Avoid Internet Search Tracking

Search engines such as Google like tracking you, your search terms and IP addresses; they use this to build up profiles, store data, etc. To avoid this you can get a tool (Disconnect) at https://disconnect.me/search# which allows you to route your query through their proxy servers before they go to the popular search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo.

Alternatively, install DuckDuckGo as your search engine, as it does not track you.

Phil Bradley in CILIP Update, May 2014

Style Tips from Lorraine Candy

Anyone call pull off modern glamour at any life stage; everything is in the detail.

•  Fashion should be fun.
• You should enjoy getting dressed every day.
• Today it is easy to buy catwalk looks on the high street.
• Don't assume a dress is the answer. A wardrobe of dresses takes away the ability to define an individual style.
• Wear dresses as separates with a shirt underneath, or a sweater on top.
• Try the layered look. A black leather jacket may look like you are hanging on to your youth, whereas a fitted high street leather jacket with 3/4 sleeves is a great alternative. Under it wear a soft knit sweater or a silk blouse.
• Shoes - flat shoes (e.g. loafers) can be a wardrobe staple but instantly update your look (just check your trouser lengths). If you want a heel, pick silver as it goes with everything.
• Copy the style of women you admire.
• When shopping, try on something you would not normally try. It might surprise you.

Lorraine Candy is editor of international style bible Elle.

Good Housekeeping, April 2014

First Women to ...

Women are increasingly being elected or appointed to positions of leadership in the Uk and worldwide. Here are some of those who first held specific posts.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1979-1990) - Margaret Thatcher
Foreign Secretary (2006-2007) - Margaret Beckett
Home Secretary (2007-2009) - Jacqui Smith
Head of MI5 in the UK (1992-1996) - Stella Rimington

Chancellor of Germany (2005-) - Angela Merkel
Prime Minister of New Zealand (1999-2008) - Helen Clark
Prime Minister of Denmark (2011-) - Helle Thorning-Schmidt
Prime Minister of Israel (1969-1974) - Golda Meir
Prime Minister of the Ukraine (2005, 2007-2010) - Yulia Tymoshenko

Leader of the Opposition in Burma (2012-) - Aung San Suu Kyi

President (elected) of Argentina (2007-) - Christina Fernandez de Kirchner
President of Brazil (2010-) - Dilma Vana Rousseff
President of Chile (2006-2010) - Michelle Bachelet
President of Ireland (1990-1997) - Mary Robinson
President of Liberia (2006-) - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf


Church of England Bishop (2014-) - Libby Lane
Ordination of Women Bishops in the Anglican Communion - see Wikipedia entry

END

Getting Back into the Job Market

Over-50s currently (2014) have the highest level of long-term unemployment and a recent study proved a 25 year-old is twice as likely to get a job interview than a 51 year-old. Here are some tips to help.

The National Careers Service (NCS) is a free nationwide service offering information on careers, training and work. Its advisors are available online, over the phone or in person, seven days a week.
# For the over-50s, technology is often a skills gap, so get on some courses.
# To find the hidden job market, network friends, colleagues and join an organisation. And join a social media website - some employers fill 75% of jobs from sites like Linked In.
# Prepare and practise for job interviews. Research the company, and the role. Google the top 10 interview questions - then work your skills, qualities, knowledge and examples into your answers.
# If we are all working till we are 70, we can have several careers. If you don't have A-levels or a degree apply anyway, as some places accept you based on your life experience.

Being your own boss. The Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) was set up to help anyone over 50 start a business. It offers courses teaching business skills, and once you've completed those, pairs you with a business mentor for ongoing advice.

If you are wanting to return to work after a career break, try a Career MoT course run by Women Like Us, who offer free online career support and advice packs, a series of wporkshops and a recruitment agency, Timewise Recruitment.

Some key points from Sophie Giles, a chartered occupational psychologist, are:

• Know yourself. Start by writing down the highs and lows in your personal and work life. Look at when you were at your best. Step back and make a frank assessment - and be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. What should you address?
• Be curious and brave. Pursue leads and possibilities, even while you worry about rejection. Go online, pursue work by keywords and links. Answers don't fall into your lap - you need to find them.
• Bin the self-deprecating humour. In order to interview confidently and convince an employer of your merits, you have to see them yourself. List all your talents and truly believe them.
• Build a social support network around you - partner, peers, family. Be generous with them in your thoughts and actions, and the support that comes back will give you strength. Conversely, know who sucks you dry and leave them behind.

 Feature by Penny Rich in Good Housekeeping, July 2014

Capitals in Email and Web-page Addresses

Some email addresses and web page addresses are printed in flyers, business cards and other advertising materials with some capital letters. But do you need to use capitals when typing in an email address or web page address?

Email: Everything up to and including the .com (or .org or .net) part of the web address is never case sensistive. It doesn't matter what has been printed or what you type in, they will always work. So if someone gives their email address as ABJones@MyMail.com you can safely type it in as abjones@mymail.com .

Web pages. Like email, everything up to and including the .com (or .org or .net) is never case sensitive so www.example.com, WWW.EXAMPLE.COM or www.Example.com will all work. BUT any text after the .com might be case sensitive (e.g. www.example.com/FAQ.htm) and needs to be typed in as referenced.

For more details, see this helpful article.

Short Sight and Sunlight

Can spending too much time in front of a computer screen cause short-sightedness?

Computer screens have been blamed for short-sightedness, just as reading for too long under the bedclothes was when I was a boy. Actually, you are short-sighted because your eyeball grows too long for your lens, but the growth is slowed down by a brain chemical called dopamine in the retina.

A recent Australian study suggested that exposure to sunlight in childhood stimulates the production of dopamine, so the eyeball stays the right length. But if you don't get enough sunlight, the theory goes, you won't produce enough dopamine. People who spend a lot of time in front of screens are less likely to go outdoors, so it's not the computers themselves that may cause shortsightedness - and there is definitely a genetic component.

Doctor's orders: Kids should get out more!

Dr Michael Mosley in Radio Times, 11-17 Oct. 2014

Dress Code

Invitations to special occasions (garden parties, christentings, weddings, etc) often include a dress code, which is rarely spelled out for women in the way it is for men. So what should you be wearing?

• White tie (men) = Over-the-top, full-length, glamour and jewels (women)
• Morning suit (men) = A day dress, plus a coat or jacket (women)
• Black tie (men) = A pretty party look - not full length (women)
• Lounge suit (men) = A day dress or smart trouser suit.
• Smart casual (e.g. chinos & blazer for men) = Trousers or white jeans (not faded or ripped) or maybe a patterned skirt with a white shirt.

Some tips for specific occasions

•  Mother of the Bride: Long-line coats and dresses are a stylish alternative to skirt suits. They also look great worn separately, so are good value for money.
• Wedding Guest: Nude tones and metallics are perfect for summer weddings. They are understated and chic without overshadowing the bride.
• Summer Party: team bright, punchy colours with classic neutral pieces for a look that is modern and adaptable for lots of special occasions.

More Top Tips

• The Hat Dilemma: Most of us don't wear them often, so don't know what suits us. At very formal occasions the crown of the head must be covered. Or try a fascinator - best to go with a hairband style with some artificial flowers or sparkle (feathers have been sadly overdone). If going for a hat, choose a wide-brimmed pink straw hat (which will cast a flattering glow on the skin and suits everyone) with a neutral coloured dress.
• Invest in the right underwear - formal occasions tend to involve photographs. Take your outfit with you when you shop for underwear.
• Special occasion shoes. For comfort, a heel no higher than 3 inches, that is block shaped to give more support. Court shoes are classic but a strap over the instep will help keep your foot in place. Make full use of gel pads and insoles to cushion your feet ( M&S does tights with extra padding). Flatter shoes are coming into fashion, so consider cystal-embellished sandals or white summer brogues. Or wear smart ballet pumps or have a fold-up pair in your bag.
• Nude tights look best. (Black tights, especially opaques, are unsightly with summery formal outfits.)
• Toes - if you show your toes, you can't wear tights. You should also have a recent pedicure and unchipped polish.
• Miracle dresses (e.g. with control panels) can help you look your best and needn't be expensive.
• Bare arms? Consider a shrug as an alternative to a pashmina.
• Handbag? A small clutch to hold just the basics looks better. Pick one with a strap, otherwise you won't be able to eat and drink while you hold it.
• Get a blow dry. Even if you are brilliant at doing your hair, it's hard to get the back right - and that's what other people see most often.
• Avoid all black. It looks out of place at summer weddings and christenings. If your wardrobe is full of black, add lots of white. Monochrome is still allowed.
• On very formal occasions, consider a matching dress and coat.

Feature in Good Housekeeping, June 2014

NHS - What We Waste

Newspapers like to report on instances of waste in the NHS. Yes, this happens and needs to be sorted out. But we contribute to the waste, and need to change our ways.

In 2014, the NHS reported that in 2012-2013, people failed to keep 6.9 million hospital appointments. At £108 per appointment, that equals £745,200,000. A further 12 million GP appointments were not kept. At the same time other people were unable to get appointments or had lengthy waits. If you have an appointment, keep it. If you can't keep it, or no longer need it - let the hospital or GP know as soon as possible - they may be able to fit someone else in.

Unused medications are another problem. As an example, in the diocese of Bath and Wells in the south-west of England, prescription medication worth around £12 million was returned to dispensaries. That money could have bought medication for people who would have used it. If you don't intend taking medication - tell your GP or consultant, or don't use the prescription.

Nutrient Thieves

Some foods, drinks, lifestyle factors and medications can deplete levels of certain nutrients as well as interfere with their absorption. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

Tea and coffee: Known to interfere with absorption of iron and other minerals, including zinc, magnesium and calcium. Coffee has been shown to reduce iron absorption by up to 80% when drunk within an hour of a meal. Protect yourself: Drink water with meals and to take medications unless otherwise instructed. Take supplements with water or orange juice (often recommended for taking supplements as is contains vitamin C, which converts iron into a more soluble forrm).

Fibre: High fibre diets speed the passage of food through the bowels but may also reduce the amount of minerals absorbed, especially calcium. Protect yourself: If following a high fibre diet, ensure you get enough calcium from milk and dairy products, broccoli, nuts, seeds and pulses.

Antibiotics: These can interfere with the action of vitamin K in the body and can deplete levels of 'friendly' gut bacteria. Tetracycline antibiotics also bind to calcium found in dairy products - which can decrease absorption of both the antibiotic and calcium. Protect yourself: If taking long-term antibiotics (e.g. for acne), increase your intake of vitamin K (found on cauliflower, broccoli, dark green vegetables). After a short-course of antibiotics, it is a good idea to take a probiotic to replenish stores of 'good' bacteria.

ACE inhibitors: Medications used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure are thought to deplete zinc levels and can lead to a zinc deficiency. Protect yourself: If taking ACE inhibitors long term, increase your intake of zinc-rich foods such as red meat, sseafood (especially oysters), offal, whole grains and pulses.

Statins: As well as lowering raised cholesterol levels, statins switch off production of the body chemical, co-enzyme Q10. This reduction is thought to be a contributing factor to many of the side effects associated with statin treatment. Protect yourself: Try a daily coQ10 supplement. A dose of 100mg is recommended.

Corticosteroids: When taken orally long term, these drugs can cause thinning of bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis-associated fractures, partly by reducing calcium absorption in the gut and increasing calcium loss in urine. Protect yourself: Make sure you have good intakes of calcium and vitamin D, which are vital for bone density and to protect against osteoporosis.

Dr Sarah Brewer in Healthspan magazine, Autumn 2014

Employment Law

Age: an employer cannot turn you down because you are too old (or too young) - ageism is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.

National Insurance and Tax. In 2014-2015 you can earn up to £10,000 a year without paying Income Tax and up to £153 a week before you pay NI contributions. As long as you earn more than £111 a week, you can build up your entitlement to a State Pension. Ring the NI Registration Helpline on 0300 200 3502 if you don't know your NI number. (Beware of unofficial websites that charge you for this!)

Flexible working: If you are a carer (defined as caring for a spouse, civil partner or partner, or another relative, you may have the right once ayear to ask your employer for flexible working, such as a change in your hours, or working from home. Your employer must consider your request and give an objective business reason if they refuse.

How long can I work? There is no default retirement age (Equalities Act 2010) and most businesses don't set a compulsary retirement age for employees.

State Pension: Currently the age for receiving the state pension can be between 61 and 68 years, depending on when you were born. But anyone can continue working past this age if they want or need to.

Part-time rights: You are entitled to the same treatment as full-time workers (unless your employer can justify exceptions). This covers pay rates (inlcuding sick pay, maternity pay, pension benefits, holidays) plus training and career development, and opportunities for promotion or career breaks. Some benefits are applied 'pro rata'. See gov.uk/part-time-worker-rights.

Redundancy: Legally, employers have to follow certain procedures. They can't force you to retire, but they can dismiss you if they have a fair reason, or make your role redundant. Visit the TUC website worksmart.org.uk for general information on your employment rights or gov.uk/redundant-your-rights.

Feature in Good Housekeeping, July 2014

British Mediterranean Diet

The essence of Mediterranean style eating is generous quantities of vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, fish; moderate amounts of dairy produce and whole grains; and limited portions of red meat. Most of the fat is unsaturated. Snack on fresh fruit, veg, plain yoghurt and nuts (25p limit on nuts) instead of cakes biscuits and crisps. Choose plain, full-fat yoghurt (no sugar and you feel satisfied after eating). Use herbs and spices for flavour instead of salt and ready-made sauces.

This version focuses on British ingredients. Why buy peaches flown in from Italy or tomatoes from Spain when for many weeks of the year you can eat British-grown fruit and veg?

• Instead of red peppers, aubergines and peaches, choose British-grown fresh fruit and veg in season which are higher in nutrients (especially vitamin C) than those flown in out of season.
• Buy from local markets and suppliers - the produce is likely to be fresher, more nutritious and cheaper.
• Use rapeseed oil in place of olice oil for cooking and salad dressings.
• Sesonal produce has a lower environmental impact - requiring lower levels of heating, lighting, pesticides and fertilisers.
• Better taste - a ripe tomato or peach eaten in season has more flavour.

Eating British

• [Med rocket] British broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, curly kale. Both have high levels of vitamin C, potassium, fibre, calcium and carotenoids; British bonus cancer-fighting compounds.
• [Med peppers] British butternut squash, carrots, pumpkin. Both have high levels of carotenoids (important for healthy skin and immune system); British bonus lutein and zeaxanthin (antioxidants that protect eyes against macular degeneration.
• [Med red onion] British white and yellow onions, shallots. Both great sources of folic acid, fibre, potassium, and flavanols (anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects, help protect against heart disease); British bonus yellow onions produce the highest levels of quercetin, which helps thin blood, lower cholesterol and ward off blood clots.
• [Med aubergine] British red cabbage. Both contain folic acid, fibre and anthocyanins (pigments that help protect against heart disease; British bonus red cabbage contains high levels of vitamin C).
• [Med tomatoes] British locally-grown tomatoes. Both packed with vitamin C and lycopene (which may help reduce risk of lung, stmach and prostate cancers); British bonus local seasonal produce contains more vitamin C.
• [Med peaches, necatarines] British plums. Both rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients; British bonus plums contain hydroxycinnamic acid and ferulic acid, which help the body fight cancer.
• [Med grapes] British apples, pears. Both good for potassium and soluble fibre; British bonus apple eaters have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, cancer and type 2 diabetes due to high levels of flavanols.
• [Med citrus] British strawberries, raspberries, currants. Both packed with vitamin C; British bonus strawberries contain ellagic acid, and antoxidant that helps prevent cancer.
• [Med nuts] British Kent cobnuts. Nuts and seeds are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, fibre, protein and minerals. You'll have to buy foreign at times.

Feature in Good Housekeeping, June 2014

Social Kissing

Many people are unsure about the rules of French social kissing or faire la bise. Social kissing was originally a form of greeting within your immediate family or close friends but became more widespread after the social revolution of May 1968. Every region of France has it's own customary number of kisses and starting side, which can even confuse the French.

• It is never obligatory in France to kiss a person you have not met before. It is still mainly reserved for relaxed occasions with family and friends of the same age, although growing more common between work colleagues who know each other well.
• It is acceptable, even commonplace, for straight men  to kiss good friends or relatives.
• In most regions, you exchange two kisses, starting on the right cheek.
• It merely requires the lightest brushing of cheek to cheek, but at the moment of brushing  you are expected to make a 'mwah' sound.

The French serrer la main or squeeze the hand rather than the Anglo-Saxon handshake so gently squeeze the proffered hand. French etiquette dictates that the older, more senior person or a woman, proffers thair hand first.

From They Eat Horses Don't They: the truth about the French by Piu Marie Eatwell. Published by Head of Zeus Ltd, 2013.