Tag Archives: Advice

New network launches to support young people inspired by recent sporting success

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sport for young peopleThe Performance Sports Network launched online this week to help aspiring and dedicated individuals aiming to become professional sportsmen and sportswomen. Anyone can make a difference by supporting young athletes and can go a step further by offering sponsorship, opportunities and special deals through the network.

Young people are encouraged to request whatever support they need for any sporting goal they are trying to achieve. That might be for equipment, training space, mentoring, coaching advice or sponsorship and they can easily post a video to show their talents. Once a request is made others can respond by making an offer directly to the individual.

“As soon as a request is created they can begin receiving support and proposals from peers, coaches, experts, organisations and sponsors,” explained network founder Chris Davis.

“As a football coach I see lots of kids who hope to make it as a professional. I know their chances are very small but I don’t believe this means they shouldn’t try. I believe that if anyone wants it enough they should have the best possible chance, regardless of their background. This network can provide everyone with access to experts, resources, opportunities and mentors to help and support them.

“We see how important Andy Murray’s backroom support is to him. Everyone from his coach Ivan Lendl to his mum and everyone in between has helped him succeed. We all need that sort of support – young children right through to college and university athletes,” Chris said.

“Very few of us may make it to Wimbledon or Wembley but there are lots of other opportunities in sport that dedicated training and learning open. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There’s an inspiring saying I like that goes something like ‘Aim for the moon and even if you miss you’ll end among the stars.’ This is true for people wanting to get involved in professional sports. ”

As well as acting as a portal for any individuals to find help, the network has regular opportunities for training and experiences open to members. “This is a performance sports network but there is nothing exclusive about it. We want to provide everyone with equal access to quality sporting help and opportunities, regardless of background, educational level or location.”

Why did Chris start the network? “Like most kids when I was a young I wanted to be a sports star. I played most sports and at times when I was doing really well I thought it might be possible to make it as a professional,” he confessed. “But it’s hard when you are growing and moving up through the age groups. I was a good bowler and played cricket for the county, but one year I grew a few inches and suddenly my run up had to change and my bowling really dropped off. That type of set back can be enough to put an end to those dreams if the right support system is not in place.”

The performance sports network offers unique services and support tools for members “We are always looking for partnerships to offer the best possible opportunities to members. We are currently initiating a scheme to give people feedback on their own sporting videos. Video analysis can be really powerful and a great training aid, but not everyone has access to it. We invite people to share their videos and we can put them in touch with people who can give them constructive feedback and support. We hope to develop this into our own Sports App,” says Chris.

Sports coaches, personal trainers, suppliers or performance experts can offer their own expertise, products, services and expertise to help dedicated individuals. “Maintaining a career in sport often leads to coaching and related careers such as fitness or nutrition. We give people involved in sport many ways to promote themselves, their products, services, skills, courses and expertise. We want to encourage more people to give something back and share their own experiences with the next generation,” said Chris.

The Performance Sports Network helps people to achieve their sporting goals, learn new skills, overcome obstacles and achieve more. It is free for young people, organisations, experts, mentors and potential sponsors to register.

Sign up for free at http://performancesport.addmysupport.com

Margarine and health, removing the confusion on dietary needs

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A big, fat confusion

We all need fat in our diet, but knowing which types can often be confusing.

The Fat Information Service (FIS) is supported by a group of expert dietitians, nutritionists, lipid experts and GPs to give the low down on the role of fats and oils in our daily diets. It aims to offer clear information to help identify good fats from bad fats and to support informed dietary choices needed for good health.

The following e-feature bulletin from FIS explains why findings published this week regarding the changing trends in the UK’s fat consumption are both concerning and potentially life-threatening.

Get to know your fats

Dietary fats are classified by their chemical composition, and can be either saturated (as found in animal products such as butter) or unsaturated (found in vegetable-based products such as spreads and  margarine).

When choosing fats, we are advised to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle[1]. This is because clinical research clearly illustrates that risk of developing heart disease is reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats[2].

Sorting fact from fiction

A worrying new report suggests that Britons are increasingly shunning evidence-based advice and are choosing butter over spreads and margarine, believing it to represent a purer, more natural alternative.

Commenting on these findings, nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire from the Fat information Service (FIS) says: “Consumers should not be concerned about the notion of margarines and spreads being ‘highly processed’ or ‘packed full of additives’.

 

“The primary ingredients in margarine include vegetable or plant seed oils, water, milk and salt; all of which are naturally sourced.

 

“Processing of spreads is necessary to ensure that the natural oils are combined with other ingredients to develop a smooth consistency for spreading. The only additional step used in making margarine compared to the production of butter is the initial process of extracting the oil from seeds.

“Although spreads do contain additives, many of the colours used are natural and vitamins A and D are added by law. And whilst they contain preservatives, their use is strictly controlled and regularly reviewed to ensure they are entirely safe in the quantities consumed.

“The bottom line is that margarines, when consumed in moderation, represent a healthy, natural choice for consumers”.

Dangerous consequences

 

So what consequences might these unfounded myths regarding spreads and margarine have on the UK population if they remain unaddressed?

 

Sara Stanner adds: “With heart disease already the UK’s biggest killer[3], the recent surge in butter sales is worrying news for the health of the UK population.

 

“More than  half of the fat found in butter is saturated fat.  Scientists agree that a high dietary intake of saturated fat raises the level of total and bad cholesterol in the blood, which increases the risk of heart disease.

 

“In contrast, spreads made with vegetable oils contain less saturates and a higher proportion of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, which help reduce cholesterol levels when substituted for saturated fat.

 

 

“At the end of the day our food choices are driven by what we enjoy, but consumers who prefer the taste of butter should be advised to use it sparingly and opt for vegetable oil blends where possible, in order to maintain good health. ”





Fat Information Service tips 


 


As in all aspects of a healthy diet, balance is key and dietary fats are no exception. While unsaturated fats (such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) offer significant health benefits, getting too much of any type of fat can be damaging to your health.


 


Whilst it’s not desirable to increase the total fat content of the diet by simply adding them to your diet, replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats will help you achieve a better balance for your heart and overall health (along with a healthy diet and lifestyle).


These tips will help show you how:


ü  Switch to lower-fat dairy products, like reduced-fat cheese, low fat yogurts, and skimmed or semi-skimmed milk to reduce your intake of saturated fats.


 


ü  Swap butter for small amounts of spread or margarine as this can help reduce your saturated fat intake. Spreads are also fortified with other vitamins and can help supplement your diet with key nutrients. Additionally, spreads made from seed oils contain essential fats, omega 3 & 6; these are fats that your body cannot make and you thus have to take in via your diet.


 


ü  Choose lean cuts of meat, poultry or oily fish rather than fatty or processed meat products. Make sure you trim any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken or turkey before cooking.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Celebrities Who Lie About Their Age: Is It Ever Okay To Lie About Your Age?

			
						

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Jessica ChastainWe live in a society where (some) people are obsessed with age. In fact it is one of the questions people most ask when they meet me. I find this annoying and rude. As my friend Jack Bowman says, ‘Ages and wages are never discussed’.


Although I find it annoying being asked how old I am I would never lie about my age and I certainly don’t have an issue with it. Even though I seem to be marching through my twenties pretty fast! The problem I have with being asked my age, especially in a social situation, is because it is rude, and why does that person want to know? Getting older is actually a blessing. I have a friend who died when she was 16 and another when he was 22. They would have loved to have grown old. I also believe that life gets better the older you get. When I was a teenager I never felt I fitted into my own skin.


It would seem that not everyone agrees with me on this, especially celebrities. Even though actresses in their 40s are not only still being employed, but thriving, some are still lying about their age. Or being very vague about it.


I have to admit, as an actress, I sometimes think I might be wrong. One of my favourites actresses, Sandra Bullock lied about being younger!: “I lied two years ago to get this part in Love Potion #9. They said, ‘We want an older scientist.’ I go there and I say I’m 29. After a while, you have no idea how old you are because you’ve lied so many times. I always said I would never lie, but one time, when I didn’t it worked against me. So I figure you just keep them guessing.”  Nicki Minaj, Rachel McAdams, Nicole Scherzinger and Jennifer Lopez have also been caught lying about their age by a few years. Which makes me wonder what the point is.


In fact this magazine was the the first to notice that Paloma Faith was lying about her age, and this even resulted in her real age being reported in a recent interview with the ES Magazine. Congratulations on coming clean Paloma. Doesn’t it feel great?


Other celebrities who are lying about their age include:


Agyness Deyn knocked six years off her age: “When I decided I would really do modelling I was like 18, and I think at the time that was quite old for a new face, so we knocked off a few years,” she admitted to The Guardian in 2012. “I’m 29, I feel like that’s the age when you start to think about life. What is this all about? Who am I?”


Jessica Chastain is incredibly vague about her age as this article in HuffPo from 2011 states:  “Chastain, who is about 30 but will not disclose her exact age, grew up in northern California and dreamed of becoming an actress from about the age of 5.”  Chastain herself says, “I don’t like revealing how old I am. I played a teenager in a movie recently and Brad Pitt’s wife in another so I like to think I can be any age I need to be.”


I do get her point but actors do look a certain age, and it is usually around their own. A bit of googling reveals Chastain is 36. As beautiful and stunning as she is, she does not look 16 and could not realistically play a teenager.


It is not just women lying, rapper Eminem knocked two years off his age when he was interviewed by Howard Stern. James Blunt also knocked two years off his real age and Nelly took three years off his.


Researching this article has made me feel that if I had to lie to get a part then I would seriously consider it, otherwise: what is the point?


What do you think?


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
5 Ways to Prevent a Car Accident

			
						

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Car accidents are an unfortunate part of driving in the real world, no matter what you do. However, there are some ways you can minimize your chances of getting into an accident. The following are some of the best things you can do to keep yourself and your car safe.


Keep the Car in Good Shape


Prevent Car Accidents
How to Prevent Car Accidents


 


Image via Flickr by Alexandre Prévot


When your car is in good shape, it’ll be more able to handle the issues that tend to lead to getting into accidents. When your tires and brakes are good, you have a much better chance of dodging an accident. When your mirrors are properly aligned and your windows are clean, you can better see what’s either ahead of or coming toward you before it can cause damage.


Keep Yourself in Solid Condition


If you drive when you’re tired, you have a much higher likelihood of having an accident. As well, driving under the influence of even one recently consumed alcoholic beverage can slow your reaction times and muddle your perceptions enough to make an accident more likely. When your condition is at its best, you are more capable of noticing potential problems and heading them off before they become as serious as an accident.


Follow the Laws of the Road


As a good car wreck attorney in Dallas could tell you, following the law is just a good idea. If you don’t follow the law and get into an accident, the law won’t look favorably on your actions and your legal liability could be great. This is particularly the case if there is a large amount of property damage or loss of life because of the accident. If you follow the law, insurance will be more useful if an accident happens and you will be less likely to get into an accident in the first place.


Keep Distractions in the Car to a Minimum


Distracting yourself will only make you more likely to get into an accident. Having a visible screen, an overly bright stereo system or doing things with your phone will all divert your attention. Also, having a serious conversation that could become emotional while you’re driving is also an ill-advised way to go. The fewer things you have around to focus on, the better aware of how dangerous each thing is you’re going to be.


Be Aware of Other Drivers


When you have other drivers around, these are people you can’t control. Don’t imagine you can control them, but you do need to know what they’re doing in your presence. Most of the time this is simple awareness, but every so often you will need to dodge someone in order to avoid getting into an accident. The sooner you know what a reckless or unaware driver is doing, the more easily you will be able to get out of their way. The best way to avoid accidents is to be as far away from the crazy drivers as you can get.


Avoiding accidents isn’t always possible in the real world. However, the above suggestions will make staying out of an accident far easier.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
South West Hair Loss Salon provides help for women like Nadine Dorries and Esther Rantzen

			
						

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South West “Hair Loss” Salon provides help for women like Nadine Dorries and Esther Rantzen who have spoken out about hair loss and thin hair


With celebrities like Esther Rantzen and MP Nadine Dorries highlighting the problems of thin hair and hair loss, more women are seeking out the services of Simone Thomas from Make-up, Wigs and Hair (MWAH) in Bournemouth.


This week Conservative MP and “I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here” contestant Nadine Dorries revealed her own hair loss brought on by a stressful year and her reaction to it. She called the condition a “confidence stealer,” likening it to when women have a mastectomy.


She said: “You’re losing your confidence and you’re losing your ability to go out and actually face the world because you think what identifies a woman are her hair and her breasts.”


Her announcement comes after Esther Rantzen revealed that she has worn a wig for over 30 years because of her own thin hair, but criticised the quality and staying powers of her own wigs.


[image]Simone Thomas who runs MWAH Bournemouth knows exactly how both these celebrities feel as she lost her own hair twice as a result of alopecia and then cervical cancer. Having worked in TV, Film and Magazine Modelling since the age of 18 Simone was forced to look for ways to cover up her hair loss, but found there was little on the market except for cheap and nasty looking wigs.


After taking several courses in Specialist Hair Extensions & Hair Loss Systems Simone set up a business that provides professional makeup services, hair extensions and hair loss systems to clients all over the UK and Europe. She sources the best products and systems and has a range of clientele that includes celebrities, TV companies, photographers and agents.


Simone has recently moved to Dorset from London and has opened her first all encompassing salon in Bournemouth called MWAH Bournemouth – Makeup, Wigs & Hair. Through her research she found there was nowhere in the South that catered for women who have suffered with hair loss from cancer treatment, thinning hair, premature fine hair, receding hair loss, female pattern hair loss, alopecia, trichotillomania, temporary hair loss or women who want thicker longer hair through safe hair extensions that are glue and adhesive free. With over 3 million dying from breast cancer in the region she identified a real need.


Simone says, “At my salon we don’t just find a solution to the hair loss or thinning but try to help with the underlying causes where we can, sometimes referring the client to a therapist and of course making sure that our products are free from any parabens that are linked to cancer.”


Hair loss is always going to be traumatic for the person involved, but as Nadine Dorries says, there is help available for both men and women who suffer from conditions like alopecia and temporary hair loss. MWAH Bournemouth means that there is now an expert service in the South West to help anyone who suffers from this condition.


Further information from www.mwahbournemouth.co.uk or email: mwahbournemouth@gmail.com or tel: 01202 760 003.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Women ‘reluctant’ to believe pregnancy and oral health link

			
						

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Pregnant_woman2More than 20 million women in the UK are reluctant to believe the existing link between poor oral health and pregnancy complications.


In a new survey, two in every three (67 per cent) of women said they did not think the two problems were related while only one in four (25 per cent) said they would take steps to improve their oral health despite knowing it could cause complications during pregnancy.


In the last 12 months the Foundation has reported on a number of scientific studies showing possible links between the two health problems. Research has revealed a 34 per cent reduction in risk of preterm births for expectant mums suffering with gum disease if they underwent simple treatment at the dentist or hygienist.


Further studies have also shown mums who are more able to handle stress in their environment had children with better oral health. Karen Coates, Dental Advisor at the British Dental Health Foundation, encourages all women not to ignore the wealth of evidence suggesting a link.


Ms Coates said: “Taking care of your own oral hygiene is important at all times, but none more so than when you’re expecting a baby. As many women will testify, the significant changes to the body mean taking extra care, and that includes oral health.


“There has been a lot of research that shows poor oral health can lead to complications during pregnancy, and it should not be overlooked. If a good oral hygiene routine means mums to be experience less problems during their pregnancy, it is important to educate this particular group about how they can go about doing just that.


“Many women find that hormonal changes cause their oral health to get worse during pregnancy. Some women find their gums bleed more easily, while people who already have gum disease may find that it progresses more rapidly.


“If you are pregnant, it really is vital to take extra care of your mouth. You should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and take extra care that you are brushing for the full two minutes and clean every surface of every tooth. You should also clean between the teeth using interdental brushes or floss. Visit the dentist regularly as often as they recommend, and cut down on the frequency of sugary foods and drinks.


“NHS treatment is free for expectant mothers up until their child’s first birthday. All you need is to be an NHS patient and to have a current maternity exemption certificate.”


The findings have been revealed as part of National Smile Month, a month-long campaign run by the British Dental Health Foundation. The campaign, which draws to a close on 20 June, promotes three key messages for oral health:


– Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste,


– Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks,


– Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Crowdsourcing For Dummies

			
						

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crowdsourcingfordummiesIf you are a relatively social and have a social media account, or even an email address you will probably know what crowdsourcing is. Not only has it now become popular, but it also has helped business and films. No longer are people with a great idea a slave to a bank or a PR company. What better way to find out how to improve your business than from people who want you to succeed, an audience and customer base who are already built in? What is not to like? Well, there are negatives I am sure but let’s find out more about Crowdsourcing For Dummies. Could this book help?


Crowdsourcing For Dummies by David Alan Grier has a wealth of information. Did you know that Netflix uses crowdsourcing to improve its ability to predict customers movie ratings and L’Oreal used it to create a television advert for a fraction of the usual cost? It really is all about the crowd now. You can use them to build your brand up, marketing, solving problems and to boost your profits.


One of my favourite things about this book is that is goes through all of the different variations of crowdsourcing, including crowdcontests, crowdfunding (very popular), macrotasking, microtasking and self organised crowds. The opportunities out there are vast with the right knowledge.


From the basics to joining the crowdforce and raising money with crowdfunding; I can’t think of anything that is not covered in this well researched book. Part 3 is all about building your skills and I really like the chapter on crowdsourcing with social media. At the very end is the part of tens, and I really liked the Ten Success Stories and  Crowdsourcing blunders to avoid.


This is a very good book. I would definitely buy it if you are even slightly interested in crowdsourcing.


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
How to Stop Being a Couch Potato and Start Enjoying Life

			
						

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Lululemon_Yellow_Yoga


 


It’s no joke: a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to numerous preventable causes of death. A person who is seated for over five hours a day is put considerably more at risk of contracting cardiovascular disease than one who exercises for even just four hours per week. Furthermore, lack of exercise can cause depression or anxiety. If you want to start enjoying life you have to stand up and say no to being a couch potato.


 


Here are some useful ideas to help you get up off the couch and back in the game:


 


    

  • Avoid eating on the settee. The more you get used to doing this the more time you will be able to spend on the couch. Try to make a habit of setting aside time for meals away from the TV.
    • 

  • Rest and relaxation are integral ingredients of a healthy and happy life, but too much idle behavior will do you no good in the end. When you go to sit down in front of the TV, set yourself a limit on the time spent in front of it.
    • 

  • Get rid of your unwanted DVDs and video games. You’ve seen or played them all before and it’s time for something new. You can sell them easily on http://www.musicmagpie.com/ and use the money for a gym membership or a bicycle.
    • 

  • Why not watch TV while riding an exercise bike and THEN see how many episodes of Prison Break you can watch in a row!
    • 

  • Studies have shown that prolonged periods of little or no movement inhibit the effectiveness of one of the key enzymes which break down blood fat. If your occupation requires you to spend lots of time sitting down, make sure to periodically stand up and stretch your legs.
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  • Apply the principle of active transport to your daily life. We spend too much time in a sitting position, even while travelling. Walk or ride a bike, leave early and take the scenic route to work and you’ll feel the benefits of a greater sense of wellbeing.
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  • Get a hobby. Count up the hours you spend on the sofa in a year and think what you could do with that time. If you cut out just an hour of TV time every day just imagine what you could achieve in a year. Whether it’s Ping-Pong or marathon running, find something to suit you and stick at it.
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  • Join a sports team. It could be at your local soccer club or it could be as simple as forming a bowling team with good friends. The commitment necessary to be a valued team player will give you the encouragement you need get off the settee regularly.
    • 



Everybody needs time to relax and a good long couch session every now and again can be good for your state of mind – but too much is detrimental to your health. Don’t think of it as a loss of relaxation time, but rather as time gained socialising, improving your health and extending your lifespan