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Michelle Ford, co-host of Two Women Chatting writes about the heartbreaking decision she and her husband had to make when Maisie their beloved little dog became ill. From the moment their little paw prints walk through your house, your pets become a member of the family. So often puppies are introduced when your children are 4 or 5 years old and, by the time those little kids become ‘adult’ kids heading off to university, your beloved pooch is approaching the end of its natural life. What a double whammy that you become an empty nester and then your dog or cat also leaves for a place amongst the stars. This happened to me recently with our 14 year old rescue dog, Maisie, and I’m still reeling. The atmosphere in the house has changed - and it’s so so quiet. No toenails tapping across the kitchen tiles, no name tag tinkling on the water bowl as Maisie would take a drink. I find myself subconsciously still checking if she has fresh water, only to remember I moved a large plant there so that I couldn’t see the space where her bowl used to be. As I walk out the door I no longer have to check she has food or to encourage her outside to pee before I leave. At night there’s no need to cautiously tiptoe across the carpet checking for her dog shape in the middle of the night - because she’s not there. I miss the sound of her snoring, that became so loud during her last few months that ear plugs would have been beneficial. It’s so difficult to play ‘God’ and decide when the fateful day should be. I canvassed friends and my vet. “When will I know?” “Is it cruel to keep her going?” I really wanted someone to just take control and tell me…”It’s time”. In the end it was very clear. I often think how strange it is that we let humans deteriorate to such humiliating bad quality of life with little dignity, managing their pain with drugs when we literally ‘wouldn’t do that to a dog’. Grief is grief whether it’s for a human bereavement or a pet. The triggers can come at any time; a spare poop bag in a jacket pocket, a missed furry face at the front door to welcome you home, a walk past the boneless chicken thighs at the grocery store because you don’t need them anymore. Without a word to each other, my husband and I quietly deposited all things Maisie into the garage before we left for the vets. We knew we didn’t want to see her empty bed and soft toys when we returned. We kept her collar and tag, adding it with a lock of hair to the oversized martini glass where we kept mementos from our other dog, Basil’s, passing. People handle grief in different ways. For me, unable to sleep later than 4am the morning after she went, I went into a flurry of activity, clearing out the dog drawer, washing the dog bed covers and packaging up uneaten treats and dog food so that I could give everything to a dog shelter. It seems harsh to remove everything so quickly but it was protecting my emotions. Then I spent hours cooking up a storm, like Monica in Friends, baking, stirring and melting to distract myself. Eventually I will embrace the ‘positives’ of being pet-free. An opportunity to be spontaneous with travel plans, to not race home from a day out to make sure there are no “accidents”, no more dog sitting fees. But that will take time. Definitely a new chapter in this empty nest life. If you’ve suffered a pet loss, consider donations to shelters such as Battersea Dogs Home, Blue Cross Blue Cross Food Bank ) or Berkshire Pet Food Bank pet food bank locations popping up now that owners are struggling to feed their dogs and cats during the cost of living crisis. Listen to Two Women Chatting’s podcast on All Dogs Go to Heaven available on all podcast platforms or through our website www.twowomenchatting.com Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates and never miss an episode

As midlife women who have certainly enjoyed our fair share of G&Ts and chardonnay we recently had a light bulb moment when researching for our latest podcast ‘Cheers to Sobriety’. Over the past year, we have chatted with celebrities and expert guests about our hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, aging skin, collagen, weight gain and brain fog. We put it down to menopause but discovered these symptoms are also indicative of drinking too much alcohol. So we became 'sober curious' which means we are questioning the ways in which alcohol affects us and the role it plays in our life. Could we abstain from drinking and what alternatives are out there to help us navigate the festive season? We contacted a host of companies that produce non-alcoholic drinks and they kindly sent us some samples and over a week we put them to the test. Highball Cocktails are fantastic and so convenient when you are looking to grab a drink at home after work or when friends pop over. They are delicious, healthy, and a zero-percent alternative to some of the world’s greatest cocktails. We personally loved the Mojito and Gin and Tonic but confess to trying the entire range which also includes Cosmopolitan, Pink Gin & Tonic, Italian Spritz and Ginger Dram. Our thoughts: Perfect pre-dinner tipple! Use the code TWOWOMENCHATTING to receive 15% off the Highball range. Cognato has three alcohol-free wines: red, white and rosé which are produced using grapes grown in the Coastal Region of the Western Cape in South Africa. The rosé is particularly tasty -it has strawberry tones, herbs and citrus and is perfect as an aperitif on a hot summer day as was the white which is crisp and fruity and a perfect non-alcoholic alternative to serve with seafood dishes. Our thoughts: We loved the rosé and a great one to take to a party! Use the code TWOWOMEN15 to receive 15% off all Cognato wines. PLUS two free bottles for our listeners. Just pay the postage (UK only). Pentire Drinks is a range of clear alcohol-free spirits, distilled in Cornwall, UK. We tested the Pentire Adrift which smells incredible. The Adrift is their original botanical, non-alcoholic spirit and its complex aroma is difficult to describe. It is very smooth and mellow, but with a little citrus edge and you also catch a whiff of sage. We enjoyed it with a Fever Tree light tonic, ice and a slice! Our thoughts: A sophisticated drink for a midlife woman! Use the code TWC15 to receive a 15% discount off all the Pentire Range. (One per customer) Smashed Well these drinks from Drinks Unlimited certainly smashed it for us two midlifers! Maybe it brought back memories of sipping shandy as kids in the garden of the local pub but we absolutely loved the Alcohol Free Shandy. Our thoughts: Try the introductory range including pale ale, cider, berry, shandy, lager – perfect for Christmas! Use the code TWOWOMENCHATTING to receive 25% off their entire range Caleño produce two alcohol-free spirits, known as 'Light and Zesty' and 'Dark and Spicy' which are specifically marketed as an alcohol free gin and an alcohol free rum. We tasted both and were extremely impressed. Our thoughts: Great to make some fun cocktails such as Tropical Watermelon Cooler! Three Spirit Drinks Definitely different but in a good way! These drinks all taste like something completely “new.” We tested The Livener and served it with Fever Tree Mediterranean. It has a certain spicy taste to it, a hint of ginger - a little weird to begin with then it becomes really tasty. Our thoughts: To be honest we found it hard to describe but highly recommend you give it a try! Lyres produce an amazing array of non-alcoholic drinks in both cans and bottles. From Dark Cane Spirit, Amaretto, and Italian Spritz to a sparkling bubbly. Our thoughts: These are honestly a fantastic substitute for alcohol and great for taking to a party or supper at friends. Nozeco - we’ve always loved a Bucks Fizz ( and of course the pop group!). Well, we certainly made our mind up - absolutely loved it. We served a bottle at a breakfast get-together – no one even noticed it was alcohol-free. It’s hard to find fault with this drink. It’s got the fizz, the Champagne bitterness and the citrus sharpness. Our thoughts: A possible game changer! LA Brewery is not a California based brewery but is based in Suffolk, England. The LA stands for Louise Avery, who has been producing kombucha since 2017. Alongside her range of day-to-day kombuchas in ginger, lemongrass, and strawberry flavours are two bottles that look like champagne. Our thoughts: Delicious, glamorous and refreshing! Use the code TWOWOMENCHATTING15 to receive a 15% discount. Saicho -sparkling non alcoholic tea. To be honest we were a bit skeptical but once we took a sip we understand why it is sold in Langhams and The Sheraton in London. It has been blended with the pairing of food in mind and each is made with a different tea variety (including Darjeeling, Hojicha and Jasmine) which are lightly tempered with white grape juice and citrus to soften the dryness of the tea and this allows the complexity of the tea flavours shine through. Our thoughts: Sophisticated and elegant and different! MarieLaveau is a delightful distilled non-alcoholic spiced spirit that was inspired by the legend of the New Orleans’ Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. It has a smooth blend of sweet vanilla with a warm, spicy finish, this distilled, non-alcoholic rum alternative is handcrafted and produced in small batches to provide a smooth blend using classic rum spices and botanicals. Our thoughts: Fantastic label! Rather nice with ice and diet (of course!) coke, definitely tastes like rum. Use code TWC20 to receive a 20% off AF drinks If you're thinking about your relationship with alcohol then listen to our podcast 'Sober Curious' where we chat with Janey Lee Grace, Kate Baily and Mandy Manners who offer some great tips, suggestions and strategies. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.

One in seven adults in the UK suffer from tinnitus but if you are lucky enough not to be one of those people PLEASE DON’T STOP READING. The rate of people suffering from tinnitus is rising and there is currently no cure. Something has to be done. There is currently no cure for tinnitus One in seven adults - that’s 7.6 million people and 1.5 million of them like me have severe tinnitus. I can only describe it as having an old-fashioned kettle whistling in my ears, other say it is more like ringing or buzzing. I have lived with it for over 25 years but in the last six months it has intensified and it’s a constant in my life- not a good one. I have a fantastic GP but she has no idea what caused mine and there is little she can do to alleviate what I have to say is my suffering. (I know it sounds extreme but anyone who suffers with severe tinnitus will understand). It is seriously affecting my sleep which has a knock-on effect as I am permanently exhausted. To be honest it’s flipping annoying and some days I am so tired it affects my speech which is not ideal as a podcast host! What causes tinnitus? I am not going to go into detail about the causes of tinnitus as the charity Tinnitus UK explains it far more eloquently than I ever could. But basically, tinnitus is often associated with an ear infection, ear wax , inner ear damage, exposure to loud noises and age. However, like me, one in every three people with tinnitus do not have any obvious problem with their ears or hearing. So being the internet ferret I am I decided to do a bit of research myself and discovered the Tinnitus UK website has a ton of useful free information and support. And some very interesting and somewhat scary data about sound levels that we all need to know. It can be hard to know how loud a sound is Sound is measured in decibels (dB(A)) and researchers (source RNID) have found that people who are exposed over long periods of time to noise levels at 85 dBA or higher are at a much greater risk for hearing loss. Sound intensity (the energy the sound wave carries) doubles with every increase of 3dB. So even though, for example, the sound of heavy traffic doesn’t sound twice as loud as a food blender, it’s twice as intense. For reference, 110 dBA is more than 100 times as intense as 85 decibels!). The safe exposure time for 85dB is up to eight hours a day but of course, we are exposed to lots of different sounds that are 85dB or over throughout the day. As sound intensity doubles with every increase of 3dB, the safe exposure time halves. So, for example, the safe exposure time for 85dB is four hours. How loud is loud Here are some examples: 0dB: the quietest sound a healthy human ear can hear 40dB: a quiet library 60dB: ordinary spoken conversation 85dB: a food blender 88dB: heavy traffic 91dB: a pneumatic drill 97dB: an industrial fire alarm 100dB: a nightclub 110dB: a live gig or concert 130dB: an aeroplane taking off 100m away. (Source RNID ) Your hearing can become damaged after: 103dB MP3 player at full volume 7 min 30 seconds 106dB Motorbike engine 3 min 45 seconds 109dB Crying baby 1 min 42 seconds 110dB Live rock band 1 min 6 seconds (Source Tinnitus UK Many devices that we and our kids use today have noise levels much higher than 85dBA. For example, music played through headphones at the highest volume is often 94-110 dBA. Manufacturers are not required to limit the maximum sound output of music devices. Apps which can monitor sound levels There are several apps such as Decibel and Sound Monitor available for both smart and android phones which monitor sound levels. You’re at risk of hearing damage after just 15 minutes when you’re in an average nightclub, which plays music at 100dB. I shudder when I think of all those concerts and discos I came out of with my ears ringing the next morning! Certainly a lightbulb moment for me – this may well have been the cause of my tinnitus!!! So invest in some earplugs It’s too late for me and my ears but it’s not too late for you and your kids. One of the best ways to reduce your chance of tinnitus is to protect your ears from loud noise and get some ear plugs. It’s so obvious when you think about it. We wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun, we use sun cream to protect our skin and so why not wear ear plugs to protect our ears. Fortunately, earplugs have come a long way from those little bright yellow or orange buds and they come in different shapes and forms. Are there any treatments for tinnitus? I am regularly kept awake half the night unable to sleep because of the screeching in my ears and have scoured the internet for every possible treatment for tinnitus. There is a serious amount of information and promises of relief and treatment on the market, most of which is frankly misleading and expensive. The type of treatments on offer vary from diet supplements, CBD gummies, acupuncture, osteopathy and hearing, aids white noise machines and habituation. The latter,I am currently looking into as I have heard firsthand that it can help but of course does not cure tinnitus. The Tinnitus UK website has an excellent section where they provide regular updates on treatments on offer. They give their verdicts on two aspects: Safety - and whether it will do you harm Efficacy – whether the treatment works for tinnitus. This week is #tinnitusweek 6-12 February 2023 and the aim is to highlight what research is going on across the country and get it on the political stage and also focus on prevention. And also to endorse the fact that one of the best ways to reduce your chance of tinnitus is to make sure that you wear ear protection when exposed to loud noise and #tinnitus23 is calling for those working and living in noisy environments to 'Plug'em'! Remember you can be affected by tinnitus at any age and currently, there is no cure for tinnitus. Without research one won’t be found. NOTE: Pulsatile tinnitus is a noise in the ear that sounds like a heartbeat and can be caused by normal or abnormal blood flow in the vessels near the ear. This type of tinnitus should be brought to the attention of your doctor, because there are various rare conditions that cause it that may require medical intervention. Please speak to your doctor if you have any problems with your ears to rule out anything more serious. Please visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. One book I have found useful is Living with Tinnitus by Hashir Aazh & Brian C.J. Moore Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.

Just like a muscle, mental toughness has to be built and you can develop it at any stage of your life. We’re not talking about acting tough and being insensitive when we consider mental toughness. We’re talking about how to deal with failure, to see challenges as opportunities and being resilient no matter what the world throws at you. Although the subject is frequently applied in sports psychology, mental toughness and positivity are also essential for someone to be successful in life. It requires discipline and a growth mindset with a positive attitude. Easier said than done right? But through simple, daily measures everyone can develop mental toughness by pushing limits and making ourselves ‘uncomfortable’. Sounds mad doesn’t it but even starting the day with a cold shower, holding a ‘plank’ or walking in the rain can help develop resilience. In some ways it’s a survival instinct that forces you to face up to challenges with a winning outcome rather than losing. When you are resilient or mentally tough, you’ll be able to stay determined and to stay focused even after multiple failures, being able to handle stressful situations and solve problems under pressure. We’ve all heard the term ‘snowflake’ applied to millennials, a suggestion that they are too soft to function productively, becoming easily offended and expecting convenience above hard work. It is, of course, a sweeping generalisation but certainly attitudes to mental health and work/life balance have changed over the last couple of decades. Mental health and anxiety are discussed far more widely now. More millennials and Gen Z claim that they have ADHD and anxiety disorders without getting the actual clinical evaluation. There is also considerably more ‘burnout’ being experienced. Rather than using TikTok as our ‘online GP’, perhaps it is time that resilience was discussed and developed, in conjunction with medication when needed. By developing mental toughness we can overcome difficult situations and failures in life, a ‘Blitz’ spirit that can get us through the lowest of the lows. Our podcast guest, Penny Mallory, mental toughness advocate and TED EX speaker, discussed the four pillars that have been recognised as the key to mental toughness : CONTROL - choosing to be the driver or passenger in life and managing emotions COMMITMENT - completing a task 100%, anything less being incomplete CHALLENGE - seeing challenges as an opportunity, winning and pushing limits CONFIDENCE - self belief Research has shown that 30% of achievement is down to skill, ability and intelligence but 70% is down to commitment, mental toughness and determination. If mental toughness is learned, not genetic, every one of us could benefit from learning to incorporate it into our lives - and it could start every morning with a cold shower! If you feel you have mental health issues, please consult a doctor or get specialist help. Listen to our podcast where we chat with Penny Mallory where we chat about Mental Toughness. Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

One of the best gifts you can give your children is advanced planning of what you will do with your treasured possessions. My 92-year-old mother started years ago and it was fascinating for my sister and our kids to discover what she had stored away and to learn the stories and memories behind various objects. My son was particularly intrigued and it invited questions about family members he had never met. I totally misjudged the curiosity (and value) in stamp and coin collections, board games and military memorabilia. Enlist the advice of an expert to help You do need to be honest with your family and tell them what you would prefer them to keep for sentimental reasons. It does take time and I highly recommend enlisting the advice of an expert. Be realistic about values, just because it’s old doesn’t equate to value. What did I discover? I was horrified when I learnt that the old black handbag I played ‘dressing up’ with as a child is in fact a classic worth thousands of pounds and my father’s 1960’s Rolleiflex camera was certainly worth keeping. Sadly, most books have little or no value except for memories, although do check out for first editions. Brown furniture has slipped out of fashion but it can easily be painted and with new handles, it becomes a totally different piece- a toy box, coffee table, or an extra bench in the greenhouse. Just make sure you get it valued first. Out-of-fashion jewellery can be repurposed by taking the stones and creating several new pieces and costume jewellery can be used as door handles or curtain ties. Gold has increased significantly in price so odd earrings, broken necklaces and unwanted rings may be worth more than you think. Diaries, letters, photos, war memorabilia may well be of interest to museums and archives. Stamp collections can be donated to charities. Scan photos and make albums for presents but don’t forget names and dates. There are numerous companies online such as Photobox and CEWE that you can send your photos and they will create wonderful photo albums. Crockery and ceramics are very personal so don’t be offended if no one wants them and the same goes for glassware and art. With so many people wearing smart watches and asking Alexa the time it is difficult to know what clocks and watches to keep. That said a good watch will always have a market and an elegant bracelet watch or dress watch can make a lovely graduation or birthday gift. Vinyl records are having a renaissance and if you have a large collection you may find the value is more than expected. Iconic album sleeves can be framed as artwork as can programmes from famous theatre productions and if you have kept a few early Disney VHS tapes it may well be worth checking the values. But just don’t do what my mother did and start buying again! Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

There are millions of people in the UK taking CBD supplements and it’s increasing daily. If you’re interested in trying CBD oil for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions about how to use CBD oil. How to take CBD oil? How much CBD oil should I take? While CBD is growing in popularity, there is still a lot of confusion, and it may be overwhelming to someone who has never tried it before. In this blog we have put together this easy-to-follow CBD guide to help you understand the following: What Is CBD? How does CBD work? How Much CBD Oil Should I Take? Where Can I Buy CBD? What Different Types of CBD Are There? How To Take CBD What is CBD? CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the Cannabis Sativa plant, which is also known as cannabis or hemp and has been known throughout history to have a wealth of health benefits. First discovered in 1940, it is one of over 100 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. The cannabis plant is made up of two main players: CBD and THC. CBD is the non-psychoactive portion of the plant, so what that means is you won’t have any effects like euphoria. CBD is not psychoactive and won’t make you ‘high’. CBD is a naturally occurring substance that’s used in products like oils and edibles. How Does CBD Work? Our body has an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that translates signals from cannabinoids through thousands of receptors in our brain, central nervous system, immune system etc. The ECS is responsible for regulating many of our body functions. The ECS produces cannabinoids of its own, which are called endocannabinoids. When cannabinoids from plants (phytocannabinoids) enter the body, they interact with our ECS receptors in the same way our internal cannabinoids do. These phytocannabinoids activate responses and provide a host of benefits for our mind, body, and soul. How Much CBD Oil Should I Take? Finding the ideal dose is an individual process as each person is different, as well as the method of ingestion, so it may take a bit of trial and error to find the right dose of CBD for you. Several factors influence each person’s effective dose of CBD including weight, diet, metabolism, sleep patterns, stress levels and genetics. Also, some individuals are just more sensitive to CBD than others. We always advise you to start with a low dose and see how you react. You can slowly increase the dose to find the most effective dose for you and your goals. Most people take somewhere between 10 and 70mg of CBD per day. To help you to find which CBD products suit you best, its probably best to try a starter kit in which you will find a small selection of different products to try at an affordable price. Where Can I Buy CBD? There are many places to buy CBD now, you will find an array of CBD products in all the major high street stores now. When starting for the first time we always recommend that you do your research first – CBD is an investment for YOU. We do not recommend you buy solely on price from a random shop. You get what you pay for and with CBD you need to be able to see transparent lab reports and reviews. You cannot go far wrong with purchasing from a CBD specialist online store and of course, it’s convenient as it’s posted directly to you. What Different Types of CBD Are There? There are three main types of CBD oils extracted from the hemp plant. These include Full Spectrum CDD, Broad Spectrum THC Free CBD and CBD Isolate. Full Spectrum CBD Oil Refers to the whole plant hemp extract, including up to 0.2% of THC. Broad Spectrum THC Free CBD Oil Starts as full-spectrum CBD that then goes through an additional process to remove the trace amounts of THC, making it a THC Free Oil. It offers the “entourage effect” associated with full-spectrum CBD, just without any chance of THC being absorbed into the body. CBD Isolate Contains pure CBD only, and none of the other cannabinoids, terpenes or other natural compounds found in the hemp plant. How to Take CBD With so many people in the UK turning to CBD, there are many different formats for taking CBD – such as tinctures, capsules, topicals, vapes, and edibles. There is no best way to take CBD oil, however, there are some pros and cons to each and at the end of the day, it’s down to your personal preference, lifestyle and , what works best for and your personal goals. Here are the most common ways to take CBD and the pros and cons of each. CBD Oral Drops/Tinctures Pros: Fast absorption and high bioavailability taking sublingual CBD as the capillaries under the tongue lead directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system Versatility (can be consumed sublingually or added to food and beverages) Flexible dosing (use the dropper to take the desired dose and can also be split into multiple doses throughout the day) Cons: Not everyone likes the ‘hempy’ taste. Some people feel that the process of holding the oil under the tongue for 60-90 seconds is inconvenient and unpleasant. CBD Patches Pros: Accurate dosage as each patch contains an exact amount of CBD Long-lasting because our CBD patches are 24-hour slow-release, ensuring you’re topped upright throughout the day Easy and convenient, just one small packet to take with you on the move. Cons: Although any sticky residue washes off easily with warm soapy water, not everyone likes the feel of the patch CBD Capsules Pros: For some – the most convenient way to consume CBD Tasteless and odourless Exact dosage – no measuring Taking a CBD capsule doesn’t feel different or intimidating if you’re used to taking vitamins, supplements or other medications Additional ingredients can be included in a capsule. Our hapihemp CBD capsules also include Turmeric, Ginger and Black pepper. Cons: Effects may take a little longer to work as the CBD needs to go through the digestive system first Ingesting CBD may be less effective for some people. Topical CBD Pros: Targeted relief for anywhere on your body. Useful for aiding skin repair and skin conditions. Simple to use – CBD topical products are popular for a reason! They can be used as often as you like and are found to be very effective. Can be formulated and combined with other essential oils and beneficial ingredients which can then create a really powerful topical CBD product. Cons: Can be messy before fully absorbing into the skin. Vaping / Smoking Pros: Effects can be felt almost immediately Easy to carry around and use on the go Cons: Effects will last a shorter time vs ingesting CBD orally Additional vaping apparatus is required Stigma around vaping/smoking. Not enough long-term research on the health benefits connected to vaping. CBD Drinks and Edibles Pros: Fun and convenient way to consume CBD. Can be a tasty treat Everyone likes to eat and drink. A great intro to CBD. A super way to compliment your current CBD supplements. CBD drinks can be very soothing – our CBD tea has been created for this purpose! Cons: Typically contains low doses of CBD vs other methods Some edibles include artificial ingredients and sweeteners Not all edibles adhere to dietary restrictions such as coeliacs or vegans. Is taking CBD Oil safe? Like some other plant compounds (such as those found in grapefruit, watercress and St John’s Wort) CBD oil may affect the metabolization of certain prescribed medicines. You should always speak to your GP or other healthcare professional before considering using CBD oil to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to do so. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions or if you are taking any medications including statins, calcium channel blockers or blood thinning medication. This article was written by guest writer Samantha Day, Co-founder of Hapi Hemp Listen to our podcast where we chat with Samantha & Lorraine from Hapi Hemp and learn about CBD. Use code CHATHAPI15 FOR 15% DISCOUNT Further reading The CBD Oils: The Essential Guide by Mary Biles Please visit our health resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. purchases. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.

We asked Alice Harte Davis founder of The Tweakments Guide, which provides comprehensive, clear and friendly information about cosmetic procedures and how they work, along with a network of practitioners whom Alice would trust with her face. This is the question I get so often and it’s really hard to answer. Why? Because I can’t see you, and I don’t know what your face is like. Is it gaunt? Or saggy? Is it well-padded, with jowls and a double chin for good measure? Plus, I’ve no idea what’s bothering you. Age spots? Crow’s feet? Looking sad or grumpy when you’re feeling perfectly fine? Because, you know, you need a reason to have tweakments. You don’t just have them for the hell of it. Asking ‘what’s the best tweakment for a 50-year-old face’ is a bit like asking me what piece of clothing you should buy. It all depends on who you are, what you’re looking for and how much you’ve got to spend. I also need a bit of a steer on what you’re up for in the way of treatments. Are you ok with needles? With a bit of swelling or redness or downtime? With multiple rounds of treatment? It all affects the choice of tweakments that you might be happy to try. Having said that, here are a few thoughts. Best for frown lines – wrinkle-relaxing toxin Best for hollow or gaunt faces – dermal fillers Best for rough dry skin at any age – injectable moisturiser Best for skin tightening – RF needling or ultrasound/ HIFU. You can look up the details of all those procedures on the links above. The person who can really tell you what’s best is an expert practitioner. Get yourself in front of one of the people I’d trust with my own face, and see what they suggest for you. This article was originally published by Alice Harte Davies. Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Listen to our podcast where we chat with Alice Harte Davis Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

“Unless we all take action to intervene against sexual harassment, we remain part of the culture that enables it.” (Elizabeth Broderick, founder of Male Champions of Change.) Most of us recognise that just because we put up with something ‘in our day’ doesn’t mean younger women should, nor does it mean they’re whining if they object to it. Countless studies and reports show that while blatant sexism may be on the wane, discrimination and harassment are still rife. There is great strength in trying to stand up to this, and we encourage you to add your voice and support to younger women by listening to their experiences and helping however you are. Older women are often more confident and assertive, or as Helen Mirren once said: “At 70 years old, if I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to use the words “fuck off” much more frequently.” Seasoned women need to remember that not all women feel self-assured, especially younger women who tend to be even less so while appearing confident and assertive. Pointing out how ‘strong’ you are and calling them spineless or snowflakes for objecting to something is incredibly counter-productive. From workplace discrimination to public street harassment, telling young women to put up with it: Signals that they're on their own. Let's not forget that by the time a girl or young woman mentions what's going on, it's usually not the first time, and it could be the tip of a humungous iceberg. A 2020 report  by the Australian Human Rights Commission found that of respondents who said they'd been sexually harassed or abused- “49% said the same type of harassment had happened to them previously at the same workplace. 45% of those who said they experienced the same type of sexual harassment previously, said it had been ongoing for 12 months or longer. 45% of those who said they experienced the same type of sexual harassment previously, said it had been ongoing for 12 months or longer.” Makes them question their experience and subsequent feelings, and thus is a form of gaslighting. They know they're upset or angry, but they're being told it's not such a big deal or it's something they should be able to 'cope with'. Ensures they won't bother reporting next time because, well, what's the point? As well as nothing being done about it, a backlash sometimes tarnishes their reputation and negatively impacts their career. While many countries have laws about retaliation for reporting sex discrimination, it's often draining and taxing to take action. Reinforces societal expectations that girls and women shouldn't 'make a fuss'. It's telling them that 'boys will be boys', to expect it and develop 'coping skills'. Their feelings don't matter. When it involves a guy with a reputation to protect, asking victims to say nothing because of the damage it might cause him is asking them to put themselves second. Normalizes sexism. The 'put up with it' message has ramifications for every woman. Not only does it set the standard in a workplace, it emboldens offenders to keep going. Younger women can benefit significantly from our support, but not our sarcasm. We knew it was wrong back in the day, otherwise, we wouldn’t have talked about ‘putting up with it’. Silence is complicity, so let’s be part of the solution by stepping up. Toni Summers Hargis, March 2023 (Adapted from “How to Stand Up To Sexism; Words for when enough is enough.”, p. 151 and from this Medium article) Listen to our podcast where we chat with Toni Summers Hargis How about how to stand up to sexism. Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

As a cigarette smoker, you are no doubt aware of the increased risk for diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke. But you might not realise it can also impact your skin, teeth and hair. Ahead of No Smoking Day on 8th March we hear from three experts on what procedures could counteract these issues. How smoking affects the skin ‘Smoking is extremely detrimental to skin health,’ explains Aesthetics and anti-ageing expert, Nina Prisk, of Update Aesthetics. ‘The chemicals in tobacco impact the circulation of blood around the body and so there is less blood flow to the face. This means that the skin receives less oxygen and nutrients and so it can often take on a grey or white pallor. In addition to this it’s believed that smoking affects the body’s natural collagen production. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its health and elasticity. A decline in collagen levels can result in skin sagging and wrinkling, or in other words it speeds up the skin’s natural ageing process.’ ‘Smoking manifests itself in visible changes to a person’s face,’ adds Nina Prisk. ‘In the long term it can cause fine lines and wrinkles to develop on the face. The area around the mouth specifically can be a problem for smokers, who have a tendency to develop lines and wrinkles which are caused by the repeated pursing of lips around the cigarette. Similarly, this can also cause lines to develop around the eyes which are often known as ‘crow’s feet’.’ How to address the impact of smoking on the skin ‘Whilst the best thing for optimum skin health is to stop smoking, there are a number of things that can be done to address the signs of smoking on the face including: Dermal fillers ‘Dermal fillers can be used to plump the skin on the face giving a more youthful and fuller appearance to the skin. ‘Administered via a cosmetic injection they help to fill out lines and wrinkles in the face. Results vary from one person to another but you can usually expect them to last from 6-12 months.’ Lip augmentation ‘Using dermal fillers in the lips can add volume and also smooth out smoker’s lines as well as adding volume.’ Profhilo ‘The skin can be rejuvenated with Profhilo which is an injectable moisturiser. Made from highly concentrated, purified hyaluronic acid. When injected under the skin in specific areas of the face it can help to address sagging skin and rejuvenate the skin’s appearance.’ How smoking affects hair ‘Smoking significantly affects the blood circulation and can mean that the hair follicles don’t get the essential oxygen and nutrients that they need for healthy hair growth,’ explains renowned expert Hair transplant surgeon, Dr Furqan Raja of Harley Street’s The Private Clinic. ‘Smoking may also affect the DNA which can damage hair follicles and impact the hair’s natural growth cycles. Consequently, smoking can promote hair loss and thinning.’ How to address the hair thinning and loss caused by smoking ’The most effective way to reduce hair thinning and loss caused by smoking is cessation. There are a number of other things that can be done to reduce hair loss. Topical treatments can help to address hair thinning and loss, as well as PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy which works by taking a small amount of blood and separating it in a centrifuge. The platelet rich plasma contains stem cells and growth factors which are separated from your blood and injected into the scalp. The growth factors can stimulate the activity of the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Afterwards there’s no significant downtime or scarring and from six weeks most of my patients will start to notice a response, usually describing thicker and better quality hair. Hair restoration surgery can also be an extremely effective option for people experiencing hair thinning and bald patches. It involves minimal discomfort, once the local anaesthetic has been administered it is generally pain-free. The procedure that I perform at The Private Clinic is usually performed in one day and you are able to go home straight after. The average age of the patient that I see for a hair transplant is 35.5 years and 98% of my patients report that their hair transplant surgery has significantly improved their confidence and self-esteem.’ How smoking affects teeth ‘Smoking poses many negative effects to the mouth, gums and teeth,’ explains Leading cosmetic dentist and founder of Bespoke Smile Advanced Dentistry and Academy, Dr Sam Jethwa of Bespoke Smile. ‘Firstly there’s the obvious problem of staining of the teeth due to the nicotine and tar in the tobacco. It can make the teeth yellow in the short term and then brown over the longer term.’ ‘Smoking can also lead to gum recession and disease,’ explains Dr Sam Jethwa. ‘Smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so that infected gums don’t heal and people who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, and this is what leads to gum disease. Gum disease is a huge problem in the UK and the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.’ How to address the impact of smoking on the teeth Discoloration Teeth whitening can be an effective way to address the staining and discolouration caused by smoking,’ explains Dr Sam Jethwa. ‘I would urge people to avoid buying teeth-whitening products online or being tempted to try dangerous TikTok whitening hacks which can be extremely damaging to teeth. Instead, speak with your dentist about safe and effective whitening. However, a lot of people don’t realise that normal whitening won’t be as effective if teeth are older and so veneers can be a good option in this case.’ Long teeth/Receding gums ‘The receding gums that are often caused by smoking can look very ageing,’ explains Dr Sam Jethwa. ‘Good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent receding gums. However once the gums have receded and the roots of teeth are exposed then they need to be covered to prevent them wearing away more, in which case veneers can help with this as improving them from an aesthetics sense.’ Gum grafting is also a fantastic option to address receding gums and make teeth look younger. The process involves taking gum from synthetic material or elsewhere in the mouth and then stitching it into the gums. I’ve had this done myself and it works really well. It's something that I prescribe a lot of to patients who are wishing to address receeding gums and make teeth look younger.’ Experts agree that giving up cigarettes is very difficult but it is not impossible and most people have to try more than once. Only 4%-7% succeed without help. Ask your doctor which smoking-cessation strategies might be right for you. TODAY IS THE DAY Visit our resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content. Did you enjoy this article? 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I nearly had a nervous breakdown, so that you don't have to! Award-winning journalist, Jo Elvin, and CEO of Children with Cancer UK writes about conquering your own career fears. Have you seen the film Frozen? If not, how is that possible? Go and watch it and come back, I’ll wait. Don’t laugh, but I often think of the profound lesson it holds for any of us who want it. Elsa’s life only changes for the better when she stops making decisions from a place of fear. In my first piece on My Goodness I wrote about the fear that paralsyed me into staying at my job at Glamour magazine for longer than I should have. Today I want to talk about how the lessons from that time have helped me make choices more positively. First, I need to tell you a little bit more about what that time was like for me, particularly in the last few months as Glamour’s editor - the period of roughly the beginning of 2016 until the day in October 2017 when I was told I was leaving. I was very confused at work about how to be; how to keep a lid on my inner stresses and fears while still trying to manage and motivate a team. Morale was low. Fewer people were doing more work and the message seeping through from management was that somehow the business woes of our print magazine were only bad because we weren’t working hard enough. I saw my job as trying to keep spirits up as much as I could - and I know at least some of my team from then would tell you I failed! I hid a lot of the grim ad revenue and sales info from them. Some cold business realities might have helped more of them understand things like, why their request for a meagre pay rise had been turned down. But I thought that too much of that information would be such a downer that people would find it hard to keep trying to do good work. So I decided to try and be Mrs Motivator: pull up my big girl pants, put on my best rictus grin and hope that if we worked hard, stayed creative and stayed positive, it would reward us with better fortunes. Looking back now, I can’t really explain to you what the hell I was thinking, other than I didn’t want to bum everyone out with all the shitty news I was constantly getting. There’s nothing more panic-inducing than the boss admitting they don’t know how to solve a problem. Remember that time you saw your dad cry and it freaked you out? I didn’t want the kids to see dad crying and freak them out. And so, all the things I wrote about here, about feeling depressed and insecure and clueless about what my next move might be, I largely kept to myself. I told my long-suffering, unfailingly supportive husband. And a £90 an hour therapist. I cried in her office a lot about feeling glued to the spot, unable to make any concrete decisions about my future. My doctor prescribed me a mild anti-depressant which, I must tell you, really helped soothe the constant gnawing in my gut. Honestly it was so severe it was physically painful and sometimes made me breathe weirdly. I’m not ashamed that I needed help to stay a step ahead of this rising panic, nor am I ashamed to tell you that right now. The reason I’m telling you all of this is because, as awful as all of that was, I’ve learnt a lot from it that has benefited me so much during my current career shift. All of the above has helped me approach it very differently this time around and with much better results. So the main differences between then and now? Then: I felt like being unhappy in my job was a sign of my weakness. If I was actually good at my job, I reasoned, things would be going much, much better. So when people asked me how things were at work, I lied. Now: I feel amazingly powerful and in control through actively telling people I’m looking to move on. When I first announced I was leaving You magazine, people would ask me what I was going to do, and I would readily, happily, say, ‘I don’t know yet, to be honest.’ It’s not embarrassing, it’s exciting. Then: I felt like I absolutely must have the next move figured out before I leave. I told myself I’d look weak, lost and therefore a very unattractive hire if I didn’t. Now: Experience has finally taught me that I can’t figure out my next move while I’m already working a full-on full time job. This won’t be true for everyone, but it is for me. Running a weekly magazine, with a team of around 35, is very demanding, high pressure and relentlessly deadline focused. I realised that I wouldn’t ever have time, while working there, to spend meaningful time looking for other work. And that not enough people would realise I was available for new opportunities until it was common knowledge that I was leaving. Then: As I said before, I thought the phone would stop ringing the second I couldn’t say ‘Editor of’ next to my name. Now: The Glamour experience made me realise that sometimes the phone won’t ring because you are ‘editor of’. People will quite rightly assume you already have your hands full and not even consider you for stuff that maybe they should. Then: I worked really hard and I was proud of what the team and I were producing and I thought eventually someone would notice and call me up and ask me to come and work for them. And then I’d often be jealous when someone else got offered a shiny new media job and offended that no one had thought to offer it to me. Now: I don’t know when I started telling myself that absolute bullshit. I used to think it was embarrassing to be vocal about the kind of jobs you would like to be considered for. Now I tell people. Not everyone is going to be able, or want, to work with me. But you can’t wait like a shy girl in the corner of the gym hall to be asked to dance. Get on the damn floor and command attention. Then: I was terrified of what would happen when I didn’t have a job. Now: I am excited about the possibilities and opportunities that really might happen if I am not a full-time employee. This is genuinely only a very recent mind shift for me. I’m telling you all of this because if one person shifts their fearful mindset because they’ve read this, I would be overjoyed. I spent about three years locked in my own terrified head and it was awful. I don’t want that for you. Not even half an hour of it. Let me know what you think, let’s chat. Listen to our podcast , What's fame got to do with it!' where we chat Jo Elvin, Ex editor of the Mail on Sunday and Glamour Magazine. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates. Visit our Health resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content.

Widow of John Croxford, who lost his life to Motor Neurone Disease in 2022 gives us a personal glimpse of what it is like to live with someone with this cruel and fatal disease. I am grateful to have been offered this platform to act as one of the voices for the brave warriors, who are struggling with motor neurone disease (MND) and its devastating effects. One of these warriors was my husband, my rock, my soul mate who lost the battle against MND in July 2022, having progressed mainly during the lockdown. I am now a campaigner for The Motor Neurone Disease Association to raise as much awareness as possible and make sure the people affected are treated with the dignity they deserve. What is Motor Neurone Disease? MND is a progressive and fatal disease caused by degeneration of motor neurones or nerves in the brain and spinal cord gradually stopping messages getting through to the muscles to function. · 5000 adults in the UK are affected at any one time · There is a 1 in 300 lifetime risk of developing MND · 6 people are diagnosed daily in the UK and 6 people die of the disease every day. · There is no cure yet · The average life expectancy from the time of diagnosis is 2-5 years on AVERAGE, but varies. A third of people die within a year of diagnosis and 50% within two years. Some live as short as 6 months and a few live longer · The only hope today is research and the future! It can affect any age, race or gender. We are seeing the brave rugby and football players, fit and healthy individuals and many others who are also fighting MND whilst raising funds for research and care. They are heroes and warriors and do not consider themselves victims. All the campaigning has led to the government promising a generous amount for research and that money is now being filtered through to the researchers who are working to develop treatments and ultimately a cure. An alert mind trapped in a body which gradually cannot move, talk, swallow or in the end breathe due to the respiratory muscles' weakness and failure. Diagnosis can be a lengthy process and often by the process of elimination. It took over a year for my husband to be diagnosed after MND had been ruled out initially. What are the early symptoms of motor neurone disease? Symptoms, severity and speed of progress vary in each person Weakness in the ankle or leg causing tripping (as in my husband’s case) Weakness in the hand and grip Slurred speech and change in voice quality Tongue movements and swallowing Cramps and rippling in the muscles In some cases cognitive changes too As the disease progresses and nerve cells are destroyed, swallowing, chewing, speaking and breathing become affected. Excessive daytime fatigue and breathlessness are very debilitating. What is the cause of MND? There are no obvious causes as yet, but genetics, environment and lifestyles are considered. A personal glimpse of what it is like to live with someone with MND To hear the doctor’s diagnosis was absolutely shattering, it was almost like a life sentence being handed out! The feeling of numbness and hopelessness was overwhelming; my main concern was how was my husband going to deal with this? How can anyone live with the knowledge that there is no hope or cure? For my part, I later found out that it is possible because it has to be! I had to reach deep within me to find the strength especially during lockdown when people were worried about infecting my husband. Soon I realised it was vital to find ways of recharging my depleted energy so that I might continue giving care. Sink or swim and I decided to swim! Falling apart was not an option or helpful to anyone. Nature is a great healer; cooking, music; I even learnt to write a few poems and learnt to start playing the keyboard on WhatsApp from a lady in Derbyshire. Thanks to technology that kept me in touch with the world, even yoga class on Zoom. I have always enjoyed having candles and flowers in the house to create a cosy environment, perhaps due to spending most of my life working in hospitals. My husband was a realistic Yorkshire man, calm mannered, creative (sculpted, painted and wrote a few books), a book worm who loved history and world affairs (later audio books) and a good sense of humour, even in times of sadness and tears he would say something funny to brighten up the atmosphere, which all gave me courage to continue looking after him as best I could. The enormity of the task, the physical and emotional impact kept coming into my consciousness; even my background of physiotherapy had not prepared me for this. The downward steps into the abyss continued and later moved faster. Realising he was losing his voice when one day he tried to hum to a tune, he had a lovely voice! His right hand and grip were his last bit of independence left and he was dreading losing that too, but it did happen as it always does with this cruel disease. Caring for someone with Motor Neurone Disease MND requires a multidisciplinary team of therapists, counsellors and palliative care staff, assisted technology to provide some independence, voice banking for communication. As just about most parts of the body are affected, it is so important that there is a fast track in place to put plans into action. The private medical insurance dropped my husband as soon as he was diagnosed because MND is a progressive and chronic disease. The same with the private care company, they could not provide the level of care eventually due to shortage of staff, so we were grateful to be able to have NHS access and support. Even in means tested or affluent areas where most people are happy to pay for adaptations and care, there are those who are struggling and need assistance. The councils can play a large role (they are given a disabilities budget) and some are more equipped to deal with MND than others in giving patients the support they need. For example, the provision of adaptations such as ramps and handrails, in-home and in public spaces which would benefit people with disabilities and prevent hospitalisations for accidents and falls. The added financial burden of care and other needs can be overwhelming if people are not familiar with the protocols and applications or just too proud to ask for help. The MND Association does an amazing job and can also help in many ways such as education, support, campaigns to deliver a maximised quality of life to those fighting MND and their carers. The big dream is a day without MND in the world! If you would like to find out more about Motor Neurone Disease and how you can help raise awareness and much needed funds for research please contact The Motor Neurone Disease Association. Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.

Dr Sharon Tate, Head of Primary Care at the charity Target Ovarian Cancer outlines the symptoms of ovarian cancer and what we should all be looking out for. Feeling bloated? Many of us are familiar with that feeling of being bloated, but did you know that persistent bloating is one of the key symptoms of ovarian cancer? Just one in five women know this, something that we, at Target Ovarian Cancer, find concerning. Ovarian cancer claims the lives of 11 women a day. That’s 11 too many. With no effective screening tool, knowing the symptoms of this disease can give us the head start in ovarian cancer being diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. Currently, two thirds of cases are diagnosed late and one in seven women die within two months of receiving a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. If diagnosed at the earliest stage, the easier the cancer is to treat. This is why it’s vital to see improvements in awareness of ovarian cancer, alongside GP education, investment in research and much more. Empowering you with knowledge: what you need to look out for Every March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and we are continuing to raise awareness of the symptoms and urge everyone to share them with friends and family. These symptoms will be new, frequent and persistent. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are: · Persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes · Feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite · Pelvic or abdominal pain – that's pain anywhere between your tummy and top of your thighs · Urinary symptoms – needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual Occasionally there are other symptoms such as change in bowel habit, extreme fatigue and / or unplanned weight loss. Any unusual bleeding from the vagina before or after the menopause should always be investigated by a GP. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact your GP. It may be nothing, but it’s best to be sure. Who is at risk of ovarian cancer? Each year 7,400 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK, and some people have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Risk factors can include: - Your age – those over the age of 50 and post-menopause have a higher risk - Family history - Speak to your GP if there are two or more cases of ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer on either your mother or father's side of the family. Anyone born with ovaries or fallopian tubes is at risk of developing ovarian cancer. This means most women and trans men, some non-binary people, and some people who have differences in sex development are at risk of ovarian cancer. If your ovaries and fallopian tubes have been removed you’re at lower risk, but a small risk still remains More information on risk factors can be found on the Target Ovarian Cancer website. How to help your GP We are passionate about supporting GPs in diagnosing ovarian cancer at the earliest possible stage. We know that there are a few things that you can do to help your GP if you are concerned about ovarian cancer: - If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms that aren’t normal for you, contact your GP and tell them that you are concerned about cancer - Think about your family history – has anyone had ovarian or breast cancer or either your father or mother’s side? If so, tell your GP - Download the Target Ovarian Cancer symptom diary to take notes of how frequent your symptoms are and take this with you to your appointment Supporting everyone with ovarian cancer Working closely with health professionals, we are committed to ensuring that everyone with ovarian cancer is given the best support possible. We provide resources for GPs and information for nurses. Not only that but we run a support line for anyone with any concerns, a diagnosis or family or friends to contact. We have three trained nurse advisers who are on the other end of the phone to talk to. Simply give them a call on 020 7923 5475. If you would like to find out more about ovarian cancer and how you can help raise awareness and much-needed funds for research please contact Target Ovarian Cancer Did you enjoy this article? Why not join the Two Women Chatting mailing list for regular updates.