Category Archives: Health

Strictly Come Dancing Hits Our Screens, Keep Your Feet In Tip Top Shape

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 Frost has reviewed some foot products to get your feet in tip top condition as Brucey has dusted off his dancing shoes, fake tan and false eyelashes have been ordered by the truckload and dance classes up and down the country are bursting at their sequinned seams with a new influx of dancing fans. With the show’s rehearsal’s now in full swing, the nation is primed and ready for Strictly fever to hit once again.  
Stars Denise Van Outen and Kimberley Walsh are loving their new roles as dancing diva’s in training, but it seems their string of foot woes has been holding them back in rehersals.
Denise Van Outen has been forced to rehearse barefoot due to extreme blister pain.  Denise says on her blog: “I feel that I’m at a disadvantage this week as my feet are so badly blistered due to dancing in heels, that I can’t even get my shoes on and I’m having to practice barefoot until they heal.” Denise had to don extra high heels in order to dance with her partner, the lovely but very tall James Jordan.  Kimberly Walsh tweeted of her painful feet woes earlier in the week, declaring ”OK so now my feet are really sore #scd.”  And it seems Olympic gold medalist, Victoria Pendelton’s feet aren’t safe either.  Victoria Tweeted from rehearsals yesterday with her professional dance partner Brendan Cole, Victoria admitted: ‘Day 2 feet are so sore!’
With so many tootsie troubles this early on in the competition, Carnation Footcare feel it’s their duty to protect the nation’s feet.  Get bunion to beautiful with these top feet treats….
A luxurious Exfoliating Foot Scrub with apricot seed and walnut shell, perfect for keeping toes in tip top condition ready for their ballroom debut.
This great smelling foot scrub really does the trick, leaving your feet nice and smooth.
 
A Cool Foot spray for on the go refreshment.  A sneaky spray will help keep feet dry and comfortable throughout the sweatiest of swing and jive sessions. 
This cooling spray sorts out embarrassing problems like smelly, sweaty feet. A must for dancers on their feet all day. This is a good spray. It does the job.
 
Tip Toes invisible gel cushions, helping to keep your perfectly polished toes looking dance-tastic at all times.
I love these. They are brilliant at helping the burning pain you get in the soles of your feet. It is a lot easier to wear heels with these handy gel cushions.
 
An Anti-Blister Stick, whip this in your training bag and ensure blisters don’t ruin your salsa night or dance class. This clever little device creates a light non-greasy layer on the skin, which eliminates the friction that causes blisters.
This handy stick stops blisters. Which might make it one of the best inventions ever, as nothing is more painful and annoying than blisters on your feet. A must buy if you are on the go all the time.
 
Pedi Roller, use at the end of any dance-off to help banish the achey feet blues.  5 minutes using the Pedi Roller will help ease heel and arch pain associated with prolonged standing and walking.  The ridged design massages tired feet, reducing tension and stimulating circulation. Pedi- Roller can also be used as a cold massage therapy by chilling or freezing before using.
I love this roller. It is easy to use and It really helps your feet after a long day. It is good for cramp too. It eases arch and heel pain.
Carnation’s Hydro Blisters are small dressings which offer rapid blister pain relief and protect from dirt and bacteria.  So there’s no reason to miss a dance class now!
These really helps with blisters. Pop one on and it will stop any painful rubbing and prevent against dirt and bacteria. They make a huge difference.
All these Carnation Footcare products are available from www.carnationfootcare.co.uk 

The Food Hospital’s Fibre Challenge Success

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The Food Hospital Fibre Challenge app has had over 60,000 downloads to date following the return of the new series of The Food Hospital on Channel 4 last month. The application available on iPhone and Android devices has got the nation reaching for the fruit bowl and monitoring their toilet habits on a daily basis.

The Fibre Challenge application encourages viewers to record their bowel movements and increase the amount of fibre in their diet for 21 days. Participants are challenged to eat an extra five grams of dietary fibre every day in the first stage, and an extra ten grams per day in the second stage. Each day, they should record how many bowel movements they have had and the stool type using the Bristol Stool Form Scale. At the end of the challenge, participants hope to see a noticeable improvement in bowel health. The anonymous data will be added to the national results, with the overall findings published on The Food Hospital website.

The Food Hospital Fibre Challenge app has been devised by specialist dietitians and is a mass participation initiative to assess the effect of fibre on the nation’s bowel health. Most people don’t eat enough fibre. The recommended minimum daily intake of dietary fibre is 18 grams, but few get anywhere near that. Increasing the amount of fibre in your diet is believed to provide short-term health benefits and help prevent serious disease.

Alongside the app and as part of the new series, each week volunteers who have previously participated in The Fibre Challenge will have their results analysed to help viewers gain a better understanding to whether a high fibre diet significantly improves short-term bowel health. Fifty volunteers took part in The Fibre Challenge earlier this summer and for 21 days, they ate extra dietary fibre and sent information about their bowel movements anonymously to an expert team for analysis.

In a recent study, British Medical Journal reported that dietary fibre can potentially reduce bowel cancer risk by up to 20%. Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer: one person dies every half an hour from the disease, often because of late diagnosis.

The Food Hospital Fibre Challenge app has been devised by betty, the production company behind the series, in consultation with Channel 4 and specialist dietitians. Betty’s executive producer Neil Smith says, “betty has a track record for creating innovative content that captures the imagination. Our challenge was to translate this into a digital form, so we’re thrilled that it’s been so enthusiastically embraced. It’s engaging content with the potential to save lives”.

Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK says: ‘We are delighted the Fibre Challenge app has been so popular as it is an important early step to improving bowel health. It is well known that simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as increasing your intake of fibre can make you feel better and help stack the odds against bowel cancer. Therefore the makers of The Food Hospital are to be commended for bringing this into the mainstream. We now need to keep momentum and continue to raise awareness and encourage action around this important public health issue.’

Lizzy Keene, Senior Producer for Factual at Channel 4, adds “We are delighted with the success of the app and to have reached over 60,000 downloads already. Our aim was to encourage people to talk openly about their bowel habits and visit their GP with any concerns. Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if it’s caught early enough and we wanted to break down the ‘poo taboo’ in a fun but informative way.”

Potter’s Herbal Elixir of Echinacea Plus & Kwai Heart + Immune Supplements | Health Review

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miranda kerrAs winter comes in colds are inevitable. Echinacea is well known to ward of colds and boost the immune system, but does it really work?

The first thing I have to say about Potter’s Herbals Elixir of Echinacea is how nice it tastes, rare for something that is good for you. I am more used to taking pills but taking the elixir is no problem. I take it three times a day and I don’t get a cold, and feel that I have been given a health boost. In fact when I get more busy and forgot to take it for a while I ended up getting a cold. I start taking the Echinacea again and I immediately feel better. I think it works and I am impressed. It even makes my skin clearer.

I also start taking Kwai Heart+Immune with vitamins A, C and E; 30 tablets RRP £6.12; 100 tablets £16.33; Available from Boots. When I first take it I worry that I will smell of garlic but a friend says I don’t. After I start taking the supplement I feel much more energetic and healthier. The Pills are also easy to swallow.  My skin tone also improves when I am taking the pills. With the Kwai Heart+Immune and Potter’s Herbals Elixir of Echinacea I am all set for winter.

Commenting on Kwai Heart+Immune, independent dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton says: “It is now well accepted that vitamins A and C and garlic have a vital role in supporting a normal immune function, while vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress which leads to cell damage. Human research on garlic shows that it is antimicrobial and can reduce levels of harmful bacteria and viruses which cause disease.”

The immune system as you know is crucial to help prevent colds/flu/virues and potentillay fatal illnesses. New research by the Henry Potter Advisory Committee also reveals that nearly half of 2,000 respondents in survey (46.4%) believe that they appear physically less attractive when their immune system is lower, with nearly one quarter (23.9%) stating that you could tell how good someone’s immune system is from their skin tone.

 

New stats also revealed that:

  • Worryingly almost three quarter’s (73.9%) of those researched (out of 2,000 respondents) did not know that our immune system is capable of distinguishing foreign bacteria, fungi or viruses, thereby preventing cellular damage.
  • Nearly one third (30.9%), incorrectly believe that vitamin C will ward off a cold, with more women believing this than men (35.3% vs 26%).
  • When it comes to symptoms of a poorly functioning immune system, the most commonly cited symptom was tiredness (61.2%). Over one third of people (38%) commented that they thought their immune system was lowered when they felt physically weak, or when they caught a cold (37.9%) or a virus (37.1%).

Potter’s Herbals Elixir of Echinacea Plus – contains a unique formula of the highest quality Echinacea angustifolia, wild indigo and fumitory. RRP £10.16, available in Boots nationwide. Potter’s Herbal remedies also include cold and flu relief products, as well as sleep aids, and stress releif aids. The whole range are licensed herbal medicines – celebrating 200 years this year.

World class immunologist and medical herbalist Dr Serene Foster says “It is encouraging to see effective herbals available over the counter. The cold and Flu season costs the nation a lot in terms of lost days at school, work, and while on holiday. Now we can all benefit from good mixtures which address all aspects of colds. When Potters Herbal Elixir of Echinacea Plus is taken at the first sign of a cold, it will support and balance your immune system to reduce the symptoms and shorten the time you suffer a cold and make you feel better faster.”

 

Heat Holders Thermal Socks | Review

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Few things in life are worse than having cold feet. I have been known to wear three pair of socks in winter. When I got sent some Heat Holders to review the first thing I did was put my hand inside. They felt lovely and furry.

Autumn has arrived with a cold snap and these socks have really been put to the test. The press release says, “Heat Holders are seven times warmer than normal cotton socks and are designed to keep toes toasty warm in any weather. As far as is known, and has ever been tested, these socks are the warmest thermal socks in the world.”, but are these bold words?

I put these socks on and they are incredibly comfortable. They feel very cushiony and they keep my feet toasty. They keep your feet warm and are so thick and comfortable that I now wear them as slippers around the house. I love them and I am definitely converted. I will definitely be buying more of these socks.

Heat Holders are available in a range of sizes for men, women and children

 www.heatholders.com

Twitter: @HeatHolderSocks
www.facebook.com/heatholders

 

Gwyneth Paltrow launches Stand Up to Cancer on Channel 4

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Stars from television, music and film will come together this autumn for “Stand Up To Cancer” – a unique new fundraising campaign on Channel 4. Joining forces with Cancer Research UK, the campaign will build on air over a week of programming, delivering the best of Channel 4’s science and entertainment programming. It will climax on Friday 19th October in a fundraising extravaganza hosted by Davina McCall, Alan Carr and Dr Christian.

Yesterday in London, Gwyneth Paltrow, Co-Executive Producer of SU2C USA, joined Channel 4’s Chief Creative Officer, Jay Hunt; Cancer Research UK’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Harpal Kumar; and all round fabulous press conference chair Alan Carr, to launch Stand Up To Cancer UK.

Alan Carr revealed: “Pretty much everyone will be affected by this disease in their lifetime, and that’s the very simple reason why I’m honoured to be involved with this campaign. Like so many people, I’ve seen exactly how destructive the big C is. I’ve lost two people already this year to cancer, and friend of mine who has been diagnosed with throat cancer is having her voice box removed next week, and won’t speak again. So we need to raise a lot of money.”

Gwyneth Paltrow said: “I would like to tell you about nine women from the entertainment industry in the United States who, four years ago, decided to do something about the unbearable reality that cancer claims the lives of eight million men, women and children worldwide every year. In the US, 1600 people-a-day are lost to cancer. I lost my father in 2002, and I’m also aware of the impact this disease has on families. But whether we lose a loved one in the US or the UK, we all lose until we do something to change it.”

“Well, these nine women, whose lives had been profoundly affected by cancer, did something. They mobilised the entertainment community, and created Stand Up to Cancer – a program of Hollywood’s leading charity, the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Stand Up to Cancer is a grassroots movement to raise funds for cancer research, to get new treatments to patients more quickly. It requires scientists to work together, to compete against cancer, instead of each other. ”

“Well, it worked. Four years later, $260 million has been pledged. 350 scientists have been funded across more than 80 institutions, with dozens of clinical trials underway. And patients are benefitting. Scientists are working together, accelerating the process to save more lives. And on October 19th, the fight against cancer comes to Channel 4. With their extraordinary commitment to the one-in-three people in the UK who will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, we are thrilled to join forces with Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, and to bring you Stand Up to Cancer UK.”

“We have the power to make cancer powerless – perhaps even end it. But it takes more research, and that requires funding. Cancer has taken some of the best among us, and it is time for us all to stand up and fight back. I’m so proud to be standing up to cancer for my dad. Please tune in and donate on October 19th. Stand for the people you love in your life. Stand for these amazing advances in science and medicine. Stand Up to Cancer.”

Jay Hunt said: “Why Stand Up to Cancer, and why Channel 4? Well, Channel 4 prides itself on daring to do things that nobody else would want to do or could do. In the last few weeks we’ve managed to change attitudes in this nation to disability with our coverage of the Paralympics, and now we’re up for the ultimate challenge – and to be honest, it doesn’t get much bigger than trying to play a part in curing cancer.”

“[This will be] a charity appeal unlike anything you’ve seen before: a uniquely Channel 4 hybrid of comedy, of entertainment, and science, which is designed to grab hold of an audience and not let it go.”

“Now we are so determined to do something really special on October 19th, we have taken a rather terrifying decision, and one that my scheduling team may not forgive me for. We’re going to stay on air for as long as the donations keep pouring in. Now that might mean that we’re still sitting there as the sun comes up in the morning, but it’ll take whatever it takes, and I think the cause is so important we wanted to make that sort of commitment.”

Dr Harpal Kumar said: “It’s not just technology or knowledge that we need. It’s funding. And every pound we raise is a step closer to our goal of beating this disease. Through Stand Up to Cancer, we hope to raise millions of pounds for our lifesaving work, and thanks to some very important people in this room with us here today, we’re not doing it alone.”

“I’m absolutely thrilled that Stand Up to Cancer has become a reality in the UK, and Channel 4 is the perfect partner for a campaign that promises to challenge, inspire, and push the boundaries in how we fight this devastating disease.”

“The UK leads the world in clinical trials, with one-in-five patients with cancer going on to a clinical study. But we need to do more. Many more patients would like the option of going on clinical trials. So all the funds raised through Stand Up to Cancer will go towards research specifically designed to have an impact within just a few years, by working to turn breakthroughs in the lab to breakthroughs in our hospitals.”

Throughout the week and night, there will be a plenty of other surprises and a huge range of opportunities for audiences to get involved and donate to the cause, to show their support and raise millions for the fight against cancer. For inspiration viewers can log on to www.standuptocancer.org.uk/get-involved

In the run up to the 19 October, Cancer Research UK will be urging the public to get involved by donating money, fundraising, showing support through social networks or snapping up some Stand Up To Cancer merchandise.

For up to date information please go to www.standuptocancer.org.uk or www.channel4.com/su2c

#standuptocancer

Twitter handle: @Standup2C

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/standuptocancerUK

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/standuptocancerUK

 

‘Stand Up To Cancer’, a joint national fundraising event from Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK culminating in a live evening extravaganza on 19th October. Follow @Standup2C, Standuptocancer.org.uk or channel4.co.uk/SU2C for further information.

Get smart for hearts with Alfa Romeo charity pocket squares, support Heart Research UK

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–          Alfa Romeo and fashion house PPQ create limited edition charity pocket squares for Heart Research UK

–          The Italian-made silk accessories were designed by Alfa ambassadors, including Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones, Chris Tomlinson and fashion label PPQ

–          On sale for £14.99 each from www.alfaromeo.co.uk/pocketsquares and participating Alfa Romeo dealers

–          Tweet this: @AlfaRomeoUK & @PPQClothing with @DragonJones design pocket squares to support @HeartResearchUK bit.ly/P3utV8 #GetSmartforHearts

 

Alfa Romeo has launched a new campaign in aid of Heart Research UK, encouraging fashion conscious members of the public to ‘get smart for hearts’ by wearing one of six specially designed pocket squares to support the charity’s fight against heart disease.

 

The limited edition pocket squares, priced at £14.99 each, are handmade in Italy using 100% Italian silk and designed by some well-known faces from the worlds of sport, business and fashion.

 

Design contributions have come from Dragons Den star and entrepreneur Peter Jones CBE; Team GB long jumper Chris Tomlinson and actor Tom Ellis,  together with fashion label PPQ and 2012 Alfa Romeo Young Designer of the Year Janine Clark.

 

Marking a landmark anniversary for Alfa Romeo, a sixth pocket square design celebrates 50 years of the Giulia. Launched in 1962, the Alfa Giulia was renowned for its style, performance and innovation, selling over a million examples during its 15 year production run.

 

Pocket squares, the fashion accessory à la mode among the sartorially inclined, have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to the likes of the Mad Men wardrobes and dapper Brit style icons such as actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Matt Smith, and musician Tinie Tempah. Major fashion labels including Dolce & Gabbana, Dunhill, Hermes and Louis Vuitton have all produced pocket squares as part of their recent collections.

 

Percy Parker, co-founder and designer at PPQ, says; “Pocket squares add colour and individuality to any formalwear. From business suits to black tie, they’re a must-have accessory for any well-heeled gentleman. With these limited edition Alfa pocket squares, now you can look the part, whilst benefitting a great cause.”

 

Just 6,000 Alfa pocket squares have been produced, going on sale from 3 September and available online from www.alfaromeo.co.uk/pocketsquares in participating Alfa Romeo showrooms. September will also mark a dedicated month of fundraising for the campaign, with nationwide support from Alfa’s dealer network.

 

Peter Jones CBE says; “This is a great project to be part of and I’m delighted with how my design has turned out. These accessories are beautifully made, stylish, sophisticated and they benefit a fantastic charity. So ‘tailor your ticker’ and show some heart for the great causes being helped.”

 

Damien Dally, Head of Brand, Alfa Romeo UK says; “Alfa’s brand strapline is ‘Without heart, we would be mere machines’ and that’s a poignant message for this campaign. We’re delighted to be supporting Heart Research UK’s important cause with a project that raises money and awareness through fashionable style. So get smart for your heart and wear a pocket square with pride this year.”

 

For more information on Alfa Pocket Squares, visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk/pocketsquares

 

To find out more about Heart Research UK, visit, http://www.heartresearch.org.uk/

Morrisons Christmas Range: What To Buy For Christmas

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It may seem strange to see a Christmas article so early but there is a reason: most companies have their Christmas PR days in July. There is always a lead up needed for Christmas articles. It is the same in acting, you film the Christmas specials six months early. By the time Christmas comes I feel I have been celebrating it for at least half the year.

Morrisons has launched an excellent Christmas range. The food is well-selected, reasonably priced and sourced by professionals in their field. Here are some reasons why I think Morrisons is great for Christmas….

Morrisons source livestock straight from farmers. They also sell black summer truffles at £99.99 a kilo…which means you can buy your own truffles for £3 or £4.

In 2011 they pledged to have more than 50 promotions each week to make it cheaper for customers to get their 5 a day. They average 93 promotions a week.

None of their fruit or veg goes to waste, what is not good enough for customers is given to animals.

I was lucky enough to taste some food made by Neil Nugent who is Morrisons Executive Chef and Head of Innovation, Ray Craven, meat specialist and Martin Clayton, bakery specialist. I have picked out my highlights below from the UK’s fourth-largest grocer.

Mince Pie & Cream Flavoured Popcorn.
The acronym OMG was made for this popcorn. It just tastes divine. Available from October 15.

Morrisons Best Champagne Brut has won the Which? Best Champagne Award twice.
“I am very prod of our Morrisons Best Champagne Brut as I handpicked the blend myself. It is multi-award-winning and adds a certain elegance and style to any meal or celebration.” Arabella Woodrow, Wine Specialist. I have tasted a lot of champagne and this is now my favourite. It just tastes amazing. No wonder is has been voted Best Champagne twice.

Beetroot Smoked Salmon, Smoked Halibut and Smoked Salmon
This salmon is delicious. I really liked the Beetroot salmon. The halibut was good too. A tip from Morrisons is to buy your salmon in advance and freeze it. Salmon has a long shelf life.

Christmas Tree Tear and Share Bread
This tastes great and it looks fun too. Wrap uneaten piece in cling film to make them last longer.

Panettone
Freshly baked and with 15% more fruit this year. Morrisons makes good panettone. I will be buying this again for Christmas.

Other highlights: Soda bread by Bryn Williams, White Christmas Pudding created by Claire Clarke MBE, Crusted Turkey by Nigel Haworth and Rustic Country Pate created by Pierre Koffmann.

Join celebrity hair stylist Errol Douglas at nutritional wellbeing event, beat hair loss

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Join celebrity hair stylist Errol Douglas at nutritional wellbeing event and beat hair loss blues. Frost Magazine has nine tickets to giveaway! Just follow us on Twitter and Tweet: “I want to go to Alive2Life wellness event with @Frostmag”

Black and Brown is hosting an Alive2Life wellness event in advance of October’s Lupus Awareness Month

Nutrition and what goes into the body often has an impact on what comes out, including hair growth. Food Doctor’s Anne-France Rix and award winning hairstylist Errol Douglas will be appearing on Saturday 15th September at the Alive2Life event, offering helpful advice about styling options for people experiencing hair loss caused by illnesses such as Lupus. Taking place at the De Vere conference centre, in Canary Wharf, the holistic event will promote healthy wellbeing and is the brainchild of Stephanie Jarrett, 26, who developed extreme reactions to her usual body products, after being diagnosed with Lupus in 2008.

Errol Douglas, hair stylist says, ‘I’m passionate about the role my industry plays in contributing to confidence in both men and women through the right cut, style and look for the individual. Everybody has their own look, and I love being part of my clients discovering what works for them…and rocking it!’

Stephanie Jarrett, organiser of the Alive2Life event reveals, ‘At it’s worst, I found that my skin and scalp were suddenly so sensitive to products that I’d been using for years, and the resulting soreness and hair loss were really devastating. This led me to found Black and Brown, sourcing natural and organic products, free of harmful ingredients to help others in the same position.’

Errol Douglas will host a Q&A session and encourages readers to submit their hair loss styling questions via Facebook or online, for a chance to win free tickets.

The specialists will be in good company, as an outstanding panel of experts will also be on hand to impart their collective wisdom at theAlive2Life event. Speakers from a multitude of industries ranging from skin care’s Lucy O’Brien to trichology with the Philip Kingsley Clinic’s Glenn Lyons, who will also be in attendance.

For more information about the event visit www.alive2life.co.uk