Category Archives: Health

Shoe Aid – Because Walking Barefoot Should Be A Choice…

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Capture‘We’re shoe people….that’s what we do.

Can you imagine a life where you and your family cannot afford a simple pair of shoes? For 300 million children worldwide, this is a reality. They do not have a choice to be barefoot because their families are too impoverished to afford an essential pair of shoes. We’re working to change that, and you can help’.

Shoe Aid UK

 

In 2004, Lee Todd, who had created a career in the shoe business for himself watched on television a video of a single shoe washing ashore after the calamitous 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. It was an image he never forgot and it moved him to develop the Shoe Aid charity in 2010.

With Lee’s leadership and Shoe Aid’s core team, Shoe Aid has collected tens of thousands of shoes for people in need. In partnership with The National Police Aid Convoy the shoes collected have benefited and helped improve the lives of people in the UK, Malawi, Gambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Russia, Albania, Pakistan, Ghana and Rwanda.

Strategically placed shoe bins are used to collect used and new shoes. These can be found in participating schools, offices, factories and religious and retail establishments. Shoe Aid is working to establish itself as a leading global charity that will continue to provide needed shoes to people in the UK, developing nations, disaster zones and refugee camps. In addition, Shoe Aid aims to help develop micro-businesses in developing countries where they will teach people how to create commerce on gently worn shoes. Any newly donated shoes will be proudly allocated as designated by Shoe Aid.

Shoe Aid is also doing long-term planning to help those in poverty in the UK with a vision of establishing charity shops throughout the UK for people in need of re-purposed shoes at a nominal price.

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Why Shoe Aid?

As a UK charity, Shoe Aid are passionate about what they do. Every day, they are seeking ways to help improve the lives of children around the world by working with global partners to collect donated shoes. The shoes that are collected are sent to parts of Africa and Eastern Europe. The pieces are then repurposed and provided to impoverished families.

‘We need you to join us. We have a lot of work to do and we need businesses, companies, charities, schools and individuals to add their voices and efforts to our movement. Together, we can make a difference, not only in Eastern Europe and Africa, but also right here in the UK. Help support our efforts and make a difference in a child’s life today’.

12 New Terrace
Sandiacre
Nottingham
NG10 5PU

Phone: 07947 686333

E-mail
lee@shoeaid.com

About Shoe Aid…

Shoe Aid is a charity (in the process of registration) established to raise awareness and help the 300 million children worldwide who do not have the ability to obtain a pair of shoes, which are necessary for hygienic and health reasons, for work and school, due to the devastating ills of poverty. Shoe Aid believes that walking barefoot should be a choice, not a hardship.

www.shoeaid.com

@ShoeAidUK

Facebook: ShoeAidNottingham

 

 

Power through the New Year with Whitworths Shots

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So January’s finally over and how many of those resolutions have you stuck to thus far? In a study conducted by leading healthy snack brand Whitworths, nearly 10 million Brits wave goodbye to their diet plans as we enter into the month of February due to faltering willpower. So what is the solution and how do we claw back our start of year “New Year, New Me” mindset?

Frost had the pleasure of experiencing a workout of a very different kind hosted by the brains behind Whitworths called The Willpower Workout. The workout is the foundations of what will help us to turn our healthy eating patterns into habits. So why do so many of us struggle to keep and maintain healthy eating patterns? The study showed that the population is set to lose willpower due to things like boredom of healthy food, with 26% of us claiming a lack of low calorie snacks are easily available, 19% feeling down about the bad weather and 9% of us a lack of sleep Karen Cox, Brand Controller at Whitworths comments; “As a brand that promotes healthy snacking, we believe that working on maintaining willpower is the key to succeeding in losing weight. Our ‘Willpower Workout’, which launched this month, is a little different to classes you’ll find in your local gym – featuring experts in the fields of hypnotherapy and sleep therapy as well as fitness and nutrition.”  

Want to have a go…? Check out this video to try the very first and exclusive Willpower Workout.

So who are Whitworths? They are the brain-child of the award-winning shots range, not the alcoholic kind ahem, but the kind that will give you a satisfying and healthy snack boost throughout your day. In this day and age where the demand for healthy-snacks is through the roof, Whitworths are committed to providing us with something a lot tastier than your average rice cake or salad. Whitworths Shots have it all covered with eight incredible flavours to choose from;

Berry and White Chocolate Shot: An indulgent mix of cranberries, extra juicy, plump and large Chilean flame raisins and creamy white chocolate pieces (93 calories per pack)

Toffee Pecan Shot: A sweet and satisfying collection of juicy sultanas, dried chopped dates, toffee pieces and crunchy pecan nuts (99 calories per pack)

Fruity Biscuit Shot: A fruity blend of sunshine sultanas, cranberries and rich white chocolate-coated shortcake biscuits (93 calories per pack)

Orange and Chocolate Seed Shot: A classic mix of orange flavour cranberries, golden, succulent raisins, milk chocolate-coated and natural pumpkin seeds (95 calories per pack)

Raisin and Chocolate Shot: Plump golden and crimson raisins paired with rich dark chocolate balls make this the perfect simple-but-satisfying treat (91 calories per pack)

Blueberry and Seed Shot: A delicious juicy jumble of raisins, pumpkin seeds, yogurt-coated sunflower seeds and dried blueberries (98 calories per pack)

Cranberry and Almond Shot: A super-saintly mix of juicy, succulent crimson raisins, little jewel cranberries and toasted, crunchy almond slices with no added refined sugar (97 calories per pack)

Apricot and Seed Shot: A ‘clean eating’ blend of chopped, tender apricots, tangy cranberries, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds with no added refined sugar (88 calories per pack)

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All at under 100 Cals per shot. So turn your healthy eating patterns into habits with Whitworths Willpower Workouts and let us know how you get on. Remember, it only takes 21 days to make a habit.

Shots are available now in Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug and WHSmith from 49p per pack.

https://www.facebook.com/WhitworthsUK/
www.whitworths.co.uk

An interview with Dr Kathleen Thompson: Author of From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope and Frost’s medical correspondent

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From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope by Dr. Kathleen Thompson book review, health, breast cancer,

Why did you write the book?

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was surprised how hard I found it, even as a doctor, to navigate my way through the tests and treatments. It made me realise how much more difficult it must be for someone without any medical knowledge. This book is to help those people. I also wanted to give an insight of what it was like to have cancer, for the benefit of the friends and relatives of people with breast cancer.

 

What is your book about?

It uses my personal breast cancer experiences to guide people through their breast cancer treatment, explaining the various tests and procedures. It points them to further information sources too. Although full of information, it is simply written, in order to be easily absorbed by someone in a state of shock.

Later in the book I explain medical research. The internet is a fabulous source of information. The trouble is, it doesn’t have a truth-filter. Anybody can post anything, and there are numerous ‘cancer cures’ which are unsubstantiated and sometimes dangerous. When you have a serious illness, it is tempting to try anything. So, for these reasons, I explain how to assess whether a claim is valid, or whether it is misleading.

Finally I talk about the causes of cancer and what we can do to reduce our chances of contracting it – and it is surprising how much we can do.

 

What is the most important message of your book?

Take control. We lose control of our lives the moment we are told we have cancer—take it back. Don’t relinquish that control to anyone, even to your medical carers. They may do a fantastic job, but in the end, you are the one with the most at stake. You need to understand all your treatment options, discuss with your doctor, and then decide which are best for you, and make sure you get them.

 

Who will your book help and in what way?

Firstly it will help people going through breast cancer, or other cancers, as much of the information extends to all cancers.

Equally it will help the relatives and friends of people diagnosed with cancer.

It will also be of interest to anyone who enjoys reading about personal experiences and who is interested in improving their health, reducing their cancer risk and understanding medical research

 

Did being a doctor help you get through breast cancer?

In many ways, yes it did, and that is why I want to share my ‘inside knowledge’ with others. In some ways, though, it didn’t, and I felt as vulnerable, bewildered and uncertain about what to do as anyone else.

 

Can we do anything to help lower our cancer risk?

Absolutely yes—it is surprising how much we can do. Of course some people have a higher risk of cancerthan others, and sometimes, however hard you try, you can’t prevent it. But for many of us, we can shift along the seesaw of cancer risk—and so make ourselves go up, and not down.

 

Frost found From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope impressive, and important. If you know anyone who could use help after a diagnosis, don’t hesitate to point them towards the book.

From Both Ends Of the Stethoscope is available from all good bookshops and Amazon.co.uk

 

 

New Self Help Book on Breast Cancer Released

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From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope by Dr. Kathleen Thompson book review, health, breast cancer,From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows   by Dr Kathleen Thompson

ISBN: paperback: 978-0-9935083-0-1  ebook: 978-0-9935083-1-8

Published by Faito Books

Cancer cells appear in everyone’s body much of the time, and more than one in three of us will experience some form of cancer during our lives. 

One of the commonest of these is breast cancer.

So what is breast cancer? What is cancer come to that?

What is it like to have breast cancer?

Cancer cells are usually destroyed by our immune system – but sometimes they breach these defences, and we get cancer – why?

What can we do to prevent this?

 Actually there are lots of simple things we can do to avoid cancer in the first place, and to give ourselves the best chance of recovering completely.

This is a non-fiction autobiographical, self-help book written by a doctor who has had breast cancer. Sharing her own experiences, the author takes the reader through the raw emotions associated with having cancer and needing to face one’s own mortality.

Always referring to her own cancer journey, with all its highs and dips, she helps the reader understand what they will experience during the treatment.

She explains the various medical consultations, tests and procedures, and the different treatment options, and how to make the best treatment choices.

She uses her personal experiences of things going wrong to illustrate how to deal with such circumstances, including coping with problems as an in-patient, and challenging incorrect medical decisions.

She deals with the post-treatment period, and what to do if the cancer comes back.

Alternative therapies are discussed, and, importantly, advice is given on how to distinguish credible research, and genuine therapies, from quackery.

Finally that all important question is answered – what can we do to protect ourselves against cancer?

Biography: Dr Kathleen Thompson

Kathleen is a doctor, specialising in pharmaceutical drug research.

A few years ago her life changed completely, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This became the inspiration for her first book.

She writes medical contributions for Frost e-Magazine and has authored various scientific research publications through her career.

She has two long-suffering children, who patiently tolerate their mother’s crazy projects, and rescue her from frequent IT catastrophes.

She has a passion for ballroom dancing and enjoys adventures. She has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, walked the Camino de Santiago (500 miles) and cycled the mountains of Kerala, and also through Rajasthan.  During two of these activities she raised funds for Women v Cancer –which provides funding for three cancer charities, including Breast Cancer Care.

 

 

From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope by Dr. Kathleen Thompson

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Review by Margaret Graham

From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope by Dr. Kathleen Thompson book review, health, breast cancer,

Many of you will be familiar with Frost Magazine’s Dr Kathleen Thompson’s regular health features, which are topical, succinct accessible and helpful.

 

It is no surprise, therefore, that Dr Kathleen Thompson brings just the same skills to From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope – Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows.

 

This guide should be read by anyone with cancer, or given to anyone we know with the disease. Not only that, it should be read by relatives who are suddenly thrust into a unexpected supportive role, which leaves them as confused and upset as the patient.

 

In the guide, Dr Kathleen Thompson has the courage to use her personal experiences of breast cancer to explore the situation. She acknowledges not only her reluctance to face up to the symptoms, but her initial fear and confusion as she adjusted to this change in her fortunes.

As a medical insider, she reflects and applies her understanding of the medical procedures brought to bear to counteract the progress of the disease. She suggests the questions patients could, or perhaps should ask. She explains the possible treatments, (remember, that knowledge is power).

 

This is the key to the guide, it seemed to me: it is important for the patient to take control of the situation, and for the relatives to support this stance. To control a situation you need education because education leads to knowledge, which leads to power. Here I must acknowledge the fantastic Andy McNabb, who made this suggestion in a talk he gave. I thought it profound, and use it often.

 

Indeed, everyone should keep it as a mantra.

 

I loved, particularly,  the chapter on how patients manipulate the staff to achieve, or not, the results they require – read it, learn, and laugh.

 

Sensibly laid out, each chapter is easy to navigate. In other words, it won’t be too much or too difficult for those under stress.

 

Importantly, the author explains medical research, and how to assess the credibility of the numerous cancer treatment claims, and what we can all do to protect ourselves from cancer.

 

This is an important book, in either e-book or paperback.

 

Published by Faito Books it is available on Amazon.co.uk at £12.99

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0993508308

 

 

Overcoming Anxiety: Reassuring ways to break free from stress and worry and lead a calmer life By Gill Hasson

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Overcoming Anxiety- Reassuring ways to break free from stress and worry and lead a calmer life By Gill Hasson

Anxiety is on the rise and even those lucky enough not to have anxiety will tend to worry. This book is great. It is all inclusive, it covers the aspects of anxiety to help you understand your own anxiety and anxiety in general. Part two then allows you to manage your anxiety. It gives you the tools to change the way you think, use mindfulness to help, use solution-based problem solving and boost your confidence. It even gives advice on finding help and support from other people. I found this book fascinating. I liked how it tells you to write down your anxieties and find recurring anxieties and then tackle them head on. I also loved the advice of surrounding yourself with ‘radiators’, people who spread warmth and positivity. Rather than drains who only take away energy and resources. There are brilliant tools and advice that really works.  In my opinion, this book is essential for anyone with anxiety.

 

New book explains how to identify and manage anxiety

 

Anxiety is recognised as one of the most prevalent mental health problems in the UK, with financial issues, welfare of family members, work stress and fear of unemployment some of the most common contributing factors.

 

For those who experience occasional anxiety or have a diagnosable disorder, Overcoming Anxiety is a new book that provides practical strategies and techniques to help manage or overcome worries and concerns.

 

Written by bestselling personal development author Gill Hasson, the book begins by explaining what anxiety is and how it can present itself, including panic attacks, phobias, OCD & IBS. It goes on to explain how readers can manage both the cognitive and physical aspects of anxiety and identify activities they can do to help them switch off from worrying.

 

Overcoming Anxiety highlights the importance of reaching out and connecting with other people, outlining what family and friends can do to help. Hasson stresses the significance of having positive people around,  explaining that “how other people respond to you can make quite a difference to how you feel about yourself- to your confidence, self-esteem and your ability to manage anxious thoughts and feelings.”

 

Throughout the book, there are quotes and examples from people who have experienced anxiety. Plus, exercises, activities, tips, strategies and techniques for readers to try.

 

“What is crucial is that you learn and develop a range of techniques and strategies that work for you” writes Hasson“and keep at it.”

 

About the author:

Gill Hasson is the author of the international bestsellers Mindfulness: Be mindful. Live in the moment , How To Deal With Difficult People: Smart Tactics for Overcoming the Problem People in Your Life and Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions to make a positive impact on your life and career.

 

She is a teacher, trainer and writer. She has 20 years’ experience in the area of personal development. Her expertise is in the areas of confidence and self-esteem, communication skills, assertiveness and resilience.

 

Gill delivers teaching and training for educational organisations, voluntary and business organisations and the public sector.

 

Gill’s particular interest and motivation is in helping people to realize their potential, to live their best life!

 

Overcoming Anxiety: Reassuring Ways to Break Free from Stress and Worry and Lead a Calmer Life

 

 

Carnation Bunion Pads & Bunion Protector Review

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Bunions. They are awful and painful. Even the gorgeous 37-year-old Amal Clooney suffers from them and Nigella Lawson had hers removed from both feet. What exactly are they? Carnation let us know.

A bunion is an inflamed fluid-filled bursa formed on the side of the foot. The joint protrudes because the toe is bent away at an angle, pushing into the other toes and causing them to bend unnaturally.

Sometimes the second toe is forced over the big toe leading to the toes being crammed together and subsequently, as a result of the pressure, to the formation of corns and callouses.

Bunions

Identifying bunions by appearance and symptom:

A bunion forms on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe.

Cause

Bent toes and bunions can run in families but are often caused by defective or ill-fitting footwear.
In early teens, bones are soft and still developing and can mould to the shape of the footwear worn.
Socks that are too tight or too small, pointed shoes and high heels which cram the toes into the front of the shoe will cause permanent distortion if maintained while the feet develop.
A bunion forms on the joint as an attempt to protect against pressure.
Treatment

Wearing a bunion pad or shield which fits the contour of the joint will relieve pressure on the bunion, as will wide fitting shoes. In a small number of extreme cases, surgery can be performed, which involves straightening the toe by removing parts of the deviated bones.

Carnation Bunion Pads are shaped to fit around the bunion and are made from felt, which spreads the load to give maximum comfort.

Carnation Gel Bunion Protectors are made from soft, flexible gel with a toe loop to help positioning over the bunion. They can be washed for repeated use.

bunionpadsreview

Carnation Bunion Pads

Carnation Bunion Pads
Traditional, cost effective felt pads proven to relieve the pain caused by bunions

Shaped to fit around the bunion
Made from felt, which spreads the load to give maximum comfort
Hypoallergenic adhesive
Carnation Bunion Pads are available in packs of 4

We reviewed them and they work. Brilliant things.

bunionprotectorand bunion pads review

Carnation Gel Bunion Protector

Long lasting, cost effective protection to relieve the pain caused by bunions. Ideal for chronic sufferers

Soft, flexible gel contains mineral oil to moisturise and help soften the skin
Slim design fits easily into the shoe
Toe loop to help positioning on the bunion
Long life – can be washed and re-used

This is brilliant and is also reusable so saves you money longer term. Great cushioning that relieves the pain. Full marks.

 

Available from boots.com

 

 

Herpatch Prevention Stick: New cold sore prevention balm hits the UK

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  • Herpatch Prevention Stick- New cold sore prevention balm hits the UK
  •   24 per cent of cold sore sufferers are convinced that everyone is looking at them when they have a cold sore blister.
  •   Nearly half of those who suffer with cold sores admit they feel embarrassed when they develop a ‘fever blister’.
  •   A fifth of those surveyed (19 per cent) revealed that they will not leave their house if they are suffering with a cold sore.Each year, more than a third of the world’s population who harbour the causative virus suffer recurrent outbreaks of cold sores, with many sufferers experiencing more than 12 outbreaks a year3. However while the virus self can’t be cured, the amount of outbreaks can now finally be controlled with the launch of a pioneering new balm that will be going on sale in Boots stores nationwide (and Boots.com), from this week.

    Classified as a medical device, the Herpatch prevention stick is a moisturising balm that effectively helps to prevent cold sore blisters. Developed with Protective Nutritive Shield technology to block the triggers that could lead to a cold sore outbreak, the balm combines a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF30), Zinc, Aloe Vera, and other skin protectants to keep lips hydrated andsafeguarded from an embarrassing blister occurring.

    With its carefully selected ingredients, the Herpatch prevention stick literally provides a barrier to guard sensitive skin from the external factors that could spark a cold sore; including central heating, air conditioning, wind burn, and extreme weather conditions. The softening and moisturising action of the balm alsohelps to soothe skin during an outbreak, keeping the lesion moist to prevent cracking and reduce the occurrence of secondary infection.

    Sunlight triggers cold sore outbreaks in up to a quarter of people with recurrent infections.

    After exposure to UV radiation, up to 70 per cent of cold sore sufferers develop a blister within 7 days.

    Ultraviolet light can reactivate Herpes simplex virus in over 60 per cent of cases.

With exposure to sunlight triggering cold sore outbreaks in up to a quarter of people with recurrent infections, clinical studies show that frequent application of a lip sunscreen product, can significantly minimise outbreaks.

In addition to this high SPF, Herpatch prevention stick contains several functional ingredients, such as Zinc, Aloe Vera, and other skin protectants, which will help to prevent recurrent Herpes labials.

When applied regularly (the Herpatch prevention stick can be applied as frequently as necessary), the balm will effectively help to reduce the number of cold sore outbreaks. Handy to carry with you, Herpatch Cold Sore Prevention is an easy to use, fast and efficient treatment for the prevention of cold sores. Use in conjunction with Herpatch Cold Sore Serum during an outbreak for a complete cold sore-care regimen.

Herpatch Cold Sore Prevention is available NOW from Boots and Boots.com priced at £4.99