HEALTH ladiesfirst • health & fitness
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The latest news and fitness tips to keep you in tip-top shape this summer
HAYFEVER Happy
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12 million of us suffer from Hayfever come the warmer weather, and experts are expecting this number to reach an even higher peak this summer. So take action now against those itchy sniffles with our natural remedy suggestions.
63%
That’s the number of people who rarely check the safety standards of summer sunglasses, despite the fact that UV damage can cause agerelated macular degeneration - the most common cause of blindness. Reduce your risk of developing the disease by ensuring your shades carry the “CE” mark and a “British Standard BS 1893/2005” stamp, which guarantees a safer level of UV protection.
MPLETE KIT CO Hayfever kit, £22.90, Neal’s Yard Remedies www.nealsyardremedies.com
QUICK FIX Sneeze Away Tincture, £10, The Organic Pharmacy www.theorganicpharmacy.com
FINE TUNE YOUR BODY When our body’s natural energy field is disrupted, by signals from electrical devices for example, it can affect both our physical and mental performance. To stay at the top of your game try the new EFX Performance wristband, which uses holographic technology to harmonise and stabilise the body by boosting strength and flexibility, increasing balance and responsiveness, and reducing stress, tension and recovery time. We don’t know how, but it really does work! www.efx-uk.co.uk 00
NEW Nasal inhaler, £6.99, Boots www.boots.com
ladiesfirst •health & fitness
New Weight-Loss Balloon If you’re struggling to shift the pounds through a diet, but don’t fancy going under the knife, take a look at the new Gastric Balloon Programme offered by Nucleus Health Care in Newport. Completely non-surgical, experts at Nucleus - the first private gastroenterology hospital in the UK - will place a soft silicone balloon in your stomach, to help you to feel fuller after eating. Then, over the six-month period that the balloon is in place, you’ll get help and advice on how to change your eating habits and keep the weight off, while safely losing a guaranteed 2 to 3 stone. For more information see www.nucleushealthcare.co.uk.
Did you know?...
A new study has shown that certain se aweed extracts stop fat being absorbed by the body more effectively than most slimming aids. It’s also a great source of fibre and metabolism -boosting minerals too !
THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR If you need a push to start getting in shape but shudder at the thought of boot camp, check out the Wellness Experience at Celtic Haven in Tenby. Designed to improve your overall ‘wellness’ by boosting energy levels, clearing your mind, and setting you on the road to improved fitness, the 4-day experience includes: a one-to-one consultation with fitness and food gurus who can help you approach a more healthy lifestyle, scenic walks, exercise sessions, and spa treatments that are all designed to contribute to your ‘physical rejuvenation’. www.celtichaven.co.uk
! E T
Shape up in style with the new leisurewear range at Freemans. www.freemans.com
T A KE N O
New evidence suggests that erectile dysfunction can be an early indicator of vascular disease, which, if left untreated, may lead to a heart attack or stroke. So if the man in your life has continuing problems, make sure that a doctor checks him soon. Spire Cardiff Hospital uses the very latest research to adopt a sensitive and multi-disciplinary approach to erectile dysfunction - for more information call Spire on 029 2054 2509.
Shape Up FOR SUMMER Personal Trainer Joe Timmins shares his top 3 exercises for a toned summer body. BANISH BINGO WINGS Perch on a secure flat surface that’s roughly chair height. Straighten out your legs, place hands flat down beside your hips, and then move your bottom forwards off the edge of the seat - so you’re supported by your feet and hands. Steadily, lower your body towards the floor, then push back up to the starting position – that’s one dip! Aim for 3 sets of 20 tricep dips - or until your arms give out. Add intensity by moving your feet further away. Don’t use a chair for tricep dips as it will easily topple, causing injuries. Ouch! TONE YOUR TUM Lie on your front on the floor, legs together and elbows by your sides, with your hands flat on the floor near your chin. Then, raise your hips off the ground, so you’re supporting yourself on your forearms and tips of your feet. The key here is to tense your stomach muscles as hard as you can to stop your hips sagging to the floor. Aim to hold the position for 30 seconds, and repeat 3 times, taking 1 minute rests between sets. If you feel discomfort in your back doing this one, try supporting yourself with your knees rather than your feet. PERFECT YOUR PINS Sit on a chair, steadily stand to a fully upright position, then steadily sit back down again. That’s one squat! Now to really work your legs, try doing 3 sets of 20 repetitions, with no more than 1 minute rests between them. The key here is to just work your legs, so don’t use your hands to help you stand, and to make things harder don’t fully sit back down on the chair – just hover about an inch above it. Squats work every muscle in your lower body! “Getting into great shape can be tough work, so keep a goal in mind to motivate you. These exercises are a great place to start, and for continued results make sure you increase the intensity of your workout as you go along by upping the number of repetitions or sets.” For more tips and personal training advice from Joe, contact Aspire Fitness on 029 2023 5523 www.aspirefitness.co.uk. 00