It's that time of the year when many of us look back at the excesses of the holiday season and decide we need to do something to get in shape. I've just posted an article on liver detox on our health site.
We also have a great herbal liver detox formula in our online health shop. Like everything we sell it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy with complete confidence. I'm confident it's one of the best herbal formula around.
If you're worried about internet card scams, the online orders are processed by Protx so that means we don't get to see the card details - not that we'd do anything bad with them if we did!!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
New year inspiration
Robert Middleton sent this out to his ezine list and I thought I'd pass it on - do take time to watch and listen:
Successful businesses, large or small, are built on a foundation of
great service. But what is great service, really?
After you watch this little online video you'll understand what
service is in a whole new way. It's only 3 minutes long and once
you see it, I promise you, you'll never forget it.
http://tinyurl.com/2zesmp
Successful businesses, large or small, are built on a foundation of
great service. But what is great service, really?
After you watch this little online video you'll understand what
service is in a whole new way. It's only 3 minutes long and once
you see it, I promise you, you'll never forget it.
http://tinyurl.com/2zesmp
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Red Meat And Cancer
I'm a vegetarian so I'm always pleased to see research like this which confirms that meat eating is not the great option that many people thik it is:
(Editors' Summary of A Prospective Study of Red and Processed Meat Intake in Relation to Cancer Risk by Amanda J. Cross, Michael F. Leitzmann, Mitchell H. Gail, Albert R. Hollenbeck, Arthur Schatzkin, and Rashmi Sinha Read the full article
Background.
Every year, there are more than 10 million new cases of cancer around the world. These cases are not spread evenly across the globe. The annual incidence of cancer (the number of new cases divided by the population size) and the type of cancer most commonly diagnosed varies widely among countries. Much of the global variation in cancer incidence and type is thought to be due to environmental influences. These include exposure to agents in the air or water that cause cancer, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet.
Researchers identify environmental factors that affect cancer risk by measuring the exposure of a large number of individuals to a specific environmental factor and then monitoring these people for several years to see who develops cancer. The hope is that by identifying the environmental factors that cause or prevent cancer, the global burden of cancer can be reduced.
Why Was This Study Done?
Diet is thought to influence the incidence of several cancers but it is very difficult to unravel which aspects of diet are important. Being overweight, for example, is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, but the evidence that the intake of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and of processed meat (for example, bacon, ham, and sausages) is linked to cancer risk is much weaker. Although several studies have linked a high intake of red meat and processed meat to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (the colon is the large bowel; the rectum is the final few inches of the large bowel before the anus), whether this aspect of diet affects the risk of other types of cancer is unclear. In this prospective study, the researchers have examined the association between meat intake and the incidence of a wide range of cancers.
What Did the Researchers Do and Find?
In 1995–1996, nearly half a million US men and women aged 50–71 y joined the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. The participants in this study—none of whom had had cancer previously—completed a questionnaire about their dietary habits over the previous year and provided other personal information such as their age, weight, and smoking history.
The researchers used these data and information from state cancer registries to look for associations between the intake of red and processed meat and the incidence of various cancers. They found that people whose red meat intake was in the top fifth of the range of intakes recorded in the study (the highest quintile of consumption) had an increased risk of developing colorectal, liver, lung, and esophageal cancer when compared with people in the lowest quintile of consumption. People in the highest quintile of processed meat intake had an increased risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer. The incidences of other cancers were largely unaffected by meat intake.
What Do These Findings Mean?
These findings provide strong evidence that people who eat a lot of red and processed meats have greater risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer than do people who eat small quantities. They also indicate that a high red meat intake is associated with an increased risk of esophageal and liver cancer, and that one in ten colorectal and one in ten lung cancers could be avoided if people reduced their red and processed meat intake to the lowest quintile.
However, although the researchers allowed for factors such as smoking history that might have affected cancer incidences, some of the effects they ascribe to meat intake might be caused by other lifestyle factors. Furthermore, because the study's definitions of red meat and processed meat overlapped—bacon and ham, for example, were included in both categories—exactly which type of meat is related to cancer remains unclear.
Finally, most of the study participants were non-Hispanic white, so these findings may not apply to people with different genetic backgrounds. Nevertheless, they add to the evidence that suggests that decreased consumption of red and processed meats could reduce the incidence of several types of cancer. (Read the full article)
Additional Information.
Please access these Web sites via the online version of this summary at http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040325.
The American Cancer Society provides answers to common questions about diet and cancer
Information is available from the charity Cancer Research UK about diet, healthy eating, and cancer
The American Institute for Cancer Research also provides information on diet and cancer.
The NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study presents information on the impact of diet and lifestyle factors on risk of cancer
The US National Cancer Institute provides information about the kind of food questionnaire used in this study
Read the full article
(Editors' Summary of A Prospective Study of Red and Processed Meat Intake in Relation to Cancer Risk by Amanda J. Cross, Michael F. Leitzmann, Mitchell H. Gail, Albert R. Hollenbeck, Arthur Schatzkin, and Rashmi Sinha Read the full article
Background.
Every year, there are more than 10 million new cases of cancer around the world. These cases are not spread evenly across the globe. The annual incidence of cancer (the number of new cases divided by the population size) and the type of cancer most commonly diagnosed varies widely among countries. Much of the global variation in cancer incidence and type is thought to be due to environmental influences. These include exposure to agents in the air or water that cause cancer, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet.
Researchers identify environmental factors that affect cancer risk by measuring the exposure of a large number of individuals to a specific environmental factor and then monitoring these people for several years to see who develops cancer. The hope is that by identifying the environmental factors that cause or prevent cancer, the global burden of cancer can be reduced.
Why Was This Study Done?
Diet is thought to influence the incidence of several cancers but it is very difficult to unravel which aspects of diet are important. Being overweight, for example, is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, but the evidence that the intake of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and of processed meat (for example, bacon, ham, and sausages) is linked to cancer risk is much weaker. Although several studies have linked a high intake of red meat and processed meat to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (the colon is the large bowel; the rectum is the final few inches of the large bowel before the anus), whether this aspect of diet affects the risk of other types of cancer is unclear. In this prospective study, the researchers have examined the association between meat intake and the incidence of a wide range of cancers.
What Did the Researchers Do and Find?
In 1995–1996, nearly half a million US men and women aged 50–71 y joined the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. The participants in this study—none of whom had had cancer previously—completed a questionnaire about their dietary habits over the previous year and provided other personal information such as their age, weight, and smoking history.
The researchers used these data and information from state cancer registries to look for associations between the intake of red and processed meat and the incidence of various cancers. They found that people whose red meat intake was in the top fifth of the range of intakes recorded in the study (the highest quintile of consumption) had an increased risk of developing colorectal, liver, lung, and esophageal cancer when compared with people in the lowest quintile of consumption. People in the highest quintile of processed meat intake had an increased risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer. The incidences of other cancers were largely unaffected by meat intake.
What Do These Findings Mean?
These findings provide strong evidence that people who eat a lot of red and processed meats have greater risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer than do people who eat small quantities. They also indicate that a high red meat intake is associated with an increased risk of esophageal and liver cancer, and that one in ten colorectal and one in ten lung cancers could be avoided if people reduced their red and processed meat intake to the lowest quintile.
However, although the researchers allowed for factors such as smoking history that might have affected cancer incidences, some of the effects they ascribe to meat intake might be caused by other lifestyle factors. Furthermore, because the study's definitions of red meat and processed meat overlapped—bacon and ham, for example, were included in both categories—exactly which type of meat is related to cancer remains unclear.
Finally, most of the study participants were non-Hispanic white, so these findings may not apply to people with different genetic backgrounds. Nevertheless, they add to the evidence that suggests that decreased consumption of red and processed meats could reduce the incidence of several types of cancer. (Read the full article)
Additional Information.
Please access these Web sites via the online version of this summary at http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040325.
The American Cancer Society provides answers to common questions about diet and cancer
Information is available from the charity Cancer Research UK about diet, healthy eating, and cancer
The American Institute for Cancer Research also provides information on diet and cancer.
The NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study presents information on the impact of diet and lifestyle factors on risk of cancer
The US National Cancer Institute provides information about the kind of food questionnaire used in this study
Read the full article
TENS machines
I received this qiestion from a visitor to our online health shop:
Please tell me what is the difference between TENS used in pregnancy, and
other TENS available.
The answer is in fact very simple: the pregnancy TENS uses bigger pads and has a boost function for when you experience the pains associated with contractions. Most pregnancy TENS machines can also be used after childbirth as a regular TENS machine for sciatica, back pian, etc.
Please tell me what is the difference between TENS used in pregnancy, and
other TENS available.
The answer is in fact very simple: the pregnancy TENS uses bigger pads and has a boost function for when you experience the pains associated with contractions. Most pregnancy TENS machines can also be used after childbirth as a regular TENS machine for sciatica, back pian, etc.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Recycle Your Old Mobile Phone
WaterAid's mobile phone recycling scheme has been highly successful so far raising over £40,000! Why not donate your old mobile and benefit both the environment and those in the developing world?
Please send your old mobiles directly to:
WaterAid
FREEPOST LON16281
London
WC1N 3BR
Or if you have 20 or more phones you can arrange a free courier collection by calling 0800 298 9069.
It costs WaterAid just £15 to provide one person with a lasting supply of clean water, sanitation and hygiene education. That's the equivalent on average of just three phones sent in to be recycled!
An average of £5 will be donated to WaterAid for every working handset sent to be recycled.
Please send your old mobiles directly to:
WaterAid
FREEPOST LON16281
London
WC1N 3BR
Or if you have 20 or more phones you can arrange a free courier collection by calling 0800 298 9069.
It costs WaterAid just £15 to provide one person with a lasting supply of clean water, sanitation and hygiene education. That's the equivalent on average of just three phones sent in to be recycled!
An average of £5 will be donated to WaterAid for every working handset sent to be recycled.
Women And Burn Out
Here's some info on stress and burnout from the Vale Practice in SE London:
Roz Pendlebury, psychotherapist and couples counsellor says: “Women in particular are getting overwhelmed by their busy lifestyles juggling work, relationships, family, friends and the pressure to look good. This results in a wide range of emotional symptoms, the most common of which are panic attacks, angry outbursts and rows with a partner or child; drinking and eating too much and a loss of joy in living.”
Homeopaths Marianne Atherton and Rosy Byatt are also concerned at the stress-related symptoms they see in girls as young as 12 or 13. Rosy Byatt says: “One of the main manifestations of this is a disruption to their whole endocrine system, because of adrenal imbalance. This in turn has a profound effect on their female horomonal balance and menstrual cycle.
“Such an imbalance can lead to debilitating PMT, hormonally-related skin problems and in the long term can affect their fertility.”
Angelo D’Alberto, the Vale Practice’s acupuncturist reports a predominance of “sleeping problems, digestive disturbances, anxiety and panic attacks, emotional volatility, hyperthyroidism, and menstrual irregularities (painful periods, PMT, irregular cycles, and even fertility issues) “ among his mainly 20- to 40-year-old female clients.
Herbalist Heidi Collins explains the reasons for the fairer sex’s particular vulnerability to stress: “Women in particular are greatly affected by stress due to its effects on hormone balance. Prolonged stimulation of the adrenal glands leads to lowered progesterone and consequently oestrogen dominance. This produces premenstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness, depression, anxiety and irritability. These symptoms I see all the time.
“The body responds to stress by activating the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline. The main effects of adrenaline are that it causes the heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar to increase, and digestive system activity to decrease. In chronic stress this and other adrenal hormones are continuously raised which can lead to high blood pressure and other heart problems, diabetes, and digestive disturbances such as IBS. The adrenals may eventually become exhausted leading to depleted energy levels, dizziness, and lowered immune system. Skin conditions are also very closely related to stress, particularly psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, and there is often a connection with those who don't deal with stress and tend to ‘pack emotions away'.
“A problem with stress is that for many years it will cause symptoms not thought serious enough for orthodox investigation. Also, as the symptoms of stress are so varied and unspecific, there is no 'target' for an orthodox drug.”
Complementary therapies generally aim to restore the patient’s system to a state of balance, but there is much that the individual can do to improve their own health simply by adjusting their lifestyles.
How to minimise the effects of stress:
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeinated drinks (caffeine inhibits the break down of adrenaline), and replace with calming herbal teas such as chamomile, and lemon balm. Dandelion coffee can make a pleasant coffee substitute which is also beneficial for the liver.
- moderate alcohol intake (it further depletes immune function, vitamin C, lowers vitality)
- Supplement with vitamin C, magnesium and B complex
- Adopt relaxation techniques such as yoga, Tai chi, breathing exercises, meditation
- Do whatever makes you feel relaxed - painting, walking, gardening, listening to music, or try hypnotherapy to release more deep-seated tensions.
- Book yourself regular (once monthly, if possible), therapeutic treatments such as massage or reflexology.
- Seek help for ongoing relationship problems. Couples counselling can help people to manage their behaviour and communicate more effectively.
The Vale Practice has over 27 therapists to call on. Therapies include: Osteopathy, Remedial and Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Swedish Massage, Eco Beauty, Chinese Herbal medicine, Nutrition, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Tui Na Massage, Shiatsu, Allergy Testing, Aromatherapy, Sports Injury Massage, Indian Head Massage, Counselling, Cranial Osteopathy, Group Therapy, Life and Work coaching, Chiropody, Medicinal Herbalism,
Bio Energiser and Child Art and Psychotherapy
For further information contact: Practice manager: Kate 020 8299 9798/020 8299 9942
Roz Pendlebury, psychotherapist and couples counsellor says: “Women in particular are getting overwhelmed by their busy lifestyles juggling work, relationships, family, friends and the pressure to look good. This results in a wide range of emotional symptoms, the most common of which are panic attacks, angry outbursts and rows with a partner or child; drinking and eating too much and a loss of joy in living.”
Homeopaths Marianne Atherton and Rosy Byatt are also concerned at the stress-related symptoms they see in girls as young as 12 or 13. Rosy Byatt says: “One of the main manifestations of this is a disruption to their whole endocrine system, because of adrenal imbalance. This in turn has a profound effect on their female horomonal balance and menstrual cycle.
“Such an imbalance can lead to debilitating PMT, hormonally-related skin problems and in the long term can affect their fertility.”
Angelo D’Alberto, the Vale Practice’s acupuncturist reports a predominance of “sleeping problems, digestive disturbances, anxiety and panic attacks, emotional volatility, hyperthyroidism, and menstrual irregularities (painful periods, PMT, irregular cycles, and even fertility issues) “ among his mainly 20- to 40-year-old female clients.
Herbalist Heidi Collins explains the reasons for the fairer sex’s particular vulnerability to stress: “Women in particular are greatly affected by stress due to its effects on hormone balance. Prolonged stimulation of the adrenal glands leads to lowered progesterone and consequently oestrogen dominance. This produces premenstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness, depression, anxiety and irritability. These symptoms I see all the time.
“The body responds to stress by activating the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline. The main effects of adrenaline are that it causes the heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar to increase, and digestive system activity to decrease. In chronic stress this and other adrenal hormones are continuously raised which can lead to high blood pressure and other heart problems, diabetes, and digestive disturbances such as IBS. The adrenals may eventually become exhausted leading to depleted energy levels, dizziness, and lowered immune system. Skin conditions are also very closely related to stress, particularly psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, and there is often a connection with those who don't deal with stress and tend to ‘pack emotions away'.
“A problem with stress is that for many years it will cause symptoms not thought serious enough for orthodox investigation. Also, as the symptoms of stress are so varied and unspecific, there is no 'target' for an orthodox drug.”
Complementary therapies generally aim to restore the patient’s system to a state of balance, but there is much that the individual can do to improve their own health simply by adjusting their lifestyles.
How to minimise the effects of stress:
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeinated drinks (caffeine inhibits the break down of adrenaline), and replace with calming herbal teas such as chamomile, and lemon balm. Dandelion coffee can make a pleasant coffee substitute which is also beneficial for the liver.
- moderate alcohol intake (it further depletes immune function, vitamin C, lowers vitality)
- Supplement with vitamin C, magnesium and B complex
- Adopt relaxation techniques such as yoga, Tai chi, breathing exercises, meditation
- Do whatever makes you feel relaxed - painting, walking, gardening, listening to music, or try hypnotherapy to release more deep-seated tensions.
- Book yourself regular (once monthly, if possible), therapeutic treatments such as massage or reflexology.
- Seek help for ongoing relationship problems. Couples counselling can help people to manage their behaviour and communicate more effectively.
The Vale Practice has over 27 therapists to call on. Therapies include: Osteopathy, Remedial and Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Swedish Massage, Eco Beauty, Chinese Herbal medicine, Nutrition, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Tui Na Massage, Shiatsu, Allergy Testing, Aromatherapy, Sports Injury Massage, Indian Head Massage, Counselling, Cranial Osteopathy, Group Therapy, Life and Work coaching, Chiropody, Medicinal Herbalism,
Bio Energiser and Child Art and Psychotherapy
For further information contact: Practice manager: Kate 020 8299 9798/020 8299 9942
Exercise And Music
Here's some thoughts on music for exercise from Kristoph Thompson:
Research has shown that listening to music helps us to exercise harder and for longer. Music can provide us with something to focus our attention, relieving boredom and decreasing our sense of effort and exertion.
Our attention span has a limited capacity and music works by distracting us from feelings of pain or fatigue. Listening to music also helps with our motivation to exercise. Scientists are agreed that motivation is influenced by changing situations and environments, and listening to music while exercising provides an extra stimulus for the brain.
How to choose the right music for you
Songs with lyrics that inspire physical activity, such as ‘keep on moving’ may well enhance the success of your workout. It’s important that you play the music loud enough to block out other noise distractions so that the music becomes the central focus of your attention. Try to listen actively to the lyrics and the beat while you exercise as it may not have the same impact as background noise.
The type of music you select should reflect your own personal tastes: studies have shown a wide variety of musical styles are capable of enhancing performance, ranging from pop to classical music. Many people believe that variety is the spice of life, and it is certainly essential to our attention system.
If you employ the same musical selections time after time, your sensory system may well adapt by switching-off – a process known to psychologists as ‘sensory adaptation’. So be sure to vary your selections if you want to benefit from the distracting effects of music.
Research has shown that listening to music helps us to exercise harder and for longer. Music can provide us with something to focus our attention, relieving boredom and decreasing our sense of effort and exertion.
Our attention span has a limited capacity and music works by distracting us from feelings of pain or fatigue. Listening to music also helps with our motivation to exercise. Scientists are agreed that motivation is influenced by changing situations and environments, and listening to music while exercising provides an extra stimulus for the brain.
How to choose the right music for you
Songs with lyrics that inspire physical activity, such as ‘keep on moving’ may well enhance the success of your workout. It’s important that you play the music loud enough to block out other noise distractions so that the music becomes the central focus of your attention. Try to listen actively to the lyrics and the beat while you exercise as it may not have the same impact as background noise.
The type of music you select should reflect your own personal tastes: studies have shown a wide variety of musical styles are capable of enhancing performance, ranging from pop to classical music. Many people believe that variety is the spice of life, and it is certainly essential to our attention system.
If you employ the same musical selections time after time, your sensory system may well adapt by switching-off – a process known to psychologists as ‘sensory adaptation’. So be sure to vary your selections if you want to benefit from the distracting effects of music.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A free course on blogging
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
It covers:
- The best blogging techniques.
- How to get traffic to your blog.
- How to turn your blog into money.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Essential Oils and the health of the therapist
I've just added a new article about the effect of aromatherapy oils on the therapists themselves. The article is written by Penny Price and here's a bit more about her:
Penny has had a background in aromatherapy that has not been available to many: she witnessed her mother and father work to get the therapy and the training for the therapy established in the UK. A therapist herself for 25 years, she is still at the cutting edge of developing aromatherapy - in its practice, its developing curriculum and in how it is taught.
Penny holds the only research degree in aromatherapy awarded by Oxford University and is in demand as a lecturer and teacher in the UK and abroad. The Masters Degree in Education is entitled: Managing school environments: children’s responses to change in the aromatic environment.
Penny’s commitment to quality in both product and training was the driving force in her establishing Penny Price Aromatherapy Ltd and the Penny Price Academy. Penny regularly visits growers and suppliers of essential oils to ensure that they are of medical grade for the most beneficial results. At the present time, Penny has 3 schools in the UK, plus a smaller school in Walsall Hospice. Abroad, there are satellite schools in Japan, Taiwan, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Australia, Norway and the USA. The distribution network has also grown and apart from countries where there is a school, Penny also has distributors in Greece, Korea and Brazil. Penny’s unfailing drive and energy is the force behind the success of the business.
The Penny Price Academy is the only school in the UK that teaches (and is insured for) aromatic medicine (the intensive use of essential oils for specific conditions).
Penny is much sought after to lecture in aromatherapy around the world. In 2007 alone she has travelled to Greece, Germany, Sri Lanka, France and Taiwan.
Penny is married to Dr Robert Stephen, who alongside being a teacher and a priest in the Church of England, is CEO of the business and also teaches aspects of aromatherapy. Together they have 8 children.
Publications
Aromatherapy for Babies and Children. 1994: London: Thorsons.
Distance Learning Course: Aromatherapy and Massage. Regent Academy of Fine Arts, London (1998).
The Ethics of Christian Involvement with Complementary Medicine. (Awaiting publication).
Managing school environments: children’s responses to change in the aromatic environment. Oxford University, Oxford (2002)
Penny contributes to many magazines and has written articles for Here’s Health, Aromatherapy Quarterly, Positive Health, Aromatherapy World, Woman’s Own and The Aromatherapist. She has a regular monthly article in Today’s Therapist and at the present time has several articles on various websites.
Penny has had a background in aromatherapy that has not been available to many: she witnessed her mother and father work to get the therapy and the training for the therapy established in the UK. A therapist herself for 25 years, she is still at the cutting edge of developing aromatherapy - in its practice, its developing curriculum and in how it is taught.
Penny holds the only research degree in aromatherapy awarded by Oxford University and is in demand as a lecturer and teacher in the UK and abroad. The Masters Degree in Education is entitled: Managing school environments: children’s responses to change in the aromatic environment.
Penny’s commitment to quality in both product and training was the driving force in her establishing Penny Price Aromatherapy Ltd and the Penny Price Academy. Penny regularly visits growers and suppliers of essential oils to ensure that they are of medical grade for the most beneficial results. At the present time, Penny has 3 schools in the UK, plus a smaller school in Walsall Hospice. Abroad, there are satellite schools in Japan, Taiwan, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Australia, Norway and the USA. The distribution network has also grown and apart from countries where there is a school, Penny also has distributors in Greece, Korea and Brazil. Penny’s unfailing drive and energy is the force behind the success of the business.
The Penny Price Academy is the only school in the UK that teaches (and is insured for) aromatic medicine (the intensive use of essential oils for specific conditions).
Penny is much sought after to lecture in aromatherapy around the world. In 2007 alone she has travelled to Greece, Germany, Sri Lanka, France and Taiwan.
Penny is married to Dr Robert Stephen, who alongside being a teacher and a priest in the Church of England, is CEO of the business and also teaches aspects of aromatherapy. Together they have 8 children.
Publications
Aromatherapy for Babies and Children. 1994: London: Thorsons.
Distance Learning Course: Aromatherapy and Massage. Regent Academy of Fine Arts, London (1998).
The Ethics of Christian Involvement with Complementary Medicine. (Awaiting publication).
Managing school environments: children’s responses to change in the aromatic environment. Oxford University, Oxford (2002)
Penny contributes to many magazines and has written articles for Here’s Health, Aromatherapy Quarterly, Positive Health, Aromatherapy World, Woman’s Own and The Aromatherapist. She has a regular monthly article in Today’s Therapist and at the present time has several articles on various websites.
A Seasonal Tip
A seasonal health reminder from the Cancer Project:
Take time for yourself. The holiday season can cause a lot of stress, whether it is dealing with crowded stores, airports, and roads; choosing the right gifts; or even carrying an extra load at work while so many co-workers take vacation time. Don’t forget to take care of yourself with some quiet time, or whatever activity relaxes you, whenever things seem to get a little too hectic.
Take time for yourself. The holiday season can cause a lot of stress, whether it is dealing with crowded stores, airports, and roads; choosing the right gifts; or even carrying an extra load at work while so many co-workers take vacation time. Don’t forget to take care of yourself with some quiet time, or whatever activity relaxes you, whenever things seem to get a little too hectic.
Bowen For Dogs
Bowen therapy works great for people, and many practitioners also have success with animals too. Here's an interesting story from Rosemary Cunningham:
"I get so excited about Bowen technique and here’s why. Jake is a lovely, gentle but totally neurotic Dalmatian – and after an incident at home his back legs and his tail were totally paralysed. Sue his owner, took him to see four different vets, and three of them recommended putting him down. I introduced Sue to my friend Wendy Shearman, who gave him his first Bowen treatment. The next day he had a small movement in his tail and continued to improve until after his third weekly treatment Jake suddenly seemed to remember his legs and ran out into the garden! He is now back to his old self (although he does have Bambi back legs!) Wendy can be contacted on 01245 263328 [UK]. She treats humans with reflexology and Bowen and is training in Canine Bowen."
"I get so excited about Bowen technique and here’s why. Jake is a lovely, gentle but totally neurotic Dalmatian – and after an incident at home his back legs and his tail were totally paralysed. Sue his owner, took him to see four different vets, and three of them recommended putting him down. I introduced Sue to my friend Wendy Shearman, who gave him his first Bowen treatment. The next day he had a small movement in his tail and continued to improve until after his third weekly treatment Jake suddenly seemed to remember his legs and ran out into the garden! He is now back to his old self (although he does have Bambi back legs!) Wendy can be contacted on 01245 263328 [UK]. She treats humans with reflexology and Bowen and is training in Canine Bowen."
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Increasing Your Protein Intake
Many people eat too much protein in the form of meat, but some people struggle to eat enough, particularly some (but not all) vegetarians, so here are three ideas from Kristoph Thompson:
Quinoa pronounced ‘keen-wa’ is one of the best vegetarian sources of protein, containing all 8 essential amino acids. It was once called ‘the gold of the Incas’ who recognised its value in increasing the stamina of their warriors, today is makes a good, high-protein alternative to rice!
When you’re feeling hungry snack on nuts, nuts and more nuts! Nuts are an excellent source of protein. Brazil nuts contain 15.5 per 100g, almonds, 23.4 per 100g and peanuts have a whopping 28.5 per 100g. Try to go for a variety, but remember that nuts are also high in fatty acids so never eat more than a handful at a time. Always choose unsalted.
Choose high protein spreads like peanut butter, tahni and hummus over jams and honey. Not only are they higher in protein meaning you’ll stay fuller for longer but they contain less sugar too!
Quinoa pronounced ‘keen-wa’ is one of the best vegetarian sources of protein, containing all 8 essential amino acids. It was once called ‘the gold of the Incas’ who recognised its value in increasing the stamina of their warriors, today is makes a good, high-protein alternative to rice!
When you’re feeling hungry snack on nuts, nuts and more nuts! Nuts are an excellent source of protein. Brazil nuts contain 15.5 per 100g, almonds, 23.4 per 100g and peanuts have a whopping 28.5 per 100g. Try to go for a variety, but remember that nuts are also high in fatty acids so never eat more than a handful at a time. Always choose unsalted.
Choose high protein spreads like peanut butter, tahni and hummus over jams and honey. Not only are they higher in protein meaning you’ll stay fuller for longer but they contain less sugar too!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Stress Reduction Tip
Here's a stress reduction tip from Alicia Sirkin:
The holidays can be overwhelming...so much to do, so little time! Are you having difficulty prioritizing, feeling overwhelmed and doubting your ability to handle tasks or feeling inadequate when facing responsibilities? The "ELM" flower remedy may be just what you need to feel capable again--helping you to efficiently handle tasks and breeze through your "To Do" list.
Dosage: Put two drops of the Bach Flower Remedy "ELM" onto your tongue or rub onto the inside of your wrists or temples. Or, put two drops into a glass of water and sip frequently, repeat until you are satisfied with the results. Dose at least 4 times a day or more, and as often as every 3 - 5 minutes if desired. You cannot overdose.
Check out Alicia's website.
The holidays can be overwhelming...so much to do, so little time! Are you having difficulty prioritizing, feeling overwhelmed and doubting your ability to handle tasks or feeling inadequate when facing responsibilities? The "ELM" flower remedy may be just what you need to feel capable again--helping you to efficiently handle tasks and breeze through your "To Do" list.
Dosage: Put two drops of the Bach Flower Remedy "ELM" onto your tongue or rub onto the inside of your wrists or temples. Or, put two drops into a glass of water and sip frequently, repeat until you are satisfied with the results. Dose at least 4 times a day or more, and as often as every 3 - 5 minutes if desired. You cannot overdose.
Check out Alicia's website.
Monday, December 17, 2007
10 Top Tips for Delightful Harmony through the New Year
Here are 10 tips from Ishi Khan Jackson to help you survive till the new year (and beyond):
- Decide you want harmony
- Expectation: Take an honest look at what you expect from the Christmas period
- Listen, really listen to the expectations of those you’ve chosen to share the time with. Can you understand where the person’s coming from?
- Inform: Tell them your expectations. Do they understand where you’re coming from?
- Get together and list all kinds of ways to spend the period. Let your imagination run free and free yourself from any fear of making changes to the norm. Don’t judge the practicality or sanity of your ideas at this stage. No matter how silly they may sound, air these ideas, they are just ideas.
- Honour your space. Give yourselves a day or two to digest and mull over all the ideas.
- Take note and listen to what the opinion of others about the ideas
- Freely share your thoughts about the ideas.
- Ultimately, pick and mix. (Not shoplifting at Woolies!) Pick parts of the ideas you like and mix them with parts of the ideas others like. Between you, you’ll definitely come up with something for everyone.
- Let yourselves have fun, congratulate yourselves on being proactive and celebrate your growth!
Copyright Ishi Khan-Jackson
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Magnets On Clothes
As many of you know I'm a keen cyclist, and it is time to buy a new waterproof cycling jacket - my old one is letting in water big time. I liked the look of the Cannondale Morphis Shell Ladies Jacket, particularly the fact that you could get it in lime - one of my favourite colours.
But when i read the details about it, it said this:
So sadly much as I liked this jacket, I'm not buying it. I think I'm going for the Gore alpine ladies waterproof jacket instead.
But when i read the details about it, it said this:
Sleeves detach as one piece! Just 2 quick zips and it morphs into a vest—and then back to a jacket, secured in place by magnetsGreat to have this level of versatility ('vest' in UK English is a gilet - oh, that's French, what a funny world we live in), but magnets are not like zips and buttons. Magnets can do things to the body that is under them. That's why people wear magnetic bracelets or go for magnet therapy. These are healing applications, but magnets used inappropraitely can cause health problems.
So sadly much as I liked this jacket, I'm not buying it. I think I'm going for the Gore alpine ladies waterproof jacket instead.
Surviving Christmas
here's some thoughts on surviving Christmas:
- Keep healthy snacks at the front of the fridge or cupboard. Put unhealthy snacks at the back of the cupboard or fridge. Put them in plain dark containers.
- Take Milk Thistle before Christmas if you’re likely to drink lots of alcohol. It’s a great liver detox – take it now and it will help your liver stay strong, but do not use it as an excuse to drink more.
- If you’re trying to lose weight, this is a good time to go for weight maintenance rather than weight loss. Don’t put loads of pressure on yourself.
- When you go to a party, socialise away from the area where the food and drink are. That way you are less likely to be tempted.
- If you’re in charge of the food, reduce the number of times you go to the supermarket. The more often you go the more you are likely to buy unhealthy food. Go with a list and eat something before you go – that way you are less likely to buy all those extra things you don’t really need.
- Make sure you drink enough water particularly if you are drinking alcohol.
- Check out my article on dealing with those relatives and colleagues at social events
Guzzling sport drinks leads to weight gain
A report from the University of California at Berkeley said students who drink a 20-ounce sports drink every day could gain about 13 pounds in a year as they contain more sodium and as much as two-thirds the sugar as some fizzy drinks! We say, if you’re exercising for an hour or more, a sports drink will be an essential part of your workout. When you’re not working out – stick to water.
Source: Kristoph.co.uk - Monthly News
Source: Kristoph.co.uk - Monthly News
Friday, December 14, 2007
I'm sending myself junk mail!!
Over the last few days a lot of emails to me have been put automatically in the Junk folder. I couldn’t understand why this was suddenly happening to emails from friends and colleagues. Eventually the penny dropped – all the emails put in the junk folder like this were replies to emails from me and I’d changed my email signature to this:
Want to lose weight? Need some help? Try our weight loss nutritional supplement - 60 day money back guarantee even if you've emptied the pot!
I’ve changed my email signature back to what it was previously, and now my messages act like they did before. I can only think that my anti-spam software was bothered by the terms ‘weight loss’ and ‘lose weight’.
It’s sad really, because it indicates just how many rubbish offers there are out there, how many charlatans take advantage of people’s desire to lose weight.
It’s also sad because it means that people like me who have genuine offers that work can’t get them out to the people who could benefit from them.
This weight loss supplement works really well – I had someone recently say she’s lost over 20 lbs since she’s been taking the capsules (about 2 months) and she’s not even taking the full dose every day.
Want to lose weight? Need some help? Try our weight loss nutritional supplement - 60 day money back guarantee even if you've emptied the pot!
I’ve changed my email signature back to what it was previously, and now my messages act like they did before. I can only think that my anti-spam software was bothered by the terms ‘weight loss’ and ‘lose weight’.
It’s sad really, because it indicates just how many rubbish offers there are out there, how many charlatans take advantage of people’s desire to lose weight.
It’s also sad because it means that people like me who have genuine offers that work can’t get them out to the people who could benefit from them.
This weight loss supplement works really well – I had someone recently say she’s lost over 20 lbs since she’s been taking the capsules (about 2 months) and she’s not even taking the full dose every day.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Weight loss gurantee
I was out riding my bike with a friend who’s decided to get fit. She’s doing the right things: taking more exercise and eating more healthy foods. I told her about the weight loss supplement we sell if she feels she needs some help to lose weight at any time. She was interested but asked: “Do they work?”
I felt like saying: “No, course they don’t – I just want your money!” but instead I told her about our guarantee:
60-day money-back guarantee even if you’ve taken the last one.
Everyone always queries this guarantee because they feel it’s too good to be true. But I feel confident in making this guarantee for everything in our online health shop because I only see stuff that I’ve researched and know is likely to work for most people.
Of course, there will be people who take a dishonest advantage from this guarantee, but I can live with that. What I want is for people to see this guarantee and know that they can trust what we sell to be effective – not for everyone in all circumstances – but for a lot of people who are looking for help to lose weight and improve their lives.
I felt like saying: “No, course they don’t – I just want your money!” but instead I told her about our guarantee:
60-day money-back guarantee even if you’ve taken the last one.
Everyone always queries this guarantee because they feel it’s too good to be true. But I feel confident in making this guarantee for everything in our online health shop because I only see stuff that I’ve researched and know is likely to work for most people.
Of course, there will be people who take a dishonest advantage from this guarantee, but I can live with that. What I want is for people to see this guarantee and know that they can trust what we sell to be effective – not for everyone in all circumstances – but for a lot of people who are looking for help to lose weight and improve their lives.
The benefits of exercise
A new study from researchers at Bristol University (UK) has shown that exercise can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by a third, and that lack of physical exercise can lead to depression and dementia.
If you want to do something about it, but can’t get yourself motivated then check out our hypnotherapy CD for exercise and motivation You can listen to a sample online). I suggest you also read my article on dealing with exercise excuses.
If you want to do something about it, but can’t get yourself motivated then check out our hypnotherapy CD for exercise and motivation You can listen to a sample online). I suggest you also read my article on dealing with exercise excuses.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Reform of the US farm bill
Although I'm based in the UK, I'm a great admirer of the work of the US Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine.
Here's some information I received from them today:
"With pressure mounting for reform, the Farm Bill is still awaiting a vote in Congress. PCRM and its supporters are making sure that the problems with this legislative bonanza for Tyson Foods and other meat companies are at the forefront of discussion in newspapers, on television, and on the Senate floor. A growing number of observers are questioning why the Farm Bill provides taxpayer-funded subsidies for meat, sugar, and other unhealthy foods, while fruits and vegetables receive little support."
Want to read more, then click here.
Here's some information I received from them today:
"With pressure mounting for reform, the Farm Bill is still awaiting a vote in Congress. PCRM and its supporters are making sure that the problems with this legislative bonanza for Tyson Foods and other meat companies are at the forefront of discussion in newspapers, on television, and on the Senate floor. A growing number of observers are questioning why the Farm Bill provides taxpayer-funded subsidies for meat, sugar, and other unhealthy foods, while fruits and vegetables receive little support."
Want to read more, then click here.
Buy health products and help charities
Here’s a painless way you can help two of my favourite charities. From now until the end of January I will donate 15% of anything you spend in my online shop (excluding VAT and carriage) to the Maun Homeopathy Project or Village Water. I've chosen these two charities because I personally know and trust the people who created these charities, and they are small charities making a big difference.
My online shop sells lots of goodies including Helios homeopathic kits, nutritional supplements, hypnotherapy CDs, organic cotton baby gifts, Indigo essences, homeopathic creams, TENS machines and more. Some of the things would make great gifts. Everything on the site is covered by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
It’s simple – you go to the site and buy what you want either through our secure online shop or by phoning 01736 336993 (9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday UK time) and then you email me to tell me which of the two charities you want to support.
This is in addition to all my normally charity giving, which is 12% of my profits. So go spend - and help these two charities.
My online shop sells lots of goodies including Helios homeopathic kits, nutritional supplements, hypnotherapy CDs, organic cotton baby gifts, Indigo essences, homeopathic creams, TENS machines and more. Some of the things would make great gifts. Everything on the site is covered by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
It’s simple – you go to the site and buy what you want either through our secure online shop or by phoning 01736 336993 (9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday UK time) and then you email me to tell me which of the two charities you want to support.
This is in addition to all my normally charity giving, which is 12% of my profits. So go spend - and help these two charities.
Nutritional Supplements And Health
A lot of people seem to think they don’t need to take nutritional supplements, but there is mounting evidence that this is not true. While we continue to live such stressed and polluted lives, we need all the help we can get.
Stress can lead to an increased need for some vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B complex and magnesium can help the nervous system to stay healthy. These supplements can also help you to feel less agitated and anxious.
In recent years there has been a lot of interest in antioxidants. Antioxidants are mainly found in fruit and vegetables, hence the widely supported advice to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, but some advice goes further and suggests that everyone should be taking antioxidant supplements. Antioxidants are designed to counteract free radical damage. Free radicals attack healthy cells damaging cell DNA and possibly leading to cancer. Free radical damage also produces many of the changes we associate with ageing. Excess free radical production in the body is caused by, among other things, stress, radiation and environmental pollution. Some vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients act to ‘mop up’ free radicals. Selenium with vitamins A, C and E is a good antioxidant formula that many people find beneficial.
Be careful when you buy supplements: many of the cheap ones have very little of the important active ingredients and they may not be in form that is easily absorbed by the body. Sadly the ‘pile em high and sell em cheap’ mentality has affected the nutritional supplement market as well as many other aspects of life. Cheap is not really cheap if it’s ineffective, instead it’s a waste of money. On my online shop I sell nutritional supplements that are backed up by research, and we even offer a 60-day money-back guarantee even if you’ve emptied the pot!
Stress can lead to an increased need for some vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B complex and magnesium can help the nervous system to stay healthy. These supplements can also help you to feel less agitated and anxious.
In recent years there has been a lot of interest in antioxidants. Antioxidants are mainly found in fruit and vegetables, hence the widely supported advice to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, but some advice goes further and suggests that everyone should be taking antioxidant supplements. Antioxidants are designed to counteract free radical damage. Free radicals attack healthy cells damaging cell DNA and possibly leading to cancer. Free radical damage also produces many of the changes we associate with ageing. Excess free radical production in the body is caused by, among other things, stress, radiation and environmental pollution. Some vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients act to ‘mop up’ free radicals. Selenium with vitamins A, C and E is a good antioxidant formula that many people find beneficial.
Be careful when you buy supplements: many of the cheap ones have very little of the important active ingredients and they may not be in form that is easily absorbed by the body. Sadly the ‘pile em high and sell em cheap’ mentality has affected the nutritional supplement market as well as many other aspects of life. Cheap is not really cheap if it’s ineffective, instead it’s a waste of money. On my online shop I sell nutritional supplements that are backed up by research, and we even offer a 60-day money-back guarantee even if you’ve emptied the pot!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Natural Treats
There’s an advert in Today’s Times newspaper from Nestle for confectionery/sweets that made me see a little red.
They say: “We’ve added something on the outside, to tell you what we haven’t added inside.”
There are pictures of Smarties, Milkybars and Fruit Pastilles with slogans such as ‘all natural ingredients’ and ‘ no artificial colours or flavours. Contains 25% fruit juice’.
So that’s alright then. These are ‘healthy’ sweets to give kids! Far from it, they are packed with sugar which rots teeth and causes fluctuations in blood sugar and mood swings.
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the odd chocolate bar, but let’s not kid ourselves we are doing something good and healthy by giving this stuff to our children.
They say: “We’ve added something on the outside, to tell you what we haven’t added inside.”
There are pictures of Smarties, Milkybars and Fruit Pastilles with slogans such as ‘all natural ingredients’ and ‘ no artificial colours or flavours. Contains 25% fruit juice’.
So that’s alright then. These are ‘healthy’ sweets to give kids! Far from it, they are packed with sugar which rots teeth and causes fluctuations in blood sugar and mood swings.
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the odd chocolate bar, but let’s not kid ourselves we are doing something good and healthy by giving this stuff to our children.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Perimenopause Symptoms And Treatment
I received this email today:
"Which products would you recomment for what I think is perimenopause.
I am feed up of feeling so awfull, I assumed as I still have periods though not regularly (three to four months gaps), I had to suffer this until the real menopause. However now the hot flushes have started too, I am wondering if all the other symptoms I had also relate to what I am told is perimenopause (listless, irritability, depressed, etc)"
and this is my reply:
Sorry you're feeling so grim. Unfortunately many women (and doctors) seem to believe that it's inevitable that they feel bad during and leading up to the menopause. I'm glad you don't.
Personally I found Neways wild yam and chaste berry cream great as I approached the menopause. Sage tablets are particularly helpful for hot flushes.
For the irritability and depression etc. I suggest you try vitamin B complex - we sell this in our shop too.
Alternatively (or as well) you could try the Bush Flower Essence Woman - that's in the Woman's section of our site too.
It's important at this time also to take care of yourself, eat well, drink lots of water, pamper yourself and go easy on yourself. Hope this info helps.
"Which products would you recomment for what I think is perimenopause.
I am feed up of feeling so awfull, I assumed as I still have periods though not regularly (three to four months gaps), I had to suffer this until the real menopause. However now the hot flushes have started too, I am wondering if all the other symptoms I had also relate to what I am told is perimenopause (listless, irritability, depressed, etc)"
and this is my reply:
Sorry you're feeling so grim. Unfortunately many women (and doctors) seem to believe that it's inevitable that they feel bad during and leading up to the menopause. I'm glad you don't.
Personally I found Neways wild yam and chaste berry cream great as I approached the menopause. Sage tablets are particularly helpful for hot flushes.
For the irritability and depression etc. I suggest you try vitamin B complex - we sell this in our shop too.
Alternatively (or as well) you could try the Bush Flower Essence Woman - that's in the Woman's section of our site too.
It's important at this time also to take care of yourself, eat well, drink lots of water, pamper yourself and go easy on yourself. Hope this info helps.
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