Flabby tummy

Better posture takes five pounds off instantly and can help stop the dreaded 'bikini overhand'. So Joel Press, medical director of the Centre for Spine, Sports & Occupational Rehabilitation in Chicago, prescribes this simple posture-improvement exercise that can be done almost anywhere.

"Stand with you back against a wall, placing your heels a couple of inches away. With the chin tucked in, hold the buttocks, shoulder blades and the back of the head against the wall. Do this several times a day, holding it for 20 to 30 seconds."

Yoga and Alexander Technique (a one-pm-one posture-improvement programme) are longer term strategies which also strengthen the back and so make it easier to hold in your tummy.

Spot-targeted exercises firm up flab fast too. But if you have back or neck problems, you should consult an exercise expert before embarking on a tummy-tautening regime - stomach crunches and sit-ups can be bad news for bad backs.

To minimize the risk of injury, try this tummy tuck in the bath, the water (and the edge few the bath) supports you while you go through the motions. Lie back, grab a sponge or flannel between your feet, slowly raise legs as high as possible, pull in the stomach and hold to the count of three, then lower slowly. Repeat five times.

Although women's tummies don't ten d to accumulate 'orange-peel' flesh in the same way as our thighs and bottoms do, massaging in an anti-cellulite product tautens and smooths the skin -.

Varicose Veins leg

This may be over-ambitious, a tendency to varicose veins is often inherited and can require surgery (in serious cases) or in injections, administered by a doctor, to solve the problem once and for all. Get plenty of exercise, any exercise that involves the legs - walking, cycling, jogging is especially recommended as the contraction of the leg muscles pushes pooled blood back into circulation.

Eat healthy foods high in fibre (whole grains, raw vegetables, fruits) can counteract constipation. Straining can contribute to varicose veins. Berries (think cherries, blackcurrants, blackberries and other red berries) contain compounds which strengthens vein walls.

Do give your legs regular massage treatments too. Always working towards the heart and put your feet up whenever possible. Lying on the floor or bed with your legs up against the wall gives them a real break. Broken veins on the thighs, meanwhile can also be unsightly.

A short course of sclerotherapy treatment can remove veins. A solution is injected into the vein, setting up an irritation that in turn causes the walls of the veins to
collapse and stick together - so cutting off the blood supply. Two to three sessions are what's usually recommended and the veins take up to two months to disappear completely. Dermatologists and some beauty salons are qualified to carry out this technique. To prevent broken veins, avoid saunas, hot baths, stem treatments and too-vigorous body brushing or even massage, if you're prone to broken capillaries go lightly.

Do give your legs regular massage treatments, too. Always working towards the heart and put your feet up when ever possible.