Work matters

Top tips for surviving the party season

The clue's in the name: killer heels can be just that – for your feet at least

Ah, Christmas: the parties, the endless nibbles, the unlimited booze – they can all take their toll on our health. So what can we do to keep our body in tip-top condition right through the party season? We asked the experts...

Hangovers – prevention is better than cure

“Alcohol saps the potassium from your body, and this is what causes feelings of fatigue, severe headaches and weakness in muscles – classic hangover symptoms.

“For breakfast, blend a banana, an ice cube and a teaspoon of honey together and drink it. The banana replaces the potassium, the ice cube gives you much-needed hydration, and the honey boosts your sugar levels.” 

Carla Miller, founder of spacetobe.co.uk

Win the battle of the Christmas bulge!

“Commit to maintaining your weekly exercise regime to help offset those excess calories. So even if you do pile on a couple of pounds, you’ll still have the muscle there to keep the metabolism high and burn it off fast when the festivities are over.

“Eat mostly from protein and fat sources. Remember that alcohol is a toxin and a super-powerful carbohydrate; both can lead to fat gain… fast!”

Fitness expert and personal trainer Dax Moy

They’re not called ‘killer heels’ for nothing!

“Ideally, try not to wear high heels for long periods of time or for walking long distances. But if you do, make sure you do regular calf stretches and try placing your feet in cool water to relieve aches and swells.

“Try to alternate wearing heels with flatter shoes, and remember: if your shoes hurt, it’s because they don’t fit you properly.”

Podiatrist Lorraine Jones, from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP)

How to maintain that twinkle in your eyes

“To keep yourself and your eyes hydrated, drink plenty of water. A clean, cold compress placed on the eyes will also relieve redness.

“Only wear contact lenses for the maximum time recommended by your practitioner, and don’t fall asleep in them unless you know it’s safe to do so. Use only the recommended cleaning solution – not tap water – and whatever you do, don’t lick them.

“Good hygiene is vital – our research found that more than 15 per cent of wearers will pick their contact lens off the floor and put it straight in their eye without cleaning it!”

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser, College of Optometrists

Keep hair and skin in tip-top shape

"Alcohol is a diuretic, so it causes accelerated dehydration – and that means dry, brittle hair. And although it sounds scary, excessive alcohol consumption can deplete levels of iron in the body, which, in extreme cases, can lead to hair loss.

"Skin, too, can suffer from dehydration, and also with an increase in bruising, due to a lack of vitamin C.

"It's been said a million times, but water is your friend – drink as much of it as you can!"

Session hair and make-up artist Megan Blakeney

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