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Polycystic ovarian syndrome

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is caused by a hormone imbalance. It affects about 5 to 10 percent of women and is a leading cause of female infertility. PCOS is diagnosed by having two of the following three symptoms: small cysts on the ovaries, increased levels of male hormones and no regular ovulation.

Women may also experience obesity, excessive body hair, acne, scalp hair loss, abnormal menstrual cycles and dark skin pigmentation. A common cause can be high insulin levels, which cause the ovaries and adrenal glands to produce more male hormones in certain women.

Uncontrolled PCOS can increase a women’s risk of obesity, diabetes, infertility and maybe heart disease and uterine cancer. There is no cure for PCOS but the symptoms can be managed. Women often need to take medication but there is growing evidence to show that lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms and reduce long-term complications.

We suggest women with PCOS follows these dietary guidelines:

  • Choose a diet that is low in saturated fat (include more vegetable protein and use low-fat soy or dairy products and lean meats in place of higher fat varieties) and high in fibre (choose more fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes and nuts).

  • Choose carbohydrate foods that are slowly digested such as wholegrain cereals, breads, pasta and brown rice.

  • Aim for small frequent meals and more unprocessed foods.

  • Participate in regular physical activity. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes per day.

  • If you are overweight, losing a small amount of weight (around 5 percent) can increase your fertility and reduce symptoms.

For more specific advice, we encourage women to visit a registered or accredited practicing dietitian (APD). The journey to a diagnosis of PCOS and its management can be difficult, but of course women with PCOS can still lead a fulfilling life.

For more information, visit the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association of Australia and Jean Hailes Foundationwebsites.

Your say: What are your best tips for making good food choices easier?

This information is provided by the Sanitarium Nutrition Service.

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Two little girls, one big heart!

Two little girls, one big heart!

Conjoined twins Emma and Taylor Bailey’s parents face an agonising decision about their future. Isabel Jensen reports.

When Emma and Taylor Bailey blew out the candles on their third birthday cake a few months ago, their mother Mandy was close to tears. Her twin girls had defied doctors who said they wouldn’t survive.

But while the sight filled her with happiness, it also terrified her. For every birthday – every week – brings the family closer to making an agonising decision about their future.

The girls, who are conjoined, have only one heart and also share a liver. They are fused from breastbone to navel, and when they were born, doctors put their chance of survival at less than 10 per cent. Emma and Taylor proved experts wrong, but now, Mandy, 32, and her husband Tor, 34, from Arizona in the US, have been told their little girls will need to be separated in one to two years’ time.

As the twins grow, more strain is placed on their shared heart. It will become weaker, and is likely to fail if they are not separated.

Twins who share a heart have never been successfully separated, and doctors warn surgery carries many risks.

Details are uncertain, but it is likely both girls will need heart transplants and one a liver.

Mandy, also mum to Paige, 11, Drew, 9, Cole, 7, and Blake, 2, explains, “There’s a tiny window of time for a separation. We have to get it completely right. If we wait too long, then the operation cannot go ahead.”

Read the full story in this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale March 29, 2010.

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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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Strangest celebrity requests

Paul McCartney specifies that he likes plants in his dressing room, but strictly no trees allowed! The singer’s rider states: No trees please! We want plants that are full on top as they are on the bottom. No tree trunks! He also demands no animal skin furniture or imitation animal skin furniture.

The songstress is also fussy about her furniture. She requires a dressing room with no “busy” or printed furniture what so ever. It must be a plain colour of dark pink, black, dark grey or cream. She also requires 12 Vanilla protein drinks.

Elton John loves big colourful flower arrangements, but don’t give him one with lilies, carnations or daisies. He specifically says that these are a no no!

Michael Buble’s requests for bottled water and assorted juices seem fair enough, but what on earth would he request a hockey puck for? The singer demands a local team hockey puck from each place he performs.

Diva Cher requests a room to house her wigs when she is on tour. On occasion she also requests a room big enough to hold a massage table.

John Mayer seems to be the king of clean teeth! He requests four soft headed toothbrushes. He also asks for breath mints, Listerine and two tubes of toothpaste. We wonder whether he needed this many toothbrushes after his recent Logie Awards performance!

Celine Dion must really care about her fans! She insists on playing at a venue which has cushioned seats for the audience and carpeted floors and walkways. If a venue doesn’t – she will load them in!

This diva not only dislikes air-conditioning, she requests that all air vents be taped shut to avoid cold air entering her dressing room. She brings in a cool mist humidifier instead.

While filming, Sharon Stone requests a private home at her disposal. She then calls in a team of maids and cleaners to keep it sock and span!

While filming, Johnny Depp requests a dressing room with Moroccan drapes and that the room be filled with candles.

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Charles Wooley introduces the real Susan Boyle

Charles Wooley introduces the real Susan Boyle

As SuBo heads Down Under, the 60 Minutes reporter finds a surprising side to the gifted Scottish songbird.

Even before I met her, I suspected Susan Boyle would be hard work.

An unworldly, ordinary looking woman … pushing 50 and suddenly famous. “A Scottish spinster” as the British tabloids like to call her, curiously implying that never having sex is just as salacious has having too much of it.

But of more concern to me as an interviewer were the stories of her temper tantrums, a nervous breakdown and, even darker, hints of an intellectual disability.

One of Susan’s team of PR people told 60 Minutes quite firmly, “You can’t ask her about the disability or her state of mind. Just understand that she doesn’t process information in quite the same way you and I would. She can’t be introspective. But it will be all right if you just ask simple and direct questions.”

Well, that’s never bad advice in journalism anyway.

Whatever personal problems Susan might have, it seems to me anyone in her position would find it hard to cope. I tell her as much.

“Susan, I’ve never actually met anyone who has become such a big star so soon.”

“Oh, probably” she agrees. “There’s a lot of changes that involve the fact that you’ve got to accept your new life … People recognise you more in the street. So at the beginning, I couldn’t go out on my own.”

For the interview see this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale April 5, 2010.

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Ange tells Brad: I’m not a bad mother

Ange tells Brad: I'm not a bad mother

Keen to smooth the waters with Brad, Ange goes all out to show she’s willing to spend some quality time with their children.

Angelina Jolie looked every inch the devoted mum posing on her Venice balcony with 20-month-old twins Knox and Vivienne last week.

The scene follows tension between Ange and Brad Pitt over her mothering efforts. While she’s been spending much of her time during breaks in filming The Tourist socialising with co-stars, including Johnny Depp, Brad’s been left holding the babies.

With six young children all crying for his attention, Brad reportedly had harsh words with Ange about her recent lack of hands-on time with their kids.

“They sat down and talked about how she would slow down and concentrate on being a mum for a while,” a source close to the couple told Star magazine. “Brad called Angie selfish.”

She’s clearly taken his words to heart. Last week she was repeatedly seen on the front balcony of the couple’s rented 16th-century villa with the kids. Brad was nowhere in sight.

“Brad has been home all day with the children, and even with the help of nannies he finds it very draining,” a separate household source reveals.

For the full story see this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale April 5, 2010.

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Sandra’s fury: Jesse’s Mistress pregnant already?

Sandra's fury: Jesse's Mistress pregnant already?

As more women claim affairs with her husband, Sandra Bullock braces herself for her biggest shock yet.

It is the picture that could push Sandra Bullock over the edge – the second mistress of her cheating husband brazenly flaunting a home pregnancy test.

Already reeling from the news Jesse James had been unfaithful throughout their six-year marriage – and the fact she may never get to see his three children again – friends fear it would be too much heartache for Sandra to take should Melissa Smith be carrying Jesse’s child.

At 45, Sandra’s chance of having a longed-for baby of her own is now slim to none. After suffering two miscarriages while married to Jesse, she stopped her IVF treatments to concentrate on helping her husband win full custody of his six-year-old daughter, Sunny, in 2009.

In a document tendered to court during the custody battle – prompted by the arrest of Sunny’s porn star mother, Janine Lindemulder, for tax evasion – Sandra said she would no longer try for a baby with Jesse, to ensure Sunny had the most secure family environment possible.

Jesse was awarded full-time custody of the child with whom Sandra had formed an extremely close bond. Sandra even cut down on her work to care for the child. Despite the custody battle, Sunny’s mother, Janine, said of Sandra, “She sacrificed much … and I will forever be indebted to her for that.”

For the full story see this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale April 5, 2010.

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Golf legend Jack Newton’s joy: “I’m a grandpa!”

Golf legend Jack Newton’s joy: "I'm a grandpa!"

The man with “nine lives” tells Rose Fydler he never thought he’d live to see little Matilda – the newest star in a family of sporting thoroughbreds.

Grandfather is a title that can’t be won with a set of clubs – but as golfing legend Jack Newton smiles down at little Matilda Ann Dixon, it seems the most precious of all.

“She’s gorgeous, an Aquarian like me, and a big girl who was 4.42kg and 53.5cm long,” boasts besotted “Papa Jack”, 60.

The former Australian Open champ turned TV commentator has been celebrating since February 11, when Matilda was born to his golf pro daughter Kristie and her husband, former Hawthorn AFL player Ben Dixon.

“Everyone says becoming a grandparent is a feeling you can’t describe, and when you see one of your own propagate the next generation, that’s when it hits home. She looks identical to photos of Kristie as a baby – they are two very beautiful girls.”

With Kristie’s brother Clint playing rugby league for UK club Hull KR, Matilda’s solid gold sporting gene pool may just influence her future, according to her grandpa.

“It’s far too early for her to hold a golf club, but her strong shoulders and big hands and feet tell me she will certainly play something well in her life,” a proud Jack grins.

He’s visiting Melbourne from Newcastle, NSW, with wife Jackie, an elegant English former model he teases has contributed “blue blood” rather than sporty blood.

Jackie, who witnessed Matilda’s birth, shed tears along with Ben as he helped deliver his little angel.

For the story see this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale April 5, 2010.

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New mum Livinia Nixon, super slim and back at work!

New mum Livinia Nixon, super slim and back at work!

The TV host chats to Clare Rigdon about her super-fast slim down, and her return to Hey Hey.

Looking trim and happy just 10 weeks after giving birth to son Henry Rider, TV presenter Livinia Nixon is loving motherhood. Visiting her in Melbourne to talk about life with her new bundle of joy, and how she’s regained her enviable figure as a busy new mum, she’s glowing, despite her sleep deprivation.

“I’m getting about seven hours a night, and it’s broken sleep. But that’s all right,” the perennially positive 35-year-old smiles.

Livinia says although it appears she’s dropped her baby weight easily, it’s probably due to all the running around she’s been doing, caring for little Henry.

“Like most mums, and anyone who works, it’s difficult to slot in time for yourself. You prioritise anything and everybody else. If there’s some time left over for you, then that’s a bonus.”

As such, she tries to adjust her fitness routine so she can exercise at home, or she takes Henry with her. “I go for walks along the beach – I’ll grab the stroller and the dog and set off. I find that very calming, just hearing the waves lapping on the beach.

“I also do yoga. Although I haven’t really had time for that lately, I do try to do some stretching at home.”

For the story see this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale April 5, 2010.

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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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