Education

Health & Wellbeing Gardener’s nemesis is great for health

At last I managed to get out into the garden the other day. I had been feeling overwhelmed by what there was to do and so procrastinating. Luckily I managed to enlist the help of Tim who came and did some brilliant clearing for me and gave me the inspiration to crack on. Whilst doing this Tim said I had a problem with couchgrass. This was very exciting to me, as couchgrass is a good herb and to my shame I had no idea what it looked like. I am most certainly not an expert on grasses and I was having difficulty identifying it. Now I have been shown, the rhizomes and stolons make it much easier to spot. It creeps along and once you have it, it is very difficult to eradicate. I proudly said that it was a herb, but when asked what it did, couldn’t remember it all. So I have done a bit of research and it really is a very useful, simple and effective herb to use. Primarily it is used for the urinary tract. It has lots of mucilage in the rhizomes (roots) which is always soothing for all the mucous membranes. It has diuretic and healing properties so it helps any inflammation and infection including cystitis or irritable bladder. It is reportedly good for prostatis and benign enlargement of the prostate, and helps to prevent and remove kidney stones and gravel. It contains silicic acid, which is great for healing after infections or for helping with urinary incontinence or bed wetting. It is very soothing throughout the gut and will help with any inflammation of the stomach, liver and gall bladder. The mucilage, most of which is undigestible, absorbs toxins from the intestine and adds bulk to the stool which then encourages the excretion of wastes so it is helpful for gout and its anti inflammatory action is good for arthritis. It is also good for the lungs, with antimicrobial and anti inflammatory properties helping to relieve irritating coughs and bronchitis. It is said to clear catarrhal congestion through its soothing actions on the mucosa of the nose and throat. The silica in it has a healing effect on the lungs. Traditionally, boiling up the roots was used as a spring tonic and it can be used topically as a gargle or to speed up healing of wounds. It is also very popular with animals. Dogs when eating grass will often be eating couchgrass to help with their digestion.

Fiona Chapman is studying naturopathy and herbal medicine at the College of Naturopathic Medicine The pros and cons of living in a routine

The recent half term brought about a change of routine with hopefully less screen time and more just doing ‘stuff’ as our children felt like it. What is it about routines that are so good for us but so nice to get away from? If we have structured our lives so we follow a regular pattern, we are providing a skeleton on which the rest of our day can sit on. Additionally, routines allow our brains to operate more efficiently. As our daily actions and behaviour become routine, it means we do them automatically and without much thought. Cleaning our teeth, switching the kettle on for that ‘first cuppa’ – these are all things we do without really thinking, freeing our brainpower for more important things. But what about more consciously formed routines? We all have specific tasks allocated to specific days of the week, ensuring the essential tasks are done as they need to be. But does it also mean we have more time for other things? The simple answer is, yes. In the same way that planning your week means you use your time as efficiently and effectively as possible, by having a routine for the regular jobs means we know that time is already allocated. We don’t need to worry about when we are going to do something because we have it planned out. We are creatures of habit so it means we are more likely to remember the regular things. The cons? We have been living a much reduced version of our lives, on repeat, for a year. Just now we are probably viewing the routines of our lives with something wavering between irritation and despair. If the routines form the structure of our lives and the skeleton on which creativity, stimulation, inspiration, learning, development and growth can sit, they really are only at their best if they have all those things following them. If we are just living through a series of routines, yes, they help us achieve and remember but there’s not much variety without all those things listed above. It’s about balance. We need both aspects to make the best use of our lives. This is key – to remain in control of our routines, not to be controlled by them. I hope, as we begin the slow process out of Lockdown, we can embrace the security and liberty that routines bring to our lives. Alice Johnsen is a life coach based just outside Sherborne. 07961 080513 alicejohnsen.co.uk

A walk around...

HAYDON

Haydon is one of the smallest parishes in Dorset, in area and in population which is about 44. It’s very peaceful with more vehicles going overhead than on the roads. There aren’t any modern buildings at all. Park near the church, which was built in 1883 but includes parts of the old one from Saxon times. Over the road is a lodge at an entrance to the Sherborne Castle Estate. The notice says there’s no access but there’s a public footpath. We might go there on another occasion. Take the lane going south east past the church, which leads to Haydon Farm. When you’re past the farm, the Tarmac runs out and you’re on a byway, Huish Lane. After nearly a mile you reach a road, Ashmore Lane. Follow it south west for five furlongs then turn right, west north west up a narrow footpath then, over the hill, downwards. with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

Now you’ll be glad you wore wellies or that you remembered to dubbin your walking boots as a stream runs down the path. After a while, at a confluence, cross a little bridge and head uphill through a wood and soon you’ll be back on a road. Turn right and head north for half a mile and you’ll be back at your car. If you have the time and the energy you might like to head up the lane leading uphill to the west, curiously named West Lane. It has pleasant views. Being on clay soil, there are several ponds next to the road at the top of the hill, which might be interesting at tadpole time. When you reach the third hedge on the right you’ve reached the parish boundary, so turn round and go back to your car.

Trying to ‘fix your feelings’ with drink, work or exercise?

Psychotherapist David Stanton lives near Sherborne.

All too often, I hear clients say: “but I had such a good childhood” or “currently life’s not too bad, just a bit more stressful than usual” –then they justify why they’re at the end of their tether and have sought therapy. In mental health we’ve learnt trauma is not necessarily just about those significant blow-up events; a massive car accident, surviving torturous abuse, being in combat or having a near death experience etc. We can be traumatised by seemingly insignificant life events; or even an ‘off the cuff’ remark. I had an anorexic client, whose 15-year eating disorder started with one small critical comment about her weight and looks. Her way of dealing with perceived rejection and subsequent deep insecurity was to control her intake of food. It led to years of utter misery for her; let alone her parents and siblings who had to watch her nearly starve to death, feeling powerless to help her. This week, someone I know celebrated 25 years in recovery from 17 years of chronic alcoholism. When I asked him why he’d started ‘self medicating’ he said alcohol gave him confidence and initially helped him to feel included and ‘belong.’ He said it washed away his insecurities and gave him ‘energy to cope.’ I’m currently seeing another client who was recently diagnosed with clinical depression and acute anxiety. She’s a middle-aged nurse in a local hospital on the high-intensity covid ward. She’s witnessed and experienced more emotional distress than at any time in her 27-year career so far. At the time, her understandable response was to work flat out as many hours as possible; causing her to ‘burn out’ with emotional and physical exhaustion. So what have all these individuals got in common? They’ve all tried to fix their uncomfortable feelings –the anorexic tried to control her body image, the alcoholic tried to fix his insecurities and the nurse tried to fix her distress and sadness with excessive work. ‘Fixing feelings’ is something most of us do at some time or another; which if not kept in check, can have a very detrimental effect on our well-being, mentally and physically. Comfort eating, endless shopping, over working, excessive exercise, using drinks and/or drugs, binge watching television, hours of video games or being on social media, keeping busy – are all ways to avoid painful emotions. Especially in times of fear and high anxiety, it’s very tempting to try and make ourselves feel better, happier, more positive and productive. Our behavioural responses take the edge off the guilt and/or shame. It’s often a form of and escapism. It lifts us from the pit of melancholia and brooding about how hard life is at times. Unfortunately we have a culture where being low in mood or depressed is also something we find difficult to handle; in ourselves and other people. Denial has become a huge problem for many and the meaning of ‘self care’ is often misconstrued or misunderstood. Stress is at an all-time high for many. Just the thought of stopping and being silent or still can be very scary; because then we’re left with ourselves and our thoughts and feelings.

David Stanton IAC ICPT ISOCS ISSUP Senior Psychotherapist/Counsellor. Trainer and Mental Health Consultant.

Individual and Group face to face sessions; also via video on WhatsApp, Skype, Messenger and Zoom.

Clinical Supervisor to other Health Care workers.

Counselling for Individuals, Groups, Couples, Children, Adolescents and Families.

40+ years experience; including working with Relate, the Samaritans, MIND, Turning Point, Action on Addiction, Emmaus, CAMHS. GP Surgeries. Schools, Universities, Youth Service, Prisons, Courts. HR Depts, Corporates.

Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Self Esteem, Relationship problems, Family Dynamics, Bereavement, Eating Disorders, Substance/Alcohol Abuse, Addictions. Isolation, Loneliness, PTSD, Bi-Polar, OCD, Sexual/Physical Abuse, Self Harming, Death Anxiety, Sex Issues. Lack of Meaning & Purpose, Anger, Phobias, Gender, Sexuality, Social Justice. Conflict Resolution. Crisis Management.

Available for Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Workshops, Retreats, Seminars, Training and Talks.

Emotional Intelligence and Awareness Educator to all Education Establishments and Businesses.

CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED.

Education For Greene’s a jolly good Fellow!

Yeovil College and the Yeovil College University Centre have awarded an Honorary Fellowship to Jo Roundell Greene. This honour is traditionally reserved by colleges and universities for those who have shown distinction in academia or public life. Jo has been a familiar and popular figure in the community for many years having spent 16 years as a South Somerset District Councillor. During her time on the council, Jo was Deputy Leader and a member of the Executive Committee, with specific responsibilities for Economic Development, the Environment and Equality and Diversity. Jo was a board member of Yeovil College until 2013 and during that time she launched several charitable fundraising campaigns. Jo re-joined the board last year. Mark Bolton, CEO and Principal of Yeovil College, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jo to our select group of Fellows. “As a member of the Yeovil College Corporation, for the second time, Jo is a long-term supporter of our great college, always prioritising the best interests of our community and student body. Her wealth of experience and passion for our community positions Jo as a brilliant ambassador for our college.”

Jo Roundell Greene Photo by Len Copland

Special online art workshops offered to pupils

Special workshops delivered by acclaimed and award-winning artists are the latest in a series of online events at Bryanston during the pandemic. An invitation has also been extended for pupils in Years 11 and 12 at The Blandford School to join the next live online workshop to be hosted by highly respected portrait artist Paul Brandford. Bryanston’s art department is also exploring the possibility of producing a series of short films to promote creativity in online art lessons for primary schools within the Blandford Schools Network once restrictions are lifted. Head of art Doug Knight said: “Delivering an effective and fulfilling remote learning experience for pupils has been a challenge for all schools, all teachers and all parents.” He added: “We know how pupils thrived from the experience of earlier prelockdown workshops at the school so we were keen to add similar variety and interest to our own online resources. “However, the new initiatives have also provided us with the opportunity to extend similar support for neighbouring schools, which has been really well received.” Mr Knight added: “We’re delighted that, as well as our art scholars, so many pupils attended the two-hour live online workshop with many others in different time zones also watching a recording of the event. It was a rich, hectic, amusing and inspirational afternoon and the positive feedback from the different year groups has been outstanding.”

School issues plea for your support

Blandford School has issued an urgent appeal for help as it prepares to re-open to all pupils. In an open letter, the resources committee of the TBS Governing Body say: “We hear the best place for children is in schools, and that the government places great value on education. “Perhaps less often heard is the financial impact of covid on schools, now and over the coming months or years. “Many schools in Dorset ran a ‘licensed deficit’ before the pandemic – The Blandford School was no exception. “Schools, open to students from key worker and other homes, have had to take measures to be covid-safe. “To date, these have cost TBS more than £60,000, which includes cleaning and health and safety (to comply with covid regulations) of around £15,000, as well as teaching cover and catering. At the same time, facility hire has ceased, resulting in a loss of income of around £40,000, for which there will be no compensation. “The DfE states that schools will have some covid expenditures reimbursed, with schools the size of TBS eligible for up to £75,000. But the conditions are strict, and schools are refused permission to claim for making premises ‘covid-secure’. Of the approximately £60,000 additional expenditure, the school has only been able to reclaim £6,500.” Since January this year, TBS has been covid testing almost 200 pupils, and with testing staff from local primary schools. “Much of the cost of the testing is underwritten by external funders, but the school still must buy additional sanitiser, PPE, medical waste disposal bags and pay for medical waste disposal. “When children return to TBS full-time, it is very likely the school will need to scale up the testing regime which will also add extra costs. “As a governing board we want TBS to be fully open again, to provide the best possible learning and educational outcomes for all its pupils. “However, we are most concerned that the school – and therefore its returning student body – is at risk of being seriously underfunded. As a board we are keen to build on the support from the local community – the town council, Chaffers and Rotary to date – to help the school over what is likely to be a challenging period in many respects. If you can assist in any way, we would very much appreciate hearing from you.”