WIN! Richings Health 90 minute massage

through the door

Health & Wellbeing 57

Storrington based Richings Health, launched by Jessie Anderson (pictured left) in the Summer of 2019, couldn’t be better placed for a relaxing treatment being situated at the foot of the beautiful South Downs National Park. Jessie has over 15 years experience in clinics in London and Kent offering advanced massage. She has BSc Hons degree in Sports Rehabilitation and an ITEC qualification in Aromatherapy. Jessie also taught a number of postgraduate courses in massage. I was warmly welcomed and shown to the inviting, purpose-built treatment room with the most stunning and peaceful views across the downs. I’ve experienced many massages before but wasn’t familiar with the term ‘advanced’ massage so was keen to find out more. Jessie said the quality of her treatments and the experience make hers stand out from the rest and she considers her treatments to be the ‘Ferrari’ of massages. Jessie believes massage is much more than a luxury and should be part of everyone’s lifestyle to maintain both physical and emotional health. Massage has a positive impact on every system of the body and can particularly help those who play sport, are pregnant, suffer from aches and pains, depression and anxiety. Jessie carried out a short health consultation and explained how she uses this information to tailor the treatment to the client’s specific needs. She also highlighted a benefit of working for herself in that she can be flexible and always builds in a little extra time between clients. Notepad away it was time for me to experience an ‘advanced’ massage. The next 60 minutes can only be described as pure bliss as Jessie used a variety of techniques to ease away the tension and knots in my shoulders. Jessie encouraged me not speak so I could achieve really deep relaxation and she periodically checked the pressure was comfortable. Jessie’s massage skills are incredible and her passion and knowledge on the subject inspiring. I left Richings Health feeling totally relaxed and revived and continued to reap the benefits for days to come with a sense of inner calm and balance. Don’t just take my word for it, there are many glowing reviews on www.richingshealth.com Jessie is offering £20 off a first treatment, quote “Sussex Local” and book by 31st May 2020 Tel: 07737 070612 Massage for optimal health Advanced massage in Storrington. Review by Lindsey Taylor

58 Pets

Like human obesity in the western world obesity in our pets is rising too. Some estimate that as many as half the pet population is currently overweight with a significant percentage considered clinically obese. Part of the problem is the average daily amount of food pets are being fed. Most people tend to think that dogs and cats need a bowl of food daily but how much is in one bowl of food? Little do we realise that portion size and between meal snacks play a major part in the excessive amounts of calories consumed. Just imagine feeding your little pet a chipolata as a between meal treat. Sounds quite innocuous right? Actually, this amount of food for a small dog is equivalent to a human eating a 12 oz steak in one sitting! Now if they had two or three … well you can see how serious the problem is. To estimate just how much your pet needs in calories on a daily basis you need to calculate their resting metabolic rate, which is the number of calories needed in 24 hours to maintain normal body function when they are simply resting. Paws for thought Are our pets secret eaters? Dr Julian Hoad

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) = 70 + (weight in kg x 30) After calculating their resting rate this is then multiplied by 1.6 for a neutered adult, 1.8 times for an un-neutered adult and 1.4 for animals prone to obesity (genetic predisposition or breeds). Remember that by adding rice to their diet you could be doubling the number of calories consumed and dog treats and joint sticks, also contain calories. Most clients will admit to giving their pets a few extra treats but remember the problem lies with the amount and most of us don’t actually weigh out or count the number of biscuits we let our dogs have in one day. Exercise will however make a difference as to how many calories your pet can consume but if you have an indoor cat or an older inactive dog then you need to be even more vigilant. You can weigh your pet at the vet and talk to them about a diet plan. So, do you think you are making your pet a secret eater? Only you can be the judge of that. Crossways Veterinary Group, School Hill, Storrington, 01903 743040 www.crosswaysvets.co.uk