Feeling fabulous like Kim Cattrall with the help of your Pharmacy

Anti-agers

If, like Kim, you intend to look and feel fabulous well into your 50s (and beyond), here's a guide to just some of the types of products you can buy at your local pharmacy that can give you a little bit of help…

• Multivitamin and mineral tablets: You're never too old to miss out on essential nutrients. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a supplement that's formulated for your age group (for instance, one that also includes ingredients designed to relieve symptoms of the menopause).
• Omega-3 fish oils: Available in capsules or as liquid supplements, these contain the fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These fatty acids may help boost your health in several ways, and are believed to help support your heart, brain function and joints.
• Antioxidants: These nutrients are though to help protect against the effects of free radicals (naturally-occurring substances that are thought to damage your cells, thereby causing many of the effects of ageing). Ask your pharmacist to recommend a combined supplement that contains a blend of different antioxidants.
• Ginkgo biloba: A herbal supplement that's also a powerful natural antioxidant, ginkgo biloba may help improve your circulation as well as help maintain blood flow to the brain – and that, say some experts, may help boost your memory.
• Evening primrose oil: Often taken by younger women to relieve some of the symptoms of PMS, EPO may also help keep older skin feeling supple and firm.

Fighting mid-life flab

For many people, middle-aged spread isn't simply a myth, it's a reality. But there's no reason why you should chunk out as you get older – as Kim proves so perfectly. Keep as active as possible and take regular exercise, and you won't just stay in shape but you'll also have more energy and be able to cope better with life's stresses and strains. Try the following for starters:

• Swimming: Great for supporting your joints and for toning your muscles, whatever your age.
• Weight training: Working out with weights (also called resistance training) may help prevent osteoporosis (bone density often becomes lower as people get older – and for women this is especially relevant after the menopause). But be careful. Always get advice from a personal trainer or other fitness professional before starting a weight training routine.
• Cycling/walking: Both are ideal for all-round fitness (and leaving the car at home is good for the environment too).
• Pilates: Perfect for strengthening your core (abdominal) muscles which, in turn, helps protect your back. Doing Pilates also helps keep your muscles nice and flexible. Find a teacher at www.bodycontrol.co.uk or www.pilates.co.uk
• Yoga: Many forms of yoga may help boost your bone density as they use your body weight as resistance. Yoga also keeps your joints and muscles flexible. Many devotees say the meditative side of yoga, which, in some forms of yoga, includes performing a range of breathing exercises, helps them deal with stress too.