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Celebrity mums who gave birth over 40

Brooke Shields gave birth to her second child Grier Hammond when she was 41. Her first daughter Rowan Frances was born three years earlier.

At age 46 Geena Davis gave birth to her first daughter Alizeh Keshvar with husband Reza Jarrahy. Two years later the couple had non-identical twin boys Kian William Jarrahy and Kaiis Steven Jarrahy.

Forty-six-year-old Helen Hunt gave birth to her daughter Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan at age 41.

Julianne Moore had her first child son, Caleb at age 37 followed by daughter, Liv Helen at age 42. The actress says she now spends her time focusing on her two children and says she picks roles in movies that film in the summer so her family can go along.

At 42-years-old Kim Basinger gave birth to her and Alec Baldwin’s daughter Ireland Eliesse “Addie” Baldwin.

Fifty-one-year-old Madonna not only gave birth in her 40s, but continued to grow her family by adopting. When Madge was 42 she gave birth to her son Rocco. In May 2008 the adoption was finalised for David Banda Mwale and just over a year later in June 2009 Madonna adopted daughter Mercy James.

Just before her 45th birthday Marcia Cross gave birth to non-identical twin girls Eden and Savannah. Marcia has also revealed that she would also like to adopt some time in the future.

Mother of four Meryl Streep gave birth to her fourth child Louisa at age 42. The actress always set time aside for her children and even gave up the opportunity to star with Goldie Hawn in Thelma and Louise to have children. The roles were then offered to Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis.

Once married to Tom Cruise Mimi Rogers now has two children with producer husband Chris Ciaffa. She had their first child Lucy at age 42 and their second Charles at age 49.

Following her marriage to country music singer Keith Urban in 2006, Nicole Kidman gave birth their daughter Sunday Rose at age 41.

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Celebrity baby body bounce backs

Beyoncé Knowles announced her pregnancy at the MTV Video Music Awards in August 2011.

On January 7, 2012 she and husband Jay-Z welcomed a baby girl named Blue Ivy Carter.

On February 6, just one month later, Beyoncé stepped out in a bright orange dress flaunting her famous curves.

Mariah Carey and her husband Nick Cannon welcomed twins on April 30, 2011.

Mariah gave birth to fraternal twins via C-section.

By November 2011, Mariah was back to her old self, with a little help from Jenny Craig and managed to lose 13 kilos in three months.

“I’m proud of how hard I worked to get my body back…I had to do this for me,” she told US Weekly.

Kate Hudson showed off her baby bump in May 2011, after announcing she was expecting in January 2011.

She welcomed a baby boy with Matthew Bellamy in July 2011.

Four months later, Kate had her pre baby body back and showed it off at the British Fashion Awards.

Selma Blair embraced her baby bump showing it off in Las Vegas is April 2011.

She welcomed a baby boy three months later.

Although looking great six weeks after welcoming her son, Selma said she hadn’t lost any baby weight, but focussed on beautiful clothes.

“I am not fabulous. It is a mess of Jell-O all over my body. I’m relying on beautiful clothes to mask what is happening to my body. And no, I have not lost any baby weight yet. Any,” she told E Online.

Super model Miranda Kerr welcomed a baby boy on 6 January 2011, and throughout her pregnancy she continued to model appearing in the Balenciaga Show.

Miranda got back into shape not long after her pregnancy and was back working for Victoria’s Secret just three months after having her son.

But she has always maintained that being a mother comes before work.

“I have so much more that I want to do aside from modelling. I can live with my body not being in shape if I have a healthy son. It’s worth it,” she told Instyle magazine.

A heavily pregnant Heidi Klum stepped out back in September 2009 with her big baby belly!

But just five weeks after giving birth to her daughter Lou Sulola Samuel on October 9, 2009 Heidi was back on the catwalk for Victoria Secret!

Katie Holmes stepped out back in 2006 just days before giving birth to her daughter Suri Cruise.

It didn’t take the young mum long to get back to her slender figure. In just five months she was back to being a yummy mummy!

Nicole showed off her baby belly at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2008. Two moths later she gave birth to her daughter Sunday Rose.

By November 2008, she had her stunning figure back!

Jessica Alba has always had one of the best bodies in Hollywood! When she gave birth to her daughter Honor Marie Warren in June 2008…

…it wasn’t long before she set towards getting her famous body back! After just one month, Jessica was back to her super-toned self!

In 2008 Ange announced she was expecting twins with partner Brad Pitt. In July 2008 she gave birth to twins Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline.

Four months later, Ange stepped out looking super slim!

Catherine accepted the award for Best Supporting Actress for the movie Chicago in March. On April 20 she gave birth to her daughter Carys Zeta Douglas.

A month later she was by her husband’s side with her red carpet glow and amazing figure.

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Celebrities in rehab

Courtney Love is no stranger to rehab. The singer has been involved in a number of state-enforced rehabilitation programs throughout her career. At one point in 2005 she admitted taking drugs in violation of her probation and was ordered into a treatment program. But she also violated this program and was sentenced to six months in lock down rehab.

Charlie Sheen found himself in rehab in February 2010 following a domestic violence charge. The actor, who has been involved in a number of rehab programs, took a break from filming his TV show Two and a Half Men to check himself into a rehab facility.

Britney’s first rehab visit took place following the death of her aunt. She only spent 24 hours at the clinic but the following night she famously shaved off her hair off! Then just a few days later, she admitted herself to another treatment facility. Britney’s strange behaviour and constant stints in rehab provided her with extremely high media attention.

From a young age Drew Barrymore was a regular at Studio 54. She smoked cigarettes at age nine, drank alcohol by age 11, smoked marijuana at age 12, and was snorting cocaine at age 13 when she was sent to rehab. At 14 a suicide attempt put her back into rehab. She then straightened herself out following a three month stay with singer David Crosby. The actress has never relapsed.

In 2008 Eva Mendes was checked into the Cirque Lodge rehab facility for several weeks for a substance abuse problem. Her rep made a statement saying that Eva had been “working hard for the past year and made a positive decision to take some much-needed time off to proactively attend to some personal issues that, while not critical, she felt deserved some outside professional support.”

The country music singer checked himself into rehab back in 2007 to deal with an alcohol problem. It has also been reported that Keith had paid a visit to rehab before this for a cocaine addiction. During his time in rehab Keith has said “I deeply regret the hurt this has caused Nicole and the ones that love and support me.”

After a series of partying stints Kirsten Dunst checked herself into rehab during 2008. The actress stayed at the same rehab clinic as stars like Eva Mendes and Lindsay Lohan.

Matthew Perry undertook his first rehab 28 day program in 1997 for an addiction to the painkiller Vicodin. The addiction continued and his list of addictions got longer. In 2001 he entered rehab again for an addiction to Vicodin, methadone, speed, and alcohol. He then experienced stomach pains on the set of his movie Dallas and was again advised to visit rehab. He then checked himself into a centre in LA.

Actress Melanie Griffith has battled with a drugs, alcohol and painkillers addiction for most of her life. Earlier this year the 52-year-old spoke out about her addiction, her latest rehab stay and praised her husband Antonio Banderas and her family for their support.

Mel Gibson scored himself a stint in rehab after he was busted driving under the influence of alcohol. It was reported that the actor took part in the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program.

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Schapelle Corby’s secret transfer to remote Java prison

Schapelle's new hell: "This could kill her"

Schapelle's new hell: "This could kill her"

There are new fears for her life with a top secret plan to transfer her from her Bali jail to a remote prison in Java, reports Corby biographer Kathryn Bonella.

The nightmare Schapelle Corby has been fearing for the past five years is now a reality, as a secret document outlining her transfer to a new faraway prison has been leaked exclusively to Woman’s Day.

The document, from the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights, confirms Schapelle’s worst fears that she will be taken away from her lifeline of family and friends and forced to move to a remote East Javanese jail.

“Hereby ordering the Head of Kerobokan Detention Centre, Denpasar, Bali, to carry out the transfer of the convict in the name of Sceppele (sic) Corby … to be transferred to Women’s Detention Centre in Malang, East Java. The order becomes effective from the date the transfer is signed.”

For the full story, including Mercedes Corby’s exclusive interview with Woman’s Day and the impact this move will have on Schapelle’s unstable state, see this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale April 1, 2010.

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I pay my lover a wage

Picture: posed by models (Getty)

Picture: posed by models (Getty)

I’m sure I’m not alone in this, but I’m equally sure that it’s the type of thing which would cause raised eyebrows and a lot of disapproval, which is why I haven’t told anyone. However, it’s an arrangement which has worked very well for me for the last three years and I hope it continues. My ex husband and I get on pretty well, but I don’t want all the complications involved in getting into a relationship – I want to be able to concentrate on my children, my job and my life without introducing a man who might well walk out at some point, thus upsetting the children.

Although I know I could go out a couple of times a month and find someone for sex I don’t have the time or energy for a series of one night stands – I want to be wined and dined and know exactly what’s going to happen, without any worries about the next day.

My husband and I had a great sex life and I really missed that, so I decided to do some research. The internet was the obvious place and I found a huge range of websites and adverts offering a wide range of services. Some of them were simply hilarious, but in the end I found Justin.

Our first encounter was nerve wracking and my main worry was that I might not find him attractive, although I definitely went out there with sex on my mind. In the flesh something has to click and although I knew that he was extremely good looking and very fit I also knew I had to fancy him. I booked into a hotel and spent ages getting ready, then Justin came to collect me and we went out to dinner. Thank God, despite my nerves there was an instant spark and we had a great time, especially since we both knew that the whole evening was definitely building up to sex. When we got back to the room there was no problem tearing each other’s clothes off and the sex was fantastic.

I knew I’d made the right decision and we meet once or twice a month, with the occasional weekend away or short holiday, which I always pay for. He makes me feel that I’m the centre of attention, he’s very protective and caring, we have a laugh and a chat and the sex gets better and better. He always makes it special with candles, massage oils and sex toys – now how many men would still be doing that after three years in an ordinary relationship?

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Cola lowers sperm count, study shows

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Getty Images

If you’re trying to have a baby, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on your partner’s cola intake, as a Danish researchers have found that big cola drinkers can have sperm counts up to 30 percent lower than normal.

Researchers at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, were looking for a link between caffeine and male fertility but found lower sperm counts were not the result of the caffeine in cola, as was previously thought, PhysOrg.com reported.

Male fertility: sperm school for men

In pictures: Child-free celebs

The researchers studied sperm samples taken from 2554 young men during their physical examinations for Danish military service between 2001 and 2005. The men were also surveyed regarding their intake of caffeine from various sources, including cola, and asked questions about their lifestyle and diet.

Results showed that those with low to moderate total caffeine intake and cola consumption (up to 800mg per day caffeine and up to 14 500ml bottles of cola per week) didn’t display any lowering of sperm count. But those with a high intake of caffeine and cola (more than 800mg per day and more than 14 500ml bottles a week) did show a lower sperm count, although the figure was only significant for those who drank a lot of cola.

The 93 men who drank a litre or more of cola a day displayed a much lower count.

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The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology last month, found no link between caffeine from tea or coffee and lower sperm count. But researchers could not separate a possible ingredient of cola being the key driver from other lifestyle factors (such as not exercising or eating enough fruit), which are characteristic of people who drink a lot of cola.

Your say: Do you think that too much cola could affect a man’s sperm count or that a generally unhealthy lifestyle could be equally important? Share your thoughts below.

For health, beauty, celeb gossip and more, visit:

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Bounce back from the Easter blowout

You've polished off the last off the chocolate eggs, which means Easter is officially over. Now it's time to get your body and finances back into shape.
apple and money, getty images

GOING on a road trip with the family over the Easter break seemed like a great idea at the time. Don’t get me wrong; I’m very much looking forward to hanging out with my wonderful sister-in-law Sarah, her husband Mark, my husband Simon and my mother-in-law Jude, on our visit to family in central NSW.

But like any weekend away, I always spend a lot more money than I planned to and all of my dismal savings seem to vanish over the short period from paying off my Christmas credit card bill in January to topping up my summer wardrobe from the sales in February and March.

And then there are the not-so-subliminal messages in advertising to eat lots of chocolate over Easter, as I’m always drawn towards the lolly shops filled with Easter eggs. I end up at least a few kilos heavier from all the festive goodness and this year will no doubt be just the same.

This is why April is a great month to kick-start your diet and get your body and wallet back into shape. And here’s how:

Set realistic goals

There’s no point dreaming about a round-the-world family trip by next Christmas if you have credit card debt and are installing an in-ground swimming pool by summer … Well, you can always dream.

Just like your weight-loss target, if you make your savings goal realistic you will not only enjoy the shopping spree or summer holiday at the end, but you will feel great for being able to achieve them.

Shop around

The Web is so handy for your new goals. From searching for low-fat recipes to comparing savings accounts everything you need is at your finger tips.

For example, if your goal is to save $5000 by December, there are plenty of options with online savings accounts. By putting away about $620 per month into an online account with ING Direct or UBank, which offer 5.85 percent per annum, you will earn $100 in interest to put towards your goal.

Most banks offer automated savings plans so you can spend more time on your treadmill rather than transferring funds from one account to another. Many of these cost nothing to set up and you can choose the frequency and amount you wish to deposit. It’s better than leaving your cash wasting away in an almost-zero-interest debit account.

Also here’s a great link for my favourite low-fat recipes.

Be disciplined

There’s no point in spending your time choosing a savings account and learning new recipes if you don’t make the most of them. Stay on track to your end destination and your waistline and wallet will be thanking you in no time.

Your say: Do you find yourself in a state of panic at this time of year? Email us on [email protected]

Michelle Hutchison is Consumer Advocate at RateCity.

The above information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.

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Man flu exists, say scientists

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Getty Images

Every woman knows her man can act like he’s on his deathbed at the mere hint of a sniffle, but there could be some truth to “man flu”, according to new research.

Scientists (male scientists, we might add) claim to have dispelled the man flu myth by saying that men are more susceptible to disease because they invest their lives with more of a spirit of adventure at the expense of their immune systems, the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported.

Related link: Bald men half as likely to get prostate cancer

Researchers at the University of Cambridge believe that a male evolutionary preference for a “live fast, die young” lifestyle means that they have neglected to build up their immune systems like women have, making them more likely to catch diseases and keep them for longer.

The scientists applied mathematical models to various factors that characterise males and females and found that while men’s adventurous lifestyle exposed them to more diseases it also paradoxically made them less immune to them.

“In many cases, males tend to be more prone to get infected or less able to clear infection,” researcher Dr Olivier Restif said.

“Proposed mechanisms include interference between male hormones and immunity, as well as risk-taking behaviour.”

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One of the reasons for this is that men continue to support their reproductive systems even when they are ill, which is part of a competitive nature they have evolved over time, even at the expense of getting better.

“Our results show that, under a range of genetic and ecological constraints, males and females can evolve different levels of immune defences, sometimes at odds with intuitive expectations,” Dr Restif said.

“Under this scenario, the model predicts that overall, females should try to clear infection rapidly, regardless of the relative risk of catching infection. In contrast, males are selected to decrease their immune defences and remain sexually active during infection if their exposure to infection is high.

Your say: Do you think man flu is a myth and that men just love to complain? Share your thoughts below.

For health, beauty, celeb gossip and more, visit:

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Smiling could help you live longer

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Getty Images

Smiling has long been credited with brightening up people’s lives, but new US research claims that it can even help prolong them.

The new study has added weight to the belief that a happy disposition — shown in the face by wide grins and deep laughter lines — translates into longer life expectancy, the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported.

Researchers at Michigan’s Wayne State University came to their conclusions after studying 230 pictures of Major League Baseball players from the 1952 player register, which also came with vital statistics including age, weight, height and marital status.

Recipe: Simple Cherry Smoothie from Pauls

Top tips: How to get the perfect smile

The researchers then ranked the players according to their smiles and laughter lines, on a scale from straight-faced glum to full grin with crinkled eyes.

They then compared their findings with the players’ actual lifespans.

From the 184 players who had died by June 1, 2009, those in the “no smile” camp lived to an average of 72.9 years. Those ranked as having a “partial smile” lived to 75, while those with the widest grins lived to a whopping 79.9 years, seven years longer than their dour faced peers.

The researchers also noticed that those who displayed false-looking smiles didn’t benefit from a longer life expectancy.

Related video ACA: We revisit one young boy who was unable to smile because of a lack of facial nerves. Today though after a successful surgery he may now have the perfect smile.

Australians have an average life expectancy of 80.62 years, which puts us ninth in a league table of countries behind Sweden, Hong Kong, Singapore, San Marino, Japan, Macau, Antigua and Andorra. People from the tiny southwest Europe principality of Andorra can expect to live to 83.52.

Do you think happy people live longer? Share your experiences below.

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Bacon and eggs is the healthiest breakfast, a new study shows

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Getty Images

It may sound unlikely to most health-conscious Australians, but chomping down on a high-fat breakfast of fried bacon, sausages, eggs, mushrooms and all the rest could actually be the healthiest way to start your day.

According to US scientists, the traditional full-English breakfast is better for your heart, weight and blood pressure than carbohydrate-heavy cereals, bread and pastries, the UK’s Daily Mail reported.

In pictures: Magda’s amazing weight-loss journey

Related link: Bacon butties a true hangover cure

The thinking behind the new study, at Birmingham’s University of Alabama, is that fatty food gets your metabolism going for the rest of the day which then helps burn off later meals and snacks.

Cereal, on the other hand, gets the body ready to digest carbohydrates only.

However, this doesn’t give you licence to eat fatty foods all day. The system only works if you eat the fried food first thing and then follow it by a regular lunch and light evening meal.

“The first meal you have appears to program your metabolism for the rest of the day,” said Dr Martin Young who conducted the research.

“This study suggests that if you ate a carbohydrate-rich breakfast it would promote carbohydrate utilisation throughout the rest of the day, whereas if you have a fat-rich breakfast, you can transfer your energy utilisation between carbohydrate and fat.”

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The research, which looked at how mice reacted to different eating regimes, suggested the timings of meals are of greater importance than was previously thought.

“Studies have looked at the type and quantity of food intake, but nobody has undertaken the question of whether the timing of what you eat and when you eat it influences body weight,” added co-researcher Professor Molly Bray.

“Our study seems to show that if you really want to be able to efficiently respond to mixed meals across a day, a meal in higher fat content in the morning is a good thing.”

Your say: Do you think this research is true or that a low-fat diet is more beneficial?

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