An eye for facts and figures

Dear Betsy, I have to buy a new swimsuit for my vacation but I never feel happy with whatever I buy.

I have short legs, fat thighs and a big bust. What shape swimsuit would be best for me?

Agnes H.

Dear Agnes,

Being vertically challenged myself, I understand your situation! First of all, forget about those, square legged "shorts" style bikini bottoms.

You should opt for a swimsuit or bottoms with high cut legs, to give the appearance of longer, slimmer thighs.

For a larger bust, halter neck tops work best. Make sure the halter straps are wide as they offer more support and are much more flattering. Avoid thin, spaghetti straps or strapless tops. Alternatively, a fitted top with under-wired support can also be attractive, but make sure the straps are wide and avoid those 'racing' back cross over straps.

If you like to wear a one-piece suit then a single dark colour such as black or chocolate are most flattering. Avoid large patterns.

If you are too self conscious to wear a bikini, then try a tankini, a two-piece suit with a longer top that reaches to the top of your hips.

Many companies sell the tops and bottoms separately, which is great for girls who are not of perfect model proportions, allowing you to obtain the best possible fit.

Cover up with an ankle length sarong or a Kaftan that falls just above the knee.

Footwear that will enhance shorter legs includes small kitten heels and lower wedge heels.

Avoid sandals with ankle straps. Don't forget your sun-block, oversized shades and, of course, a hat. Happy holidays!

Dear Betsy,

Your article on water was truly excellent and our whole family found it very informative. I now realise why I was grouchy and always felt on the verge of a bad headache.

I took your advice and upped my water intake and within two days felt a thousand per cent better and was much more productive at work.

We have now installed water fountains throughout our offices, rather than just in the coffee kitchen as I now realise how vital it is to health and with my managers' hat on, to productivity in the workplace.

Thank you, Betsy, and I look forward to reading more of your articles.

Andrew PJ.

Dear Andrew,

Thank you for passing on your water experiences and thank you to all of you who wrote, phoned or texted me about that article.

Thank you also to the lady in the supermarket who insisted I go with her to the water shelf and make sure she understood how to read the water bottle labels correctly! It was my pleasure, Irene.

Just remember not to wait until you are thirsty to drink (low-sodium) water, as by then you are already dehydrated.

Drink before you are thirsty and preferably a glass every hour or so to keep your mind, body and soul hydrated this summer.

Dear Betsy,

I thought that picture of the sick parrot in your recent article was dreadful.

That man should be shot for keeping his pet in such a bad condition. If I was in the UK, I would report him to the RSPCA and he would not get off so lightly.

Taxidermist, indeed, I would like to see him stuffed and stuck on a perch for being cruel to animals.

Animal Lover.

Dear Animal Lover,

I think the editor's sense of humour got the better of him. The picture we used was not of the Bird Man of Budaiya's sick pet - it was a random library photograph used for illustration purposes only, so don't worry.

I have been the butt of numerous 'sick as a parrot' jokes this week, so thanks Ed! It is nice to know we have such compassionate readers.

BETSY SAYS RELAX

TRY_a spot of visualisation. Lie back in a safe, quiet place, relax, close your eyes and imagine yourself lying on a beautiful deserted beach.

The sun is warm, but not hot, and you can feel a delicious warmth moving throughout your body, relaxing your muscles and inducing an incredible feeling of wellbeing. The water is a clean, clear pristine blue, and you can hear the breaking waves as they lap gently onto the shore.

Take a deep breath and fill your lungs with that pure, energising fresh air and feel all the tension float away from your mind and body.

You are safe, calm, floating on a cloud of pure love and happiness, free from pain, tension and worry ... float, float, float ...

You can use visualisation to help you achieve your life goals and reduce stress and anxiety. Picture yourself anywhere that you feel safe and happy.

IF ONLY YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK

EAT_more eggs. A naturally low fat, high protein food and if you are watching your cholesterol then skip the yolks and have an egg white omelette.

If like me, you crave those yummy big, brown, free range English eggs of your childhood, then you can grab a box from the weekly deliveries down at Alsora (Spinneys).