Posts tagged “Health”

Back to all posts

Why sleep is so much more important than you ever thought

Posted on 4th December 2019 at 07:40

Like many other things in life, good sleep is something we take for granted until we find ourselves clock watching in the small hours. If we’re fortunate, it’s only an occasional occurrence. Just one of those things.

However, for a significant number of people it’s become a much more regular event, particularly after the biannual clock changes. And, for some reason, the recent “fall back” to winter seems to have taken people much longer to adjust to than normal.

We all instinctively know that regular – and good quality – sleep is important for many reasons. It makes all the difference between a good day and one that seems to last for ever, which we have to drag ourselves through. However, it goes much deeper than that, with poor sleep playing a part in many other health problems.

That burning feeling, Acid Reflux, better known as Heartburn

Posted on 20th November 2019 at 08:40

With the recent recall of one of the most popular Heartburn medications, Zantac – Ranitidine – made by GlaxoSmithKline as a “precautionary measure”, this week we’re going to take a look at Heartburn. What it is, the most common triggers, one often overlooked – and counter intuitive – underlying cause and things you can do at home to help yourself.

It's never too late to start exercising

Posted on 6th November 2019 at 08:22

In this modern world of ours, with the emphasis on “less being more”, it’s easy to forget that the human body was designed to be active. And, yes, we know it’s a cliché but that doesn’t stop it from being true!

Added to this are the demons many of us still have with us from the dreaded games lessons at school. However, exercise doesn’t need to be a dirty word – or dreaded activity – and can easily become an enjoyable part of your life. Yes, really. And if you need some very good reasons – and simple ways to do this – they can be found in a post we did last year. Just click here.

While regular exercise brings benefits to all ages, this week we’d like to focus on the ways it can help those of more mature years. In particular, how it can help to stop – and even reverse – age related muscle loss and strength, known as “Sarcopenia”.

The dangers of ultra processed foods

Posted on 30th October 2019 at 07:46

Eating a healthy diet – along with drinking plenty of water – are, to us, such obvious things to do. Not only are they simple, they’re one of the cornerstones of good health. After all, if we don’t put the correct “fuel” in our tanks, how on earth can we expect our bodies to function in the way we would like?

Despite this, many people still seem to find the subject of what to eat completely overwhelming. As a result, they’re all too easily swayed by the latest “scientific discovery” or scare story in the media. Not forgetting the perennially persuasive advertising and confusing labels. “Healthy”, “natural”, “low fat”, “low sugar” and the like.

Given all of this, it’s hardly surprising that many fall back on the offerings of their local shop, whether a supermarket, 24 hour garage or convenience store. But, sadly, there’s always a price to pay, although it may not become apparent for many years – or decades…

A trap waiting to catch the unwary...

Posted on 17th October 2019 at 11:15

With a distinctly autumnal feeling in the air – and we’re not even going to mention the torrential rain of the past couple of weeks (!) - it’s not surprising that many people start taking supplements at this time of year. A bit like taking out an insurance policy for the winter ahead.

It’s made even easier these days, with a huge range available in supermarkets and high street chemists, let alone your local health food store or online. Just pop a bottle – or two (!) – in your basket and you’re covered for the winter …

Unfortunately, there’s a trap waiting to catch the unwary, particularly those on a budget or who focus on quantity rather than quality. It’s a topic we covered a while ago, particularly whether supplements really are a necessary part of modern life, which can be found here.

Winter bugs, what to do if the worst happens...

Posted on 25th September 2019 at 08:30

A couple of weeks ago we looked at all the easy things you could do to help make this a bug free winter. Getting the basics right.

But what if, despite all your best efforts, the worst happens? Well, all is not lost. There are lots of things you can easily do at home to help speed bugs on their way.

Let’s start with the most obvious one that most people seem to overlook.

Once again, the seasons turn...

Posted on 11th September 2019 at 08:46

With a real nip in the air for the last few mornings and everyone back at school or work – grown ups as well as children (!) – this week we’re looking ahead to the autumn. Not only to glorious September days – where it’s too nice to be indoors (!) – but also to the less welcome start of the Colds and Flu season.

And, yes, we can hear a collective groan at the mere mention of another winter. Let alone the start of another school – or work (!) – year. But, please, bear with us there’s a very good reason for us mentioning it now.

There are so many simple things you can do now that will pay dividends later. Not only in avoiding the lurgies doing the rounds but also to improve your overall health. As so often is the case, if you get these right then everything else falls into place.

The joys of this time of year

Posted on 21st August 2019 at 08:49

While it seems a little earlier than usual, there’s been a distinctly autumnal feeling in the air for the last few days. The year is definitely turning and, to us, it’s a reminder of one of the pleasures of this time of year. Foraging for all the edible goodies that can be found in the hedgerows right now. Not only are they organic, but come with zero food miles and exercise built in (!).

The one that marks the start of the autumn foraging season – as well as being a favourite of so many people – are Blackberries. And who doesn’t love a blackberry and apple crumble or perhaps pie; not forgetting the ever popular favourite blackberry and apple jam?

Summer time and the living is easy...

Posted on 14th August 2019 at 08:30

With it being the middle of the holiday season – hurrah (!) – we’re going to keep this week’s post short and sweet.

Whether you’re currently on holiday, about to go or just back why not STOP for a moment.

Take a deep breath – or two (!) – and notice how you’re feeling right now.

Then take another deep breath – or two (!) – and let any cares or worries you have drift away.

Notice how you’re sitting or standing. Whether you’re tense or relaxed.

Carrying the world on your shoulders or, perhaps, have them up round your ears (!). Then just let your body relax.

Ticking ever louder, the Ticking Health Time Bomb – Glyphosate, better known as Roundup

Posted on 7th August 2019 at 09:09

Goodness, how time flies by. Back in March 2015, as part of our occasional “Ticking Health Time Bomb” series, we took a closer look at Glyphosate. Why it may not be as safe as people would like to think. Let alone by the farmers or gardeners coming into direct contact with it. A copy of the post can be found here.

Ironically, only a few days after our post, the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer – known as IARC – finally bowed to a huge amount of independent research, re classifying Glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This was based on limited evidence of Cancer in humans (from real world exposures that had actually occurred) and sufficient evidence of Cancer in experimental animals (from studies using pure Glyphosate). Despite the monumental nature of this re classification, it received very little coverage on mainstream media and so the message did not reach those it needed to.

However, it did finally open the floodgates to litigation by those alleging that exposure to Glyphosate – Roundup – had contributed to their Cancer and the first three of these cases have now reached the American Courts.

News & Blog