Women Work Returners

There are more companies and groups helping women get back to work.

# Join the free network at womenreturners.co.uk for information about events, returnships and job offers.

# See shesback.co.uk, which reconnects women with businesses through events, research and campaigning.

#If you've worked in the finance sector, look at thereturnhub.com, which helps women who are overlooked by recruiters.

# If you want to explore new options, go to viewvo.com, which provides opportunities to shadow business owners or charities.

# Details of flexible and part-time vacancies in a wide range of sectors can be found at timewise.co.uk.

#For information about Allen & Overy's Peerpoint scheme, visit allnovery.com.

Source: Feature in Good Housekeeping, July 2017

Foot Problems

Comfortable, roomy footwear is essential to prevent foot problems.

• For daily wear choose a wide-toed shoe with secure fastenings, a heel height of no more than 2cm to 3cm (half an inch to an inch), plus a firm but flexible sole.

What foot pain can tell you

# A pain down the back of the lower leg could be Achilles tendinitis. Constantly wearing high heels, platforms or wedges can shorten your Achilles tendon. Answer: Stretch out your calf muscles regularly.

#Pain in the balls of your feet could be metatarsalgia caused by wearing thin-soled shoes daily.  Answer: Use gel insoles to relieve the pressure on the balls of your feet. Ensure any high heel is centred under your natural heel, rather than further back, to better distribute your weight.

# A bony bump on your big toe is likely to be a bunion. You can get one even if you only wear trainers (there is a genetic element in this) but high or tight shoes make bunions painful and inflamed. Answer: Orthotic inserts take the pressure off a bunion by supporting the arch of the foot - get custom advice from a podiatrist.

#Hurting heels could be plantar fascitis, caused by wearing thin-soled ballet pumps or flip-flops with little arch support or shock absorption. Answer: Choose pumps with shock-absorbing rubber soles and a small heel to save arches. Save flip-flops for the beach.

#Painful toes could be due to corns, neuromas or hammer toes. Remember that pointy shoes and those that show 'toe cleavage' squeeze your toes into an unnatural shape. Answer: Go for a wider toe-box, especially if wearing high heels.

Source: Feature in Good Housekeeping, July 2017

Sunburn Soother

Been caught by the sun? Try this sunburn soother:

Soak a flannel in a cowl of crushed ice and milk before applying it to the burnt areas. The lactic acid in the milk prevents inflammation and takes the heat out of the skin.

Source: Dr Murad in Good Housekeeping, July 2017

HRT and Menopause

For more than ten years there has been concern and confusion over the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during the menopause.

The findings of the original research were misleading as the study involved:

• North American women in their mid-60s, many of them overweight. Today's candidates are 45 to 55 year olds.
• New HRT formulations have replaced the version derived from horse urine used in the early days. 

The NHS has reviewed all available evidence and its 2016 guidelines recommend HRT to treat menopausal symptoms. It may also help maintain sex drive and alleviate vaginal dryness. The guidelines recommend taking for as long as needed in the lowest possible dose.

When prescribed around the menopause, the benefits far outweigh the risks for the vast majority of women, although there is a small risk that some women may develop breast cancer (9 in 100 breast cancers are linked to obesity, and 6 in 100 to alcohol and just 3 women in 100 thought to be due to HRT). The risk with HRT drops off as soon as you stop taking it.

Source: Feature in Good Housekeeping, July 2017

Best Fabrics for Keeping Cool

Some fabrics are better than others for wearing in hot weather. Here are the best ones:

Cotton is good, as is chambray, which looks like denim but is very lightweight.

Linen is excellent at keeping you cool but is prone to creasing. Wash using cool water and add a drop of fabric conditioner to the final rinse to lubricate the fibres, and line dry rather than tumble dry.

Viscose is great for dry heat as the thinner thread works well in lightweight garments that drape well.

Lyocell or Tencel is a useful fabric made from sustainable wood pulp. It is very soft and has excellent moisture-wicking properties.

And remember that white and pastel shades don't absorb the sun's heat, and will keep you much cooler.

For holiday clothes, look for those labelled 'easy care' or 'wrinkle resistant'.

Source: Tip in Good Housekeeping, July 2017