WellBeing World Winter 2014/15 by wellbeingworld

No.6 Winter 2014/15 Health | Happiness | Inspiration

For Your Winter Wellness

FEATURING The Healthiest Places to Live How Are Your Finances Feeling? Having a Kale of a Time

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE The Best Cure for Heartbreak Baby Sleep Transforming the Teen Years Feeling Great Post 50 â&#x20AC;Ś and Much More to Inspire, Relax and Make You Feel GOOD!

www.wellbeingworld.je

WellBeingWorld

WELCOME

Welcome

Words: Beverley Le Cuirot, Founder & Editor

There is such a lot to share with you as we head into the winter months and the turn of the year. Wellbeing is entering the mainstream; achieving recognition by politicians, employers, and individuals, young and old, all who want a better life for themselves and those they care about. That is what inspires us to bring you this magazine. We’re all about health, happiness and inspiration. After all, being happy is not just about feeling good. Research shows that it also makes us healthier, and more productive. A win win. Others do still ask ‘Why wellbeing? The answer is simple; as the population ages and demands on government resources increase, the way forward is to promote wellness through prevention, self-care and looking after one’s overall wellbeing. We are pleased to see the developments on the wellbeing front in the UK, and we report on them in this edition; we also bring you the Top 10 Healthiest Places to Live in the USA, and draw the comparison on each of the criteria with the Island of Jersey, a veritable hotspot of holistic health and wellbeing, if ever there was one. We have international contributors from as far as San Francisco and New York City, as well as a growing number from all over the UK, many of whom I have had the pleasure of meeting personally in the last 12 months. And, of course, we have our health and wellness expert contributors based right here in Jersey; all of whom it is my pleasure to call our Members; they are the backbone of the WellBeing World offering, and make it what it is today.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

Far from being soft and fluffy, wellbeing brings evidenced economic and social value. It offers vital flexible employment choices to thousands of people, it provides us all with the opportunity to help ourselves, and to support the health and wellbeing of our community and those in need. Crucially it gives us a platform from which to grow our economy. Given the wellbeing ‘sector’ incorporates everything we grow to healthily sustain ourselves; everything we do in our fitness, sporting and recreation activities; the services which provide our rest and recuperation; and the way we inspire our minds with music, culture and the arts; and as it is now hitting the mainstream, we have an exciting future ahead with endless possibility for all of us. We hope you enjoy this latest edition, and until next time, joy to all people!

Beverley beverley@wellbeingworld.je

CONTENTS

Contents FEATURES

Driving WellBeing up the Political Agenda The Healthiest Places to Live in the USA Jersey – A Hotspot for Holistic Health and WellBeing

WHAT’S NEW

NHS to Prioritise Workforce Health Bringing Balance to Your Life The Quantified Self Ground Breaking Wellness Technology - in Jersey

COMMUNITY

Jersey’s Ageing Population – Who Cares? Fancy a Career in Healthcare? Good Mental Health is Everybody’s Business

MIND

Time to Reflect And Relax ... EFT for Stress Relief The Best Cure for Heartbreak

FITNESS

Cycling Your Way to Good Health Core Strength ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ Access to Luxury Gyms and Spas Your Body is a Temple and Your House is a Gym!

LIFE

Living a Life Less Toxic Recover Your Weekend. Not From It. Life after Breakdown - It’s Never Too Late

WORK

Energising Employees: Prioritise Wellness at Work Humble Leaders: Leading by Example Interviewing for a Job? Take Pride in Your Stride Your Health: Your Success Women, Work and WellBeing

5 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42

MONEY

Mi Wellness – How are Your Finances Feeling?

HEALTH

Cleaning Your Teeth – Could it Save Your Life? Are You at Your Best? Survive or Thrive? The Harmony of Physiotherapy and Pilates … CranioSacral Therapy All Not Well? Just Tap It Better Actively Working to Keep You Active

FOOD

The Gluten Free Journey Have a Kale of a Time this Winter Mindful Eating – Digestion and Satisfaction Souped Up

FAMILY

Preparing for Winter Wellness WellBeing for the Senses: Aroma Gentle Parenting Baby Sleep Transforming the Teen Years Feeling Great Post 50 Are You Standing in Your Own Way?

BOOKS

52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86

Happiness By Design The Shape We’re In

88 89

DIRECTORY

44 46 48 49 50

Guest Contributors: Shashi Solluna - UK Faith Canter - UK Douglas Ruark - USA Charlotte Watts - UK Alicia Evans - UK Quentin Vennie - USA

In Jersey: Dr Andrew Mitchell Lorraine Pannetier Lynn Minchinton-Gilley Tania Le Couillard Sarah Holmes Georgina Noel

Ann Marie Clarke Anne-marie Webb Claire de Gruchy Dr Amanda Bailey Tasha Bolla Lucy Sanderson Beverley Le Cuirot

Thank You and Disclaimer: WellBeing World would like to thank all of our contributors, members and advertisers for making our magazine what it is; and to you, our readers, for your support.

wise health decisions and which support your general health and wellbeing.

for the views and actions of individual contributors.

Although every effort is made to ensure the veracity of published information, WellBeing World and its Directors and Publishers cannot be held responsible for the information contained herein or

All contributors are qualified to practice in their own fields of expertise. If in doubt, please consult with a medical practitioner before acting on health information received.

We aim to bring you properly researched information that enables you to make 4

FEATURES

Driving WellBeing up the Political Agenda It is now eight years since David Cameron first declared that that GDP wasn’t the only measure, but instead we should focus on GWB – General WellBeing; and a lot has happened since then, including new national measurements; and in September 2014, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on WellBeing Economics published its first report on WellBeing Economics, including recommendations for building a high wellbeing society. The UK Group is made up of politicians from all major political parties, and was set up to provide a forum for discussion of wellbeing issues and public policy in Parliament; to promote the enhancement of wellbeing as an important government goal; to encourage the adoption of wellbeing indicators as complementary measures of progress to GDP; and to promote policies designed to enhance wellbeing. The report is the result of a year-long inquiry exploring how wellbeing evidence can be translated into policy in four diverse areas: labour markets, planning and transport, mindfulness in health and education, and arts and culture. Key recommendations include:

• A focus on secure, stable employment: More than half UK workers are worried about losing their jobs, with disastrous consequences for their wellbeing and productivity - sickness leave alone costs an estimated £100bn a year. The report concludes that secure, stable employment should be the primary focus of economic policy.

• More green spaces to promote social inclusion and physical activity: Planning processes have lost sight of their original

mission to improve community wellbeing. Restoring this would transform local areas, with considerable economic

Creating a WORLD of Difference

benefits - city liveability is a major consideration for big employers, while encouraging residents to take up walking or cycling could save the NHS £675m a year.

• Mindfulness training for doctors and teachers: Mental

health problems cost the UK economy an estimated £70bn annually. Training new medical and teaching staff in mindfulness techniques would embed a culture of wellbeing in health and education, and reduce a later burden on the NHS by improving the availability of mindfulness-based therapies.

• Investment in arts and culture: Arts and culture play an important part in all our lives, and wellbeing data will help make the case for spending in these areas. As well as the direct benefits for wellbeing, the arts – especially participatory arts – has been shown to impact on key drivers of wellbeing such as physical and mental health. The report outlines in practical terms what action the Government can take to increase wellbeing and shift focus onto the need to improve the quality of life in the UK. Just imagine, a future where wellbeing takes its rightful place as a central goal of government policy … in Jersey, as well as the UK.

FEATURES

The Healthiest Places to Live in the USA The Top Spots for Fitness, Nutrition and Ageing Well

For an island, 9 miles by 5, Jersey is literally a rock that is home to some 99,000 very lucky people. Having recently read a rather interesting article in the Huffington Post about the 10 healthiest places to live in America (based on a recent TIME publication: ‘Healthiest Places to Live: Lessons from the Top Spots for Fitness, Nutrition and Ageing Well by Claudia Wallis), we had to bring to your attention just how fortunate we are. For, in comparison, little old Jersey ticks a huge amount of health and wellbeing boxes. That’s right, our idyllic isle may be known as ‘The Rock’ but in actual fact, the island is a veritable holistic hotspot when it comes to quality of life and overall wellbeing.

First, let’s look at the 10 healthiest places to live in America. According to Wallis, these are:

Honolulu, Hawaii

Silicon Valley, California

Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota

San Francisco Bay Area, California

Burlington, Vermont

Denver and Boulder, Colorado

Aloha! Good feelings to others, a laidback culture, natural beauty and healthy foodways, and you get Honolulu, the best place for lifelong health.

The local, natural and organic food movement in the area, and year-round season for growing produce, the Bay Area is named the best place in the USA for healthy eating.

Also part of the Bay Area, this region was singled out for its distinct work culture. Thanks to the flexibility in hours and technological advancements, like treadmill desks, The Valley is rated the best for workplace wellness.

Childhood wellness and healthy habits; outdoor fun opportunities, local markets teaching classes for kids in the kitchen, and high graduation rates; Burlington, Vermont is rated the best place to raise a healthy child in the US.

With high volunteerism, a strong local economy, incredible parks and the Mayo Clinic just a short drive away, the Twin Cities won the best place for ageing well in the United States.

Ranked first in 2011 for the percentage of adults (61.9%) who participated in moderate or vigorous physical activity. With the Rocky Mountains in jogging distance, no wonder Colorado has the highest % of citizens with a healthy body weight of any area in the USA!

FEATURES

Plano, Texas

Enjoying a very low crime rate, a tight-knit community and a police department requiring a four year degree, Plano was rated as the best place for staying safe.

Portland, Oregon

The first place in the US to adopt a globalwarming policy. With over 300 miles of bike paths, and all necessities: shops, schools, open spaces and public transit, within a 20 minute walking distance. Eco-friendly facts to make Portland the best place for a healthy environment.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

Boston, Massachusetts

With one of the highest life expectancy rates and affordable healthcare, Boston is named as the best place in the United States for healthcare.

Provo and Orem, Utah

A Mormon community, the huge emphasis on charity, service and connection, correlates with lower risk of disease and contributes to Provo and Orem being the best places for spiritual wellbeing.

So, if we are considering community orientation, natural beauty, healthy produce, workplace wellbeing, a great place to grow up, high volunteerism, incredible scenery, a focus on physical fitness, public safety, an eco-friendly environment, life expectancy, good health care, and an emphasis on charity, service and connection - and so on. Jersey fits the bill on all counts, and hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how â&#x20AC;Ś

FEATURES

Jersey – A Hotspot For Holistic Health And WellBeing! Jersey offers beautiful surroundings with its diverse coastline presenting a pretty picture for walking and taking in the fresh air. There are plenty of places to go and immerse oneself in nature – from the beaches to the dunes, to the country lanes and boundless inland paths and green lanes. These unique places also offer up an array of wonderful produce; from the fresh fish to the organic vegetables – a must if you consider how important healthy food is toward ensuring a well-balanced and wholesome lifestyle. Obesity in Jersey is relatively low (well lower than the USA and UK) and our overall health and wellbeing is deemed to be good. With top rate medical services at our reach and many complementary treatments also available, we are blessed to have such choice. Compared to the UK, we are seen promptly by general practitioners and specialists alike and mostly all diseases have their own respective surgeons and experts on island to work with patients in need of their services. Jersey is home to a fine hospice and recuperation centre as well as plenty of private convalescence homes and after care. Care for the elderly is comparatively good in Jersey too – with homes and residential care across the scale being on offer to the older generation living in Jersey. [We do have some work to do to prepare for the ageing population and that is covered on page 18]. 8

As for the younger Jersey generations, they are fortunate to have good schooling – both State run and private. Grades are generally higher than our UK counterparts and many go on to university or higher education. We have internationally recognised Degrees to be studied at the Jersey International Business School, and Highlands College also offers an exceedingly good and diverse range of courses for islanders to embark on for betterment and prospects for work. With employment rates better than across the water, we are pretty lucky in that regard too.

FEATURES

Opportunities to keep fit in Jersey are also great, with a relatively high number of gyms and spas, pools, a running track along the front and the natural landscape presenting its own fair share of fitness opportunities. The sand dunes are a favourite for the Jersey Rugby team and even the steep stairwell up to Fort Regent proves a challenging exercise route for those wanting to boost their stamina. Prices for memberships, classes and pursuits, with no VAT and a range of different offerings to suit all levels of fitness and budget – there’s plenty to literally keep us on our toes! With respect to social wellbeing, Jersey is renowned for being generous in terms of giving time and energy to charitable pursuits. Just think of some of the events on the social calendar, such as Groove de Lecq and all of the other events and gatherings held by local people – sharing talents and expertise, giving time and money to benefit others. Volunteerism breeds a healthy spirit and in turn a gratitude for all of the good things we, as the lucky folk of Jersey have available to us. We have a rich heritage, culture and the arts; and a work-life balance the envy of many; where else could you be on the beach within 20 minutes of leaving the office? Jersey is safe, we are one of the few places in Europe where walking down the street late at night is rarely a cause for concern. In regard to major crime, Jersey has its handful of notable incidences but within the ratio of time against seriousness, we barely show up on the parameter of significant crime concerns. And, the island itself … Beautiful Jersey – our environment and the care we take to preserve it is, for the most part exceptional. We may have our debates over historic landmarks and natural landscapes and how they should or should not be developed, but in general Jersey takes great care of itself and we as islanders ought to be proud of how environmentally conscious many of us are. Recycling and eco friendly travel around the island is a high priority and it seems our many excellent schools are taking the steps necessary to ensure the message is handed down to generations to come.

Photography by David Ogilvie

Add to this, the fresh sea air, clean beaches, above average sunshine and blue skies, stunning coastlines, the natural beauty of the countryside, great choice of good food, cultural sites, sports and fitness choices, the plethora of luxury spas, gyms and vast range of therapies which are available for one’s general health and wellbeing, Jersey is THE destination on Europe’s doorstep to rest, relax and re-energise. All within a close proximity, and just one hour from London, it is perfect for a weekend to escape the city completely. Who needs Honolulu for its lifelong health, San Francisco for its healthy eating, or Silicon Valley for workplace wellness, when we have our own world of wellbeing right here in Beautiful Jersey.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

FEATURES

NHS to Prioritise Workforce Health It was announced in October 2014 that the NHS is to put the health of its 1.3 million employees at the heart of its development by offering staff incentives to stay healthy and serve as health ambassadors in local communities. The plan for the service in England was unveiled in the organisation's Five Year Forward View which added that employers in England should be incentivised to provide effective National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended workplace health programmes for staff. As part of the necessity to better join up public health services and take on a more preventative role, the NHS will now back hard-hitting national action on obesity, smoking, alcohol and other major health risks. "We will help develop and support new workplace incentives to promote employee health and cut sickness-related unemployment. And we will advocate for stronger public health-related powers for local government and elected mayors," the report said. It acknowledged previous estimates that the NHS could reduce its overall sickness rate by a third - the equivalent of adding almost 15,000 staff and 3.3 million working days at a cost saving of £550m. It also noted that while three quarters of NHS trusts said they offered staff the help to quit smoking, only about a third offered them support in keeping to a healthy weight.

To tackle this, the NHS in England will: • Cut access to unhealthy products on NHS premises, implement food standards, and provide healthy options for night staff.

• Measure staff health and wellbeing, and introduce voluntary work-based weight watching and health schemes which international studies have shown achieve sustainable weight loss in more than a third of those who take part. • Support active travel schemes for staff and visitors.

• Promote the Workplace Wellbeing Charter, the Global Corporate Challenge and the TUC's Better Health and Work initiative, and ensure NICE guidance on promoting healthy workplaces is implemented, particularly for mental health. • Review with the Faculty of Occupational Medicine the strengthening of occupational health.

The report also addressed general NHS staff reward and noted that pay would need to grow in line with private sector wages. The Five Year Forward View is a collaboration between six leading NHS groups including Monitor, Health Education England, the NHS Trust Development Authority, Public Health England, the Care Quality Commission and NHS England.

WHAT’S NEW

Bringing Balance to Your Life

at The Wellness Centre (Castle Quay) INTERVIEW with: Adrian C. Luckhurst - DC BSc. (Hons) MSc. (Chiro)

Most of us have heard the word ‘Wellness’ used in different contexts in recent years, but what does it actually mean? Is it an emotion or a feeling? Is it a place? Is it something that can be found or achieved? The truth is that wellness means different things to different people. In a nutshell, wellness is really about trying to achieve and maintain balance in one’s life. It is important to realise that very few of us (if any) ever live a purely linear existence. Most of us live rather more dynamic and variable lives due to the fact that life, by its very nature is changeable and unpredictable. As such, our lives can from time to time be thrown off course and out of balance. Whatever the cause may be, for example physical, mental, social, chemical, spiritual, etc. the end result is often the same. We become imbalanced and ultimately ‘ill health’ is allowed to slowly creep into our lives. Many of us go through life feeling helpless or unable to change and not recognising that we can all make choices to improve our lifestyle on a daily basis. Let’s face it, none of us are born with a tool box and a manual of how to get through life unscathed either physically, mentally, or emotionally.

Recognising this fact, Chiropractors Adrian and Andrea Luckhurst were determined to make a positive difference. In October 2013 they decided to embark on an ambitious project to evolve their existing practice ( Jersey Chiropractic Centre), grow their team of specialised professionals and create a ‘Wellness Centre’ of excellence. This expanded vision required a much larger and improved home for their team, their patient members and their clients. After several months of looking for the perfect venue, they finally found it at Castle Quay on The Waterfront. The Wellness Centre (Castle Quay) has been designed from start to finish to invite, relax, and rejuvenate. Using the highest quality materials including natural stones, a selection of hardwoods, glass and steel, and a tasteful blend of tactile feature walls, contemporary art

and organic style sculptures; it has been designed to give it a modern gallery feel. Adrian and Andrea don’t pretend to have all the answers, just the right people with the right tools in an amazing environment to help you bring balance back into your life. The Centre’s main goal is to provide a service that personifies a unique experience, leaving individuals better connected with their physical bodies and cognitive minds. “We’re about community, healthy lifestyle, finding balance and creating a unique experience for our clients and patient members,” Andrea told us. The Wellness Centre at Castle Quay and their team of specialised professionals offer an array of services all aimed at providing a holistic approach to health through

WHAT’S NEW

“The Copper Willow Tree is the Wellness Centre’s very own Wishing Tree. All coins donated are collected and given to the Starlight Foundation at the end of each year; as beautiful a way of giving back as the centre itself !”

integrative healthcare. Now offering a range of mainstream health services like Chiropractic & Nutritional Consultations, to more alternative therapies such as Acupuncture, Buteyko, Craniosacral Therapy, and Reflexology. Additionally Mindfulness Guidance and Psychotherapy Counselling are aimed at improving individual’s mental wellbeing, whilst a large selection of different Massages, Skin Care (Dermalogica) and Sports Therapy will help with your physical wellbeing. At the Centre you can also find the beautifully designed ‘Wellness Studio’, which will host a number of beneficial services ranging from Sports Therapy/Rehabilitation, Yoga Therapy, Pilates, Mindfulness tuition and guest lecturing. Last, but most definitely not least, The Wellness Centre at Castle Quay features the first ever ‘Float SPA’ Hydrotherapy Pod in the Channel Islands or indeed the UK! This amazing piece of equipment allows individuals to float effortlessly on a warm layer of water super-saturated with Epsom Salts (MgSO4). This highly nourishing and weightless environment allows an incredibly

Creating a WORLD of Difference

deep relaxation of one’s muscles, joints and spine. Additionally as the pod has been ingeniously designed to gradually subtract out external stimuli (gravity/pressure, sight, sound, etc.) it allows you and your mind to descend into an immensely relaxed state from 30mins up to 3 hours! One can choose to float with the pod open for a more spacious feeling, or closed for the ultimate relaxing experience. Finally, a place where you can forget the world for a while, enabling you, your body and your mind to de-stress, de-clutter, defrag, and reconnect with yourself, ready to face another day stronger than ever before. If you want to feel more balanced, younger, stronger, faster, healthier, more flexible, more focussed, more relaxed and less fatigued, then The Wellness Centre (Castle Quay) and their dedicated team of specialist professionals is definitely the right choice for you, your friends and your family. Whenever you are ready to let true health and wellbeing back in your life, they are ready to welcome you. Find out more: www.the-wellness-centre.com

Pictured top left are: Dr. Andrea F. Luckhurst (Director/Chiropractor) & Dr. Adrian C. Luckhurst (Director/Practice Manager) 13

WHAT’S NEW

The Quantified Self WORDS: Dr Andrew Mitchell Consultant Cardiologist and Digital Health Entrepreneur

Keen to be at the forefront of all things health and wellbeing, we caught up with Dr Andrew Mitchell for the latest on the digital health scene, as ever, it was fascinating … The quantified self is a measured self. Thanks to new data acquisition technologies we are able to measure multiple modalities of our daily life, using devices such as wearable sensors, cameras, dataloggers and GPS. This information obtained can be from different types of input (e.g. food consumed, sleep, weight), different states (e.g. mood, arousal, blood oxygen levels), and changes in performance (e.g. mental and physical). People and patients have been collecting data on themselves for a very long time. Benjamin Franklin famously tracked 13 personal virtues from temperance to humility in a daily journal to push himself toward moral perfection. Each day he dotted the virtues he failed to fulfil with a black lead pencil. He shared this insight in his autobiography; “I was surprised to find myself so much fuller of faults than I had imagined, but I had the satisfaction of seeing them diminish.” Most people will also have some experience of quantifying themselves. Simple examples are height charts and weighing scales to show weight changes to slimming clubs. In the UK we are all asked to complete child health records in the red book and record key development and health events. Home blood pressure machines have allowed people to chart their recordings and bring them to their doctor visits. People

with diabetes monitor their own blood sugar and adjust their doses of insulin according to results. Finger prick blood testing allows patients taking blood thinners such as warfarin to control their own dosing without having to visit hospital clinics. These are all examples of the quantified or measurable self. What is changing is that new high-powered smartphone technologies, miniature hardware sensors and network connectivity allow us to record, store and share an enormous amount of health-related data. Large players such as Apple, Google, Microsoft and Samsung have all recently put digital health at the core of their business development and have launched platforms to try and entice new users as well as app and hardware developers.

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW

Want to find out more? Here are some quantified self websites to take a look at:

The economic impact of this is staggering. It is estimated that there are 1.75 billion smartphone users and a survey of users across all age groups revealed that over 75 percent want to use digital health technologies. There are around 100,000 mobile health apps currently available and four million mobile health apps are downloaded every day. Worldwide revenues from sports, fitness, and activity tracking devices are worth $1 billion in 2014 and sales are predicted to grow by nearly 50 percent by 2019. As a consequence, venture capitalists are targeting quantifiedhealth start-ups for investment.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

In a health conscious world of wellness, an important goal of the quantified-self movement is to modify peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; behaviour to bring about health benefits. In order for that to happen, the user must be offered information into their data that is motivational and achievable. The hope then is to steer people to longer and healthier lifestyles whilst helping them manage their time better and track and preserve life memories. The holy grail of the quantified-self movement is to also use the data to identify specific medical interventions that will have an impact on health outcomes. Today we ask our doctor. Tomorrow we may ask our data.

www.fitbit.com www.garmin.com www.alivecor.com www.heartforlife.co.uk www.getqardio.com www.withings.com www.azumio.com www.ihealthlabs.com www.jawbone.com www.ginger.io www.wellocracy.com

WHAT’S NEW

Ground Breaking Wellness Technology - Right Here in Jersey INTERVIEW WITH CLASADO BIOSCIENCES CEO, GRAHAM WATERS

Clasado BioSciences is a leading International Biotechnology company headquartered in Jersey. They research and develop the world’s most advanced galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) products, providing solutions for Food, Healthcare and Pharmaceutical companies across the global wellness market. Through their extensive research and innovation programme and their ground-breaking Prebiotic technology, they have rapidly established themselves as the leading experts in the field of gut mediated wellness, providing clinically proven solutions to improve and enrich the quality of people’s lives. We Meet the CEO Graham Waters, Clasado’s CEO travels as many as three weeks out of every four, so we felt ourselves lucky to catch up with him. Our questions are highlighted:

Graham, could you tell us a little about Clasado and what you do?

“We are developers and manufacturers of unique Prebiotic technologies,” he told us. “Amongst these is the patent protected second generation galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) Bimuno®, suitable for use in a range of commercial applications including human food and dietary supplements. Bimuno is the result of intensive research and development dating back to 2000 and conducted in collaboration with globally recognised research institutes, including the University of Reading and more recently, Oxford University.”

How important is the Gut to People’s Health and Wellness?

“The digestive tract is extremely important for a healthy and functioning body, in fact almost 70% of the human body’s immune system is controlled by the colon, a unique organ which contains more than 100 trillion bacteria often referred to as microbiota,” Graham told us. “The microbiota consists of both beneficial bacteria, i.e. those that contribute to the health of the host, as well as harmful bacteria, i.e. those that if left to multiply can cause infection and disease. Immediately after birth the infant’s colon is colonised by both beneficial and harmful bacteria; these reside in a state of symbiosis and do not generally impact on the infant’s health. As the child develops into adulthood , the ratio of the microbiota favours the harmful bacteria, and as a result many preventable illnesses occur such as digestive problems, general malaise, recurrence of colds, etc.”

WHAT’S NEW

And there’s more … You can also buy Bimuno online at www.clasado.com There’s a special introductory offer for readers of WellBeing World magazine for a buy one pack of Bimuno Powder get one pack free – valid until 31st December 2014. Make sure you use the promotional code: WWBIMU7

What are Prebiotics, are they similar to Probiotics?

“Scientists have been addressing this issue for some time now and originally it was believed that by simply adding additional beneficial bacteria, through dietary intervention, this would restore the balance of the microbiota. This concept is called Probiotics and is most commonly seen in dairy based products. However science has shown that these live bacteria are, more often that not, destroyed in the digestive tract and do not get to the colon and are therefore ineffective,” commented Graham. He concluded: “More recently the concept of Prebiotics has emerged as the leading intervention to address the maintenance of the health of the colon. Prebiotics are carbohydrate structures that reach the colon intact and provide a specific food source for the beneficial bacteria only thus allowing the resumption of the symbiosis.”

Wellness Solutions

For 12 years Clasado has pioneered research into gut related preventable health disorders. From the onset of its R&D programme Clasado set out to find solutions for unmet wellness needs and has created a technology, based on Prebiotics, that is multi-functional in that it addresses far more than just the restoring of normal microbiota levels. Working to Pharma standards Clasado has undertaken numerous Clinical tests examining the benefits of Bimuno, from Lab work through to Controlled Human intervention studies, resulting in numerous peer-reviewed studies being published in leading medical journals.

These studies have included: • Lowest dose of Prebiotic deliver fastest restoration of beneficial bacteria • Reduction of the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) • Improvement in the Immune system of the elderly (65 years+) • Reduction of digestive discomfort (Bloating/Abdominal distention) • Prevention of Traveller’s Diarrhoea • Prevention of Salmonellosis (disease cause by salmonella) • Reduction of Cholesterol levels, Triglycerides and improvement of insulin levels in Type II Diabetes • Improvement in efficacy of influenza immunisation

“Prebiotics are carbohydrate structures that reach the colon intact and provide a specific food source for the beneficial bacteria only thus allowing the resumption of the symbiosis” Studies currently underway also include: • Reduction in risk of dementia • Improvement in cognitive function • Reduction in risk of Cardio Vascular Disease through reducing Metabolic Syndrome • Improvement in wellness of Autistic children All this, and more, and it’s headquartered right here in Jersey!

Bimuno is sold in Boots stores and leading retailers throughout the UK. It is also found as a functional ingredient in a number of US healthcare brands and more recently has sold as a component of Infant Milk powders sold in South East Asia.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

COMMUNITY

Jersey’s Ageing Population –

Who Cares?

The answer: everyone cares – politicians, civil servants, the medical profession, healthcare workers, charities and their volunteers, friends and family carers, to name a few – but we need to take care of ourselves too, through our own attention to health and wellbeing as a preventative measure.. Over the next 25 years the number of people in Jersey over the age of 65 will increase by 50%. People are quite simply living longer and government resources are limited. Since 2010 Health and Social Services has been focusing on the challenges it will face in addressing the ‘time bomb’ of providing costly healthcare to a rapidly ageing population. The resulting White Paper, ‘Caring for each other, Caring for ourselves’ described the proposed changes; this work is ongoing and we will report on milestones as they are surely achieved.

Fund (an independent UK health policy think tank), talked about how other countries are beginning to view the need for care coordinators as essential, single points of contacts who can make navigating the care system simple at what is often a stressful time.’

“Discussion also centred around the need for high quality support and respite for carers as supporting a loved one in the home for longer can be a challenge and respite is often needed.”

The recent debate event, ‘Jersey’s Ageing Population – Who Cares?’, which saw 200 islanders attend a lively public meeting to discuss the Island’s ability to deliver high standards of care to elderly islanders in the future. The event was organised by Family Nursing & Home Care (FNHC), the leading provider of community nursing and care services in Jersey, and was also attended by several senior civil servants and politicians, including the incoming Health Minister Deputy Andrew Green. ‘I am delighted that as many people turned out for the event, which was focused on a very emotive issue,’ said Julie Gafoor, CEO, FNHC. ‘There were several key themes that emerged from the discussion including the need for more support for volunteer/family carers as well as encouraging more young people into the care industry. ‘The question of choice was also central, giving islanders the choice to stay at home longer but coupled with this the need for us all to take some personal responsibility for our own health and wellbeing. Interlinking subjects such as social isolation and the need for better 24-hour care were also discussed. Interestingly, Richard Humphries of the Kings

In addition to the new Long Term Care Scheme, the discussion also centred around the need for high quality support and respite for carers as supporting a loved one in the home for longer can be a challenge and respite is often needed. It was accepted that if more people were in their homes for longer, the introduction of services such as a 24 hour care support team would become a requirement but also more affordable for the Island, ensuring Islanders have access to help at any time of day or night if they are alone. Linking to the theme of care in the home, the critical need to recruit and retain good quality care staff and the importance of encouraging young people into the sector became a recurrent theme. It was acknowledged by Richard Humphries that an ageing population is something to be proud of and that older people can offer a lot to society. We would certainly agree with this; there’s a whole new life out there for us all, we just need to make sure we keep ourselves as fit and healthy as we can in order to enjoy it.

Would you like to Qualify in Mental Health Nursing? Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) - Mental Health Field Practice in Jersey - Theory in Chester

For more information, please contact us: E: preregteam@health.gov.je

COMMUNITY

Fancy a Career in Healthcare?

Options to Suit Different Needs and Circumstances If you think that a career in Healthcare is for you … read on! There are now many different routes into Healthcare to suit different needs. If you wish to study a degree, you can do this locally in the Adult Nursing Field; and there is the Mixed Model also now in the Mental Health Field where you study your theory in Chester and return to the Island during your degree to

undertake the practice elements. You can also share a house with other Jersey colleagues whilst in Chester so it’s like a home from home. If this is not the route for you, you can join the Nurse Bank and have a successful career as a Heallthcare Support Worker. Here are some of the options now available to Islanders:

Opportunity to Qualify as a Mental Health Nurse Practice in Jersey - Theory in Chester Mental health nurses will be trained in Jersey for the first time as part of a new scheme to develop a pool of local nurses to support the Island’s future care needs. For the last two years the Health Department has provided adult-nurse training in Jersey, now it is also offering Islanders the chance to pursue a career in Mental Health nursing. The Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) Mental Health Field – is being offered in conjunction with the University of Chester and combines practical training in Jersey, with two or three blocks of study per year in Chester, each lasting six to eight weeks.

Mental health services in Jersey provide specialist help and support for people and the families of those who experience, or may be at risk of developing mental health problems. It provides services for all ages, from child and adolescence, to adult and older adults. The mental health nurse provides specialist age-appropriate interventions that involves support throughout the recovery journey. The nurse works in partnership with the client to ensure that all care processes are person centred, individualised, evidence based and recovery centred. Mental health

nurses play a key role in promoting the mental and physical health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations as well as challenging the stigma, discrimination and inequality often associated with mental health problems. Making a Real Difference We met with Julie Mesny, Head of Nursing and Midwifery Higher Education at the Health and Social Services Department (HSSD), who told us: “The schemes will ensure that there is a new generation of local nurses for the future. Training as a nurse is the start of a rewarding and fulfilling career,

knowing that you can be part of making a real difference to the lives of others. We are delighted that more students will be setting out down this path in 2015, particularly as this group will include prospective mental health nurses for the first time.” Prior to the current group of students, Islanders have only been able to obtain degree-level qualifications in the Mental Health field by move to the UK and studying there. This wasn’t possible for some because of financial or practical constraints. Julie is very excited by the prospect that there is now an opportunity for more home-grown nurses.

Alternatively, You Could Join the Nurse Bank … Honor Blain, Head of Workforce Planning at HSSD added: “Joining the Nurse Bank on a zero hours contract can be an ideal way in which both work and lifestyle balance can be achieved. Working in this way offers the opportunity to fit shifts around childcare responsibilities or to work shifts to suit one’s own particular preferences.

She feels this new qualification will appeal to students who are leaving school in the summer of 2015, and also to older applicants who are looking for a new challenge, either after having a family, or looking to change career. There are entry criteria to meet, but beyond that the student nurses come from a range of different backgrounds. The programme fosters the building of skills; listening, communication, observation, assessment and decision making which are central to the role of the mental health nurse. Concepts of self-awareness, reflection and placing the client centrally are key to the delivery of effective care, as is the ability to form and maintain therapeutic relationships. They will also study the determinants of Health and Wellbeing. The courses start in September 2015 and will be open to up to six trainees. Adult Nursing – 100% Locally Based Islanders interested in a career in Adult Nursing will also have the opportunity to join an increasing number of home-grown Jersey nurses. The 2015 intake will be third successive group of local students to embark on a degree course in adult nursing, also in conjunction with the University of Chester; the only difference being that both the practical and theory elements of this qualification are provided in Jersey.

It also offers experience across a broad range of health and social care settings, prior to deciding which specialist route to take; and enables some to consider a change of career direction having tried it out and liked it. The Nurse Bank provides paid employment ahead of any application into permanent full or part time positions; a career ladder, if you like, within health and social care. It can also provide regular, although not guaranteed, income especially when needed most.” Staff can apply to work as a Bank Health Care Assistant or as a Bank Registered Nurse /Midwife depending upon the qualification. The application link for the positions can be found on the gov.je website.

More information about the Degree programmes: preregteam@health.gov.je – or call +44 (0) 1534 442 740 or 444 210.

COMMUNITY

Good Mental Health is Everybody’s Business We were delighted to be invited to participate in Jersey’s Health and Social Services Department (HSSD) event to mark World Mental Health Day 2014. The drop-in event was held at Liberty Wharf, St Helier in October to raise awareness of mental health issues. In collaboration with some of Jersey’s voluntary sector organisations who are working to have a positive impact on the issues facing Islanders, the event offered visitors the chance to learn about mental health, why it is important and how everyone can improve their health and wellbeing. It also provided ideas for supporting family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. “The event was intended to gather people to talk about mental health, to raise awareness and to challenge stigma,” said Service Manager and Head of Nursing for Adult Mental Health, Marie Leeming. “It was also an opportunity for Islanders to find out more about the help and support that is available – the organisations working in this area can make a real difference for those who face mental health challenges, and we want to showcase the services that are on offer. Mental health is everybody’s business, and that’s why we stressed that everyone was welcome.” Copies of WellBeing World magazine were also available to all visitors, and 22

our Founder, Beverley Le Cuirot, spent the day meeting with stallholders. We plan to share the output of these interviews in future editions. What is Good Mental Health? Good mental health is the emotional and spiritual resilience which enables us to enjoy life and survive pain, suffering and disappointment. It is a positive sense of wellbeing and an underlying belief in our own and others dignity and worth. Our mental health is influenced by our genes and our life experiences. We are all vulnerable to the stressors that can precipitate periods of mental ill health and recognise that it can occur at any time in our lives. Mental health services provide specialist help and support for people and their families during these periods. It provides services across the life span. Mental Health services work in partnership with the person to ensure that all care processes are person centred, individualised, evidence based and recovery centred. The service involves

and supports carers and families throughout the recovery journey. What do the services consist of? Services consist of three age related teams: child and adolescent, adult and older adult mental health. Each team provides specialist age appropriate interventions. Access to services is usually through referral by someone’s GP or another health and social services department. How people access services will depend on their age, the type of problems they are experiencing and how urgently care is required. The service acknowledges its privileged position in being able to work with people at times of heightened distress and disruption in their lives. Services are aware of and value the complex, sensitive and intimate nature of the information people share and treat this with the utmost confidentiality and respect. Clinicians believe that the relationships formed with the people and carers who use the service are unique and form an essential component in the healing process.

COMMUNITY

OTHER HELPFUL JERSEY CONTACTS: Jersey Employment Trust E: admin@jet.co.je T: +44 (0) 1534 788 900

10 Ways to Look After Your Mental Health: The Mental Health Foundation recommends: Eat well There are strong links between what we eat and how we feel – for example, caffeine and sugar can have an immediate effect. But food can also have a long-lasting effect on your mental health. Keep in touch Friends and family can make you feel included and cared for. They can offer different views from whatever’s going on inside your own head. They can help keep you active, keep you grounded and help you solve practical problems. Take a break A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health. It could be a fiveminute pause from cleaning your kitchen, a half-hour lunch break at work or a weekend exploring somewhere new. A few minutes can be enough to de-stress you. Accept who you are Some of us make people laugh, some are good at maths, others cook fantastic meals. Some of us share our lifestyle with the people who live close to us, others live very differently. We’re all different. Keep active Experts believe exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better. Exercise also keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

Drink sensibly We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary. Ask for help None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things go wrong. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help. Do something you’re good at What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past? Enjoying yourself helps beat stress. Doing an activity you enjoy probably means you’re good at it and achieving something boosts your self-esteem. Care for others Caring for others is often an important part of keeping up relations.

BEAT Jersey (Beating Eating Disorders Together) eatdisordergroupjersey@ hotmail.com T: Laura 07797 799 586 T: Elaine 07797 774 794 MIND Jersey E: help@mindjersey.org T: 0800 735 9404 YES ( Jersey Youth Services) W: www.yes.je E: yes@youthservice.yc.je T: +44 (0) 1534 766 628 or 280 530 Text: 07797 778 424 or Freephone for counselling on 0800 735 0121 Samaritans of Jersey E: jo@samaritans.org T: 08457 90 90 90 TOP Triumph Over Phobia Jersey T: +44 (0) 1534 608 008 Jersey Alzheimer’s Association E: jerseyalzheimers@ hotmail.com T: +44 (0) 1534 723 519 Jersey ‘Family SMILES’ T: +44 (0) 1534 760 800 States of Jersey Health and Social Services Department www.gov.je/health

MIND

Time to Reflect WORDS: Ann Marie Clarke, of Therapybreaks

After the light heartedness of the long hot summer, the transition to a new season often presents itself as a time for reflection. Many of us go away on holiday through the cooler months, giving us time to think about our lives back home, work, and the intentions we set out with at the start of the year. There is still time to make progress towards goals we may have set for ourselves in January, but sufficient time has passed for us to be able to recognise the familiar patterns of behaviour that threaten to sabotage our success. Therein lies the question, why do we do what we do? Why do we set goals that we then fail to meet, or make promises to ourselves that we don’t keep? Taking the time to reflect on our experience yields all kinds of information about our beliefs, thoughts, feelings, fears, fantasies and perception. We discover a treasure trove of ideas that shape our behaviour and therefore our successes in terms of the goals we aim for. As the days get shorter and the nights draw in, it is natural for us to withdraw indoors and the opportunity to reflect presents itself again. Reflection is a sophisticated skill that has much to do with our past and previous experiences, as well as our personality, environment and the people who surround us.

The word reflection comes from Latin roots meaning: ‘to bend back, to stand apart from, to stand outside of ’. In refection we take a step back and look at what we, and others, have done.

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Gaining a New Perspective As an artist will stand back from their work to gain a new perspective, so the process of reflection guides us towards new understandings and possibilities. It is important to be honest in our reflection in order for real change to materialise. According to Carroll and Gilbert in ‘Creating Learning Partnerships’ (2011) the ability to reflect depends on: • Our openness and open-mindedness • Being Mindful • Our invention and imagination • The ability to stop, be still, recall • Suspending evaluation • Listening to self and others • Respecting intuition and feelings • Thinking as a ‘beginner’ • Looking for other meanings • Being vulnerable • Befriending the unfamiliar and uncomfortable • Being emotionally aware • The ability to think about and consider events and life in wider perspectives Being stressed and tired makes reflection difficult. In our ‘fast’ culture it is often impossible to get quality reflection time. Perhaps we need to move towards ‘reflectionin action’ by learning to contemplate quickly as we engage in an activity. Our society’s glorification of ‘action’ and ‘outcomes’ can often result in poor support for reflective activity because it is not billable or rewarded. There seems little time to reflect as we deem ourselves too busy to stop and take stock. Without reflection we risk losing direction, becoming ‘stuck,’ frustrated and dissatisfied. We are more likely to repeat the same mistakes and spend our time and energy inefficiently, incurring significant personal and professional cost.

A Growing Awareness We can develop a habit of reflection through activities that support a growing awareness of ourselves, for example relaxation, meditation/ mindfulness, creativity, nature, spirituality/ prayer, writing, art, certain types of exercise such as Yoga, Tai Chi and swimming. Paying attention to our experiences, our environment, and the relationship between the two facilitates reflection. Sharing this experience with another person can be helpful as we are social creatures and know ourselves best through our relationships. Talking things through often enables us to ‘step outside’ ourselves and see our circumstances from a different or fresh perspective. Friends, family and colleagues can support reflection but their deep involvement in our lives can sometimes make it difficult to ‘step outside’ a situation. Hence it can be useful to speak to someone who is uninvolved and professionally trained in ‘TalkingTherapies’ such as Psychotherapy and Counselling.

About Ann Marie Clarke Ann Marie is a UKCP and EAIP registered Psychotherapist who provides one-hour, regular psychotherapy sessions where ‘Reflection’ is central to the therapeutic relationship. People often find psychotherapy helpful in maintaining their psychological wellbeing, achieving peak performance, dealing with work and relationship problems, life crises and changes, depression, stress, anxiety, bereavement and substance abuse. The sessions are confidential and held in a comfortable consultation room with disabled access and parking.

Powerful Force for Change Beginning in January 2015, Ann Marie will be running a ‘Reflection’ Group once a month on a Saturday morning, lasting 3 hours. Teresa Hughes, a Counsellor in private practice and Support Worker for The Jersey Brain Tumour Charity, will co-facilitate the group and approximately 6 members will support each other in gaining a greater understanding of why they do what they do and feel as they do. This will enable them to work through the issues they encounter each year when they set out with good intentions for the year ahead. The experience of belonging to a group of people willing to share, learn and support each other’s personal development is a powerful force for change.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

If you are interested in either individual or group reflection, why not contact Ann Marie for a free half hour discussion.

Therapybreaks is based at the Lido Medical Centre in St Saviour’s Road, St.Helier, Jersey. 07797 770059 annmarie@therapybreaks.com

MIND

And Relax … EFT for Stress Relief WORDS: Georgina Noel, EFT Practitioner

Picture the scene: You are standing in the queue at a checkout and you’re running late to pick up the kids or you’re going to get a parking ticket if the person in front of you doesn’t HURRY UP… You know you can’t change the situation, you feel it’s completely out of your control and all you can do is huff and puff as your heart beat & temperature increase. Sound familiar? Some people, including myself pre-tapping, experience a high level of stress in day-to-day life and find themselves in ‘fight or flight’ mode constantly. This is so draining and exhausting, as the increased cortisol (‘the stress hormone’) in the bloodstream depletes your immune system and, often times, one’s ability to react in a rational way to even the smallest extra pressure. Feeling like a pressure cooker and having my life scheduled to within an inch of itself meant that even the smallest hiccup could instantly send me spiralling into a whole heap of, “ARGH!” So, what do I do in these situations now? You guessed it, I tap. You don’t have to stand there tapping your face in front of everybody! Tapping can be done so subtly that nobody will even know you are doing it. Since starting to use EFT I am often found in queues and traffic happily tapping my collarbone until I diffuse the feelings of, “I should have left earlier,” or, “I’m never going to make it on time – I am such a failure!” The tapping gives me clarity on why I’m feeling More information: www.georginanoel.com 26

so stressed and allows me to process it in a calm way – sounds good doesn’t it! You can tap your collarbone, your wrist or just tap through your fingertips. If you don’t believe me, just try it next time you’re stuck in traffic or are about to explode at your partner for not putting their laundry away, just take a moment to breath and tap. Cortisol is also one of the key ingredients for weight gain – particularly around the abdomen. Now, if that’s not a reason to want to lower those stress levels, I don’t know what is! Now, what are you waiting for… Get tapping!

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‘Toys for Treatment’ 'Toys for Treatment' is a charitable drive which originated in the UK by the United Chiropractic Association.

There is nothing more valuable than good health and wellbeing.

In the UK toys are donated each year on the specified day to participating Chiropractic Practices in exchange for a patient’s treatment. These toys are then donated to the local 'Salvation Army' and distributed to under-privileged children in that area before Christmas. In Jersey, the Jersey Chiropractic Clinic - now The Wellness Centre (Castle Quay) - decided to do something a little different and they instead donate the toys each year to a variety of local charities and organisations, for example, Brighter Futures, Women’s Refuge, Jersey General Hospital (Robin Ward), Police Department, etc. Causes and charities are included wherever there are children affected by violence, sickness, and unfortunate circumstances. People and patients love it as they feel more connected by giving a physical gift to a local charity that they know; they also prefer to donate this way, rather than by just giving cash to the charity. Last year the Clinic received over 200 donated toys!

WellBeing World seeks to support you to move, be motivated and to create the best you can be: • All things Health & Wellness • Sports & Fitness, Happiness & Joy • And much more to Inspire, Relax and Make You Feel GOOD Register for more info at www.wellbeingworld.je

“Causes and charities are included wherever there are children affected by violence, sickness, and unfortunate circumstances. People and patients love it as they feel more connected by giving a physical gift to a local charity that they know” In 2014, the team at The Wellness Centre (Castle Quay) is aiming to achieve an even bigger response by making it into a 'Toys for Treatment (Open Day)' at their beautiful new centre at 'Castle Quay'. They are therefore inviting the general public the opportunity to enjoy a multitude of services i.e. (Mini Massages, Spinal Health Checks, Nutritional Advice, Mindfulness Guidance, Skin Analysis, Float SPA demonstrations, Yoga class, etc.) in exchange for a gift for a child.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

MIND

The Best Cure for Heartbreak WORDS: Shashi Solluna Tao Tantra Workshop Leader, International Facilitator and Film-maker

Break-ups are never easy. In psychology ratings, breaks ups and divorces rate as one of the highest causes of disturbance to our wellbeing. Some people even opt out from relationship altogether as a result of the pain of a broken heart. Tantra, an ancient system that uses relating as a vehicle for spiritual growth, can assist us in moving through heartbreak and using it as an opportunity for our own healing.

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Here are five tantric steps to guide you through heartbreak in a healing way: 1. Reframing A break-up is commonly treated only as a problem. Friends will say: “You broke up! What went wrong?” Yet everything in life has a beginning, a middle and an end. The fact that you are parting ways is not necessarily a problem. It may be that you have completed your growth together. Try reframing the situation from a ‘problem’ to a ‘transition’. There may be a number of reasons, seen and unseen, for why this transition is needed. Trust the universal unfolding of events and see if you can reframe the event. 2. Forgiveness This is the most essential step for healing. If we do not forgive our past partners, then we may attract a similar painful situation again. By forgiving the other, we actually bring healing to our own heart. Forgiveness means being willing to give up your attachment to thinking that your ex is somehow wrong. It means letting go of the times when they acted in painful ways, and choosing to remember the love. When someone does something that hurts us, it is often the case that they are acting out of fear. Because we are hurting, we tend to judge that they are wrong. But what if you paused and asked yourself “in what way is this person afraid right now?” You will discover that even the angriest of people is actually in fear. Once you see the fear under their hurtful behaviour, forgiveness flows naturally.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

Forgiveness does not mean justifying someone’s behaviour. For example, if someone was violent you do not want to condone that behaviour. But you can (once you are out of the way and in a safe space) try to recognise their deep inner fear and thus forgive them. Even done from afar, forgiveness has a healing effect. And it helps you to let go and move on in peace. 3. Meditate upon Yearning Sometimes heartache consists of yearning for a partner who has left you. A deep longing can feel like an actual ache in the heart, and can be an almost unbearable sensation. Often we wish to eradicate this feeling, hoping that the departed partner will return and make us feel better. Or we try to suppress the aching with actions such as binge eating or excessive drinking. Tantra would suggest that rather than looking outwards for relief, turn inwards. Find a time and space when you can be alone and bring your full awareness to the ache. Breathe deeply to bring a sense of spaciousness around the pain. The Sufi poets recognised the longing of the heart as having a divine quality to it, and if entered completely it is actually a path of spiritual awakening.

4. Resource yourself In a relationship you have another person there to support you. As you move away from this, you will have to find support for yourself, especially during the first few months. What things in your life bring you nourishment and support? For example: going for a walk by the river, attending your local yoga class, listening to soft music, hot candlelit baths, café dates with close friends. Make sure you are loving yourself by doing the things that support you. 5. Gratitude Gratitude brings completion. After you have moved through forgiveness and letting go, then you can think back over all of the amazing times you had and the great things that the relationship brought to your life. Think about in what ways you grew through challenges in the relationship, so that you can also see the harder times as gifts to be grateful for. Make a list, then count your blessings and give thanks for each thing. Heartache can actually fuel a time of depth and healing if we allow it to. By leaving a relationship with peace in your heart, you are much more likely to attract future relationships that serve your highest good.

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Cycling Your Way to Good Health WORDS: Lynn Minchinton-Gilley, PGDip Health Promotion, British Cycling Level 3 Cycling Coach, Group Coach Healthhaus, and Former International Cyclist.

Losing a bit of weight is the usual motivator for many people to become more active, however the biggest disincentive is the time it takes to visually see the benefits and this can put people off before they even get started! There is no illusion regarding the benefits of an active lifestyle, moving around increases the blood flow to our muscles, it strengthens the heart and lungs and improves efficiency of the heart muscle itself – cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise is any type of exercise that increases the work of the heart and lungs, such as walking, running, swimming, rowing and cycling. Regular exercise will also improve muscle mass and the motivator here is that muscle burns calories, even at rest; unfortunately if we measure results for weight loss via the bathroom scales then the disincentive ‘kicks-in’ as muscle weighs twice as much as fat – but this weight is good weight as it’s all muscle!

Indoor cycling is an ideal starting point for anyone and everyone wanting to improve their fitness, as well as providing an exciting and alternative environment for those with a higher fitness level. Since the early 90’s indoor cycling has become more and more popular. Many people associate indoor cycling with riding a stationary bike boringly fast. But, can indoor cycling actually be better than riding outdoors? Let’s look at the advantages of both:

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The advantages of

riding indoors:

• More convenient if time restricted as it is easier to hop on a spinning bike and go! • No traffic to deal with, stops and starts at road junctions or potholes in the road. • A set target can be achieved regarding calorific burn, measured heart rate and an exact time and course can be easily programmed enabling a sense of achievement once completed. • No maintenance required like lubing the chain, pumping the tyres and ensuring the brakes work etc. • You don’t have to check the weather forecast therefore no need to dress for the weather. • No need to plan a route. • No getting lost on an obscure road. • No need to change a flat tyre. • No need to seek a refreshment-stop – most gyms or sports facilities house their own juice bars etc – at Healthhaus, it’s particularly great! • There is always someone on hand to seek advice from. • Camaraderie, motivational music and advice from the coach so that you feel energised and confident. • No freewheeling as the flywheel keeps going round - even when descending the workout continues. • With the MyRide video system you can experience being transcended to riding some amazing trails and vistas from canyons to mountains, coastal routes to off road tracks.

The advantages of

riding outdoors:

• The many aromas along the route, freshly cut grass, the ocean, fresh air. • The peace of being free to head any direction with a multitude of sounds and sights to enlighten the senses. • Natural hills of varying gradient and length. • Extending the exercise experience by commuting or nipping to the shops, instead of taking the car – a kind gesture to the planet too! • Experiencing the sense of adventure and exploration. • No need to pedal downhill if tired.

Whether you ride indoors or out on the open road, you need to be working on specific areas of maintenance or improvement in your fitness and the focus can range from building skill level, aerobic endurance, speed work, hill climbing, or improving metabolism. To do this requires a certain amount of pedalling and engaging certain muscle groups. The main muscles used in cycling are the gluteal muscles, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors and calf muscles. As you pedal the stationary bike, you are strengthening a multitude of muscles. The type of riding that you do will engage some of these muscles more than others. If the terrain is hilly, the quadriceps will do more of the work powering up the hills. When rising out of the saddle and standing to get up a hill, the gluteal muscles will be more engaged. Speed work or riding against the wind will engage all of the leg muscles.

Short cuts: unfortunately there are no shorts cuts to getting fit, except …

Whether cycling indoors or out it is essential to feel comfortable and although they may not be the most attractive of ensembles, cycling shorts do make for a more comfortable ride providing they fit snuggly but do not feel restrictive. Shorts come in two styles those with shoulder straps (bib shorts) and those without. It is not unusual for the shoulder straps to feel as though they’re pulling slightly when standing as they are designed to accommodate a forward leaning position on the bike therefore when trying a pair on for size lean forward into a cycling position to feel the difference. If your decision is to ride outdoors, wearing a helmet is highly recommended and prior to commencing any exercise programme you should seek advice on what’s best for you in terms of the exercise itself and the necessary clothing or equipment. Should you decide to try indoor cycling then a good starting point is with MyRide. This is a cardio experience that gives you a workout using the forward motion video system that can transcend you to places such as the Italian Alps, the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. Jersey may have its Green Lanes and beautiful coast, but a ride through the Alps on a morning before work can be very exhilarating. Instructors design a visual and audio environment to help you stay motivated so that you get the most from your indoor cycling session, which will never seem boring again!

Lynn can be contacted at plan2coaching@gmail.com to discuss cycle coaching matters. To find out more about MyRide why not make an appointment with Healthhaus to book an induction, tel: +44 (0) 1534 614 800.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

FITNESS

Core Strength WORDS: Tania Le Couillard Milon Expert and Master Coach, Healthhaus

What is Core Strength? Stability? Well, both come from what is commonly known as the body’s ‘powerhouse’. These are the muscles deep in your trunk that are responsible for your ability to be able to control your body’s movements without having to think about them. Every movement; from circling your arms to running down the street, lifting weights to just standing still. These are the muscles that are also responsible for the quality of all of these movements. It doesn’t matter what your age or activity level is, we all should think about how we move. I’ll bet nearly every one of you has at some point reached across or bent down for something and winced, maybe cried out an inexplicable pain or stiffness; that twinge in your lower back, your shoulder or your leg. Guess what? This is most likely because your core stabilisers didn’t activate quick enough to control the movement you just tried to do. At least 90% of us will suffer from some form of back pain in our lifetime from having poor & incorrect muscle activation. It’s not just our backs that benefit from having strong core muscles, the rest of our body benefits too. A strong core can help us to recover quicker from injuries and surgery and physiotherapists use a wide range of core strengthening exercises to help aid recovery. Daily activities rely on core muscles responding instantly to ensure safe and correct movement. We take it for granted that our body will work for us and respond the way we want it to until it goes wrong or we can’t move in certain ways as easily anymore. Balance is a vital part of having good core strength. As we get older and our core strength is not as good or as naturally

responsive, our balance starts to become an issue and this is when falls can occur. One lady told me recently that since starting Pilates her daily vertigo issue has all but gone… What a great result! Piates is renowned for building core strength. Athletes work on their core strength as and integral part of their training, whether the sport is fast and explosive like gymnastics or shot put, or slow and controlled like golf or curling. They have discovered the benefit of mixing their functional training with core stability training to help themselves become better and stronger at their chosen profession and to be able to continue for longer in their pursuit of excellence within their sporting field. Pregnancy brings about another reason to focus on core strength - it is an important time for expectant mothers to ensure they have good core muscles. Ideally training would start while still thinking about becoming pregnant and then continue throughout pregnancy and after the birth. The reasons for this are mainly to help the body cope with the added stresses that are placed on it and the ever-changing physical adaptations that occur especially to the back and abdominals. A strong pelvic floor and core can also help to make labour a little easier as the muscles that work to push the baby out, have been kept strong. During the months

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following the birth, good core strength also helps with the recovery of knitting the separated abdominal muscles back together and general recovery of the body – most women who endeavour to keep their core muscles strong have noted a tighter, firmer post baby belly! Noting the importance of core strength can be traced back to the early 1900’s when Joseph Pilates started to look at how movement, strength and control were all interlinked. Dancers were really the first commercially to pick up on the benefits of what he had devised, which made them stronger, more powerful and graceful dancers - slowly the Pilates movement has grown. We now see athletes, amateurs and everyday regular bodies using Pilates to improve their ‘Powerhouse’.

The need to keep our stability muscles strong far outweighs the need for big muscles or a six-pack or dropping the pounds. No core strength means incorrect or little body movement and control. It’s an all rounder winner in terms of your body’s wellbeing, now and in to the future – no matter what paces you put yourself through. There are so many ways of training your core strength and stability, so there is little excuse not to find something that you enjoy and feel the benefit of !

In the last couple of decades we have seen an explosion of trends and equipment aimed towards developing ‘core strength’: BOSU’s, Flexibar, suspension training, Viper, medicine balls, various balance and core classes. Healthhaus boasts the latest Technogym Kinesis equipment, which combines functional movement with core training.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

FITNESS

Exclusive ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ Access to Luxury Gyms and Spas with Gym Club Gym Club allows members to book visits / sessions at private gyms, health clubs and spas, where they would usually need to sign up for a full-time membership. It is designed to cater for people who would not normally be interested in a full-time gym membership because they may want to vary their fitness programme or only want to use the gym now and then. They may also be visiting Jersey on a temporary basis and would like to sample the delights of the many services the Island has to offer. Membership of Gym Club is easy and commitment free – it’s just £99 for the year – or £10 for a 30 day membership, and you can cancel at any time

How It Works

When a member wants to visit a gym or spa they simply have to go online to the website, book a session and they will be instantly sent a pass code by text or email through any smartphone, tablet or laptop which they will then present to the gym on arrival. More info: www.gymclub.com

This feature allows for last minute decisions to be made with the click of a button. When people have a spare hour or so, they can purchase their pass minutes before arriving and then just show their access code when they arrive at the venue. Membership is fully flexible and members can join on a monthly basis and switch their membership on and off to suit their needs. A number of Jersey leisure service providers have so far signed up to offer passes, sessions and exclusive offers, including the Palm Club at the Atlantic Hotel; Carrefour Metro and Carrefour St Lawrence; Fit Body at the Radisson Blu; BodyRox Gym; Grand Jersey Hotel and Spa; the L'Horizon Health Club; Spa Sirene at the Royal Yacht; the Apollo Hotel; the Club Hotel and Spa; and Ayush Wellness Spa.

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Your Body is a Temple and Your House is a Gym!

If the chillier months are off putting in terms of getting out of the house to exercise, then you really need to talk to Mike Barnes at The Fitness Agency. Unlike a gym membership drive, or an enticing article to get you to the gym, we’re here to tell you that the team at The Fitness Agency will do the hard bit for you - ok, not the hard bit, as you will need to use the equipment in order to get fit – but they will indeed deliver it to your home (or work) and you can exercise away in the comfort of your living room or wherever you decide to place any one (or more) of the most up to date exercise equipment available on the island. There are plenty of benefits to having the best in exercise equipment at the foot of your bed, or behind the sofa; you’ll hop on and use it lots – thus getting your money’s worth, and seeing results pretty darn fast. If you, and a few of your friends or colleagues wanted, Mike at The Fitness Agency can consult with you to determine which equipment is best for you. Why not club together and ask the boss if that spare meeting room could be converted to something more useful? Why not chat

to your partner and see if you can design an exercise plan that you can work at together, at home, at your convenience. Running machines, cross trainers, exercise bikes and rowing machines are all available for hire. If you’re looking for something to purchase and keep, bounce your way through winter with a trampoline, or go all out with a multi-gym, the choice is yours.

FITNESS

The bonus of hire or purchase, is that you can forget the expense of a gym membership whereby you might only go once in a blue moon, forget the chilly jaunt to the gym – turn your home into a work out zone and use your own bathrooms and watch your favourite TV shows whilst you exercise if you please and you can even do it in your pyjamas or onesie! Some people find the whole process of going to the gym and working out in front of people to be nerve wracking and off putting, especially if it’s been a while… Perhaps you want to shed a few pounds before you pull on the spandex and join the hoards of other fitness folk at the public gym – if that rings true with you then you should most definitely call Mike Barnes at The Fitness Agency on 01534 633 109 or visit www.thefitnessagency.co.uk Alternatively, if you are considering purchasing a home gym, then talk to Mike; try before you buy and test out the latest gadgetry in getting the look you want and deserve this winter, in the comfort of your own home.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

LIFE

Living a Life Less Toxic WORDS: Faith Canter

People often ask me what my top tip for good health is. Quite simply – reduce your toxic load! What I mean by this is to reduce the toxicity of your mind, body, home, and environment. By reducing toxicity inside and out, your body is more able to deal with additional toxins it comes into contact with. It will also start to eliminate the toxins that have built up in your system. Most people you talk to have some sort of illness or just generally feel under the weather a good deal of the time. I have come to realise through my research, and the work with my clients, that many health concerns can be eliminated or at least greatly improved by reducing our overall toxicity levels.

but what about the mind? Most of us have toxic thoughts about ourselves, others, and our lives in general. These toxic thoughts actually cause chemical changes in the brain and thus in the body, creating many seemingly unrelated illnesses. With a healthy mind, a healthy body will follow.

My own recovery from a number of long term health conditions, including ME/CFS and depression was due to addressing the toxicity of my mind, body and home. I use this same approach with my clients.

It’s fairly well understood these days that a lot of our food is pretty bad for us. But what can we do about this? In my opinion if you eat foods as close to the way nature produces them as possible, then you can’t go too far wrong. This means eating as much organic produce as possible. Check out ‘the clean fifteen’ and ‘the dirty dozen’ of fruits

Most people understand that reducing the toxicity of the body is important,

and vegetables – these are the ones you should be concentrating on. Following this simple rule means that you will not only lessen your toxic load, but will also maximise the nutritional content of your meals. This means reducing or eliminating processed foods, bleached foods, and foods full of preservatives, sweeteners, sugars, colourings, and artificial flavourings. You should also avoid foods wrapped in, or cooked in plastics, foods cooked in microwaves and try to increase your consumption of raw foods. Raw food is a great way to improve your health and you should be aiming to have around 50% of your daily intake raw, or at the very least, have something raw with every meal.

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It’s important to mention that fermented probiotic foods (not pickled foods) are recommended for detoxing the digestive system and strengthening the immune system (among many other positive traits) and should be consumed daily. Food and drink are not the only ways toxins get into our body. We also inhale them and absorb them through our skin. It is believed that up to 60% of what you put onto your skin is absorbed into your body. Where possible, it is advisable to either make your own natural cosmetics, or look out for the many non-toxic skin and hair care products available. You will likely find that as you reduce the toxicity of your body you won’t need many of these products. Many common cosmetics are just trying to put right things that are wrong because of the toxic load, and often, chronic dehydration of the body. I have found that since making my own products, I save a huge amount

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of money compared to before. So this not only benefits my health, the environment (as there’s less toxins going down the plughole), but also my pocket. Making non-toxic cleaning products is really easy, cheap, and you can even have fun doing it. You’ll then reduce the toxins leaching into your food, onto your skin, into your lungs, and out into the environment. It is assumed that because we can buy these toxic products from the store that they must be safe for us to use. After all, they’ve been tested … right? Indeed they have, but usually in short trials and not in conjunction with all the other daily toxins we use and consume. When you add all of these up together it makes for pretty scary reading. Even if you reduce half of the toxins you come into contact with on a daily basis this will help your body deal with the other half that’s remaining. If you’d like to find out more about how to reduce you toxic load, why not visit Faith’s website at: www.faithcanter.com

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Recover Your Weekend!

Not From It. WORDS: Lucy Sanderson

How many of us actually use the weekend for its purpose of relaxation and a break from ‘the old routine’? Hmm, I know I’m guilty of packing way too much into every day – and as such, my hectic schedule more often than not spills over into my weekend. The thing is … how do we reclaim our weekends? How do we start to really differentiate between time on and time off when there is just so much to do? Here’s how – stop wearing the busy badge as an insignia of honour. Every day we’re asked the question, ‘How are you doing?’ by someone or other. The response generally is (in a big resounding unison) “Arrgh, been sooo busy with… *insert list of reasons here”. We seem to respond to this question with a sort of derisive pride – as though anyone who isn’t as busy as us isn’t, a) as important – or doesn’t have important things to do, b) is lazy, c) somehow must be coasting when they should indeed be hitting the floor full pelt at a sprint. Or, you could consider them, as I do, d) as economical with the truth! Picture the scene; the single mum of two, who works for a major finance company and volunteers with the PTA, as well as being the only mother I know who makes REAL cupcakes on bake

sale day; manages to provide wholesome and fresh lunch boxes for both of her little ones and gets herself to yoga twice a week as well as rocking a Kung Fu attitude when it comes to her career, is no doubt full of it if she tells me at the Friday school pick up, that she’s had an incredible week and is about to embark on a weekend of rest and relaxation oh, and a bit of DIY… How?! My mind bends at the thought of such a schedule with two days left over for down time. It’s simple - this wonder woman has her ducks in a row and makes time for herself. This is also the reason for being able to take on so much, and get so much done. Time management. When you’re feeling rested; when you feel you’ve given yourself time to reflect, recharge and reclaim your weekend – you find time management during the

working week a lot less of a calamity and strain. Enabling a 5pm shut off on a Friday, ready for a weekend to do with as you please. We spend so much time running around trying to look busy for other people, that we often feel like we have to look busy for ourselves, otherwise we might be considered lazy. It’s all a load of nonsense; we need to stop, slow down and sometimes, just do nothing to get back in touch with our true selves. Doing nothing doesn’t mean sitting on the sofa, mindlessly watching daytime TV. It means doing something that makes you feel relaxed and gives you mental space and slows down your heart rate, providing clarity of thought and a refreshed and revitalised perspective. During these times of respite from

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crazy schedules and school runs, work meetings and deadlines, you are able to reflect on what needs doing and when. Once you master the art of time management, you can indeed reclaim your weekend. Inspiration is often borne from quiet time, reflection and meditation. Although the buzz of busy can be productive, too much of that fast pace can leave you well, frazzled, burned out… and exhausted … turning Saturday and Sunday into Shatterday and Shunday. Even God rested on the seventh day of the week – see, even the big fella upstairs needed to reclaim His weekend after a busy working week of making the earth (if you are so inclined to believe). The universe, by its very nature, offers up moments for relaxation even if we tend to sometimes overlook them. When a friend calls out of the blue and suggests a walk and a cuppa – don’t fill in the response with a need to be too busy; just take the stroll, drink the tea – chill out. Fresh air and a stretch of the legs for half an hour could be as important as ensuring you iron the kids’ uniforms – the weekend should have a sense of YOU time.

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”

Hopefully you’re reading this very article over a weekend, if not, perhaps you could think about what you were planning on doing this coming weekend and use some of the suggestions below to assert some time to reclaiming it. If you need it, take this as permission to slow down; take heed busy bees, you need to embark on a new plan if overwrought and under stress is the vibe you’re feeling for much of the time.

Cook less:

If culinary mastery is nothing short of a burden and cooking just isn’t your thing, then take the weekend to either eat out, or cook something simple instead of trying to whip up a Shaun Rankin style masterpiece in the kitchen. Furthermore, rather than inviting friends round for Sunday lunch, go to theirs, eat out, or opt out entirely!

The washing can wait:

By all means, were not saying abandon the domestic ship and let your washing pile up, but put it on an overnight wash (it’s actually cheaper and more energy friendly too) and deal with it in the morning. As for the ironing, well, if you’re like me … don’t bother! There is more to life than standing in front of an ironing board for hours at a time. Do what you need to and then try swapping the ironing board for a paddle board and get out there in the ocean (wetsuit recommended!).

- Saint Francis de Sales

Put the kettle on and read a book: There are plenty of short books out there to choose from, which you can start and finish in a weekend. Reading is soul food and to start and finish a book in your precious couple of days after a full week will leave you feeling some sense of achievement. Who knows? You may even learn something.

Pamper yourself:

A bath is a great start (you can involve the previous task here too!), a few drops of coconut oil or some Himalayan bath salts followed by some green tea and have a go at giving yourself a manicure, or pedicure (toes are easier) … You could even try making a face mask and indulge a little in some ‘me time’ – afterwards, don your most comfortable home ensemble and do whatever you feel like doing; watch the rain on the window, read, watch your favourite old film … Turn off your mobile and avoid the Internet – put up a digital ‘do not disturb’ sign and enjoy real peace.

These things take time; change in our own favour is commonly the hardest change to make. Invest in some time management though, and please do reclaim your weekend!

Creating a WORLD of Difference

LIFE

Life after Breakdown - It’s Never Too Late WORDS: Douglas Ruark, San Francisco

As I sit and contemplate where my life is at this moment, I can't help but think of the journey I took to get to this beautiful place. I grew up in a house full of struggles like many others. There was lots of abuse, but what affected me the most was the silence for weeks after the abuse. I would always try to do things like clean the house, do the dishes and laundry in the hopes of being liked more because I always felt it was my fault. It never worked but I kept on trying. As I got older, I learned to forgive but forgot to forgive the most important person - me. So, I carried everything from my early years into my adult life. My jobs were always unfulfilling and I made friends with people who needed me for something. I freely gave to them hoping they would stick around. They never did. The one really good thing that happened during this time was meeting my friend Buddy. He believed in me more than I did myself and he is my best friend still after 30 years and so proud of me today. In June 2014, I was sitting at work early one morning and I was overwhelmed by feelings of being a failure, not making a difference in my life, being at a job where I wasn't happy, being 60

years old, soon to be 61. I closed my computer, told my boss I was unwell and went home where I sat for hours, not moving and feeling numb. Then I heard a voice say "Douglas, your life means something, you have a lot of offer, it is time to begin that now." Later that afternoon, I logged onto my computer, I had received an e-mail from Hay House about an online summit filled with speakers about changing your life, starting in a few days. I registered without hesitating. The first person I listened to was Robert Holden from London who started the Happiness Project; he talked about love, kindness, compassion, listening to your heart, forgiveness, and loving yourself. I felt a sense of hope after listening to him,

and I’ve been telling myself every day that I loved myself. He also talked about asking the Universe for guidance and trusting the answer. So, I asked the Universe to guide me to a decision about quitting my job of 12 years or to stay. The answer came the moment I woke up on July 1; I went to work and resigned, regardless of the benefits I would be losing or the big promotion I was due. I have never questioned my decision. I started blogging about forgiveness, compassion, and love. Those writings have now become ‘My Wish For You Today’ which currently has nearly 6,000 followers on Facebook. I am also working on a book based on recommendations from the people it has touched or inspired.

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At the same time, I was invited by friends to go trekking in October to Goyko Ri in Nepal. I said no initially as it was so out of my comfort zone. I am a spa and champagne kind of guy. The thought of not showering for 10 days did not appeal. A few days after I said no, I got a strong feeling this was something I needed to do, so I went after all. It was the most breathtaking and amazing experience I have ever done, Mount Everest was beautiful. During the trek, I sprained my ankle, got a sinus infection, passed out and hit my head on a rock at the highest point because of thin air. My friends suggested I take a helicopter down in case I had a concussion. I let them know I didn't go up by helicopter and wouldn't be going down by one. Nothing would keep me from experiencing this. We had decided before the trek that we wanted to do some outreach whilst in Nepal, so we took each of the 100 children at the elementary school new books, bags and schools supplies. We were so overwhelmed by the experience that once back at our hotel, we developed a project plan and have now secured sponsors for our ‘Little Outreach Project’. We will be going

Creating a WORLD of Difference

back to Nepal in May 2015 to do another trek; this time we will provide sports equipment for the kids. Before leaving for Nepal, I signed up for a coaching success certification with Robert Holden being held in San Diego in late October. It was the most rewarding and uplifting workshop I have ever attended and it confirmed to me that coaching is my life purpose. People I have worked with and friends have always told me that I am a natural for this kind of work. To me it is very intuitive and fulfilling. I have now started a coaching business and already have several clients; I'm developing a workshop, and see myself doing oneon-one and group coaching, executive success coaching, and public speaking in the future.

My life has changed dramatically and each day I am grateful and excited for all the new things coming my way. I feel I am making a big difference and doing what I am meant to do in my life. I now focus on success, which for me is about helping others and going through the day filled with love and compassion, patience and understanding. I encourage everyone to work through their breakdowns and you probably will have a breakthrough; to keep working toward your dreams step by step; ask for guidance for what you need to know and do to move forward in life; and trust the answers you receive. Most importantly, love yourself and listen to your heart!

WORK

Energising Employees - Prioritise Health and Wellness at Work How Leaders can Drive Workforce WellBeing and Performance A healthy and productive workforce is essential to the success of any organisation. However, a recent industry study reported an increase in employee fatigue and disengagement, putting business performance significantly at risk. Most people would acknowledge that employee wellbeing is important in keeping employees engaged and motivated, the study also suggested that it is misunderstood, with 41% of organisations regarding employee wellness as a perk rather than a necessary investment. Organisations cannot afford unfit, unwell and unproductive people, and while HR and occupational health (OH) departments play a major role in aligning workplace wellness with the overall business strategy, leaders are key drivers in keeping employees engaged in their roles. It is fair to say that the spirit of an organisation starts at the top. Leaders play a critical role in setting the culture and tone of an organisation, and a good leader can make a tremendous difference to an organisation by engaging, inspiring and developing employees. It is also important that leaders make their employees feel valued in the business. Leaders must be clear about the company’s vision, the 44

direction the organisation is heading in and how individuals fit into this. We now have a multi-generational workforce where different employees want different things, so it is more important than ever for leaders to understand what they want and need from the workforce, and vice versa. One-size-fits-all will not work. In the Engage for Success “Wellbeing and employee engagement” paper, published in May 2014, Robertson Cooper comments that since 2011, wellbeing has taken precedence over the previous focus on workplace stress, switching from a narrow and responsive mindset to one that is more holistic and preventative. Engage for Success also found that engaged employees with high wellbeing were 35% more attached to their organisations than those with lower wellbeing. Employees will also be attracted to an organisation that shows commitment and investment in its community.

After all, people choose to work for an organisation that is successful, responsible and caring about their employees’ working environment. This is most prominent among younger talent who tend to want to work at companies where leaders give something back to them. This can start from the smallest gestures, such as managers showing genuine interest in their employees’ wellbeing and reviewing how satisfied employees are with their working environment. Proactive early intervention is key to sustaining employee wellbeing. Organisations that spend more time promoting wellbeing and resilience will see an upturn in performance, engagement and productivity. In fact, when implemented effectively, wellbeing programmes can see an 80% improvement in performance. Organisations that make a commitment to employee wellbeing can also expect a similar return in areas such as resilience and enhanced positive regard for the employer.

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Three-quarters of those surveyed in the recent study believe employee wellness will be something that is formally measured and reported on. This shift away from seeing wellbeing and resilience measures as employee perks, towards viewing them as necessary investments, presents a positive outlook for the future and one that is likely to become more widespread.

Introducing the WellBeing Zone Online

One way to demonstrate your commitment to your employees, whilst at the same time helping them to improve their health and wellbeing is the WellBeing Zone Online.

Resources to Track, Monitor and Support Health and Fitness

Designed to provide employees with the resources to track, monitor and support their own health and fitness progress, WellBeing Zone Online also enables the employer to review consolidated data about the health of their workforce and to invest accordingly.

Essential Management Information for Employers

Healthy employees make for healthy profits. According to Dame Carol Black, every £1 spent on workplace wellbeing can yield between £3 and £6 in gained productivity and efficiency.

With so many health and wellbeing options to choose from, it is often difficult to decide on the most effective strategies for the best ROI.

Established Source of Information

Therefore, working in conjunction with our partners in employee wellness in the UK, we have created WellBeing Zone Online to provide employers with the information to prioritise their employee health and wellness activities.

Updated Regularly

The Zone is updated on a regular basis; so always providing health and wellness messages which are topical and quick and easy to assimilate. Clients are provided a quarterly promotional calendar to show the topics and events which are being covered and those planned for the rest of the quarter. They also receive monthly promotional materials for sharing with employees.

Comparison with National Average Statistics

The employer can compare their own consolidated data with national (UK) average statistics and WellBeing Zone Online will provide vital insights as to how much or how little the current health of an organisation's workforce is contributing to the business and/or how much it is costing.

Support Your Business Case

It will also allow the employer to compare health and wellbeing results over time vs funds spent, and in so doing demonstrate the ROI value. No confidential employee data is ever shared.

Local Offers

The content is updated every week and includes Healthy Eating Guidance, Exercise and Rehabilitation Advice, a Fitness Zone, Sleep Monitoring, Stress Management Support, Weight Management, and Social Sharing for those wishing to form support groups amongst themselves. The Zone is also being fully populated with local health and wellbeing events and employee discounts, providing a unique package for Channel Island businesses and their employees.

Value for Money Investment

Starting from as little as £250.00 for a one-off set up, depending on requirements, then £2 per employee per month, reducing to £0.75 depending on headcount, the WellBeing Zone Online represents a cost-effective investment to support the health and wellness of your employees. More info: at wbw.wellbeingzone.co.uk – or E: beverley@wellbeingworld.je

If you are interested in what the WellBeing Zone Online could do for YOUR business, contact us now! info@wellbeingworld.je – or try it out for yourself using our demo zone at: wbw.wellbeingzone.co.uk Please use our organisation code WBW1 and let us know how you get on!

Creating a WORLD of Difference

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Humble Leaders: Leading by Example CEO consciousness contributes to worldwide wellbeing change in business. When we consider the expected attributes of a powerhouse big shot leader, CEO of a mega brand or business, director or high-flying executive – what comes to mind? Stern face, pin stripe suit, Windsor knot? Certainly brains, shrewd business acumen, a dominant demeanour, a no-nonsense attitude and most definitely a willful determination to make money and raise that bottom line. In other words, the alpha-male (or female!). Well, as businesses and brands evolve, much is changing in terms of the stereotypical leader – indeed just that; leaders are now evoking an empathetic and conscientious stance when it comes to guiding their empires and the way they interact and treat their employees is fast becoming unrecognisable – for the better. Welcome to the age of the humble leader. Wellbeing and wellness in the workplace has become an integral part of today’s business culture, from Silicon Valley to London’s Canary Wharf, those in charge of companies far and wide are placing a heavy emphasis and thorough understanding of the benefits of employee wellbeing. Furthermore, these CEOs are becoming less ‘alpha-male/

female’ and more humble, more compassionate - more human. Many are demonstrating humility and benevolence with increased self-awareness and insight, in turn establishing greater commitment and performance from their employees. Win win. Ego driven attitudes and behaviour never did prove to be wholeheartedly productive and nor did it elicit the best from the workforce. But being a leader always held fast to the notion that one had to seem to be a cut above the rest in order to lead effectively – a typical Catch 22. Until the likes of Richard Branson, Jack Ma, Bill Gates, and others of the same ilk; pioneering masterminds who began to show their support

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for the empathetic, genuine approach, these new leaders have manifested a new way of thinking. Caring, inclusion, and co-operation is key. In place of the hierarchy leadership structure of days gone by stands tall a new version of the internal business framework; innovation replaces dictation, engagement and delegation within appropriate niche skill sets substitutes the micro management culture that never really worked in the first place.

in team citizenship behaviour, going beyond the call of duty, picking up the slack for an absent colleague - all indirect effects of feeling more included in their workgroups’. Again, win win. The trailblazing Mr Branson said, "Over more than 40 years of building our businesses at the Virgin Group, (we have seen) that employing people from different backgrounds and who have various skills, viewpoints and personalities will help you

A recent study of 1,500 leaders and their employees, conducted by BI Norwegian Business School, shows that leaders with increased self-awareness and insight, empathy, compassion and humility are likely to be more resilient in the face of challenge – and, not surprisingly, that they experience greater commitment and performance from their employees as a result. The research study shows that leaders with a good self-insight, who are humble and act as credible role models, are rewarded with committed and service-minded employees; and indeed, leaders who are more critical of their own leadership style than their employees, have the greatest success.

Altruism:

The practice of concern for the welfare of others These capacities are also evident in a study from Catalyst, which found that altruism makes employees more innovative and motivated, promotes less absenteeism and as a result, enhances the one thing that all business leaders want – increased bottom line. This is especially important when working with employees from diverse backgrounds, which is increasingly common; plus within the vast world of ecommerce all business can be placed globally and therefore brings a multitude of cultures and customs to the table. In fact, the Catalyst report (as published in a Harvard’s Business Review Blog) found that ‘humility is one of four critical leadership factors for creating an environment where employees from different demographic backgrounds feel included. Moreover, they were more likely to report engaging

Creating a WORLD of Difference

to spot opportunities, anticipate problems and come up with original solutions before your competitors do." Following the lead from Netflix, Branson has gone on to abolish holiday tracking for his team. In other words, they can take unlimited holidays as long as their work is done – entrusting staff to make choices that won’t damage the business is empowering and if Netflix and other businesses are anything to go by, Britain’s favourite entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson should see even more of an upward spike in everything – morale, creativity and therefore, productivity. Take note, as this is the sort of evolution in postulation that effects laws and legislation the world over – hopefully one day, as more businesses become more universal, via the internet and through the ability to open stores and offices in a multitude of countries, all directors and CEOs will come around to this way of thinking. Inclusive leadership wins over a stand alone CEO who rules with an egotistical iron fist – just ask Sir Richard.

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Interviewing for a New Job? Take Pride in your Stride. WORDS: Lucy Sanderson

Stand straight, shoulders back, assert yourself and go for it. When you’re aiming to get a job; either you’ve been laid off, have spent some years rearing your brood, or are changing career path – the prospect of becoming an interviewee can be daunting. Sweep aside any doubts and perhaps consider some simple lifestyle choices that can truly help you to succeed in nailing that new position. Firstly, realise that you have the potential to work. You have what it takes, be it openly obvious (you may be qualified up to the eyeballs or have sufficient life experience to know you fit the bill), or maybe your talents and abilities lay a bit deeper – the initial step to realising your success is believing you can do it and knowing that you’re doing all you can to ensure you get the job that is right for you. Grappling with a multitude of fearful thoughts and disparaging notions; imposter syndrome, not worthy-itus, interview phobia or straightforward shyness can certainly present their fair share of obstacles when aiming to win over an interviewer, but all is by all means not lost. Let’s start by getting real. Does your lifestyle emphasise the best version of you? Do you eat healthily, get sufficient exercise, rest and sleep and do

you nourish your soul enough to feel confident? If not, then some simple lifestyle choices could need a tweak. Although it is rather sad to think that much rests on appearance, it’s a given that a well turned out interviewee will be favourable over someone who’s made little or no effort to look their best for a job interview. Furthermore, there is no doubt that when we feel that we look good, we actually DO feel good! Not to say that we need to ‘dress to impress’ in the latest fashion trends, but certainly a healthy and clean appearance evokes a positive impact in terms of perception from a prospective employer. According to new research by monster. co.uk, 73% of interviewers said personal appearance was a factor; 70% said a candidate's make up creates a first impression, and half of interviewers said they judge a candidate based on a handshake.

An articulate and affirmative introduction will help make a good first impression – and to the shy/anxious/ nervous folk out there, it helps to research the role – understand what you’re walking in to, understand what your prospective employer wants from you and let them know you can deliver. And then practice. Practicing for an interview with someone you know is always a good idea – prepare yourself – as the late, great Martin Luther King said, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” And what of life choices; the choices we make determine the people we become, so make good choices with respect to taking care of yourself. I spoke with Lorraine Pannetier, to get some Health Tips …

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Your Health : Your Success

WORDS: Lorraine Pannetier, Fitness and WellBeing Specialist, Beetroot Brownie

What does this have to do with my diet? I hear you cry. Well, a healthy diet will give you glowing skin, sleeker hair, strong nails and promote better sleep – things that will shine through even without a layer of make up or the latest fashion. Eating an abundance of fruit and vegetables will also have a positive effect on weight and the digestive system. If you’ve ever suffered with chronic IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or frequent bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, you will know exactly how much it can erode self confidence and the ability to lead a normal social or working life. Whether you choose to eat meat and dairy or not, one of the most healthy ways of eating for excellent long term health and longevity is a whole food, primarily plant based diet. What does that mean exactly? Well, start with fresh vegetables and fruit, add some unadulterated whole grains, some healthy natural fats and, if you do eat meat, ensure it is the best quality you can afford, reducing portion size and filling up on vegetables to stay within your budget. Drink a couple of litres of water a day, some as herbal tea or warm with fresh lemon if you prefer. Keep alcohol to a minimum, avoid binge drinking and don’t drink alcohol the day before an interview; your liver, brain and the interviewer will appreciate fresh breath and an articulate hangover free you too.

Regular exercise – even just walking from your house for twenty to thirty minutes a day - will boost circulation, improve immunity, aid in weight loss and will help prevent, or cure, back pain - a major factor in employee sick days every year. Boosting your health will naturally lead to an increase in self esteem and self confidence, leaving you to walk tall into the interview room with a smile and a firm handshake.

“Keep alcohol to a minimum, avoid binge drinking and don’t drink alcohol the day before an interview; your liver, brain and the interviewer will appreciate fresh breath and an articulate hangover free you too.”

Taking small positive steps to improve your diet will give you massive gains in health and resistance to disease. The less often you fall ill will not only be better for you but means you will take less sick days off of work – a winwin for both employee and employer.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

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Women, Work and WellBeing Jo Fairley, the co-founder of Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate a brand which is now worth more than £100 million, addressed an audience of 120 business women at an event organised by the Jersey Community Relations Trust on the subject of ‘Advancing Women in Business’. Jo has had an extraordinary career beginning in journalism and becoming the youngest ever women’s magazine editor, moving into health and beauty with her series of best selling Beauty Bible guides via creating the branding and marketing strategy for Green & Black’s the world’s leading organic chocolate

Resilience, Stamina, Flexibility, Focus and Instinct

When asked about the skills required to be successful as a woman in the business world Jo cited resilience, stamina, a flexible attitude, focus and instinct. Because women have the ability to multi-task and the skill to integrate all the tasks which they have to perform Jo promoted the concept of the wellbeing of women stressing how important it is to eat well, exercise and to refresh the mind with meditation or yoga. She said: “The wellbeing of successful women is important because they are role models for younger women and it is important that successful women are recognised for having a holistic approach to life which is beneficial to their working and personal lives and which can be replicated by women who will be the next generation of women leaders.”

Jo Fairley was joined by a panel of business women: Wendy Dorman, Chair of the Jersey Branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD), Kristina Le Feuvre, Entrepreneur and ViceChair of the Chamber of Commerce and Charlotte Valeur the CEO of Board Apprenticeship Scheme. The audience asked a number of questions and each of the panellists talked about their career and how they had maximised the opportunities which had been presented. All the panellists agreed that they enjoyed working with their male counterparts and that men and women bought complementary skills to the workplace. The audience were given a questionnaire to gather information on mentoring and networking opportunities and equality diversity policies within the workplace. The questionnaire also enquires about the barriers which women consider affect their career potential and the challenges they have in advancing their careers. The information will be analysed and the Jersey Community Relations Trust will run a series of Workshops looking at these issues in greater depth.

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Creating a WORLD of Difference

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Mi Wellness – How are your finances feeling? It’s that time of year when many of us end up feeling under the weather; it’s no fun being ill. And, even when we are taking care of ourselves it’s often near impossible to avoid people who are coughing and spreading their germs around! It’s the same with our finances. Sometimes we can unexpectedly fall financially ill, even if we think we are immune. Unpredictable expenses can hit us out of the blue, like urgent house repairs or dental bills for example. Mi Finance offers the kind of help that will ‘ease the symptoms’ of debt. Director, Graeme Fairlie, believes a personal approach can help you make the right decisions for

financial health: “We’ll give you a health check and guide you into making the best decisions for your future. Each client is treated as an individual, because we believe everyone is different. We are approachable, informative and friendly, and often loans will be approved on the same day; our goal is to help you take control of your financial heath and enjoy the benefits,” he told us.

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Stay financially fit with the right loan

That’s enough to give anyone the sweats!

It’s a great feeling when our finances and our health are aligned; we feel balanced and at peace!

Step into Mi for a financial health check

You may be financially healthy, you do the right things and all is well. But, at this time of year we might like to indulge in something special for Christmas or the New Year, like taking the family on a well deserved holiday, or treating our loved ones to a once in a lifetime gift. But, the last thing anyone wants is to spend beyond his or her means - that’s why Mi Finance promise to find their clients the best rate for a loan in the local market.

What happens if your money gets poorly?

A bad financial situation can get worse if we neglect it or bury our heads in the sand. For example, if you have a large credit card debt and are making minimum payments at the average APR you could be stuck paying off your debt for decades. You will also end up paying an enormous amount of interest.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

The good news is they have helped many people by tackling situations head on. Local and independent, Mi Finance will do the hard work by shopping around to find the best rate for you. They will help you restructure your card payments with a consolidation loan and help bring down the cost of your interest payments. Their clients have found great relief with this approach and have gone on to enjoy more financial freedom and health. Take the stress out of financial issues and drop in on them anytime at their comfortable and confidential space at 9 Waterloo Street. Or, if you prefer call them on 01534 876 446. Their friendly and expert team are there to help - you’ll certainly feel better after a cup of tea and a chat! Santé everyone!

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Cleaning Your Teeth: Could it Save Your Life?

Examining the links between wellbeing, health and looking after your teeth. Cases of mouth cancer are rising. According to the publication, Dental Protection: ‘Statistics published by the British Dental Health Foundation, reveal there were 6,767 new cases of oral cancer in 2011, a rise of 33% since 2000. Additionally, deaths from mouth cancer surpassed 2,000 in 2011 for the first time.’ The Cosmetic Dental Group (CDG) is therefore keen to explain the ways that you can reduce your risk and ensure early detection. The clinical team at CDG pride themselves on the prevention-based care they offer and with dental journals and medical publications linking the risk of heart problems, low weight births, and Alzheimer's disease to Periodontal Disease (advanced gum disease to non-dental professionals!), it seems they might just have it right. Current guidelines from the General Dental Council as quoted this year by Dental Protection state that: ‘The particularly aggressive nature of oral cancer means that missing one opportunity to make an early diagnosis or prompt referral can have serious consequences for the patient’s prognosis.’ A standard part of your examination at CDG is an oral cancer screening by Drs Jeremy Willetts, Jon Sproson and Jonathan Wood so you can rest assured that with regular attendance, hygiene appointments and a good oral hygiene technique, you can lower your risk of mouth cancer straightaway. Katie and Tammy’s top tips for cleaning your teeth and looking after your gums: • Attend regularly for examinations and hygiene appointments • Brush twice a day for two minutes • Floss daily • Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste

The Mouth Cancer Action website also relays the links between oral cancer and smoking, alcohol consumption and a poor diet which is a key area that CDG advise each patient on.

Jeremy was also keen to tell us more about CDG’s attention to the screening for mouth cancer: ‘Patients have a higher chance of earlier detection when they attend most regularly and follow

‘The particularly aggressive nature of oral cancer means that missing one opportunity to make an early diagnosis or prompt referral can have serious consequences for the patient’s prognosis.’ Jeremy told us: ‘When you visit CDG, our hygienists, Katie and Tammy, will not only make your smile clean and sparkling, they will also assess your brushing and flossing technique, outlining any areas you may be missing. They use intra-oral cameras to take pictures inside your mouth of the areas you just can’t see on your own, which is often the most effective way to understand how effective your oral hygiene technique truly is! They also recommend dental products based upon your individual oral hygiene needs and assess the impact that your diet may be having. For instance, a diet high in citrus fruits may cause acid erosion of your teeth’s enamel and so their bespoke guidance will ensure a preventative programme of care.’

the prescribed advice of their dental practitioners. This is why we set up our Dental HealthPlan, to ensure that we can make the payment of routine dental fees to maintain optimum oral health as comfortable as possible.’ He continued: ‘From as little as 50p per day, you can see us for an annual examination and two hygiene appointments a year. The Plan has seen a high uptake at the practice – 1,500 people are currently members already.’ If you would like to find out more about Mouth Cancer Action Month, or to make a donation, please visit: http:// www.mouthcancer.org/

More info about The Cosmetic Dental Group: www.jerseysmiles.co.uk To book an appointment with one of The Cosmetic Dental Group’s Clinicians, please contact the practice on 01534 731 680 or, for a free callback, email: info@jerseysmiles.co.uk

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Are you at YOUR best? Survive or Thrive? Dr Amanda Bailey DC, Wellness ChiropracTOR & Health Educator

Life is something so valuable and special that we should endeavour to not have to compromise ourselves. However, we often do. In the western world we sometimes get lost, we are too busy to eat well, too tired to exercise, too stressed to relax. I ask this, are you surviving or thriving? Are you the best that you can be? Each of us has the potential to reach our best, our individual optimal. The key to achieving our best is through a wellness lifestyle. Wellness is the integration of the mind, body and spirit, a life-long mission of moving towards enhancing your physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and environmental wellbeing. Optimal wellness allows us to achieve our goals and find meaning and purpose in our lives. This way of life involves continually learning and continual corrections to enhance your state of health. When we balance the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, occupational, spiritual and environmental aspects of life, we achieve true wellness. You may be thinking why is a chiropractor talking about wellness? Don’t chiropractors

just fix backs by cracking them? The answer is … not quite. I graduated from The Anglo-European College of Chiropractic with a Master of Chiropractic degree after five years of study. Since then, I have worked with professional athletes on the Ladies European Tour and in a well-established practice in the UK. Now due to the influence of a Jersey boy, I have made the move to The Rock to serve and help the community through my skills and knowledge, helping influence understanding and awareness of health and ChiropracTIC. My view of healthcare is holistic and this is why wellness works so well with chiropractic. Chiropractic is a science that is based upon a law of biology that states that inborn into all living things is the ability to be well. The art, science and philosophy

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of chiropractic draws on the fact that the nervous system (consisting of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and special sensory organs) controls and co-ordinates all other organs and structures in the body relating to its environment. Sometimes through life we can have stresses/ interferences within our bodies. We live in a world that includes many stressors. These stressors can present through a physical, chemical and/or emotional form:

‘The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease’ Thomas A. Edison

• Physical - Birth trauma, slips, falls, accidents, poor seating

• Chemical – Nutritionally deficient food,

drugs, medicine, pollution, stress, hormonal levels

• Mental/Emotional – Negative thoughts, feelings, memories, bereavement, social and environmental influences Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (World Health Organisation, 2014). When the stressor(s) exceeds our body’s ability to defend against it, we surrender. Removing stressors/interference to this master control system (the nervous system) allows the body to heal itself and gives the optimum conditions for life and health. I believe in helping you achieve better health, through a combination of adjustments to the nervous system and lifestyle advice.

I love this unique, vitalistic profession and am very passionate about the health benefits that can be gained through a wellness lifestyle. If you think that you could thrive more, come in and get your life and body adjusted at Back to Balance Chiropractic and Osteopathy at The Lido Wellness Centre. I look forward to seeing and helping you achieve better health, improve performance in sports or work, prevent and manage injuries and get more out of life!

More info: www. www.backtobalancejsy.co.uk

Creating a WORLD of Difference

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The Harmony of Physiotherapy and Pilates… Anne-Marie Webb Senior Physiotherapist BSC (HONS). SRP. MCSP

Harmony Physiotherapy was established in August 2011. It is run by Senior Physiotherapist Anne-Marie Webb BSC (HONS). SRP. MCSP. Anne-Marie specialises in musculoskeletal physiotherapy with a holistic approach. She recognises the mind-body connection and aims to treat her clients holistically and wholeheartedly, with a harmonious balance using her physiotherapy expertise and the wonderful benefits of Pilates. Anne-Marie can treat a wide range of conditions including musculoskeletal problems, neurological disorders and chronic pain syndromes. She holds her Pilates classes at selected venues, including Les Roches Spa and The Isis Centre – where better to focus on your body with mindful awareness in a beautiful setting and in safe hands.

Every client has a full Physiotherapy assessment where any medical conditions are identified before embarking on treatment; all exercises are prescribed to meet each client’s individual needs. This is particularly useful for those with medical or postural issues and those wishing to strengthen weaker parts of their bodies.

The classes are suitable for those with pain and dysfunction and also those who just wish to tone up or strengthen their spine and core muscles. The nature of the class means those with chronic pain or fatigue syndromes can also participate with ease, and under the watchful eye of Anne-Marie.

All groups are small and client centred. Classes are suitable for those with aches, pains or pathologies and exercise can be modified to suit the individual. 1:1 sessions are also available for those not wishing to train in a group.

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Physiotherapy Pilates may help lower back problems, neck pain, postural issues, and stress/anxiety, post abdominal surgery and also may support shoulder and lower limb strengthening. At the end of each session, there is a chance to relax, with an all important relaxation period; 15 minutes to ensure activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, enabling the body and mind to relax and let go â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this also helps counteract effects of long-term stress, which as we all know, can be the root cause for all manner of ailments and disease, including depression, digestive disorders, headaches, high blood pressure, and insomnia.

Anne-Marie also runs a Physiotherapy Clinic from Les Quennevais Sports Centre and treats a variety of conditions using physiotherapy, pilates and acupuncture. She also hosts regular wellness workshops alongside other practitioners; empowering the holistic approach to overall wellbeing and good health, for the body and mind.

For further details, or to book an appointment to see Anne-Marie, please contact her on 07797 824 924. Alternatively, email harmonyphysiotherapy@hotmail.co.uk

Creating a WORLD of Difference

HEALTH

CranioSacral Therapy

INTERVIEW WITH JULIE SKELLEY CST MCSS, CranioSacral Therapist

To the uninformed CranioSacral Therapy (CST) sounds painful just in the reading. Cranial is anything relating to the skull or cranium, while the Sacral (Sacrum) is a wedged shaped bone at the base of the spine. So you might think CST involves deep head massage with lots of twisting and pulling around and someone jumping up and down on your lower back and that you would leave a session in a state of mild shock and in need of a lie down! In fact, as Julie Skelley, a fully qualified CranioSacral Therapist based in Jersey, explains, the opposite is the case. A graduate of the Upledger Institute, and one of only a handful of people qualified in Jersey to call themselves a CranioSacral Therapist, Julie has a background in holistic alternative therapies dating back to 1992 when she practised Reiki on family and friends. She is also a qualified reflexologist and has developed a deep interest in the workings of the human form, which led her to the study of CST.

She explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I became fascinated with how the body develops through its lifetime and how it works and heals itself. As a holistic therapist specialising in CST, I am working with the body to balance the mind, body and soul. Tensions can occur anywhere and, as practitioners and therapists, we believe that CST can release these tensions deep in the body, thereby relieving pain and improving health generally.â&#x20AC;?

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CranioSacral Therapy has proven to be of great benefit to people for a multitude of ailments and problems, including: • Stress, migraines and headaches • Depression • Insomnia • Chronic neck and back pain • ADD/ADHD and other behavioural issues • Conception, pregnancy and birth • Brain and spinal injuries • Motor coordination impairments • Stress and tension related problems • Infantile disorders • Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries • Chronic fatigue • Scoliosis • Central nervous system disorders • Emotional difficulties • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) • Autism, of certain types • Learning disabilities • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Orthopedic problems • Digestive disorders and colic • And many other conditions Please note that CranioSacral Therapy is not a replacement for appropriate medical care.

CST has its origins in the early 1970s when, during a neck surgery on a patient, American osteopathic surgeon, Dr John E Upledger, noticed a distinctive movement or pulsing of the dural tube, which is the membrane surrounding and protecting the spinal column. Nothing in his or his colleagues’ experience indicated why this should happen and, keen to expand on his knowledge, he discovered the teachings and cranial osteopathy course developed by Dr William Sutherland. The basis of this course was that, contrary to perceived belief at the time, the bones of the skull were not fused together but continued to move throughout a person’s life.

“By releasing these restrictions with light touch techniques – normally no greater than 50g, about the weight of a 20p piece – the body is able to relax and rebalance, allowing the central nervous system, endocrine and immune systems to perform at their best, strengthening and enhancing health and general wellbeing. The gentle hands-on approach also enables CST to be available to people of all ages from babies to very senior citizens.”

This opened up a whole new field of complementary therapy and, after many years of research, Dr Upledger founded the Upledger Institute with the purpose of enlightening practitioners and the public as a whole to the benefits of CST. Julie continued: “Few structures have as much influence over the body’s ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that make up the central nervous system. The central nervous system is heavily influenced by the CranioSacral system – the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.

More info: www.julieskelley.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 789 367 M: + 44 (0) 7797 742 347

Creating a WORLD of Difference

HEALTH

All Not Well? Just Tap It Better… INTERVIEW WITH YOLANDA SÁEZ CASTELLÓ

Tapping is rapidly becoming a health buzzword. If you haven’t actually used it yourself then you probably know someone who has, for it can help with an extraordinarily wide range of complaints. We recently caught up with Yolanda Sáez Castelló, one of only 200 practitioners worldwide trained to her level. And luckily for us, she has started Tap It Better here in Jersey. How did you get into tapping?

I was always interested in health, even through my long career in finance. It was during a therapy course I was on that I met Paul McKenna, who is a massive proponent of tapping. I wasn’t at all sure about it to begin with – but I have been blown away by the results.

How does it work in scientific terms?

It’s a relatively simple idea: it sends calming signals to a part of the brain called the amygdala, which is like a smoke detector sounding an alarm. If you deactivate this using tapping then your body’s response to the same stimulus completely changes. But, as brain scans have shown, other areas can actually be stimulated by tapping, which is how it can help increase academic performance or help you to remember a speech.

I am continually surprised by the extent and range of tapping’s success - particularly when it comes to resolving chronic pain, the sort that has kept some of my clients in serious discomfort for years. But to be honest, the way it can eliminate someone’s fear of flying, or allow someone with severe stage fright to calmly give a presentation in front of 500 people, still surprises me.

“When the pain has gone, when the anger has gone, when the anxiety has gone, then I know my work is done.”

Has tapping been medically proven to work?

Yes. A clinical psychologist, Roger Callahan PhD, developed it in the ‘70s for patients he had previously struggled to help. Since then the signalling to the brain has been tested and retested by Harvard Medical School amongst others. All this research has led to the American Psychology Association recognising tapping as an evidence-based intervention and a number of NHS hospitals utilising it in the UK. Some GPs even use it on patients themselves; some refer patients to me.

What are the main issues that people come to you with? I have dealt with a wide range of complaints including phobias, traumas, anxieties, stress and physical pain. I am always being asked: “Can tapping help with this? With my lack of confidence, my migraines, my tennis elbow, my insomnia, my cravings, my jetlag or my fear of labour?” And the answer is basically ‘yes’. I have had great success with each and every one of these, even with bereavement. It is an incredibly rewarding job.

Has anything surprised you about your work?

So what do you actually do in a session?

After consultation, we start tapping. I tap on myself and my client mirrors me. I often personalise sequences, which is very powerful. I ask my clients to rate their discomfort before and after. When the pain has gone, when the anger has gone, when the anxiety has gone, then I know my work is done.

And can this happen in as little as one session?

Yes, it often does. I have had many clients who have returned to sort through a different issue, rather than because the original one was not resolved. Only more complex cases will require several sessions.

Where in Jersey are you based?

I have a clinic in Gorey but clients around the world; technology makes this easy and it is as effective as having someone in my treatment room. More info: contact Yolanda on +44 (0) 7700 788 870 or email her at: Yolanda@tapitbetter.com

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What her clients say:

“I was amazed by the instant effect of one tapping session on my frozen shoulder!”

Trader, Jersey

“I was depressed and had extreme anxiety after giving birth. Within an hour, Yolanda turned my life around. The effects of that single session have stayed with me to this day – I have not felt any of the symptoms since.”

“My long-standing hay fever was getting much worse even with strong prescribed medication. I tried tapping with Yolanda and, unbelievably, it vanished immediately. I haven’t had any problems for months now. I highly recommend Yolanda. Tapping didn’t hurt, it was easy and, most importantly, it worked!”

Mother, Jersey

Lawyer, Guernsey

And there’s more …

Yolanda is offering two 1-hour sessions for the price of one to readers of WellBeing World magazine – simply quote the promotional code when you book: WW1014.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

HEALTH

Actively Working to Keep You Active! INTERVIEW with: Louise Augré, Augré Physiotherapy

Most people like to keep active these days, be it walking a few times a week, to hitting the gym every day – there are all sorts of active pursuits and Jersey is full of different active opportunities throughout each and every season. Unfortunately, most people also tend to incur some form of injury during their life and these injuries can lead to a lesser chance to stay active – there are however, teams of people actively working to keep you active! We went to talk with Louise Augre at Augre Physiotherapy at the Lido Medical Centre: “An injury shouldn’t put an end to an active lifestyle and we are determined our patients won’t be out of action for long,” Louise told us. “Amongst other things, we specialise in knees and shoulders, which are prone to injury in all types of sport, we endeavour to get our clients up on their feet and back to enjoying their favourite active pastime… Cricketers often suffer shoulder injuries, especially bowlers, and knee and shoulder injuries are really common in skiing. We see a lot of ACL ruptures and cartilage tears coming off the slopes and a number of surfers with strains and tears too. Basketball players, rugby players, footballers and golfers who may have swung for that shot a bit too hard – all of our bodies are prone to twinge and tear now and again.

“We work to avoid these sorts of injuries and to get you fit and flexible to enjoy the activities you love. Our Physio Pilates courses, suitable for all levels, provides a form of exercise that works on balancing and controlling movement and working your core muscles to build up your strength, posture and flexibility.

“No matter which muscles you are having problems with, we can help strengthen them and get you on the right track in terms of ensuring you can be as active as you want to be!” “Some injuries however need surgery and we work closely with two leading UK consultants – Professor Len Funk and Professor David Barrett – offering pre and post-operative care to help our clients get back on their feet and back to fitness as soon as possible.”

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Dr Funk is their shoulder expert – specialising in keyhole surgery and he often treats elite and professional sportsmen, mainly rugby players and those who play contact sports. As well as treating sports injuries he uses modern techniques to manage shoulder dislocations, frozen shoulder and arthritis. Dr Funk offers a one stop diagnostic service for shoulder injuries and disorders, all of which can be completed in one day – from imaging to consultation - he is Professor of Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine at Salford University, and offers private clinics at Bridgewater and Alexandra hospitals. Dr Barrett is one of the leading orthopaedic knee surgeons in the country and the team at Augre Physiotherapy have been working with him for the last six years to help their clients with more serious knee problems. He’s developed knee surgery techniques for people needing knee joint replacements, developed computer navigation, which he uses during knee operations and he now does selective compartmental knee resurfacing. Louise continued: “Our friendly team don’t just treat sports injuries; unfortunately you can pick up an injury without even leaving your chair so you might want to sit up a bit straighter for this next bit! We see many patients suffering from back and neck pain because they’ve spent hours on end slouching

in front of the computer or sitting on an office chair not positioned at the right height. Long periods of bad posture can overstretch the spinal ligaments and strain the discs and surrounding structures in the spine. Our physiotherapists have the ability to treat all musculoskeletal conditions so we can help fix that but there are things you can do to help prevent these sorts of injuries in the first place. “Alternating between sitting with your back against the back of your chair to moving forward to the edge of your seat with your back straight will give your back a break. Try not to cross your legs, lean to the side or hunch your shoulders. And don’t forget to get up from time to time and move around to stretch out those tired muscles.

Meet the Team! Louise Augré

Louise’s aim has always been to offer something different to other practices and we’ve been doing that since 2006. She is proud that each member of her team is highly qualified and experienced in their own sub-speciality of physiotherapy. Louise specialises in knee and shoulder pain – treating both common and rare, complex shoulder, elbow and knee disorders.

Paul Frankham

Paul has a keen interest in all sports injuries, particularly injuries to the knee and the treatment of tendon problems. He’s a passionate skier too and was chosen as one of the physiotherapists to help the US ski team to stay on top form at this year’s Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Laura Besnard

Laura has a special interest in upper limb conditions and has more than ten year’s experience in treating all sorts of musculoskeletal problems.

Andrea Goodbody

Andrea is the practice manager who helps manage their busy clinic. She can help with any queries you may have. More info: www.augrephysiotherapy.com

Creating a WORLD of Difference

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The Gluten Free Journey

WORDS: Lorraine Pannetier, Fitness and WellBeing Specialist, Beetroot Brownie

When I was first diagnosed with Coeliac Disease at the start of 2000, it was initially a relief to have a diagnosis and a treatment plan: follow a gluten free diet. This, however, was where the challenges began. As a personal trainer, nutrition/lifestyle consultant and enthusiastic home cook, I did at least have an understanding of food, ingredients and labeling, however, to many other newly diagnosed sufferers it can feel like being lost in a sea of starchy compounds with long names secretly added to almost every food imaginable. Everyday items such as stock cubes, Worcestershire sauce and cheaper brands of tomato ketchup are all unsafe, as are the more obvious foods such as cake, biscuits, bread, pasta and pastry. Over a decade ago, labeling and the availability of safe, gluten free items in the

supermarket was virtually non-existent. I remember feeling particularly delighted when I heard of a lady called Sarah, here in Jersey, who baked delicious gluten free cakes to order every week. What a gorgeous treat! Travelling to France was, unfortunately, far less of a positive experience back then. Having lived for a year in Normandy as a vegetarian in my teens, France was again initially rather unsympathetic to my dietary needs. Everything in a French shopping mall was wheat based; either stuffed into baguettes, arranged atop a pizza or decorating their famous patisserie and pastries.

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Thankfully, things have improved since then. Supermarket gluten free items are now clearly labeled sans gluten and are generally found in the rayon dietetique the dietary aisle. Recently, on a holiday to Lanzarote, I got a little too overexcited at finding a whole section of sin gluten products including bread, biscuits, cereals and crackers - fellow sufferers will understand my delight! I don’t even tend to eat a lot of these items, but simply knowing they exist - a bit like the hotel swimming pool - is satisfying enough. Over the past year I’ve been a member of our local Coeliac UK / Gluten Free Jersey Support Group - a small team of dedicated volunteers who give up a few hours a month to help make the journey for others that little bit easier. We have great connections with local medical teams, including paediatricians and dieticians, and we are building relationships with restaurants and cafes - in many cases actually teaching them about cross-contamination and true gluten free meals (as opposed to something simply not containing wheat). A members’ event was recently held at the beautifully refurbished M&S cafe in King Street where the store’s gluten free produce was available to view and taste, while their International Buyer, John McGovern, gave a great talk about the store’s commitment in this area. Our chair, Sue van de Ven, gave an insightful talk about the disease from an

everyday perspective as well as explaining all the work the committee have done. I was keen to share my healthy, inspirational message about naturally gluten free food and made some scrumptious smoothies from fresh fruit and greens designed to boost energy and vitality and offer an alternative to manufactured gluten free products. The smoothies were devoured by the audience with much enthusiasm!

“I was keen to share my healthy, inspirational message about naturally gluten free food and made some scrumptious smoothies from fresh fruit and greens designed to boost energy and vitality and offer an alternative to manufactured gluten free products.” The Coeliac UK / Gluten Free Jersey Support Group has lots of exciting events planned for the next year including a Chinese evening at the Mandarin Room in October.

To find out more, visit: www.coeliac.co.uk The Jersey Support Group can be found at: www.coeliac.org.uk/local-groups/jersey/ Or find us on Facebook under Gluten Free Jersey / Jersey Coeliac Support Group

Creating a WORLD of Difference

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Have a Kale of a time this winter! Kale, the emerald gem of all vegetables – this lovely, leafy green is by far one of the most nutritious things you can include in your diet. Whether you add it to your juice, steam it, sauté it with garlic or oven roast it for crisps – kale is the way forward, and it’s blooming delicious too. Kale is the latest vegetable super food to get a magnitude of good press - and rightly so. As one of the foremost nutritious veg on the menu, it not only provides a wealth of good health, but really does taste great too. Served up in an array

of ways, we're pretty sure that kale simply cannot fail. It goes with absolutely anything and it good for you all year round – especially during the winter months where our immune systems are in need of a bit of a boost.

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Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. One cup of kale has only 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat. It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its great fiber content. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also filled with many nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium as well as those listed below.

Kale is high in iron. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron is essential for good health, such as the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function and more.

Kale is high in Vitamin K. Eating a diet high in Vitamin K is said to help protect against various cancers. It is also necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including normal bone health and blood clotting. Also increased levels of vitamin K can help people suffering from Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease.

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Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers.

Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food. One cup of kale is filled with 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids, which help, fight against arthritis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.

Kale is great for cardiovascular support. Eating more kale can help lower cholesterol levels.

Kale is high in Vitamin C. This is very helpful for your immune system, your metabolism and your hydration.

Kale is high in calcium. Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing bone loss, preventing osteoporosis and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Vitamin C is also helpful to maintain cartilage and joint flexibility

10.

Kale is a great detox food. Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both said to be great for detoxifying your body and keeping your liver healthy.

Kale is high in Vitamin A. Vitamin A is great for your vision, your skin as well as helping to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.

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Mindful Eating

Digestion and Satisfaction WORDS: Charlotte Watts

With so much emphasis on what to eat, the how can get rather left behind, but the full process of digestion – breaking down and absorbing food – demands as much calm and mindfulness as any aspect of our yoga practice. When this is compromised, partially digested food in the gut can cause gas, bloating and contribute to IBS symptoms. Time, stress and habit often see us bolting food or eating on the go without much thought. Optimal digestion needs energy resources fully directed to the gut and any movement quickly reroutes it out to the muscle; including just standing and using postural muscles. Stress also sends a signal to prepare for protective physical movement and again, muscle wins out. We feel a tense body, often including gripping and tightness in the belly as digestive processes are halted. Our digestive tract has nervous system activity of its own and you really can trust ‘gut feelings’ as a measure of stress.

Guide to a more conscious and nourishing eating style:

It is the parasympathetic or calming and meditative tone of the nervous system – often called ‘rest and digest’ that needs to be set in place for us to feel ready to receive and process food put into our mouths. Sitting down is the first step, but then all of the awareness, breathing space and being in the here and now that yoga means is your best guide towards more mindful eating patterns.

Just eat

If you have become used to rushing your meals, reconnecting back with the art of chewing is an important part of your overall health. Full mastication means that food is lubricated by saliva that starts off the digestive process and gets your gut in the mood to receive and breakdown food. It also sends signals to the brain to start off feelings of satisfaction, thus helping to regulate appetite.

Mindfulness means experiencing every present moment with all of our senses, so when eating this is not just the taste of food but how it looks, smells and feels in your mouth. Slow right down and you can feel all the rich subtleties of your meal rather than that ‘didn’t touch the sides’ feeling.

Connect to your body

Particularly if you have been stressed before, move away from the busy brain state than can get in the way of considered chewing. Before you pick up a fork, place your hands onto your belly (a little apart to not impede its movement) and allow full exhalations to let it settle and soften, ready to receive food. Our brains love distraction and will commandeer energy whenever they can, using up to two-thirds of our energy output at any given time. Make your digestion the main focus by eating away from email, phone and TV input.

Mindful eating

Allow time for digestion

Don’t just get up and rush off after a meal; digestion is a process that takes several hours and the more space you can create for little competition with other activities, the more efficient the process. If you tend to feel tired after meals, this can be your body telling you to stay put and give your digestion some attention!

This article was first published in Om Magazine – and is reproduced with the kind permission of the author. Charlotte’s new book, The De-Stress Effect, is available for pre-order at Amazon now!

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Souped Up By Lucy Sanderson

Soup is most definitely a winter warmer; a nutritious hug in a mug indeed – aptly named by ‘Batchelors’. There’s a bowl full of reasons as to why soup is a fantastic lunch or dinner option and on top of the obvious, it can be a literal belly full of goodness.

Let’s get in the loop about the benefits of soup.

Chicken soup also helps you to stay hydrated, which is key to recovering from colds and flu. Though people watching their sodium intake might want to be wary of having too much since the broth is often salty, chicken soup is packed with electrolytes that may help people drink and retain even more fluids than water or commercial electrolyte drinks. The soup’s salt, steam and heat can also help thin mucus, making it easier to expel, and soothe irritated passageways in your nose and throat.

Chicken Soup... for the soul or just the common cold. Researchers have found that chicken soup appears to inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis, or the movement of certain immune cells to mucous membrane surfaces. The migration of these cells to surface cells in the airways may be partially responsible for mucous production. The scientists concluded that chicken soup also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help dampen cold symptoms.

Obviously, it is important to note what is in your soup, to ensure it packs the optimum health benefits. The researchers’ soup recipe included onions, sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, carrots, celery, parsley and chicken – ingredients that also contain many immunity-boosting antioxidants (remember our article about the health benefits of parsley?). If you’re going to have a go at making the traditional, chicken and noodle soup, (the old, ‘grandma’s recipe’), you could use shirataki noodles (a

Soups can consist of practically anything. The bonus is, you can pack as much or as little in to them as you like. You can use up leftovers, create spicy cold-beaters – you know, the ones that make your nose run – or make up something super low in calories. Soup is also great for filling you up without filling up your daily calorie quota. Furthermore, did you ever hear about chicken soup for the soul…?

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low-calorie noodle made from tofu or a kind of sweet potato) for a super healthy option, or try stirring in fibre-rich brown rice turning the soup into a satisfying meal to fend off this season’s germs and bugs; for even greater results, add a smidge of ginger! Countries the world over, serve up soup as a staple part of their diet, from the UK to Japan – we all recognise a soup dish as being common place to a culture or country.

Japanese Miso soup… Miso soup is full of nutrients and minerals. Made using miso, which contains water, energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fibre, it is a good source of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. In terms of vitamins, it contains folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, B12, A, and vitamin K. Miso soup also contains isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein. It also contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids; and it’s an anti-ageing super dish too!

MISO FACTS: • Contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. • Stimulates the secretion of digestive fluids in the stomach. • Restores beneficial probiotics to the intestines. • Aids in the digestion and assimilation of other foods in the intestines. • Is a good vegetable-quality source of B vitamins (especially B12). • Strengthens the quality of blood and lymph fluid. • Reduces risk for breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers. • Protects against radiation due to dipilocolonic acid, an alkaloid that chelates heavy metals and discharges them from the body. • Strengthens the immune system and helps to lower LDL cholesterol. • High in antioxidants that protects against free radicals. Miso can be cooked with cubed root vegetables, wakame sea vegetable and dark leafy greens during the colder months to add to the already healthy concoction of bug battling ingredients.

French Onion soup… especially healthy without the bread and cheese! Onions have shown a wealth of beneficial properties; they’re anti-allergic, anti-histaminic, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant, making French onion soup a great dish for winter. Basically made up of onion and water; the main ingredient; onions have blood sugar regulating effects due to their chromium content as well as increasing the insulin availability. This makes the pungent onion, a friend of Diabetics. The anti bacterial property of the onion has long been recognised by Ayurvedic medicine and the anti-inflammatory agents present in onions also help reduce the cellinflammation in conditions like Asthma and Respiratory tract infection. French onion soup could indeed be one of nature’s own remedies to soothe a cold.

There are literally hundreds of other concoctions and ideas for making soup, it costs very little and can most certainly fill you with nourishment, and aid weight loss! Furthermore, homemade soup can be kept in the fridge for a good few days, alternatively it can be frozen and so in turn, cut down cooking time after a long day at work. If however, you don’t have the time to make everything from scratch, fear not - studies show that the benefits are of almost equal quantities with ‘commercial’ soup brands, researchers tested 13 varieties of commercially available soups and found that the vast majority of them similarly inhibited immune cell migration. So, hello Heinz! (Watch the salt content, though, and go organic when you can!).

Italy’s Minestrone soup… is known to be good for the liver –

packed full of antioxidants. As well as: • Vegetables, rich in potassium and folate, which help to rid the body of uric acid. • Cabbage, in particular is chock full of vitamins and minerals, • Carrots ramp up the soup’s fibre content, which works to reduce your LDL (bad) cholesterol. • Minestrone is also packed with vitamin A – to support bone health and muscle growth.

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Preparing for Winter Wellness As many as 27.5m working days a year are lost to coughs and colds - and a recent research study indicates that we Brits only feel 100% fit for 61 days out of the whole year, leaving many of us operating well below our best for a staggering 10 months out of 12. It’s worth thinking about how you can take extra care of yourself to ensure you float through the winter months as healthily as you can. We spoke with the team at Clasado BioSciences about preparing ourselves for winter wellness:

What lifestyle factors affect the immune system?

Your immune system is impacted by a whole host of lifestyle factors including whether you drink or smoke, your diet, the amount of exercise you take and the quality of your sleep, not to mention your age. Like many systems in the body as you age your immune system does not function as well. It is possible to actively manage most of the lifestyle issues that have a negative impact on your immune system and now new research shows that you can help combat the ageing process using a prebiotic that not only improves the number of good immune supporting bacteria in the bowel (one of the first lines of your defence), but also helps to maintain the healthy function of the immune system. In scientific studies with older people ‘good gut bacteria’ levels were restored to those normally found in much younger individuals.

How does overindulgence (of food) during the festive season affect the immune system? Probably the single biggest negative impact the festive period will have on the immune system will be due to the amount of alcohol that is consumed. Alcohol has many negative effects on the body, upsetting the balance of the gut flora, reducing the amount of vitamins available from the diet, damaging the body’s ability to recover after exercise and suppressing the immune system. The more an individual drinks the greater the impact. Individuals that drink the most are at the greatest risk of infections particularly chest infections , common in the winter months.

How do increased stress levels during Christmas time affect the immune system?

Stress has been show to suppress immune function, so if the Christmas period is particularly stressful this may have a negative impact on your immune

health. A good way to help beat stress is to undertake a moderate amount of regular exercise. Anti-nutrients like caffeine, alcohol and nicotine all increase the stress in the body, therefore a healthy diet is also important.

What would be your Top 10 Tips for Seasonal Health?

• Try to avoid over-eating and focus on healthy, immune-boosting foods • Eat lots of fresh vegetables (and at least five portions a day) • Avoid too many ‘sugary’ treats • Drink alcohol in moderation – and remember to drink a glass of water for each glass of alcohol you consume • Maintain some regular exercise, of if you don't exercise consider starting (walking is fine) – get a pedometer and see how many steps you take each day; gradually increase the number until you get to 10,000 steps a day • Consider using an advanced prebiotic, like Bimuno Immunaid, to help support your bowel health and immune function • If you smoke – stop! • Listen to your body and slow down,

remember to sleep – especially during the busy holiday period. • Consider some health goals for next year. Try to look for changes in your lifestyle that are sustainable, not just the next January diet. • Start with simple changes and build on your success - Rome was not built in a day and we all take years to get unhealthy, so the change back is likely to take more than a couple of weeks.

Sometimes a healthy diet isn’t enough, how can Bimuno IMMUNAID help? Daily life and stress can use up essential nutrients causing your body to become vulnerable; there is also a shortage of natural sunlight to convert vitamin D in the body and boost the immune system.

IMMUNAID contains vitamin C which contributes to the normal function of the immune system plus prebiotic transgalacto-oligosaccharides, which have been clinically shown to selectively feed and energise immunity supporting ‘good’ bacteria (Bifidobacteria) as well as supporting the protective barrier function of the gut. The result is a dramatic and significant increase in levels of these important gut bacteria, which play a key role in regulating the immune system. With more than 60% of your immune system being based in your gut this is especially significant helping you to get through, what can be, a potential stressful or physically exhausting time.

“With more than 60% of your immune system being based in your gut this is especially significant helping you to get through, what can be, a potential stressful or physically exhausting time.” £9.99 per pack (30 pastilles), available from Boots, and online at www.bimuno.com International Nutritionist Dr Adam Carey highlights the importance of a healthy gut in boosting the body’s defences: “The bowel is one of the first lines of defence in the body’s immune system. Having good bowel health is a critical part in maintaining a fully functioning immune system. Bimuno feeds the good bacteria in the large bowel and reduces the number of bad bacteria. It also actively helps support the immune system during the winter months.” Prevention is better than cure. Invest now for your winter health and wellbeing.

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WellBeing and the Senses : Aroma Does it reach parts we didn’t realise?

WORDS: Claire de Gruchy, Neuro-Developmental Therapist and Health Kinesiologist

Health Kinesiology (HK), a form of acupressure, sometimes uses aromas from essential oils, essences, herbs or flowers. Sometimes it is obvious these smells bring a change via the nose, other times not. What is happening when an essence is placed near the liver? Do our bodies ‘receive’ smell another way? According to Alex Stone (New York Times ‘Smell Turns Up in Unexpected Places’) it would appear so. Biologists first described the ‘inner workings’ of olfactory receptors in the 1990s; more recently scientists recorded odour receptors in the liver, heart, kidneys and sperm – where they play an important role in physiological functions. Biologists at Ruhr University,

Germany, discovered olfactory receptors in human skin! Dr. Hatt, lead researcher, used sandalwood odour on one of these receptors, triggering molecules to signal so that healing took place in injured tissue. Certain odours enhance wellbeing, others can cause discomfort – think of someone reacting even to the smell of

peanuts? Or when a woman’s body goes through change, such as pregnancy, is the reaction from an odour or changes in hormones? Either way, HK can help address nauseousness and sickness. Odour receptors are like a ‘lock-andkey-system’, an odour molecule the ‘key’, the receptor the ‘lock’. Perhaps when an allergic reaction happens the receptor involved isn’t functioning

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properly and doesn’t recognise the ‘key’ or odour molecule? HK identifies where the dysfunction is within the body and an appropriate technique is used to allow the receptor ‘lock’ to recognise the ‘key’. Children also come to me for Reflex Stimulation to improve learning and coordination. I have found aromas bring calmness to children with behavioural

issues – and wonder could this be linked to Jennifer Pluznick’s findings ( Johns Hopkins University) that ‘olfactory receptors help control metabolic function and regulate blood pressure’? More research is needed but this starts to explain why aromas have an impact on us.

a child struggling at school or have allergies, intolerances or are not well, I am committed to helping everyone.

Whether, like the Duchess of Cambridge, you suffer with morning sickness, have an infant unable to settle,

You will find Claire at the New Vision Therapy Centre or can call her to make an appointment on: 07797 714 758. More info at www.myhealthkinesilogy.com

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Gentle Parenting WORDS: Sarah Holmes

Gentle Parenting is based on four underlying principles for parenting: that is, parenting with empathy, respect, understanding and boundaries. There are no ‘rules’ to follow and no lists teaching you what to do or how to do things. Gentle parenting is simply a conscious way of acting and thinking that influences how you parent – it is a mindset.

Empathy

Considering your child’s feelings is a key part of gentle parenting. Rather than simply attempting to address (and extinguish) any surface level behaviour, what we should be doing is looking at what deeper issues are causing that behaviour. We can then empathise with our child’s situation / feelings / development, before deciding what action we should take in response.

The acknowledgement of feelings is vital, along with validating those feelings and taking them into consideration. The key thing is to think about how you yourself would like to be treated. The command ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ really rings true here.

Respect

Tied in with empathy is respect. Just because your child is not an adult doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be treated with the same respect that you would give an adult. We respect other adults’ likes and dislikes, their individual differences, their opinions and thoughts – and we should extend that respect to our

children as well. The key thing with respect is that if it is given, it is often received – so if we want our children to respect us, then we need to respect them.

Understanding

It is vital to understand what is normal for your child (not anyone else’s) given their age, mental / emotional / physical development, and situation. This awareness of where your child is ‘at’ at any given point really allows us to have realistic expectations of their behaviour and communication – and also helps us to understand their behaviour and what they are attempting to communicate. This can also really help us with the empathising aspect of gentle parenting.

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“Gentle parents also lose their temper, shout, and sometimes say / do things that don’t ‘fit’ with their ideal way of parenting. However, it is not about reprimanding yourself or feeling guilty for those things – gentle parents will always apologise and explain that shouting (for example) is not something that they should have done.”

Boundaries

Many people confuse gentle parenting with permissive parenting, when in fact it is nothing like it. The children of gentle parents do not always ‘get their own way’, and we do not say ‘yes’ all of the time. In fact, gentle parents can often be stricter and have more boundaries. Boundaries and limits are vital - they give children a sense of security and predictability, two things that they desperately need. However, the boundaries that gentle parents set are about guiding rather than controlling children, and gentle discipline is empathetic and focuses on teaching the child rather than punishing.

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Nobody is perfect

It is important to realise that gentle parents are not perfect parents, and their children are not perfect children. They still have babies that cry and wake up at night, toddlers that bite and hit, teens that talk back and slam doors. These behaviours are totally normal and are not what gentle parenting is about. Gentle parents also lose their temper, shout, and sometimes say / do things that don’t ‘fit’ with their ideal way of parenting. However, it is not about reprimanding yourself or feeling guilty for those things – gentle parents will always apologise and explain that shouting (for example) is not something that they should have done. It is good for our children to recognise that sometimes parents get angry and act in ways that might disappoint others (and themselves), but it is also very important for them to see their parents modelling recognition of their own behaviour, as well as how to rebuild connections and move forward from the situation. This is how our children truly learn about emotional regulation, saying sorry and making amends – not through punishments like time outs or losing toys, etc.

Taking the long term view

Gentle parenting is very much an investment in the long term rather than the short term, and the effects and benefits of parenting our children in this way may not be seen until years down the line. Although parenting in a gentle way may not seem to be ‘working’ when we look at the short term behaviours of our children, as they grow older and mature, the positive effects will become more and more visible. At its most simple, gentle parenting is about developing and fostering a close and trusting relationship with our children, where we focus on teaching and modelling the behaviours that we would like to see in them.

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Baby Sleep WORDS: Sarah Holmes

The problem with baby sleep

Talk to virtually any parent with a baby about sleep, and you will probably hear the same comments over and over: “my baby can’t self-settle”, “my baby needs me to rock her to sleep”, “my baby wakes up several times during the night”. In fact, Price’s 2012 Study of Infant Sleep stated that 47% of parents with 7 month old babies consider their child to have ‘a sleep problem’. So why do babies sleep the way they do? And is it a problem to be solved?

How babies sleep

How babies sleep is very different to how adults sleep – and in fact their sleep does not become similar to adult sleep until they’re approximately four years of age.

An adult’s sleep cycle lasts for around 90 minutes, and we move through four stages of sleep during that time. Throughout the night, we alternate between deep sleep and light sleep every couple of hours, and are able to transition between sleep cycles easily. An infant’s sleep cycle looks very different – their sleep cycles last for around 45 – 60 minutes, and consist of only two stages of sleep. Active sleep (the first stage) lasts for around 20 – 25 minutes, and it is during this stage of sleep that infants are easily woken. It is the next stage of sleep – quiet sleep – that is the deep sleep stage when they are not easily roused. Babies do not find it easy to transition between sleep cycles, and will wake up if something is ‘not right’ – hunger, pain, warmth etc.

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Why babies sleep the way they do

Night waking is an evolutionary survival mechanism. Babies are designed to wake easily when there is an unmet need that jeopardises their survival – hunger, warmth, even the security of having an adult nearby. In evolutionary terms, waking often is a good thing for babies – those who wake more often are those that have the strongest survival instincts. Also, babies’ stomachs are tiny and milk is digested rapidly. Milk contains lots of protein, which is vital for brain development as well as growth in general. It also contains a lot of fat and is high in calories – again, perfectly designed for growth. Babies need to feed often to ensure that they are receiving adequate nutrition for development and growth, including through the night. In fact, it is biologically normal for babies to wake for night feeds throughout the first year (and beyond), and the importance of these night feeds for development and growth shouldn’t be underestimated. Infant sleeping patterns also help babies’ brains to develop. Blood flow to the brain nearly doubles during light sleep, and the body makes more nerve proteins (the building blocks of the brain). During this stage of sleep, the brain also processes any learning that has taken place, so when babies reach major developmental milestones (sitting, crawling, walking) they often ‘practice’ those new skills in their sleep. As well as this, it is totally normal for a baby (and even a toddler) to need a loving parental presence in order to sleep. Babies are biologically hardwired to have a need to stay close to an adult caregiver who is responsive and respectful of their needs – without this, they wouldn’t survive.

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Do we need to ‘fix’ how our babies sleep?

Trying to get a baby to sleep too deeply and for too long is not in their best interests, either developmentally or in terms of their survival. They might suppress their natural survival instincts and stop calling for us – including in situations where they might be ill or in danger; they might miss out on nutrition that is vital for their growth and development; and they might spend less time in active sleep and thus have less time devoted to brain development and practicing of skills.

‘Problem’ solved

The key thing to remember is that your baby’s sleep is not a reflection of your parenting – it is to do with your baby’s individual personality, the developmental stage they’re at, and other factors such as illness and teething. You are not doing anything wrong if your baby wakes at night whilst your friend’s baby sleeps through (and interestingly, in terms of infant sleep studies, ‘sleeping through’ is defined as a 5 hour stretch of sleep), and there is nothing wrong with your baby either.

“Night waking is an evolutionary survival mechanism. Babies are designed to wake easily when there is an unmet need that jeopardises their survival – hunger, warmth, even the security of having an adult nearby. In evolutionary terms, waking often is a good thing for babies – those who wake more often are those that have the strongest survival instincts.” Self-settling is not something that can be taught – it is something that develops as babies mature. All babies’ sleep develops and matures during the first year, where the stretches of deep sleep lengthen and the stretches of light sleep get shorter. Yet even though their sleep matures, it will still be affected by stimuli like developmental leaps, teething, illness, nightmares and separation anxiety.

By lowering our expectations of baby sleep so that they are more in line with what babies are actually capable of, and following our babies’ cues and meeting their needs, we take away the pressures and stress of ‘getting our baby to sleep’ and see infant sleep for what is actually is – totally normal and something that will pass (in the grand scheme of things) very quickly.

Additionally, the need to feel safe and secure is as valid as the need for food and warmth, and you shouldn’t feel like you are doing anything wrong by responding to your baby’s needs. In fact, by responding to your baby’s needs consistently during both day and night, you are showing them that you are there whenever they need you, and that their needs (even if it is a need for a cuddle) are important to you. 81

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Transforming the Teen Years WORDS: Alicia Evans

It’s tough being a 21st century teenager. Here, we take a look at the challenges facing our young people and offers a few tips for helping them. Imagine this. Life descends into chaos and it feels like everything is breaking down. You can no longer relate to who you used to be - and yet you don’t know who or what you’re becoming. There’s nothing you can do except hang in there and wait ... and wait … until you emerge, transformed, fresh and new … a beautiful butterfly! That, of course, is exactly what happens to a caterpillar when it spins a chrysalis around itself and mutates into another life form. It’s also how it can feel to be a teenager. Your childhood is pretty much over but you’re not fully adult yet. You’re at an ‘awkward age’ or ‘in-between stage’ and you may experience mental and

emotional growing pains, as well as physical ones. You put a lot of effort into maturing and achieving various milestones, yet there are no guarantees about your future and what it will hold. There’s pressure to achieve at school and you’re also expected to master the mysterious rules of friendship and popularity. Celebrity culture and the dating scene place even more demands on you, as you start to worry about being attractive and successful enough. Social media may just give others another chance to judge you. You may even get bullied. On top of that, chemical changes in your brain are transforming your body, making your feelings more intense and

giving you an urge to be independent. All of this can muddy the waters between you and your parents. As a teenager, your unspoken question might be, ‘What’s happening to me?’ As a parent, you might be wondering, ‘What’s happening to you?’ Your cheerful, easy-going and chatty pre-teen has disappeared. It’s hard growing up in the 21st century. A UNICEF report estimates that around the world, 20 per cent of teenagers have a mental health or behavioural problem. What’s more, these problems have increased, partly due to family breakdown, youth unemployment and parents expecting their children to achieve too much.

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All of that pressure has to find an outlet – and that’s what’s happening when young people become depressed, reckless or rebellious, experiment with drink or drugs, develop eating disorders or start to self-harm. Sometimes it’s their anger talking. At other times it’s their self-doubt and their painful lack of self-love. Every symptom and every behaviour is an attempt to communicate something from inside that scary cocoon.

like schoolwork or choice of friends. The possibilities are endless. If you can go along with their requests while making sure they’re safe, it’s worth agreeing or trying to reach a compromise. As well as talking, there are lots of other ways for youngsters to express

school pastoral staff could be the first port of call. They will know how to signpost you to the right services for your youngster, such as specialist youth counselling. There are often waiting lists for treatment, so you may need to be assertive and emphasise the urgency of the problem. There are some very

resources on the “All of that pressure has to find an outlet – helpful internet, such as the and that’s what’s happening when young websites of Young Minds Family Lives, both people become depressed, reckless or rebellious, and charities with dedicated experiment with drink or drugs, develop helplines for parents worried about their eating disorders or start to self-harm.”

If we can help our youngsters to communicate their feelings in other ways, we can release the pressure valve. We can ask them what they want, what would help them, how they would like our support to look. Maybe they want you to spend more time with them, even though they don’t always want the demands of an intense conversation.

They might ask for more privacy, fewer questions and less intervention in areas

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themselves and let off steam. Exercise, dance, music, art, writing poetry or keeping a journal, pursuing a hobby … even walking the family dog can be an escape from day-to-day concerns. It’s also important to know when a young person needs outside help for their problems. Get support to help you tackle serious issues like violence, eating disorders or hints at suicide. A G.P. or

children. You and your teen aren’t alone – there are so many experienced people out there just waiting to offer support.

Together, we can try to make the world a safer, more welcoming place for our teenagers as they emerge from that cocoon and take flight.

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Feeling Great Post 50! We all know that age brings with it its fair share of issues concerning health; as we age, our bodies naturally deteriorate and it’s up to us to maintain our health and wellbeing to fend off disease and other degenerative problems. No lessons sucking the proverbial egg here! Without getting into the nitty gritty of ailments, disorders and diseases however, what about the feelings we get as we take steps into our fifth decade of life? No one really prepares you for the milestone birthday that is 50 – half a century: the arena of middle life. But we’re all going to get there, so best to embrace it, if you can. Women can sometimes feel the stress of ageing a bit more than men – the old adage of a man buying a sports car at this time of life, doesn’t really apply to women – so what, as women do we do in response to turning 50? It’s a notable time for reflection and a chance to look to where our future is going – all without the same carefree notions we had on our team in years gone by. If you’re one of those women, or are related to someone who seems to be having a tough time turning 50, then please do read on. We hope that our readers can take this article and turn fifty into nifty and feel empowered by having (l)earned a multitude of things in the precious first 50 years of life.

Researching this piece brought about a whole flood of varying views and stories – women sharing all the trials, tribulations and hot flushes (yes, plenty of those). One thing remained remarkably consistent – candidness. There’s definitely something to be said for the assuredness that only comes with age. Some women were positively over being 50 as soon as they’d blown out the candles on their cake. It was a breeze: just another birthday, a celebration marking another year. Rather a lot however, were not so easy-going about it; irrespective of general good health and wellbeing. Some felt the menopause marked an ‘ending’; in more than one way, and others talked about becoming invisible. One lady, living in the States, said she felt she’d become invisible to everyone around her, including her family. Of course, she hadn’t disappeared from view, but her perception of herself was that she wasn’t noticed since turning 50. The kids she’d raised to almost adults and the husband she’s been married to for 29 years seemed to take for granted the years she’d invested in to them (so she thought). Needless to say, she was wrong …

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You might be forgiven for thinking that this lady was being hyper-sensitive - in fact, she was suffering from a dose of depression and clearly, at this point, was struggling to find the light at the end of the tunnel. Perception breeds more of the same, especially where it has a chance to thrive within negativity or self-criticism. If you’re reading this and it’s striking any chord at all, then consider this – you are beautiful. You are exactly where you are supposed to be. You are unique, loved, important and valued. There is no escaping age, but heck, who would want to? Consider this - is it time to change the way you’re thinking? Think of your age as a blessing - each year has thrown up some sort of lesson, and look - you’re still here! Life is rolling out more lessons, more love, more things to aim for and look forward to. You just need to evaluate every so often and the niggly negative thoughts, well, let’s have a crack at putting them in their box in order to make room for the things you really can focus on. Take off that invisible cloak because lady, we see you!

strong and less caught up with the ‘bum looking big in this’ – if your posterior isn’t a solid pair of seat muscles, then own the fact that it has a sexy wobble, a bounce, a shape which conveys a woman. MIND: Your mind may be playing tricks on you if it’s enabling any kind of negativity about aging – but think of this: do you care as much today about what people think, compared to when you were younger? I doubt it. DECISION MAKING: Oh yes – at 50, we tend to know what we want as we’ve gone through the testing period of all the things we weren’t quite sure about. This means that decision-making is a whole lot easier – using our life lessons, we can embark on new projects, sessions of self-evaluation and perception and in turn make good decisions about what we want. Again, own it.

Let’s have a look at some of the things, which can actually be better after 50 … LOVE: Yes, that most important factor that we often take for granted (or don’t quite understand) when we are younger. As we age, love has more meaning, more attachment – a deeper understanding and a fuller feeling. At 50, we send our love in the right direction and as a result, receive it in the same way. The drama and mistrust, unrealistic expectations and all of those notions are gone. This, my friends, is the basis for betterment when it comes to feeling better about this fifth decade. LOOKS: OK, no doubt there’ll be a gasp or two at this statement but in actual fact, you look the way you do today at 50+ after having already packed your life with all manner of different things. Your body has done things at 50+ that it couldn’t do when you were a slip of a girl. You own your looks today and as such, you should feel confident,

“Think of your age as a blessing - each year has thrown up some sort of lesson, and look - you’re still here! Life is rolling out more lessons, more love, more things to aim for and look forward to.”

So, in summation, if you’re feeling that turning 50 is a big downer, think again. If you feel that it’s really getting you down, then perhaps a little chat with someone else can give you a fresh perspective and allow you to own your fabulous 50 years and move onward and upward in to the next decades of your amazing life.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

FAMILY

Are You Standing in Your Own Way? WORDS: Quentin Vennie, New York City PHOTO: D Taylor Images

In a world filled with quick fixes and simple solutions, it's easy to get accustomed to the commonality of just "getting by." For years I was guilty of the same. In an attempt to deal with the mounting stress following my generalised anxiety and panic disorder diagnosis, I found relief in smoking, drinking and taking pills. I had an ever evolving dependence to anti-anxiety medication, which eventually spiralled into a two and a half year addiction. My life was simply about surviving and trying to make it through the day. Things changed for me on the fateful day that I accidentally overdosed. However, it was the wake up call that I desperately needed and I

realised how fortunate I was to have survived. Since then, I committed myself to living a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. After much trial and error and years of research, I discovered a system that ultimately saved my life. I started juicing daily, developed a morning meditation ritual and started a regular yoga practice. This â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;trinity of wellnessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; changed my life forever. It started me on a new path and has already helped countless people around the world, who I work with daily.

FAMILY

Nonetheless, in spite of the incredible progress I've made over the last few years I realise that growth is a constantly evolving process. As long as we continue to set our sights on new targets, there will always be room for improvement.

didn't feel anything. I was cut off from all emotion and compassion. I found solace in my ability to remain numb to life. But it was the comfort of my complacency that nearly killed me.

Throughout my journey, I uncovered a few things about myself that were holding me back from becoming the person I needed to be. I realised that in order to continue growing, I needed to change some of my natural tendencies. Here are the three habits I had to break in order to stop surviving and start living:

I realise now that there's nothing wrong with being comfortable, however, if we are to continue advancing and growing, we must find comfort in discomfort. We need to challenge ourselves beyond our perceived limits, or remain stagnant in all of our pursuits. Complacency, just like fear, is one of the main contributors to failure. So don't let comfort hold you back!

1. Finding comfort in complacency

2. The fear of being wrong

It's human nature to linger wherever we find comfort and familiarity. We naturally gravitate toward places of pleasure and enjoyment. Unfortunately,

It seems as if being wrong is often the most undesirable outcome of any situation. We're generally willing to argue tirelessly, project hostility and

3. Caring about the opinions of others When we get wrapped up in the opinions of others, we begin to lose sight of our own identity. We start following the path other people expect us to travel, completely negating our true purpose, uniqueness and happiness. All my life I've been judged by others. I was criticised for dropping out of college, talked about for sharing my experiences with addiction, and was even chastised by my peers for my dietary choices. No one took any consideration into the ideas behind my decisions, nor how each of them benefitted my life. But had I cared about any of those opinions, I wouldn't be where I am today. Anxiety is the fear of possibility; the despair of the unknown. It's bred from the concerns of being faced with things we haven't prepared for. By leaving yourself open to possibility, we allow ourselves to welcome limitless opportunity. Happiness is nothing more than a personal opinion. It's the acceptance of optimism in spite of the expectation of adversity. We are often the ones standing in our own way.

contentment can be an unfavourable characteristic that prohibits our ability to grow.

possibly tarnish relationships, in order to vindicate our position. This is simply due to prideful indifference.

Addiction was my place of complacency. It was my escape from my anxiety and the stresses of adulthood. No matter the dangerous implications, I was satisfied knowing that I had a way out. I found comfort in knowing that I didn't have to face my problems if I didn't want to.

By willingly accepting fault, we can simply empower ourselves to utilise useful information in the pursuit of happiness. On the other hand, by fearing the idea of being wrong, we are evading the opportunity to discover such happiness, relying solely on what we know, not what's left to learn.

I was afraid to experience what my life would be like if I allowed myself to be exposed to a reality that I couldn't accept. When I was taking meds, I

Creating a WORLD of Difference

Being wrong inspired me to changed my life, so just imagine what it can do for you, too

About the Author: Quentin is a New York City-based Certified Personal Trainer, Health Coach and Yoga Instructor; a wellness expert who believes how the body feels and looks externally is a direct reflection of what is happening internally. We featured Quentinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story last year and we are delighted to share his latest article. More info at: www.mindbodygreen. com/0-16114/3-habits-that-keepyou-anxious-unhappy.html

BOOKS

What They Said:

‘For Dolan, purpose and pleasure are both basic constituents of happiness. This is a bold and original move. Among the imperfect definitions of happiness, the pleasure-purpose concept that Dolan offers is, in my opinion, a strong contender. It is a good description of what I wish for my grandchildren: a life that is rich in activities that are both pleasurable and meaningful. Paul Dolan is an inveterate optimist who has overcome many obstacles on his way to becoming an internationally recognised expert on wellbeing. The optimism shows on every page of this book. In particular, Paul is optimistic about you, his reader. He believes that you can make your life both pleasurable and meaningful with deliberate choices, about the environment you create for yourself and about the aspects of life that deserve your attention. He offers a great deal of sound advice on how to make these choices and how to follow through with them.’ (Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Laureate)

Happiness by Design – Finding Pleasure and Purpose in Everyday Life Author: Paul Dolan Published by Allen Lane, an imprint of Penguin Books

In Happiness by Design, Professor Paul Dolan brings the latest cutting-edge research in behavioural science together with the current evidence on happiness to create a new route to happiness – it’s not how you think, it’s how you act. He shows how our happiness is a combination of experiences of both pleasure and purpose over time, and depends on how we allocate our attention to the various stimuli vying for it. Sometimes it’s easy to get the balance between pleasure and purpose wrong, focusing too much on one at the expense of the other. With wit and perception, and drawing on his own personal insights, Dolan reveals what we can do to avoid the mistakes we make about our happiness and its causes. Does having children affect happiness? Should you change your job to achieve happiness – or perhaps just your commute? Using what he calls deciding, designing and doing, he shows we can find pleasure and purpose in everyday life – without having to think too hard about it. 88

‘It tells us what matters to us. Few books change one's life; in 48 hours this has improved mine. Anyone who wonders if they are living their lives as fully as they might will find ideas worth thinking about in this engaging, persuasive book.’ ( Jenni Russell Sunday Times) ‘Dolan is especially illuminating when it comes to bigger life-choices. He makes a persuasive case that happiness might really be simple. His book is a powerful reminder not to get caught up in over-thinking things, but to focus instead on maximising what actually delivers joy. Most of us would benefit from listening to him.’ (Oliver Burkeman Guardian) ‘[Dolan's] discoveries at once confound your expectations and provide an appreciable way of acting on that knowledge . . . full of facts that make you go: "Huh." (Richard Godwin Evening Standard) ‘Dolan's book is aimed at the lay reader who wants to be more cheerful without recourse to airy-fairy notions of spirituality or philosophy.’ (Rowan Pelling Telegraph) ‘Outstanding, cutting-edge, and profound. If you’re going to read one book on happiness, this is the one.’ (Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of The Black Swan and Antifragile)

About the Author

Paul Dolan is currently a Professor of Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science. As an internationally renowned expert on happiness, behaviour and public policy, he conducts original research into the measurement of happiness, its causes and consequences. He has previously worked with Daniel Kahneman at Princeton University, and he currently advises policy-makers in the UK and US on how to measure wellbeing.

BOOKS

What They Said:

‘We couldn’t put it down.’ (Grazia) ‘A thought-provoking read that asks us to consider obesity as not just a physical issue but in the context of the way we live today and the example we set our children.’ (Nursery World)

The Shape We’re In How Junk Food and Diets are Shortening Our Lives Author: Sarah Boseley Published by Guardian Faber Publishing

The demonisation of the overweight by the media and politicians is unrelenting. Sarah Boseley, the Guardian's award-winning health editor, argues it's time we understood the complex reality of what makes us fat. Speaking to behavioural scientists and industry experts, yo-yo dieters and people who have gone under the knife, Boseley builds a picture of an obesogenic society - one where we're constantly bombarded by the twin evils of big budget food marketing and the diet industry. Filled with in-depth, original reporting, Boseley reveals just how widespread the problem is – 1 in 4 of us are obese - and makes the case that it is time to fundamentally change the way we live. The Shape We're In is essential reading for anyone interested in their health and the health of their children.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

‘Scotland’s appalling health record should mean every person in the country reads this book.’ (Lesley McDowell The Herald) ‘This book provides a masterly overview of the forces causing the global and UK obesity epidemic. I am supposed to be an expert in cardiovascular epidemiology, obesity and food policy. Yet I happily admit that I learnt many new and important things in every chapter. It is extremely well written. Sarah Bosely moves effortlessly from the expert overview to the compassionate description of an individual, and back again. She is non-judgmental and compassionate, but never over-sentimental . A pleasure to read, full of energy, vigour, and power.’ (Simon Capewell MD DSc, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Liverpool) ‘This book explores in very readable detail what every concerned parent should know about just who is making us fat. The science becomes sense. Yes we all have a personal responsibility, but so too does big business and government. We are all being abused and neglected. I hope everyone who reads this book will agree that it’s time to fight back.’ (Dr Ian Campbell, GP, obesity expert, and founder of Bodylibrium)

About the Author

Sarah Boseley is the health editor of the Guardian newspaper, writing about health and medical issues with both a UK and a global perspective for the last 15 years. She has won ten awards for her work, including the One World Media award (twice), the BMJ Group journalism award and the Lorenzo Natali prize from the European Commission. She has two daughters and lives in London.

WellBeing Directory You will find more WellBeing practitioners at www.wellbeingworld.je We print 5,000 copies and have achieved more than 37,500 impressions online, per edition. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to advertise in the next WellBeing Directory or in WellBeing World magazine, please contact us for a rate card at info@wellbeingworld.je 90

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ACTIVE CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

AUGRE PHYSIOTHERAPY

They also offer lifestyle advice and treatments for a wide range of symptoms from pregnancy related back or pelvic pain to neck, back, shoulder and joint pain, headaches and migraine. Covered by most major insurance companies. Online booking via the website.

They also offer Pilates and specialised Pregnancy Pilates led by a qualified Physiotherapist and Personal Trainer. Classes are limited to just five people and conducted in a fully equipped gym.

Double award winning husband wife team, Grant and Penny Henderson treat a wide range of muscle and joint problems. As well as the gentle McTimoney method of Chiropractic, they use Massage, Stretches, Kinesio-taping and Medical Acupuncture.

W: www.activechiropracticjersey.co.uk E: info@activechiropracticjersey.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 617 987 8 The Parade, St Helier & Quennevais Parade, St Brelade

AYUSH WELLNESS SPA

Recently awarded ‘Best Spa in the South West UK & Channel Islands’ at the Good Spa Guide Awards, Ayush Wellness Spa offers a combination of authentic Ayurvedic therapies and luxurious spa treatments. An Ayurvedic physician works with Indian and Western therapists to provide consultations and treatments and share with you the teachings of this timeless tradition enabling you to develop practices that will help restore and maintain mind and body. The concept is authentic in an environment that advocates a healthy lifestyle, enriching both physical and emotional wellbeing. W: www.ayushwellnessspa.com T: +44 (0) 01534 614171 Hotel de France, St. Saviour’s Road, St Helier

Creating a WORLD of Difference

A small and friendly practice, Augre Physiotherapy is based at the Lido Medical Centre. Their experienced team of physiotherapists have the ability to treat all musculoskeletal conditions and each are qualified in their own sub-speciality of physiotherapy. They specialise in knee and shoulder complaints.

W: www.augrephysiotherapy.com E: info@augrephysiotherapy.com T: +44 (0) 1534 280 010

BACK TO BALANCE

Chiropractic and osteopathy are primary health care professions that specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions that occur secondary to the mechanical dysfunction of the joints and muscles. Back to Balance uses a number of techniques tailored to your individual goals, including massage, acupuncture, manipulation, cranial techniques to name a few. Chiropractic and osteopathy are gentle safe tehniques that can be used on babies through to the elderly and is covered by most major health insurance providers. W: www.backtobalancejsy.co.uk E: info@backtobalancejsy.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 789 367

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BEETROOT BROWNIE

Beetroot Brownie is a happy blend of personal fitness training, massage therapies, nutrition consultations, food writing and private cookery lessons. Lorraine Pannetier’s recipes are low in sugar, salt and processed carbohydrates and ensure a healthy balance between optimum nutrition and scrumptious homemade treats.

W: www.beetrootbrownie.com E: hello@beetrootbrownie.com T: +44 (0) 7797 742 929 Lido Wellness Centre, Suite 2.8 Lido Medical Centre

CLAIRE DE GRUCHY

Claire is a Health Kinesiology (HK) Practitioner and Neuro-Developmental Therapist, using drug-free and non-invasive techniques and specialised listening programmes. She deals with the underlying causes of Neuro-Developmental Delay which can contribute to specific learning difficulties. Reading, writing, concentration, balance, coordination and behavioural difficulties are improved. HK restores balance to your body systems using various techniques such as acupressure. It helps address reactions to foods, chemicals, pollen, etc., and issues of anxiety, stress and other physical symptoms. W: www.myhealthkinesiology.com / www.dep.je E: claire@myhealthkinesiology.com / claire@dep.je T: +44 (0) 7797 714 758 New Vision Therapy Centre

CHATEAU VERMONT GYM & SPA

Nestled in the heart of the St Saviour countryside you will find Jersey’s newest luxury gym and spa. With a state of the art gymnasium, luxurious pool complex, boutique treatment rooms, you will love the facilities and leave feeling refreshed and invigorated. Whether you are looking to improve your fitness and physique, enjoy a leisurely swim or rejuvenating spa treatment, or simply to relax, socialise and meet new friends, the dedicated team of qualified and professional staff at Chateau Vermont Gym & Spa will deliver a high quality service to acheive your health and fitness goals. W: www.chateauvermontgym.com T: +44 (0) 1534 877 763

CLASADO BIOSCIENCES

Clasado BioSciences is a leading International Biotechnology company headquartered in Jersey. They research and develop the world’s most advanced galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) products, providing solutions for Food, Healthcare and Pharmaceutical companies across the global wellness market. Through their extensive research and innovation programme and their ground-breaking prebiotic technology, they have rapidly established themselves as the leading experts in the field of gut mediated wellness, providing clinically proven solutions to improve and enrich the quality of people’s lives. W: www.clasado.com E: admin@clasado.com T: +44 (0) 1534 715 000

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CTT INTERNATIONAL

ENERGETIX

• Stress in the workplace and Mindfulness based Stress Reduction and Pain Management • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol/drug problems and any other mental health problem. • Breathworks accredited

All the jewellery and accessories have the same purpose, to give us moments of wellbeing in our daily life and each of these moments tells us we are on the right track. Designs for women, men, children and a great sports look.

CTT International offers a range of Bespoke Psychological Consultation, Therapy and Training options to individuals, employers and groups. Specific areas of expertise include:

W: www.cttinternational.com E: info@cttinternational.com T: +44 (0) 7797 810 268 The Harvey Suite, Lido Medical Centre

FULLY PRESENT ENERGY HEALING

Elaine McGoogan of Fully Present specialises in Brennan Healing Science, a holistic and multidimensional form of energy healing to support your own personal journey to health and wellbeing. Each treatment is unique to the individual and always with the intention of allowing you to experience your true self.

W: www.fullypresent.org E: elaine@fullypresent.org

Energetix combines sophisticated exclusive jewellery with the power of magnets. People wear the jewellery because they are fascinated by its radiance and want to have the power of magnets in their immediate vicinity all the time.

T: +44 (0) 1534 758 808 Up and Above, 50 Don Street, St Helier Order online at www.upandabovejersey.energetix.tv

GEORGINA NOEL EFT PRACTITIONER Georgina is an Advanced EFT Practitioner & NLP Practitioner. She practices in Jersey, Channel Islands, and sessions can be conducted in person or via Skype. She is a member of the AAMET and fully insured.

Bookings can be made through the website. Georgina looks forward to working with you!

W: www.georginanoel.com E: hello@georginanoel.com T: +44 (0) 1534 499 915

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

GYM CLUB

HARMONY PHYSIOTHERAPY

Membership of Gym Club is easy and commitment free – it’s just £99 for the year – or £10 for a 30 day membership, and you can cancel at any time

The Physiotherapy Studio is based at Les Quennevais Sports Centre. Physiotherapy Pilates classes are held at The Isis Centre and Les Roches Spa in the Outdoor Gazebo.

Gym Club allows members to book sessions at participating private gyms, health clubs and spas; it is designed to cater for people who would not normally be interested in a full-time gym membership because they may want to vary their fitness programme or only want to use the gym now and then.

W: www.gymclub.com E: info@gymclub.com T: + 44 (0) 1534 887 265

HEALTHHAUS

Healthhaus is a boutique styled private members club for the discerning health conscious individual. With the pace and pressures of modern living, the vision at Healthhaus is to provide an effective and time efficient fitness solution leaving you the opportunity to indulge in a 360˚ approach to wellness. Integration is key to the Healthhaus philosophy; true wellness can only be reached when we achieve a balance of work and relaxation in our lives.

W: www.healthhaus.co.uk E: info@healthhaus.co.uk T: +44 (0)1534 614 800

Anne-marie Webb Senior 1 Physiotherapist BSC (Hons). MCSP. SRP runs Harmony Physiotherapy specialising in musculo-skeletal physiotherapy and small group Physiotherapy Pilates, and is covered by all major insurance companies.

E: harmonyphysiotherapy@hotmail.co.uk T: +44 (0) 7797 824 924

HOLISTIC HEALTH WITH NICKY LE BAILLY

Nicky is qualified to practice in Health Kinesiology, Energy Healing, Stretch Results, and Nutrition Response Testing. She is an Associate Member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (AFHT) and also of the Kinesiology Federation (KF). Health Kinesiology is non-invasive and can address all areas of your life. Nicky incorporates the principles of Energy Medicine to help optimise your body’s natural capacity to heal itself and stay healthy; and Stretch Results to manage back, shoulder and neck pain. E: nickylebailly@hotmail.com T: +44 (0) 7797 724 854 La Vielle Maison, St Peter

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JERSEY FOODSTATE

Nutrients presented in a healthy, natural way, just as they are with whole food, Jersey Foodstate exists to provide the highest quality vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, as well as information and education about diet and nutrition.

JERSEY THERMAL IMAGING

Thermography is a non-invasive, diagnostic tool that takes digital images of the body which are analysed by Thermography trained Doctors. This unique technology creates a map of the infrared patterns of the body. These patterns can show early signs of disease, inflammation or abnormal cell development giving you more time to look at treatment options. Unlike other screening tools, it helps you to see how your body functions.

W: www.jerseyfoodstate.com T: +44 (0) 1534 855 280

JULIE SKELLEY HOLISTIC THERAPIST Julie specialises in CranioSacral Therapy.

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a type of bodywork that can create dynamic improvements in your life. It helps to release tensions depp in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. It can also be useful as a preventative therapy to help keep us in optimal health. Suitable for all ages, from newborns to elders.

W: www.julieskelley.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 7797 742 347 Lido Wellness Centre, Suite 2.8 Lido Medical Centre

Creating a WORLD of Difference

W: www.jerseythermalimaging.com E: jerseythermalimaging@gmail.com T: + 44 (0) 7797 718 646 Lido Medical Centre

LIDO SPINAL CLINIC

A team of qualified and experienced Physiotherapists, Lido Spinal Clinic is dedicated to treating all musculoskeletal conditions. The team specialise in assessing and treating spinal pain and injury, using the very latest â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ViMoveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wireless technology and software, combined with individualised exercise programmes. Their aim is to get you feeling fit, healthy and able to meet the demands of your daily life. W: www.lidospinalclinic.com E: admin@lidospinalclinic.com T: + 44 (0) 1534 639 233

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

LIDO WELLNESS CENTRE

A diverse and experienced range of health therapists have come together to provide the island with a premium centre for wellbeing. The Lido Wellness Centre is based on the 2nd floor at the Lido Medical Centre in St Helier. With six individual treatment rooms, the Centre provides a base for a wide range of therapies, offering a vast array of knowledge and experience to support people back to wellness. The centre is open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. W: www.thelidowellnesscentre.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 789 367

TAP IT BETTER

Tap It Better is the brainchild of advanced practitioner Yolanda Sáez Castelló MSc and combines Emotional Freedom Technique and Thought Field Therapy for a wide range of complaints including anxiety, stress, phobias, depression and physical pain. Treatment is non-invasive and drug-free and can be used effectively on both adults and children. Tap It Better is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Meridian Energy Therapists and fully insured. Quote ‘WW1014’ for 2 one-hour sessions for the price of one. F: www.facebook.com/justtapitbetter E: Yolanda@tapitbetter.com T: +44 (0) 7700 788 870

PIPPA CAMPBELL AT REFORMA

Adopting a holistic, lifestyle approach to massage therapies, personal training and reflexology, Pippa Campbell is perfectly placed to help you meet your health and fitness goals - whatever they might be. Pippa’s ethos is to work with each client on an individual basis, assessing needs, discussing goals, and then creating a personalised plan. Reforma offers a fully equipped studio in a convenient location with free parking. W: www.reforma.je E: pippa@reforma.je T: +44 (0) 7797 728 864

THE COSMETIC DENTAL GROUP (CDG) CDG offers preventative, patient-focussed care for true peace of mind. The starting point for all patients is their essential, routine care. With patients aged from 6 months, CDG provides a complete dental care experience for every patient’s needs. The practice offers general and cosmetic dentistry, including dental implants, sedation and hypnotherapy for nervous patients, children’s and adult orthodontics and tooth whitening; they also have two full-time Hygienists, Tammy and Katie. Dr Jeremy Willetts | Dr Jonathan Wood | Dr Jon Sproson W: www.jerseysmiles.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 731 680 9 David Place, St Helier

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

THE DIAMOND BODY PILATES STUDIO

Marilyn has a unique approach to teaching through her study of the Franklin Methode in Switzerland. The Franklin Methode was a three year study of anatomy in breathing and movement and with this knowledge she teaches Pilates on equipment designed by Joseph Pilates at her studio at Fort Regent. All classes and personal training is by appointment only. Suitable for both men and women regardless of age or ability. E: mwardpilates@gmail.com T: +44 (0) 1534 724 771 or Mobile +44 (0) 7797 717 803

THE WELLNESS CENTRE (CASTLE QUAY)

...Bring Balance to Your Life... The Professional Team at ‘The Wellness Centre Castle Quay’’ is here to help you feel your best. Acupuncture... Skin Care... Chiropractic... Pilates... Counselling Services... Floatation Therapy... Massage... Reflexology... Yoga... and much more. There’s something for everyone.

W: www.the-wellness-centre.com E: the-wellness-centre@hotmail.com T: +44 (0) 1534 633 060 Millais House, Rue De L’Eteau, St. Helier

Creating a WORLD of Difference

THE FITNESS AGENCY

Based at Good Health, Harbour Reach in the St Helier Waterfront, The Fitness Agency have an extensive fleet of treadmills, cycles, cross trainers and rowers for hire, available for a minimum period of 4 weeks from as little as £65 including delivery and collection. Exclusive CI agents for Life Fitness home equipment and many others also, they will help you decide on the type of exercise you need, which fitness equipment will benefit you the most, and will also help you assess whether to buy or hire.

Good Health, Harbour Reach, St Helier Waterfront W: www.thefitnessagency.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 633 109

THERAPYBREAKS

Ann Marie Clarke of Therapybreaks practices at the Lido Medical Centre, Jersey. She provides psychotherapy, professional supervision and therapy breaks for individuals seeking to improve their experience of life and relationships. If you would like to find out about Psychotherapy and how it may be of benefit to you, Ann Marie offers a free 30 minute consulatation.

W: www.therapybreaks.com T: Ann Marie +44 (0) 7797 770 059

Do you know what’s going on in your body?

Forewarned is Forearmed

Thermography is a diagnostic tool that takes digital images of your body which are analysed by Thermography trained Doctors at EMI which is a medical interpretation centre in America. There is no compression, no harmful rays and your results are back within 24 hours. This test of function relies on the sympathetic nerve control of skin blood flow and the ability of the sympathetic system to respond and react to pathology anywhere in the body. In simple terms, this test can show early abnormalities and inflammation. Women of all ages are choosing Thermography as an adjunctive method to monitor their breast health. Thermography does not diagnose cancer, but allows you to track your own unique thermal pattern over time and can alert you to any changes taking place. Thermography is particularly useful for young women. Women in their early twenties are now using Thermography in addition to regular self examination. Early breast studies can provide a valuable baseline from which to measure future breast health and potential risk factors. Early indication can provide you with more information and time to consider with your Doctor your treatment options. Thermography has many other applications, please visit our website for more information.

Hedi Green, Clinical Thermographer at Jersey Thermal Imaging demonstrates the high tech screening system.

Jersey Thermal Imaging is located at the Lido Medical Centre, St Saviour’s Road, St Helier – please call to book your appointment. More info at: www.jerseythermalimaging.com E: jerseythermalimaging@gmail.com T: + 44 (0) 7797 718 646