Listening to clients – as well as those we encounter in our day to day lives – it’s all too easy to fall into the “doom, gloom and despondency” trap. That the world is hard, negative and uncaring. Life is a constant struggle and the best we can hope for is to get by. 

 

However, as we’ve said many times before, this isn’t what life is about at all. We live on a planet that’s amazing and beautiful. Life is here for us to enjoy and, dare we say it, be happy (!). 

 

We have so much more to be thankful for than to be unhappy about. The human spirit is truly awe inspiring and indomitable. 

While chicken has traditionally been considered a healthy source of protein, eggs have received a much less favourable press in recent years. This is largely due to a simple misconception which we regularly hear from Clients. That eggs are high in Cholesterol and saturated fats, so promoting Heart Disease. If not avoided, they should only be eaten occasionally. 

 

Not surprisingly, this has led to a variety of different advice about limiting their consumption. These range from avoiding eggs altogether or, at the very most, eating no more than three eggs a week. And then there’s the advice to only eat eggs whites, although nothing is said about what to do with the yolks (!). As an aside, while doing a little research for this post, we were intrigued to come across the recommendation to only consume a quarter of an egg a week. Exactly how this would work in practice, we have no idea… 

We often talk about the Little Monster living in our Heads, you know the one we mean. 

 

The one with a very loud, insistent voice. Giving its opinion on whatever is happening in our lives at that particular moment. 

 

More often than not, focussing on the negatives. Downplaying the positives. Magnifying our own unique insecurities, fears and anxieties. 

 

In many ways it’s like having our own personal radio station broadcasting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

With the change to summer time quickly followed by a very early Easter last weekend, we’ve had the usual spate of calls from people who’ve hurt their Backs. As the first bank holiday of the year traditionally marks the start of the gardening season, as well as reminding people that their annual fortnight in the sun isn’t too far away and, perhaps, they should take a bit more exercise to combat the inevitable “post winter bulges” then it really isn’t that surprising. Well, to us, at least (!). 

 

It’s estimated that 8 out of 10 adults will experience Back problems at some time during their lives. This is borne out by our experience, with David having treated more people with Back – or Neck – problems than anything else. 

 

Given this, it’s little wonder there are so many conflicting pieces of advice about what causes Back pain and, more importantly, how to relieve it. Sadly, many of these fall into the “Old Wives tales” category – or myths if you prefer (!) – and only prolong the problem, rather than helping speed it on its way. 

 

So, this week, we’re going to put those we hear most often under the spotlight and see if they’re really true. 

With it being April Fool’s Day today, we were very tempted to use some of the stories and comments we’ve heard from Clients over the years – with a little judicious altering of the names and details, to protect the innocent (!) – as the basis for this week’s blog post. 

 

However, once a little commonsense reared its head (!), we decided to ditch that idea. Cue sighs of relief all round… 

 

Instead, we’re going to talk about a different aspect of stories. 

 

Why we love them so much, both telling them – with suitable embellishments on each retelling (!) – and as a member of the audience… And not just any stories, the more dramatic and exciting the better. After all, who doesn’t like a good reaction, whether positive or less so.