We’ve been lucky this year as we’ve had some lovely summer days. However, it seems that summer maybe over very soon. So with the time we have left, now is a good time to do a few of the things you wanted to do in May. So go out and enjoy the rest of the sunshine and tick off a few things before summer’s out….

1. Get a pedicure

Many of us have had one, but why not get a pedicure with a difference at Aqua Sheko (pictured left). Here you will have the experience of submerging your feet into a warm pool of tiny fish for an exotic exfoliation. All you do is sit back and for 30 minutes you’ll feel a light flutter of fins against your skin as the fish gently suck and nibble your heels, toes and soles, removing dead skin.

This treatment can be slipped into a lunch break, between meetings or as you catch up with friends, so with the choice of the Deluxe or express treatment, why not treat your feet before you hide them away in socks and boots. This is definitely the perfect way to end your summer.

2. Go on holiday

You’ve been working hard all year, so before you have to start saving for those Christmas presents, why not call your closest friends, compare diaries and book that holiday. You don’t need to break the bank and splash out. Just find somewhere cheap and cheerful, get the suitcase out, throw in those bikinis and don’t forget your passport.

3. Get your hair done

Every woman should feel good about herself and one of the best ways to do this is to have some pampering. So while you still have control of your hair- before the wind and rain kick in- book yourself to see the hairdresser and get a new do. Not only will you feel great you will look it too.

4. Go to a concert

Now is the perfect time to go to a concert or festival. It won’t be cold so you won’t even mind queuing and waiting in line.

5. Go to a Theme Park

Rides aren’t just for children, we are allowed there too. So have the ride of your life this summer at some of the UK's top attractions. While the weather’s nice, ride the rollercoaster and don’t be afraid to get wet. Have fun.

6. Keep fit

Just because summers about to end and you will be putting away those skirts and shorts doesn’t mean still shouldn’t take care of your fitness. Why not join a gym, take a class, or ride a bike or walk on short trips. It will make you fell better.

7. Relax

Lie in bed on a Saturday morning with the windows open and play your music loudly.

8. Don’t forget

The most important thing you need to do when your ticking off your list is to take lots of photos. Don’t forget how fabulous you looked with your need hairdo, don’t forget the great time you had on your holiday with your friends and don’t forget how much fun you had this summer.

by Melissa Allison-Forbes

This month is Sickle Cell Awareness Month and various events will be taking place up and down the country offering information and advice on the condition, and how to get tested. The blood disorder, which is most common among black Caribbean, black African and black British people, is the most common genetic condition in England and affects an estimated 12,500 people. So what is sickle cell anaemia and how can it be treated?

Abnormal blood cells

The red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body are usually round and flexible, allowing them to move easily around the body. However, in people with sickle cell anaemia, the shape and texture of the blood cells can change. They become hard and sticky and are shaped like sickles (crescents). The cells die prematurely, leading to a shortage of red blood cells. This causes symptoms of anaemia, such as tiredness and breathlessness.

Sickle cell crisis

The sticky red blood cells can clog up blood vessels, resulting in nearby tissue becoming starved of oxygen. The lack of oxygen can trigger episodes of moderate to severe pain. These episodes are known as a sickle cell crisis.

Haemoglobin (a substance that is found in red blood cells) is created by a pair of genes, one of which is inherited from your mother, the other from your father. To develop sickle cell anaemia, you must receive two copies of the mutated gene. If you only receive one copy, you will not develop sickle cell anaemia, but you will be a carrier of the sickle cell gene. This is often referred to as having the sickle cell trait. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people of African or Caribbean descent has the sickle cell trait. 

Serious complications

A lack of a regular oxygen supply can also result in tissue and organ damage. This can potentially lead to a wide range of complications, including:

• a stroke, where the blood supply to the brain is interrupted
• frequent and often serious infections because the spleen, which plays an important part in fighting infection, becomes damaged
• acute chest syndrome, a serious and sometimes life-threatening lung condition, which is thought to be triggered by infection

Bone marrow transplants

A bone marrow transplant can sometimes be used to cure sickle cell anaemia. Bone marrow transplantation is usually only possible if the donation is provided by a brother or sister who does not have sickle cell anaemia and has the same bone marrow type. Only 1 person in 10 with sickle cell anaemia is able to find a suitable donor.

There are a number of alternative treatments that can help reduce the severity and frequency of the symptoms of sickle cell anaemia and prevent complications. For example, a medication called hydroxyurea has proved to be successful in treating moderate to severe sickle cell anaemia.

Outlook

Some people only have mild symptoms, while others have frequent attacks of pain and experience a wide range of complications.

There have been major advances in the treatment of sickle cell anaemia over the last twenty years. In the past, life-threatening complications, such as stroke or pneumonia were common, and most people with the condition would die in childhood or early adulthood.

Nowadays, following improvements in preventative treatment, many of the complications associated with sickle cell anaemia can be avoided. The average life expectancy of a person with the condition is estimated to be 53-60 years of age. It is hoped that, in the future, the life expectancy of people with sickle cell anaemia will continue to increase as the effectiveness of treatments improves.

For more information on sickle cell anaemia visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-anaemia

Around 2,800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the UK. Although cancer of the cervix is a relatively rare type of cancer, the symptoms are not always obvious: it may not cause any symptoms at all until it has reached an advanced stage.

More awareness needs to be raised about the issue to inform women. In recent years cervical cancer has attracted media attention when Jade Goody died last year after being diagnosed with the cancer, and there has been a recent debate about the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine- which provides protection against cervical cancer- available to girls as young as 12.

To coincide with Cervical Screening Awareness Week and the many events taking place throughout the UK we have provided you with information about the symptoms, causes and ways to help protect yourself.

Symptoms of cervical cancer 

The symptoms of cervical cancer are not always obvious, this is why it is extremely important for you to have regular cervical smear tests.

• Bleeding

If cervical cancer does cause symptoms, the most common is abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as between periods, or after sexual intercourse.

• Other symptoms

Other symptoms of cervical cancer may include smelly vaginal discharge and discomfort when having sex.

There are many other conditions that can cause vaginal bleeding, smelly discharge and discomfort during sex. However, you should visit your GP or nurse if you experience any of these symptoms.

Who is affected?

Cervical cancer is often diagnosed in younger women. After breast cancer, it is the second most common cancer in women aged under 35.

What is the cause?

More than 99 per cent of cases of cervical cancers are thought to be caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). In September 2008, the NHS launched a vaccination programme for HPV. The vaccine provides protection against the two types (16 and 18 which together cause about 70% of cases of invasive cervical cancer) of HPV that cause cervical cancer. 

Preventing cervical cancer

• Practising safe sex

There is a strong link between certain types of HPV and the development of abnormalities that may turn into cervical cancer. As HPV is spread through unprotected sex, using a condom is the best way to avoid it.

Before beginning a sexual relationship with a new partner, it is a good idea for you both to be tested for sexually transmitted infections at a sexual health (GUM) clinic. All tests are free and confidential.

• Cervical screening

Regular cervical smear tests are the best way to identify abnormal changes in cells of the cervix early on. Women aged 25-49 are invited for screening every three years, and women aged 50-64 are invited every five years. Make sure your GP surgery has your current contact details so that you carry on getting screening invitations.

It is still important to attend screening tests even if you have been vaccinated for HPV, as the vaccine does not guarantee protection against cervical cancer. If you have been treated for abnormal cervical cell changes, you will be invited for screening more frequently for some years following treatment. How regularly you need to go depends on how severe the cell change is.

• HPV vaccination

There is now a vaccine that provides protection against the two strains of HPV that are thought to be responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

• Quit smoking

You can decrease your chance of getting cervical cancer by not smoking. Smokers are less able to get rid of the HPV infection from the body, which can develop into cancer.

For more information on cervical cancer visit: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-cervix

Dear Des,

I have been dating a man for nearly a month now. He is a genuine, good man and we have very good chemistry. When we meet up we talk a lot and also on the phone. However I am very open about my life and my past and he is a shut book. I know women are generally known to talk more than men but how can I get him to open up? He won't even talk about his child from a previous relationship. He has previously said he doesn't trust anyone because of his past experiences, but I just want to show him that I can be his clean slate, and he can open up to me. What should I do?

Des says:

This is one of those situations where maybe in a few years time you could reflect and say ‘the signs were there in the beginning’. You have only been with him a month and he has told you 100% that he has a trust issue. Ask yourself why you would want to “show him that I can be his clean slate, and he can open up to me”.

If you met another man with all the same qualities and no issues with trust what would you do? Why are deciding to stay around with someone who seems to have serious trust issues? When was your last relationship? Because you are open do you want a man who is also open too? Women tend to ignore warning signs in the early stages on the relationship and after a month you have found a major issue. Have a good think about the questions I have asked and good luck. What you need to do will be in the answers you give yourself and if a girlfriend came to you with this situation what would you advise her?

Dear Des,  

I’ve been with my boyfriend for two years and I am starting to get bored. Not necessarily with my boyfriend but the relationship in general. I want to suggest that we do different things together, like go on walks, boat rides, holidays, hotels, instead of the cinemas and out to eat. Do you think this will liven up the relationship?

Des says:

You need to first have a discussion with him and see if he feels the same way, as he may not be bored. Then write a list on the top ten things each of you agree that would spice up the relationship. Try not to mention that you are bored as he may think you are referring to sex. If he loves sport, take him to a game he likes, surprise him, find out what really makes him “tick” and he should reply back, but most importantly you must communicate together about everything. Good luck.

Dear Des,

My boyfriend cheated on me and although he says he’s sorry and will never do it again I just don’t understand how someone can say they love you and cheat on you. What should I do?

Des says:

If you love him and want to forgive him then I would advise counseling as it may be deeper than what you think, plus you may get to the root of this and may possibly improve the relationship. Tell him that he must be 100% honest. People become unfaithful for so many reasons and it is usually a build up of events.

Dear Des,

I’ve been single for two years and in that time I haven’t even been on a date. Can you give me some tips on where I can meet men and how to approach them?

Des says:

Why do you think you have been single for two years? Where do you go to socialise? Do you have a selection of friends who you can go out with? I am running a workshop on July 10 which covers your concerns and more. Find out the type of man you like and where he would likely to hang out and keep smiling at the men you like. Good luck.

Des OConnor is a dating/life coach and helps women attract the man they desire in their life.

It affects approximately three in 10,000 people in the UK. It is nine times more common in women than in men, and is also more common in Afro-Caribbean people. It can affect a number of the major organs in the body and can cause joint and muscle pain and extreme tiredness. Do you know what I am talking about?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), better known as lupus, is an incurable auto-immune disease, in which the body’s immune system starts attacking itself. There are an estimated 50,000 lupus sufferers in the UK alone, so to raise awareness about the illness and to call for governments around the world to increase their financial support for lupus research, World lupus day will be held on May 10.

Lupus can be dangerous as it can affect a number of major organs, mainly the kidneys and skin, but also the heart, lungs and brain. The two major symptoms, which are almost always present, are joint and muscle pain and extreme tiredness. Other symptoms can include rashes, depression, anaemia, feverishness, headaches, hair loss, mouth ulcers and many more.

For some sufferers, lupus can be managed by some lifestyle changes and may not require medication but for others it is a very different story. Various drugs, including steroids and medication given to cancer patients, can be prescribed to help manage the symptoms but ultimately there is no cure for the disease itself. For many people, these drugs can be a gamble; with likely side-effects.

Helen Salter, a 24 year-old occupational therapist from Staffordshire, was diagnosed with the condition four years ago. “A lot of people don’t know what lupus is and it can be difficult trying to explain it. I might be feeling really grotty but don’t necessarily have any swollen joints so I appear to look well on the outside, and it can be difficult trying to explain to people how I’m feeling.”

Despite the lack of awareness many people have about lupus, which prevents them empathising with sufferers, Helen feels that she is one of the lucky ones as she had quite a speedy diagnosis after seeing her doctor about her symptoms. But she explains that other lupus patients’ experiences of diagnoses have not been as easy or quick. 

The earlier a correct diagnosis is made, the quicker appropriate treatment can be administered to try and prevent potentially fatal damage. Helen’s condition has driven her to make a positive contribution to the fight against lupus and she is working with Lupus UK as a Regional Group Volunteer to increase awareness of the issue and to give advice and support to sufferers. 

Helen has a very positive and upbeat attitude and says that lupus has made her emotionally stronger: “I feel like I can get through anything”. She also tells Krystal that she will not let lupus define her life in a negative way. Her advice to anyone who has been diagnosed with lupus is to get in touch with Lupus UK who will be able to provide help and support, and most importantly, to try and stay positive.

By Saba Kazmi.