January 12, 2009 Archives

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The rat race can get a lot of us down, so much so that some people give it up completely.

This week on The One Show, Carol Thatcher is meeting people who have done just that, with the hope of improving the quality of their lives.

Friday: Carol travelled to Dorset to meet Pat Bowcock, the first of our down shifters. Pat swapped her 'normal' life to live in a caravan on a water meadow she purchased.

Thursday: Carol met Chris and Hannah Blevins, who gave up their jobs and moved to Lincolnshire to set up a small farm.

Wednesday: Carol travelled to the North York Moors to meet Stewart and Rebecca Thompson. Rebecca's dream was to work for the national parks, so the couple downshifted and made the dream come true. Rebecca's now employed as a conservation officer and Stuart works as a ranger.

Tuesday: Carol met Jo Hampson and Georgina Perkins. They both quit their very successful jobs in the police force to run a small smokehouse.

Monday: Carol met Wendy Henry. She quit her high-powered job in the media to work in a dogs home. "My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner" says Wendy.

How will you improve your life this year? What plans have you made? Are you brave enough to change your lifestyle completely? Have you made the change and have some hints and tips to pass on? Add your comment.

For many people the battle with the bulge is a lifelong struggle. On tonight's show Anita Rani looked at the dangers of taking slimming pills. Side effects of the tablets can include excruciating headaches, heart murmurs, addiction and in extreme cases heart attack

The drugs work a bit like amphetamines as they stimulate the central nervous system by mimicking the natural effect of adrenalin. Once that kicks in, heart rate increases and suppresses the appetite.

You can report suspected counterfeit medicines to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Do any diets work?

The diet industry is big business. Adverts suggest that there are hundreds of ways to lose weight.

Over the years experts have suggested various ways of fighting the flab. Including cutting out carbohydrates, eating nothing but cabbage or drinking water to curb hunger. There's lots of info about eating for health at the British Dietetic Association website.

What diets do you think really work? Do you have any weight loss tips? Is it possible to stick to a diet and keep the weight off? Add your comment.