Arthr – Improving Every Day Living With Arthritis by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Often it’s the little things which people take for granted that can be a real issue if you have arthritis.

Powered by the charity, Versus Arthritis, Arthr’s design team, led by ex-LEGO designer Adam Vaughan, aims to make everyday life easier for people with arthritis without taking away their sense of dignity and style. They involve arthritis-sufferers themselves in product design, to ensure optimal value and utility.

The project was developed in response to research, which showed that:

  • 52% of people with arthritis aids admit to hiding their products when friends and family visit, choosing to struggle without, as they are ugly and reinforce their condition
  • 43% say there is not enough choice of products that have both form and function, and still provide a sense of dignity and independence

100% profits of the profits from Arthr go back into the charity so it’s a double whammy for arthritis care and well done to founder Bobby Watkins for this brilliant initiative.

Getting in and out of the car is a good example, and the clever Car Door Mate helps restore confidence and self-respect. Attaching discretely to the inside of the car near the driver’s door, it holds the door securely open, and can be held onto whilst lifting oneself out from the car seat. The ergonomic design helps relieve strain on the lower body and allowing the individual to get in and out of the car with ease.

The G-Hold tablet holder is great for people trying to work from home, or who simply enjoy playing games on their tablet, allowing them to hold it for long periods without pain, because the hand can remain in a relaxed position, thus reducing strain on fingers and wrist. It can be bought on its own or as part of the comprehensive Working From Home package.

There’s also a mobile phone holder, various gardening aids and toilet aids – all well-thought out to maintain normal life wherever possible.

Take a look at the website for their full range of products. They can also be bought from Amazon, Ideal World Shopping and eBay.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Feeling a bit stressed? Would these products help? Let’s have a try…

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V&YOU purports  to help you achieve the balance you need on any particular day. Not a bad thing, given the rather strange times in which we are living as Covid-19 traipses around the world. So they have just launched three CBD products, including V&YOU CBD pouches, which are a new, convenient  way to consume CBD.  You just pop the pouch between your cheek and gum and leave for up to 30 minutes.

Its other products include &CALM CBD Oil Drops and &CALM CBD Oil Spray.

I have tried the spray and oil drops, only  a tiny bit at a time and found it soothing but haven’t tried the pouches, which  is a new concept to the UK – one that is popular across the continent. The pouches are available in the following flavours: Citrus, Berry, Mint and Natura flavours,  Each product includes 15 pouches that each contain 20mg of CBD. Simply pop the pouch between your cheek and gum.

All V&YOU products are priced from £9.99 and are available to buy from https://vandyou.com/

Cannabidiol (CBD) is extracted from cannabis and has been proven to help treat a number of ailments with extremely high success rates. V&YOU say that it is a common misconception  that CBD contains psychoactive ingredients but it simply isn’t accurate. Cannabis or marijuana plants contain multiple components and only one of those components is psychoactive: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). None of V&YOU’s products contain THC.

If you wish to know more:

See Net Doctor. Also MHRA statement.  

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Is this the greatest football film ever!? | Wonderkid highlights football’s big issues! 90min Daily

 

Margaret Graham

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What being a writer means to me by Margaret Graham, aka Annie Clarke and Milly Adams

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I have just written the fourth in the Home Front series, set in a North East pit village during the 2nd World War. My mum was born in a northern pit village, I spent much time there as a child, staying with my Uncle Stan. As an author I keep returning to the north, wanting to honour the people I came to know, and of course, my Mum.

Perhaps that’s what writing means to me? To be able to unpick my past, and my parents’ past, and weave it into a novel to say – hey look, this is the world then, here is the stoicism, the courage, the community, the uncomplaining strength of the women, and the men.

Certainly my first novel was based on incidents in my mother’s life. My first book was taken so I had to learn the craft on the hoof and in public. That first book was flawed, but driven by the theme of courage and endurance it kept on course. I would say that about ten years later  my understanding of the craft was in place: the required structure, with the novel opening in the main character’s normal world, but at a point of change, the rising arc of tension, the crisis point two thirds of the way through, and then the last third of the book. Keeping  in one point of view in a scene to encourage reader empathy, have a theme – the message if you like, and antagonists to thwart the main character on their ‘journey’.

I learned that writing is a team effort. First try and find an agent. Which means having at least the first three chapters written. I was so lucky, and found Vivien who was willing to take on a raw writer, with four children, and a giddy personality. She happened to know that Catherine Cookson was about to leave her publisher, and here was MG with a novel about the north east. Into that slot I went.

When taken by a publisher there is a team behind the book: the jacket designer, the marketeer, the Publicity Dept, and crucially the commissioning editor, add to that the copy editor, and the proof editor. What they need from the writer is a novel delivered on time, a willingness to listen to the commissioning editor who can see flaws in the book, ones which need to be rectified – to a deadline.

Nowadays, there is the option of self-publishing, which given that the PR department of a publisher expects a great deal to be done by the author is certainly a feasible option, but do use the services of an editor to sort out the book.

But is that all there is to being a writer?

Not for me. Perhaps it’s the way I was brought up: if you have a skill, share it. So  I do. I began to teach creative writing ages ago and perhaps I gain more from this than those I teach. On the whole those eager to learn are  so interactive, such amazing fun that every group I have ever worked with has just ‘rocked’. Some haven’t gone on to write, but the discipline of organising their thoughts, and planning their work has allowed them to decide what it is that really appeals to them, and off they go, setting sail in a different direction.

I have set up a charity, Words for the Wounded, which uses writing competitions to raise funds, (not this year, just in case Covid side swipes us and we can’t continue, but back next year) and through which I also edit veterans’ novels, and work with them, page by page. We are a small charity, run by four of us, Dick who does IT, Jan Speedie, a book reviewer, and Penny Deacon, a crime writer. Every penny raaised goes towards helping the veterans. We’ve done a Mud Challenge, a sky dive and all sorts of things. Next year Hadrians Wall.  Would I have had the confidence to get that started unless I had an understanding of the writing world – NO.

I am editor of Frost Magazine where we have a great team of writers, and of course our managing editor, and owner, Catherine Balavage, a fount of wisdom, and not a slouch as an entrepreneur, writer and actor herself.

Being a writer for me, does not mean shutting yourself in a garret and writing in isolation. It is important to be out in the everyday world, which  is grounding. In addition you are observing endless fascinating scenes, you are prevented from being precious. And just perhaps you are writing books and magazine stories that give pleasure, and importantly, helping other writers  some help along the way.  Not a bad way to earn a living …

The latest Annie Clarke: Christmas on the Home Front is available on Amazon.co.uk

 

 

 

HISTORICAL NOVELIST NICOLA PRYCE ON HOW SHE APPROACHES HER RESEARCH

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My books are set on the south coast of Cornwall, 1793-1800, so it’s wonderfully fitting that Cornwall’s new archive centre has moved to the old Redruth Brewhouse, built in 1792. The former Brewery has been transformed and incorporated within it is Kresen Kernow which houses 1.5 million records, covering 850 years of Cornish history. I believe there are fourteen miles of shelving!

I loved the Records Office in Truro, but this new centre is fabulous. Starting with the user friendly catalogues, the e-mail lists of chosen archives, the spacious research rooms, and the efficient and charming archivists, it adds to the serious problem of deciding when to stop researching and start writing!

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Other writers tell me they start with a kernel of an idea, a spark that fires their interest, and they expand it from there. I, however, like to start with the whole picture, gradually narrowing it down to the themes I want to explore.

I began my journey into historical fiction knowing the place I wanted to set my stories in – an area I have loved for thirty years. The date was an easy decision because since my Open University degree I’ve been mildly obsessed with the end of the Eighteenth Century, and as the books were to be set on the coast I had a community of shipbuilders, fishermen, clay speculators, merchants, and landowners around whom I could weave my stories.

Hoping my books might make a series, I decided to keep separate areas of research for each book and not cram everything into the first. It was a matter of holding back. Britain was at war with France and the areas I wanted to research were the high levels of bankruptcy among shipbuilders, raising the Volunteer Militia in the face of the very real threat of invasion, the patent row between the engine builders Boulton and Watt and how it impacted Cornish mining, the influx of French prisoners into the prisons, and building the new Infirmary. So much, and yet there is still so much I haven’t mentioned.

We are spoilt for on-line information. The touch of a key brings facts, dates, names, portraits, maps. We can access academic research papers detailing the lives of shipbuilders, midshipman, physicians tackling tropical fevers and the stories in my head slowly become plausible. But I need to know what I say happens could have happened. Every detail is checked – every inn, every stagecoach, every boatyard, even evidence of a French dressmaker in Truro.

I march round the area. I have a plot that could have happened to people who could have lived in the houses I identify. I have the setting, the time, the characters but missing is the most vital aspect of all – authentic voices of people living at the time.

And that’s where the days previously spent in the Records Office are now spent in the stunning Kresen Kernow. I only feel able to start a new book when real voices jump at me from the pages of primary sources – the threat of invasion, the woeful state of the sea defences, the lists of returns in case of subscription. The writs and legal wrangling that kept the price of tin high. The building of the sea-lock, details of rents charged to the tenants in the new harbour, Charlestown. The shambles at Pendennis Castle. The Naval ships awaiting orders in Falmouth.

The words they use, their tone, their sense of urgency or frustration leap from the pages. I can hear my characters and I can finally start writing.

 

Find out more about Nicola and her novels at: https://nicolapryce.co.uk/

 

Christmas on a Budget by Natalie Jayne Peeke West Country Correspondent

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2020 will go down in history there is no doubt about that as the year when, because of Covid-19,  we were told to work from home for a period of time in order to manage the virus. Steadily things improved but sadly the R rate has risen again. Like many others throughout the country I am wondering what Christmas will bring. but of course, things are what they are, and everyone is doing their best. So what can we do to cut the effort and cost?

So here are some very successful prompts I have used in the past :

  1. Set a budget per person and stick to it. You will have to apply a lot of self discipline here because it is so easy to choose something that you know someone would love but which may not be in your price range. If this is the case put it back, or if shopping on line, move on .
  2. Make your own Christmas cards. This is a great fun and such a lovely festive activity and one that the children can help with. I like to let my children draw a festive picture and I then scan it and print onto card. My relatives love getting a little work of art far more than a generic store bought card.
  3. Secret Santa: I have a sister, a brother in law, a brother and a sister in law. Instead of buying presents for everyone we like to arrange a Secret Santa which is great fun, we set a price to stick to and exchange our gifts on boxing day, if we can meet up under these strange circumstances of course. It is great fun to participate in and no one is left out.
  4. Frozen food. Let’s start with the big bird – the turkey. For the past few years I have substituted a frozen turkey crown in place of a fresh turkey. I have done this because they are so much cheaper, there is no waste and they are easier to cook as you can pick up a pre basted one – so no more dry turkey. Then there are the trimmings. Frozen vegetables are cheaper and you do not have to worry about doing the last minute dash to get the fresh sprouts. Additionally  you only cook what you need and can chuck the rest back in the freezer for another day. However I prefer not to  buy frozen Yorkshire puddings or roast potatoes, as I prefer to make the my own.
  5. Start stocking up now. Put on that mask, use the hand wash and pick up extra non perishables to store away for the big day. I like to stock up on wine, biscuits, crackers, sweets, chocolates and pop. Of course, online outlets have been wonderful at delivering gifts and food over the past few months, so explore all the  options available.
  6. Make your own presents. This isn’t for everyone but I find that homemade gifts are a lot more personal than bought ones. And this can vary from homemade jam, chutneys, cakes and pickles to bath bombs, face masks and wax melts. And for those who are crafty a homemade bookmark or notebook will always come in useful and for the ultimate wow factor you could try making jewellery.

I hope that you can find some help and reassurance from some of these tips that I have used in the past and will certainly use again this year –  depending on circumstances . As we slide into November, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a merry, and safe Christmas.

Dr Michael Mosley and The Fast 800 launch natural shakes delivered to you for post-lockdown health ‘reset’.

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michaelmosley fast 800 shakesLifestyle programme, The Fast 800, has launched 200-calorie shakes, packed with natural ingredients containing essential nutrients that will help to support immune systems across the UK.

High in protein and containing 26 vitamins and minerals alongside an ingredient-list of natural foods the average shopper will recognise, The Fast 800 shakes offer the ultimate combination of nutrition and convenience.

Created by Dr Michael Mosley’s team at The Fast 800, the shakes are founded on scientific evidence suggesting low-carb, fibre and protein-rich Mediterranean-style diets offer some of the best quality nutrition. The Mediterranean diet has been much-praised by the science community, given the abundant evidence showing those who adhere to the way of eating experience long-term weight loss, reduced heart disease and type 2 diabetes risk, amongst other health benefits.

While low in carbohydrates and with no added sugar, The Fast 800 shakes are rich in fibre, aiding beneficial gut flora in producing chemicals that reduce inflammation and support immune function.  These trillions of microbes that live in the large intestine are central to good health and play a significant part in maintaining a healthy immune system.

The fact that each 200 calorie shake also contains 20g protein is also important, because we all need healthy amounts of good quality protein every day to preserve our muscle mass and support our immune system.

Co-founder of The Fast 800, Dr Michael Mosely said accessing quick and convenient nutrition during lockdown has been tricky for many due to the closure of cafes and restaurants. In addition, many of us have struggled with periods of inactivity for a variety of reasons during lockdown, so with the country looking to re-open, now is a great time to reset your health regime with these healthy, natural and nutritious shakes.

“These shakes are packed with natural ingredients, including a quarter of your daily dose of 26 vitamins and minerals in every drink.

“You can read the ingredients list and know exactly what is in them, so they’re a terrific option when the thought of cooking isn’t appealing, or you’re time-poor.

“While I don’t think shakes should be used as a frequent replacement for a well-balanced meal, this is a convenient alternative to the processed foods we often turn to when we are stressed or when fresh food is not easy to access. They are also really helpful when doing a rapid weight loss diet.”

The shakes formula predominantly comprises seeds, nuts and coconut, whey (vegetarian) or pea and hemp (vegan) protein, and sweetened naturally with stevia. The shakes’ naturally higher levels of protein and unsaturated quality fats are the key to keeping you fuller for longer, helping to avoid cravings and endless snacking.

Many meal replacements contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners or simple carbohydrates to improve the taste and counter their low fat content. While cheap to produce, such shakes are not formulated according to scientific evidence and are not ideal for long-term health.

 

  •     Available in vegetarian and vegan bases in three delicious flavours: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry
  •     Shakes cost £18.99 per pack, or £1.90 a shake
  •     Only available via www.thefast800.comand delivered to your door
  •     Manufactured and distributed in the UK
  •     The shakes contain 200 calories per serving when made with water
  •     Simply add 50g of shake powder to a shaker, pour over 300ml of cold water or milk, shake well and drink
  •     Dr Mosley recommends consuming them alongside a diet comprising Mediterranean-style food
  •     For more information, visit www.thefast800.com

 

 

i heart Halloween Cocktails!

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For our final instalment of our Cocktail Month feature it would be simply foolish of us not to include some Spook-Tacular Halloween Cocktails and this week our drinks are brought to us by…

i heart Wines…

…because you don’t just need ‘spirits’ to create a spooky cocktail… get it?? 

What we heart about i heart Wines is that their approach is simply honest in that they want to bring to you a great tasting wine at a reasonable price. That sounds pretty good to me. What’s more, with such distinct and recognisable branding, you may have seen their products in a fair few supermarkets even extending to vendors around the Globe, impressive. Their range is pretty diverse too and includes select wines from Spain, Italy, Hungary and Argentina. So diverse in fact that i heart Wines also heart gin too with both a traditional gin and a pink gin. Quite simply i heart Wines brings to you all the things that people love from their heart to yours. 

So… if you’re planning on a little Monster Mash, Ghost-busting or Zombie Zoom call we have just the tipples to trick or treat. 

i Heart Pinot Noir Halloween Sangria

Ingredients

·       750ml i heart Pinot Noir

·       1 orange (cut into wedges)

·       1 lemon (cut into wedges)

·       30g sugar

·       500ml ginger ale

·       A handful of gummy worms to garnish

·       Mint to garnish

Method

·       Firstly, pour the red wine into the pitcher

·       Squeeze the juice from the oranges and lemons into the wine then toss the wedges into the punch

·       Add the sugar and stir thoroughly until dissolved

·       Optional: if you’re that bit extra chill over night for flavours to fully develop

·       Just before serving, add the ginger ale and a handful of gummy worms and mint leaves to garnish

 

i Heart Merlot Halloween Punch

Ingredients

·       750ml i heart Merlot

·       750ml Rum

·       150ml lime juice (fresh)

·       150ml triple sec

·       170g simple syrup

·       2 limes (sliced into thin wheels)

·       2 red oranges (sliced into thin wheels)

·       Handful of raspberries and blackberries

Method

 ·       Firstly, gather all the ingredients together

·       In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine the i heart Merlot, rum, lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup, lime, oranges, raspberries and blackberries

·       Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for two hours before serving (overnight is better)

·       Serve over ice in punch glasses and enjoy!

For an extra spooky punch, why not decorate the punch bowl with fake spiders or cobwebs? Maybe even some floating eyeballs.

The i heart Wine collection is available from various stockists including but not limited to Amazon, Tesco, Ocado, Nisa and Spar. 

To find out more about the brand please visit;

iheartwines.co.uk