HEALTH & WELLNESS

Rest & recharge

As the new year brings an opportunity for a fresh start, we look at what some of Bristol’s brilliant businesses are offering this year that will work wonders on our body and mind...

‘Best Boutique Spa of the Year’ launches 2023 Lifestyle Membership

Recognising that wellness requires a multi-targeted approach and isn’t confined to the gym, Bristol’s award-winning ‘Best Boutique Spa of the Year’, Aztec Hotel & Spa has launched a new Lifestyle Membership for January 2023. The membership brings together the very best in person and online spa, fitness and hotel experiences into one accessible monthly membership.

For £95 a month, guests are invited to enjoy full access to the Aztec Hotel’s gym, pool and thermal experiences at any time, as well as additional treats to enjoy throughout the year. With wellbeing at the forefront of the membership, it includes the opportunity to rest and recharge with one complimentary Sunday night getaway for two, as well as a complimentary dinner for two at the hotel’s award-winning Curious Kitchen, to be enjoyed during the year. There are also two Taster Spa treatments per annum, so members can experience a stress-busting massage or rejuvenating facial from Aztec’s highly trained therapists at no extra cost.

Acknowledging that people lead increasingly busy lifestyles, the membership provides extra support for all fitness and wellbeing needs, by including some unique online perks such as online classes through the MyWellness App and a monthly nutritional meal plan from the Spa & Fitness Kitchen. Combining this with ‘any time’ access to the gym, pool and thermal experiences, the membership works around each member’s needs.

• For more information, visit: aztechotelbristol.co.uk. Aztec Hotel & Spa, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TS

Free class at Hotpod Yoga

This month, Hotpod Yoga Bristol is offering one free class to new customers. Find the studio tucked away in the heart of the city just a stone’s throw from St Nick’s market. Its teachers come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, offering something for everyone.

Hotpod Yoga is Europe’s largest yoga business. Since 2013, over 100,000 people have immersed themselves in a Hotpod class at one of its 50+ locations around the world. You’ll stretch further, breathe deeper, sweat harder and melt fully into the Hotpod experience – a balanced flow of active and passive postures, working the body and calming the mind in equal measure.

• Get one free class* using the code: HPYBRISTOLMAGAZINE. *New customers only. Valid 1 January – 4 February 2023. For class times and more, visit: hotpodyoga.com

Glowing testimonials for Cura’s James Scrimshaw

Chiropractor James Scrimshaw has reported another successful year treating sports injury, spinal injury, degeneration and joint pain using MBST™ therapy at his clinic in Westbury on Trym. MBST™ is a gentle adaptation of MRI, dialing the MR energy directly into damaged cells creating a remarkable healing process in tissues and joints.

Along with physiotherapy and exercise treatment plans, MBST™is now a fundamental part of his practice, and an exciting development to add to the future management of orthopaedic conditions. The treatment has no side effects and needs no surgery, injections or drugs.

Throughout 2022, James has achieved superb results and has received many glowing testimonials including from Bristol Bears Team manager Jack Targett, who has made use of the facilities at CURA Clinical for the recovery of several members of the elite squad.

• For more information, visit: curaclinical.com

Get fit with

MOHIITO: the ultimate cocktail of high energy

Clifton boutique fitness studio

MOHIITO has launched brand new fitness programmes for 2023 designed to help kickstart better movement, health and wellbeing, even if you’re new to exercise. Choose from a range of six-week programmes, (aimed at helping you build a fitness habit with confidence and get results) or dip your toe in the water with a threesession introduction pass.

Some of the most popular kickstart programmes include Barre Body, (think Pilates meets bootcamp), Momentum, a 12-week personal training plan and Metabolize, a sixweek metabolism-boosting HIIT programme.

MOHIITO’s club-vibe studio classes are designed to make your sessions pass in a flash, while the private training area is ideal for those who prefer privacy to a crowded gym floor.

• Find out more at: mohiito.com

City set to welcome new North Bristol Private Hospital in early 2023

Surgical tourism, or UK citizens travelling abroad for elective surgery, is sadly still on the rise, despite the all too regular reports of botched results, less than adequate facilities and questionable aftercare. Then, there are the risks associated with post-operative long-haul flights. But, for some, travelling abroad for surgery feels like the only option when UK hospital and treatment facilities catering to elective surgery, are overrun or largely unavailable.

The good news is, for those looking to have cosmetic and plastic surgery treatments in Bristol and the South West, a new, world-class patient-centric private hospital facility is opening to take up the standard of care throughout patients’ treatment journeys.

Change the way you think of hospital care; comfortable, luxury surroundings, expert medical facilities, top-notch nursing staff, free parking, restaurant facilities nearby for visitors and dedicated individualised patient care and support. North Bristol Private Hospital is set to become the regional hub for medical excellence and private treatment epicentre. What’s more, part of its commitment to patient satisfaction promises to forefront speedy treatment and recovery programmes, staffed by highly trained healthcare professionals.

• For more information, visit: northbristolprivatehospital.co.uk or email info@nbph.co.uk

Gert lush: Climate positive sportswear brand Presca releases Bristol collection

The world’s first climate positive sportswear brand is on a mission to make garments that are: better made, better to wear and better for the planet. Based in Bristol, Presca was created to offer brilliant clothing with the minimum impact possible.

Showing their love for Bristol, the team have now brought out a Bristol collection, each item telling its own unique story, inspired by the city.

Men’s Street Jersey in Monochrome, £85 Women’s Harbour Jersey, £85 Men’s Street Jersey in Rosé, £85

MBST : Helping patients with Arthritis

We’ve had an exceptionally busy 2022 with MBST in Bristol, treating nearly 300 patients who were living in chronic pain. A lot of those patients had tried most other avenues and were intrigued and hopeful of it having a positive impact on their lives. Many were on NHS waiting lists that were only getting longer. Following the delivery of the next generation device in February, 85% of those patients had an extremely positive response to MBST which is an outstanding outcome, especially considering the lack of alternatives for the treatment of their condition.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2023 from everyone at Cura Clinical

Jane kindly allowed me to use her testimony. This is probably one of the most painful cases of neck pain due to arthritis I’ve seen. Jane was unable to live her life due to the severity, often having to sit still for days due to the pain, unable to lie down, with regular migraines and a vice like feeling in her head. She had MBST for neck cartilage last year (almost a year ago). Whilst Jane still has some fluctuating pain her life now looks very different. She swam at Henleaze lake 4 times last week and does exercise classes every day she doesn’t swim. There is no way she ‘could have considered exercise a year ago.’ This case is a great example of the fact that healing from MBST is NATURAL for which reason it takes time, but over time it can change lives. Rob (above) is a great example of how MBST heals cartilage in a moderate to severe arthritic knee. 15 months after his MBST therapy he now runs, plays racket ball and golf without any pain and that’s without his braces. He’s recently done a course on his severe arthritic neck and after 3-4 months has significantly less neck pain and improved mobility. Over the next 6 months I expect his condition to reach over 90% improvement. I treated Zoe, who is a Pilates instructor, for her arthritic thumbs in February this year: This is her take on MBST: “Just 4 days into the 9 day course I honestly felt as though I could already notice improvement, my thumbs felt different. By day 7 I was full of hope and by the end of it I was jumping for joy! I am now 3 months on and am completely pain free in one thumb and 90% more comfortable in the other (which had been significantly the worse). I can peg out laundry without feeling like the guy on the Skittles advert and hardly notice if I get kicked in the pool! I have recommended many friends and clients to James, I truly believe in it. James himself is kind, personable and fun. If you have joint pain - look no further”.

The Future of Private Hospital Care is Here… and Just Around the Corner

NEW North Bristol Private Hospital | Passionate About Patient Care

“Please meet our vibrant senior management team: Kelly Cavallo (back centre) is our Hospital Operations Manager, in charge of running our facility and staff to the highest standards, Ms Elena Prousskaia, Consultant Plastic Surgeon (front centre) is our Medical Director, Maria Porter (right) is our theatre manager who is in charge of running our theatres safely and efficiently, together with Lynn Cottle (left) as our Administration Lead and Patient coordinator who is always there for our patients to make every step of their journey with us a wonderful experience.”

A Passion for Excellence

Naturally, we demand specialist care and absolute safety as part of a hospital treatment, and now you can expect even more. Best-in-class nursing support and clinical facilities, coupled with luxurious surroundings and supreme comfort - the future of patient care.

NEW North Bristol Private

Hospital (NBPH) is a world-class facility that has been created to surpass the general standard of private hospital care for patients, with safety and highly individualised, bespoke treatments at the heart of its offering. With an eye on the detail and patient welfare at its core, your stay at NBPH promises to provide the best possible recovery experience. With a small, controlled number of beds in the ward, nursing staff can provide individualised specialist care that you would expect at exceptional private hospitals, such as London’s Harley Street.

Your Treatment, Our Specialty

Whether you are visiting us for cosmetic surgery, a routine operation or medical treatment, our facilities are designed to make your entire journey smooth, safe, relaxed and comfortable.

Home from Home

Patients can now experience expert care within exemplary facilities locally, with easy access from the airport, train station and M4 and M5 motorway junctions, without the need to travel to London, therefore removing any risks associated with long distance travel after major procedures. North Bristol Private Hospital is a first in this category, catering for Bristol and the Southwest.

The Wait is Over

This new facility of medical excellence is set to become the long-awaited private treatment epicentre for patients in Bristol and the South West of England and Wales.

Opening Offer

North Bristol Private Hospital will be offering an introductory opening promotion for the first 20 patients who contact us* of a free 15-minute mini cosmetic consultation, with our Expert Patient Advisor.

To book your free consultation appointment, please email us at info@NBPH.co.uk quoting ‘Bristol Magazine’ offer. A Hospital Stay Worth Shouting About

At North Bristol Private Hospital, you will be greeted by:

 Comfortable and inviting consultant and treatment rooms staffed by our meticulously trained administrative and front of house staff. We pride ourselves on exceptional management staff to make your treatment journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible

 Excellent and spacious theatres and round the clock nursing staff, with female-only team available on request

 Ultimate in luxury and comfortable surroundings for the perfect post-operative overnight stay – a home from home experience

 Superb transport routes to and from the hospital, making travel easy and efficient; 30-minute drive from Bristol Airport and very close to both M4 and M5 motorway junctions and Bristol Parkway Train Station

 Ample, free carparking on site

 Variety of restaurant options and comfortable hotel accommodation facilities for your family and visitors within walking distance

Come and see why we are different! Contact us for a consultation: info@NBPH.co.uk

North Bristol Private Hospital, 150 Aztec West, Bristol, BS32 4UB

A question of cataract

When your lens, a small transparent disc inside your eye, develops cloudy patches, the quality of vision can quickly deteriorate.We meet one of Bristol’s most eminent eye specialists Adam Ross

Adam Ross is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a subspeciality interest in cataract surgery including micro-incision and complex cataract surgery, medical retina and uveitis.

He carried out his training in Bristol and Cheltenham, as well as visiting fellowships in New York and Washington.

He has an extensive background in teaching and was the Ophthalmology Postgraduate Training Director and Head of School for Ophthalmology in the Severn Deanery as well as an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Bristol.

His main clinical practice is at the Chesterfield Nuffield Hospital, Bristol and is also involved in research within the subspecialty of retina at Boehringer Ingelheim. Furthermore, he sits on the board of trustees for the charity SRUK (Sight Research UK).

TBM posed some questions to Mr Adam Ross about the common eye condition, cataract.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a common condition that causes clouding of the natural lens of the eye resulting in blurring or glaring of vision. They usually occur slowly over time.

Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts and is recommended based on the severity of the disease and the impact on the daily activities of the patient. During surgery the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear plastic lens in the same lens capsule as the natural lens.

What are the symptoms?

Patients usually complain of a general reduction in vision, clouding of vision or other symptoms such as glare or haloes. Patients may find they also require brighter light for reading or other activities or that they are having to change spectacles on a regular basis.

How can they be treated?

Surgery is the only treatment for cataract and is recommended based on the severity of the condition and the impact it has on the daily activities of the patient. It is performed one eye at a time on an outpatient basis under local anaesthetic.

Are there different lens options?

Some options include: Monofocal intraocular lenses are set at a fixed point usually at distance and are the most common lenses used in cataract surgery.

Multifocal intraocular lenses are recommended after a thorough preoperative diagnostic evaluation. You will be questioned on your visual expectations and lifestyle - both work and leisure activities –and the importance given to both and amount of time spent on each.

Toric intraocular lenses are recommended for patients with moderate/severe degrees of regular astigmatism and can be used in monofocal or multifocal lens settings

With all lenses, it is important that an extensive assessment is carried out explaining the pros and cons of each option, often with repeated measurements and detailed discussion with the patient.

For further assessment?

It is important to see your optometrist/optician on a regular basis who can advise you on the general health of your eye and look for any signs of cataract. ■

• Mr Adam Ross is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and is available for private consultation at the Nuffield Hospital, Bristol.

To make an appointment contact: 0117 369 1179 or email: office@bristoleyeunit.co.uk www.adamross.co.uk

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital 3 Clifton Hill, Bristol BS8 1BN

Design & décor

With the new year come new trends and ideas from which we can take inspiration –why not dive head first into the Magentaverse...

Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2023, Viva Magenta 18-1750, vibrates with vim and vigour. Pantone explains that it is “a shade rooted in nature, descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength.” (Excellent plan.) “Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.” (We are liking the vibes here.)

“This year’s Color of the Year ... revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. It is a colour that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.

“Viva Magenta is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known. Rooted in the primordial, it reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, it galvanises our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.”

Now let’s see which of us is brave enough to use it in the coming months!

Viva Magenta!

• pantone.com

Celebrating 40 years

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Fired Earth launched six beautiful additions to its paint collection. The paints range from the warm burnt orange of Taos House (see above) to the soft umber of Silver Needle, and the jewel-like deep teal of Hesper – all timeless and versatile shades that are perfect for today’s interiors. All six colours have been specially designed to complement the extensive collections of tiles for which the brand is renowned. The paints are priced at £49.50 for 2.5 litres of matt emulsion, and are also available in eggshell and exterior masonry paint.

The Fired Earth winter sale runs throughout January so it’s the perfect time to get shopping if you're thinking about giving your home a bit of an update.

Pick a pattern

Delve into the beautiful work of three local textile artists and designers...

Handmade sustainable bags by Lauren Holloway

Lauren Holloway –named after its founder –is a slow-fashion handbag and accessory brand established in 2013. Desinger and maker Lauren Holloway specialises in creating unique bags, purses, laptop cases and toiletry storage, all carefully and lovingly handcrafted in her Bristol-based studio.

Characterised by bold, eye-catching fabrics and practical, stylish designs, Lauren’s small batch production means each piece is made with attention-todetail and waste is kept to a minimum. Prioritising quality over quantity is important and each bag is made to be delicately durable, not disposable. Respecting the environment is at the very heart of all that Lauren does, which is why all the leather used is repurposed from offcuts that would otherwise have ended up in landfill, and fabric scraps are donated to community projects. Inspired by her travels around the globe, especially the beautiful patterns of Japan and the bold, colourful fabrics of Bali, Lauren’s aim is to create sustainable, unique and practical items that reflect her values and bring a little sunshine into the world.

Toiletry Bag, Navy Asanoha, £36.00

• laurenholloway.uk

Addicted to pattern

Each design in the artisan collection of printed wallhangings by local company Addicted to Patterns is hand-drawn and then transferred to the silk screen. Specialising in designing and printing collections of wallpapers and upholstery fabrics, Justyna Medon’s linear and organic motifs establish a dialogue with the past. She often collaborates with fashion designers and fine artists, loves to play with materials and develop techniques to print on challenging surfaces and to apply colourful patterns that have a visual language filled with mystery and symbolism.

Addicted to Patterns also creates project based custom pattern and placement design for costumes and sets for film, TV, theatre, fashion and interiors.

• addictedtopatterns.uk

ABOVE: Birds from the Meadows wallhanging, 59cm repeat pattern by Addicted to Patterns

New textile range from Kate Loudoun Shand

Textile and wallpaper designer Kate Loudoun Shand has recently unveiled a new range of textiles that celebrates the art of block printing and presents a new take on a classic stripe.

Inspired by the iconic Cabana Stripe with its minimalist, bold pattern, the new collection offers a series of compelling stripes with character and depth. The range features three new designs with a total of 10 colourways that together make a grounding colour palette.

On the new collection, Kate Loudoun Shand comments: “I’ve always wanted more stripes in the line. There’s a lack of stripes with zest and personality in the market and I want this collection to be the answer to that. We work with a family-run business who have been block printing for generations. l love the alchemy that happens when the block is carved by hand and the design is then printed by hand; each element of the pattern is unique and there’s not a machine in sight,” Shand adds.

The new collection is produced from 100% linen made from EU certified flax.

RIGHT: Chaand Stripe in brown and pink