Posts tagged “Health”

Back to all posts

Lovely local veg at their best at this time of year

Posted on 21st October 2020 at 07:06

Having waxed lyrical about the joys of apples and pears a couple of weeks ago, this week we’re going to look at some of the veg which are at their best right now. And for the next few months too. True, they’re not as exotic as some of the other produce you can find at your local supermarket, but they provide just the right mix of nutrients needed during the colder months of the year.

So, without further ado, let’s start with one group of veg that doesn’t have the best PR. They’re seen as rather dull and boring, not helped by the traditional tendency of overcooking them. Well, let’s be honest, boiling them for hours until they resemble a grey green sludge in the bottom of the saucepan. In fact there used to be a standing joke that one of them should be put on to boil in November to be ready for a certain day in December…

Have you guessed what we’re talking about yet?

If...

Posted on 14th October 2020 at 07:34

With everyone still being swept away by the ongoing madness at the moment – “Pandemic the sequel” aka “the new abnormal” – this week we felt it was time for something completely different.

So, we’re going to follow on from last week’s beautiful poem by John Keats, with another one that perfectly sums up the qualities needed to ride the very strange times we’re living in. It may have been written over a hundred years ago but is still as true today as it was then. Here it is:

The seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness...

Posted on 7th October 2020 at 07:33

It’s amazing how the seasons suddenly seem to turn and this year is no exception. We may only be at the beginning of October, but it feels as though Autumn is well upon us, due in large part to the recent storms and torrential rainfall.

Despite the signs of the winter to come, there are still lots of local goodies to enjoy at this time of year. While the blackberries may now be over, rosehips and sloes are coming into their own, with good crops of both to be found in the hedges if you’re quick. For a reminder about their many uses, as well as the joys of foraging, click here.

However, it’s some other fruits which are at their best at this time of year that we’d like to talk about this week. They’re the ones found in just about every fruit bowl, all year round, which is probably why we take them so much for granted. But, as with any fruit in season and freshly picked, there’s nothing to beat them.

Don't be like a rabbit in the headlights, giving your power away...

Posted on 30th September 2020 at 07:21

Having looked at the ongoing madness from several different angles in the last few blog posts, we had planned to write about something completely different this week. However, with the hysteria in the mainstream media ratchetting up yet again, it seems we’ve been overtaken by circumstances!

For some reason, whenever there’s any kind of “problem” – big or small – many people seem to expect someone to rush in and sort it out for them. Someone in “authority” of some sort. The Government – a popular one (!) – the Police, Scientists, Doctors, etc, etc. If we ignore the religious overtones, someone – anyone other than themselves – to dive in and save them.

However, giving away our power to others to make decisions on our behalf, is fraught with danger. Not least because it’s based on a number of assumptions which may not necessarily be true...

Has the "new normal" become the "new abnormal" fuelled by fear?

Posted on 16th September 2020 at 07:36

There’s been much talk in recent months about the “new normal” and exactly what that may be. We’ve even mentioned it in our blog posts. However, having given the matter some thought, we’ve decided this is one phrase we won’t be using in future.

Why?

Well, for the simple reason there’s nothing remotely “normal” about what’s been happening in recent months. Or people’s reactions to it. Let alone what’s now being forecast for the months ahead…

In our view, a much more accurate description would be the “new abnormal.” Now we appreciate this may sound a little harsh – or, possibly, cynical – to some people, so please bear with us while we explain why.

Inflammation, short term friend or long term foe?

Posted on 9th September 2020 at 07:36

If you’ve ever been stung by an insect – a Wasp, Bee or, if you’re really unlucky, Hornet – or wrenched a muscle, you’ll know just how painful inflammation can be. Or, put more accurately, the Inflammatory Response. With its telltale redness, swelling, heat and pain. And how quickly it occurs.

It’s part of our basic Immune System response to ANY tissue damage, which can occur in a multitude of different ways. The most common, as we’ve already mentioned, are from trauma or injury. However, there are many others including infections, toxins and heat; to name a few. There’s also a “catch all” category which always makes us smile. Irritants. Which, if you stop and think about it for a moment, includes a great many other things…

Very busy, achieving little...

Posted on 2nd September 2020 at 07:38

There’s something about this time of year. Perhaps it’s the last bank holiday of the Summer. Or the impending start of the new academic year. Maybe it’s the feeling that the seasons are turning, with the nights noticeably drawing in. Not helped by the ongoing uncertainty fuelled, in large, part by the near hysterical reporting in the media. Sorry to mention the last two but, sadly, it’s true!

Whatever the reason, this time to year seems to trigger one of our more basic instincts. The need to prepare for the new season ahead.

And, in the process, it’s easy to get caught up in it all. Rushing around more like a headless chicken than a productive – and happy (!) – little bee. Very busy but achieving little… If you need a reminder on why being “busy, busy, busy” is never the easiest way to get things done (!) click here.

Enjoying the summer sunshine

Posted on 26th August 2020 at 07:30

With a bank holiday this coming weekend – and many people making the most of the last few days of their summer holidays – it seems like a good time to take another look at one of the most pervasive summertime health myths. It’s repeated countless times every summer and goes like this:

Sitting in the sun is dangerous; if you don’t use sunscreen your skin will burn and you’ll get skin cancer.

Now if you stop and think about it for a minute, this message doesn’t make any sense at all.

Those flying beasties...

Posted on 12th August 2020 at 07:05

With the heatwave continuing, many people have been receiving the unwanted attentions of those “flying beasties”. Gnats, midges or mosquitos on the lookout for an easy meal. Wasps or bees on the defensive. Whichever way, a bite or sting can ruin your day.

So, this week, we’re going to take a look at these beasties. Give you a few tricks to help prevent being bitten in the first place. And, if the worst happens, how to speed things on their way.

Let’s start with those beasties out for an easy meal, in other words, a slurp of blood. Gnats, midges and mosquitos. While it may feel as though you’re being singled out, they have quite eclectic tastes; not minding too much who the lucky donor is. Human, pets and livestock; as well as other animals too.

Dare we mention water?!?

Posted on 5th August 2020 at 07:30

With the recent spell of hot weather – well, hot for the UK (!) – and a repeat forecast for the end of the week, it’s easy for people to become dehydrated without even realising it. Perhaps it’s due to them not being used to hot weather and simply not recognising the warning signs. Having said that, many of the classic signs of dehydration seem so obvious – to us at least (!) – that it can sometimes be hard to understand how people don’t seem to join the dots.

So, this week, we’re going to look again at the most common signs of dehydration. And, don’t be fooled, they apply all year round, not just in the summer (!).

Let’s begin with the most obvious ones of feeling thirsty or having a dry mouth. Now you may think these are blindingly obvious but you’d be surprised.

News & Blog