Posts tagged “Health”

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Does making life easier now just make it harder in the long term?

Posted on 5th August 2015 at 07:30

Life, these days, seems to be a constant barrage of mixed messages.

On one hand we’re encouraged to take the easy option. To be more sedentary.

To use the lift rather than the stairs. Park the car as close as possible to our destination. Sit more, both at home and at work. In short, to utilise every device designed to save us time or effort.

On the other we’re told to be more active, with government backed recommendations on the amount of exercise to be taken each week.

The ticking health time bomb, Mercury

Posted on 22nd July 2015 at 07:30

It’s been a while since the last instalment of this rather occasional series about the hidden health hazards we encounter every day. And, if we’re being completely honest, we were only reminded about it the other day by an article about rising levels of mercury in fish.

While fish is one of the most common sources of mercury we regularly come into contact with, it’s interesting that two others are rarely mentioned in the press. Amalgam dental fillings and thimersol, a preservative used in many vaccines. But, before we get into the specifics, let’s talk a little bit more about mercury and why it’s a health concern.

Can I get all the nutrients I need from my food?

Posted on 17th June 2015 at 07:30

One of the most common questions we're asked by clients is whether it's worth taking a multi vitamin and mineral supplement. This is usually accompanied by an assurance that they're eating a healthy diet, although it's amazing how often this differs from our idea of a healthy diet (!). But let's leave that one for another day…

The widespread view – and one usually portrayed in the media – is that supplements are unnecessary. And, even worse, a waste of money. While we'd agree with the later in many instances – although not for the reasons you may think – these days even the healthiest of diets is unlikely to give all the nutrients needed for full health.

Why spending time alone - being all one - is good for you

Posted on 10th June 2015 at 07:30

You probably won’t be surprised to hear this, but most of the ideas for our weekly blog post come from our clients.

Usually, the same topic will come up several times in a few days and we’ll take the hint and get writing. Or, more accurately, Elaine will get writing while David does editorial comment (!).

Other times the hint will come from seeing several articles all on the same topic. Or in other people’s blogs. Or, perhaps, the time of year.

So where did the idea for this week’s post come from?

Well, from conversations we’ve had with clients this week, which have highlighted a very common myth about spending time alone. And one we’re very happy to dispel.

Mad dogs and English men (or women!) go out in the midday sun

Posted on 3rd June 2015 at 07:30

It’s June and the forecast is for a mini heatwave over the weekend. Well, in the mid 20’s, which is a heatwave for the UK.

Cue the usual headlines about the dangers of the sun and sun bathing. Not forgetting global warming and pollution.

We all played outside in the sunshine as children, without any ill effects. And, if you Mother was anything like ours, she believed in fresh air and sunshine all year round. Not just in the summer.

So when did spending time outside in the sunshine become so dangerous?

And is slathering yourself in sun tan lotion really the answer?

Why's a new Flu bug doing the rounds in May?

Posted on 6th May 2015 at 07:30

At this time of year – the middle of May – the last thing we expect to be talking to people about are Coughs and Colds. And certainly not a new Flu like bug doing the rounds. One which seems to be affecting those who wouldn’t normally succumb.

It’s been described as like having Flu but without a temperature. Having been one of the lucky recipients (!) – hence the lack of blog for the last couple of weeks – we can understand why so many people are describing it as Flu. Oh and saying they seem to have lost all their oomph!

Interestingly the same two questions have been raised by clients over and over again in the last few weeks.

Why has it appeared now? And why me?

Today why not just enjoy being alive?

Posted on 22nd April 2015 at 07:30

We’ve got a very a simple – and quick – idea for you this week.

Ready? Ok, here we go.

Today, why not simply enjoy being alive?

The ticking health time bomb, Microwaves

Posted on 8th April 2015 at 07:30

Like many other labour saving devices, microwaves are such an accepted part of modern life that few people give them a second thought. Providing hot food in only a few minutes, they seem to be the easy antidote to our busy lives. Not only saving time in preparing meals, but in clearing up afterwards too. What’s there not to like about them?

Despite this, concerns continue to be voiced about them and their impact on our health. So what are they – friend or foe?

So let’s go back to the beginning.

When did you last take a proper day off to recharge your batteries?

Posted on 1st April 2015 at 07:30

(And spending the day at home, slouched in front of the TV catching up on all those things you never quite get round to watching, dressed in a random assortment of clothes, doesn’t count!)

In this hectic modern world of ours, we seem to have lost the art of having a proper day off. Of having a real break from all the demands of our lives. And we’re not talking about your annual trip to the sun either.

There always seem to be things to be done, whether it be catching up or trying to get ahead. And that’s without all those good intentions, we never quite get round to.

In theory, that’s what weekends are for. In practice they usually turn out rather differently.

How do I know if I'm allergic to something?

Posted on 25th March 2015 at 07:30

With the Hayfever season rapidly approaching, allergies seem like the perfect topic for this week’s blog post.

Turn the clock back 10 or 15 years and allergies were rarely mentioned. Yet in the last decade or so, they’ve become increasingly common. It’s estimated that one in four people in the UK will suffer from an allergy at some time in their lives. And the number affected seems to be rising every year.

Do an internet search and you’ll find a truly bizarre list of allergies. Some are well known. Pollen and Hayfever. Dust and Asthma. Peanuts. Yeast. Milk – or more accurately, lactose. Others less so. False nails. Adhesive tape. Avocados. And our favourite, squirrel fur, which begs the question of how on earth researchers discovered this one!

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