The manual
News, views and tips for the men in your life
Boy's toys
Stuck for gift ideas this Christmas? Get some inspiration from Tesco with this fab four
2-in-1 Snooker And Pool Table,
4ft 6in, £59·97, CAT 202-5179*
Tesco Binoculars, £10
Dr Who Dalek Voice Changer Helmet (for ages 5+), £39·97, CAT 204-3597*
Vertigo Nordend 26in Dual Suspension Bike, £100, CAT 203-3597*
*Available in store and online; for more details and how to buy, go to www.tesco.com/direct
Xmas party blowouts
Damon Syson on overdoing it...
A few years ago, a survey revealed that over the Christmas period two million workers took time off due to hangovers. I'm willing to bet the majority were men. Why? Because in spite of our bravado, men are not very good at drinking. Even though we think we can sink eight pints, get three hours sleep, then wake up fine and do an important presentation. Women however have a little voice that says, 'Whoah! This isn't worth the pain you'll get tomorrow.'
The other reason men end up in a sorry state is that we're competitive. We see the office party as a race, as if drinking more than the rest will win us a promotion. But women tend to see alcohol mainly as a lubricant for fun activities, such as dancing/karaoke/chatting up that bloke from sales.
There's also a cunning side to self-destructive male behaviour around Christmas. Some men honestly believe if they get really hammered, they'll be pitied and excused all domestic duties over the Christmas period. Which could explain why some of us start drinking before lunch on Christmas Day, are a liability in the kitchen, and snoring on the sofa by tea time. Cheers!
Bowl him over
For a treat he'll never forget, look no further than a Tesco Gift Experience.
Choose from a host of days to remember – how about a pro golf lesson for him, a paintball experience or a thrilling rally drive? Check out all of these and more, at www.tesco.com. And, as an added incentive, this Christmas you'll find great offers of up to three per cent off many Gift Experiences.
Gift vouchers come complete in a silver pack containing: a voucher (valid for nine to 12 months), full experience details, booking instructions, terms and conditions and £50,000 personal accident insurance and public liability cover.
Check up
He's under the covers, man-sized box of tissues in hand, with (of course) the worst flu ever. Is he making a drama out of a sniffle? asks Dr Rosemary Leonard
The first thing to sort out is whether he has a bad cold or actual flu. If he has a sore throat, a slight headache but his appetite is normal – then it's a cold, even if his temperature may be slightly up and he aches all over (sorry, chaps). But if his illness comes on quickly, his temperature shoots up within 24 hours to 38·5 degrees or more, and if he doesn't want to eat, has a bad headache and feels exhausted – then chances are it's flu. Fight it with paracetamol and, if needed, ibuprofen to reduce fever, aches and pains.
He needs to drink plenty of water, and stay wrapped up indoors. Antibiotics don't help as flu is caused by a virus, but if he isn't on the mend in five days, then seek medical advice – even sooner if he has chest pains, is short of breath, or has a lot of coloured phlegm.
Footie or baby?
Recent research** shows dads are changing their priorities
68 %
of dads would interrupt a Boxing Day footie game on TV to tend to their crying baby.
27 %
say they'd ask their partner to take the blubberer out of the room.
5 %
would escape to the pub to watch – or are brave enough to
admit it.
**Research carried out by Colief Infant Drops on 3,000 dads across the UK in April 2008