Autumn 15 Health Magazine

health ISSN 2040-4484 Autumn 2015

AUTUMN IMMUNE BOOSTERS Natural ways to help up your defences

FEELING

SAD? Top tips for avoiding Seasonal Affective Disorder

PET POWER

Could your pet be the answer to better health?

MINDFULNESS

www.health-magazine.co.uk

The health benefits behind this season’s buzz word

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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W

elcome to the autumn issue of Health Magazine. If

4. Gut feeling

you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to star t thinking about a diet and lifestyle makeover. After all, the autumn is

5. Milking it

Improve your digestive health this autumn

notoriously unconducive to wellness, making it all the more impor tant to ensure our bodies and minds are in tip top

6. Mindfulness

Are youintolerant to lactose?

condition. With some small changes, you can be better equipped to ward off seasonal colds and flu (page 11),

8. Pet power

The health benefits behind this season’s buzz word

SAD syndrome (page 16), eczema (page 12) and digestive problems (page 4). One way of boosting your overall wellbeing is to invest some time in a health retreat (page 14), although addressing your work/life balance is in many cases also a crucial factor (page 21). One of the key aspects of a healthy lifestyle that everyone talks about, but which is often very hard to put into practice, is exercise. For some helpful hints to help re-discover your motivation in this area, turn to page 9 for all you need to get kitted out and inspired for fitness this autumn. With so much focus on the physical aspect of health, it is impor tant not to forget your emotional wellbeing - something that the increasingly popular approach of Mindfulness may be able to help with (page 6).

9. Fitness notes

The health benefits of dog ownership

10. Nutrition news

How to take your exercise regime into autumn

11. Autumn immune boosters

The benefits of whole grains and essential fats

12. Focus on... Eczema

Up your defences against colds and flu

14. Re-treat yourself

A natural approach to treatment

Enjoy the issue!

16. SAD syndrome

The best autumn health retreats

Caroline Seekings

17.Find your oomp!

Beat the seasonal blues

Editor

18. Easy does it

Rediscover your energy and vitality

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19. Senior health

The slow-paced approach to exercise

20. English rose

A round up of the latest news

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21. Work to live

Discover the beauty benefits of rose skincare

23. Men’s health

Restore your work/life balance

24. Weight matters

The latest news and innovations

25. Wash & brush up

Is glucose control the answer to weight loss?

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26. In praise of ...

Is your dental hygiene routine falling short?

Interval training

health ISSN 2040-4484 Autumn 2015

AUTUMN IMMUNE BOOSTERS Natural ways to help up your defences

FEELING

SAD? Top tips for avoiding Seasonal Affective Disorder

PET POWER

Could your pet be the answer to better health?

www.health-magazine.co.uk

MINDFULNESS

www.health-magazine.co.uk

The health benefits behind this season’s buzz word

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

1

healthmagazine1

@health_magazine

www.health-magazine.co.uk

Information in Health Magazine is not intended as a substitute for diagnosis, prescription and/or treatment by a Medical Professional.

Opinions expressed in Health Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, and the magazine is in no way liable for any such opinions. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. No advertisement, article or image may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

The Team: Editor Caroline Seekings caroline@health-magazine.co.uk Tel: 07834 233346

Produced by:

Photography Richard Jones Photography www.richardjones-photography.com

LIFESTYLE

MAGAZINES

Get in touch: T: 07834 233346 E: caroline@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk www.lifestyle-magazines.co.uk

Features Editor Chrissy Hayes chrissy@health-magazine.co.uk

Cover image www.istockphoto.com

Kim IT support

Caroline Editor

Chrissy Features Editor

Amy Column ist

Richard her Photograp

Meet the team Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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GUT FEELING Discover the importance of maintaining good gut health this autumn

The importance of digestive bacteria

Although you can’t see them, we have hundreds of billions of bacteria called the microflora (or microbiome) living on our skin, in our mouth and nose and most notably in our intestines. This microflora weighs around 1.5 kilos (the same weight as our liver) and is estimated to account for around 2% of total body mass.

LOVE YOUR GUT Millions of us experience digestive problems - from bloating and constipation to indigestion and irregular bowel movements - and yet suffer in silence. As food is a big part of loving your gut, TV personality Gaby Roslin (whose father recovered from bowel cancer) will be helping the nation to get more gutfriendly by preparing delicious recipes devised by digestive health experts as part of The Gut Week campaign, which is committed to improving the nation’s gut health. This initiative is part of Love Your Gut, an ongoing campaign which serves to highlight the vital role of the digestive system and emphasise the importance of maintaining good gut health.

The Love Your Gut campaign is supported by five leading gut health charities - Bowel & Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Core (the Digestive Disorders Foundation), the Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology and St Mark’s Hospital Foundation – in partnership with Yakult UK Limited.

These bacteria outnumber our cells by about 10 to 1 and take residence in our bodies from the day we are born, remaining with us throughout our lives.

The human gastrointestinal tract has developed with a very complex but stable population of bacteria that play an important role in nutrition, metabolism, regulation of immune function and protection.

The beneficial bacteria are made up of hundreds of different species, the main two of which are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. These bacteria are found in the normal microflora of the intestine and research shows that they play an important role in improving digestion and intestinal health as well as helping to regulate the immune system. www.provenprobiotics.co.uk

Over the past 16 years, Gut Week has reached millions of people, prompting more than 240,000 members of the public to access the campaign’s advice resources for further information.

Gut week runs from 31st August to 6th September. For more information visit www.loveyourgut.com

Bowel cancer

advert 8x12cm

Home test kits now available Measure is the UK’s first digital home test kit for bowel cancer, which is now available on the High Street at Boots stores nationwide.

Bowel cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the UK but has the second highest mortality rates.This is mainly because symptoms don’t usually appear until advanced stages of the disease when treatments have less successful outcomes. www.measurebowelhealth.co.uk

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Health Magazine Autumn 2015

http://provenprobiotics.co.uk Tel: 01639 825107 www.health-magazine.co.uk

Protein problems A staggering 1 in 5 Brits (approx. 12 million) avoid cows’ milk, believing they are dairy intolerant, but the first ever human digestion trial, led by Professor Sebely Pal from Curtin University in Perth, Australia, could mean they can welcome it back into their lives.

She compared consumption of the commonly consumed A1 protein milk to A2 protein milk and found dramatic differences. Those drinking A1 milk had far more bloating and abdominal pain compared to A2 drinkers. And the former A1 milk drinkers also had much looser stools associated with more stomach pain. These findings are published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

As background, all domesticated cows used to produce milk containing the A2 protein, but over time another milk protein emerged A1, which is now in the majority of milk here in the UK and our fridges. Interestingly, breast milk contains the A2 protein as opposed to the A1 protein.

Winning formula

Two dairy farmers based in South Wales have created Britain’s most expensive ever cows’ milk with a ‘winning formula’ that sees cattle being fed lavish ingredients including exclusive grains imported from the Swiss Alps, which then has Japanese seaweed from Okinawa mixed into it - a process which is believed to significantly bolster the amounts of iodine found in the milk.

The cows also only drink bottled Fijian mineral water, are given daily head massages and played a selection of soothing music to them every couple of hours. www.britainsbestmilk.co.uk

A glass a day...

Consumption of milk and dairy products is associated with numerous health benefits. Firstly, milk and dairy products are providers of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and protein which are all essential for healthy bones and teeth.

An increasing number of studies also suggest that consuming milk can help to reduce blood pressure and protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.These effects are thought to be from the combined effects of many beneficial nutrients found within dairy foods, including calcium and magnesium, and the fact that dairy foods have a low glycaemic index, which helps to control blood sugar levels.

Visit www.milk.co.uk for more details.

Milking it!

Food intolerance and farming practices may have caused many of us to turn our backs on milk, but are alternative options now helping to put the white stuff back on the menu?

Go BIG! Arla Big Milk is the UK’s first fresh cow’s milk enriched with essential nutrients, including iron, vitamin D and vitamin A, to help one to five year olds grow and develop. With recent research revealing that two in five mums are confused about the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals that their little ones need each day, Big Milk is a welcome addition to fridges across the UK, to help mums and dads feel at ease, knowing their toddlers are getting the nutrition they need in an easy and convenient way.

Arla Big Milk is now available across the country in a 2 litre format with an RSP of £2.25 at most major supermarkets.

www.health-magazine.co.uk

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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Discover

Mindfulness Discover the health benefits behind this season’s buzz word

Mindfulness is the new attitude to living that is booming in popularity at the moment.We live in a world where we deal with stress and anxiety on a daily basis, and Mindfulness aims to achieve a relaxed, non-judgemental awareness of your thoughts by focusing on simple breathing techniques, meditation tips and relaxation methods.

MINDFUL EATING Being mindful and aware about the way you cook and eat will not only help you appreciate every mouthful, but reward you and heal your food issues. There’s no dieting, caloriecounting or fasting - by changing your approach to feeding yourself with essential mindfulness techniques and practices, you can learn how to beat emotional eating and free yourself from cravings, tune in to your ‘body wisdom’ and begin to eat less of what you don’t need, while filling up on nourishing foods that help you reach the weight you’ll be happy with for life.

Savour and enjoy your food with over 70 quick and easy recipes, including for breakfast - Cranberry Muffins and Mango & Vanilla Muffin Slice, for lunch - Thai Veg Salad and Salmon & Bulgar Wheat Pilaf, for dinner - Lamb stuffed with Rice & Peppers and Mushroom Stroganoff and for dessert -Tuile Baskets & Strawberry Cream and Ricotta & Maple Syrup Cheesecake.

Available from www.amazon.co.uk

TOP READ Practical Mindfulness offers an accessible way of applying the principles of this approach to your own life. The book is designed to help you improve your concentration, achieve success and manage your stress.

An innovative Q&A approach ensures that the process is tailored to you through personal introspection, enabling you to identify negative patterns of thinking and challenge them using well-respected exercises.

Providing expert clarity through step-by-step guidance and visual pointers, the subject material is brought to life.

The targeted exercises, including mindful breathing and simple mediation, can be applied to everyday situations including giving a presentation or taking an exam.

Scribble away stress MY Design & Play produce colouring rolls, posters and placemats for adults, offering a creative outlet that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. <http://www.stonemarketing.com/store/ OMY%20Design%20&%20Play/notHome/>

COLOUR YOURSELF HAPPY Art has long been associated with relaxation and focus, making colouring and drawing a healthy hobby for adults as well as children. A new Colouring for Mindfulness app allows people the opportunity to take their colouring on the move, so you can take some creative time out whenever and wherever you like.With a huge catalogue of images to draw from, the new app from Octopus Publishing features World Mandalas, Flower Mandalas and the bestselling 1000 Dot-to-dot & Querkles series.

Practical Mindfulness, published by DK, is available from www.amazon.co.uk 6

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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SET YOUR PACE

‘Are you suffering from stress?

Do you have chronic pain or a long-term health condition?

Mindfulness could really help to change your life for the better.

Mindfulness teaches meditation and other simple techniques which have been proven to relieve suffering.

It is relaxing and enjoyable.

Doppel is a new wearable designed to work with your body to help you naturally 'set your pace.' Developed by award winning London StartUp Team Turquoise (http://www.tturquoise.com), doppel is a stylish wristband that keeps you alert or helps you to stay calm. It harnesses your body’s natural response to rhythm in a similar way to upbeat or downbeat music, but with doppel it is a pulse you feel on your wrist rather than hear.There is no noise or distraction so you can set your pace when and where you want – naturally and non-invasively. doppel sits on the inside of your wrist and can be controlled directly, after calibration via the app.

It has a ‘heartbeat’ that helps you set your pace but unlike other wearables it doesn’t monitor you.

8 week courses running in Swallowfield, Midgham and Newbury To book: sheila.bond@livingwellmindfulness.com 01635 873335/07990 584078 www.livingwellmindfulness.com EMBRACE MEDITATION Hypnosis Audio offers acclaimed meditation techniques guiding you into a deep state of mental and physical relaxation. It features background sound effects recorded at certain frequencies and in specific keys to enhance the deep trance effect, and 60 beats per minute sound effects & powerful subliminal suggestions - all compounding the overall effect. Both tracks combine powerful meditation techniques with a state of the art digital recording technology. £8.95 from http://www.hypnosisaudio.com

Focus on YOU

The Book of YOU was developed from the mindfulness YOU-app which uses micro-actions to empower real change. Through the book, the YOU team and leading contributors present a new approach to self-improvement that shows that a simple approach is the one that ultimately works and becomes habit-forming. The book is published in January 2016. https://you-app.com/ www.health-magazine.co.uk

TIME TO REFLECT A new app launched on Google Play called Soulight <http://www. musemantik.com/> is designed to help people track and reflect on their mood, encourage awareness and mindfulness, boost wellbeing and reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.

Introducing rTMS The first clinic in the UK to offer repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as a drug-free treatment for depression recently revealed outstanding patient results.

The London Psychiatry Centre is the first clinic in the United Kingdom that is able to provide patients with repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) -- a safe and proven intervention to help overcome treatment-resistant depression without the use of antidepressant medication.

Depression is the most common mental health disorder, affecting about 1 in 10 people every year. Studies show that up to two thirds of those who suffer from depression will continue to do so despite taking antidepressants and / or undergoing psychotherapy. rTMS utilises magnetic pulses to target the area of the brain that regulates mood. It selectively alters activity in specific areas of the brain, resulting in a positive improvement in mental health.

For more information, please visit: www.psychiatrycentre.co.uk Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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Discover the health benefits of dog ownership

PET POWER PET OWNER HEALTH STATS · Nearly a third (32%) of dog walkers exercise for at least half an hour every day, compared to just over a fifth (22%) of UK adults overall. · Nearly half (45%) of dog owners admit the primary reason for walking their dog was to benefit their health as well as that of their furry friend. ·

More than a third (37%) say owning a pet has improved their overall health.

· But, while dogs are helping keep the nation healthy, a fifth (20%) of UK adults admit to not exercising at all and a third (33%) only exercise occasionally. · Of those who say they don’t exercise, nearly half (49%) blame it on lack of enjoyment and a sixth (16%) say it’s because they simply don’t have the time.

Research from www.vitality.co.uk

Walking for health The additional walking that owning a dog ensues can lend to significantly higher daily activity levels, which in turn can benefit the owner’s health and overall wellbeing. If you’re in need of some dog walking inspiration, why not visit the Paws Around Berkshire website, where you’ll find a comprehensive list of the best dog walks in and around Berkshire. The site not only provides fabulous information for walking in Berkshire, but you can use it to find perfect walks to explore right across the UK when you are on your holdiays too.

COULD THE OLFACTORY POWER OF DOGS BE A POSITIVE TOOL IN EARLY CANCER DIOGNOSIS?

The olfactory power of dogs and its applications in cancer detection has received an increase in media attention in recent years, with Medical Detection Dogs recently having received the go-ahead to begin the first prostate cancer trial in the UK. In a significant step editorial forward for campaigners advocating the acceptance of canine cancer screening, two charity cancer groups - the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust and the Prostate Cancer Support Group - recently expressed an interest in using the cancer service provided by Medical Detection Dogs once the trial is completed.The screening by Medical Detection Dogs could be offered as a second line test to confirm or flag up an inaccuracy in the result of the traditional Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test.

Medical Detection Dogs has achieved a high level of reliability in training dogs to detect cancer. In training trials, the dogs had a 93 per cent reliability rate at detecting prostate cancer in urine samples, which is considerably higher than most comparable tests.

Currently clinicians have only the PSA test result, which measures levels of the protein produced by cells of the prostate gland, to determine whether men go onto the next round of testing. The next stage involves a painful needle biopsy in hospital. Canine screening will provide an invaluable interim test to determine whether invasive treatment is in fact needed. http://medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk/

Keep your pet healthy Getting your pet moving is one of the best things you can do to ensure they live long happy lives.

Lack of exercise can not only result in health problems like obesity but can also cause behavioural issues due to frustration and boredom.

Remember to check with your vet for more advice on how to safely exercise your pet. If your dog has lots of energy, flyball is the perfect activity for the garden and is great exercise for owners as well. This high-energy sport is not only good for training, but helps develop strong bonds between pet and owner too. Fetch’s Rosewood Agility Flyball (RRP: £23.06) can be easily assembled in any back garden.

It has a large no slip foot plate and includes a tennis ball too! www.fetch.co.uk

http://pawsaroundberkshire.co.uk/berkshire-local/greatwalks/#sthash.bIUMzEhV.dpuf

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Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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Fitness notes

The summer may be over, but that needn’t spell the end of your fair weather exercise regime. With a little adaptation and a good helping of motivation, it is possible to keep your fitness momentum going into the autumn, and even through the usually sedentary winter months. Exercising at this time of year is essential for weight management (which can become more of a challenge as our eating habits shift with the weather) and also for boosting our overall health and wellbeing to help ward of seasonal illnesses.

Three ways to stay active this autumn

According to new research, nearly one in five adults (18%) claim that in an average week, they do no exercise that results in them raising their heart beat or breathing rate. It’s perhaps not surprising that over half of UK adults (53%) say they are either ‘unhappy’ or ‘very unhappy’ with their physique, with 91% having some sort of ‘body hang-up’. (Research from www. bulkpowders.co.uk)

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Cycle to work Cycling to work is a good way to add some activity to an otherwise sedentary daily routine.

However, in the autumn months, extra care needs to be taken to ensure safety on the roads.

The Veglo award-winning rear lighting system, the Commuter X4 is designed to keep you illuminated on the roads in the dark. It creates a unique x-shape, aiding drivers to judge the distance, width and speed of cyclists and motorcyclists more quickly and accurately whilst giving a side profile at junctions. £49.99 www.amazon.co.uk

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With this in mind, why not take inspiration from our most realistic and effective approaches to autumn fitness....

It’s raining? No excuse...

The Drift Balance Board simulates a variety of action sports and helps strengthen your core, improve balance, burn calories, and increase lower body strength by combining a rubber sphere and rolling pendulum to generate complex movement. £119.99 from www.box.co.uk

www.vaara.com

You don’t have to join a gym or go out in the middle of winter to get your exercise, as local company Hire Fitness bring the gym to you. They have a range of top quality fitness equipment for use in the home including treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines, elliptical cross trainers and vibration plates. www.hirefitness.co.uk

super sportswear

VAARA is a lifestyle activewear brand created by Tatiana Korsakova for the busy working woman, mother and discerning gym goer who does not want to compromise on technical performance or style.

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There’s plenty of ways to keep fit in the comfort of your own home

The Charli Cohen sportswear range consists of ergonomic, high-performance and transitional pieces that are perfect for fitting the gym this autumn! http://charli-cohen.com www.health-magazine.co.uk

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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Nutrition news Discover the benefits of including more whole grains in your diet We know that a healthy, balanced diet is the key to a healthy body, but it can be tough knowing exactly which foods are the healthiest for us, with the constant barrage of new studies and research branding certain foods as either hero or villain when it comes to our health. One food group that has been given a pretty bad reputation over the past few years is carbohydrates.

The common perception now is that the fewer carbs we eat the better, with some of us avoiding carbs altogether… but is this really a healthy option for our bodies? Well, frankly, no.

Of course, we know that starchy, refined carbs aren’t great for us – and we do eat far too much of them, so cutting back is a definitely a good thing. But cutting carbs out altogether? Carbs can help us feel full and provide us with a lot of healthy nutrients and essential fibre – we just need to make sure we are eating the right sort.Vegetables are a great source, and another particular group that is getting seriously neglected is wholegrains.

One study from the British Journal of Nutrition, found that 80% of us are simply not eating a healthy level of wholegrains – and one in five may not be eating any at all!

So what’s the difference between the two, and why does it matter?

Grains are made up of an inedible, protective husk and a kernel which has three layers – bran, germ and endosperm. Wholegrains contain all three parts of the kernel – and so keep the maximum nutrients. Processing these grains to make refined carbohydrates means removing the bran and the germ, which contain a whole host of antioxidants, B vitamins, protein, minerals, healthy fats and

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Health Magazine Autumn 2015

THE TRUTH ABOUT FATS

FAT STATS

fibre, leaving only the endosperm. Refining means that about 25% of protein is lost, along with at least seventeen key nutrients!

It is possible to add back some vitamins and minerals to enrich these refined grains.

But why not stick to the unadulterated and healthier wholegrain in the first place?!

What’s more, products made from refined white carbs are more likely to contain higher levels of fat and sugar, but, because they’re refined, they’re not as filling, meaning we eat larger portions in order to feel full: no help for our weight-loss attempts and explains why so many of us will feel bloated, or sluggish after eating a huge bowl of white pasta or rice. In contrast, wholegrains are higher in fibre -meaning we will feel fuller for longer, with smaller amounts.

Importantly, though, wholegrains have been linked to all kinds of health benefits, including lower body weight, BMI and cholesterol levels, as well as reduced risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers too.

What’s not to like?!

How much should you be eating?

The minimum the study authors recommend is 48g. This equates to around…

– 3 slices of wholemeal bread or – A bowl of porridge or wholegrain breakfast cereal and a slice of wholemeal toast or – A portion of whole grain rice/pasta/ quinoa or other whole grains Comment by Dr Sally Norton: UK leading health expert and founder of www.vavista.com.

Although nine out of ten (88%) adults can name at least one health boost from eating omega-3 fatty acids, more than half (54%) of us admit we don’t eat enough oily fish to ensure an adequate intake and only one in 25 (4%) realise that the average modern diet is too high in omega-6. www.equazen.co .uk

THE SATURATED FAT DEBATE Researchers at Canada’s McMaster University have found no link between the amounts of saturated fat people ate in products such as butter, egg yolks and cow’s milk and their risk of death from heart disease, stroke or Type 2 diabetes.

This is in contrast to guidelines published in 1983 advising Britons to cut their fat intake to 30% a day. Saturated fat is the kind of fat found in butter, pies, cakes and biscuits, sausages, bacon, cheese and cream. According to Robyn Coetzee, Specialist Dietician at London Bridge Hospital (www.londonbridgehospital. com) ‘although there is debate around this, it is best to choose lean cuts of meat and trim away any visible fat, and choose lower fat alternatives to whole milk, cheese and cream. A diet high in darkfleshed or oily fish for example sardines, herrings, pilchards, mackerel, salmon, tuna, trout, swordfish whitebait, anchovies, crab, sprats and kippers can also help to reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering the production of blood cholesterol and other blood fats”

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Your AUTUMN IMMUNE BOOSTERS

ECHINACEA AN EFFECTIVE PREVENTATIVE

Potter’s Elixir of Echinacea Plus contains Echinacea angustifolia, the most active form of the Echinacea species, which works synergistically with Fumitory and Wild Indigo. It can be used as a preventative measure to stimulate the immune system at the first sign of a sniffle, or to relieve the symptoms of the common cold and flu type infections. Echinacea can also be used for minor skin complaints like acne. Potter’s Herbals first launched its Elixir of Echinacea Plus more than 80 years ago and it is one of the oldest herbal medicines on sale today. RRP £10.99 available from Holland & Barrett.

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Colds and flu are a significant cause of ill health and people taking time off work according to the latest research by Potter’s Herbals expert panel, the Henry Potter Advisory Committee (HPAC). In a survey of 1000 men and women aged 25-60 years, among the 74% who worked, an average of two days each month had been taken off work due to a cold over the past 6 months.

Effective ways to help up your defences against seasonal colds & flu

MANUKA HONEY ARE YOU BUYING THE RIGHT KIND?

Wild Honey

Manuka honey has long been recognised for its immune-boosting properties. However, genuine Manuka honey must have a measurement of nature’s methylglyoxal (MG). Methylglyoxal triggers the special uniqueness in manuka honey. It was first discovered by Professor Peter Molan, University of Waikato, New Zealand and later identified by Professor Thomas Henle, Dresden University, Germany.There are other natural markers that also set Manuka apart - but Wild Honey uses the New Zealand Government approved MG (methylglyoxal) transparent labelling which provides an instant guarantee for customers.

Learn to tell the difference between the manuka’s here: http://www.wildhoneymanuka.com/manuka-explained.html Wild Honey’s unique qualities are: • 100% raw unpasteurised Manuka • our honey is extracted the old fashioned way: warm from the hive within hours of collection: all nature's properties/pollens are protected • Single region: Remote Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand • One beekeeping family who packs their own Manuka honey on site; and who packs it to specific order • Manuka hives never moved from their wild manuka locations. Wild Honey's hives never go into pollination orchards

LObVeEes... our RAW go atural N

• Wild honey bees enjoy a natural life cycle and pure clear water source Seek it out at your local Health Food store, or online here: http://www.ethicallyessential.coop/index.php?cPath=3283

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Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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FOCUS ON...

ECZEMA

Eczema affects many adults and children, but its many and varied causes means it can be a potentially challenging condition to prevent and treat...

Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common form of eczema. It mainly affects children, but can also affect adults.

Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. It is a long-term (chronic) condition in most people, although it can improve over time, especially in children.

Atopic eczema can affect any part of the body, but the most common areas to be affected are the backs or fronts of the knees, the outside or inside of the elbows, around the neck, hands, cheeks and scalp.

The exact cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it’s clear it’s not down to one single thing. It often occurs in people who get allergies – “atopic” means sensitivity to allergens.

It can run in families, and often develops alongside other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever. The symptoms of atopic eczema often have certain triggers, such as soaps, detergents, stress and the weather. Sometimes food allergies can play a part, especially in young children with severe eczema.

Information from www.nhs.uk

A natural solution to Eczema Too many babies and children suffer from skin problems these days, the worst offender being Eczema, or Dermatitis as it’s also known. It’s a difficult condition to treat because it’s often about finding the cause, and this can be a slow process. In the meantime, it’s what to do to minimise your child’s discomfort.

It’s generally accepted that keeping the skin well moisturised is helpful , but what to do about the itching?

Many of my clients say this is the worst part, especially because with the scratching comes the bleeding, the raw skin and sometimes even infection. I came up with a solution when I found myself in exactly this situation with my own daughter. Using my Aromatherapy training, I put some Organic Wild Lavender and Organic German Chamomile into a very moisturising cream base. The eczema she had had for over a year disappeared in a matter of days but most importantly, I noticed that she was no longer scratching. This cream became known as “Magic Cream” in our house and quickly became my signature product when I launched Emma Arkell Aromatherapy in September 2003.

Magic Cream may be used for many skin conditions, as can my Little People products, all created for babies and children with eczema and other skin problems.

For further information or advice about natural skin remedies, please contact Emma Arkell on 01962 776918 or 07702 309688, emma@magic-cream.co.uk or log on to www.magic-cream.co.uk 12

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

Organic and natural remedies for skin problems eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox and many others ...

For babies, children and adults

www.magic-cream.co.uk

emma@magic-cream.co.uk 01962 776918 www.health-magazine.co.uk

‘Eczema mainly affects children, but it can also affect adults, causng the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked’

Holistic Eczema Prevention Eczema sufferers are commonly given creams or lotions to apply, however, these very often don’t address the cause of the problem. Here’s some top tips for a holistic approach to eczema treatment: 1. Ditch the processed and junk foods ‘Junk foods very often come with ingredients that may aggravate skin problems and worsen inflammation – including additives, sugar and excess salt. They are also usually high in quickly digested and absorbed carbohydrates, which can upset the balance of natural flora in our gut as well as blood sugar and hormone balance, all of which can tie in with skin problems.’

Says Shona Wilkinson, Head Nutritionist at www.nutricentre. com.

2. Support your gut Having a strong immune system benefits all organs of the body, including skin. About 70% of our immune system is based in our gut! That’s why, apart from eating nutrient-rich foods, supporting healthy flora is the most important step we can take in dealing with eczema.‘To help rebalance the flora in the gut – and support the health of the gut lining – a good quality probiotic supplement is a must. Proven Probiotics’ Acidophilus & Bifidus Plus Total Intestinal & Digestive Support (www.provenprobiotics.co.uk, £10.95) contains Proven’s Lab4 blend of bacteria, which has been studied in six human trials demonstrating positive benefits in intestinal and immune heath.

3. Balance your omega-3 and 6 levels Omega 3, found in fish oil, can reduce inflammation, while Omega 6 (vegetable oils) might actually increase it. Unfortunately many people have much higher levels of omega 6 than omega 3 in their body, often due to use of vegetable oils in cooking and lack of oily fish consumption. ‘To correct this balance, cut out all vegetable oils and margarines (as well as processed food) and replace it with healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, butter or ghee. Aim to eat oily fish such as sardines, salmon or mackerel at least three times a week. www.nutricentre.com www.health-magazine.co.uk

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RE-

TREAT

YOURSELF

Improve your fitness and wellbeing with a post-summer health retreat

As the summer starts to draw to a close, you might be craving one last taste of sunshine and sea air before the dark nights set in. You might also be feeling the need to get your health and fitness back on track and set some positive momentum to your exercise and eating habits to help kick start a healthy autumn.

CHATEAU LOU CASTEOU BODY TONIC LUXURY FITNESS RETREAT September 16th-20th 2015 Set in the beautiful French Cote d’Azur countryside, minutes from the sea, this luxurious fitness retreat provides the perfect balance of energetic fitness classes, outdoor activities including coastal and mountain treks, aqua-gym, circuit training, gourmet meals and pampered luxury to help guests improve their fitness level or kick start a fitness regime.

Five days luxury accommodation in the chateau in en-suite bedrooms with sea or mountain views. Fabulous nutritious, low carbohydrate meals and elegant three course dinners with wine.

LOSE WEIGHT AND IMPROVE YOUR FITNESS LEVEL

Either way, Chateau Lou Casteou Luxury Fitness Retreat might be the perfect solution. Set in the beautiful Cote d’Azur countryside, this luxurious fitness retreat provides the perfect balance of energetic training classes, stunning coastal and mountain treks, private chef and pampered chateau accommodation.

The event will appeal to all ages and levels of fitness, whether you are seeking to improve your fitness and well-being levels or to kick starting a new fitness regime.

DATES Arrival:Wednesday 16th September. Lunch will be served and the first stretching and fitness classes will be held during the afternoon.

Departure: Sunday 20th September, after lunch.

5 days’ luxury-stay on an all-inclusive basis. A champagne reception will be held on Wednesday evening followed by the welcome dinner, during which the program will be discussed.

Prices from £1,600 pp or £1,400 pp for two guests sharing a bedroom.

Please contact Morag@Loucasteou.com with questions and for reservations

www.loucasteou.com

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www.health-magazine.co.uk

Spa time

Surf ’s up!

Tucked alongside the beautiful unspoilt beaches of Varkala, Kerala’s first dedicated surf and yoga hotel - Soul & Surf (http://www.soulandsurf.com/retreats/india) - has announced that it will be opening its doors for the 2015/16 winter surf season on India’s south-west coast with a host of exciting new additions. Bookings are now being taken from 6th October 2015- 31st May 2016, with weekly stays priced between £189- £350 per person on a B&B basis.

This year, Soul & Surf has the benefit of a team of Indian ISA qualified surf instructors, who will be leading lessons and guided surf sessions for guests. Specialising in holidays truly dedicated to the body and mind, Soul & Surf gives guests the opportunity to experience one of India’s best kept secretsa wave-rich coastline ideal for surfers of all abilities- with stunning scenery and a chilled out vibe ideal for those in need of some serious R&R. Guests can partake in as many or as little activities as they like, from guided morning surf safaris or group lessons with ISA qualified instructors, to sunset yoga lessons at the hotel’s own rooftop yoga platform, overlooking the shimmering Arabian Sea. There are also a range of treatments offered from meditation to Ayurveda.

This November, the UK Spa Association is launching its biggest ever National Spa Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness of spas and their benefits to feeling great. With just 8% of the UK population having set foot in a spa, National Spa Week aims to make it even easier for people to enjoy the benefits of spas and salons by inviting them to treat themselves to the many tempting offers and activities available at partnering spas and salons nationwide.

During National Spa Week, spas and salons up and down the country will be offering special ‘treat’ menus as well as a wide range of exclusive offers and social activities.This includes bring a friend to spa for free, signature spa day packages and quick fix treatments such as mini manicures, pedicures and express massages at introductory prices. There will also be competitions and raffles to win spa days and spa product gifts plus a whole host of fundraising events such as sponsored walks, guest challenges and massage-athons! The official charity partner for National Spa Week 2015 is Macmillan Cancer Support with fundraising specifically for Macmillan nurses in the community. www.spaweek.co.uk

Discover the benefits of floatation therapy

By Chrissy Hayes

A new floatation centre has just opened locally, bringing the benefits of flotation therapy much closer than previously for those of us in the Thames Valley. I travelled to Pangbourne, just west of Reading, and after a short, pleasant stroll from the train station, arrived at Floating Point Float Centre.

I was warmly greeted by Michael and Tina and given delicious cucumber water to drink while I filled out the usual medical forms.

The floatation tanks are in quiet and completely private rooms. My room had a shower a few steps from the tank, complete with towel and toiletries. There is an additional room with booths containing hair-dryers and mirrors.

The hour passed extremely quickly, so quickly that I expect I fell asleep. Incidentally a one hour float is considered to be the equivalent of eight hours of sleep.The recovery room was peaceful and the fruit tea and fruit sorbet were both delicious. I felt completely cleansed both inside and out and had a feeling of Zen like calmness for the rest of the day and slept wonderfully that night.

Among many other benefits, floating is recommended as an aid to relaxation, to help relieve tension in painful joints and muscles, and to help the entire body recover from strenuous sports or from injury.

This is an experience I would fully recommend, either as a one off trial or as a series of treatments.

Floating Point Float Centre is in Bourne House, Horseshoe Road, Pangbourne, Reading RG8 7JQ www.floating-point.co.uk

My float was a totally relaxing experience. There were optional soft lights and also soft music, and I could leave the tank open or closed.

Once in and floating I revelled in the quiet of my own little world.

I genuinely felt as though I was floating through space. The water contains Epsom salts, to aid floating, but these salts are also kind to your skin and make the warm water almost impossible to feel. My skin felt wonderfully soft for days afterwards and my fingers did not get wrinkled or sore as can happen during a prolonged period in water.

www.health-magazine.co.uk

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15

Once the carefree, sun filled days of summer are over, we are faced with shorter days and dark and dreary evenings. It’s hard not to feel depressed and down in the dumps!

During this time of year you could actually be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, S.A.D, which has been proven to affect around 2 million people in the UK. Symptoms are characterised by feelings of depression or low mood and are often accompanied by reduced energy levels, tiredness, sugar cravings and poor concentration. We have asked a group of nutritionists to give us their top tips how to beat the winter blues.

Top up on the sunshine vitamin A quarter of Brits suffer from Vitamin D deficiency in the winter! Lack of this essential Vitamin, due to reduced sunlight, has been linked to depression and the symptoms of S.A.D. So, before you reach for antidepressants, try a good quality Vitamin D supplement, such as Quest Vitamins Forte D 4000 (£12.69, www.revital.co.uk) with 4000iu of vitamin D3.’Don’t forget to include in your daily diet fatty fish, mushrooms, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks.’ adds Cassandra Barns, nutritonist at www. nutricentre.com.

Stay active (the cold is no excuse!)

‘On a normal sunny day, daylight entering the eye increases levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, known as the ‘happy hormone.’ In winter, less light enters the eye, reducing serotonin levels and increasing melatonin, resulting in excessive sleepiness. Try and make time to go for a walk in your lunch hour, to get some fresh air and clear your head. Exercise keeps hormone levels constant and will help alleviate the emotional symptoms of SAD.’ Says Cassandra.

Cheer up with mutlivitamin If you are suffering from low mood on a regular basis and exercise just isn’t helping, reach for a good multivitamin, such as Nature’s Plus Source of Life Gummies (£26.99, Whole Foods), which helps combat the feeling of tiredness and fatigue.

‘Packed full of important vitamins and minerals such as Folic Acid, Iron, Magnesium and Vitamin B12, it will also help you safeguard against any nutritional deficiencies. All of the B group vitamins and folic acid affect brain function, mood and energy levels.’ Says Michela Vagnini, nutritionist at www.naturesplus. co.uk.

Snack right When we are feeling down, snacks high in sugar, such as cakes, biscuits and chocolate, seem like a quick and easy fix. However, this quick boost of energy will only last only an hour or two, before you face another sugar crash. ‘To achieve a healthier balance, go for snacks that contain a good combination of slow releasing unrefined carbohydrates, proteins and if possible some healthy fats. Try snacking on half an avocado on a slice of rye bread, raw carrots with hummus or organic plain yoghurt with pumpkin seeds throughout the day.’ Advises Cassandra Barns.

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Health Magazine Autumn 2015

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM

SAD SYNDROME?

Did you know?

1 in 10 Brits suffer from either depression or anxiety during their life time, whilst the numbers of people turning to counselling continues to rise with a 4% increase in the past year.

Top tips to help you beat the seasonal blues

http://www. chrysalisnotforprofit. co.uk

The importance of EFAs

Eseential fats are involved in the maintenance of normal brain chemisty, and therefore any deficiency of these ‘good’ fats can impact on mood and normal brain functioning. However, according to a new survey from Equazen, most of us have a diet which is too high in omega-6 and lacking in omega-3 (www.equazen. co.uk).To improve your intake of ‘good’ fats, try including more oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocados and coconut oil in your diet.

Did you know?

Including coconut oil in your diet (through cooking, or in place of butter as a spread) can help to boost your intake of ‘good’ fats, which are essential for normal brain functioning Right: Lucy Bee Coconut Oil www.lucybee.co

Shedding light on depression The variation of light from day to night helps to properly maintain the circadian cycle in the body, which can determine patterns of alertness, co-ordination, blood pressure, cardiovascular efficiency and other functions in a 24-hour period. It is therefore important to maintain bright light during the day and relative darkness at night.

Providing daylight in buildings is often a convenient way of regulating circadian rhythms, resulting in improved health and mood. In principle, bright artificial light could give similar benefits, but daylight provision also gives some contact with the outside which can further improve health and mood.

Fluorescent lighting with magnetic ballasts and some LEDs, on the other hand, can flicker causing headaches, eyestrain or epileptic seizures in some people, and exacerbate the symptoms of autism and agoraphobia. Switching to high frequency fluorescent lighting, or different types of LED, avoids these problems. www.bre.co.uk/lighting www.health-magazine.co.uk

Nature's secret to more energy Busy, stressful lifestyles can leave us feeling tired and drained, and as we age, we may feel we've lost the energy we once had.

The impact that the right nutrition can have on your energy levels should not be under-estimated. However, there are some nutrients that are not easily obtained from our diet.

Have you heard of a vitamin-like substance called coenzyme Q10?

Without Q10, we would only have moments to live. The coenzyme is involved in the energy turnover of all cells in the body, making it possible for us to move, breathe and think.

In fact, it is responsible for 95 per cent of our daily energy output.

Unlike many vitamins and minerals, the majority of Q10 is manufactured within our bodies. Dr David Mantle, medical adviser at Pharma Nord explains: “Our ability to produce Q10 naturally declines as we age. Q10 levels steadily reduce from as early as our mid-twenties and can also be affected by other factors such as chronic disease, statin use and intense exercise.

“By swapping short-term energy boosters like caffeine and sugary snacks for a Q10 supplement, you can give your body's own energy production a lift.”

You can try Pharma Nord's Q10 with a special offer pack. 90 capsules of Bio-Quinone Active Q10 GOLD (100mg) for the price of 60. RRP £37.95. Or 90 capsules of Pharma Nord's Bio-Quinone Active Q10 Super (30mg) for the price of 60.

RRP £15.95.

Call 01670 534 900 or visit www.multivits.co.uk. For more information visit www.q10.co.uk

Find your

Re-discover your energy & vitality this autumn

! h p m oo

STAY HYDRATED

UP YOUR IRON

According to the World Health Organisation, iron deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency worldwide with women and children being the most susceptible, but by far not the only ones affected. Latest figures from the Department of Health show that as many as 91% of women aged 16 - 64 do not get their recommended daily allowance (RDA) of iron in their diets. Spatone is a naturally occurring iron-rich mineral water which is collected and packed straight from the source in the heart of Snowdonia, North Wales.

We collect it, we filter it and we fill it straight into our convenient, easy-to-open sachets.

Drinking enough water can be a challenge when the weather turns colder, as our preferences begin to lean towards less hydrating options such as tea and coffee. Dehydration is a major cause of fatigue and tireness, so to make sure you are drinking enough H2o, why not jazz up your water with the Aqua Zinger - a water bottle which subtly infuses your water with the fruits you fancy! Simply fill your crusher cup with any ingredient from cucumber to lemon and lime, blackberries, kiwi, strawberry, peach, ginger, or even mint – to create a tasty treat that’s healthy too.

Available from www.prezzybox.com

www.nelsonsnaturalworld.com www.health-magazine.co.uk

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Easy does it...

Discover the benefits of taking it slow when it comes to exercise

According to recent research, less than 20% of people realise that slo-mo running can help burn fat as part of an autumn weight loss programme. The research from TomTom reveals that nearly 40% of Brits believe High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) will see fast fat burn results - but less than 20% actually know that slow and steady running can be just as effective.

Weight loss is the reason that 60% of the nation starts a new training regime and more than one in ten (13%) plans to pull on their trainers and head out for a run to lose the pounds. 69% of Brits consider themselves to be overweight, and 60% of Brits will start a new workout plan in order to lose weight and burn fat. Heart rate

The Bagot Stack System

The Bagot Stack system is a unique, holistic exercise and movement experience which offers a complete approach to fitness and mobility.

It is the basis of classes run by the Fitness League, where trained and registered teachers will encourage you to work within your comfort zone and adapt exercise according to your needs.The 7 key principles of the system are correct body alignment, joint mobilisation and muscle strengthening/lengthening, movement without tension, coordinated movement, natural breathing, progressive work and music and rhythm. http://www.thefitnessleague.com

Walking

Berkshire Walkers is a walking and social group aimed at people in their 20s and 30s.

It is part of the Ramblers Association, and they are based in Berkshire, mainly around Reading, Newbury and Slough and provide walks at a variety of lengths on weekends. All are welcome to join the Berkshire Walkers for a walk, or one of our social events, whether you’re already a keen walker, or just starting down the path. http://www.berkshirewalkers.com 18

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

training is made much easier by use of the TomTom Runner Cardio GPS Sport Watch with a built-in heart rate monitor to make it easy to run in optimal heart rate zones, and provides real-time running information.

Diet and fitness expert Laura Williams says “various studies have found that maintaining a slow and steady pace, and keeping your heart at a target BPM, helps burn fat so it’s worth accurately measuring the intensity of your efforts and matching your training goal to your heart rate zones to optimize your training.” www.tomtom.com

Hot yoga

Yoga originated in India thousands of years ago and since then has continued to develop into today’s modern day practice. The postures and breathing exercises it involves will enable you to achieve control of your mind and body, thus alleviating the stresses and strains of modern life as well as strengthening and toning muscles and improving posture.

Hot yoga, as it’s name suggests is simply yoga performed in a hot room.

The Inspire Hot Yoga Studio in Maidenhead is heated to between 32 and 40 degrees centigrade, with a humidity of 40-60%. Their infrared system is designed to heat your body by penetrating to a cellular level, rather than just heating the air around you. This promotes more detoxification and fat burning as well as greater flexibility.

The air is also circulated to ensure it is clean and fresh at all times. http://www.inspirehotyoga.co.uk www.health-magazine.co.uk

Identifying Hypercholesterolemia

SENIOR HEALTH

Charity HEART UK have recently been channeling their efforts into raising awareness around the risks of Familial Hypercholesterolemia. The key points that have been raised in the report are: · 85% of people with FH remain undiagnosed and untreated · If left untreated, approximately 50% of men and 30% of women will have developed heart disease by the time they are 50 and 60 years old · Two out of five GPs underestimated the prevalence of FH For more information, visit www.heartofthefamily.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Following a Mediterranean diet – including nuts like almonds – can help prevent declining brain function in older adults when compared to a low-fat diet. ww.almonds.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? 30% of over 50s do not know their average blood pressure reading www.noodle.co.uk

Cherries help regulate heart rate and blood pressure and are extremely high in heart-healthy potassium – which regulates heart rate and blood pressure and reduces the risk of hypertension and stroke, while promoting the heart and kidneys to function properly. In addition, Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, which occur naturally in cherries can help to reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol levels (LDL), lower the risk of cancer, and stimulate the immune system. @britishcherries www.health-magazine.co.uk

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Queen of Roses Bath Milk This luxurious rose bath milk is a modern British interpretation of Cleopatra’s legendary bathing ritual. Indulge in a creamy, rose scented moisturising milk bath with Buttermilk, Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter.

Emerge with baby soft skin. www.lolasapothecary.com / Also available from www.notonthehighstreet.com

Roses et Raines Lip Balm Enriched with shea butter, this balm helps to nourish the lips and gives them a beautiful, natural pink sheen. £8.50 www.loccitane.com

English Rose Discover the amazing beauty benefits of this most coveted flower!

Smell the roses hydration spray Organic Rose Damascena Flower Water is an excellent skin tonic and cleanses the skin, helping to calm inflammation and redness without disturbing its natural protective shield. Smell the Roses Hydration Spray is available from September, priced £23. For details of nationwide stockists or to buy, go to www.janeiredale.co.uk.

Wild Rose Body Oil 100ml Leaves skin soft, supple and velvety smooth.

Contains harmonising wild musk rose oil, enriching jojoba oil and gentle sweet almond oil to nourish and protect skin; ideal for all over facial and body massage.

Suitable for vegans. £19.95 from www.weleda.co.uk 20

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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According to a new report, ‘always on’ workers are putting a job before their health, with 48% of UK employees having gone into work when ill in the last year and 28% saying bosses pressure them into working through illness.

The health of British workers is threatened by an epidemic of ‘presenteeism’ according to a new report, with research showing that not even lunch, holidays or illness will stop us from leaving our desks. This is according to the study of 2,000 full and part time UK workers, published in The Health in the Workplace Report <http://bit.ly/1FRq0nb>

by One4all Rewards <http://www.one4allrewards.co.uk, Similarly, a study by PruHealth with Vitality, which looked at the health status of over 25,000 employees, showed the nation’s workforce is under threat as staff are widely under-performing due to unhealthy lifestyle choices, which in turn impacts on the overall bottom line of our UK companies. PruHealth’s Britain’s Healthiest Company Report reveals that sick leave and presenteeism as a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices costs UK companies 7.78% of their yearly wage billan estimated total cost of lost productivity to the UK economy of over £58 billion per year (www. britainshealthiestcompany.co.uk) The stress connection ccording to Towers Watson’s recent Global Benefits Attitudes survey, levels of workplace disengagement significantly increase when employees experience high levels of stress.

The research shows that of those employees who claimed to be experiencing high

stress levels, over half (57%) also reported that they were disengaged. In contrast, only one in ten (10%) employees claiming low stress levels said they were disengaged and half of this group claimed to be highly engaged (www.towerswatson.com)

So what’s the solution?

Advice and counselling Capita Health and Wellbeing analysed data on more than 3,500 people who had used advice and counselling services during 2013 and found that employee counselling cuts absenteeism, contributes towards good mental health and improves longer term life satisfaction, new research finds.

The research showed that staff using employee assistance programmes are coping with a range of issues, both employment-related or caused by external factors like family problems, divorce, ill health or financial worries.

And all of this can impact, directly and i n d i r e c t l y, on their

performance. Karen Woodley, business development director in Capita said “employee assistance programmes therefore benefit both employee and employer – they help employees deal with the sort of life events that affect most of us sooner or later and ensure that performance issues and absence, and therefore the cost of managing such absences, are reduced.”

Small change, big difference Businesses across the UK could increase their productivity by a third, by introducing more colour to the workplace, according to a study by Exeter University which showed that individuals can be up to 30% more productive if they have the ability to express themselves in the workplace.

Office brand, Leitz, has identified colour as a key to unlocking productivity and is urging businesses across the UK to recognize its impact and potential benefits. Leading applied colour psychology and business branding expert, Karen Haller, explains: “Colour is very closely linked with emotion and behaviour. When we see a colour, we instantly feel its effect whether we are consciously aware of it or not, and it can influence our mood, feelings and, ultimately, actions. Needless to say, it plays an incredibly important role in any working environment.

Giving up the rat race It is predicted that the 80% of Brit workers who hate their jobs may well start a new business by the end of 2015. These budding business owners are being called Passionpreneurs as a new trend shows that a fifth of us are inspired to set up solo on the back of a hobby. Those most inspired by the traditional hobbies of baking, sewing, crochet and knitting are 18-34 year olds who are working 5pm to 9pm on their Passionpreneurial business dream outside of their 9-5 job. But we remain a modest nation and 42% of us lack confidence to take the leap. (Research by http://www.amway. co.uk)

Work tolive

...not the other way around, with our top tips for restoring work/life balance

www.health-magazine.co.uk

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

21

Focus on:

HAIR LOSS

What can be done to help remedy the common problem of hair loss and thinning hair?

We all shed an average of 100 hairs a day, the majority of which are lost through washing or brushing. Since this is only a small percentage of the 150,000 on average hairs on your head (and more hairs are growing than are being shed) this daily loss rarely impacts on overall hair thickness. Excessive hair loss, or alopecia, on the other hand, is when hairs are shed faster than they are replaced, or new hair production stops altogether.

Some cases of hair loss are preventable or even reversible, but in other situations it may be permanent. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important, so it is important consult your doctor to identify what might be causing the problem.

MICRO PIGMENTATION EXPLAINED Skalpâ&#x201E;˘ Micro Pigmentation is the latest trend in male and female grooming and offers a treatment for hair loss sufferers.

We have taken the hair loss world by storm and have become a highly respected alternative treatment for adults with thinning hair and associated illnesses, which cause hair loss.

But what does it actually involve?

How does it work?

Micro Pigmentation is an innovative non-surgical treatment where natural pigments are applied at the epidermal level of the scalp to replicate the natural appearance real hair follicles or strands.

In other words, Skalpâ&#x201E;˘ professionals will skillfully create a hairline, which is in line with the pigment of your skin and hair.

The result is a fashionable shaven head look totally masking any hair loss.

What form will the treatment take?

The pigment is applied to the scalp using a needle. Our clients tell us they are aware of the pinpricks but it does not really hurt. The practitioner will first of 22

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

all create a hairline, which you feel happy with. They will then begin to cover your scalp with the pigment.

This will probably need no more than two or three visits (approx. 2-4 hours each) to complete the procedure.

Is there a way of finding out what it will look like after the procedure?

Yes. Just go along to our website and on the Homepage you will see that you can send a head and shoulders photo into us. We will send you back a mock photo of how you are likely to look. No obligation. Just send it along! http://skalp.com/ e n / s e e - h o w - y o u rhairline-couldlook/ or whatsapp 07983631054 your photo and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Below: Before and after skalp micropigmentation

Causes of hair loss Hormones play a major part in the growth and shedding of hair in men and women. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a more potent form of the hormone testosterone, and increased sensitivity to this hormone is thought to be an underlying cause of hair loss in many sufferers. Many women develop pattern hair loss with the menopause, due to the drop in the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone which allows hormones such as DHT to dominate, Other factors such as hormonal imbalances caused by trauma, stress or medication may also trigger hair loss, as may problems with the hair cycle due to nutritional deficiency, or even an auto-immune problem linked to genetic predisposition, in some many cases.

www.health-magazine.co.uk

The surprising stages of modern man's evolution Research reveals how men in the South East think they should evolve through various life stages … and it’s not what you think. Modern man has moved away from the stereotyped macho Neanderthal, and now no longer considers traditional masculine activities to be as important, according to research

by Burt’s Chips. Burts asked men in the South East what they thought were the most important examples of being men, to mark their new campaign.

According to the findings,32% of men in their 20s, sensibly said that learning their alcohol limits was an important example of men who Do It Right, dispelling the myth of boozy beer-swilling blokes.

Men in the South East do become more typically practical as they age, with popular examples of “being a man” in their 40s being growing vegetables (21%) and knowing a good wine on the menu (20%).

81% of men thought that good cooking skills were important for a man to have. Keep an eye out for the Do It Right campaign across the Burts Chips Facebook (www.facebook.com/BurtsChips) and Twitter (@BurtsChips) channels and your chance to win fantastic prizes.

MEN’S HEALTH

Pocket change

According to a new study, 88% of men keep their phone in their pocket when on the go and 63% of those surveyed didn’t know that phone radiation can affect sperm health. Dr Amin Gorgy, Fertility Consultant at The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy (fertilityacademy.co.uk) says, “Several studies have shown a negative impact of lowlevel electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on the sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology.’ www.wavewallcases.com

A helping hand The creators of the world’s first Guybrator™, award winning sex toy company Hot Octopuss introduced its latest collection, PULSE II; featuring two new toys which utilise cutting-edge technology to offer men hands-free maximum stimulation unlike any other toy on the market, http://www.hotoctopuss.com

Understanding Prostate Cancer A recent report has revealed that there are five kinds of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, and this recent study conducted by British scientists could potentially transform prostate cancer treatment.

The breakthrough could help doctors to better distinguish the common, slow-growing forms of the disease from the deadlier, faster-growing varieties.

This will spare men unnecessary treatment and save the lives of 11,000 people who die from the disease every year.’

According to Dr Gordon Muir, Consultant Urological Surgeon at London Bridge Hospital, ‘early prostate cancer causes no symptoms and can be diagnosed only by examination or a blood test (PSA) followed by biopsy. The use of MRI scanning and targeted, more accurate biopsies via the transperineal approach is offered to patients at the London Bridge Hospital as a routine.’ * Research by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and Addenbrooke’s Hospital

www.health-magazine.co.uk

‘81% of men thought that good cooking skills were important for a man to have’

A round up of the latest news and innovations ENQUIRIES INTO HAIR TRANSPLANTS IN THE UK TRIPLES IN ONE YEAR

Wayne Rooney, James Nesbitt and Calum Best may have all shelled out big bucks for their hair transplant surgeries, but it seems that treatment to restore lush locks is not just for celebrities, according to new research by private healthcare search engine WhatClinic.com.

UK enquiries into hair transplant have more than tripled (up 230%) in the past 12 months alone - despite an average price tag of £4,975. Hair loss clinics in the UK have seen a 165% surge in demand across all treatments. Interestingly, more than one in 10 searches (11%) for UK hair loss clinics in the past year have come from patients between the ages of 18 and 24.

Hair transplantation, also known as hair restoration or hair implantation, is the process of permanently restoring hair by transplanting follicular units into balding or thinning areas. Healthy follicles are taken from other areas of the body that are genetically resistant to balding, most often the back or the sides of the head.

But Brits are going to even further lengths – and distances – for fuller heads of hair, with many seeking the treatment overseas, with Turkish clinics having seen a 215% surge in UK-based enquiries for hair transplantation. The average starting price for hair transplant in Turkey is £1,328 - around a quarter of the average UK cost of the procedure.

JUST THE TONIC… A new high-tech adjustable helmet may provide a medication-free way to treat hair loss, using low level laser therapy. It has a combination of 51 lasers and diodes lights which when worn for 25 minutes, three times a week, every other day, stimulate the growth of new hair in both men and women, by more than a third in just over 100 days. Research has shown it to be effective, safe, pain-free, and userfriendly. It has been developed specifically for home use and the inner helmet canopy is tailored to conform to the shape of the scalp to ensure a uniform distribution of both laser and LED lights. It comes in four basic sizes. www.igrowlaser.co.uk Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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Follow these simple steps to kick your sugar habit for good...

1. Eat breakfast, lunch and an evening meal. Missing meals can lead to blood sugar imbalance. Choose wholegrain bread, rice, pasta, cereals, grains, potatoes, vegetables and fruit, as they will keep you fuller for longer.

The sugar theory Are you fed up of dieting and not losing weight? Too much sugar could be the problem.

The popular mantra to eat less and exercise more, focussing on lowcalorie diets, has yielded poor returns. As a nation, we are increasingly overweight and suffering more diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

For decades the media and health professionals have blamed fats, yet despite the frenzy of low-fat diets, many of us are struggling to lose weight. So now the spotlight hits sugar. What was once thought to be bad for our teeth, is now bad for our entire body.

Plus Size may well be surging in popularity, but how do we If you can relate to energy highs and lows andcurves experience hunger distinguish between healthy pangs between meals, chances are you need to take greater control andandoverweight? of your blood sugar could be deficient in the trace mineral

chromium. One in three of us has high blood sugar and is at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

3. Limit manufactured and fast foods. Watch out for hidden sugars in yoghurts, soups, tinned beans and sauces. Remember that drinks can be loaded with sugar too.

Always choose water over fruit juice.

For more information visit www.bloodsugarcontrol.info.

For free nutritional advice call Pharma Nord on 01670 534 900.

Exercise is key

Did you know?

According to new research, body insecurities can have a huge impact on the nation’s health, work, sex and social lives. The study by BULK POWDERS revealed that 52% of those surveyed had negative feelings about their physical appearance and that these have adversely affected their lives - from losing out on promotions at work, to being bullied or not having an active and intimate love life. This figure rises to 68% of those aged 18 to 24 years. www.bulkpowders.co.uk

2. Consume more chromium. Most of us don't get enough chromium in our diets. A deficiency can lead to sugar cravings and energy highs and lows throughout the day. Try taking a supplement like Pharma Nord's Bio-Chromium to control your blood sugar and manage your weight more effectively.The organic chromium yeast (ChromoPrecise) in the supplement is up to ten times better absorbed by the body than any other form of chromium, including the kind found in small quantities in food.

Extreme measures

When it comes to exercise, 11% of people aged 18 – 24 admit that they do no form of exercise or physical activity that is sufficient to increase their heart rate, as do 15% of those aged between 25 and 34. This rises to more than one in five for those aged 55 and over, but this increase can be explained by the fact that more people in this age group have health conditions. preventing them from doing exercise. www.bulkpowders.co.uk

Almost three million (6%) people in the UK are currently considering the drastic step of undergoing cosmetic surgery or some form of cosmetic procedure specifically to improve their physical appearance. www.bulkpowders.co.uk

WEIGHT MATTERS 24

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

Despite the recent abundance of diet plans promising fast and effective results, many of us are still struggling to lose weight. So what’s the solution to this increasingly common issue?

www.health-magazine.co.uk

Wash &

brush up

Dental hygiene may seem like a simple concept, but for many of us, our daily care regime is falling short...

Dental health facts We all know that brushing our teeth twice a day and regular visits to our dentists are the key to keeping our teeth healthy.While this is true, there are many other facets about our mouths that may remain a mystery. That’s why the British Dental Health Foundation wanted to share a few of the interesting, and sometimes shocking things, we should know about dental health which we may not.

1. 74% Of all British adults have had a tooth removed That works out to more than 60 million adults who have lost a tooth.

2. 27% of people only visit their dentist when they have a problem More than half of us have admitted that we wished we had cared for our teeth better and prevention is almost always better than cure.

Top tips for caring for your teeth

by Amit Rai, General Dental Practitioner 1. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a fluoride toothpaste, and remember to supervise children’s brushing if they’re under seven years of age.

2.

Avoid rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing because this washes the protective toothpaste away – just spit out any excess toothpaste.

3. Try to eat your sweet treats around mealtimes rather than nibbling all day (I know that can often be difficult!) to limit the exposure of sugar to your teeth throughout the day 4. When you’ve finished eating, eat a small piece of cheese – it will help to neutralise the acids that causes tooth decay

3. Only half of Brits are happy with their smile A survey from the British Dental Health Foundation found that discoloured or crooked teeth are by far the biggest reasons people are unhappy with their smiles. What’s more a third of people identified a good smile as the most important attribute when it comes to attractiveness.

5. Look for a toothpaste that protects against sugar acid. Sugar is used by bacteria in the mouth which produce acids, which can dissolve the protective minerals on the surface of the tooth. In time, the sugar acid can dissolve mineral from the tooth, leading to cavities.”

4. A third of children are starting school with visible signs of tooth decay An estimated quarter of a million primary school children have also developed tooth decay.

DID YOU KNOW?

5. 14% of people are frightened to visit the dentist Visiting the dentist ranked top in a poll on what make people nervous.

6.

The UK tooth whitening market worth an estimated £40 million Taking its lead from the US the UK tooth whitening industry has soared in recent years and more and more people desire the ‘perfect smile’.

7. Only qualified professionals are allowed to carry out tooth whitening, by law!

It is illegal for anyone other than a regulated dental professional to perform tooth whitening.

8. Women smile more than men In general women do actually smile more than men with studies showing this starts from when they are babies.

To get far more information about oral health and get further tips and advice visit the British Dental Health Foundation at www. dentalhealth.org or via the dental helpline on 01788 539 780 www.health-magazine.co.uk

The Finnish wonder ingredient xylitol was recently featured on channel 4’s new series, Superfoods. Xylitol works to reduce plaque and keep teeth healthy, yet despite its proven benefits and widespread popularity in countries including Finland, Japan and the USA, a recent Gorkana Survey poll on behalf of Peppersmith revealed that two-thirds of UK consumers had never even heard of xylitol.

Unique and fun ways to stay active www.peppersmith.co.uk this summer

FLOSSING FAILINGS A new survey reveals that more than a quarter of us admit to lying to our dentist about our flossing habits.The study reveals that 27 per cent of us lie to our dentists on a regular basis, telling them that we floss every day. The study, by the British Dental Health Foundation, revealed one in three Brits admitted that they have never flossed.

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

25

IN PRAISE OF...

Interval training

By Chrissy Hayes

Interval training is a way to workout by interspersing small and intense bursts of energy with even smaller rest periods.

Using interval training the time spent working out can be cut in half. So instead of spending an hour in the gym before work, just spend half an hour and get the same results or perhaps even better.

Interval periods vary depending on which system is being used. However the burst of work might be one minute long, followed by fifteen seconds of rest.

During the brief rest period sitting down is not an option! Walking around and staying focused for the next intense burst is required.

Each burst of energy focuses on one movement.

Again this varies, but it could be sit-ups, pushups, high kicks, squats, anything that gets the body moving. As with most gym workouts these are done in sets. Each set might include five bursts of energy followed by five short rests. Also each time the task will be different. At the end of each set there is a minute’s rest which includes walking around and taking sips of water before starting the whole thing again. This time the workout could be five different tasks as wished. At least two or three sets will be required to reach the allocated half hour.

This way of working out is considered to be much more efficient than usual specifically because each burst of energy is done at the top level of the individual doing it. Both the military and elite sports people have been working out this way for years, but now we are seeing this type of intense training in a gyms, community halls, local parks, just about everywhere. Sometimes lead by a professional instructor, sometimes simply by people following their own program and working out on their own or with a few chums. There are also a number of workout DVDs devoted to interval training. As these DVDs advise, the space between the TV and the sofa is all that is required.

These intense yet efficient workouts are aimed at people who want results in a hurry but who do not have much time to spend getting fit. Young mums, busy executives and anyone with very little spare time in their lives are now jumping on the idea of a workout in half the time it usually takes.

So a good idea and perhaps one worth trying. However it is worth remembering it is not necessarily for everyone and as with any form of exercise starting slowly and taking medical advice is always a good idea.

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Health Magazine Autumn 2015

TRY CONTACT LENSES FREE Maidenhead 85 High Street Tel 01628 777 220 specsavers.co.uk Contact lens free trial: One pair of monthly lenses or five pairs of daily disposables lenses. Trial subject to suitability and includes easyvision lenses only. Excludes other brands, coloured, gas permeable or hard lenses. One free trial per person per year. Current prescription required. Alternatively, an eye test will be required at our standard charge. ©2011 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

ARE YOU SERIOUS about maintaining GOOD HEALTH? Then take a look at our exclusive range of aloe vera health & skincare products Forever Living Products and its affiliates are world leaders in the production of aloe vera Out products contain 100% stabilised aloe vera gel Phone Louise Fenna - Independent Distributer of Forever Living Products on 07824567582

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The Forever Living range includes skin care products, Forever Living Products are cosmetics and supplements members of the Direct Selling for weight management, Association Hoap0121 sports perfomance and animal care. Aloe is the www.louisefenna.myforever.biz/ first ingredient (‘aloe-with’ forever not ‘with-aloe’) and due to the patented stabilisation process, their products are more effective than many other Aloe based products.You can also be assured that all of their products are endorsed and recommended by an eminent advisory board of doctors, vets and nutritionists.

Please contact Louise Fenna, an independent Distributer based in Maidenhead for more details : tel 07824567582 or email louise. sprackling@googlemail.com www.health-magazine.co.uk

love

Slimming World Join a warm and friendly group near you today…

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

WINDSOR Gardeners Hall 213 St Leonards Rd SL4 3DR 10am Call Katie: 07506 516408

BRITWELL Britwell Community Centre Long Furlong Drive, Britwell Estate (Chicken Ranch), Britwell (Slough), SL2 2PH 9:30am Call Nessa: 07702 793828

Iver Heath Evreham Sports Centre Swallow Street Iver Heath SL0 0HS 9.30 am Call Kate: 07432 107089

ENGLEFIELD GREEN The Jurgen Centre Englefield Green TW20 0QR 10am Call Laura 07776 185674

Britwell Community Centre Long Furlong Drive, Britwell Estate (Chicken Ranch), Britwell (Slough), SL2 2PH 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Nessa: 07702 793828

WINDSOR Scout HQ (opp BP garage) Maidenhead Rd SL4 5EY 10am Call Katie: 07506 516408

LANGLEY St Francis Church Upton Court Road SL3 7NE 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Lucy: 07810 149932

MAIDENHEAD Sportsable Braywick Sports Ground SL6 1BN 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Sandra: 07590 383334

Slough - Wexham Wexham Court Parish Hall Norway Drive Slough SL2 5QP 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7:30pm Call Lucy: 07810 149932

OLD WINDSOR Old Windsor Day Centre 27 Straight Road SL4 2RW 7pm Call Laura: 07776 185674

Cippenham Cippenham Baptist Church 11 Elmshott Lane Slough, SL1 5QS 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7:30pm Call Marie: 07851 248139

Englefield Green The village Centre 68 Victoria Street Egham TW20 0QX 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Harriet: 07971 666621

Iver Heath Evreham Sports Centre Swallow Street Iver Heath SL0 0HS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Kate: 07432 107089

LANGLEY Langley Grammar School Sport Complex Reddington Drive SL3 7QS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Debbie: 07930 838787

WINDSOR Gardeners Hall 213 St Leonards Rd SL4 3DR 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Katie: 07506 516408 MAIDENHEAD Claire’s Court School Ray Mill Road East SL6 8TE 6.30pm Call Mandy: 07864 547709

Visit the website to read Zoes story… slimmingworld.com www.health-magazine.co.uk 0844 897 8000

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up to

MAIDENHEAD Cox Green Community Centre 51 Highfield Lane SL6 3AX 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Mandy: 07864 547709 COOKHAM Cookham Dean Cricket Club Ricketts Field, Whyteladyes Lane Cookham, SL6 9LF 7.30pm Call Martina: 07857 700175 FRIDAY COOKHAM Cookham Dean Cricket Club Ricketts Field, Whyteladyes Lane Cookham, SL6 9LF 9.30am and 11.30am Call Martina 07857 700175 SATURDAY WINDSOR Oakbridge Centre Imperial Road Windsor 9.30am & 11.30am Call Kelly: 07771 606993

£5

– ask in group for more details

*More people in the UK choose to attend a Slimming World group each week than any other weight loss group.

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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www.health-magazine.co.uk

Health Magazine Autumn 2015

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