Innehållsförteckning för Summer Special 2017 från Chat Specials

Sunny days have most of us digging out our summer clothes and making plans to head to the beach but for some, the warm weather brings back some tough memories. Dennie (pg14) was desperate for a beach body and a poolside tip off led her to cheap surgery. But at the airport, her new pert pair started to ooze pus. Pregnant Hannah (pg24) was looking forward to a family BBQ when an explosion left her scarred for life, while a whirlwind holiday romance was the start of a costly nightmare for Julie (pg6) . Thankfully the sun can also bring the best of times too. Deborah (pg22) had no idea when she posed with a dolphin on a trip to Florida that it would prove to be a huge life-changing…

Clinical psychologist Dr Janina Scarlet ( www. superhero-therapy.com ) uses superhero therapy to help her clients find inner strength. Here’s why. TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY Think superheroes have it easy? Superman’s entire home planet was destroyed while Batman’s parents were murdered in front of him and yet they still managed to overcome it all to be our heroes. ‘It’s part of life to experience painful times,’ Dr Scarlet says. ‘But so often we can feel like everyone around us has it easier.’ Even as an adult, we still look up to superheroes, so remember even they experience challenges but they channel it into a better future. ‘Seeing how a superhero has overcome their struggles can be really motivating,’ she explains. WHAM TEAMWORK The Avengers and the X-Men…

We were engulfed in orange flames in a flash fireball As I tucked my beautiful six-month-old daughter, Lexie, into her cot, I thanked my lucky stars she was alive. I was eight months pregnant, when my husband Dave, 33, and I feared we might have lost her. It was like something out of a nightmare, only it was very real. That sunny Saturday, in August 2012, started out like any other. We woke up and had breakfast with my daughter from a previous relationship, Courtney, 12, before getting ready to head over to Dave’s parent’s house in Bristol. They were hosting a garden party for Dave’s sister, Claire, who was turning 27 and all of our friends and family were gathering to celebrate. One of the first to arrive, we…

It’s the same as a third-degree burn 'Mummy, Mummy, please can we go on the dodgems?’ my daughter, Phoebe, seven, begged. She looked longingly at the rough ride and my stomach churned. ‘How about the tea cups instead?’ I said, eyeing up the gentler ride. Stopping in her tracks, Phoebe frowned. I was always saying no to my little girl. ‘Shall we get some candy floss then?’ I suggested as a distraction. Her eyes lit up and she began dashing towards the stalls. ‘Slow down!’ I called out after her, heart in my mouth. A typical seven-year-old, Phoebe was always on the go. Obsessed with Disney’s Frozen, she’d sing and dance around just like any other little girl her age. But after being diagnosed with a rare skin condition -…

Mostly A: Relaxing Holiday For you, a holiday is about kicking back and relaxing. You want to be pool side watching the world go by while enjoying the glorious weather. You’re most suited to an all-inclusive holiday somewhere like laid back Menorca or anywhere with access to a spa. Mostly B: Close-to-home Holiday Holidays abroad always bring a touch of stress to your life so you should really consider picking somewhere you’re really comfortable with – the UK! It’s familiar, with plenty of beautiful places to explore and you can easily come home if things don’t go to plan. Mostly C: Adventure Holiday Exploring and trying new things is right up your street and you love nothing better than plunging yourself somewhere out of your comfort zone. Be brave and…

SKIN SLAP Q I get sunburn every year without fail. How can I soothe the pain? Lisa, Glasgow A The best way to avoid sunburn is by opting for a sun cream which is UVA and UVB protected, and at least factor 30. If you slip up, relieve symptoms by sponging the skin with cold water. Rehydrate and and try a cooling after-sun lotion like LloydsPharmacy’s Aloe Vera Gel. RED EYE Q My optician told me I have Blepharitis which sounds awful. What is it? Mary, Cardiff A Blepharitis is a common condition where the edges of the eyelids become red and swollen. Sufferers can sometimes find that their eyelids stick together, and have crusty or greasy eyelashes. It can be caused by bacteria which the eyes are particularly sensitive…

FUEL UP Eat healthy. ‘Eating well helps with hay fever symptoms, particularly foods rich in omega 3 and 6, and essential fats which can be found in oily fish, nuts, and seeds,’ explains Jane. But be aware that some healthy foods actually make symptoms worse – stay away from apples, tomatoes, melons, bananas, and celery. You should also keep tabs on your drinks at those summer barbeques! ‘We know it’s not what you want to hear when the sun is out, but alcohol exacerbates hay fever symptoms, so try to cut back during the pollen season and stay hydrated.’ PREPARE FOR BATTLE Monitor daily pollen forecasts and take any medication the day before a high pollen count day as this is more effective than surrendering to your symptoms when they…

Everyone started saving wrappers I ate chocolate for five months ‘Keep still,’ I instructed my fidgeting pet dog, Havoc, as I tried to measure him up for a fancy dress costume. ‘Leave the poor mutt alone,’ my partner, Ian, 64, tutted, tapping his knees as my terrier wriggled out of my reach and leapt up on to his lap. ‘What is she doing to you?’ Ian cooed, ruffling his coat. ‘He won’t be ready in time if I don’t get a move on,’ I sighed. Sat on the lounge floor, surrounded by material, ribbons and scissors, I spent every spare hour I had cutting, sticking and sewing together outfits for our upcoming wedding. We were just weeks away from tying the knot, but there was still so much left…

Nathaniel seemed like a nice guy As I scrolled through Facebook, a message popped up: ‘Do you need any help moving?’ It was from Nathaniel Diamond, 31, a guy I had mutual friends with. He explained he’d heard I was moving house and did I need a hand. The next day he turned up with a van to help load my furniture and transport it to my new place. I was moving in with a friend. ‘There you go, all done,’ he said, as he lugged the last boxes into my new house. ‘What a lovely chap,’ I thought to myself as he shot me a smile. A few days later, my phone buzzed with a message from Nathaniel. ‘Fancy going for a drink some time?’ he asked. We went…

I was fed up of being flat It was my boobs or my life Crossing my arms over my chest, I dashed from my sun lounger to the pool before anyone could see me baring all in my bikini. As a size 16 my bikini body was far from perfect, but my voluptuous curves looked completely out of proportion against my completely flat 34A cup chest. Ever since I could remember, I’d hated my non-existent knockers. I wouldn’t leave the house without my trusted chicken fillets tucked inside a push-up bra. I even tried hiding my flat chest under baggy men’s t-shirts, but working as a rep in Greece over the summer season, I had to face my fear of wearing a swimsuit. A few days before I was due…

Ultra-Purifying Nose Pure Strips, £1.29, Superdrug These clever strips use the power of charcoal and volcanic ash to draw out grime and impurities and give your nose a deep clean. Three in a pack. Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Black toothpaste, £4.99, Lloyds Pharmacy Its weird brushing your teeth with a black toothpaste but this minty product is formulated with activated charcoal to make your teeth white and your breath fresh. YesTo Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask, £2.99, Boots This mask uses the latest super-ingredient to remove impurities and draw out nasty toxins while you sit back and relax. Coalface Soap, £5.25, Lush A gentle soap made with antiseptic rosewood, sandalwood, and absorbent charcoal that can be used on the face and body. Smells great and softens the skin a…

I lost a litre of blood - a fifth of my body’s total As we sat watching TV, I turned to my partner. ‘What do you think of ‘Olivia’ for a baby girl?’ I asked. Laughing, he said: ‘But I’m Oliver. Don’t you think that would get a bit confusing?’ ‘I suppose so,’ I sighed, stroking my growing bump. But it was no good, my three year old boy from a were having, Oliver and I booked an early scan privately at 15 weeks. ‘It’s a little girl,’ the sonographer smiled. Thrilled, we rushed out and bought all of the baby essentials in pink – babygrows, teddies, a pram and a Moses basket. After suffering a few bleeds early on, I went for regular check-ups at the doctors and they…

Summer Spice SPICY CHICKEN KEBABS ONFLATBREAD SERVES 2 YOU’LL NEED… 2 chicken breasts cubed 1/2 a red onion cubed 8 mushrooms 1 yellow and 1 green pepper cubed 8 cherry tomatoes 2 tsp of all-purpose seasoning 1 tsp of cayenne pepper 2 flatbreads 1 tbsp of oil 4 tbsp of houmous 4 wooden skewers Red onion and fresh mint to serve HOW TO DO IT… 1. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes. 2. Starting with the tomato, build the kebabs by alternating the ingredients. 3. Place the kebabs on a plate, drizzle with oil then sprinkle on the cayenne pepper and all-purpose seasoning. Heat some oil on a medium heat in a griddle pan 4. Place the kebabs in the pan and cook on each side until…

The stroke was caused by an underlying condition Strolling round the supermarket, stocking up on party food for my husband Steve’s 47th birthday, I should have been in high spirits but I couldn’t ignore the searing pain in my head. ‘Are you alright there, Madam?’ the shop assistant asked from behind the checkout. ‘I’ll live!’ I replied, rubbing my forehead. I’d not been feeling my usual perky self the last few weeks. My GP thought it might be a trapped nerve and gave me some tablets but they didn’t seem to make much difference to my migraines. As Steve’s birthday approached, we decided on celebrating at our family home in Gravesend, Kent. My dizzy spells had been getting worse and I didn’t feel well enough for a big party. Sitting…

His bottom slipped under the hatch while he was reaching for the toy Towels, shampoo, swimming trunks – I stuffed them all in Henry’s rucksack and ushered my three kids out to the car. We were making our weekly visit to the Snowdome in Tamworth, Staffordshire, where Scarlet, seven, was taking swimming lessons. Henry, four, was coming to have his first lesson so he could be like his big sister, and Harvey, my eldest, nine, was along for the ride. I helped Henry into his inflatable arm bands and cheered him on from the poolside as he doggy-paddled around the shallow end; I was so proud. ‘Mummy did you see me? Mummy did you see me?’ he said when he got out of the pool and I wrapped him in…

Bristle-brushing bacteria Did you know that there are more than 10 million bacteria on your toothbrush? That’s more than an average toilet seat! Every time you flush the loo it releases a spray of dirty water sending droplets as far away as 10ft. According to a study by the University of Manchester, toothbrushes kept in the bathroom are contaminated with faecal matter...Ew! Try Streripod toothbrush protectors (£4.99, Boots). They simply clip onto the head of any manual or electric toothbrush, creating a protective shield. Lady marmalade Forget a fried breakfast, you need a marmalade sandwich if you’re doing a charity run! According a Macmillan Cancer Support dietician (www.macmillan.org.uk) it’s the perfect 380-calorie race food, as its quick-released carbohydrates are absorbed rapidly into the blood to supply a boost of energy.…

Aries 21 Mar - 20 April It’s a very sociable time for Aries, but from the 5th, you will be extra emotional. Try to use your heightened sensitivity to clean house – both figuratively and literally, welcoming a fresh clean start at home towards the end of the month. Money will stabilise and relationships will improve from the 10th, while the 9th is the day that will really put the wind beneath your wings. Taurus 21 April - 21 May Being patient can pay off for the Bulls in June, as you are graced with an extra dose of charm from the 6th, while life puts you back onto solid ground. A union will be highlighted on the 9th, and work will begin to balance out after the 10th. June…

At first he was bonkers and would scratch and nip... “What have I let myself in for?” Lets just go and have a look,’ I said, trying to persuade my boyfriend, Steve Johnson, 40, to come with me to the animal rescue centre. ‘Ok,’ he reluctantly agreed. ‘But we’re not coming back with anything.’ Desperate to adopt a dog, I’d been badgering Steve for months, but he wasn’t keen. But working as a groomer, washing other peoples’ pets all day, I longed to have one of my own. Eventually, after endless begging, Steve caved in and when we laid eyes on a golden Labrador at the shelter, we both fell in love. She had been found tied up to a fence and brought in just 30 minutes before we arrived.…

He began drinking heavily - sometimes five or six cans of super strength lager a day. “I’ve taken out a credit card to fund our new life, but it’s maxed out”. But he didn’t seem to care. On the second day of my dream holiday to the Gambia, I was approached by a handsome man named Lamin Sidibeh. He walked up to me on the beach, introduced himself and offered to show me the island. ‘I can take you to places the tourists never see,’ he said. He was big, tall, dark and muscular, with dreadlocks and an enchanting smile. I was immediately bewitched, but I told myself that he was only after my money. I’d heard all the stories of women falling for men and being duped out of…

“Bring a nice dress” He insisted He acted like nothing had happened As I sulked on the sofa, watching soaps and eating chocolate, my sister, Jemma, 28, frowned. ‘You need to get out of the house,’ she said. My ex-partner and I had broken up the day before and I was feeling sorry for myself. When there was a knock at the door, Jemma leapt up to answer it. ‘It’s Uncle Keith,’ she called, as he strolled in. I smiled. My mum’s brother only lived down the road and we saw him most weekends. If ever I needed a lift anywhere, I knew I could rely on Uncle Keith to taxi me around. ‘Do you want to come to Scotland with me?’ he asked. ‘What for?’ I asked. ‘I’ve got…

I thought the dolphin would distract from my chunky thighs At 25 st I was twice the recommended weight to sky dive Packing my suitcase full of baggy tops and figure-swamping maxi dresses, the idea of squeezing into my size 28 swimsuit in public was already filling me with dread. I knew I’d have to grin and bear it. My husband Mark, 39, and I had booked a once in a lifetime family holiday to sunny Florida. Our boys Bradley, now 16, and Connor, now 13, were bursting with excitement at the thought of trying out all the big rides - but I couldn’t help but wonder if I would be too big for them. A few months before that, I’d stopped a rollercoaster at Alton Towers theme…

It burrowed into my eyeball “Alright Jess?’ my friend Sarah asked, as we headed to lectures. ‘Yeah, but my eye is super itchy today,’ I replied, rubbing it. ‘It’s probably just my contacts.’ I’d been wearing lenses ever since I was diagnosed with shortsightedness three years earlier. Since leaving my hometown of Birmingham and starting at Nottingham University, I was reading so many books that I wore them a lot. I was always very careful, keeping them in their special cleaning lotion at night and wiping again with cleaning fluid in the morning. In fact, my uni pals always joked about how safety conscious I was. But Sarah agreed my left eye didn’t look normal. ‘We are taking you straight to the walk-in centre,’ she announced. The doctor on duty…

We both fell for the painfully thin stray What a difference four hours make. My boyfriend John, 29, and I had gone from shivering in the early morning air at Bristol Airport to basking in the midday sun in Crete, Greece. ‘Bliss,’ I sighed, as it warmed my skin. We had only booked the fortnight-long holiday to Crete a couple of weeks earlier. It was just what we needed. We settled into our apartment at the end of a secluded dirt track and over the next few days, explored the island. ‘Have you noticed how many stray cats and dogs there are?’ I said to John. Outside all of the restaurants, animals lingered, hoping for attention and food. Some would be fed scraps while others were chased with brooms. One…

What we heard left us heartbroken All our feelings came rushing back ‘Only me!’ my sister, Jo, 52, called, letting herself in. ‘I’m in here,’ I shouted, from the kitchen. ‘I just want to check my emails before we go.’ We were going to a friend’s house for a girlie night in. ‘You better be quick,’ Jo said. When I caught sight of my inbox, I almost squealed. A message read: ‘Hi, I’m not sure if you’re the right person I’m looking for, but have you got a sister called Jo?’ My heart leapt. ‘You’re never going to believe this,’ I gasped, turning the screen so Jo could see it. ‘Look who it is!’ ‘THE Ian Cook? It can’t be,’ she cried, peering closer. But I knew straight away…

How was I even alive? What a beautiful day,’ I thought to myself, as I popped into the supermarket to get a few bits for dinner. Browsing the aisles, I suddenly felt dizzy. It felt as if the aisles were moving around me. Terrified, I collapsed to the floor with my heart pounding. After a few embarrassing minutes, I was able to stumble home. When I got to my flat I went straight into the bedroom to lie down. ‘It must have been a funny turn,’ my boyfriend said. But I was a bit worried. It wasn’t just that I had felt faint; I was losing my balance. ‘Maybe you’re just overworked?’ he said. But my lifestyle was quite relaxed. I loved studying for my psychotherapy degree. After a few…

Musical catnap My cats Dilly and Dora have found the purrfect spot to have cuddle – my guitar case! H. Bishop, Sussex It’s a cat’s life Despite it being warm out, Sophia loves to warm herself in front of our electric heater. She’s very protective of it as well and doesn’t like to share! Christine Geoffrey, Edinburgh Pampered Pup Our dog Freddie goes to the parlour once a week to get his hair done – he loves the red bow that they give him and refuses to let anyone take it off! J. Edgar, Lincolnshire Puppy love My new puppy Maddox is already eyeing out my coffee. He’s so tiny but has a huge appetite! Hannah Matthews, Leeds The purrfect spot After looking everywhere for our cat, Mr Brown, we…

Remote control mop, £20, Flying Tiger, uk.flyingtiger.com Keep your home sparkling without even having to get off the sofa with this fun new gadget. It makes light work of dusting the floor – now we just need one that can hang out the washing! CRAB-UlOUS! Crab armbands, £12, National Theatre Bookshop Keep the little ones cool in the pool this summer while keeping them safe with these quirky armbands. They’re a must-have for any holiday! ChattyFeet La Diva socks, £8, chattyfeet.com Feel like a superstar while wearing these glamorously crazy socks! Perfect for music lovers, they may even help you serenade your nearest and dearest – whether they like it or not!…