Fashion 22

Kinver Jewellers

Bespoke handmade jewellery

In house workshop Watch & clock repairs Service and repair high end branded watches e.g Omega, Rolex, Cartier Remodelling & restorations Repairs & cleaning

Quality diamond & gem set jewellery

Valuations

We buy in old & broken jewellery

Turn your dreams into jewellery...

01384 877 881

KinverJewellers

KinverJewellers Opening Hours Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat: 9.30am - 4.30pm

www.kinverjewellers.com 3 Chenevare Mews, DY7 6HB

ifoothealthcare

Bespoke orthotics proven to relieve pain and prevent injury

foot sCannIng &

shoCKWave therapy

Foot Scanning technology can measure your gaite, balance and show how your muscles are being used. Having your foot put into a foam box or a cast is not going to give you the results you need and is a thing of the past! At ifoothealthcare we can address any foot related problem, including knee's back and hips. We offer a bespoke service and listen to our customers. Shockwave therapy is a unique treatment that can repair new or old muscle injuries from Carpel tunnel to Plantar fasciitis. If you are in pain or have existing orthotics that needs changing then drop us a line and let us show you how we can improve your performance immediately.

EnErtor® insolEs rEducE pain and injury for up to 91% of plantar fasciitis suffErErs insolEs providE rEliEf and prEvEntion for many lowEr limb injuriEs

01299 400111 www.ifoothealthcare.com

hear the soUnDs of sUmmer

There’s nothing quite like the sound of the waves on the seashore, the birds singing in the sunshine and most importantly the sound of our family’s laughter as we get together on those lazy summer afternoons.

At Hear in Hagley and Hear in Wombourne we are ready to help you enjoy the sounds of Summer and beyond!

If you’re not hearing so well it could just be a build up of wax, this can be easily treated at any of our clinics with minimal fuss using the very best equipment. Our audiologists and earcare specialists are fully qualified to keep those ears squeaky clean. We test your hearing during the wax removal appointment and can even show you what the inside of your ears look like so that you can see what a great job we’ve done!

If it’s hearing aids you need then you’ve certainly come to the right place. As independent hearing care specialists we can choose from the very latest in hearing aid technology that best suits you, your lifestyle and your pocket. Our hearing solutions can even connect to your mobile phone, tv or computer to get the very best out those simple, everyday sounds. We pride ourselves on our excellent aftercare program. Purchasing hearing aids is an investment in your future hearing, ongoing care is key and we’re here to support you every step of the way. With a lifetime of aftercare included, you can be sure that your ears and your hearing will be looked after and kept in tip top condition.

So why wait? With our 60-day money back guarantee you have nothing to lose by trying a hearing solution with us. You too could be enjoying the wonderful sounds of summer so call and book your appointment today!

www.lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk

HAGLEy CLINIC

01562 884400 hagley@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk Hear in Hagley, 125 Worcester Road, Hagley, Stourbridge, Dy9 oNW

WomBoURNE CLINIC

01902 302266 wombourne@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk Hear in Wombourne ,The Corner House, High St, Wombourne, WV5 9DN

ARE YOU READY TO HEAR THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER?

INDEPENDENT FAMILY BUSINESS HEARING ASSESSMENTS HEARING SOLUTIONS LIFETIME AFTERCARE NOISE PROTECTION EAR WAX REMOVAL 60 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE 6 MONTH HEARING REVIEWS UP TO 5 YEAR WARRANTY

PRIVATE PARKING, COVID SAFE, LIGHT & AIRY CLINICS

HOW WELL ARE YOU HEARING? CALL US TODAY

HEAR IN HAGLEY Call us: 01562 884400 hagley@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk 125 Worcester Road, Hagley, Stourbridge, DY9 ONW HEAR IN WOMBOURNE Call us: 01902 302266 wombourne@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk The Corner House, High St, Wombourne, Staffordshire. WV5 9DN

a-z of sKIn

bIrthmarKs, basaL CeLL CarCInoma & botoX

Lisa Evans Reid Clinical director at Reflect

What aRe biRthmaRkS?

As the name suggests, birthmarks are areas of discolouration on the skin which are present from birth and are often permanent. They may appear in various sizes, shapes, and colours, including red, pink, purple or brown. Birthmarks can occur in any part of the body.

What cauSeS biRthmaRkS?

Vascular birthmarks, usually red, pink, or purple, are caused by an abnormality in the skin's blood vessels. Brown pigmented birthmarks are clusters of melanin (pigment) in the skin.

typeS oF biRthmaRkS port-wine stain (capillary malformation birthmarks)

Port-wine stain birthmarks appear as winecoloured patches on the skin. Caused by abnormal blood vessels and can vary in size. The face is the most common area to be affected, but these can appear anywhere on the body. Most port-wine stain birthmarks are permanent and can become more prominent as we age.

Salmon patch birthmarks

Salmon patches are the most common type of vascular birthmark. They appear as faint pink or red patches, usually on a baby's face or neck following birth. Salmon patches tend to fade after a few months, but some may take a few years to disappear completely.

Strawberry marks (infantile haemangiomas)

Strawberry marks are mole-like, pink, red or purple birthmarks usually raised and named because of their texture and colour. They are common, affecting around 5% of new-born babies.

These marks usually disappear by the age of seven. Still, they will become bigger before they shrink and eventually fade away.

cafe-au-lait spots

Café-au-lait spots are flat coffee-coloured patches of skin. Most birthmarks are harmless. However, suppose a child has more than six of these marks before they reach the age of five. In that case, it might be a symptom of a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis.

mongolian spots

Mongolian spots are a bluish-grey, a bit like a bruise. They are most common in babies with darker skin tones and tend to be on the back or buttocks. These coloured marks usually disappear with time before the child turns four.

congenital moles

Congenital moles are significant black or brown marks which are present from birth. These are common and caused by clusters of melanin beneath the skin's surface. They can become raised or hairy with time and may change colour during puberty.

aRe biRthmaRkS DangeRouS?

Most birthmarks are not harmful and do not require treatment for health reasons. However, some people may find they impact their self-esteem, so they may choose to have them removed for aesthetic reasons.

Rarely, birthmarks might need medical treatment if they affect the person's ability to breathe or become ulcerated and painful.

can biRthmaRkS be RemoveD?

Yes. Lasers can remove most types of birthmarks. The laser used depends upon the type and colour of the birthmark.

What iS a baSaL ceLL caRcinoma (bcc)?

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma starts in the basal cells — the skin cell that produces new skin as old ones die off. Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin, though it can take other forms. Sun exposed areas of the skin, such as your head and neck, are the most affected. Avoiding the sun and using sunscreen may help protect against basal cell carcinoma.

Do you Do botox (muScLe ReLaxant)?

Our philosophy is to teach our clients about their skin and promote natural solutions. Skin starts to age when we are in our late twenties as the body's collagen production slowly reduces. Outside pollutants, such as the environment and skin products, can age your skin. Then there are the sun's UV rays, the leading cause of premature ageing. The fourth factor is hormones that change with age; I will say no more! Skin knowledge and the correct treatments and products for your skin can slow ageing.

Muscle relaxants are ideal in some circumstances and can work hand in hand with natural methods. A true professional will not treat you if there are alternative solutions. Brands like Botox are not cheap, and the treatment will need to be repeated regularly to maintain the look.

Next edition of A to Z Skin Health - C

Cherry Hemangioma Capillaritis Cafe au Lait Maculec

Our Health

Our Health

how hypnotherapy Could help you

louise squires

HPD, DSFH, MNCH (Reg.) AfSFH (Reg.), MHS (Reg.)

Having suffered with anxiety in the past, working in high pressure sales roles, whilst managing the demands of two young children. I understand how stress can impact every aspect of our lives, leading to weight gain, panic attacks, insomnia and negative self-talk.

As a solution focused hypnotherapist, I help people to make significant, positive changes in their lives in a short period of time. I help my clients focus on what they want to achieve rather than on their problems. Sometimes clients feel a certain way, but they don’t know the reason why, or they don’t want to talk about why they feel the way they do. I work with clients with anxiety, depression, weight management, phobias, sleep problems, confidence issues, imposter syndrome and many other areas. I help my clients to identify and work with their inner skills and resources, to help them to realise their potential and ability to make positive changes.

I offer a free initial consultation if you would like to find out more about how hypnotherapy could help you, please get in touch.

Appointments are available at my clinics in Bromsgrove and Quinton, or I offer home visits, if required.

Are you feeling stressed or anxious? Do you wish you could find a better way to cope?

§ Anxiety § Stress § Depression § Insomnia § Phobias § Addictions § Weight Management § Pain Management § Confidence & Self Esteem

BHI Parkside, Bromsgrove B61 0AZ

TO FIND OUT HOW HYPNOTHERAPY COULD HELP YOU – BOOK A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION Call: 07485 131 954 Visit: www.inspiredtochange.biz

Our Health

small business sunday award

Hilary Sims, owner of Life Balance Counselling from Stourbridge, dudley entered Theo Paphitis's 'Small Business Sunday' Award, where the famous business and retail 'shopkeeper' runs a weekly competition to help business owners in the United Kingdom to succeed.

'Never in a million years did I think he'd chose me', Hilary commented but since winning back in december 2021 when Theo retweeted my tweet to his 500,000 followers, 'my phone hasn't stopped ringing'.

Recently Hilary attended an event held annually by Theo Paphitis in Birmingham, where over 1,000 other winners were treated to a Small Business Masterclass, giving tips and tricks to succeed. Touker Suleyman was interviewed by Theo, making for an interesting discussion on how he became an entrepreneur.

Being an experienced counsellor, my clients know that therapy can give you the space to explore the issues that are causing you to suffer from stress and anxiety, especially as we face our day-to-day struggles.

If you would like to find out how Hilary can help you, email: hilary@lifebalancecounselling.net or check out www.lifebalancecounselling.net

DEBORAH MITCHELL