Spotlight on Sinfin & Stenson Fields August 2015

spotlight On ISSUE 5 Aug 2015

Sinfin & Stenson Fields

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month es and Businesses each Delivered to 6,000 Hom lds and Sinfin in Stenson Fie Inside this issue: • Bounty Hunters • Barbecued Fruit • Allotment Day • Why Make A Will? • Going Batty • Business Focus • Puzzles • Your Community Info • What’s On Guide

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Contents

Clean UP 6 Bounty Hunters 8 A Good Read 10 Barbecued Fruit 12 Why Write A Will?

14 Allotments Day 16 Buying A Sofa?

18 Re-invent Yourself 20 Going Batty 24 Left Handers Day 25 Puzzle Pages 26 Flower Remedies 28 Index of Advertisers 30 Published by Spotlight Local Media Ltd Company No. 6841257 Tel: 01332 416121 Suite 104, 1 Hanley Street Nottingham NG1 5BL Graphic Design and Layout: Spotlight Local Media Distributed by Best Distributions Trusted Delivery Partner of the Spotlight Magazine

Happy August.....

Summer holidays! A cheeky pint in a pub by the river... a day out to Skeggy on a sunny sunday... a weeks holiday with the kids... a nice walk in derbyshire..

Just some of the things we can do now the nice weather is here. Let’s all try to make the most of it, and not get too stressed out with the traffic jams and crazy queues. Whatever you are doing this summer, I hope you all have a good time.

Please try to check out our website regularly, where we blog most days covering local interest stories.

Spotlight magazine is delivered to 6,000 homes and businesses in the Stenson Fields and Sinfin area each month, with similar magazines going to 3 areas in Nottingham To Advertise or contribute: T: 01332 416121 E: info@spotlightlocal.co.uk Web: www.spotlightlocal.co.uk

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Clean up!

What To Use Where

Cleaning products will generally remove visible dirt and grease and create a cleaner-smelling atmosphere. They do not however kill germs, but disinfectants do.

Whilst scientists say that many of the bacteria in our homes are friendly bacteria and do not cause diseases, they do recommend that danger areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, rubbish bins and drains are treated with a good quality disinfectant regularly.

Of course new products are being developed all the time, but for most it will currently be appropriate to use some of the stand alone disinfectants around the home as well as multi-purpose cleaners.

If you are using disinfectant however you need to remember that to be effective, it has to sit for at least 5-10 minutes in order to have time to kill the bacteria. Read the product label for exact instructions.

Household disinfectants generally work by destroying the cell wall of microbes or by interfering with the metabolism of organisms that are living on the objects.

In the kitchen, work surfaces and handles particularly cupboard and refrigerator handles can be home to germs. An E-coli bacterium comes from raw meats, listeria from soft cheeses, and salmonella from chicken and raw eggs.

transferred to the flush and the door handle.

Viruses such as the flu, rotavirus, and rhinovirus which cause muscle aches, vomiting, and cold symptoms respectively can also breed well in bathrooms due to the warm, steamy atmosphere which germs love.

As work surfaces and handles can’t be washed in a basin of hot soapy water, disinfectant sprays and wipes are ideal for these areas.

In addition to sprays and wipes, disinfectant frequently comes in liquid form either in a regular formula or a concentrated variety.

There are special varieties for outdoor use for instance for paths and drains and also some versions usually prefaced by ‘antiseptic;’ which can be used on the skin. Read the instructions carefully though as most general disinfectants can irritate the skin so the use of rubber gloves is recommended and you should avoid contact with the eyes.

They also generally have a strong odour so should not be used in tight airless spaces.

Many household varieties have a chlorine base but in commercial and hospital environments forms using alcohol or ammonia are commonplace.

Defra also provide regulation around disinfectants which can be used alongside animals.

By Susan Brookes-Morris

In the bathroom, waste particles can stick to the hands, which may then be

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The Bounty Hunters

Modern day metal-detecting

I have happy memories of my dad, wearing comical over-size headphones, wandering up and down various beaches with his metal detector, pausing periodically to dig up yet another ring pull or bottle top.

We kids hoped for treasure; instead dad found foreign coins, old pennies, and once, an engraved wedding ring, which we handed in to the local police station.

Dad’s metal-detecting was a harmless and somewhat seasonal hobby, but recently I was surprised to learn that modern-day metal detecting is a subject which provokes controversy among archaeologists, the police and landowners.

Most metal detectors admit that becoming rich or finding something of immense value is about the same as winning the lottery.

But it does happen.

In 2009 Terry Herbert, who had been metaldetecting for 18 years unearthed what has become known as The Saxon Hoard: the largest collection of Anglo Saxon gold and silver ever seen.

Valued at £3 million it is still the most expensive treasure ever found on British soil. Terry did nothing wrong; he informed all the right people and behaved properly throughout his discovery, yet many archaeologists were very unhappy.

cover of darkness to raid them for artefacts, which they can then sell over the internet.

They often cause considerable damage in the process.

So does that mean we shouldn’t go out metal-detecting? No, it’s a fun hobby and can be absorbing, exciting and educational. But there are some rules all enthusiasts should obey.

Do not trespass Adhere strictly to laws concerning protected sites.

Minimise ground disturbance when you dig.

Adhere to the country code (close gates, don’t litter etc.)

Report any finds to the relevant landowner.

Consider joining a metal detecting club – Not only is it fun and sociable, they will have current advice on the conservation and handling of artefacts, and often provide insurance too.

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Archaeology is a deeply political profession and a very academic one. Archaeologists feel that the past belongs to everybody; that finds should be in a public collection on display and accessible for study on the internet or in books.

They see those who use metal detectors as being very object-orientated while they, the academics, are educated to take a broader view.

Most metal detector enthusiasts do operate legitimately, but some work on the wrong side of the law. Archaeologists call these treasure hunters ‘nighthawks’.

They go out to archaeological sites under

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A Good Read

Mum on the Run by Fiona Gibson

Robot Girl by Malorie Blackman

Running is increasing in popularity these days, and Laura decides to get in on the act. A disastrous attempt in the Mum’s race at Sports Day spurs Laura on to change her life. She joins a ‘fat club’ and takes up running, determined not to be humiliated at Sports Day the next year.

How would you feel if your dad created a robot? More specifically, a robot who looked like you, with your memories?

Oh yes, and there is the matter of Celeste: the young, alluring French teacher she sees flirting with her husband, Jed. So, the running sessions in the local park begin, spurred on by her new running partner.

Who happens to be called Danny, but she doesn’t tell Jed that.

Full of humour and wit this novel is a great summer read. Mums all over the country will identify with Laura as she tries to survive life as the mum of three children, including a hormonal soon-to-be-teenager and a pre-schooler.

Fears that her marriage is over lead Laura to make decisions that have unforeseen consequences: ones that she would probably rather not repeat!

Laura is a character that the reader warms to straightaway and you find yourself rooting for her to succeed – in her running and in her love life.

The storyline may be a tad predictable at times, but that does not spoil your enjoyment of this book. A perfect summer read.

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This is the situation that Claire finds herself in, when her inventor dad introduces her to AI-E. But all is not as it seems. Claire finds AI-E repulsive and surprisingly vulnerable with her squidgy soft skin.

She wonders how her dad can do this to her. Sharing her concerns with her mum, she is reassured that everything will be okay if Claire can just learn to control her feelings.

But she can’t, and so she plans to destroy AI-E. Until she learns … well, that would spoil it, wouldn’t it?

This very short story (only 72 pages) from acclaimed children’s writer Malorie Blackman was originally published as a part of an anthology in 1997 and was published as a standalone book for the first time in 2015.

Given its length this may be one for the library than purchase, but don’t let that put you off.

Aimed at a younger audience than Blackman’s other novels (8+) this book is marketed specifically for struggling, reluctant, and dyslexic readers, but is sure to be enjoyed by everyone.

By Willow Coby

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Barbecued Fruit

Grilling or barbecuing fruit is a lovely way to bring out its natural sweetness. You can use your own favourite fruits: mango, apricots and bananas also work well.

To cook the fruit Rub the bars of a clean grill, barbecue or griddle pan with a little vegetable oil. Make sure it’s really hot.

Serves 6

Lightly drop the fruit chunks on to the bars and let them cook for a few minutes.

Different fruits cook at different speeds so keep lifting the pieces with tongs and checking underneath

Ingredients For the fruit kebabs 1 Pineapple 4 Peaches or nectarines Small punnet of strawberries Vegetable oil For the sauce A large knob of butter Zest from half an orange and juice from one whole orange.

3 Tbsp runny honey 2 Cloves 1 Cinnamon stick Method Stand the pineapple on its flat base, and use a knife to trim down the sides, cutting off all the skin. Cut out any remaining woody bits

When the fruit is soft, remove it from the heat. A little charring is fine and characteristic of barbecued food.

To Serve Transfer all the cooked fruit to a bowl and pour the warm syrup over.

Toss everything together until nicely coated.

Divide the fruit between six plates. Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream or natural yoghurt.

Cut into quarters lengthways then carefully cut off and discard the core from each quarter. This leaves the lovely sweet flesh.

Chop the pineapple into nice chunks.

Halve the peaches or nectarines and discard the stones, then cut into large chunks Pick the leaves off the strawberries and leave whole.

To make the sauce Melt the knob of butter in a pan over a medium heat Finely chop half the orange zest, add it to the pan, then add the juice.

Add the honey, cloves and cinnamon stick.

Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove the cloves and cinnamon stick

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Why Should You Make A Will?

The legal formalities that surround making a will and planning for your future can often be intimidating, and it may seem like a daunting task; but it doesn’t have to be that way.

With Nottingham/Derby-based J M Wills & Legal Services Ltd, the whole process can be carried out in the comfort of your own home.

Owner Jan Woolley has over eighteen years’ experience in the field, and a background as a lawyer, so she has the expert knowledge to give reliable advice and assistance in this complex area – all without the jargon!

“Writing a will is not necessarily straightforward” Jan explains, “but that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult for the client! There are a lot of aspects to consider, but we’ll talk these through and I’ll give honest, straightforward advice.”

“Everybody’s circumstances are different, and it’s my role to explain how a client’s family and loved ones could be affected in the event of their death. It’s a very sensitive area and people don’t like to talk about it, but we have to face reality. Death is inevitable, and if we plan for it we can avoid leaving loved ones in a mess.”

JM Wills & Legal Services Ltd.

Services provided by J M Wills& Legal Services include wills, financial planning for old age, funeral planning, trusts, power of attorney, and protection of assets. “People often have complex lives and situations, but if we talk about your wishes they can be achievable. It’s just a case of making your wishes known – then I can take care of the legal side!”

Jan is friendly, down to earth, and immediately puts you at ease. She’s clearly very knowledgeable, and over the years she has encountered and made provisions for all kind of personal circumstances, so her clients can relax in the knowledge that their long-term care, finances, assets and loved ones are all catered for in the way that they wish, and that these personal decisions won’t end up in the hands of the courts.

J M Wills & Legal Services are members of the ‘Trusted Trader’ scheme, and are regulated by the Society of Will Writers and Director Jan Woolley is regulated by Ilex Professional Standards. For reliable, honest legal advice call Jan on 0115 7522196, email enquiries@jmwillsandlegalservice. co.uk, or visit www.jmwillsandlegalservices. co.uk.

So, why should YOU make a will?

To appoint guardians To pay less tax To arrange your funeral wishes To simplify probate We offer a clam, easy to understand and reassuring service from the comfort of your own home where you can be assured that we always have your best interests at heart.

Plan for the inevitable.

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National Allotments Week

10th-16th August is National Allotments Week

During World War II and immediately afterwards, almost everyone with a garden grew fruit and vegetables. Food was rationed so people supplemented their diet with produce they’d grown in their own back garden, or down on their allotment.

To me the very word ‘allotment’ evokes memories of my granddad and post-war community spirit.

During the 1960’s allotments began to go out of fashion and continued to decline in popularity until very recently. As a society we were more affluent; more likely to buy what produce we needed from the local supermarket, and vegetable gardening just wasn’t considered sexy!

There’s an old saying: what goes around comes around, and it encapsulates perfectly the fate of allotments which are currently enjoying a popularity surge.

Suddenly we’re concerned about food in a big way. The number of food banks is growing as families struggle to put even the most basic provisions on the table.

There are concerns about additives and pesticides on shop-bought fruit and veg, while the cost of organic food puts it out of the reach of the masses. And what about all those thousands of food-miles our strawberries and courgettes clock up on their journey to the supermarket shelves?

Surely that’s damaging the environment.

Then there’s the thorny problem of childhood obesity. The list of foodrelated concerns seems to be growing exponentially.

Yet modern housing often means tiny back gardens and frequently no front garden, so where are we going to grow all this lovely produce? The answer of course is to acquire an allotment and many people are doing just that.

To join them simply approach your council.

Price and availability varies around the country. In some areas there are waiting lists.

But councils are taking allotments much more seriously and many are actively seeking to provide new sites. If a plot is too large for your personal needs you may be able to rent half or find a like-minded friend to share it with.

Enquire today and you and your family could soon, quite literally, be reaping the benefits!

Allotment Benefits Diet: You can harvest fresh, organic, fruit and veg Economic: You’ll save loads of money growing your own Environmental: Recycling organic waste into compost, reducing food miles and creating a wildlife-friendly habitat Health: Great for aerobic exercise and therapeutic calm Social” It’s a brilliant way to meet friendly, like-minded people of all ages.

Useful Website: http://www.nsalg.org.uk/

By Rachel Leverton

In the absence of clear leadership from the top, many of us are taking matters into our own hands, deciding to emulate our grandparents and grow our own food.

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Choosing A New Sofa

Buying a new sofa is a significant financial purchase. Here are a few pointers to help with your decision:

or patterns. Cushions can be changed more easily if you decide the look needs updating in the future.

Think about what size is most suitable.

Proportions are important. For example if you have high ceilings a high backed sofa may look better than a low backed style.

To aid longevity, choose a sturdy frame with good joinery and springs. You can often get a protective coating applied to your new sofa to help protect against spills too.

A huge sofa in a small room can be overbearing and leave little room for other furniture. In some spaces two smaller sofas or a sofa and arm chair combination will be more aesthetically pleasing than one large one.

Consider your comfort when deciding on the overall size too. The height and depth of the seat can make a vast difference. I am relatively short and often find I have to perch near the edge of the seat on some designs in order for my feet to touch the ground. So do try them out.

When considering shape and style you need to decide whether you want to create a relaxed style or a more formal look. Solid backs and styles such as Chesterfields’ are neater and more traditional, whereas loose-backed and corner sofa arrangements are more contemporary.

Corner sofas are also ideal for creating a relaxation space within a large open-plan living space and can save space in smaller rooms.

Other differences that can help you decide which style you prefer are arm shape: square, rolled, wide or narrow; the overall line of the sofa, straight or curved; and the design of the legs.

There are many options in terms of upholstery: fabric or leather, plain or patterned. Think about durability in terms of the fabric and the look you are trying to create. Even if you decide on leather you will probably still have a choice between natural look, a smoother more even finish, or faux leather instead. Fabrics may be cotton-based, velvet and chenille types or microfibre.

Most designers recommend a plain colour for the main sofa and the use of scatter cushions to add a splash of another colour

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Finally many new sofas have extra features such as recliner options or built in audio.

Or you may want a sofa bed. There’s a lot to consider, so don’t make a hasty decision as most of us keep our sofas for many years.

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Reinvent Yourself!

How to change for the better this school year

Growing up, I lived within throwing distance of the local primary school, yet every morning I arrived late and was greeted with a chant from other children: “You’re late, you’re late, your dinner’s on your plate!” I hated being singled out in this way and it has taken me years to shake off the ‘late’ label.

I’m sure I’m not the only child to be labelled for a particular habit or behaviour.

For others it might be “lazy”, “quiet”, “disruptive”, “noisy” or “disorganised”. But whatever the past may have held, the start of a new school year brings with it a clean slate and the chance to start anew.

Defeat and discouragement should be left where they belong – in the past – while children take the chance to reinvent themselves and work towards a brighter future.

Education experts say that getting a new school year off to a good start can influence a child’s attitude, confidence and performance both socially and academically. So how do we give our children the best chance of making a positive new start?

First and foremost, our children need to want to change for the better and adopt the right attitude for achieving this. They need to accept responsibility for their own conduct and make a commitment to change.

Having the correct equipment such as pens, pencils, rulers, rubber and reading diary are all important, but so are getting enough sleep and having a decent breakfast at the start of the day. It’s been proven that adequate sleep, food and water all aid concentration.

Some food and drink, however, is counterproductive. Foods high in sugar and caffeine can cause hyperactivity, so choose carefully what to eat at lunchtime to avoid a negative impact on their afternoon lessons!

Though ultimately a child is responsible for their own behaviour and performance, parents do have their part to play. Take an interest in what they are doing, ask them about their day when they get home and become involved in school life when you can.

Children are our real-life mirrors; they tend to imitate what they see. If they see that they are important to you and that school is important to you, they’ll take it much more seriously and be more responsible.

The start of a new school year should be exciting, a time of celebration, a time to look forward, not back. Good luck as you and your child embark on a future of new possibilities!

For example, they might decide to be punctual or polite or to get their homework done on time. As parents we can help by being positive and encouraging.

Our children need to arrive at school properly prepared.

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W

Going Batty!

hen you think about bats what springs to mind? Do you imagine vampires or spooky haunted houses? Do you imagine the horror of getting one tangled in your hair?

International Bat Night is held on the last weekend in August and hopes to change our perception of bats. During this annual celebration, bat events for the public will take place across the country. There will be bat walks and talks organised by bat conservation groups, wildlife trusts and park rangers at a venue near you.

Bats are fascinating creatures. They make up just over a quarter of the UK’s mammal population and they are the only ones that can fly. Britain is host to eighteen native species plus occasional migrant visitors.

Pipistrelles are the commonest British bats.

They weigh just 5 grams (less than a £1 coin). Bat populations are under threat from predation, crime and loss of habitat so UK bats and their roosts are now protected by law.

Many people who profess not to like bats cite their wings as the reason but bat wings are actually beautiful pieces of biomechanical engineering.

Bat wings are constructed in a similar way to human hands, only with membrane of skin stretched between the elongated, delicate fingers. Bat bones are not hollow unlike bird bones - but they are very slender and flexible. Because their wings are much thinner than bird wings they can manoeuvre more easily at speed. They are also more vulnerable to damage but tend to heal very quickly.

of high-pitched calls and listening to the returning echo. This provides a ‘picture’ of their surroundings. Although they can hear better than they can see, they are certainly not blind. In addition, their impressive navigational systems mean they are extremely unlikely to get caught in your hair!

The old saying about bats in the belfry is a bit of a myth. In fact, bats rarely seek out church towers, preferring somewhere quiet, and less draughty. They favour houses, both old and new, and cause few problems as they come and go. They are neither noisy nor smelly and householders are usually unaware of their presence.

If bats do set up home in your roof, their access must not be impeded. If you’d like to encourage these interesting little creatures to your garden you can buy or make specialist bat boxes to fix to outside of your home to encourage them to take up residence. Help, advice and general information on Britain’s bats is available at www.bats.org.uk.

By Kate Lord

These unique creatures fly and feed in the dark. Across the world there are fruit and nectar-eating bats, and even real vampire bats which drink blood, but all UK bats live on insects. They find them using echolocation, producing a stream

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Left Handers Day

International Left Handers’ Day August 13th

Since 1976, sinistromanual people the world over have been celebrating their ‘right’ to be left handed - see what I did there?! Even though around 13% of the world’s population are left-handed they are, as one disgruntled leftie put it, “the most discriminated against minority” around!

No one knows for sure why a person is lefthanded, but research suggests it is genetic and left-handedness does tend to run in families.

As any left-hander knows, the world isn’t really designed to cater for them, so having a whole day dedicated to raising awareness of the everyday issues and challenges faced by the left-handed population is one way of changing that.

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such as scissors, tin openers, vegetable peelers, knives and tape measures are all available for the non-right-handed.

Left-handedness is controlled by the right side of the brain, which means that lefties are likely to be creative - excelling in music, the arts and media. They are also inclined to be good at ball sports and at anything requiring hand-to-eye co-ordination.

Though being left-handed might once have been considered a disability, today’s lefties refuse to let it hold them back. “I may be left-handed,” says one, “But I’m always right.” I’m not going to argue!

In days gone by left-handers may have been forced to use their right hand (at school for example) but nowadays the world is becoming a friendlier place. Tools

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Puzzle Page

Crossword Clues Across 7 Voted in, chosen (7) 9 Concepts, notions (5) 10 Affirmative response (3) 11 Outward Behaviour (9) 12 Denigrate, exploit (5) 14 Enlightened, tolerant (7) 16 Analyses, observes (7) 18 Stick, cudgel (5) 19 Mobilising troops (9) 20 Blockade, stopper (3) 21 Bamboo-eating animal (5) 22 Ice river (7)

Quick Crossword

Down 1 A decade (3,5) 2 Chaos, disarray (4) 3 Filling, cloying food (6) 4 Baking soda (abbr) (6) 5 Not a Republican (U.S) (8) 6 Ruler, leader (4) 8 Destroying, breaking (11) 13 Supplanting (8) 15 Monument, feature (8) 17 Line joining points of equal pressure on a weather map (6) 18 Tramp, drifter (6) 19 Drug, sedate (4) 20 Trickle, plop (4)

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B

Bach Flower Remedies

orn in 1886, Edward Bach was an English doctor, bacteriologist and pathologist, who was conducting research into vaccines when he became interested in a more holistic approach to medicine.

Dissatisfied with the tendency to treat the disease rather than the whole person, he began collecting plants and in particular flowers - the most highly developed part of a plant - to find remedies.

He believed that illness was the result of internal conflict, and that negative moods such as unhappiness, fear or worry, caused a lack of harmony which ultimately manifested themselves in physical disease.

By correcting this emotional imbalance, illness could be treated or avoided. “Health depends on being in harmony with our souls,” he asserted.

The flowers are divided into seven groups: Face Your Fears gives courage, reassurance and peace of mind to the fearful.

Know Your Own Mind helps with feelings, and can increase decisiveness and a sense of direction.

Find Joy and Hope overcomes feelings of despondency, despair and self-doubt.

research and turned instead to his intuition to guide him to the right plants. Whilst experiencing a negative emotion he would hold his hand over different plants, and if one alleviated the problem he would ascribe to it the power to heal. In this way he identified 38 flower remedies that can be used alone, or in conjunction with others to treat emotional and spiritual conditions.

In addition, Bach developed the Rescue Remedy, which is a ready-made combination of 5 flower essences that can provide comfort and reassurance for daily stressful situations.

The remedies are usually taken orally by mixing with water, although they are also available as droppers, sprays, liquid melts and pastilles. Only a few drops are required which should be taken several times a day. In some cases results can be instant, whilst in others it could take several days for any benefits to be realised.

There is little scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of Bach’s Flower remedies, and some claim that any benefits experienced are due to the Placebo effect.

That said, they have now been in existence for over 80 years, and there are plenty of testimonials available on the internet giving credence to their effectiveness and healing properties.

Reach Out to Others helps people who feel lonely or alone to connect with others.

Stand Your Ground helps those who put on a brave face become more assertive and constant.

Live and Let Live aids tolerance and the ability to unwind in those who are overbearing and possessive.

Live the Day gives enthusiasm and tranquillity to those who dwell too much on the past instead of enjoying the present.

Bach abandoned scientific methods of

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