant have covered off the best books for him, her, the kids and those hard to impress friends and family members. Find out in a TV webcast today at 13.30.

Click here to listen to the show and/or post your questions in advance.

Could you save a life by becoming a bone marrow donor?

2011-11-09T13:32:15Z

College student Amit Gupta has just under 28 days left to find a suitable bone marrow donor to combat the Leukemia threatening his life by getting people to get a cheek swab to test for compatibility at http://amitguptaneedsyou.com/

Because South Asians (Indians , Pakistanis, Nepali etc.) are so sparsely represented in the donor pool a unique all-out drive has begun to beat the clock and the disease.

"Leukemia is a word no one wants to hear. It is a type of cancer that starts inside your bone marrow. Amit Gupta has it, and his survival is 30% to 35%. A bone marrow match would double his survival. people are severely under reported in the donor pool including other minorities. finding a perfect match are about one in 20,000. Amit has been using social media to get the word out and reach potential donors. " Dr. Sanjay Gupta from CNN, USA. http://on.cnn.com/sELFzT

The nature of Acute Leukemia is it's swift and often unheralded, undiagnosed onset. Amit had been feeling worn out and was losing weight, and wasn't sure why. After an exam and some lab work his doctor called and was brief, "Amit, you've got Acute Leukemia. You need to enter treatment right away." Within hours he was hospitalized and the race had begun.

"I have a couple more months of chemo to go, then the next step is a bone marrow transplant. South Asians are severely under-represented in the bone marrow pool, and I need help," Amit said.

Unlike blood transfusions, finding a genetic match for bone marrow that his body will accept is no easy task. The national bone marrow registry has 9.5 million records on file, yet the chances of someone from South Asian descent of finding a match are only 1 in 20,000.

Amit started the photo websites Photojojo and Jelly. Both sites have galvanized into action with "Swab for Amit" gatherings, making calls to South Asian clubs and putting out the word all over the Internet.

A few ways to help:

If you're South Asian, get a free test by mail. You rub your cheeks with a cotton swab and mail it back. It's easy.
Anyone who is South Asian (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, or Sri Lanka), please point them to http://amitguptaneedsyou.com/

Students have organized a donor drive by contacting 100kcheeks@gmail.com. They sent kits, flyers, information and made the whole process easy. From NYC to San Francisco from the UK to India strangers are participating to help find a donor and save Amit's life and eventually help others.

1 in 4 middleclass pensioners will work past 70

2011-10-31T12:38:56Z

Nearly a quarter of middle class workers aged over 50 delaying retirement until they are at least seventy, according to new research from wealth managers Heartwood.

The research further reveals that:

· Almost two thirds expect to enter semi-retirement

· Four in ten (41%) are planning to remain in work for an average of five years longer than they had originally planned.

· Yet only 31% of retired people said they had been semi-retired and on average they were in semi-retirement for less than two years prior to leaving work for good.

· 33% of higher-earning semi-retirees said they couldn't afford to while 18% blamed the higher cost of living

· 20% said they needed to keep working in order to support their children and 18% cited the fall in the value of their pension

The new study by Heartwood¹ suggests that semi-retirement among wealthier people is becoming an increasingly necessary and complex life stage, with nearly a quarter (24%) of middle class workers aged over 50 delaying retirement until they are at least seventy. Almost two thirds (63%) expect to enter semi-retirement and four in ten (41%) are planning to remain in work for an average of five years longer than they had originally planned. This is a growing trend, as in contrast only 31% of retired people said they had been semi-retired and on average they were in semi-retirement for less than two years prior to leaving work for good.

It is expected that this movement will continue over the coming years, enhanced by the announcement this week that the default retirement age in the UK has now been fully abolished, making it easier for people to put off full retirement for longer.

For the majority, this is not driven by a love of their job but by concerns of their ability to fund their retirement. When asked why they were delaying full retirement, a third (33%) of higher-earning semi-retirees said they couldn't afford to while 18% blamed the higher cost of living. One in five (20%) said they needed to keep working in order to support their children and 18% cited the fall in the value of their pension.

Simon Lough, Chief Executive of Heartwood comments: "Longer periods of semi-retirement are increasingly becoming the norm amongst even wealthier people in their fifties and sixties. In many cases they are being faced with greater demands being placed on their pension pots, rises in the cost of living and unexpected financial commitments such as supporting their children for longer than they originally anticipated.

"Even compared to a year ago the number of semi-retired people has grown by 43% and we would expect this trend to continue as economic pressures force people into having to generate additional income for longer, making it more important than ever to start planning as early as possible."

Heartwood offers retirement planning services, usually in parallel with investment management. These services cover the entirety of retirement planning and management from initial review and plan construction, through retirement and into 'drawdown'². Heartwood can provide advice on a range of pension scheme arrangements including SIPPs, SSASs, stakeholder and employer schemes, although the primary focus is on SIPP and SSAS arrangements.

For further information on Heartwood, visit www.heartwoodgroup.co.uk.

¹The figures quoted in this release are based on an independent survey conducted by ICM. A total of 830 adults aged 50 and over were interviewed.

² Drawdown is a form of pension arrangement that allows you to take your maximum tax free cash at the outset and defer your annuity purchase.

Heartwood provides integrated investment, tax and retirement planning solutions for ultra high net worth and high net worth individuals from its offices in London and the South East. Heartwood now manages and administers over £1.3 bn of funds for clients.

Grape anti-ageing in Bordeaux - comic Dom Jolly reveals all

2011-10-24T13:43:12Z

Famous for its fine red wine, packed with anti-ageing resveratrol, Bordeaux is one of the world's best known wine travel destinations. But you may surprised to learn that the region has more than just wine tours on offer for the huge number of tourists it attracts annually.

While it's true that Bordeaux is blessed with perfect grape growing conditions resulting in vineyards overflowing with not just red, but white and rose wines; this coastal city has become more than just a hub for wine connoisseurs and wine lovers alike. The miles of incredible coastline on the west coast provide plenty of opportunities for long strolls along sandy beaches, while the oldest streets of Bordeaux are rich in architecture and have excellent shopping for market lovers.

After experiencing this beautiful city first hand, comedian Dom Jolly for one would agree that Bordeaux has plenty to offer travellerslooking for a wonderful French experience with a difference.

Log onto our l WebTV show, where Dom will reveal manyof the hidden gems he uncovered while discovering the French wine capital and you will be able to see for the first time footage from his trip.

Celebrity tips for starry eyed makeup in minutes

2011-10-05T11:54:51Z

Celebrity makeup artist Caroline Frazer shares her top tips for looking great in just five minutes!

Whether you are a yummy mummy or a boardroom babe, everyone's pushed for time in the morning. If it isn't preparing the kids for school or choosing what clothes to wear to work, there are emails to check and bank statements to scrutinise.

New research conducted by Diamond shows that many women don't have enough time to do their make-up before they leave the house; worryingly some of them even do it in the car. But even if you have a hectic lifestyle and you don't have the luxury of a professional make-up artist on hand here are some top tips for looking great in just five minutes.

Watch our video with Caroline Frazer, make-up artist to stars such as Lisa Snowdon, Carol Vorderman and Mel C, where she gives her top tips to transform you from tired barefaced woman to a Dewy Diamond Diva in five minutes:

For more information visit www.diamond.co.uk

Style advice for the over 50s from TV's Brix Smith-Start

2011-10-05T09:54:17Z

London: TV stylist Brix Smitih-Start looks at fashion style for the autumn/winter fashion season.

She frequently trumps Gok Wan in the battle of the stylists on Gok's Fashion Fix, now Brix Smith-Start is sharing her expert fashion advice for fifty plus ladies.

It's all about body confidence and whatever your size or shape, there are clever styling tricks that can help you hide your problem areas and enhance the best bits, whilst making sure you stay comfortable and on-trend.

If you're one of the 60% of women who worry you'll look fat in photos, Brix is on hand to offer you some words of advice. The research, carried out by online retailer isme.com also revealed that almost three in four women want to hide their midriff, a third hate their bums, and two in five don't like having their arms on display.

In this video, the stylist and TV presenter looks at some of the key trends for the Autumn/Winter season and shows you how they can help you look and feel your best, whatever your age, size or shape.

The clothes featured are from the Savoir at isme collection, created by experts who truly understand the shape, size and style of today's modern fifty plus woman. Created on a revolutionary clothing block each garment is designed to fit and flatter an older figure.

For more information visit www.isme.com

Athlete Kriss Akabusi motivates coach potatoes

2011-10-05T07:08:58Z

Many of us often worry whether we are as healthy as we should be, but how many of us actually do anything to find out whether we are, or in fact, even know how to go about checking?

From cholesterol tests, blood pressure monitoring, diabetes checks and even just following a healthy diet and exercise plan, trying to get and stay healthy can seem overwhelming, not to mention time consuming, especially for those of us who lead busy lifestyles and find it hard to fit in the day to day pressures as it is.

In reality, finding out what you need to be monitoring and improving when it comes to your health doesn't need to be hard; it's all a matter of getting the right advice and making a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Athlete Kriss Akabusi pictured above

One man who knows all about the benefits of health and fitness is Kriss Akabusi, and he's encouraging everyone, from those of us who might classify ourselves as couch potatoes, to even those who already engage in a healthy lifestyle to make sure they're fully informed about the state of their health.Kriss is backing health progamme, All About Health, that provides detailed information and advice on what you should be monitoring and how you can receive further support from your local pharmacy.

Log on to our live Web TV show which takes place tomorrow (6 October at 14.30 GMT) by clicking on the link below . Ask questions and Kriss will give you tips on how to stay fit and healthy with minimum fuss, while All About Health pharmacist, Ajit Malhi, will outline how your local pharmacy can help you assess your health

Kriss Akabusi and All About Health pharmacist, Ajit Malhi join us live online at www.studiotalk.tv/show/kriss-akabusi-on-how-to-go-from-a-couch-potato-to-a-picture-of-health on Thursday 6^th October at 2.30pm

Click here to submit questions before the show www.studiotalk.tv/show/kriss-akabusi-on-how-to-go-from-a-couch-potato-to-a-picture-of-health

Website: www.allabouthealth.org.uk

Scientists replicate human tears in new eye formula

2011-09-29T12:06:35Z

Dry or gritty-feeling eyes blight the lives of millions of people. There are many causes including age, drugs, medical conditions, pollution and the environment. And as actressccc explains it can be down to bad habits such as leaving our makeup on when we go to bed.

However, a ground-breaking eye drop formula has now been scientifically proven to help tackle the problem. The secret of the new formula from Japan's Rohto is a combination of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the human body which is responsible for keeping skin young and plump and lubricating joints, and polysaccharides in the tamarind plant.

Rohto® Dry Eye Relief is described as a natural bi-polymer which is trademarked as HydraMed and which has been shown in clinical trials to rapidly relieve dry, gritty eye sensations. In addition it has been proven to improve the condition of the tear film and ocular surface, so that eyes feel far more comfortable within just a month of regular use.

Dry and gritty-feeling eyes are a major and growing healthcare problem and the condition is thought to affect up to 30% of the population at some time.

Modern lifestyles and an aging population are largely responsible for the increase in dry eye symptoms. The contraceptive pill, underlying illnesses and health conditions as well as some medication can also trigger dry eyes. In healthy eyes, tears help create lubricating and cleaning film over the eye, and dry eyes occur when this film is inadequate in terms of quantity or composition when there is not enough fluid to adequately create this film. The goal when relieving the symptoms is to rehydrate the surface of the eye and recreate the tear film. A range of treatments are available but all too often these do not possess the ideal properties to address the symptoms and causes of dry eyes. Some products are too viscous (blurry and sticky) and others are too watery (don't stay on the eye for long).

Rohto® Dry Eye Relief contains a unique biopolymer combination of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP). Both agents improve the stability of the tear film and reduce the symptoms associated with dry eye. However, when combined together, evidence shows that they act synergistically with greater water absorption than either ingredient alone. This maximises the all-important retention on the eye's surface and gives excellent lubrication. These qualities enable the normalisation of the eye's conjunctival mucus and the restoration of the stability of the tear film, bringing relief for dry eye symptoms.

Now a series of in-depth clinical trials and laboratory tests have shown just how effective Rohto® can be. In the first study , Rohto® was compared to an alternative tear substitute product. A total of 20 dry eye patients took either Rohto® Dry Eye Relief or the other product for 28 days. Analysis showed that volunteers treated with Rohto® had significantly more recovery from eye damage caused by dry eye.

In the second study , a randomised double-blind controlled trial, Rohto® Dry Eye Relief was compared with Optive® eye solution, an over-the-counter artificial tear product. A total of 48 male and female dry eye sufferers aged 24 to 82 in Italy took part in the three month study. One group used Rohto® and the other used Optive® over the 12 weeks, with both products used four times a day.

Of the Rohto® users, 78.3% had an improved ocular surface disease index - a gauge for eye surface damage - compared to 44% of the Optive® users. Furthermore, 95.7% of the Rohto® group reported that their symptoms had improved or disappeared altogether, compared to 80% of the Optive® patients. The results demonstrate that patients with moderate dry eye can be safely and effectively treated with Rohto® Dry Eye Relief monodose. The results also suggest that Rohto® is a tear substitute that is more effective than other dry eye relief products (Optive®) in improving the signs and symptoms of mild to moderate dry eye.

In the third study , Rohto® Dry Eye Relief was compared to hyaluronic acid based eye drops. A total of 22 people took part in the double blind trial over a 60-day period - half were given Rohto® and the other half HA-based eye drops. Rohto® was found to improve the condition of the eye surface by 56.5% overall, compared to just 8.7% for those using HA eye drops alone. It was up to five times more effective in treating damage than using HA alone.

Patients using Rohto® had significantly increased tear break-up time - an important marker of how stable the tear film is - rising from 4.1 seconds at the beginning of the treatment period to 6.2 seconds after a month of use. Eye comfort was also improved significantly, with symptoms of stinging and grittiness being reduced. After 60 days of Rohto® treatment, symptoms improved by 35% compared to 7.7% for those using HA eye drops alone. Damage to the eye in dry eye sufferers was reduced by 33.3% in the Rohto® group, compared to just a 5.3% improvement in the HA group.

In addition to the above studies, a fourth and final review was undertaken. A total of 38 dry eye patients in nine optician practices in the UK used Rohto® Dry Eye Relief drops for up to four weeks. Symptoms of dryness, grittiness, itchiness and redness improved significantly following use of Rohto®, with average symptom frequency falling by as much as five times. Results also showed that soft contact lens wearers found greater comfort throughout the day following use of the preservative-free daily dose of Rohto® Dry Eye Relief.

Dry eye scientist, Dr Christine Purslow, says: "The problem of dry eyes is a growing one in the UK, down to a number of lifestyle and healthcare factors, not least because as a nation we are getting older. This means the proportion of people suffering age-related conditions - including dry eye - is increasing. However, there are also many other factors that can trigger the condition in younger people as well. Dry eye can be very unpleasant for sufferers, badly affecting work, family and social lives."

"Dry eyes mean that the normal tear film production and lubricating of the eye is not functioning adequately, sometimes leading to intense discomfort and disturbed vision. The key goal for makers of dry eye treatments is to come up with drops that simulate as closely as possible the composition and effectiveness of the real tear film. This means that eye drops not only stay for as long as possible on the eye, but also have the right properties to allow proper mimicking of the natural tears during blinking to avoid blurred vision."

"Rohto® Dry Eye Relief works in exactly this way and is an important step forward in the treatment of dry and gritty eyes. It has been scientifically shown to provide fast and effective relief. Because of Rohto Dry Eye Relief's special formulation, it can last for a long time on the eye so greatly reducing the number of applications needed throughout the day to maintain comfort. Getting patients to comply with treatment is crucial; Rohto Dry Eye Relief has easy to use and re-sealable daily-dose vials that you can carry around, making re-application two or three times a day conveniently simple. Rohto Dry Eye Relief is a significant development for anyone who suffers from dry eyes."

More detail on Rohto® Dry Eye Relief
Rohto® Dry Eye Relief is a unique and novel addition in the fight against dry eyes. Its key component, HydraMed, is an advanced patented formulation of two active ingredients - Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which helps restore and retain hydration, and Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP), which helps repair the surface of the eye. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polymer normally found within the human eye. It has incredible water attracting properties and can draw 3,000 times its own weight in water. This greatly reduces evaporation - and hence fluid loss from the eye. HA mimics the natural tear film in the eye, which is crucial for good eye health. The other key ingredient - Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) - is a naturally occurring muco-adhesive polymer that produces a visco-elastic solution and has a chemical structure similar to important proteins called mucins on the eye's surface.

Rohto® Dry Eye Relief is unique because its key ingredients work together synergistically to provide an effect far greater than the sum of its two parts. The HydraMed formulation mimics the behaviour of natural human tears, becoming less viscous and sticky during a blink and more viscous between blinks - this allows easy blinking without stickiness. HydraMed's excellent fluid - retaining properties mean that water loss from the tear film is minimised, so the formula stays on the eye for longer.

How tears work
Tears are secreted by special glands located around the eye. Tear fluid contains:
• water to provide moisture
• oils for lubrication
• mucus to facilitate even spreading of the tears across the surface of the eye
• antibodies and proteins for resistance to infection
• nutritional elements for the ocular surface

A moist, healthy eye surface is essential for normal vision. A sufficient quantity and quality of tears, as well as regular blinking, are among the requirements for a healthy eye surface. The production and drainage of tears is a continuous biological process. The tears drain down small openings near the inside corner of the eye and flow down into a channel called the tear duct into the nose.

The tear film is made up of three layers:
• The main middle watery layer. The watery fluid comes from the lachrimal gland just above the eye, near the eyebrow. Fluid drains into the upper part of the eyes. When you blink, the eyelid spreads the tears over the eye's surface.

• The thin outer lipid (oily) layer. Tiny glands in the eyelids (meibomian glands) make a small amount of oily liquid, which forms the outer layer of the tear film. This layer helps to keep the tear film smooth and to reduce evaporation.

• The thin inner mucus layer. Cells of the conjunctiva at the front of the eye and inner part of the eyelids make a small amount of mucus. This allows the watery fluid to spread evenly over the surface of the eye.

Actresss Laura Tebbutt tells her story:

"I am an actress and hence busy juggling different jobs so that I can act. Like so many people and indeed my friends I've always been guilty of forgetting to replace my eye make-up, and I also tend not to take off my eye-make up at night. I just need my shut eye after a night out or finishing work late.My eyes have started to become unbearably itchy, sore and dry. I have been in and out of rehearsals; reading scripts etc and I thought this had caused my eyes to be dry. As a result, I have been fortunate enough to act as one of Rohto's case study trialists. I have been diagnosed as having dry eyes and I have to say I know nothing about this condition, well I didn't until I found out I had it. I have been using Rohto Dry Eye Relief for a month now and I have noticed a real difference with my eyes. My eyes feel so relieved and refreshed. The sore, gritty feeling has gone."

For more details please visit www.rohto.co.uk