Posts tagged “Health”

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Is the cholesterol debate really as simple as we've been led to believe?

Posted on 3rd August 2016 at 07:45

Cholesterol – and statins – are subjects we discuss regularly with clients and have written about before in this blog. “Cholesterol – are statins a wolf in sheep’s clothing?” posted in September 2014 can be found in the blog archives to the right of this post.

Despite the huge amount of coverage this topic has had in the mainstream press, fundamental misunderstandings remain about both cholesterol and the effectiveness of statins. So, once again, let’s have another look at this subject and shatter some of the most common myths.

Panda eyes - here's looking at you

Posted on 20th July 2016 at 07:30

Ok, we’ll admit it, it’s another tenuous link but we couldn’t resist this picture - and you'll have to click over to the next page to find out what it is (!).

So what are we talking about this week?

Sadly it’s not about pandas or the benefits of making bamboo a regular part of your diet (!).

Rather it’s about eyes and those annoying dark smudges – or bags (!) – which appear under them from time to time. And now you know why we chose this picture…

Once again we have our clients to thank for providing the inspiration for this week’s topic. Not only for demonstrating the many different causes for so called “panda eyes” but for also reminding us of their common underlying link.

Traditional barbequed food - raw on the inside, burnt on the outside...

Posted on 6th July 2016 at 07:45

So far this year we’ve enjoyed the delights of a traditional english summer – a couple of sunny days followed by several of rain – although you never know it may change…

Given the weather, it’s hardly surprising that people are making the most of the merest glimmer of sun to dust off their barbeques and get cooking.

Like us you’ve probably experienced your fair share of barbeques over the years; with the all too common “raw on the inside, burnt on the outside” offerings. All going well, you’ve survived them without any ill effects, although they account for a large number of food poisonings every summer.

Hello, hello, hello, what's going on here then?

Posted on 22nd June 2016 at 07:45

Having read the title of this post – and looked at the picture – you’re probably expecting a police related theme to this week’s story. And in one sense you’d be right, although we have to admit that the link is slightly tenuous.

So what are we going to be talking about this week?

Feet.

Not a very exciting topic you may think but, bear with us, it’s a problem we’re seeing increasingly regularly with clients. And one that can be easily prevented in the first place.

Horses sweat, men perspire and ladies glow

Posted on 8th June 2016 at 07:45

It sounds like something from a Victorian guide to etiquette for young ladies (!) but, we thought, made a great title for this week’s blog post.

Sweating is one of those subjects rarely mentioned in polite company. More often than not it’s seen as one of those annoying body functions we have little control over. Particularly in a stressful – or social – setting. But, as always, there’s so much more to it than that.

The ticking health time bomb, Aspartame

Posted on 25th May 2016 at 07:45

It’s been a while since the last part of this very occasional series (!), so we thought it was about time to shatter a few more myths about something many people don’t give a second thought to.

Like all the things we’ve covered so far it sounds like such a good idea. Something to make life easier. In this case as part of any weight loss – or management – programme.

So what are we talking about? Aspartame, the grandfather of artificial sweeteners. Or, if you prefer to use one of its many brand names: NutraSweet, Spoonful, Equal Measure.

The tale of aspartame is a fascinating one, with many unexpected twists and turns along the way. So here we go.

Hayfever - how to prevent another miserable Summer

Posted on 11th May 2016 at 07:45

To many people the appearance of bright yellow fields – fields of flowering rape – marks the start of Spring. To us – and its many sufferers – it marks something slightly different. The start of the Hayfever season (!).

Hayfever, variously known as a “Seasonal Allergy” or a “Summer Cold”, is only one trigger for what medics call “Allergic Rhinitis”. Other triggers include dust, moulds and animal hair.

Characterised by nasal congestion and a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose; Hayfever may also cause shortness of breath and other asthma like symptoms. The conventional approach relies on antihistamines and steroids which are well known for causing drowsiness, together with a range of other unwanted side effects.

Let food be your medicine

Posted on 27th April 2016 at 07:45

You may have heard this truism many times before, but did you know it dates back over 2,000 years to Ancient Greece? And to the Greek Physician, Hippocrates.

Often referred to as the “Founder of Medicine” Hippocrates was the first to separate medicine from superstitions. Rejecting the prevailing view of the times – that disease was caused by evil spirits or disfavour of the gods – he used observation and the study of the body to understand and treat disease.

While his observations may be over 2,000 years old, they are as relevant today as they were at the time. For example, that the body should be treated as a whole and not just a series of parts. Incorporating a good diet, fresh air, cleanliness and rest into all treatments.

There’s so much we can still learn from Hippocrates but, today, let’s focus on the healing power of the food we eat.

A spring clean for your body - or detox, if you prefer

Posted on 13th April 2016 at 07:45

Over the years we’ve noticed that New Year isn’t the only time of the year when all sorts of health related resolutions are made. Here in the UK the spring is just as popular. Perhaps it’s to do with the warmer weather and lighter nights, waking people up from their winter hibernation. Or, maybe, the prospect of the annual fortnight in the sun.

Whatever the reason, this time of year is always busy as people decide to kick start their health programme for the warmer months ahead. An easy way to get things moving – literally (!) is the traditional spring clean. Or detox, if you prefer.

Are vegetable oils as healthy as you'd like to think?

Posted on 30th March 2016 at 07:45

These days it seems that everywhere we go we’re spoilt for choice. Just look at your weekly food shop with new products appearing every week – many accompanied by glowing health testimonials. It’s no wonder there’s so much confusion about what foods are good for you. And which should be avoided like the plague (!).

One area which has changed out of all recognition are cooking oils. Turn the clock back a few years and the choices were simple. Blended vegetable oils or corn oil, with names such as Mezola or Canola. Or the more traditional dripping, lard or butter.

These days there are a huge choice of cooking oils on the shelf ranging from the well known Olive oil to Sunflower, Rapeseed and Coconut oils. Each comes with its own particular attributes and health claims, making it hard decide which one is best for you.

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