YUMMY MUMMY DECEMBER ISSUE
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YUMMY MUMMY
[SHOPPING]
BABIES & KIDS WE LOVE This Jellycat Christmas Tree Ricky Rain Frog. bunka.co.uk
BALL PIT FUN FESTIVE DRESS-UPS A Christmas tree is a real highlight for the festive season, and now your kids can pretend to be one with our fabulous costume! It’s perfect for parties, or for wearing at home for a jolly, fun time. The cape is beautifully crafted from tulle, with lots of embellishments, and comes with a sparkling gold star headband. The adorable puppy costume is definitely something to bark about! It’s beautifully crafted in the softest of soft sherpa fleece material, with a fabric lining in the hat. merimeri.co.uk
FAMILY SPA TIME
Designed with our youngest ones in mind. They offer great and safe fun for our children. Through playing with the balls in the ball pits your children can practice motor skills, enhance their grasping ability, develop visualmotor coordination and learn colours. happylinencompany.co.uk
Make bathtime and bedtime extra special with our kids spa robes. Featuring smooth cotton velour and grey piping on the outside and absorbent terry towelling on the inside, this perfectly tailored version of our luxury adult bathrobe offers ultimate comfort and warmth. tielleloveluxury.co.uk
MAKE WEANING A DODDL The doddl baby fork and spoon is the perfect weaning starter set for your baby. This set includes a baby weaning spoon and fork, ideal for the first stages of weaning before moving onto our toddler cutlery sets. doddl.com 212 DECEMBER 2024
LONG LIGHT Brighten up bedtime with this LED sausage dog night light. Perfect for encouraging little ones to get ready for bed, it’s the ideal companion for night time adventures. rexlondon.com
YUMMY MUMMY
MERRY BRICKMAS! Experience the Christmas magic at the Legoland® Windsor Resort. Until 4 January 2025
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ock around the DUPLO® Christmas tree and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort this festive season. Create unforgettable memories in a winter wonderland complete with Father Christmas, a spectacular sleigh ride parade and plenty of LEGO® building fun. Let your little elves embark on a jolly journey through the magic of Miniland, where festive scenes will be hidden amongst iconic landmarks. But wait, there’s myrrh! Get ready for some hands-on holiday fun with a delightful DUPLO Puppet show that’s sure to get all the family in the Christmas spirit; meet everyone’s favourite characters, experience awesome rides and enjoy special festive activities such as: Father Christmas Meet & Greet: Create the ultimate family memory this festive season by booking to meet Father Christmas* in his magical grotto. Plus, every child receives a special LEGO gift! Ollie’s Christmas Chaos: Join Ollie the Dragon as he helps the Elves send all the LEGOLAND letters to the North Pole. Father Christmas’ Magical Sleigh: Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Father Christmas as he journeys around the park on his LEGO sleigh accompanied by his troop of dancing elves. A performance not to be missed! Build to Give Workshop: Join our mission to share the superpower of play to children in need. Build a LEGO heart! Want more? then extend the festive fun with three immersive LEGO themed hotels! Packages include an overnight stay in a LEGO
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themed room, one-day entry to LEGOLAND at Christmas and the option to add on a visit to see Father Christmas* Get ready to have a brick-tastic festive season and build memories that will last a lifetime!
THE DETAILS Tickets start from £29 per person, kids under 90cm go free. Short breaks start from £60 per person. To book LEGOLAND at Christmas, please visit: legoland.co.uk/explore/ special-events/legoland-at-christmas *Subject to availability & additional charges apply
YUMMY MUMMY
Taking your children Christmas shopping can boost their development and social skills
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very woman loves to shop but having children can hold you back from strolling round the boutiques and department stores of London looking for that next luxury item. Reminiscing of the days when you were free to spend bundles of cash followed by ‘ladies who lunch’ with your friends. Trying to keep the kids occupied and enjoy quality family time together in the run-up to Christmas is never an easy task. Taking the kids shopping can conjure up nightmare thoughts of boredom, temper tantrums, and ‘Can I have this Mum?’ over and over again! But have no fear, you can turn this around to benefit you and your little ones at the same time. A study by academics from Oxford and The Open University has found that shopping
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“Include trips that will capture their imagination and excite them. With prestigious stores such as Selfridges and Harrods offering exciting window displays plus kids workshops and activities, there is plenty to choose from”
actually boosts infants’ happiness levels and the development of everyday skills. Researchers have said there is evidence of a “positive” link between shopping and the physical skills that children need to master in the early years. A large-scale analysis of parental activities and the impact they have on children, found that more passive activities such as watching television and looking through picture books had “no discernible benefits”. By taking them shopping they are getting visual stimulation, getting out of the house and into a new environment and bumping into other families where social skills come into play. There does seem to be a connection between the kinds of activities that are taking place and the skills that are being developed. The key is to engage them when you are shopping, not dragging them behind you while you indulge in a fashion shopping frenzy. Include trips that will capture their imagination and excite them. With prestigious stores such as Selfridges and Harrods offering exciting window displays plus kids workshops and activities, there is plenty to choose from. Consult individual stores as to whether they have a Santa’s Grotto this year. Taking them to see the big man himself will go down very well –
although you need to book in advance. The magical kingdoms of Hamley’s and Lego Store plus toy departments at stores like Harrods and Selfridges, will give your children a chance to really enjoy themselves, also giving you a great chance to listen and observe them, compiling their ‘Christmas Wish List’ without them realising! And be wowed by the twinkling Christmas lights of Bond Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden and Oxford Street with many other locations also lit up for the festive season. There is a huge amount of exciting family activities that can be included in your shopping trip – let your children immerse themselves in exciting real-life activities. Take the kids to see the reindeers at ZSL London Zoo, go ice skating – Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Somerset House and Glide at Battersea Power Station and are just some of the ice rinks that are open until January. Afternoon theatre shows offer huge entertainment value, pantomimes are in abundance and there are many West End Shows with matinee performances. There are museums and attractions in every direction for the kids – London Transport Museum, Sea Life London, Natural History Museum, Shrek’s Adventure London and The London Eye are just a few. Even some health spas offer relaxing treatments for children too - so you can all get pampered away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping in London. Spending quality time doing fun activities with your children, will not only put a big smile on their faces – but make them just a little more patient when you want to splash the cash on yourself. DECEMBER 2024 217
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HAMLEYS TOP TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS Inspired by generations of entertainment Screen favourites endure to drive play across all ages in the family
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rom Stitch, Moana and Hulk to Bumblebee, Paw Patrol and Numberblocks, an A-list cast of muchloved screen characters will feature in this year’s Christmas best sellers list, according to Hamleys expert buyers. With a giggling, wiggling, wobbling Stitch and a collectible Lego set for adult sci-fi fans, this year’s hot list spans newborns, teens and adults with everything from cuddles to collectibles. From dynamic vehicles to mermaids and musical maths, children are encouraged to dive into worlds of wonder, problem-solving and hands-on engagement - not only entertaining, but supporting storytelling and motor skills. “Some of the toys on this year’s list foster a sense of connection, comfort and familiarity, whether they are transforming Bumblebee, sending Chase on an epic Paw Patrol rescue mission or enjoying Stitch giggle his way around the home. There’s also toys that simply endure year-on-year like Play Doh, fun cars and the latest dart blaster, “ said Victoria Kay, Head Buyer at Hamleys.
STITCH CRACK ME UP PLUSH Children can fill the room with the sights and sounds of madcap happiness this Christmas with the Stitch Crack Me Up Plush. The 11-inch-high interactive blue alien is activated by a simple shake which delivers the forever lovable giggles, wiggles, wobbles - and not forgetting the best of cuddles. Just Play; Suitable for ages 4+. Stitch Crack Me Up Plush retails for £24.99 at Hamleys
HAMLEYS HUGGABLES PLUSH SELECTION The Hamleys Huggables plush toy selection offers cuddly friends and the cutest of characters to collect from everyday life – from an adorable avocado to a winsome watermelon. Hamleys; Suitable for ages 0+; The Hamleys Huggables Plush Selection retails for £22.00 (per Huggable)
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MOANA SINGING DOLL The Moana Singing Doll recreates the feel of the family favourite movie. Press her flashing necklace and singalong with Moana’s Disney classic “How Far I’ll Go”. Moana comes with her signature lustrous wavy hair for styling and her iconic adventure outfit. Over to the children to create the ultimate adventures. Mattel; Suitable for ages 3+; The Moana Singing Doll retails for £29.99 at Hamleys
SURPRISE! MERMAIDS TOTS The L.O.L Surprise Mermaids Tots come full of surprises with eight different mermaids. Children can make each of them a tail which changes colour when it is dipped in water. The bowls they come in double as a fishbowl or cool display to show off the tots. MGA; Suitable for ages 4+; L.O.L Surprise! Mermaids Tots retails for £9.99 at Hamleys
ARIAS ALLESSANDRA FUR WHITE BONNET BABY DOLL The Hamleys Arias Allessandra Fur White Bonnet Baby Doll has a soft touch body and limbs and a lifelike weight it feels like you are holding a real baby. She comes with a cute romper and cozy fleece, a dummy on a wooden chain, a family book and Certificate of Authenticity. Hamleys; Suitable for ages 0+; The Arias Allessandra Fur White Bonnet Baby Doll retails for £120 at Hamleys
imposing Optimus Prime lieutenant converts from Autobot to VW Beetle and comes with a display panel and digital building instructions. It would stand proud on any display shelf. LEGO; Suitable for ages 18+; The 10338 LEGO Transformer Bumblebee retails for £79.99 at Hamleys
BULLDOZER STUNT CAR The Bulldozer Stunt Bounce Car is the latest in a line of remote-control vehicles Hamleys is famed for. With a special robust body, dynamic suspension and shockproof function, the crashbang-wallop Bounce vehicle has easy operation controlling the lights, three-gear acceleration and the dynamic 360 degree rotation and 180 degree flip modes. Stand back and let it rip! Hamleys; Suitable for ages 8+; The Bulldozer Stunt Car retails for £45.00 at Hamleys
THE GROSS BUCKET Similarly, The Terror Fried Gross Bucket s full of surprises, but these are distinctly foul and “Terrorfrying.” There are 9 freaky figures to find in the foul fast-food fryer from Mouldy Milkshake to Fizz Bomb Burger. They also come with creepy compounds to help you fizz, squelch and crack your way through endless foul fun. There’s 30 terror-fried figures to collect in total. Character Options; Suitable for ages 4+; The Gross Bucket retails for £29.99 at Hamleys
10338 LEGO TRANSFORMER BUMBLEBEE The LEGO Transformer Bumblebee is a true icon collectible for 80s retro Transformer fans and adult sci-fi lovers. With 950 pieces, articulated joints, ion blaster and jetpack, this DECEMBER 2024 219
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MONSTER ROTARY EXCEL ELECTRIC BLASTER
NUMBER BLOCKS FIVE MUSICAL SUPERSTAR STAGE In the pre-school category, the Numberblocks ® Five Musical Superstar Stage, a clever interactive musical playset allows children to join FIVE, the lead singer in the band to singalong to fun songs and sound effects for a blend of imaginative play with gentle maths skills practice. Learning Resources; Suitable for ages 3+ ; The Number Blocks Five Musical Superstar Stage retails for £49.95 at Hamleys
DROP TRIVIA FAMILY GAME Sure to bring family and friends together in unlimited numbers, the Drop Trivia Grame comes with an answers tower for you to order one of six options on every question. Adding to the fast action and the fun and taxing challenges, there are special voice commands and sound effects to keep proceedings moving. Play fast and be nice! Hasbro; Suitable for ages 6+; The Drop Trivia Family Game retails for £24.99 at Hamleys
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And what Christmas wish list would be complete without a dart blaster? This year we are excited by The Monster Rotary Excel Electric Blaster with its super-fast power and 32 dart rotary cartridge, sharp shooters get distance, speed and accuracy to handle the toughest of friendly battles! RRP £40 Hamleys; Suitable for ages 8+; The Monster Rotary Excel Electric Blaster retails for £40.00 at Hamleys
PLAY-DOH MARVEL HULK SMASH & SQUISH PLAYSET Action packed Play-Doh Marvel Hulk Smash & Squish comes with the heroic green bendy action figure, 360 degree pressing tool and three moulds to create tanks, trucks and a wide variety of shapes to add to the smashing stories and super scenes children will create. Hasbro; Suitable for ages 4+; The Play-Doh Marvel Hulk Smash & Squish Playset retails for £16.99 at Hamleys Find all toys online at hamleys.com
PAW PATROL RESCUE WHEELS DELUXE RESCUE WHEELS CHASE VEHICLE Another fun drive to feature on the list this year comes with the Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels Deluxe Vehicle featuring one of the Show’s dependable heroes, Chase. With outsized tyres, motorized winch, grappling hook, projectile launcher, flashing lights and sounds, children can play out daring rescue missions and save the day. Spin Master; Suitable for ages 3+; The Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels Deluxe Rescue Wheels Chase Vehicle retails for £44.99 at Hamleys
YUMMY MUMMY
Transform Christmas with Nöa & Nani’s Stylish and Practical Toy Boxes Esther Toy Box in Classic White Oak: The Esther toy box features a beautiful white oak finish that is perfect for anyone seeking a more rustic and timeless piece. With ample storage and an elegant design, it’s as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. Add a Personal Touch to Your Gift Noa & Nani’s toy boxes make ideal gifts, especially with the opportunity to personalize them for loved ones. The smooth surfaces of these pieces lend themselves to easy customisation, so you can add names, messages, or creative designs that add a unique, heartfelt touch. With options to paint, stencil, or even add decals, these toy boxes can be transformed into keepsake gifts that both children and adults will treasure.
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ith the holiday season fast approaching, Nöa & Nani are excited to offer their beautifully crafted toy boxes as an ideal storage solution for Christmas presents and post-holiday tidying. These versatile pieces not only help keep homes organised during the festive chaos but also make thoughtful, customisable gifts. As families prepare for the seasonal influx of toys and gifts, Nöa & Nani’s toy boxes provide an elegant way to manage clutter while adding a touch of charm to any room. Their durable design and timeless appeal make them a musthave for anyone looking to keep their space tidy as they welcome new items into the home. 222 DECEMBER 2024
Nöa & Nani presents an array of toy boxes that blend practicality with style. Here are a few highlights that will elevate any space: Lola Toy Box: This classic white toy storage organiser offers a clean, sleek look that blends seamlessly into any home decor. Its generous storage capacity ensures it’s practical as well as stylish, perfect for keeping rooms clutter-free throughout the year. Leines Toy Box: The Leines model combines a fresh white base with a natural pine lid, providing a charming contrast that brings warmth to any room. It’s an ideal solution for stowing away holiday gifts, toys, and games, making postChristmas clean-up a breeze. Zeta Toy Box with Star Design: For those who enjoy playful yet sophisticated designs, the Zeta toy box in classic white, adorned with a star cut-out, is a wonderful choice. It not only stores toys effectively but also adds a whimsical touch to children’s rooms.
Practical, Thoughtful, and Beautifully Crafted Each Noa & Nani toy box is crafted with attention to detail, designed to meet the needs of modern families while enhancing the aesthetics of any room. Made from quality materials and available in a variety of finishes, they promise durability and timeless appeal, making them not just for Christmas but year-round staples for organized, stylish homes. Noa & Nani invite you to explore these beautiful toy boxes that promise to make this Christmas memorable, organized, and just a bit more magical. noaandnani.co.uk
F rom S y d n e y t o t h e wo rld , Be f o re & E ve r Kid s is re vo l ut ionizing chi l d re n ’s f a s h i o n . E ac h o u tf it, h an d c raf te d an d u n iq u ely designed, i nfus e s c o u t u re e le g a n c e in to e ve ryd ay w e ar. Ce le b rat ing life’s l i tt l e m o m e n t s a n d makin g e ve ry d ay a sp e c ial o c c asion wit h unm a t c h e d c o m f o r t a n d style . Disc o ve r a c o lle c tio n w here ever y pi ec e t e lls a s t o r y, d esig n e d n o t ju st f o r w e ar, b u t f o r wonder. www. b e f o re e v e r. c o m.au www. i n s t a g r a m . c o m /b e f o re e ve rkid s www. f a c e b o o k . c o m / b e f o re e ve rkid s
YUMMY MUMMY
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE TRANSFORM BEDTIME WITH A TOUCH OF SILK MAGIC!
MILL ON THE BRUE SUMMER CAMPS
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Established in 1982 a family run company based in Bruton, Somerset. We run 6 weeks of Summer Camps for children from 8 – 15 years old. From Sunday through to Saturday your children will canoe, climb, hike and so much more. Looked after by two experienced Instructors per group, healthy homemade food and friendships to be made that will last a lifetime. For a gift to remember look us up at millonthebrue.co.uk/summer-camps-uk or call 01749 812307
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This holiday season, give the gift of luxury with Kid Silk’s 100% Silk Pillowcases and Hair Wraps. Designed to promote healthy hair and skin, they keep hair tangle-free, frizz-free, and smooth while being breathable and hypoallergenic. Say goodbye to bedhead and hello to effortless mornings! Explore their silk collection today to bring smiles this holiday season – and all year round! Buy Two Pillowcases SAVE £45 Visit us at Kidsilk.com
2 “Luxurious merino, gender neutral styling and of course the ultimate in snuggly softness”
OH SO COSY GIFTING
TICKIT® - HOME OF EDUCATIONAL PLAY Give the gift of open-ended play this Christmas. Our beautiful Wooden Domestic Animal Blocks feature real photography that captures every detail of animals commonly found in farms, fields and as pets. Ideal for young animal lovers everywhere! All tickit toys are designed to be fun, educational & hard-wearing. They support the curiosity approach and enhance every child’s natural capacity for learning. Create, explore, play and discover in a world powered by the imagination. tickit.co.uk/yummy 224 DECEMBER 2024
Give the gift of sheepskin snuggles with Baa Baby’s stunning range of sheepskin pram liners, booties, mittens and bear comforters. Luxurious merino, gender neutral styling and of course the ultimate in snuggly softness. We have the perfect range from newborns to toddlers, all wrapped up and gift ready in our range of reusable cotton bags or Christmas keepsake gift boxes. baababy.co.uk
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Award-winning unique all-in-one baby and toddler trousers with built-in socks SOCK S BUIL T IN
s Size nths 3 mo from years to 4 old
“Sockatoos are ingenious – a total game changer, easy to put on and saves searching for lost socks! My son loves them”
Available online at: www.sockatoos.co.uk Facebook: @sockatoos
Instagram @sockatoos_
YUMMY MUMMY
HAMLEYS REGENT STREET The Finest Toy Shop in the World
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et ready for London’s most enchanting Christmas experience and step into the Magic of Christmas with Santa’s Grotto Bring your family to explore Santa’s enchanting elf workshop, filled with festive cheer and captivating Christmas magic. You will get to meet Santa and join his merry elves in creating unforgettable memories at Hamleys! Santa is available until Sunday 24th December, just before he sets off on his journey to deliver presents to children around the world on Christmas Eve. After being welcomed by Santa’s elves at the enchanting ‘Hamleys North Pole,’ visitors will embark on a spellbinding journey through The Elf Workshop, filled with magical fun and games before stepping into the beloved Grotto. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa to remember their visit, creating a cherished memory that will last a lifetime. Parents are invited to share their children’s names and favourite activities in advance, allowing Santa’s toy-testing elves to craft a personalised and truly magical experience for each little one. The adventure begins at the Hamleys Regent Street store entrance, where one of Santa’s friendly elves will guide visitors to the start of their magical experience. Santa’s Grotto is designed especially for children aged 2 to 8 years old, but the entire family is welcome to join in the festive fun and capture
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their own special moments with Santa, plus there will be an optional photo package available for purchase at the end of the visit. Bookings are available open online. Santa’s Grotto sessions are on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who miss out on their desired time slots, there will be options to check availability and rebook. A minimum of one adult is required for each group booking and each session can accommodate up to 6 people, and terms and conditions apply.
THE DETAILS For ticket options and prices and to read the full terms and conditions, please visit hamleys.com Follow Hamleys on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/ hamleysofficial/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ hamleys-of-london/ Facebook: facebook.com/ Hamleyslondon X: twitter.com/HamleysOfficial
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IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON MINERAL DEFICIENCIES RUINING YOUR LIFE?
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re you constantly feeling tired, lacking in energy, or noticing hair thinning, pale skin, or dizziness? These could be signs of iron deficiency—a common but often overlooked health issue, especially for women. Fortunately, it’s manageable with the right care. Iron deficiency affects around 10% of women in the UK, with even higher rates globally (30%). Women are particularly at risk due to factors like: • Heavy periods, which can deplete iron stores. • Pregnancy, where increased iron demand often outpaces dietary
intake. • Low-iron diets, lacking foods like red meat, leafy greens, or fortified cereals. Certain health conditions can also impact iron absorption, such as coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, or after gastric surgery. Chronic inflammation, some medications (e.g., antacids or proton pump inhibitors), and even dietary factors like phytates (found in grains and legumes) can further complicate iron uptake. The good news? Early diagnosis and treatment can make a world of difference. Effect Doctors offers cutting-edge finger-prick blood testing to provide accurate iron results in just 15 minutes. This quick and convenient test identifies your iron levels or with a more comprehensive blood test it can help uncover any underlying causes. INTRAVENOUS IRON DELIVERED BY EXPERTS. Depending on your needs, Effect Doctors tailors treatment to restore your health. For mild deficiencies, they provide expert guidance on boosting dietary iron. For more serious cases, their safe, effective IV iron therapy delivers fast results. These treatments are only administered by experienced medical professionals. With a focus on follow-up care, Effect Doctors ensures your treatment is working and your
iron levels are improving. They also offer advice on preventing recurrence, helping you maintain your energy and overall well-being. Don’t let iron deficiency hold you back. Take the first step toward feeling like yourself again with Effect Doctors—your partner in proactive health. Iron is just one of the many intravenous treatments on offer by Effect Doctors. See them at their clinic in Soho or for your convenience, at your home, hotel or workplace, weekends and evenings.
• BLOOD TESTS • IV (INTRAVENOUS) DRIPS • INTRAMUSCULAR BOOSTER SHOTS • WEIGHT LOSS TREATMENTS • FACIAL AESTHETICS • HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
Book online at effectdoctors.com Or email us at info@effectdoctors.com Call us now at 0207 305 7608 228 DECEMBER 2024
KEEPING YOU HEALTHY AND OPTIMISING YOUR WELLBEING Since 2017 Effect Doctors have been delivering personalised, proactive healthcare solutions across London. Founded by two Consultant Anaesthetists and supported by a team of highly experienced nurses, Effect Doctors is one of the best known providers of IV (intravenous) therapies in London. Our focus is on delivering innovative and effective treatments for the individual. Tailored healthcare designed to enhance your vitality and well being. Book us to come to your home, hotel or workplace, or visit us at our clinic in London’s Soho. Seven days a week and every evening, we always have appointments available on the day.
CALL US ON +44 207 305 7608 OR INFO@EFFECTDOCTORS.COM
Open 7 days a week and evenings. At Effect Doctors 11 Greek Street London W1D 4DJ Or your home, hotel or workplace AUGUST 2022 229
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WINTER WELLNESS Dr Angela Rai of the London General Practice provides some advice for the winter months.
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inter is a beautiful time of year but can also trigger common winter illnesses. Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and characterised by sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle pains and tiredness, plus a dry cough, sore throat and congestion. Colds have similar symptoms, but caused by a different virus, and usually less severe. Recovery is usually 2- 7 days. Flu may be complicated by developing more severe infections such as bronchitis or secondary bacterial pneumonia. The virus is spread by tiny droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. If someone breathes in the droplets or touches surfaces that the droplets have landed on and then touch their nose or mouth, they can become infected. Managing symptoms includes rest, drinking plenty of water to keep well hydrated, and keeping warm. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken for fever and pain, and good hygiene and hand washing to help prevent the virus spreading. Antibiotics won’t work for flu, but they may be used if you develop a secondary bacterial infection such as a chest infection. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is another virus that causes a respiratory tract illness and can be severe in infants. Most children with bronchiolitis have mild symptoms and recover within 2-3 weeks. Symptoms include a rasping and persistent dry cough, wheeze, brief pauses in breathing, feeding less and vomiting. It helps to keep your child upright to make 230 DECEMBER 2024
breathing easier, giving them plenty of fluids, keeping the air moist with a humidifier and relieving fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Some children will require hospital admission if they are not getting enough oxygen into their blood because of breathing difficulties. Norovirus also known as the winter vomiting bug causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It usually clears up by itself within a few days. Symptoms include vomiting and watery diarrhoea. You can also experience fever, headaches, abdominal pain and cramps. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Take paracetamol for any aches and pains and get plenty of rest. Adults can be given antiemetic medication to stop the vomiting if required. If you become very unwell and symptoms persist you should seek medical attention.
“Take paracetamol for any aches and pains and get plenty of rest. Adults can be given antiemetic medication to stop the vomiting if required”
You can help prevent norovirus and other similar viruses by following simple measures. • Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed. • Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, not just alcohol gels as the virus is not killed by alcohol gels. • Disinfect any surfaces that may be contaminated and wash items of clothing and bedding that could have been contaminated. • Do not share towels. • Follow good toilet hygiene. • Avoid raw and unwashed food, oysters have been shown to contain norovirus.
DR ANGELA RAI, GP MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, Dip Cardiology Medicines Management Lead
THE DETAILS The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL
Tel: 0207 935 1000 OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
Private GP services thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services
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THE FERTILITY CENTRE There are a number of reasons why you may wish to preserve your fertility: • For social reasons • Preparing to transition • Ahead of treatment for cancer such as chemoor radiotherapy • If you have been diagnosed with gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts
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ormerly the Assisted Conception Unit, The Fertility Centre is a longstanding centre of excellence for fertility treatment and care at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In 2021 they enlarged the Centre with a new satellite service at West Middlesex University Hospital, extending patient care and convenient access across West London. The Centre provides a broad and comprehensive range of fertility services to their patients – including IVF, ICSI and IUI – but their areas of particular expertise, include the management of women and couples over the age of 40, premature ovarian ageing or low ovarian reserve, and male or sperm-related infertility issues. Notwithstanding their expertise in these complex fields, The Fertility Centre continues to perform very well in its success rates. They hold one of the highest clinical pregnancy rates amongst NHS hospitals in the UK (please visit hfea.gov.uk for further information) and welcome NHS-funded patients and those seeking to selffund their care and treatment. As well as treatment for those trying to conceive now, The Fertility Centre offer services for those who are considering their ability to conceive in the future. Fertility preservation through egg or embryo freezing is becoming increasingly popular and they can provide these services through their dedicated Fertility Preservation programme.
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If you are thinking about your fertility health for future years, they also provide a range of fertility assessments - with packages for individuals as well as couples. Alongside tests and assessments, expert clinicians can explain your results and advise you accordingly. In addition to their clinical expertise and range of treatment options, The Fertility Centre understands the inevitable stress and anxiety of fertility treatment. They are committed to supporting you every step of the way throughout your treatment. This includes sessions with their British Infertility Counselling Association and UK Council for Psychotherapy accredited counsellors.
THE DETAILS The Fertility Centre team is always happy to support you and answer any questions. If you want to learn more or are ready to start your fertility journey, please contact them on 020 3315 8585 or email chelwest.acu@nhs.net. chelwestprivatecare.co.uk/ fertility-centre
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The Kensington Wing
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he Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services. Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients. To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.
THE DETAILS If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk
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The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation. The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.
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