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July 15, 2012

Single ladies: Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise hit the town

Divorce drives many women into hiding, but Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise have been out on the town nearly every day this month.

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A messy public divorce has sent many leading ladies into hiding, but Katie Holmes has refused to let her split from Tom Cruise turn her into a recluse.

Katie, 33, and her daughter Suri, six, have been out and about in New York almost every day since the actress filed for divorce, visiting museums, going for ice cream and shopping.

Being single certainly seems to agree with Katie, who has swapped her daggy outfits and frowns for glossy locks, glamorous dresses and a satisfied smile.

Suri also looks happy and healthy and seems to love spending so much one-on-one time with her mother.

Katie and Suri looking pretty in pink yesterday.

Suri and a friend visiting the Children’s Museum of the Arts.

Suri looking thrilled to be at the Central Park Zoo on July 11.

Katie and Suri at their favourite icecream parlour on July 3.

Katie held her daughter very close on their excursion.

Mother and daughter visiting Central Park Zoo on July 11.

Katie’s mother joined her and Suri at the zoo.

Katie and Suri at the zoo.

Suri after a shopping expedition on July 5.

Mother and daughter walking the streets of Manhattan.

Katie hugs Suri after they picked up some groceries on July 8.

Suri on July 12.

Suri at her gymnastics class on July 12.

Katie and Suri.

Katie and Suri arriving at Chelsea Piers on July 10.

Katie looking very much the movie star on July 14.

Katie flashes her petticoat as she gets coffee on July 14.

Katie and Suri leave an Italian restaurant on July 13.

Looking lovely in yellow on July 7.

Katie looking glamorous on July 5.

Katie giving Suri a cuddle on July 10.

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July 13, 2012

Why we should leave the body image debate to teens

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Dolly model search winner Kirsty Thatcher, 13.

When it comes to certain issues there is one person a 13-year-old girl won’t hear a word from, no matter how sound or pertinent, and that is her mother, or anyone who could be.

Being 23 now, it hasn’t been too long since I was a teenager ignoring mum’s tips on the dos and don’ts of school dance attire and plotting schemes to get away with seeing a MA15+ movie, but I’d hazard a guess that the body image debate that has permeated media commentary from mummy blogs to mainstream newspapers this past week would be another of those issues a teenager might not seek maternal advice on.

When 13-year-old Brisbane girl Kirsty Thatcher was announced the winner of the newly resurrected Dolly Model Search competition earlier this week, the criticism erupted.

Commentators came in with the best intentions and were not unqualified. Those who voiced their outrage highlighted genuine concerns for young girls and their body image issues. Some of them were mothers of teenagers themselves and many had worked in the magazine industry and had first-hand experience in modelling competitions.

Former Dolly editor Mia Freedman’s post on Mamamia.com.au about why the she axed the competition during her reign exploded with more than 130 comments from the sites loyal 21- to 49-year-old female audience.

Their concerns weren’t invalid. With sexual pressure on young girls starting earlier than ever before and young people ranking body image as their greatest concern, it has never been harder being a teenage girl. But does having grown-ups bicker over these issues and criticise teen mags, making an example of Kirsty and her peers, make it any easier? At least for Kirsty Thatcher, it probably doesn’t.

She was selected as an ambassador for Dolly’s teen readers. In Editor Tiffany Dunk’s words “we are not just looking for a fashion model, but also a role model who can be a positive ambassador for Dolly.”

But from now on whenever Kirsty’s name is Googled – and this will happen every time someone scouts her for a modelling job, befriends her on Facebook, or does a quick check before every first date for the rest of her life – it won’t be messages of positivity that dominate the hits, but highlights from a vicious debate criticising the competition that brought her into the public eye, and attacking the magazine for not choosing a “more suitable” role model for positive body image.

That would hardly do wonders for a young girl’s self-esteem.

As many of the critics highlighted, Dolly magazine was given an award of its own last month when it was announced the winner of the Government’s inaugural Positive Body Image Awards.

And as the Awards panel chairperson, Australian Women’s Weekly Editor-in-Chief Helen McCabe has pointed out, the judging panel did not have the luxury of a wide range of choice as there are simply not enough businesses taking initiative in this area, but the awards went to deserving recipients.

In the interest of full disclosure, I worked closely with the panel and was involved in the Awards, and like the rest of the judging panel was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the entrants that came in, particularly from teen magazines Dolly and Girlfriend.

While the Model Search wasn’t considered as part of its application (it fell outside the eligibility period), Dolly’s retouch-free policy, its use of readers over models, inclusion of a diverse range of real girls in the magazine’s fashion and beauty pages, and the positive body image messages in its articles were refreshing and impressive. Girlfriend was recognised for similar initiatives.

More impressive was Tiffany Dunk’s declaration that the reason such policies had been imposed was because the readers were demanding them. Young women are conscious of the negative body images they’ve been fed and they are driving a positive change.

There is an active conversation surrounding the pressing issue of teen body image, but it’s not the one that former magazine editors and grown women who have already dealt with their body image issues are fighting over.

It’s being pioneered by the teens living these issues and casting a critical eye over the body image messages they’re presented with.

We should leave the conversation to the teens rather than squabbling over it amongst ourselves. If they don’t want to listen to their elders, they listen to each other, and magazines have no choice but to listen to them. From the changes being implemented in teen mags demanded by the young women who read them, it looks like they’re doing a pretty good job of it already.

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July 13, 2012

What to do with your tax return

Before you head out on a shopping spree, there are a few smart financial strategies that could see you get more bang for your buck.

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Many people eagerly look forward to receiving their tax return, and before you know it that money has already disappeared. Now is the time to really think about your financial goals. Start off by writing down your top five, then move on to assessing your needs and wants, which will help you decide whether it’s best to save, spend, or invest.

Save

Paying off debt is a form of saving because any extra lump sum payments towards your loans can save you significant amounts in interest. It’s a good idea to target high interest debt first, such as credit cards or personal loans. Interest rates on credit cards can be as high as 20 percent, so it’s important to get rid of this debt as quickly as possible.

Another option is paying off a lump sum on your mortgage or you could park the cash in a mortgage offset account, so you’re reducing interest but can still access the money quickly if you need it.

For shorter-term goals, it’s hard to beat high interest savings accounts, which are offered by most banks and credit unions. Term deposits also offer competitive interest rates.

For any savings option, it’s important to shop around for the right product, remembering to compare fees.

Invest

If you don’t have any debt, investing the money is another good option when weighing up what to do with your tax refund.

Investing in your super fund may be a smart idea if you are eligible for the government co-contribution. For those eligible, the government will dollar match non-concessional (personal after-tax) contributions to super up to a maximum of $1000. There are not many other investment strategies that can achieve a 100 per cent return within one year!

Investing in a managed fund or share portfolio is another strategy if saving for medium- to long-term financial goals of five years or more. However it’s a good idea to sit down with your financial planner, as your personal risk profile should always be considered.

Spend

For many people, their tax refund is the only windfall they receive during the year, so it can be tempting to indulge in a little retail therapy.

Some spending is necessary to ensure we have the basics, like clothes, household items or insurance (or sometimes that new pair of shoes!).

Investing in some big ticket items you really need, such as a new washing machine or fridge, is also a good option as it may help you avoid the need to pay for them with credit at a later date.

Dianne Charman is an AMP financial planner and mother of two.

Dianne Charman is an Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706. Any advice given is general only and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, before acting on any advice, you should consult a financial planner to consider how appropriate the advice is to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

To find your nearest AMP financial planner visit www.amp.com.au/findaplanner.

Video: How to maximise your savings

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July 13, 2012

Protect yourself from heart disease

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Heart disease kills more women than any other disease and it is estimated that around one-third of us have already developed some form of it, most often high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol. The good news? There are so many things you can do to reduce your risk.

Start with the basics: You can probably recite them, but they bear repeating: stop smoking, eat a diet low in saturated and trans fats, don’t overdo alcohol, and exercise.

Watch the salt: One review showed that reducing salt to around five grams a day had a significant effect on high blood pressure Avoid processed or packaged foods, as these tend to have a high salt content.

Related: What to eat to beat cancer

Mind your minerals: While sodium raises blood pressure, potassium lowers it. Potassium-rich foods are apples, bananas, asparagus, cabbage, kelp, and alfalfa. Magnesium — found in seaweed, leafy greens, almonds, and lentils — may help to reduce heart palpitations.

Say NO: Nitric oxide (NO) relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow to all tissues, including the heart. Your body makes NO, but production drops with age. Good food sources are celery, beetroot, spinach, leeks, parsley, fennel and cabbage.

Tame triglycerides: Natural anti-inflammatories help counter these harmful blood fats, as well as regulate heart rhythm, and reduce clotting and inflammation. Cold-water fish like salmon or sardines are a good source, or take a supplement — aim for 2,000mg of omega-3 fatty acids daily, taken as fish oil or flaxseed oil.

Keep it clean: Environmental toxins have a profound effect on heart health, with studies suggesting that long-term exposure to lead, cadmium, and polychlorinated bisphenols (BPA) all cause high blood pressure. Blood tests can confirm your status.

Say hi to hawthorn: Long regarded by Western herbalists as a ‘food for the heart’, this herb is an antioxidant that also tones the heart (cardiotonic) and dilates the blood vessels (vasodilator). Use under supervision by a qualified herbalist.

Go to herbs: Other heart-healthy herbs include gotu kola and garlic, which have both been investigated for their ability to lower raised cholesterol and triglycerides. One study also showed garlic can lower blood pressure by five to eight points. (Note: high doses can interfere with anti-thrombotic drugs; check with your doctor).

Look to the east: Chinese red-yeast rice is a supplement that contains lovastatin, a naturally occurring statin, but without the problematic side effects which may occur with conventional statin drugs. It also contains cholestin, which lowers raised cholesterol and triglycerides. A naturopath or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner can prescribe it.

Skip the caffeine: Caffeinated drinks — including carbonated soft drinks, as well as tea and coffee — have been shown to increase blood pressure.

Stress less: When you get stressed, a cascade of hormones are released which undermine heart health — adrenaline, which elevates blood pressure, cortisol, which leads to belly fat, and aldosterone, which causes fluid retention. Make a point of taking time every day to relax. This doesn’t mean slumping in front of TV, but using tried and tested formal relaxation techniques, like yoga, meditation, or visualisation.

Just breathe: Research shows that yogic breathing — slowing the rate of breathing and extending the outbreath — is as effective in lowering blood pressure in people with mild hypertension as taking conventional medication.

Related: Five ways to fight flu

Whittle your waist: Weight gain around your middle is strongly linked to metabolic syndrome, a condition characterised by elevated blood pressure, reduced insulin sensitivity, lower HDL (‘good’) cholesterol, and higher triglycerides.

Be happy and know it: The links between anger, hostility, depression and anxiety and cardiovascular health are well documented; a positive attitude, on the other hand, has tangible heart benefits. Consciously choose to turn that frown upside down.

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July 13, 2012

Want to eat less? Invest in red crockery

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Want to stop snacking? Try eating off a red plate. According to a research team from the Institute of Psychology at Basel University, people drink less from red cups and eat less when snacks are served to them on red plates.

In their first experiment, the team asked study participants to drink sweet drinks from plastic cups, half of which had blue stickers and the other half red.

The people given red-stickered cups drank about 40 percent less than the others, irrespective of what they thought of the taste.

Then, in their second experiment, study participants were given pretzels on red, blue or white plates and told they could eat as many as they liked. The people with red plates ate more than 50 percent less than the others did.

The researchers say the study results — which were published in the scientific journal Appetite — are the first step to understanding how colours may influence food consumption, in this case, whether the colour red acted as a sort of subconscious ‘stop sign’.

The study also raises intriguing questions about whether colours can be used to help people to lose weight or avoid unhealthy foods.

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July 13, 2012

When you feed affects your baby’s IQ

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Babies who are fed whenever they are hungry have higher IQs than those who are fed on a schedule, a new study has found.

The research — published in the European Journal of Public Health — suggests a significant difference in the mental abilities of “demand-fed” and “schedule-fed” babies.

Researchers studied data from a child development study of more than 10,000 children between the ages of five and 14.

On average, children who were demand-fed as babies had IQ scores four or five points higher than those who were schedule-fed.

“This difference between schedule and demand-fed children is found both in breastfed and in bottle-fed babies,” explains Dr Maria Iacovou, who led the research from ISER.

“The difference in IQ levels of around four to five points is statistically highly significant. However, at this stage, we must be very cautious about claiming a causal link between feeding patterns and IQ.

“We cannot definitively say why these differences occur, and more research is needed to understand the processes involved.”

The research is the first large-scale study to investigate the long-term outcomes of schedule-fed versus demand-fed babies.

It was carried out by researchers at the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex and at the University of Oxford.

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July 12, 2012

Scientology ‘brainwashed Nicole Kidman’s kids against her’

The Church of Scientology brainwashed Nicole Kidman's adopted children against her, a former leader has claimed.

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The Church of Scientology brainwashed Nicole Kidman’s adopted children against her, a former leader has claimed.

Marty Rathbun — a senior member of the bizarre religion from 1982 to 2004 — has given an explosive interview on US TV, accusing church officials of using the religion to “indoctrinate” Isabella and Connor against the Australian actress.

Nicole adopted the children with then-husband Tom Cruise in the 1990s but quickly became estranged from them when she divorced Tom in 2001.

Marty claims this is because Isabella and Connor were poisoned against their mother.

“They were being indoctrinated, and they were reporting to Cruise on how that was going in my presence,” Marty told NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams.

“It was more than implied … [Nicole] was somebody that they shouldn’t open up with, they shouldn’t communicate with, and they shouldn’t spend much time with.”

Marty also spoke about Isabella and Connor in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter in which he accused senior church member Tommy Davis of feeding Isabella and Connor “false information” about Nicole.

“Tommy told them over and over again their mother was a sociopath, and after a while they believed him,” Marty claimed. “They had daily sessions with Tommy. I was there. I saw it.”

Nicole’s relationship with her adopted children has come under increased scrutiny in light of Tom’s divorce from third wife Katie Holmes.

The split has also brought Tom’s religion into the spotlight, with people accusing the church of everything from stalking Katie to trying to kidnap the couple’s daughter Suri.

A spokesman for the Church of Scientology has denied all the sinister claims, saying people speaking against the church were disgruntled and looking for 15 minutes of fame.

“All of these people are excommunicated self-promoters who are sadly exploiting a private family matter for their own personal financial gain,” the church said in a statement.

“They cannot be believed given they have acquired no firsthand knowledge of the church for many years and have a record of making false and/or misleading statements about the church.”

Scientology is a contentious religion based on the writings of sci-fi author L Ron Hubbard. It preaches, among other things, the existence of aliens as superior guiding beings.

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July 12, 2012

Vivienne and Knox Jolie-Pitt turn 4!

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It’s certainly a busy time for the Jolie-Pitts!

Apart from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie preparing for their secret wedding, the pair’s youngest children, twins Vivienne and Knox are celebrating their fourth birthday!

Proud mum Ange told Marie Claire magazine all about the pair, who were born on July 12, and their personalities.

Ange explained that Vivienne is a “girlie girl” and likes getting “her nails done and stuffed animals”. Knox on the other hand “is very much a dude…he loves dinosaurs and swords”.

Take a look at our gallery of Vivienne and Know throughout the years.

Vivienne and Knox turned four on July 12.

Angelina and Brad donated the money from their magazine covers of the tiwn to charity.

Angelina gave the world a quick glimpse of ther twins standing out on her balcony.

Brad and Knox wear matching hats as Brad walks his family through the airport.

Brad and Ange step out with their twins.

The Jolie-Pitts spend time in Venice.

Angelina Jolie and her twins leave Gwen Stefani’s house after a play date.

Brad and Angelina with their six children.

Brad and Ange hold tight to their twins.

The whole family is always on the move.

Angelina spends the day with her twins, Shiloh and Zahara.

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July 12, 2012

Quitting smoking causes more weight gain than thought

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Weight gain has long been associated with quitting smoking, but new European research has found that giving up cigarettes can lead to more weight gain than originally thought.

A study conducted in the UK and France has found that giving up smoking will usually lead to a weight gain of between 4kg and 5kg, more than the average 2.9kg expected by quitters.

But researchers at France’s National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and the UK’s University of Birmingham stressed they didn’t want their findings, in any way, to discourage people from quitting smoking.

They said that although more weight is gained by those who quit, the health benefits of quitting smoking far outweigh the harm of putting on some extra kilos.

“Although obesity is positively associated with an increased risk of all causes mortality, cohort studies indicate that modest weight gain does not increase the risk of death; smoking does,” the researchers wrote in the British Medical Journal.

The aim of the research was to find out the impact that quitting smoking would have on body weight in those who quit successfully.

Those who quit smoking without the help of nicotine replacement therapy gained an average of 1.1kg in the first month, 2.3kg by the second month, 2.9kg by the third month, 4.2kg by the sixth month and 4.7kg after a year.

The study found that 34 percent gained 5kg to 10kg, while up to 13 percent gained more than 10kg. But it’s not all bad news, with 16 percent losing weight. The researchers noted a large variation in weight change depending on the individual.

“That’s more than people have previously said and also it varies a lot between people,” said Professor Paul Aveyard, who helped conduct the study. “Some people don’t put on any weight at all, while others put on maybe 10kg in the first year.”

Some anti-smoking activists are concerned that the research will deter people from quitting, especially women.

Blythe O’Hara, manager of cancer prevention at the Cancer Institute NSW, told Woman’s Day it is important to remember that you can lose these extra few kilos, but the damage that smoking can do to your body may be irreversible.

“It is important for all women to know that the health benefits of stopping smoking are far greater than putting on the weight suggested by this study,” she said.

“The reality is, this weight gain is not instant or guaranteed to happen to you. Many people replace cigarettes with unhealthy snacking or responding to their newly revived taste buds and appetite with a new interest in food. The latter is a good thing, but it is important to make healthy choices with meals and snacks to prevent weight gain.”

While the latest figures from the Cancer Institute NSW reveals that approximately 40,900 people across NSW have quit smoking in the past year, there are many reasons why people are indecisive about kicking the habit and O’Hara said weight gain may be one of them.

For those who do decided to quit, O’Hara said it is important to keep the following things in mind, have an action plan in place, be mindful that it may take multiple attempts to quit and that different methods work for different people.

“It is important, most of all that you don’t put too much pressure on yourself over the first few months of quitting,” she said.

“Go easy on yourself and if you find yourself reaching for the occasional chocolate rather than a cigarette — that’s okay. Once your nicotine cravings have subsided you will be in a stronger position to take up other healthy habits if you do find you have gained a little weight.”

Researchers involved in the European study have suggested, that while more research needs to be done on which people have a greatest risk of losing weight, the current results can be used by doctors to provide those who have decided to quit with a realistic range of weight gains and goals.

And O’Hara agreed that the study results can assist smokers in their decision to quit.

“If smokers understand that it is normal to gain some weight after quitting, particularly in the first few months, it does provide them with an opportunity to think of strategies to improve their lifestyle,” she said.

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July 12, 2012

‘Proud’ Princess Eugenie graduates with honours

Princess Eugenie donned a cap and gown to graduate from Newcastle University yesterday in front of her proud father and sister.

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Princess Eugenie donned a cap and gown to graduate from Newcastle University yesterday in front of her proud father and sister.

The 22-year-old royal took her place on stage to receive her combined degree in English and history of art.

Her older sister Princess Beatrice and father Prince Andrew watched from the crowd, and beamed when Eugenie collected her certification.

After the ceremony, Eugenie gushed about her pride at finishing with top marks and her time spent living in a student share house.

“I am so proud,” Eugenie said. “Being up in Newcastle is just amazing. I had so much fun.

“Being in a house with seven girls was my highlight because you’d come back and there was always someone cooking, someone to welcome you.

“That was amazing just being in a house with all these wonderful people.”

Like thousands of other recent graduates, Eugenie is still trying to decide what to do with her degree.

She plans to carry out royal engagements and charity work for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital while she hunts for her first real job.

“I’m a freshly finished student so my future plans are coming together as we speak,” she said yesterday.

Eugenie will live with her father at the family home Royal Lodge, near Windsor Castle, until she finds full-time work and can afford to move out on her own.

It is not known why her mother, Sarah Ferguson, did not attend the graduation ceremony. Andrew and Sarah released a joint statement congratulating their youngest daughter last week.

“Eugenie has worked incredibly hard to achieve this excellent result and we are immensely proud of what she has done, particularly gaining a first in her dissertation,” the statement read.

“She has had a wonderful time at Newcastle University and has greatly enjoyed her time in the North East.”

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Katie and Suri looking pretty in pink yesterday.

Suri and a friend visiting the Children’s Museum of the Arts.

Suri looking thrilled to be at the Central Park Zoo on July 11.

Katie and Suri at their favourite icecream parlour on July 3.

Katie held her daughter very close on their excursion.

Mother and daughter visiting Central Park Zoo on July 11.

Katie’s mother joined her and Suri at the zoo.

Katie and Suri at the zoo.

Suri after a shopping expedition on July 5.

Mother and daughter walking the streets of Manhattan.

Katie hugs Suri after they picked up some groceries on July 8.

Suri on July 12.

Suri at her gymnastics class on July 12.

Katie and Suri.

Katie and Suri arriving at Chelsea Piers on July 10.

Katie looking very much the movie star on July 14.

Katie flashes her petticoat as she gets coffee on July 14.

Katie and Suri leave an Italian restaurant on July 13.

Looking lovely in yellow on July 7.

Katie looking glamorous on July 5.

Katie giving Suri a cuddle on July 10.

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Vivienne and Knox turned four on July 12.

Angelina and Brad donated the money from their magazine covers of the tiwn to charity.

Angelina gave the world a quick glimpse of ther twins standing out on her balcony.

Brad and Knox wear matching hats as Brad walks his family through the airport.

Brad and Ange step out with their twins.

The Jolie-Pitts spend time in Venice.

Angelina Jolie and her twins leave Gwen Stefani’s house after a play date.

Brad and Angelina with their six children.

Brad and Ange hold tight to their twins.

The whole family is always on the move.

Angelina spends the day with her twins, Shiloh and Zahara.

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