Yours magazine issue 255

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8-page action plan

Stay Sta y well this

autumn

➥ Fight colds & flu ➥ Lift your mood ➥ Boost energy THE CHASE What The Governess thinks of Bradley Walsh

cold Feet’s Fay ripley WI N

The best beauty b u worth ys

£225

‘My family won’t watch me on TV’

sept 27oct 10, 2016 £1.55

Fast food

Tasty recipes from your freezer

my w o ‘H : n o D y t n o M dogs saved me’ SAVE £££s on last-minute holidays

‘Dogs have been my lifeline’ As garden guru Monty Don releases a new book devoted to man’s best friend, he tells how he and his beloved dog Nigel have helped each other through hard times

By Katharine Wootton

I Faithful companion: Nigel out and about with Monty in his Longmeadow garden

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t’s a tough job being the heartthrob of Gardener’s World, spending your days posturing in front of the camera and opening heavy postbags of adoring fan mail.

No, we’re not talking about presenter Monty Don, but his superstar canine companion, Nigel. Ever since this lolloping, loveable Golden Retriever first bounded onto the show a few years ago, Nigel has stolen every single shot he’s been in, as well as of course the hearts of the entire nation. But this particular pup belongs well and truly to the heart of one man, Monty Don, who’s love for his charming, ever-caring dog –

in spite of his rather serious addiction to yellow tennis balls – is such that he’s now written a book dedicated to him, and the other dogs with whom he’s shared his life.

From his childhood dogs, Maada, Sam and Bengy the Beagle, through four-legged friend Gretel who saw him through his Cambridge days, to Nigel, and latest member of the family, Nellie, the new book Nigel: My Family and Other Dogs is a real love letter to what dogs give and teach us all. “Dogs live in the present, they have no rank or grudges or even guilt,” says Monty. “And they respond directly to us, so if you’re nice to them, they’ll be nice back. I feel emotionally so completely bound to them.

tv chat

“Looking at Nigel now sat at my feet I realise he’s this big, wild animal lying in my house and I always find that extraordinary. There’s complete mutual trust.”

And over the years they’ve been together, Monty and Nigel have learned all too well the extraordinary power this affection between man and dog can have. Not least on one fateful day in 2012 when Monty suddenly heard a scream from the garden. “It was a really loud scream and I thought one of the gardeners had had a bad accident. So I jumped up and ran out into the garden and finally found the scream had not been human. It was from Nigel, who was lying on the ground, trembling, paralysed where he landed.”

As Nigel jumped up to catch a tennis ball – an action he loved to do every day – a disc had exploded in his back, partially severing his spinal cord. As Monty sat stroking Nigel’s head, he frantically called the vet who took him in and

said one of Nigel’s legs was so badly damaged, he would have to amputate or even put Nigel down.

Adamant that he would do everything he could for his beloved companion, Monty desperately rang a vet friend who put him in touch with the pioneering Noel Fitzpatrick, who later became known to us as The

‘Dogs live in the present, they have no rank, or grudges or even guilt’ Supervet. After a course of hydrotherapy and six weeks’ rest back home, Nigel made a miraculous recovery. At last the Don family could breathe a sigh of relief.

But devotion, as all good dogs know, goes both ways.

And Nigel has been a lifeline to Monty in his times of need, most often during his on-going battle with depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder. “If you have a dog you have to go for walks. And for many people

is brilliant at lying exactly where he’s going to look best, like a model.”

These days, though, it’s not just Nigel Monty has to compete with for air time.

His newest addition to the family, cute little Nellie, has attracted a wave of affection since she impishly scurried onto our screens this year.

Nellie, however, doesn’t take her role as a TV star quite as seriously as Nigel. “When Nigel comes out with me in a morning, he basically goes to work and won’t miss a second of filming. Whereas if Nellie’s not actively being told to do something – she loves carrying baskets and tools for us – she’ll wander off. Nigel is passive and lets you put anything on him, while Nellie is much cleverer and less patient and likes to do her own thing.

“She’s also a thief. The other week we were doing a photo shoot and made a big bowl of pesto, which we shot.

We then put it to one side and went away and when I came back the bowl was completely clean. I looked at the dogs who seemed quite innocent but then Nellie bounded over and breathed on me and there was this wonderful garlic smell. Turns out she’d eaten the lot. That’s very typical of Nellie.”

What a wonderful little telly trio they make.

n Nigel: My Family and Other Dogs is out now, rrp £13. We have two copies of Monty’s book to give away. Send a postcard marked Nigel: My Family and Other Dogs to PO Box 57, Coates, PE7 2FF by October 14. If you don’t wish to receive further information from Yours, write No Further Contact on your card.

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PICS: MARSHA ARNOLD

Devoted to each other: Monty with his beloved dog Nigel and below with Nigel and the newest addition to the household, Nellie

who are depressed, very little is better than just going for a walk, getting some fresh air, some light and some movement. You may not feel better but it does you good physiologically and physically. Also, one of the less attractive elements to depression – and God knows there are enough unattractive elements to it – is that you become utterly self-centred. The world begins and ends with your own misery.

But with a dog you have to think about someone else. The beauty of dogs is they return that affection, too, and that’s very healing.”

The experiences these two have been through together has undoubtedly made their friendship more precious than ever and now Monty is rarely seen, both on and off screen, without his faithful little shadow trailing in his footsteps. But in the shadows Nigel rarely stays when it comes to filming, as he more often than not hogs the limelight, leaving Monty almost surplus to requirements. “More than any other dog I’ve had, Nigel has this passive charisma which sucks people in.

He just manages to draw the eye, the attention and emotion, without actually doing anything. He has that uncanny star appeal and

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Can

antibiotics

cure a cold?

Doctors prescribe 59 per cent more antibiotics in the winter than in the summer – but should we really be taking them for coughs and colds?

You’ve got a cold and have been feeling rotten for over a week.

You’ve tried over-the-counter remedies and nothing seems to be shifting it, so you wonder if there is something stronger out there that could help?

One in four of us heads to the doctor when we have a cold and as many as half of those patients leave with a prescription for antibiotics hoping that they’ll knock their cold symptoms on the head.

But the truth is that colds are caused by viruses and there isn’t an antibiotic available to treat them. Antibiotics are only effective in treating infections caused by a bacteria which rules out most coughs, flus, colds, sore throats, upper respiratory tract and ear infections.

DID YOU KNOW? Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them won’t help you get better any faster and could be putting your future health at risk 36

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Antibiotic resistance “Bacteria are evolving and developing resistance to the antibiotics we have available,” says Yours doctor Trisha Macnair. “So these precious medicines, which no doubt have saved millions of lives, are becoming increasingly useless.” In the UK at least 5,000 people a year die from antibiotic-resistant infections and that number is set to rise. It’s estimated that 10 million people could die globally every year by 2050 if antibiotic resistance continues at its current rate.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria or ‘superbugs’ as they’re often called, are causing havoc in hospitals where there are few effective antibiotics left to work against them. “Without action, doctors will lose their ability to treat infections and routine operations could become deadly in just 20 years,” says pharmacist Deborah Evans.

“The more we use antibiotics the less effective they become,” says Deborah.

We need to avoid using them for viral infections which they won’t treat and use them properly when we really need them. “If you are prescribed an antibiotic for an infection it’s crucial that you

The more we use antibiotics the less effective they become,” says Deborah. We need to avoid using them for viral infections which they won’t treat and use them properly when we really need them finish the whole course of tablets,” says Dr Trisha. “Failing to do so can help the bacteria become more resistant to that drug.”

Scientists are researching new antibiotics but this takes time and a lot of money - in the meantime we can all play a part by using antibiotics correctly and not putting pressure on our GPs to prescribe them.

PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE Keep healthy with a good diet and regular exercise, stay away from others with nasty coughs and colds and use good basic hygiene with hand washing and alcohol rubs to reduce your risk of catching a bug.

“Flu vaccinations help protect us all – if you’re not entitled to one on the NHS (65 and over or with an underlying health condition), pay for one at a pharmacy (around £8-£13),” says Dr Trisha. “After 65, immunity generally gets weaker so it’s even more important to get vaccinated against flu. The Pneumococcus PPV vaccine (to reduce the risk of pneumonia) is also available on the NHS for anyone over the age of 65.”

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of us believe that antibiotics cure coughs and colds WHEN TO SEE YOUR GP “Colds, most coughs, sinusitis and ear infections can be miserable, but your body can fight them on its own,” says Deborah.

“Treat your symptoms using simple pain relief and cough and cold remedies, rest and stay hydrated. Most people will feel ill for a week with a cold, but be sensible. If you feel really unwell then do see your GP. If you’re just a bit under the weather you may want to give it more time to settle.”

Many people think that green mucus from their nose or throat is a sure sign of a bacterial infection that needs their GP’s attention. “But this isn’t necessarily true,” says Dr Trisha.

Your GP will look for a group of symptoms that point to a bacterial infection before prescribing antibiotics. These include a high temperature above 38°C (although this can be caused by a virus and can be a sign that your body is fighting back), weakness, aching muscles, coughing up yellowish, green or blood-stained mucus from your lungs and changes in breath sounds. “Even then it can be hard to tell a viral infection from the bacterial one so it’s often a case of wait and see,” says Dr Trisha.

HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT ?

Many winter heal th problems get better by them selves and you just need to wa it it out.

Here’s how long yo u can expect your symptoms to last

n Ear infection – 4 days n Sore throat – 7 da ys n Common cold – 10 days n Flu – 14 days n Nasal congestio n and sinusitis around 18 days n A cough – up to 21 days

ANTIBIOTICS AND GUT BACTERIA “The friendly bacteria in your gut are incredibly important to your health and immunity,” says Dr Trisha. “Taking antibiotics, especially if you don’t really need them, could have a disastrous effect on your good bacteria, making you more vulnerable to other infections and even giving you irritable bowel type symptoms.”

After taking antibiotics, take a probiotic to top up your good bacteria. “I suggest taking a prebiotic too which helps to feed the good bacteria already in your gut to keep them healthy,” says Trisha.

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Age-defying

beauty

stars 1 We all want to spend our

beauty budget wisely, but

es ey e r k fo a st w Be ide-a w

Bourjois Volume Reveal, £9.99/7.5ml If you want thicker, longer and clump-free lashes (and who doesn’t) then this mascara is a great buy. It has a handy built-in mirror and comes in a waterproof version, too.

choosing from the vast

array of products can feel

a little overwhelming, says Beauty Editor Michelle

Nightingale. We’ve tested

all the latest products and picked 15 of the very best – the ones we know are worth every penny. Plus, turn the

s -ta lti

u t m er s B e u sh bl

page to find out how you can win the lot!

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g k in

2

Mac Cream Colour Base in Vintage Rose, £17/3.2g Universally flattering and works just as well on lips as it does on cheeks.

Apply cream blusher using your fingertips to the apples of your cheeks, blending it in well

er ck pow i t ps ng t li tayi s Be ith s w

3

best buys

No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick, £9.95

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler CC Cream SPF 15, £26/50ml

g r t fotenin s Be igh br

Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go, £16/60 pads Infused with the cult classic Pixi Glow Tonic formula for gentle fuss-free exfoliation.

for n st atio e B dr hy

No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil, £23/30ml With rosehip seed and jojoba oil and Vitamins C and E, this facial oil is an anti-ageing powerhouse.

for st ing e B im pr

7

6

y ut ea b for st e go e B th on

Yes to Coconut Cleansing Wipes, £3.99/25 wipes If you must use face wipes make them biodegradable like these – they’re nicely hydrating too.

Offering skincare and lightweight coverage in one, this CC cream contains hyaluronic acid to tackle wrinkles as well as supporting your skin’s own production of this must-have anti-ageing ingredient.

It cleverly blurs imperfections too, so makes a great primer under your make-up.

5

8

i for sk st ing e B ow gl

n

Avon Anew Clinical Hydra Recovery Overnight Mask, £25/50ml If you find your skin looks jaded rather than refreshed in the morning, this product could be the solution. Apply over your usual night cream a few times a week and it promises to hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines, for skin that glows.

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PICS: MASTERFILE

4

As lipsticks go, this is a winner. It’s long-lasting – a good few hours – and doesn’t feel drying on the lips. We love the highly pigmented shades – try Rose Kiss for a classic daytime look, or Hot Copper for a really stand out red-toned coral.

The new

denim

Keep it casual Jacket, £49.50, 8-24, Classic at M&S | Tunic dress, £34, 8-22, Next | Brown flat boots, £85, 3-9, Hotter | Metallic heels, £30, 3-8, Next | Yellow bag, £44, Next

If you think denim’s scruffy, take another look, says Fashion Editor Michelle Nightingale. Dressed up or down – this hardworking, comfy wardrobe staple is here to stay…

Grey knit, £45, 8-20, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams | Jeans, £16, 6-22, F&F at Tesco | Check scarf, £18, JD Williams| Boots, £20, 3-8, George at Asda

Mustard yellow looks gorgeous teamed with denim

n £29, Accessorize

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n £12, xs-xl, Bonmarché

n £14, M&Co

fabulous fashion n £25, 4-11, Evans

n £22, 8-22, M&Co

n £26, 8-22, BonmarchŽ

Stay smart

Up the fashion factor by teaming your denim with prints Stockists: Accessorize 0203 372 3053; Bonmarché 0330 026 2728; Evans 0344 984 0262; F&F at Tesco 0800 323 4070; George at Asda 0800 952 3003; Hotter 0800 083 8490; J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams 0344 800 8877; JD Williams 0871 231 2000; Laura Ashley 0333 200 8009; M&Co 0800 031 7200; M&S 0333 014 8000; Next 0333 777 8000; Tu at Sainsbury’s 0800 028 6658; Very.co.uk 0844 822 2321; WatchShop.com 0800 024 8794

Shirt, £12, 8-22, George at Asda | Skirt, £85, 8-20, Laura Ashley | Tights, £8, s-xl, M&S | Boots, £48, 4-9, JD Williams | Bag, £45, Laura Ashley YOURS n EVERY FORTNIGHT

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PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST DANIELLE ELMES-HUGHES; HAIR AND MAKE-UP SARAH JANE GREEN

Coat, £140, 8-22, Laura Ashley | Top, £20, 6-22, Next | Jeans, £25, 8-22, M&S | Flat shoes, £39.50, 3-8, M&S | Navy ankle boots, £40, 3-8, V by Very.co.uk | Bag, £25, V by Very.co.uk

From barking to chewing up your slippers, have you ever wondered what your pooch is saying? Lizzy Dening investigates what their behaviour means…

P

eople and dogs have shared affection, houses and even meals for thousands of years and our faithful hounds end up feeling like part of the family. But while we might like to think we understand every ear prick and paw scrape our pet pooches make, they may be giving off subtle signals that we’re unable to understand.

“Dogs are great communicators, but we don’t always learn what they are saying,” says Karen Wild, a

CAN YOU

speak dog?

MEET OUR EXPERT Karen Wild is a certified clinical animal behaviourist and author of Being a Dog, £14.99. Visit www. karenwild.co.uk

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certified clinical animal behaviourist and author. “Misunderstanding their movements, the noises they make and the things they are scared of can lead to problems for many dog owners.”

‘Digging up the garden is natural doggy behaviour, but if it’s done to excess it could mean that your pooch is frustrated’ Pulling on the lead, growling and chewing furniture can prove greatly frustrating for owners but, by changing your mind-set, it’s easy to see where these behaviours stem from. “By getting to know how they see the world, we help them to cope and learn new skills,” says Karen. Here are some of the most common problems, and what they mean.

Pulling on the lead

Lunging on the lead means your dog might be feeling frustrated, uncomfortable, or simply that he’s smelt something worth investigating.

GOOD to KNOW

Chewing the furniture “Chewing is something all dogs love to do, especially puppies,” says Karen.

“Does your dog have enough to do during the day? Is he left alone a lot? Give him safe dog toys to chew and more activity. If you’re training a puppy and it bites you, never punish it. It’s our job to teach them what to do instead – gently remove him from your clothing, for example, and teach him if he wants to nibble, he has a chew for this. If he wants to play, there are toys. If he wants attention, he can come and sit with you.”

slowly towards the house, and give your dog a treat each time they move closer to the door, as long as he remains calm and quiet.

Digging up the garden Growling at people or other dogs “Growling is a useful sound, and shows you that your dog needs your help,” says Karen. “It probably means he’s scared of a person or dog and needs his confidence building. It’s probably worth seeking a qualified professional’s help, an animal behaviourist or a dog training school.”

Barking too much If your dog barks when someone comes to the door, it’s probably his way of warning you that someone’s in your territory, so telling him off will only confuse him as he thinks he’s doing a useful job.

You can desensitise him by rewarding him with treats when he behaves calmly around other people or dogs. For example, ask a friend to walk

This is natural doggy behaviour, but if it’s done to excess it could mean that your pooch is frustrated or bored. Make sure to give him lots of fuss, walks and toys to play with. The Humane Society suggests creating a digging area in your garden – if you can spare the space – to allow your dog all the fun of burying his favourite toys, without ruining your lawn. Hide his toys in there, praise him, and redirect him to the digging area whenever you catch him digging elsewhere.

Jumping up at people “Dogs are naturally sociable,” says Karen, “and they like to greet us by investigating our faces (and other, more embarrassing bits of our anatomy!) Teach your dog to sit in order to greet people – if he wants to say hello, he has to sit or he gets no greeting.

Make sure visitors to your home know this rule, too.”

PICS: SHUTTERSTOCK

It’s not to be encouraged, because you should feel in control of your dog, and the route you take, whenever you walk together.

To curb this, stop the walk every time he pulls, and make him come back and wait with you. It will make for some frustratingly slow outings, but he’ll soon get the message!

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take a trip

Holidays for...

autumn colour

Seek out leaves of red, gold and russet, whether at home or abroad

By Lizzy Dening

AT HOME Explore with the National Trust These properties are home to a range of gorgeous walks, perfect for kicking up the leaves. Some highlights: n King Alfred’s Tower walk, Stourhead, Wiltshire A five-mile route through woodlands to the 160ft tower, which is believed to mark the site where King Alfred the Great rallied his troops in 878.

Take in the views across the lake, and the seasonal shades of red, rust and yellow, and look for the sleeping nymph statue. The tower itself is only open at weekends in October. n Brownsea Island, Dorset Fan of all things red?

Head to Brownsea, where not only are the sweet chestnuts and scarlet oaks colourful, but there’s a population of migrant redstarts and red squirrels

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Night lights

National Trust properties have wonderful walks to enjoy

to photograph, if you can spot them! Added to the coastal views, this is a truly memorable day out. n Ancient trees walk, Dunham Massey, Cheshire Visit some of the country’s oldest and most statuesque copper beech trees, which will be looking particularly fine at this time of year. Look out for groups of fallow deer gathering for the rut too. n For information on all of these venues, visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk

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Fab for foodies The New Forest is looking extra lovely at this time of year, and there’s an extra incentive to visit thanks to a Food and Drink Festival combining culinary events, produce, tasters and activities.

There’ll be everything from cider and roast pork to afternoon tea. n Oct 31-Nov 6. Ticket prices vary depending on event. For details visit www.the newforest.co.uk

Not only are the trees at Faskally Wood near Pitlochry stunning, but there are also wonderful evening light shows to enjoy over autumn. In fact, the whole town of Pitlochry is lit up from October. n The Enchanted Forest experience runs Sep 29-Oct 30.

Tickets cost from £16 adults, £8 children. Call 0871 288 7655 or visit www. enchantedforest.org.uk n For walk suggestions, visit www.pitlochry.org

ABROAD Oh, Canada

n Find out more about the Cranberry Festival at www. balacranberryfestival.on.ca admission is $8 (£4.69) adults, $5 (£2.93) children over 6. n Rooms in shared cabins at arowhon Pines cost from $220pp (£129) per night. Visit http:// arowhonpines.ca

Fall in love So spectacular are the seasonal displays of New England, that there’s a term for tourists on the hunt for the perfect photo – leaf peepers!

October is the perfect time to go, as warm days and

Take a dream break While spring is a great time to visit Japan – making the most of the cherry blossom – the autumn is just as beautiful, thanks to koyo, meaning ‘colourful leaves’.

From mid-September onwards the leaves of Kyoto illuminate the landscape, reflecting colours back from serene lakes. It’s not cheap, but a 13-night self-guided adventure of the area will take you through the Japanese Alps to Kyoto and back, giving you plenty of time to get snapping. You’ll have a private guide to take you to temple gardens, as well as a tea ceremony at a local tea house. n autumn splendour tour, dates flexible, from £2,750pp for 13 nights. Includes breakfasts, some evening meals, airport transfers and more. Flights not included. For more information call 01173 709751 or visit www.insidejapantours.com

cooler nights change the scenery day by day.

While the leaves are dramatic along most of the eastern coast of the USA, New England is particularly special thanks to its pretty red and white farmhouses and steepled churches. The only downside is, as with any peak season, prices can be high.

For total romance, take a seven-night train tour with Holidays By Rail. As well as autumn colour you’ll visit Mark Twain’s house in Connecticut and the city of Boston. n Prices from £1,286 for travel in 2017. Call 0800 033 7960 or visit www.holidaysbyrail.com

Enjoy a tipple Autumn is the perfect time to visit France’s Loire Valley.

Peaceful after summer tourists have left, but still warm enough for short sleeves, you can watch the grapes being harvested from golden vineyards. Relax with a glass of something local to toast the season! n stay at the well-priced hotel mirabeau in tours, where rooms start from £56. Visit www.hotelmirabeau.fr/en/

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PICs: ntPl/Ian shaw, getty Images, alamy

In Ontario, Canada, you’ll see autumn in all its glory, though they’ll probably call it ‘fall’!

When it comes to dramatic autumnal colours, it’s hard to beat Ontario in east-central Canada.

For total relaxation, stay in a log cabin at Arowhon Pines, Algonquin. Unwind with a glass of wine, book or board game in front of your own wood-burning stove, explore the forests or even try a watery adventure on the peaceful lake. Sporty types will love the wild swimming, fishing and kayaking.

For another blast of colour, head up the road to Muskoka (just over an hour’s drive away) for the Bala Cranberry Festival, from Oct 14-16.

Here you can pop on a pair of waders and head into the marsh to see cranberries growing, as well as enjoying plenty of activities such as cooking with this famous local fruit.

GOOD to KNOW

Simple advice on money + home + family + shopping + trends Early dusk and nippy mornings needn’t mean months of sofa sitting. Wrap up warm and enjoy this colourful season

Get outside THIS AUTUMN

PICS: alamy, SHuTTErSToCk

Eating al fresco isn’t just for the summer.

Sit out in the garden under a cosy blanket with a hot chocolate and marshmallows to watch the stars come out.

Stock up your pantry with a day’s fruit picking. Harvest the hedgerows for blackberries and sloes, then spend a day pickling, freezing or making sloe gin with your bounty.

Pack your camera for a stunning day out at one of the UK’s wetland centres. See migrant swans, ducks and other wildfowl arriving from overseas and watch them being fed.

Visit www. wwt.org.uk

Bring out your silly side by jumping in the leaves, flying a kite or collecting conkers for a contest.

Head to the coast – there’s nothing quite like a blustery walk along the beach or coastal path to blow those cobwebs clean away.

Take a torch-lit walk around your neighbourhood or local park to see foxes, bats, hedgehogs, owls and other night-time creatures hunting for food.

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