well, it's now the day before my African trip - I'm raising money for WaterAid on a cycle ride from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam. I'm really excited and flying round trying to get everything ready and leave the business in the best possible shape for while I'm away.
There's been a flurry of last minute sponsors which is just so heartening, so that we're now over £4300 - less than £700 to go.
Got my homeopathic travel kit ready and now just the last few things to do before I set out tomorrow.
No blog till I return ....
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
In this impatient, impetuous age it can be difficult to believe that there can be joy in waiting.
Today I received one of those emails with 10 witty comments. Here was one of them:
The things that come to those who wait will be the scraggly junk left by those who got there first.
OK, so it makes you laugh, but isn't there a grain of truth in this in terms of how people feel and act? We have so much, but we're terrified with not having more. We act as though getting there first and having more will bring us happiness, but all the research in positive psychology and anthropology suggests that beyond a very basic level (and if you're reading this blog you are almost certainly above that level) more doesn't make you any happier.
Let other people get there first. Ok you may get left with the 'scraggly junk' or may be you'll decide not to go there at all..
Today I received one of those emails with 10 witty comments. Here was one of them:
The things that come to those who wait will be the scraggly junk left by those who got there first.
OK, so it makes you laugh, but isn't there a grain of truth in this in terms of how people feel and act? We have so much, but we're terrified with not having more. We act as though getting there first and having more will bring us happiness, but all the research in positive psychology and anthropology suggests that beyond a very basic level (and if you're reading this blog you are almost certainly above that level) more doesn't make you any happier.
Let other people get there first. Ok you may get left with the 'scraggly junk' or may be you'll decide not to go there at all..
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Food Phobias and TV
I got an email from a television researcher looking for someone to be featured on a BBC 3 TV program. Here's what she had to say:
BBC 3 is making a series about people dealing with food phobia’s and food addictions and we would like to hear from people about their experiences.
· Do you have an unusual problem with eating which controls your life?
· Has a dedication to healthy eating gone too far?
· Do you obsessively examine the ingredients and fat content of your food?
· Are your eating habits having an impact on your loved ones?
· Would you like some help?
We'd like to hear from people who want to change their relationship with food – with the help of dedicated eating experts.
Each week, our resident nutritionist and psychologist are on hand to offer advice and support to help the person try and overcome their problem.
If you or someone you know would like to take part, please call us on 020 7907 0898 or email freakyeaters@bettytv.co.uk
BBC 3 is making a series about people dealing with food phobia’s and food addictions and we would like to hear from people about their experiences.
· Do you have an unusual problem with eating which controls your life?
· Has a dedication to healthy eating gone too far?
· Do you obsessively examine the ingredients and fat content of your food?
· Are your eating habits having an impact on your loved ones?
· Would you like some help?
We'd like to hear from people who want to change their relationship with food – with the help of dedicated eating experts.
Each week, our resident nutritionist and psychologist are on hand to offer advice and support to help the person try and overcome their problem.
If you or someone you know would like to take part, please call us on 020 7907 0898 or email freakyeaters@bettytv.co.uk
Stop smoking with Bach Flower remedies
Bach flower remedies are well known as a safe, gentle way to deal with all sorts of emotional problems, but you may not have thought of using them to help you (or your loved ones) give up smoking, so take a look at this article and get an idea which remedies to use.
As it explains in the article, the correct remedy or remedies for each smoker may be different. Here's the full list:
Agrimony
The jovial, cheerful, humorous people who love peace and are distressed by argument or quarrels, to avoid which they will agree to give up much. Though generally they have troubles and are tormented and restless and worried in mind or in body, they hide their cares behind their humour and jesting and are considered very good friends to know. They often take alcohol or drugs in excess, to stimulate themselves and help themselves bear their trials with cheerfulness.
Aspen
Vague unknown fears, for which there can be given no explanation, no reason. Yet the patient may be terrified of something terrible going to happen, he knows not what. These vague unexplainable fears may haunt by night or day. Sufferers are often afraid to tell their trouble to others.
Beech
For those who feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them. And, although much appears to be wrong, to have the ability to see the good growing within. So as to be able to be more tolerant, lenient and understanding of the different way each individual and all things are working to their own final perfection.
Centuary
Kind, quiet, gentle people who are over-anxious to serve others. They overtax their strength in their endeavours. Their wish so grows upon them that they become more servants than willing helpers. Their good nature leads them to do more than their own share of work, and in so doing they may neglect their own particular mission in life.
Cerato
Those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions. They constantly seek advice from others, and are often misguided.
Cherry Plum
Fear of the mind being over-strained, of reason giving way, of doing fearful and dreaded things, not wished and known wrong, yet there comes the thought and impulse to do them.
Chestnut Bud
For those who do not take full advantage of observation and experience, and who take a longer time than others to learn the lessons of daily life. Whereas one experience would be enough for some, such people find it necessary to have more, sometimes several, before the lesson is learnt. Therefore, to their regret, they find themselves having to make the same error on different occasions when once would have been enough, or observation of others could have spared them even that one fault.
Chicory
Those who are very mindful of the needs of others they tend to be over-full of care for children, relatives, and friends, always finding something that should be put right. They are continually correcting what they consider wrong, and enjoy doing so. They desire that those for whom they care should be near them.
Clematis
Those who are dreamy, drowsy, not fully awake, no great interest in life. Quiet people, not really happy in their present circumstances, living more in the future than in the present; living in hopes of happier times, when their ideals may come true. In illness some make little or no effort to get well, and in certain cases may even look forward to death, in the hope of better times; or maybe, meeting again some beloved one whom they have lost.
Crab Apple
This is the remedy of cleansing. For those who feel as if they had something not quite clean about themselves. Often it is something of apparently little importance: in others there may be more serious disease that is almost disregarded compared to the one thing on which they concentrate. In both types they are anxious to be free from the one particular thing which is greatest in their minds and which seems so essential to them that it should be cured. They become despondent if treatment fails. Being a cleanser, this remedy purifies wounds if the patient has reason to believe that some poison has entered which must be drawn out.
Elm
Those who are doing good work, are following the calling of their life and who hope to do something of importance, and this often for the benefit of humanity. At times there may be periods of depression when they feel that the task they have undertaken is too difficult, and not within the power of a human being.
Gentian
Those who are easily discouraged. They may be progressing well in illness or in the affairs of their daily life, but any small delay or hindrance to progress causes doubt and soon disheartens them.
Gorse
Very great hopelessness, they have given up belief that more can be done for them. Under persuasion or to please others they may try different treatments, at the same time assuring those around that there is so little hope of relief.
Heather
Those who are always seeking the companionship of anyone who may be available, as they find it necessary to discuss their own affairs with others, no matter whom it may be. They are very unhappy if they have to be alone for any length of time.
Holly
For those who are sometimes attacked by thoughts of such kind as jealousy, envy revenge, suspicion. For the different forms of vexation. Within themselves they may suffer much, often when there is no real cause for their unhappiness.
Honeysuckle
Those who live much in the past, perhaps a time of great happiness, or memories of a lost friend, or ambitions which have not come true. They do not expect further happiness such as they have had.
Hornbeam
For those who feel that they have not sufficient strength, mentally or physically, to carry the burden of life placed upon them; the affairs of every day seem too much for them, though they generally succeed in fulfilling their task. For those who believe that some part, of mind or body, needs to be strengthened before they can easily fulfil their work.
Impatiens
Those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery. They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow, as they consider it wrong and a waste of time. And they will endeavour to make such people quicker in all ways. They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can do everything at their own speed.
Larch
For those who do not consider themselves as good or capable as those around them, who expect failure, who feel that they will never be a success, and so do not venture or make a strong enough attempt to succeed.
Mimulus
Fear of worldly things, illness, pain, accidents, poverty, of dark, of being alone, of misfortune. The fears of everyday life. These people quietly and secretly bear their dread; they do not freely speak of it to others.
Mustard
Those who are liable to times of gloom, or even despair, as though a cold dark cloud overshadowed them and hid the light and the joy of life. It may not be possible to give any reason or explanation for such attacks. Under these conditions it is almost impossible to appear happy or cheerful.
Oak
For those who are struggling and fighting strongly to get well, or in connection with the affairs of their daily life. They will go on trying one thing after another, though their case may seem hopeless.
Olive
Those who have suffered much mentally or physically and so exhausted and weary that they feel they have no more strength to make any effort. Daily life is hard work for them, without pleasure.
Pine
For those who blame themselves. Even when successful they think they could have done better, and are never content with their efforts or the results. They are hard-working and suffer much from the faults they attach to themselves. Sometimes if there is any mistake it is due to another, but they will claim responsibility even for that.
Red Chestnut
For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people. Often they have ceased to worry about themselves, but for those of whom they are fond they may suffer much, frequently anticipating that some unfortunate thing may happen to them.
Rock Rose
The Remedy of emergency. For cases where there even appears no hope. In accident or sudden illness, or when the patient is very frightened or terrified. If the patient is not conscious the lips may be moistened with the remedy.
Rock Water
Those who are very strict in their way of living; they deny themselves many of the joys and pleasures of life because they consider it might interfere with their work. They are hard masters to themselves. They wish to be well and strong and active, and will do anything that they believe will keep them so. They hope to be examples that will appeal to others who may then follow their ideas and be better as a result.
Scleranthus
Those who suffer much from being unable to decide between two things, first one seeming right then the other. They are usually quiet people, and bear their difficulty alone, often refusing to discuss it with others.
Star Of Bethlehem
For those in great distress under conditions which for a time produce great unhappiness. The shock of serious news, the loss of someone dear, the fright following an accident, and such like. For those who for a time refuse to be consoled, this remedy brings comfort.
Sweet Chestnut
For those moments which happen to some people when the anguish is so great as to seem to be unbearable. When the mind or body feels as if it had borne to the uttermost limit of its endurance, and that now it must give way. When it seems there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face.
Vervain
Those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are confident, are right, and which they very rarely change. They have a great wish to convert all around them to their own views of life. They are strong of will and have much courage when they are convinced of those things that they wish to teach. In illness they struggle on long after many would have given up their duties.
Vine
Very capable people, certain of their own ability, confident of success. Being so assured, they think that it would be for the benefit of others if they could be persuaded to do things as they themselves do, or as they are certain is right. Even in illness they will direct their attendants. They may be of great value in emergency.
Walnut
For those who have definite ideals and ambitions in life and are fulfilling them, but on rare occasions are tempted to be led away from their own ideas, aims and work by the enthusiasm, convictions or strong opinion of others. The remedy gives constancy and protection from outside influences.
Water Violet
For those who in health or illness like to be alone. Very quiet people, who move about without noise, speak little, and then gently. Very independent, capable and self-reliant. Almost free of the opinions of others. They are aloof, leave people alone and go their own way. Often clever and talented.
White Chestnut
For those who cannot prevent thoughts, ideas, arguments which they do not desire from entering their minds. Usually at such times when the interest of the moment is not strong enough to keep the mind full. Thoughts that worry and will remain, or if for a time thrown out, will return. They seem to circle round and round and cause mental torture. The presence of such unpleasant thoughts drives out peace and interferes with being able to think only of the work or pleasure of the day.
Wild Oat
Those who have ambitions to do something of prominence in life, who wish to have much experience, and to enjoy all that which is possible for them, to take life to the full. Their difficulty is to determine what occupation to follow; as although their ambitions are strong, they have no calling which appeals to them above all others. This may cause delay and dissatisfaction.
Wild Rose
Those who without apparently sufficient reason become resigned to all that happens, and just glide through life, take it as it is, without any effort to improve things and find some joy. They have surrendered to the struggle of life without complaint.
Willow
For those who have suffered misfortune and find these difficult to accept, without complaint or resentment, as they judge life much by the success which it brings. They feel that they have not deserved so great a trial and they become embittered. They often take less interest in those things of life which they had previously enjoyed.
Rescue Remedy
A combination of Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem. All purpose emergency composite for effects of anguish, examinations, going to the dentist, etc. Comforting, calming and reassuring to those distressed by startling experiences.
As it explains in the article, the correct remedy or remedies for each smoker may be different. Here's the full list:
Agrimony
The jovial, cheerful, humorous people who love peace and are distressed by argument or quarrels, to avoid which they will agree to give up much. Though generally they have troubles and are tormented and restless and worried in mind or in body, they hide their cares behind their humour and jesting and are considered very good friends to know. They often take alcohol or drugs in excess, to stimulate themselves and help themselves bear their trials with cheerfulness.
Aspen
Vague unknown fears, for which there can be given no explanation, no reason. Yet the patient may be terrified of something terrible going to happen, he knows not what. These vague unexplainable fears may haunt by night or day. Sufferers are often afraid to tell their trouble to others.
Beech
For those who feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them. And, although much appears to be wrong, to have the ability to see the good growing within. So as to be able to be more tolerant, lenient and understanding of the different way each individual and all things are working to their own final perfection.
Centuary
Kind, quiet, gentle people who are over-anxious to serve others. They overtax their strength in their endeavours. Their wish so grows upon them that they become more servants than willing helpers. Their good nature leads them to do more than their own share of work, and in so doing they may neglect their own particular mission in life.
Cerato
Those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions. They constantly seek advice from others, and are often misguided.
Cherry Plum
Fear of the mind being over-strained, of reason giving way, of doing fearful and dreaded things, not wished and known wrong, yet there comes the thought and impulse to do them.
Chestnut Bud
For those who do not take full advantage of observation and experience, and who take a longer time than others to learn the lessons of daily life. Whereas one experience would be enough for some, such people find it necessary to have more, sometimes several, before the lesson is learnt. Therefore, to their regret, they find themselves having to make the same error on different occasions when once would have been enough, or observation of others could have spared them even that one fault.
Chicory
Those who are very mindful of the needs of others they tend to be over-full of care for children, relatives, and friends, always finding something that should be put right. They are continually correcting what they consider wrong, and enjoy doing so. They desire that those for whom they care should be near them.
Clematis
Those who are dreamy, drowsy, not fully awake, no great interest in life. Quiet people, not really happy in their present circumstances, living more in the future than in the present; living in hopes of happier times, when their ideals may come true. In illness some make little or no effort to get well, and in certain cases may even look forward to death, in the hope of better times; or maybe, meeting again some beloved one whom they have lost.
Crab Apple
This is the remedy of cleansing. For those who feel as if they had something not quite clean about themselves. Often it is something of apparently little importance: in others there may be more serious disease that is almost disregarded compared to the one thing on which they concentrate. In both types they are anxious to be free from the one particular thing which is greatest in their minds and which seems so essential to them that it should be cured. They become despondent if treatment fails. Being a cleanser, this remedy purifies wounds if the patient has reason to believe that some poison has entered which must be drawn out.
Elm
Those who are doing good work, are following the calling of their life and who hope to do something of importance, and this often for the benefit of humanity. At times there may be periods of depression when they feel that the task they have undertaken is too difficult, and not within the power of a human being.
Gentian
Those who are easily discouraged. They may be progressing well in illness or in the affairs of their daily life, but any small delay or hindrance to progress causes doubt and soon disheartens them.
Gorse
Very great hopelessness, they have given up belief that more can be done for them. Under persuasion or to please others they may try different treatments, at the same time assuring those around that there is so little hope of relief.
Heather
Those who are always seeking the companionship of anyone who may be available, as they find it necessary to discuss their own affairs with others, no matter whom it may be. They are very unhappy if they have to be alone for any length of time.
Holly
For those who are sometimes attacked by thoughts of such kind as jealousy, envy revenge, suspicion. For the different forms of vexation. Within themselves they may suffer much, often when there is no real cause for their unhappiness.
Honeysuckle
Those who live much in the past, perhaps a time of great happiness, or memories of a lost friend, or ambitions which have not come true. They do not expect further happiness such as they have had.
Hornbeam
For those who feel that they have not sufficient strength, mentally or physically, to carry the burden of life placed upon them; the affairs of every day seem too much for them, though they generally succeed in fulfilling their task. For those who believe that some part, of mind or body, needs to be strengthened before they can easily fulfil their work.
Impatiens
Those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery. They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow, as they consider it wrong and a waste of time. And they will endeavour to make such people quicker in all ways. They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can do everything at their own speed.
Larch
For those who do not consider themselves as good or capable as those around them, who expect failure, who feel that they will never be a success, and so do not venture or make a strong enough attempt to succeed.
Mimulus
Fear of worldly things, illness, pain, accidents, poverty, of dark, of being alone, of misfortune. The fears of everyday life. These people quietly and secretly bear their dread; they do not freely speak of it to others.
Mustard
Those who are liable to times of gloom, or even despair, as though a cold dark cloud overshadowed them and hid the light and the joy of life. It may not be possible to give any reason or explanation for such attacks. Under these conditions it is almost impossible to appear happy or cheerful.
Oak
For those who are struggling and fighting strongly to get well, or in connection with the affairs of their daily life. They will go on trying one thing after another, though their case may seem hopeless.
Olive
Those who have suffered much mentally or physically and so exhausted and weary that they feel they have no more strength to make any effort. Daily life is hard work for them, without pleasure.
Pine
For those who blame themselves. Even when successful they think they could have done better, and are never content with their efforts or the results. They are hard-working and suffer much from the faults they attach to themselves. Sometimes if there is any mistake it is due to another, but they will claim responsibility even for that.
Red Chestnut
For those who find it difficult not to be anxious for other people. Often they have ceased to worry about themselves, but for those of whom they are fond they may suffer much, frequently anticipating that some unfortunate thing may happen to them.
Rock Rose
The Remedy of emergency. For cases where there even appears no hope. In accident or sudden illness, or when the patient is very frightened or terrified. If the patient is not conscious the lips may be moistened with the remedy.
Rock Water
Those who are very strict in their way of living; they deny themselves many of the joys and pleasures of life because they consider it might interfere with their work. They are hard masters to themselves. They wish to be well and strong and active, and will do anything that they believe will keep them so. They hope to be examples that will appeal to others who may then follow their ideas and be better as a result.
Scleranthus
Those who suffer much from being unable to decide between two things, first one seeming right then the other. They are usually quiet people, and bear their difficulty alone, often refusing to discuss it with others.
Star Of Bethlehem
For those in great distress under conditions which for a time produce great unhappiness. The shock of serious news, the loss of someone dear, the fright following an accident, and such like. For those who for a time refuse to be consoled, this remedy brings comfort.
Sweet Chestnut
For those moments which happen to some people when the anguish is so great as to seem to be unbearable. When the mind or body feels as if it had borne to the uttermost limit of its endurance, and that now it must give way. When it seems there is nothing but destruction and annihilation left to face.
Vervain
Those with fixed principles and ideas, which they are confident, are right, and which they very rarely change. They have a great wish to convert all around them to their own views of life. They are strong of will and have much courage when they are convinced of those things that they wish to teach. In illness they struggle on long after many would have given up their duties.
Vine
Very capable people, certain of their own ability, confident of success. Being so assured, they think that it would be for the benefit of others if they could be persuaded to do things as they themselves do, or as they are certain is right. Even in illness they will direct their attendants. They may be of great value in emergency.
Walnut
For those who have definite ideals and ambitions in life and are fulfilling them, but on rare occasions are tempted to be led away from their own ideas, aims and work by the enthusiasm, convictions or strong opinion of others. The remedy gives constancy and protection from outside influences.
Water Violet
For those who in health or illness like to be alone. Very quiet people, who move about without noise, speak little, and then gently. Very independent, capable and self-reliant. Almost free of the opinions of others. They are aloof, leave people alone and go their own way. Often clever and talented.
White Chestnut
For those who cannot prevent thoughts, ideas, arguments which they do not desire from entering their minds. Usually at such times when the interest of the moment is not strong enough to keep the mind full. Thoughts that worry and will remain, or if for a time thrown out, will return. They seem to circle round and round and cause mental torture. The presence of such unpleasant thoughts drives out peace and interferes with being able to think only of the work or pleasure of the day.
Wild Oat
Those who have ambitions to do something of prominence in life, who wish to have much experience, and to enjoy all that which is possible for them, to take life to the full. Their difficulty is to determine what occupation to follow; as although their ambitions are strong, they have no calling which appeals to them above all others. This may cause delay and dissatisfaction.
Wild Rose
Those who without apparently sufficient reason become resigned to all that happens, and just glide through life, take it as it is, without any effort to improve things and find some joy. They have surrendered to the struggle of life without complaint.
Willow
For those who have suffered misfortune and find these difficult to accept, without complaint or resentment, as they judge life much by the success which it brings. They feel that they have not deserved so great a trial and they become embittered. They often take less interest in those things of life which they had previously enjoyed.
Rescue Remedy
A combination of Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem. All purpose emergency composite for effects of anguish, examinations, going to the dentist, etc. Comforting, calming and reassuring to those distressed by startling experiences.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Hay Fever Medication
Hay fever medication containing chlorpheniramine has been shown to result in a 40% chance of a drop in grade if taken during exams. The study looked at children sitting GCSE exams in England. Normally most students attain the grade they achieved in their mocks or a better grade in the actual exams. Students taking hay fever medication containing chlorpheniramine had a 40% chance of suffering a lower grade if they were taking the medication during their exams.
Safe, effective homeopathic remedies don’t have the side-effect of drowsiness and following a full homeopathic hay fever programme can make the sniffles, sneezing, etc. a dim and distant ugly memory altogether.
Safe, effective homeopathic remedies don’t have the side-effect of drowsiness and following a full homeopathic hay fever programme can make the sniffles, sneezing, etc. a dim and distant ugly memory altogether.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Is science all it's cracked up to be?
Most of my working life has been spent in the field of complementary therapy/alternative medicine (kinesiology), and I have often found that when I talk to mainstream medical/scientific/academic people they are quite derisory about the status of my knowledge and understanding, but is science really all it's cracked up to be?
Science is seen as being rational, but there's so much evidence that a lot of the time scientists are not.
Take this example from the excellent book "Genome" by Matt Ridley:
When human chromosmes were first observed under the microscope the researcher, Theophilus Painter decided that there were 24 pairs.
"for thirty years, nobody disputed this 'fact'. One group of scientists abandoned their experiements on human liver cells because they could only find twenty-three pairs of chromosomes in each cell. .... In 1955 .... [two researchers], using better techniques, plainly saw twenty-three pairs. They even went back and counted twenty-three pairs in photographs in books where the caption stated that there were twenty-four pairs. There are none so blind as do not wish to see."
Hmmm ... this doesn't sound like rational scientific endeavour to me.
Science is seen as being rational, but there's so much evidence that a lot of the time scientists are not.
Take this example from the excellent book "Genome" by Matt Ridley:
When human chromosmes were first observed under the microscope the researcher, Theophilus Painter decided that there were 24 pairs.
"for thirty years, nobody disputed this 'fact'. One group of scientists abandoned their experiements on human liver cells because they could only find twenty-three pairs of chromosomes in each cell. .... In 1955 .... [two researchers], using better techniques, plainly saw twenty-three pairs. They even went back and counted twenty-three pairs in photographs in books where the caption stated that there were twenty-four pairs. There are none so blind as do not wish to see."
Hmmm ... this doesn't sound like rational scientific endeavour to me.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Fathers Day Gifts
Fathers Day is approaching fast in much of the world. If you're looking for an unusual gift then check out our web site.
We've got gifts for a golfer, a gardener or for a man who likes football. The self-hypnosis CDs would make great gifts too.
While you're there take a look round at our other gifts for women, for babies and children.
We know buying stuff isn't always the answer, so we're careful what we sell.
We've got gifts for a golfer, a gardener or for a man who likes football. The self-hypnosis CDs would make great gifts too.
While you're there take a look round at our other gifts for women, for babies and children.
We know buying stuff isn't always the answer, so we're careful what we sell.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Top Ten Tips For Happy Holidays
The Vale Practice’s Top Ten Tips for Happy Holidays
There’s an art to having a good holiday and The Vale Practice would like to share its insights on staying well before, during and after a trip as well as what to pack in your bath bag so you have your own emergency apothecary with you.
1. Pace yourself in the lead up to your holiday. Cramming as much work as possible in to “clear you desk”, the usual last minute packing frenzy, and the rigours of travelling (early starts, long journeys in polluted planes/trains) causes so much stress and turmoil for your body that this often leads to getting ill when you reach your idyllic destination!
2. Boost your immune system before you go. Herbs and Homeopathic remedies can be very helpful in the run up to your holiday to keep your immune system strong and help protect you against foreign diseases. If you are going to an unusual destination or for a longer trip prepare your body for the changes it will face. Herbs such as Echinacea and Garlic capsules can be taken up to 3 months before your journey to give your immune system a real boost. If you are going to the tropics garlic is essential as it is anti fungal!
3. Research your destination. Check the area you are travelling to for diseases – if there are any vaccinations necessary research these and if you decide to get them support your body with homeopathy for any side effects. The Vale Practice Homeopathic Drop in clinic is open Monday-Saturday 9.30-10.30am and Mon/Tues 5.30-6.30pm. They offer professional travel advice answering all those niggling questions and homeopathic remedies alongside.
4. Avoid Deet. Deet (Diethyl toluamide) is a highly toxic ingredient in Mosquito repellants which, while great at repelling insects, can be very harmful to us humans. If you have to use a Deet-based repellent try to apply it sparingly and to the clothes. There are some great alternatives such as Neem which is completely natural and produced by a tree in South America where they have been using the oil against mosquitos for years. Citronella aromatherapy oil is also good at repelling insects as they hate the smell. Simply get an empty bottle and fill with either oil or purified water, a teaspoon of alcohol and quite a few drops of citronella. You can also use it in candles to repell mosquitoes from your bbqs at night! Both Citronella and Neem are available at www.eco-online.co.uk. If you do get bitten Calendula tincture put directly onto the bite gives great relief as it is an effective skin healer.
5. Use natural and organic suncreams. Your skin absorbs 60% of what you put on it, so while protecting your skin from the sun normal suncreams contain very harsh and dangerous chemicals to do so. There is a range of organic suncreams on the market suitable for even the fairest skins as well as children’s. The Vale Practice recommends the Green People range which we sell online and in reception. These suncreams offer both UVA and UVB protection and natural antioxidants to protect against cell damage. They also offer a water resistant children’s sun cream and an Organic Aftersun Cream which is incredibly soothing, packed full of aloe vera, calendula and mint.
6. No matter how relaxing your holiday, remember that prevention is better than cure. If the water isn’t safe to drink in the region you are staying in be cautious: ask the waiters in bars if the ice is made from tap water and be wary of salad. Use a mosquito net if you are in a heavily mosquito-ridden area - even if the locals don’t. Nux Vomica 30 is great for indigestion; take the night before any overindulgence; also good for any stomach disorder where the nausea is relieved by vomiting.
Pack Arsenicum 30 for food poisoning, travellers diarrhea and vomiting.
7. A travel kit of homeopathic remedies is ideal to help with jet lag, over exposure to sun, insect bites and stings or any other injuries. The kits contain 36 remedies in a small practical plastic case with a booklet packed with all the symptoms you could possibly experience - even missing the Great British reserve! Alternatively, your homeopath can make you an individualised kit to suit you and your family.
8. If you suffer from a bad back or stiff neck it is a good idea to see your Osteopath or Massage therapist before any long haul flight. They can give you some great tips for exercises you can do on the plane so when you arrive at your destination your body will be in a fit state with fewer aches and pains from sitting on a plane. While travelling, try to keep moving around regularly: it is bad for your body to be sitting in one position for a long period of time.
9. While sunburn is extremely painful to the skin it also has a damaging effect on our bodies as a whole as they become seriously dehydrated and have to work harder to heal the tissue damage. A herbal bath can help reduce stinging and pain cooling the body down. Add 6 cups of chamomile tea to a lukewarm bath. Soak in the bath for 30 minutes. Lavender oil is also good and can be applied neat to the burnt area. Rehydrate the body by drinking lots of water. For more serious sunburn it is recommended that you ease the stress on the body by supplementing your diet with Vitamin C and essential fatty acids which are essential for tissue repair and also help reduce scarring. Try to eat a high protein diet which also aids in tissue repair with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables to make up for the vitamins and minerals lost.
10. Sometimes the getting there is the worst part. Australian Bush Flower Travel Essence is designed especially for air travel: for jet lag, dehydration, disorientation, atmospheric radiation and anything associated with travel. It’s made from a combination of Bush Flower essences and aims to enable you to arrive at your destination feeling balanced and ready for your holiday! For fear of flying there are some excellent homeopathic remedies which relate to your individual fears or issues. Hypnotherapy has been proven to help people with flying phobias. Jane Crowe, The Vale Practice hypnotherapist says: ‘Hypnotherapy can deal with the root cause of that fear and therefore neutralise it. Often two sessions are all that’s required.’ Jane also recommends, for those who’d love a really fabulous tropical beach trip but can’t afford it, ‘taking a holiday in your head’. Like a guided meditation, this hypnotherapy treatment can be so powerful, your body and mind feel almost as rested as they would if you’d been on an actual holiday! Says Jane: ‘The brain doesn’t differentiate between real and imagined experience, it still triggers the hormones and relaxation responses that a real holiday would.’
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, Counseling, 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
Or go to: www.thevalepractice.co.uk
There’s an art to having a good holiday and The Vale Practice would like to share its insights on staying well before, during and after a trip as well as what to pack in your bath bag so you have your own emergency apothecary with you.
1. Pace yourself in the lead up to your holiday. Cramming as much work as possible in to “clear you desk”, the usual last minute packing frenzy, and the rigours of travelling (early starts, long journeys in polluted planes/trains) causes so much stress and turmoil for your body that this often leads to getting ill when you reach your idyllic destination!
2. Boost your immune system before you go. Herbs and Homeopathic remedies can be very helpful in the run up to your holiday to keep your immune system strong and help protect you against foreign diseases. If you are going to an unusual destination or for a longer trip prepare your body for the changes it will face. Herbs such as Echinacea and Garlic capsules can be taken up to 3 months before your journey to give your immune system a real boost. If you are going to the tropics garlic is essential as it is anti fungal!
3. Research your destination. Check the area you are travelling to for diseases – if there are any vaccinations necessary research these and if you decide to get them support your body with homeopathy for any side effects. The Vale Practice Homeopathic Drop in clinic is open Monday-Saturday 9.30-10.30am and Mon/Tues 5.30-6.30pm. They offer professional travel advice answering all those niggling questions and homeopathic remedies alongside.
4. Avoid Deet. Deet (Diethyl toluamide) is a highly toxic ingredient in Mosquito repellants which, while great at repelling insects, can be very harmful to us humans. If you have to use a Deet-based repellent try to apply it sparingly and to the clothes. There are some great alternatives such as Neem which is completely natural and produced by a tree in South America where they have been using the oil against mosquitos for years. Citronella aromatherapy oil is also good at repelling insects as they hate the smell. Simply get an empty bottle and fill with either oil or purified water, a teaspoon of alcohol and quite a few drops of citronella. You can also use it in candles to repell mosquitoes from your bbqs at night! Both Citronella and Neem are available at www.eco-online.co.uk. If you do get bitten Calendula tincture put directly onto the bite gives great relief as it is an effective skin healer.
5. Use natural and organic suncreams. Your skin absorbs 60% of what you put on it, so while protecting your skin from the sun normal suncreams contain very harsh and dangerous chemicals to do so. There is a range of organic suncreams on the market suitable for even the fairest skins as well as children’s. The Vale Practice recommends the Green People range which we sell online and in reception. These suncreams offer both UVA and UVB protection and natural antioxidants to protect against cell damage. They also offer a water resistant children’s sun cream and an Organic Aftersun Cream which is incredibly soothing, packed full of aloe vera, calendula and mint.
6. No matter how relaxing your holiday, remember that prevention is better than cure. If the water isn’t safe to drink in the region you are staying in be cautious: ask the waiters in bars if the ice is made from tap water and be wary of salad. Use a mosquito net if you are in a heavily mosquito-ridden area - even if the locals don’t. Nux Vomica 30 is great for indigestion; take the night before any overindulgence; also good for any stomach disorder where the nausea is relieved by vomiting.
Pack Arsenicum 30 for food poisoning, travellers diarrhea and vomiting.
7. A travel kit of homeopathic remedies is ideal to help with jet lag, over exposure to sun, insect bites and stings or any other injuries. The kits contain 36 remedies in a small practical plastic case with a booklet packed with all the symptoms you could possibly experience - even missing the Great British reserve! Alternatively, your homeopath can make you an individualised kit to suit you and your family.
8. If you suffer from a bad back or stiff neck it is a good idea to see your Osteopath or Massage therapist before any long haul flight. They can give you some great tips for exercises you can do on the plane so when you arrive at your destination your body will be in a fit state with fewer aches and pains from sitting on a plane. While travelling, try to keep moving around regularly: it is bad for your body to be sitting in one position for a long period of time.
9. While sunburn is extremely painful to the skin it also has a damaging effect on our bodies as a whole as they become seriously dehydrated and have to work harder to heal the tissue damage. A herbal bath can help reduce stinging and pain cooling the body down. Add 6 cups of chamomile tea to a lukewarm bath. Soak in the bath for 30 minutes. Lavender oil is also good and can be applied neat to the burnt area. Rehydrate the body by drinking lots of water. For more serious sunburn it is recommended that you ease the stress on the body by supplementing your diet with Vitamin C and essential fatty acids which are essential for tissue repair and also help reduce scarring. Try to eat a high protein diet which also aids in tissue repair with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables to make up for the vitamins and minerals lost.
10. Sometimes the getting there is the worst part. Australian Bush Flower Travel Essence is designed especially for air travel: for jet lag, dehydration, disorientation, atmospheric radiation and anything associated with travel. It’s made from a combination of Bush Flower essences and aims to enable you to arrive at your destination feeling balanced and ready for your holiday! For fear of flying there are some excellent homeopathic remedies which relate to your individual fears or issues. Hypnotherapy has been proven to help people with flying phobias. Jane Crowe, The Vale Practice hypnotherapist says: ‘Hypnotherapy can deal with the root cause of that fear and therefore neutralise it. Often two sessions are all that’s required.’ Jane also recommends, for those who’d love a really fabulous tropical beach trip but can’t afford it, ‘taking a holiday in your head’. Like a guided meditation, this hypnotherapy treatment can be so powerful, your body and mind feel almost as rested as they would if you’d been on an actual holiday! Says Jane: ‘The brain doesn’t differentiate between real and imagined experience, it still triggers the hormones and relaxation responses that a real holiday would.’
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, Counseling, 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
Or go to: www.thevalepractice.co.uk
Monday, May 28, 2007
Organic Cotton Baby Clothes
I'm passionate about organic things, so it's great to be selling organic cotton baby clothes on our web site. Everyone who sees them, coos over them - they've got little baby bug motifs. The prices are good too. I'm particularly pleased with the baby gift box - sleepsuit, hat and mitts - a great gift for a new born baby.
The cotton comes in 3 different colours naturally so it does need to be dyed either. What a great start for a new baby!
The cotton comes in 3 different colours naturally so it does need to be dyed either. What a great start for a new baby!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Global Warming Myths
Although the evidence for man's part in global warming is mounting, there's still lots of people who say it's all wrong. Some people think that the earth is not egtting warmer; others say it is but i's nothing to do with what people are doing - it's just part of the normal variation over many millenium.
The 'New Scientist' has taken all these thoughts and provided a well-argued argument. You can read it here.
The 'New Scientist' has taken all these thoughts and provided a well-argued argument. You can read it here.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Chocolate And Vegetarians
I cannot believe that the chocolate manufacturer has decided to change the recipes in the Uk for Mars Bars, Bounty, Snickers, Twix, Milky way, Maltesers and Minstrels so they are no longer suitable for vegetarians.
This seems uncredibly short-sighted and presumably will also affect people who adhere to hallal and kosher principles.
Now I don't think we should be eating these sugary confeciosn all the time, but an occasional one is fine for most people. If you want to express your concern, you can do so here:
http://www.masterfoodsconsumercare.co.uk/contact_us.asp
All the products on our online shop are suitable for vegetarians and most are also suitable for vegans too, so please check those out.
This seems uncredibly short-sighted and presumably will also affect people who adhere to hallal and kosher principles.
Now I don't think we should be eating these sugary confeciosn all the time, but an occasional one is fine for most people. If you want to express your concern, you can do so here:
http://www.masterfoodsconsumercare.co.uk/contact_us.asp
All the products on our online shop are suitable for vegetarians and most are also suitable for vegans too, so please check those out.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Unusual and Inspirational Gifts
I've been really busy lately with the revamped Health & Goodness online shop.
One of the things I'm particularly pleased with is our new range of unusual and inspirational gifts. We have a great gift for a golfer, one for a gardener, a child who can't sleep, and a get well gift too. Most of the gifts come in really nice fairly-traded jute bags, much more eco-friendly than wrapping paper because they can be used again afterwards.
I have been showing the gifts to friends as I've developed them, and before I have had time to finish explaining what they are, my friends have been grabbing them out of my hand and wanting to buy them, so it looks like I've got it right.
The selection is small at the moment, but I'll be adding more over the next few weeks. Do take a look.
One of the things I'm particularly pleased with is our new range of unusual and inspirational gifts. We have a great gift for a golfer, one for a gardener, a child who can't sleep, and a get well gift too. Most of the gifts come in really nice fairly-traded jute bags, much more eco-friendly than wrapping paper because they can be used again afterwards.
I have been showing the gifts to friends as I've developed them, and before I have had time to finish explaining what they are, my friends have been grabbing them out of my hand and wanting to buy them, so it looks like I've got it right.
The selection is small at the moment, but I'll be adding more over the next few weeks. Do take a look.
Monday, April 30, 2007
New Ethical Shop
we've revamped the Health & Goodness shop, and will be adding lots more stuff over the next few weeks.
new things include:
a homeopathy kit for labour /childbirth - we already had a basic kit and a homeopathic hay fever kit on the site
some great natural skin care products
the bestselling (UK) range of self-help CDs
We give 12% of our profits to various charities, so with the relaunch of the shop there should be even more money to give away :-)
Do please take a look.
new things include:
a homeopathy kit for labour /childbirth - we already had a basic kit and a homeopathic hay fever kit on the site
some great natural skin care products
the bestselling (UK) range of self-help CDs
We give 12% of our profits to various charities, so with the relaunch of the shop there should be even more money to give away :-)
Do please take a look.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Safe Alternatives To HRT
HRT replacement therapy may have caused 1000+ women in the UK to die of ovarian cancer since 1991 says a study published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet. This is added to the risks of breast cancer and womb cancer.
Many women unfortunately believe that the only way to deal with the menopause is to take HRT or suffer the misery of hot flushes, low energy levels and more. But there are lots of safe alternatives. The study shows that the longer you are on HRT the more likely you are to get ovarian cancer, but it also shows that if you stop taking HRT your risk is the same as for women not taking HRT. So, if you’re taking it now, why not consider some of the safe and effective alternatives to menopausal medication.?
So what are the safe alternatives? Here are some ideas:
- Try taking vitamin E for hot flushes / flashes.
- Get fit and stay fit. Exercise stimulates endorphins (the body’s feel good hormones, revs up your metabolism, tones your body and gives you more energy)
- If you’re feeling miserable, old and without purpose try taking flower remedies.
- See an alternative and complementary therapist. Many can help and some even specialise in these sort of problems.
- Irregular or heavy periods? Then try Neways Wild Yam and Chaste Berry cream. It worked for me.
Don’t believe that the only solution is HRT. There’s a whole world of alternatives out there. Explore some of them first.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Good Miles and Local Food
When you stop and think about the miles that food travels it's crazy:
Buying food from local farms and farmers’ markets is not just good for your taste-buds, health and wealth, there are wider benefits too. Comparing some foods which travelled from field direct to farmers’ market or farm shop with the same products air-freighted to reach UK supermarket shelves from overseas, Sustain’s researchers found that the carbon-dioxide emissions associated with distribution were 650 times lower when food was bought locally from a farmers’ market. The ingredients for an air-freighted Sunday lunch created 37 kilograms of greenhouse gasses but when bought from local farms only 58.2 grams of greenhouse gasses were released – a reduction of 99.8 per cent. (From
www.sustainweb.org)
I've written an article for Health & Goodness on seasonal food and food miles too.
Buying food from local farms and farmers’ markets is not just good for your taste-buds, health and wealth, there are wider benefits too. Comparing some foods which travelled from field direct to farmers’ market or farm shop with the same products air-freighted to reach UK supermarket shelves from overseas, Sustain’s researchers found that the carbon-dioxide emissions associated with distribution were 650 times lower when food was bought locally from a farmers’ market. The ingredients for an air-freighted Sunday lunch created 37 kilograms of greenhouse gasses but when bought from local farms only 58.2 grams of greenhouse gasses were released – a reduction of 99.8 per cent. (From
www.sustainweb.org)
I've written an article for Health & Goodness on seasonal food and food miles too.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Complaining
I really liked this from Charity Focus:
How long can you go without complaining? A few months ago, the pastor of a Kansas City church told people in his congregation he wanted them to test their limits. "The one thing we can agree on," said Rev. Will Bowen, "is there's too much complaining." And so he asked the group to give up complaining, criticizing, gossiping or using sarcasm for 21 days. People who joined in were issued purple bracelets as a reminder of their pledge. If they caught themselves complaining, they were supposed to take off the bracelet, switch it to the opposite wrist and start counting the days from scratch. Rev. Bowen said it took him three and a half months to put together 21 complaint-free days. Now, about a half a million people around the world have requested free wristbands to rise to the challenge.
How long can you go without complaining? A few months ago, the pastor of a Kansas City church told people in his congregation he wanted them to test their limits. "The one thing we can agree on," said Rev. Will Bowen, "is there's too much complaining." And so he asked the group to give up complaining, criticizing, gossiping or using sarcasm for 21 days. People who joined in were issued purple bracelets as a reminder of their pledge. If they caught themselves complaining, they were supposed to take off the bracelet, switch it to the opposite wrist and start counting the days from scratch. Rev. Bowen said it took him three and a half months to put together 21 complaint-free days. Now, about a half a million people around the world have requested free wristbands to rise to the challenge.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Is everything connected?
Many integrative medicine/complementary therapy practitioners see everything as being connected in some way.
The article in New Scientist entitled "The universe is a string-net liquid" gives some support to this.
Scientists from MIT and Harvard University explained their experiment at the Topological Quantum Computing conference in the USA earlier this month.
I can't put my hand on my heart and say I understood all the article - I don't have a science background - but it appears that they have produced more evidence of entanglement - particles influencing each other over vast differences.
Healers who work with people at a distance and other therapies that defy the 'normal' understanding of the physical world may be a step nearer to vindication.
The article in New Scientist entitled "The universe is a string-net liquid" gives some support to this.
Scientists from MIT and Harvard University explained their experiment at the Topological Quantum Computing conference in the USA earlier this month.
I can't put my hand on my heart and say I understood all the article - I don't have a science background - but it appears that they have produced more evidence of entanglement - particles influencing each other over vast differences.
Healers who work with people at a distance and other therapies that defy the 'normal' understanding of the physical world may be a step nearer to vindication.
Monday, March 12, 2007
"I Want To lose Weight"
“I want to lose weight.” How often have you said it, but not achieved it. Most women, and a lot of men, have said but not achieved this more times than they care to remember. But, as you should know by now, wishing for it, doesn’t make it happen. So how can you turn “I want to lose weight” into “Yippee, I’m losing weight and feel great”.
Firstly, I don’t have a magic wand, but nor does anyone else. Weight loss is one of the things you need to work at, not just wish for. Here’s a plan of campaign. Read it, think about it, but most importantly put it into practice. Knowing this stuff doesn’t mean you lose weight. Acting on it, means that you’ll almost certainly lose weight and look and feel a whole lot better.
Have A Quiet Moment And Stop WishingIf you talk to people who have got down to their ideal weight, kept the weight off and look and feel great, they almost all had a quiet moment before they started. By this I mean that they stopped thinking about the future and wishing for change. They stopped beating themselves up for how they were. They accepted what and who they were and in that quiet moment they made a decision to do what they needed to do to live a healthier life. Does it sound grandiose to say that in that moment they experienced unconditional love for themselves? Are you saying: “I couldn’t do that.” Remember when you give yourself unconditional love you are not saying you are perfect, but you are loving yourself in spite of or because of your imperfections. I’m not saying you have to do this all the time, but just for a quiet moment while you accept where you are and commit yourself to something better.
read the rest of this article.
Firstly, I don’t have a magic wand, but nor does anyone else. Weight loss is one of the things you need to work at, not just wish for. Here’s a plan of campaign. Read it, think about it, but most importantly put it into practice. Knowing this stuff doesn’t mean you lose weight. Acting on it, means that you’ll almost certainly lose weight and look and feel a whole lot better.
Have A Quiet Moment And Stop WishingIf you talk to people who have got down to their ideal weight, kept the weight off and look and feel great, they almost all had a quiet moment before they started. By this I mean that they stopped thinking about the future and wishing for change. They stopped beating themselves up for how they were. They accepted what and who they were and in that quiet moment they made a decision to do what they needed to do to live a healthier life. Does it sound grandiose to say that in that moment they experienced unconditional love for themselves? Are you saying: “I couldn’t do that.” Remember when you give yourself unconditional love you are not saying you are perfect, but you are loving yourself in spite of or because of your imperfections. I’m not saying you have to do this all the time, but just for a quiet moment while you accept where you are and commit yourself to something better.
read the rest of this article.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Complete Everything
Here's a great thought from www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk
A task left undone remains undone in two places - at the actual location of the task, and inside your head. Incomplete tasks in your head consume the energy of your attention as they gnaw at your conscience. They syphon off a little more of your personal power every time you delay. No need to be a perfectionist, that's debilitating in an imperfect world, but it's good to be a 'completionist'. If you start it, finish it...or forget it. Do it - or dump it!
From http://www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk/
A task left undone remains undone in two places - at the actual location of the task, and inside your head. Incomplete tasks in your head consume the energy of your attention as they gnaw at your conscience. They syphon off a little more of your personal power every time you delay. No need to be a perfectionist, that's debilitating in an imperfect world, but it's good to be a 'completionist'. If you start it, finish it...or forget it. Do it - or dump it!
From http://www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk/
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Asthma And Economic Development
An intersting article has just been published in PLOS Medicine on the incidence of asthma in Ghana.
In Africa, asthma has typically been thought of as being very uncommon, and indeed in many African dialects there is no word for asthma or the symptoms, such as wheezing, that asthmatic children experience. This is a major contrast to what happens in the UK and other developed countries.
Unfortunately the study is showing that asthma, or at least exercise-induced bronchospasm is on the increase. Two studies of 3 schools in 1993 and again in 2003 showed the proportion of children with exercise-induced bronchospasm increased in all three schools; overall this proportion went up from 3.1% to 5.2%. Children from the rich city school were most likely to have exercise-induced bronchospasm at either survey date. However, children from the poor city school experienced the biggest change over the time period studied, with more than double the proportion of children having exercise-induced bronchospasm in 2003 as compared to 1993.
In Africa, asthma has typically been thought of as being very uncommon, and indeed in many African dialects there is no word for asthma or the symptoms, such as wheezing, that asthmatic children experience. This is a major contrast to what happens in the UK and other developed countries.
Unfortunately the study is showing that asthma, or at least exercise-induced bronchospasm is on the increase. Two studies of 3 schools in 1993 and again in 2003 showed the proportion of children with exercise-induced bronchospasm increased in all three schools; overall this proportion went up from 3.1% to 5.2%. Children from the rich city school were most likely to have exercise-induced bronchospasm at either survey date. However, children from the poor city school experienced the biggest change over the time period studied, with more than double the proportion of children having exercise-induced bronchospasm in 2003 as compared to 1993.
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