issue #02 | September/October 2012
Fitness Health Well-being
Wild issue WILD ACTIVITIES
Be active, be outdoors
AUTUMN FORAGING Gathering nature’s harvest
SWIMMING WITH CONFIDENCE
Learning to swim for a lifetime of adventure
Free Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 1
Fast-track to Fast-track to Fast-track to Fast-track to a new career a new career a career a new new career in Fitness! in Fitness! in in Fitness! Fitness! Future in Focus... Future in Focus... Future in Focus... Future in Focus...
Fitness Health Well-being Fit Cornwall #02 Sept/October 2012 Editor: Sharon Addinall Co-Editor: Lizzie Bird
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Contributing Writers: Layla Astley, Louis Gifford, Sue Jackson, Georgia Payne, Kate Starling. Cover Photo: Supplied by Cornwall Marine Network Contributing Photographers: Anthony Greenwood, Emma Griffin, Sue Kittow, Chris Symonds. Design: 2020 Contacts: Event listing: info@fitcornwall.co.uk Advertising: sales@fitcornwall.co.uk Editorial Enquiries: Sharon@fitcornwall.co.uk 07765 404418 We welcome all comments, feedback and contributions. No part of this magazine maybe reproduced without the permission of the editor. The opinions expressed in Fit Cornwall are not necessarily those of the publishers, but are of the individual writers. Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Fit Cornwall is a bi-monthly magazine. 20,000 copies are distributed to schools, GP surgeries, fitness events, local food deliveries, hotels and cafes in Cornwall.
www.fitcornwall.co.uk
Contents Fit for Life Sue Kittow: Walking for wellbeing
4
Fit Young Things 8 Swimming: Essential water confidence for children
Fit Feature Wild Cornwall: Get active this autumn
12
Fit Food Autumn Foraging Fruits of the Sea
15 16
Fit People Ocean Kayaking with Jeff Allen
17
Health and Wellbeing Eye Health: Caring for your vision Louis’ healthy secret
18 19
Fit Gallery
20
What an inspiring summer! Our hearts were ignited amid the glory of the Olympics as tides of emotion spread throughout the country. We learnt tales of training and tragedy concluding with tears and celebration at the medal ceremonies. We will no doubt be sharing their euphoric moments for years to come. Whilst we can’t all be Olympic medallists, we hope that the legacy that the Olympians have left behind has helped to inject some much-needed vigour into our lives and motivation to achieve our goals. This issue is about enjoying wild Cornwall. Don’t let the cooler days put you off as summer comes to an end. The autumn is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Connecting with nature and being outside has loads of healthy benefits. We have plenty of ideas for activities that you can try this autumn. Sue Kittow tells us about the benefits of walking our coastal paths, Jeff Allen shares his adventures as an ocean kayaker and in our health pages, Louis Gifford explains that exercise is the best medicine of all. Fit Young Things reminds us of the importance of learning to swim, a real must for our children to safely enjoy wild adventures in our coastal waters. Make the most of the waning light and escape amid the splendour of Cornwall. Whether you swim in the sea, or decide to take a stroll in the woods - breathe in the fresh air and enjoy Wild Cornwall this autumn!
Events Listing 21 Walking, climbing, kayaking, golf and tennis - active events for all.
Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 3
for life
Stepping out Wild walker Sue KITTOW tells us why walking is her favourite remedy
I
Words: Sue Kittow
think exercise should be about fun. I went to an aerobics class once and was bored rigid. So whatever exercise I do has to be enjoyable, otherwise, what’s the point? I have a dog, Mollie, so I have to walk her and if I didn’t enjoy that, it would be torture. Walking is a good way to unwind, whatever your age and a good way to get to know people. Usually on Sundays I head off with a friend to explore wild parts of Cornwall, have adventures (we usually get lost), and fun. I love that feeling of stretched limbs and lungs full of air after a long walk in the sunshine, then sitting in a pub afterwards, relaxing and laughing. Walking can be very therapeutic. I remember one dull, grey January afternoon; my husband had died just a week ago. My eyes were swollen from crying and I was exhausted, but I drove to Malpas with Mollie as it was one of the first places my husband Pip and I had visited. It was a bittersweet walk, undertaken with two close friends who loved both of us. The walk was my tribute to a very special man, and my promise to him to keep walking, keep writing and continue sharing my adventures.
I love that feeling of stretched limbs and lungs full of air after a long walk in the sunshine. Walking wonders
Walking helps me feel better about myself. It is a pleasurable way to help manage weight, and reduces the risk of cancer, which is important to me. Walking also improves the flexibility and strength of joints, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis – noteworthy, for someone of my age. It also boosts the immune system – I’ve had very few colds over the last few years – and can reduce anxiety, which in turn helps me sleep. I have several friends I walk with, one of them being Viv, and it’s through walking, over the years, that we have built up our close friendship. We discuss our problems and always have a good laugh. 4 Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012
A walk near Whitsand Bay
One day Viv and I decided to walk at Sennen, so we parked in the large car park at the bottom of the hill at Sennen Cove. At the far end of the car park we followed a yellow waymark sign and turned left to follow a sandy path. At a split in the path we carried straight on, admiring the waves that crashed along the white sands of the beach, and the black suited surfers bobbing up and down like seals. Across the bay we could see the headland of Cape Cornwall with its distinctive mining chimney, and on our right, high above us loomed several Martello towers used as lookout stations in the Second World War. Passing a lifeguard station, we continued towards some cottages and took the next left down a steep sandy path to the beach, before crossing a trickle of a stream. Reaching a large yellow sign in the sand dunes saying Telephone Cable, we climbed up some steep sandy steps to a path where we turned left. After a concrete bunker, we hit a more defined coastal path and continued parallel to the beach with huge granite slabs set in moorland on our right. The stiff wind whipped salty spray into our faces as we looked out over the Brisons Rocks to Longships Lighthouse in the distance. The tide was going out, uncovering rounded boulders in shades of dark brown to light dun, while the waves lapped along the fine golden sand, and we headed down steep steps to Gwynver beach. We reached a long flight of steps and climbed upwards, steeper and steeper while the wind screeched around us, until we reached the top. After several false starts we walked on, past hebe bushes and hedges of laurel into a quiet residential area of large houses. When we reached a fork we turned right, past a sign saying Kingshill Bed and Breakfast. Walking on, we came to more houses and a tarmac lane, which wound round though the houses and finally we found a public footpath sign largely obscured by foliage. We skidded down a steep, sandy footpath towards more cottages and followed the path in between the first and second cottages nearest the sea, which led to the path we walked in on earlier. Looking back, what had presumably been fishermen’s cottages nestled in the sand dunes, sympathetically restored, making us both long to stay in one. The sandy path continued back to Sennen where we stopped for a drink, watching the elegantly rolling waves and wished we were surfers. For other wild Cornish walks, read Discover Cornwall by Sue Kittow, Sigma Press 2012 www.suekittow.blogspot.com Sue has offered two signed copies of her book for Fit Cornwall readers. To win a copy, please send us your favourite walk (500 words with photos) to be published in Fit Cornwall. Email: info@fitcornwall.co.uk.
Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 5
, l ! o k o r h o c w s o o t t k k c c a a b B
T
he workplace is where many of us spend the largest proportion of our time and it plays a key role in contributing to the health of the individuals that work there and, in turn, the health of the whole organisation. By taking a few simple steps to encourage a healthy and active workplace, a huge array of benefits can be easily achieved!
Here are a few ideas to help you and your work colleagues get more active this autumn.
Take on the Get Active Challenge!
In October the Get Active Cornwall website will be running an interactive pedometer-style challenge for Cornish companies to compete against each other and exercise their virtual way around the Cornish coast! A step up from a traditional pedometer challenge, you can record your steps AND/OR any minutes you’ve spent swimming, playing football, at a yoga class, doing the gardening, or anything else active… And, the more active you get, the further your team will go 6 Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 6 Fit Cornwall | June/July 2012
Visit www.getactivechallenge.co.uk for details on how to register your company and team!
Join or set up a ‘walk, jog and run’ group!
In partnership with Run England, we have recently launched ‘Run Cornwall’, a beginner running programme to help and encourage more people to run and to run more often... and, to help them have fun and enjoyment along the way! There are a number of beginner running groups welcoming new members across Cornwall now or you can set up your own workplace group. To find out more, and for support in setting up a group, contact Rob Cockings on 01872 323344 / 07973 813550 / rcockings@cornwall.gov.uk
Cornwall Corporate Leagues
Does your organisation, department or team fancy taking on the best that the corporate world can offer in Cornwall? We are organising a number of leagues over the next year… kicking off with table tennis in September
and then rush hockey in November. Sessions will be happening on Tuesday evenings at Truro Prep School and cost just £95 per team. For further information or to book your team in to a league, contact Rob Harrison on 01872 323348 / rharrison@cornwall.gov.uk
Healthy Workplace Awards
And, there’s some great news for Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly… our Health Promotion Service has put together an exciting award scheme for organisations to get involved in, specifically to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for their workforce and a healthier, happier county! If you are interested in looking at and improving the health of your workplace, please contact Rachel Faulkner at the Health Promotion Service: 01209 313419 / Rachel. Faulkner@CIOSPCT.cornwall.nhs.uk or visit: www.beheatlhyatwork.org For further information about any of the above and other work that we do, visit: www.cornwallsportspartnership.co.uk
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Training for first time and novice triathletes Fit Cornwall is organising taster weekends for those who want to raise their game for triathlon events next year. Experienced coaches will provide specialised advice, build confidence & teach new techniques. Sea Swimming – Cycle Coaching – Running for Triathlons
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Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 7
young things
Swimming with Confidence
The key to a life of adventure in our coastal waters
L
Words: Kate Starling
earning to swim from an early age generates healthy children and can save their lives. The irony is that one in three children report swimming as their favourite activity, but sadly, research indicates that 30% of children leave primary school unable to swim. Swimming is not only incredibly fun, but a perfect sport for improving children’s fitness, it encourages natural flexibility and muscle development. Jan Ebbs from Fitness 4 U says; “Every child, academically capable or not, can achieve something worthwhile whilst learning to swim.” Mastering a new stroke or technique enables children to set goals for themselves and to work towards achieving them, which in turn builds up their self-esteem. Jan goes onto say, “Swimming has a great social side where children form friendships within lessons, providing a social and fun experience in the water.”
Treading Carefully “It’s essential that children have a foundation in swimming and learn basic skills from an early age.” says Chris Symonds from SymSwim Some schools offer swimming lessons. If they do not, or you would rather your child learnt elsewhere, local sports facilities across Cornwall run a variety of out of school swimming clubs. All proficient swimming clubs are registered with The Amateur Swimming Association - devised to help progress children from a non-swimmer, right up to training for their Rookie Lifeguard Badge. For many children, stepping into the water for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience. Jan Ebbs believes, “The younger the child starts the better, as older children have more fear.” Chris says, “Children need reassurance and a friendly face, we want non swimmers to relax in the water. We start by blowing bubbles in the pool, splashing each other, then slowly walk and skip in the water until they feel comfortable to go underwater and begin their swimming development.” Jan says the best way to help overcome the fear of water is through encouragement and patience. “A child can sit and watch a lesson to see what goes on, or sit on the
8 Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012
“In a county surrounded by water and variety of watersport activities available, it would be a crime if you can’t swim.” Neil Hutchinson ASA Aquatic Officer for Cornwall
side, dangling in their legs to experience what the water feels like. Playing with toys also provides a good distraction”. Learning to swim can also be an enjoyable, family experience. “Parents may not be able to teach their child to swim but it can be a fun family activity. Getting your child to spend as much time in the water as possible will increase their confidence”.
Sea Safety
Visiting a beach and taking a dip in the ocean can form part of a picture-perfect day for any Cornish family. Learning to swim in a county surrounded by open water is indispensable, as is selecting a lifeguarded beach on family days out. “A good sea swimmer has a strong swimming stroke and an understanding of water safety”, says Chris. Mastering and perfecting basic swimming techniques such as floating and treading water within a pool is recommended before venturing into the sea. Cold water can sap energy at an alarming rate and learning in these conditions would be no fun for pupil or instructor. Correct training avoids tragedy. Chris tells us, “Waves, tides, currents and hidden dangers such as rocks and shallow depths are dangerous, as is tombstoning or jumping off rocks. It’s essential that children learn about the dangers of open water”. Jan agrees, “I know of seven children from our classes who were at risk of drowning, but they survived because they were able to swim and react properly”. Swimming know-how also means that children can safely enjoy one of the unique pleasures of growing up in Cornwall. Fitness4U and SymSwim provide additional sea related lessons, which take into account the dangers of swimming in our coastal waters. Fitness 4 U offers a range of swimming courses in rescue skills, personal survival and swim stamina. A Get Safe for Summer Programme also operates every Easter to teach children beach safety. Tel: 01637 880642 www.fitness4ucornwall.com SymSwim provides a learn to swim scheme from 3yrs+ and a Rookie Lifeguarding programme to teach children lifeguarding skills including first aid and dangers of the sea. Tel: 0787 0817843 www.symswim.com
Sea Swimming – Tips and Safety • Learn to swim in a pool first. • Always swim on a lifeguarded beach. • Never swim alone. • Do not swim out of your depth. • Check tide times. • Always supervise children in the water regardless of their swimming ability.
Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 9
New Gym Floor coming to the Core Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in September
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10 Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012
Truro and PenwiTh College
Join students from across Cornwall and the uk in our friendly environment for the highest quality education.
The National Trust does not just look after houses and gardens. Part of my role as Visitor Services Manager is to encourage people to be active outdoors. On The Lizard, we have been offering outdoor activities through local businesses for a couple of years. Kayaking, coasteering, climbing, surfing and cycling adventures are some of the activities available on National Trust properties. One of these businesses is the Dan Joel Surf School. Dan is an ex professional surfer who has been a National Trust surf ambassador for two years. “The National Trust should be a “go-to” provider for outdoor experiences. It’s not just about being active it’s about enjoying being surrounded by the natural environment which the Trust provides by the bucket load. For me there is no better way of enjoying nature than by harnessing Mother Nature herself and enjoying the view from the waves here at Poldhu” says Dan. We run lots of joint events, all of which are aimed at getting people outdoors and enjoying the stunning scenery, watching wildlife from a new perspective and encouraging our visitors to stay away from their sofas for the day. With conservation at the heart of what we do it’s essential for us to create an understanding of the importance, and a love, within our visitors for our natural heritage and to ensure that they continue to enjoy it for as long as it’s here. Words: Layla Astley
a levels voCaTional Courses aPPrenTiCeshiPs inTernaTional BaCCalaureaTe aCademies aCCess To higher eduCaTion higher eduCaTion ParT-Time Courses Business Training CommuniTy learning workforCe develoPmenT
Truro: 01872 267000 Truro College, College Road, Truro TR1 3XX Penwith: 01736 335000 Penwith College, St. Clare Street, Penzance TR18 2SA e-mail: enquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk
www.truro-penwith.ac.uk
Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 11
feature
J
ust because the summer light is fading, there is no reason to stop spending time outdoors
Wild Camping A paddle-venture of a lifetime. Switch off your phone and learn to live humbly for two days, touring the wild Cornish coast from a kayak. Sea Kayaking Cornwall will teach you some basic kayaking skills as you paddle around Cornwall. You will camp in a secret wild spot, forage for wild food and cook under the stars. A wild weekend to always remember. Special Fit Cornwall Wild Weekend in October (27th – 28th) only £150 (normally £200) No previous kayaking experience necessary. Visit seakaykingcornwall.com or call 01326 378826.
12 Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012
Words: Lizzie Bird
We live in a county encased by fresh air and bountiful nature. Seven hundred kilometres of coastline surrounds us. Cornwall also has 55 nature reserves, over 400 kilometres of spacious moorland, around 30,000 miles of hedge, 5,456km of rivers and 1,000 hectares of lakes. Wooded valleys, sandy beaches, vast moorland and the open sea are not too far away from any Cornish home. Unfortunately, even with plenty of access to outdoor space, people in Cornwall are spending less time outside. The lack of sunshine isn’t helpful, but on-screen entertainment, longer working hours and the compulsion to be seen online rather than outside is escalating. Children, in particular, are a worry. Less than 10 percent of children spend time playing outside in natural environments compared to 40 percent, only 20 years ago.
Wild Fitness Come rain or shine Fitness Wild hold all their exercise sessions alfresco. Try something different from working out indoors with fresh sea breezes, tree stumps to jump over, rope climbing and beach runs. “Once you’ve trained outdoors the gym will seem a sterile world” says Ben, instructor at Fitness Wild. Fit Cornwall Reader Offer: Bring a friend for free. Two for one at any workshop session during September/October. Visit www.fitnesswild.co.uk or call 07912620666.
Wild Swimming If you haven’t dipped into the sea yet this year, then now is your opportunity. September waters are the warmest of the year. A baptism of Atlantic Ocean is about as invigorating as exercise can be. Cornwall is a mecca for wild swimming so the choice of sea swims is plentiful, but be sensible where you select and choose a life guarded beach such as Trevaunance Cove or Praa Sands. Fit Cornwall Reader Offer: 20% off any purchase during September/October at Swim Supplies in Redruth www. swimsupplies.co.uk Tel: 01209 201001
Feral Facts
A walk, a run, a swim - a way, in which we can re-connect with nature, can be incredibly valuable and it is not just the physical benefits that we reap. There is a feeling of escape from obligations and mundane routines as we immerse ourselves in the uninhibited, healing qualities of nature. In Cornwall, we not only benefit from the open space, but also being close to the sea. Ben Wheeler, University of Exeter has been keenly studying these effects. “The coastal environment may not only offer better opportunities for its inhabitants to be active, but also provides significant benefits in terms of stress reduction.” It seems everyone can benefit from being slightly feral, particularly children. “Outside playtime is very important,” says Charlotte Purdue, an education advisor. “The spontaneity of playing outside amongst nature helps children feel happier and be healthier. They gain so much more than just sitting in front of the TV or the computer”.
Wild Things to Do
The tail end of summer and the imminent arrival of autumn is often people’s favourite time of the year. The sun is usually shining, highlighting the astonishing autumnal colour of Cornwall. As the migratory birds arrive, the tourist numbers reduce and our beaches and trails quieten. Wading birds, fungi, flowering Cornish heather and seal pups are just some of the wildlife that we might stumble upon at this time of year. Even if it rains a little, don’t be discouraged. Meet up with friends, create a family day out or venture out alone for an hour or two. Cornwall is a playground for all ages, so no one should be stuck for choice for an activity. If you do require some motivation to get outside, then here are a few ideas to help inspire you and some exclusive deals for Fit Cornwall readers.
Wild Life Ecoasteeering is coasteering with a difference. A rockpooling adventure for the whole family. Jump and climb cliffs, leap into the deep blue sea, scour caves and rockpools as you get close up and personal with marine life around the stunning Polzeath coastline. Fit Cornwall Reader Offer: Cornish Rock Tors 25% discount for bookings during September/ October - www.cornishrocktors or call 07791534884.
Wild Surf Surfing is a sport for all ages and a really fun way to spend time in the sea. Gentle September swells and the warm water temperature means late summer is a great time of year to learn to surf. Whether you choose to surf on your belly or up on your feet, you will never forget that euphoric feeling when you first catch a wave. Fit Cornwall Offer: Sennen Surf Centre are offering a two for one offer on group surf lessons during September and October – www.sennensurfcentre.com or call 01736 87561. Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 13
Making the most of exercising outdoors... Clients no longer want to be trained exclusively in a gym-based environment. They want a trainer to meet them wherever and whenever they want to maximise the benefits of training in an outdoor environment. Top Trainer Sherrie Thackray says “I always try to take advantage of the natural outdoor environment & resources when training with my personal clients.” Research has found that training outdoors was linked to greater feelings of revitalisation, increased energy and positive engagement. Levels of tension, confusion and depression were found to be lowered by exercising outdoors. Vision Training Group are proud to be working in partnership with ‘Not In The Gym’ to promote outdoor fitness training where personal trainers will train you in your local park, the beach, your home, or place of work. Personal Trainer positions available for Graduates of Vision Training. www.visiontraininggroup.co.uk
Sports Massage Osteopathy Relaxation Massage
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14 Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012
food
Autumn
Foraging Pluck, pick and gather. The season of autumn Is the best time for foraging in Cornwall
The fresh autumn growth can stock a larder full of goodies, from wild herbs to shellfish and seaweed. As the emphasis towards local and organic food has grown, the art of foraging has become increasingly popular with more and more people learning to live off the land and make the most of wild food. For Starters All you need is a basket, knife and scissors, wellies or walking boots and most importantly your identification books. For the foraging novice, hedgerow fruits are the most accessible and a great place to start, such as yummy blackberries, sloes, elderberries and rosehips. Shellfish and seaweed are also easily accessible if you want to try your hand at seashore foraging. Cornish hedges will be your best source for the edible goods, harbouring a wide range of herbs and shrubs with edible fruits, flowers, roots and leaves. Also, the vast countryside in Cornwall provides a great expanse to explore and discover some of nature’s hidden treasures. Furtive Foraging Foraging can be a top-secret adventure for the whole family. Caroline Davey, professional forager, ecologist and cook runs Fat Hen, West Cornwall’s renowned wild food foraging and cooking school. Being a 70s child, Caroline grew up picking hedgerow berries and nuts with her mum and her love for wildlife and cooking blossomed from a young age. “Part of the joy of foraging is to discover your own secret spots as it’s like a treasure hunt, it’s so rewarding
Words: Georgia Paine
when you find your very own discoveries like a field full of parasol mushrooms or a muddy creek full of marsh samphire.” Unfortunately, Caroline was reluctant to share her secret foraging spots, I guess it’s a good excuse for us to go exploring and find our own! Foraging etiquette • Only take what you need • Respect the environment – leave it as undisturbed as possible • Try not to disturb natural wildlife whilst collecting • Do not disturb or collect plant material from any protected wild plant Safety guidelines • Correct identification is the most important safety consideration there are some deadly poisonous plants and fungi • Consider incoming tides when foraging for seashore edibles • Avoid rivers and seashores after big storms because of the potential overflow from sewers To find out about foraging days in September and October, visit the listings page.
Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 15
Try using whatever soft berries that are in season. 1. Place the berries, banana, yoghurt, milk & vanilla extract in a blender & blend until smooth. 2. Put the crushed ice into 4 tall glasses, pour the smoothie over the ice & serve immediately. For a sweeter smoothie, add a little icing sugar. Ingredients 450g ripe soft berries, washed 1 banana 450ml fluid oz low fat natural yoghurt 150ml fluid oz milk,1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 6-8 ice cubes, crushed
www.cornishfoodmarket.co.uk
Fruits of the Sea We prepare our fishing lines sitting on the beach with the autumn sun gently warming our backs. Paddling out in our canoe and dropping the feathers overboard, the line sinks deeper into the water and we watch quietly as the bubbles disappear. It doesn’t matter whether we catch a mackerel, pollack or whiting – it’s the bite that sparks the excitement. Fishing isn’t exactly exercise, but reaching the perfect spot usually involves a walk, rowing a boat or paddling a kayak. The real benefits are about enjoying the fresh air, having time with your family and sharing a couple of hours focussing on something simple. It’s also a good time to learn about the fish that live in the waters around our coast.
Fishy Fun
There are more than 50 native fish species in Cornwall. Annie Sibert from My Fish Kitchen visits local schools to teach children about the benefits of eating local fish. She tells Fit Cornwall “I take freshly caught fish into primary
16 Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012
schools, and usually, only a handful of children have ever been to a fish shop. The Cornish fishing industry is part of our heritage and children love learning about local fishermen and their stories of the sea”. Annie explains the nutritional benefits, prepares and cooks the fish for them to try. “Sometimes they are wary as they taste the fish, but once they’ve eaten it they’re surprised how much they enjoy the flavour.”
Fishy Facts
The British Nutrition Foundation suggests that to benefit from the healthgiving properties of fish, we should aim to eat at least two portions of fish per week, one of which should be an oily fish, like mackerel. Why not pop down to your local fish shop and sample some local produce for yourself, take along the children to help pick out their dinner. Or even better, why don’t you try and catch your own tea?
To book My Fish Kitchen for a day is £75.00 www.myfishkitchen.co.uk
person
Ocean Kayaker Jeff Allen talks to Fit Cornwall I love the ocean and the coastal environment, so turning towards sea kayaking, rather than river paddling was an obvious choice. I started kayaking 40 years ago when I was in the cub scouts. It was easy and a simple way to find an escape on the water. My first journey was around the Cornish Coast. We have an amazing coastline to explore; in places it is very challenging to paddle, but in other areas, such as Falmouth Bay, it can be sheltered and is an ideal place to learn. Kayaking is not just a sport, it is a way of life. Most of my time is spent running Seakayaking Cornwall with my business partner Simon. Otherwise I am on my sailing boat, or on an expedition. I have spent an enormous amount of time living from a sea kayak in some quite wild and remote environments such as Alaska, South Georgia and Japan. Japan became my nemesis and my comrade. This expedition taught me more about sea kayaking than a lifetime of instruction could have achieved. It took 6 months to complete our 5000-mile journey around Japan and it was tough. We encountered six typhoons, two of which hit us directly. As we travelled down the Pacific side we were affected by a major earthquake, witnessed landslides, minor tsunamis and enormous ocean swells. We also saw an immense variety of wildlife, grizzly bears, dolphins, eagles and the
occasional shark. The whole journey was an unforgettable, wild adventure. I once shared two hours of paddling with a school of about 100 dolphins herding a shoal of mackerel in northwest Scotland. Cornwall is one of my favourite places in the world. I’m drawn to its history, people, the way the land interacts with the Atlantic Ocean and the wild North Atlantic weather. The ocean swell has raged along our shores endlessly and you can see each mark and groove it has made. With the Gulf Stream so close, we receive an incredible variety of wildlife from basking sharks in early spring, to the dolphins, seals and migratory birds throughout the year – it’s these visitors on our shores that change the environment and make kayaking in Cornwall so fulfilling. Back to basics is good for the soul. I love the freedom of being away from the bulk of society. Disconnecting and enjoying the self-dependence that is required when you travel and live simply. You carry only what is essential and soon realise the amount of ‘stuff’ we collect in life, we don’t actually need. Step out the door and embrace the outside world. Don’t cocoon yourself at home in front of your TV or PC, even when it’s cold. Just getting outdoors, being active and near to the sea will make a huge difference to the way you feel.
Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 17
Health
Natural, Wild & Healthy Green Swot
Bright Eyes
90%
1000
Children who spend time in green spaces have lower stress levels and enjoy more success in school.
Children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to become short-sighted according to research from the University of Bristol.
of our lives we spend indoors!! Particularly unwise as the air we breathe within our homes is much more unhygienic than outdoor air.
We don’t stop hiking because we grow old, we grow old because we stop hiking.”
reasons to turn alfresco. According to Harvard Health Publications, a study that used devices to sense movement, tracked the activity of 1,000 children. They found that the children were more than doubly active when they were outside.
- Finis Mitchell
Enjoy what you see! Eye Health Week 17th – 23rd September 2012 Currently more than 1.8 million people in the UK live with sight loss1, and one out of every four children has an undetected problem with their vision2. Not only does a simple sight test identify the need for new glasses or lenses, it can spot many general health problems and early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma, diabetes and high blood pressure before you’re aware of any symptoms. Many of which can be treated if found early enough.
PROLONGING EYE HEALTH Wear Dark Sunglasses
Exercise
Research shows that exercise may reduce the risk of sight loss which can occur from high blood pressure, diabetes and narrowing or hardening of the arteries. One study of more than 4,000 people, found those with an active lifestyle were 70% less likely to suffer with the degenerative disease AMD3.
Give Up Smoking
Smokers are up to four times more likely to develop agerelated macular degeneration and cataracts compared to non-smokers.
Never look at the sun directly as UVA sunlight penetrates quite deeply. In some cases it can cause irreversible damage to your retina and eyesight and may lead to blindness. Don’t forget that your children are also at risk, some eye specialists say that protecting the eyes of children is the most effective way to prolonging 20-20 vision into old age.
Eat and Drink Well
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of green and coloured vegetables i.e. broccoli, kale, peppers. • Oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel • Eggs • Keep alcohol intake within recommended limits. 18 Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012
*Research references: 1Vision Matters, 2 Specsavers UK and s of Wisconsin
Pint of lager & seaweed crisps?
Why exercise is the best drug of all
Seaweed is rich in nutrients; it has great health boosting qualities and can cure hangovers. You can dry out kelp, abundantly found on Cornish shores, to make Kelp Crisps, according to John Wright, author of Edible Seashore.
A national fitness survey monitored 6000 UK adults and graded their activity levels over four weeks. The majority believed that exercise was beneficial. But unfortunately most men and women were not actually active enough to make much difference to their overall health.
Salt Snooze:
“It can lower the risk of death, when compared to those who don’t exercise.”
Ever wondered why we sleep so much better after a day on the beach. Sea air is full of healthy negative ions which balances serotonin a chemical in our body that controls stress levels.
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How much exercise is enough?
Thirty minutes of moderate exercise five times a week. Moderate exercise should make you feel warmer and slightly out of breath, like a brisk walk!
WHY BOTHER? • • • • •
Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease by 50% You are three times less likely to die from a stroke Slows the progression of Alzheimer’s and Dementia by 50% Decreases the progression of diabetes by nearly 60% Decreases anxiety and depression
Get Started
• YOU have to decide that YOU want to get active • Work out when you have 30 minutes free - most people have more time than they think • Once you’ve decided to start, commit! • Set yourself up for success, not failure – make your goals easy to achieve • Start easy, build slowly – if 30 minutes is too much, start with 10
KEEP Motivated
• Try something new – vary what you do and where you go • Make exercise a hobby, discover new places - explore the coastal path or Cornish historical places. • Like to socialise? Join a walking group or start up an activity with a friend.
Louis Gifford MAppSc HPC FCSP Chartered Physiotherapist and Musculoskeletal Pain Specialist
Book an eye test at your local Specsavers: Bodmin 01208 72959 Camborne 01209 710 022 Falmouth 01326 212 733 Newquay 01637 854 400 Penzance 01736 369 968 Redruth 01209 310 740 St Austell 01726 69633 Truro 01872 223 818 Or book an eye test online at www.specsavers.co.uk
web: www.falmouthphysio.co.uk Tel: 01326 312156
We need the tonic of wildness... Henry David Thoreau Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 19
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20 Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012
1: Jessica Hubbard and Harly Beale Helston Swallows, 2: Flexi Day at Stithians Lake, 3: Hill Family Camel Trail, 4: Cameron from Mahers Martial Arts Academy, 5: Yan Czerwinski and Julie Kitchen (Ladies Kick Boxing Champion), 6: Brianna and Will Fit Competition Winners at Elemental UK.
EVENTS September//events 1.9.12 Kernow Rollers Recruitment Evening Roller Skating Dracaena Centre, Falmouth info@kernowrollers.co.uk 2.9.12 Treggy 7 Running Launceston treggy7.co.uk 2.9.12 Fowey Harbour Swim (1200m) Swimming Fowey Foweyharbourswim@aol.com 2.9.12 Perranporth Triathlon (1000m Swim/38km Cycle/ 7.5 km Run Triathlon Perranporth perranporthslsc.org.uk 2.9.12 Goodman Trophy, Gents Open (36 Hole, Handicap 14) Golf St Enodoc golfempire.co.uk
18.9.12 Ladies Team Open Golf St. Enodoc Golf Club golfempire.co.uk
7th-9th Cornwall Climbing Festival (Intermediate Level) Climbing Treen thebmc.co.uk/bmc-cornishclimbing-festival 8.9.12 Wild Food Foraging Family Event Saltash bobjack@hotmail.co.uk
10.9.12 Senior Ladies Team Open Golf Launceston golfempire.co.uk
8.9.12 Cornwall Charity Challenge Run/Climb/Abseil Halvasso Bfadventure.org
12.9.12 LadiesTeam Open Golf Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club golfemprire.co.uk
8.9.12 Awesome Foursome 800m SWIM/ 28k CYCLE/8k KAYAK/9k RUN Quadrathlon Lower Canal Wharf, Bude shorelineactivities.co.uk 8.9.12 Kayaking on the Helford Family Event Helford Creek Layla.astley@nationaltrust.org.uk 8.9.12 SLSGB Seniors Swimming Portreath slsgb.org.uk/events 9.9.12 SLSGB Seniors Swimming Portreath slsgb.org.uk/events
28.9.12 Looe Island walk Walking Looe cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk 30.9.12 Newquay Surf Triathlon (1500m SWIM/34KM CYCLE/10KM RUN) Triathlon Newquay Sports & Community Centre cornwall.gov.uk 30.9.12 Sennen Cove Stroll Family Event Sennen Cove foxclub@cornwallwildlife.org.uk
14.9.12 Looe Island Walk Walking Looe cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
30.9.12 Rotary Ramble Walking Mounts Bay Penzancerotary.org.uk
14th & 15th Team Open Golf Lelant golfempire.co.uk 14th – 16th Festival of Sport (Running/Cycling/Swimming) Various Marazion festivalofsport.net 16.9.12 Truro Half Running Truro trurorunningclub.org.uk
9.9.12 Hayle Walk Hospice Care Family Event Hayle Cornish-hospices.co.uk
16.9.12 USN Padstow Triathlon (SPRINT & STANDARD DISTANCE) Triathlon Harlyn Bay, Padstow votwo.co.uk
9.9.12 Paddle Boarding Taster Day Paddle Boarding Falmouth Wesup.co.uk
18.9.12 Singles Individual Open Golf Trethorne Golf Club golfempire.co.uk
9.9.12 Bodmin Triathlon Triathlon Dragon Leisure Centre, Bodmin cornwall.gov.uk
19.9.12 Senior Team Open Golf Tehidy Park Golf Club golfempire.co.uk
3.9.12 Ladies Pairs Open (Betterball Stableford) Golf St Austell golfempire.co.uk
9.9.12 Fowey Triathlon (600m Swim/29km Cycle/12km Run) Triathlon Fowey Foweyrivertri.com
21.9.12 Atlantic Coast Challenge Running (79 MILES) Padstow votwo.co.uk
7.9.12 Senior Pairs Open Golf Cape Cornwall golfempire.co.uk
9.9.12 Probus 10k Run Probus Trurorunningclub.org.uk
7.9.12 Team Open Golf Truro Golf Club golfempire.co.uk
9.9.12 Golowjy ha Bal Cycling Connor Downs, Hayle Aukweb.net
2.9.12 Edible Coast and Seaweed Walk Family Event Mousehole Wildwalks-southwest.co.uk 2.9.12 World Bellyboard Championships Family Event Chapel Porth bellyboarding.co.uk
30.9.12 Forage, Cook and Dine Walking Gorran Churchtown Wildwalks-southwest.co.uk 30.9.12 Endless Summer Swim Swimming Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth gyllysurf.org.uk 30.9.12 Ramblers Group Walk – Lizard (9 miles) Walking Kynance Cove ramblers.co.uk/walksfinder October//events 5.10.12 Gents Team Open Golf Launceston golfempire.co.uk 6.10.12 Sundownder Stroll Family Event Perranporth cornish-hospices.co.uk 6th – 12th BMC Leading Ladder Event (Climb & Clip) Climbing Penryn Gpclimbing.co.uk
22.9.12 Quarryathon Land/Air/Water Halvasso Bfadventure.org 23.9.12 St Mawes Triathlon (Sprint & Standard) Triathlon St Mawes nearwaterevents.co.uk
7.10.12 Newquay 10k Running Newquay newquayroadrunners.co.uk 7.10.12 Wadebridge Triathlon Triathlon Wadebridge Leisure Centre cornwall.gov.uk
Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 21
7.10.12 Ladies Team Open Golf Killiow Golf Club golfempire.co.uk 10.10.12 Creeks by Canoe Kayaking Fowey Estuary Encountercornwall.com 13.10.12 Mouth to Mouth 10k Running Bude buderats.co.uk 13.10.12 Scenic Wildlife Tour Kayaking St Agnes Korukayking.co.uk 14.10.12 Race for Wildlife Running Penzance raceforwildlife.co.uk 14.10.12 Lands End 100 (100m/100k/65k) Cycling St Ives cornwall.gov.uk 19th Oct– 4th Nov Fal River Walking Festival Walking Various Falriver.co.uk 20.10.12 Kayaking Harbours and Beaches Kayaking River Fowey Encountercornwall.com 21.10.12 Creeks and Backwaters Kayaking River Fowey Encountercornwall.com 21.10.12 Coastal and Wild Hedgerow Wild Food Walk Family Event Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth Wildwalks-southwest.co.uk 25.10.12 Kayaking the River Fowey Family Event Fowey Encountercornwall.com 27.10.12 Scenic Wildlife Tour Kayaking St Agnes Korukayaking.co.uk 28.10.12 Harbours and Beaches Kayaking Fowey Encountercornwall.com
22 Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012
28.10.12 Wesup Winter Series Paddle Boarding Falmouth Wesup.co.uk 30.10.12 Rockpool Ramble Family Event Readymoney Beach, Fowey cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk 31.10.12 Rockpool Ramble Family Event Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk November//events 9th-11th Nov Rest and Rejuvenation Retreat Wellbeing Treworra, Bodmin Moor treworrahealingcentre.com 10.11.12 Wildlife Scenic Tour Kayaking St Agnes Korukayking.co.uk 11.11.12 Remembrance Run Running Marazion mountsbayharriers.co.uk 11.11.12 Wesup Winter Series Paddle Boarding Falmouth Wesup.co.uk 18.11.12 Cornish Marathon Running Jamaica Inn, Pensilva eastcornwallharriers.co.uk 24.11.12 Wildlife Scenic Tour Kayaking St Agnes Korukayaking.co.uk 25.11.12 Falmouth Mob Match (5 miles) Running Falmouth falmouthroadrunners.co.uk December//events 2.12.12 Ed’s Mince Pie & Mulled Wine 50 Cycling Connor Downs, Hayle Audaxweb.net 8.12.12 Wildlife Scenic Tour Kayaking St Agnes Korukayaking.co.uk 9.12.12 Wesup Winter Series Paddle Boarding Falmouth Wesup.co.uk
Junior Events September//events 1.9.12 SLSGB Nippers Swim Portreath slsgb.org.uk/events 8-13 yrs 8.9.12 Perranporth SLSC Youth Challenge Aquathlon Medium distance Aquathlon Perranporth Beach perranporthslsc.org.uk 8-10 yrs/11-15 yrs 8.9.12 Perranporth SLSC Youth Challenge Aquathlon Long distance Aquathlon Perranporth Beach perranporthslsc.org.uk 8-10 yrs/11-15 yrs
22.9.12 Redruth Mini Triathlon 50-200m Swim/1-3km Cycle/600-1600m Run Redruth Carrickleisureservices.co.uk 8-12 yrs 23.9.12 Cornwall Winter County Tournament 12U Girls Tennis Bodmin Dragon Centre www2.lta.org.uk <12 yrs 30.9.12 Endless Summer Swim 800m Swimming Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth gyllysurf.org.uk 8+ yrs
9.9.12 Chicks Family Fun Day Cardinham Woods Chicks.org.uk All welcome
October//events 7.10.12 St Enodoc Junior Open (Handicap 16) Individual Medal Golf St Enodoc Golf Club Golfempire.co.uk < 18 yrs
16.9.12 Cornwall Winter County Tournament 16U Girls Tennis Bodmin Dragon Centre www2.lta.org.uk <16 yrs
14.10.12 Cornwall Winter County Tournament 8 & Under Tennis Heron Tennis Club www2.lta.org.uk <8 yrs
Other dates for your diary: 11th September – Polo on the Beach, Watergate Bay
14th September – Newquay Fish Festival 15th/16th September – Thundercat Racing, Watergate Bay 28th/30th September – Cornwall Food and Drink Festival, Truro 29th/30th September – English Pro Longboard Tour, Watergate Bay 11th - 14th October – Falmouth Oyster Festival 13th/14th October – British Stand Up Paddling Series Finals, Watergate Bay
To list your event contact us by email at: info@fitcornwall.co.uk
Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012 23
At Specsavers, contact lens wearers now get an even better deal. If you are an easycare direct debit customer you can get a free pair of glasses from our £45 range. Or choose styles from our other ranges at reduced prices, such as designer glasses for just £35. All glasses come with PENTAX single vision lenses and a scratch-resistant treatment included. Bodmin 51 Fore Street. Tel: 01208 72959 Camborne 4 Trelowarren Street. Tel: 01209 710 022 Falmouth 28 Market Street. Tel: 01326 212 733 Newquay 37 Bank Street. Tel: 01637 854 400 Penzance 111 Market Jew Street. Tel: 01736 369 968 Redruth 73-74 Fore Street. Tel: 01209 310 740 St Austell 39 Fore Street. Tel: 01726 69633 Truro 33a River Street. Tel: 01872 223 818 Cannot be used with other offers nor exchanged in part or whole for cash. Other lenses and Extra Options available at additional charge. Initial 3 month payment required from new easycare direct debit customers. Customers are entitled to one pair of free or discounted glasses every two years. Current prescription required. Alternatively, an eye test will be required at our standard charge. easycare benefits are redeemable only by named scheme member. ©2012 Specsavers. All rights reserved.
24 Fit Cornwall | Sept/Oct 2012