Tag Archives: cold

Fight Back Against This Season’s Coughs And Colds With 6 Natural Ingredients That Also Bolster Your Immune System

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From Erysimum To Eucalyptus; Heal The Plant-Based Way

The way to get through autumn and winter is with Puressentiel and their fantastic range of products. With Autumn many, many of us will be looking for ways to recover fast and support our immune system, so we can get on with everyday life and bust coughs and colds fast. 

According to research by Puressentiel – uk.puressentiel.com – the brains behind the evidence backed plant-based health products for everyday wellness needs – 36% of Brits have had a cough in the last month and 35% have had a cold in the last month with a third of these respondents claiming that their symptoms were worse and took longer to go away than in the past two or three years.[1]

GP, Dr Nisa Aslam from Puressentiel – uk.puressentiel.com – explains: “From respiratory issues, runny nose, headaches and sneezing to watery eyes, body aches, fatigue and a sore throat, the symptoms of coughs and colds can cause real distress. There is unfortunately no hard and fast cure to coughs and colds, but with 93% of Brits admitting that they have struggled to sleep while suffering from symptoms,[2] and only 22% of Brits saying that they would keep working when they are struck down, finding ways to manage symptoms is vital to stop coughs and colds being so disruptive.

Natural Solutions For Coughs And Colds 

The Puressentiel research discovered that 45% of Brits manage their cough and cold symptoms with at home medicines, 41% said they used painkillers and 40% admit they just rest as much as they can.

But, natural health specialist and chemist and part of the Puressentiel expert hub –  uk.puressentiel.com – Dr Tim Bond – recommends trying natural solutions borne out of nature as a means of easing symptoms and supporting the immune system. 

Natural remedies include any product borne out of nature, including plants and also essential oils. 

 Dr Tim Bond explains: “Using plant-based ingredients, we can help tackle coughs and colds, allowing us to think more clearly and feel more alive. Let’s not allow these frustrating symptoms to dictate our lives and instead, work to lessen the impact they have on our day-to-day life.”

Speaking of the many essential oils shown to ease symptoms, Dr Tim Bond adds: “Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts; one of the functions of essential oils in the plant include antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties as part of the plant’s immune system.[3] As a result, any well studied essential oil product, like the Puressentiel cough cold range is going to be great news for our immune health, vital for winter wellness needs.”

Essential Oils To Ease Symptoms 

The essential oil e.globulus, extracted from eucalyptus, helps to clear mucus from the airways and break up mucus in the lungs, allowing you to breathe easier, plus it has antiseptic properties. “It has been incorporated in many of the Puressentiel cough cold remedies as it promotes bronchodilation as well as Puessentiels Purifying Air Spray,”[4] says Dr Tim Bond. 

Pine bud extract, also known as scots pine, has been found to demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.[5] “Scots pine essential oil is often used to help against respiratory system ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, colds, sinusitis and sore throats,” says Dr Nisa Aslam.  Dr Nisa Aslam adds, “as well as being a key ingredient carefully wrapped into many of the Puressentiel cough cold products, scots pine is also in Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray. This smart product is designed to be used indoors, and combines 41 essential oils — including two species of lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and geranium (pelargonium) — to combat airborne bacteria and viruses, fungal spores, and house-dust mites. A trial in patients with a history of respiratory symptoms showed significant improvements in lung function after just four weeks of use.[6]

What makes Puressentiel’s Purifying Air Spray so special:

  • Used to help prevent viruses, bacteria, mould and improve indoor air quality
  • Helps support immunity
  • Ideal for those suffering allergies
  • Over 18 studies – clinically efficacious, safe and well tolerated
  • 100% plant origin formula
  • Easy to use format
  • Propellent free, alcohol denat-free, aerosol free
  • Used and loved around the globe by shoppers

The Wonders Of Erysimum, Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint Oil

Found in Puressentiel’s new Acti Pure Kids Syrup, erysimum, also known as ‘wallflower’ helps to soothe inflammatory throat pain[7] while lavender essential oil and linalool – a component of lavender-has been shown to increase relaxation and improve sleep while also improving mood. 

“With so many Brits struggling to sleep when they have a cough or a cold, lavender could be the support so many people need,” says Dr Nisa Aslam, who adds: “Linalool has antibacterial and antifungal activity as well as antioxidant and analgesic activity with proven benefits in migraine headaches.”[8]

Another natural support is lemon essential oil, which has been used for thousands of years for various reasons including helping to ease sore throats, coughs, cold and influenza, while also helping to induce relaxation and sleepiness.[9] “Peppermint oil (as well as peppermint leaf) has been used internally to help clear catarrh of the respiratory tracts and helps with inflammation of the oral mucosa,[10]” says Dr Tim Bond. 

Puressentiel: harnessing the power of plants 

Puressentiel’s range of products offer a number of natural respiratory aids to help you to breathe easier when you’re suffering from a cough or cold. “Using the power of nature’s pharmacy and a variety of different essential oils, Puressentiel has developed clinically-proven formulas to relieve bothersome cough and cold symptoms,” says Dr Nisa Aslam. 

For kids, Puressentiel Acti Pure Kids Syrup contains a 100% natural formula made of 100% pure organic honey, natural plant extracts of elderberry and erysimum and vegan vitamin D3, sourced from lichen. 

“This is ideal for soothing and softening children’s sore throats during winter. It helps unblock the nose and supports the body’s natural immunity at the first signs of a cold,”[11] says Dr Tim Bond.  In fact, 100% of parents said their kids felt better after using Puressentiel’s Acti Pure Syrup and considered the product ideal to take from the first signs of a cold.[12]

Puressentiel’s  Acti Pure Syrup:

  • 100% natural with 100% organic honey, erysimum, elderberries and vegan vitamin D3 sourced from lichen
  • Helps soothe and reduce the duration of cold and flu-like symptoms when used at the first signs of a cold 
  • Clears the nose and makes breathing easier, soothes sore throats and supports the body’s natural immunity 
  • Delicious natural taste
  • Suitable for ages 3 and above 

Puressentiel Respiratory Cough Syrup, available from Holland & Barrett contains three aromatic honeys – propolis, marshmallow and elderberry – to help soothe sore throats and supports the body’s natural defences. Dr Tim Bond adds: “This clears the upper respiratory tract by hydrating mucous membranes, reducing irritation and providing a lasting protection to reduce cough frequency.”

Puressentiel Respiratory Cough Syrup ticks all the boxes when it comes to beating coughs thanks to:

  • 100% natural containing plants, essential oils, honey and propolis.
  • Contains the essential oils Peppermint, Eucalyptus radia, Rosemary cineole, Lemon.
  • Helps calm and reduce the frequency of coughs from the first day
  • Sweet honey taste
  • Reduces irritation and provides lasting protection for the mucous membrane.
  • Suitable for ages 7 and above .

To help relieve a blocked or runny noses, Dr Tim Bond recommends New Puressentiel Respiratory Decongestant Nasal Spray, available from Holland & Barrett. “This combines a 100% natural sterile saline solution to soften blocked nasal mucosa in the event of a cold and other nose congestion. Organic rosemary floral water plus the soothing and decongestant essential oils of eucalyptus radiata, rosat geranium, niaouli, ravintsara, as well as propolis help you to breathe more easily.”  It’s also clinically proven to decongest from the first few minutes of use. New Puressentiel Respiratory Decongestant Nasal Spray is:

  • 100% Natural and organic relief for Colds, rhinitis (chronic or allergic), sinusitis, rhinopharyngitis 
  • A unique formula with a blend of: 4 Organic Essential Oils, Hypertonic Sea water, Organic Rosemary floral water, Propolis and Echinacea 
  • Fast, effective, clinically proven relief1
  • Non-irritating and preservative-free
  • Suitable for people with high blood pressure – no corticosteroids or vasoconstrictors
  • Suitable from 3 years plus

To soothe a sore throat, Dr Nisa Aslam suggests Puressentiel Respiratory Soothing Syrup.

“With a combination of plant extracts, seven essential oils and soothing ingredients, such as honey and lemon, this syrup forms a protective film, soothing the throat, pharynx and tired vocal cords, while supporting your natural defences.” 

  • 100% Natural, fast, effective relief
  • Cough relief: soothes irritated mucous membranes that line our throats and cause us to cough and provides lasting protection for the upper respiratory tract
  • Calms cough: reduces irritation and provides lasting protection for the tiny hairs, known as cilia – technical name: mucous membranes
  • A natural, effective, special formula with a blend of: 3 aromatic honeys (thyme, lemon tree and lavender), marshmallow extract, elderberry & propolis
  • Pleasant honey taste
  • Non-drowsy and free from: gluten, colouring and preservatives
  • A formulation with sustainable honey. For every purchase made, Puressentiel makes a donation to the global beekeeper’s network 
  • Suitable from three years plus

For a stronger spray to help prevent ear, nose and throat issues and strengthen the nasal lining’s defence, try Puressentiel Respiratory Nasal Hygiene Strong Jet Spray, which deeply cleanses your nose and helps in the treatment of colds.

  • 100% plant-based formula with plant extracts of organic calendula with soothing and protective properties
  • 100% pure and natural seawater, rich in marine trace elements
  • An alcohol-free, no preservatives, propellant gas-free format
  • Protection against colds or ear infection
  • A 3-in-1 action: gently cleanses, hydrates and decongests with a user-friendly nozzle and multidirectional spray. Ideal for a sensitive and irritated nose
  • The elimination of impurities and reduces the viscosity of mucus
  • The restoration of natural moisture
  • A Medical Device Class IIa

Dr Tim Bond adds: “Plants and nature can really support us when we’re struggling with coughs and colds and Puressentiel truly harnesses nature’s power within its extensive range of products. Let’s help ease frustrating symptoms and recover quickly so we can stop these cough cold perils from dictating our lives!”

Corkcicle Canteen Review

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The Corkcicle Canteen has impressed me, and it takes a lot to impress me. It keeps drinks cold for over 25 hours or hot for over 12. All while looking very stylish indeed. It is stainless steel and easy to clean. This stylish travel mug is amazing. Seriously, travel mugs just got cool, and hot at the same time. See what we did there? Frost loves.

 

Our bright summer Caribbean green Canteen is the perfect little tag along no matter the time or place. This brilliantly built travel mug is perfect for those beach days keeping your drinks cool for over 25 hours, not only is it made for burning hot days, but can also keep your hot beverages warm for more than 12 hours. Great isn’t it?

The Canteen comes not only in Caribbean Green but in multiple sizes and colours to match each individual’s unique style. It also comes in an array of vibrant finishes such as Copper, Lilac and Peach. So grab your Canteen and have a blast.

It’s super key features include:

  • keeps your beverages cool for over 25 hours and hot for over 12.
  • Available in 3 different sizes – Small (265ml), Medium (475ml) and Large (750ml)
  • A shatter-proof stainless steel interior lining that will not affect the taste of your favourite beverage – Plus it makes your Canteen terribly easy to clean.
  • Three industry-leading layers of insulation eliminating condensation and burning hands
  • The Canteen features a leakproof threaded screw top, easy grip sides and a non-slip bottom for all you clumsy ones.
  • Includes a wide mouth for ice cubes and easy filling!

Simply, the most stylish way to keep drinks cool on the go without the hassle of lugging around a heavy cooler. It’s time to start drinking differently.

From £20.

 

The Corkcicle Canteen is available here. 

Win Luxury Heat Holder Thermal Hat & Gloves Set

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Cold isn’t it? Well then don’t we have a treat for you. You can win a luxury Heat Holder Thermal Hat & Gloves Set. Open to both men and women. The competition will close on December the 15th so get your entries in now.

 

win, hats, gloves, thermal, heat holders, winthermalglovesandhats

As far as have ever been tested, Heat Holders are the warmest thermal wear products in the world.

The brand’s signature socks have an impressive tog rating of 2.34, meaning you needn’t ever layer

your socks again!

Now, due to market demand for warming products, Heat Holders has expanded its range – now

offering socks for men, women and children, the brand also offers a range of tights, leggings, hats,

gloves and thermal underwear – with further products being developed!

Check out the various ranges you should be keeping warm in:

 

Hats & Gloves –


Men’s Thermal Gloves – £15.00

Boasting a 1.9 tog rating these gloves will protect your fingers from the biting cold all winter long!

Sizes available: Medium/Large/X-Large/XX- Large, in Black.

Men’s Thermal Hat – £15.00

This ultimate thermal hat traps air closer to the skin so that you stay warmer and cosier for longer.

One size fits all – available in Black.


Hats & Gloves:


Ladies Thermal Gloves – £15.00

Boasting a 2.7 tog rating these gloves will protect your fingers from the biting cold all winter long!

One size fits all – available in Deep Cerise or Black.

Ladies Thermal Hat – £15.00

This ultimate thermal hat traps air closer to the skin so that you stay warmer and cosier for longer.

One size fits all – available in Deep Cerise or Black

 

To win follow @Frostmag on Twitter and Tweet, ‘I want to win Heat Holders with @Frostmag’ or like us on Facebook.  Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz.

Can Regenovex Stop You Doing a Lady Gaga?

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regenovexFor people with injuries or arthritis the cold weather can really hurt joints. No matter what your age, as the health problems of Lady Gaga show. So when Frost got sent some Regenovex to review we send it to some writers with joint problems. Here is what they thought.

Regenovex® Capsules. An advanced formulation designed for daily joint health, one-a-day Regenovex® Capsules are very small and easy to swallow.

Regenovex® Gel is for targeted application on individual joints. Easy to use Regenovex® Gel is dispensed via a pump and can be rubbed on the joint up to 3 times per day.

Our writer said:

It said on the pack that you could take two for the first 10 days and I wanted quick results so I did this. I have had a dodgy knee for a while. It even hurts when I go up and down stairs. I started taking these but t o be honest I did not expect results.

I also put the gel on my knee three times a day when I remember. Which is not all the time. To be honest, the gel does not smell nice, but it is not too bad.

I use both the pills and the gel. The pills until they run out, and the gel even until this day. Is there a difference? Absolutely. The pills and gel worked so much that I did not even notice. I was just walking up some stairs and I realised that my knee had stopped hurting. I had not had a pang of pain for ages. I am going to continue to use the products. I am very impressed.

· Regenovex® Patch is flexible and can be worn for up to 12 hours, making it ideal for day and night use.

Our writer said:

I have shoulder pain. It is a sport injury and it really bloody hurts. I think I have probably just worn my joint away. Which is a nice thought! I use the patch for the full 12 hours. It is easy to use. You can just cut it down to any size you want. Do I think it works? Yes. It does bring relief. I reckon I will be investing in some more.

Regenovex® Unveils How Cold, Damp, British Weather Can Really Affect Our Joints

The link between bad weather and an increase in discomfort from joint problems has been revealed in groundbreaking new research.

In the UK, about 10 million people suffer from osteoarthritis (OA) and many more have undiagnosed joint stiffness. The prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age and is greater in women than in men. About 20% of adults aged 45-64 years and 35% of women aged 75 years or over have osteoarthritis in the knee while about 25% of adults over 50 report disability from severe knee discomfort. All too often, the early warning signs and symptoms of joint problems are ignored or just put down to old age, until they become serious and potentially crippling.

People with joint health issues often complain that the weather and climate can badly affect their health. However, scientists have struggled to prove the association and doctors can assume the perception of increased discomfort is in a patient’s mind.

Now new research from the makers of Regenovex® – a pioneering formulation backed by research to help maintain the health of joints – has shone light on the relationship between changes in weather and an increase in joint health problems such as stiffness. Four out of 10 respondents have even considered moving from the UK to a warmer country because of their joint problems. One in nine (11%) are actively contemplating relocation. Containing two functional ingredients from natural sources – a marine oil and hyaluronic acid – Regenovex® Capsules, from the smart technology experts at Mentholatum, is specifically formulated to help keep joints healthy. The Regenovex® range includes one-a-day capsules, a gel and a patch, all containing a marine oil.

Weather misery…

Adults aged 35 to 75 – with an average age of 50 – who suffer from joint health problems or stiffness were questioned about their experiences with weather-related joint issues.

· More than half (55%) said it was during cold periods, followed by damp weather (45%), wet weather (38%) and frosty weather (19%). Just 4% thought hot weather could trigger joint problems.

· A staggering 72% of respondents agreed that they suffered more from joint problems such as discomfort and stiffness because of the weather.

The biggest joint problem symptoms triggered by weather were:

· Discomfort (63%)

· Stiffness (56%)

· Difficulty getting up when seated (30%)

· Difficulty going up or down stairs (24%)

· Difficulty moving (23%).

Other problems included getting out of bed (20%), bending down (17%) and exercising (15%).

When it comes to the areas of the body that are most affected by stiffness, respondents from the Regenovex® survey cited knees as the worst by more than half (56%), followed by the back (39%), the fingers (26%), hips (25%), hands and neck (both 20%).

Reactions to stiffness triggered by the weather varied:

· A third (32%) said they just put up with it and don’t take any further action

· One in seven would take over the counter painkillers (14%)

· 12% would opt for a hot bath

· Other coping strategies included using a hot water bottle (7%) and seeing a GP or pharmacist (5%).

Physiotherapist, Paul Hobrough says, “Joint discomfort and joint health issues are a huge problem in the UK, with millions of diagnosed sufferers and many others who struggle on in silence. Joints that are stiff or cause discomfort can badly affect quality of life, with many activities we take for granted proving difficult or even impossible, including the health benefits of taking regular exercise.

“I see a large number of patients in my clinics nationally, that report bad weather or the cold and damp as a trigger for their joint aches or make them worse. For a long time these people have been told that it is in their mind however I was delighted to read the latest research from Regenovex, building on a growing body of evidence, that supports the association between weather – especially temperature and air pressure – and increased levels of joint discomfort and stiffness. The Regenovex survey found nearly three quarters of those questioned said the weather could be a joint health trigger, with cold and damp conditions blamed the most and Scientists are now investigating the mechanisms behind this phenomenon.”

Paul adds, “Regenovex is a new generation of joint care preparation, with a unique formulation that helps to support joint health, backed by extensive scientific research. The key ingredients are Bionovex Oil, a marine oil derived from New Zealand green lipped mussels and hyaluronic acid. The Bionovex Oil has a proven anti-inflammatory effect which could relieve the pressure build up in the joint, while hyaluronic acid acts to lubricate and cushion your joints. Regenovex could be a major help in treating joint health problems. It not only helps tackle inflammation along a range of pathways, but it may also improve and maintain the synovial fluid in joints. No other product works this way.”

“I am thankful to Regenovex for providing a possible answer to scores of patients who have until now, found themselves suffering without a solution. Only time will tell the extent to which Regenovex will help these people but vast progress has been made and people feel like they are finally being listened to by the healthcare industry.”

Regenovex is available from Amazon UK and Ebay. Prices include:

· Regenovex® Capsules, pack of 30 capsules: RSP £23.99.

· Regenovex® Gel, 40ml: RSP £11.29.

· Regenovex® Patch, single patch: RSP £2.49.

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.”

 

Londoners Life 23 – by Phil Ryan

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Yes the cold snap is starting to hit London. Weather forecasts predict us being hit with snow flurries very soon. And we all know what London does when 2 centimetres of snow arrives! And just as we were coming to terms with the white death we then then got more scares over an oil depot going into receivership. Now we get stories about also being hit with petrol prices in London shooting up to £2.00 a litre and all of us freezing in our cars as we ran out of fuel in sub-zero temperatures on the M40. (Although I suspect they are just softening us up as they’ll get to that petrol price level within 6 months at this rate anyway regardless of oil depots closing – not including death on the M40) And for the first time ever I briefly toyed with the idea of one of those electric cars as I am noticing more of those blue charging posts as I whiz around town in my gas guzzler. But to be honest when all is said and done they are just old fashioned milk floats with a bit more comfort and zero style. I mean have you seen those G-whiz things. Is it me but does everyone who drives them look huge and somehow ghoulish – little eyes screwed in concentration as they avoid trying to hit a pigeon or a crisp packet which would probably spell instant death for them and anyone stupid enough to be their passenger. They look like damaged egg cartons with comedy tiny wheels where a human has been forced inside like some novelty act from Cirque du Soleil. And you can feel the smug waves coming off them from a hundred feet away. Look at me I’m saving the planet. But to balance it out they all look very weird and devoid of cool and have the tensile strength of a bowl of porridge. And yes I know the new Renault ones look a lot more cool – but still drive a Renault? However London of course is now leading the way with more and more electric vehicles now being put onto our streets to silently mow down children, the elderly and the slow moving. Many London Councils are rolling them out as Council vans and maintenance cars. Quiet death from your local service provider. Perhaps they’re thinning out the vulnerable in a bizarre cost cutting drive nothing would surprise me where local Councils are concerned. (I think Westminster have introduced recently culling of the poor haven’t they?) But the march of the electric car moves forwards. Green yes but you can’t hear them coming!!!! If I had my way I’d fit them all with a loud clockwork toy noise. That’d brighten up your day wouldn’t it?
One observation I’ll make is about the various foreign embassies we have across London. Some of them are in the weirdest of places. For instance Tonga’s embassy is in a residential street off the Hendon Way – how very glamorous. But others have very swish addresses in Knightsbridge and the West End. But my main thought is the amount of protests outside half of them. Concerned citizens of each country seem to now gather on a weekly basis to shout at those inside. I’m not sure the rulers of the various countries are paying much interest and my guess is they’re not actually in the building. The Ambassadors are probably somewhere else too – you know getting piles of Ferrero Roche at some fancy black tie function. So in effect the protesters are shouting at a bunch of secretaries and cleaners. But I realise they have to show these repressive governments that in London at least free speech is fine and dandy. Good luck I say. Although I do get a bit miffed when the protestors attack the poor police folk who turn up trying to keep the peace. I’m not sure it’s sending a signal to Syria to stop killing their own people by punching Constable Smith sharply on the nose. But when they protest here we’ll protect them which of course is right and proper. But then sometimes they shout about the fact that we in Britain shouldn’t let their bad governments stay in power while often shouting anti-western slogans. All very confusing I fear.
Now a new bugbear with me in 2012 is London Theatre ticket prices. They seem to be heading skywards and I’m not sure it’s healthy for good theatre. I realise that with rising rents and costs these shows are costly but come on. Half the theatres are up to £85 for a seat you can actually see the stage from and don’t even get me started on the cost of drinks and snacks. Just like cinemas and service stations it seems that theatres are now operating an ‘alternative universe’ policy. Whereby the costs of normal things are inflated to such an extent that people hand over the cash whilst still in a state of shock. On what world is a bag of Maltesers £5.00 and a glass of wine £9.50! I’d take all the impresarios knighthoods back just like they did to Mr Fred Goodwin. So Mr Macintosh and Mr Lloyd Weber tell me when is it reasonable to pay £5.00 for two mouthfuls of ice cream and £10.00 for a programme? A paperback novel costs less and has had a damn sight more creative energy poured into it. If you honestly want kids and anyone on a low income to embrace the theatre stop being so damn greedy. I originally thought that Wicked and Les Miserables were show titles not descriptions of how the pricing policy works and makes the audience feel.
Finally more rip off nonsense from The Olympic legacy Company. It seems that us Londoners have paid £93 billion pounds to give away land, housing and stadiums to a host of private companies who will charge us through the nose to either visit or use facilities we’ve already paid for! I think every scrap of Olympic housing stock should be turned over to Social Housing – after all it was paid for by the public. And the stadiums should be free to Londoners who paid for them whether they wanted to or not. And look out for the ridiculous concept of Stratford International Station whose train station doesn’t even connect to Europe directly! Instead you have to slope off back to St Pancras. Shouldn’t they just re-name it Stratford Local or something? But when you ask the locals they just shrug and smile about the whole fiasco. Do they care? No. It’s a London thing.

 

Frost's Winter Health Challenge

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Winter can be hard on health and beauty. Skin tends to dry out and constant flues and colds are abound.

Frost has tested some health products to help you survive winter as well as possible.

Moa – The Green Balm is a wonder balm that you can use for anything from dry or chapped hands, to bites and bruises, lip salve, blemishes and can mixed with hot water as a sore throat-soothing drink. It smells good and has a good consistency. It works very well as a moisturiser and is a great thing to have around the house. It really is a do-it-all balm, and it is completely natural. I really liked it and I used it as a lip balm and on my hands. (£4.99 from all good health stores or www.thegreenbalm.co.uk)

Eating well in winter can be hard. The temptation to eat stodgy food and hibernate can be strong, and, lack of sun means that you won’t be getting enough Vitamin D. I started taking 5 Lifestream Chorella tablets a day and felt that I had a lot more energy. My skin looks nice and bright and my hair looks good. I go up to 10 a day and I even lose a few pounds. I feel like I’m been given a good health boost. Chlorella is filled with the immune-boosting vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy. Lifestream Chlorella (£15.29 for 300 tablets from all good health stores or www.grumpygorilla.co.uk). Renowned as nature’s won multivitamin, chlorella is packed with more than 20 vitamins, minerals and amino acids and vitamin D.

Those suffering with seasonal joint pain or arthritis could benefit from a daily dose of apple cider vinegar and honey such as Honegar (£4.69 for 500ml from Holland & Barrett and all good health food stores) mixed with warm or cold water. Ranulph Fiennes is a fan. I start drinking it and although I don’t have arthritis I find I feel more cleansed and have more energy. I also have not had a cold or any flu. It doesn’t taste bad either.

I also try out Plj Lemon Juice. It is nice as a refreshing drink, as an ingredient when cooking or mixed with Manuka honey and warm water to soothe and calm an inflamed throat. It is a good thing to drink if you are trying to detox, not only does it cleanse but it is quite sweet so can take the edge off any cravings.

PLj Lemon Juice (£2.29 from Tesco, Sainsbury’s and all good health food stores)

All of the products I decided to try are natural and as green as possible.

What do you do to help you get through the winter?

Man-flu: fact or fiction? The Real Truth.

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by registered dietician Nigel Denby

Medical Tests say that very high does of Vitamin C are best avoided as they can cause stomach upsets and kidney stones.

Is there really a strain of flu to which men are more vulnerable? Or, is ‘man-flu’ simply about blokes being less able to tolerate the symptoms of the common cold?

It’s long been a subject of debate, but partners of man-flu sufferers will doubtless be familiar with the inability to cope and function when the dreaded lurgy strikes.

The scientific community is as unsure about the validity of man-flu as the rest of us. In 2009, a study claimed to prove beyond doubt that man-flu was a real phenomenon. However, after closer analysis, it was criticised as being irrelevant because the researchers were looking at mice not humans, and bacterial infections rather than the viral infections which cause flu.

Other researchers from Cambridge University suggested in 2010 that flu symptoms could be more common and virulent in men than women because of a reduced male immune system. This theory was backed up by another study from the University of Queensland which in 2011 reported that in order to ensure the survival of the species, women’s immune systems were more robust than men’s, making men more susceptible to flu. However, despite these theories, according to the Office for National Statistics, women take twice as many sick days than men. So, the jury is clearly still out.

With winter fast approaching, man-flu, or indeed any other type, is on the horizon. So what can you do to prevent it or speed up recovery if you’re unlucky enough to be struck down?

COLDS versus
Comes on gradually
Sneezing, blocked up nose
Mild temperature changes
Lasts up to a week
3-4 day recovery period
Does not lead to serious complications

FLU
Strikes suddenly
Impossible to get out of bed
Fevers, chills, aching muscles, fatigue, headaches, sore throat
Can last for up to 10 days
2-3 week recovery period
Can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia

The power of the immune system Flu and colds are caused by viruses. This means antibiotics are ineffective when it comes to treating them. A strong immune system is the cornerstone of warding off viral infections and the best ways to keep this in tip top condition are:
Feed it the nutrients it needs

Support the immune system year round with probiotics like Actimel, targeting the body’s natural defences

Limit undue strain on the immune system from stress, late nights, smoking, excessive alcohol and poor hygiene

Nutrition
Garlic contains allicin which is believed to boost immunity

Omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and flax seeds helps cells in the respiratory system fight infection

Vitamin A is found in yellow and orange vegetables like sweet potatoes, peppers and carrots
Lean meats and particularly offal like liver or kidneys contain nucleotides needed for the repair of cells and for the production of immune cells

Zinc found in shell fish and whole grain cereals is needed for a robust immune system
Support

Your digestive system plays a vital role in your body’s natural defences. Up to 70% of your immune system is thought to be controlled by the gut and the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is an important factor for immunity

A daily probiotic, designed to support your body’s natural defences is an easy, effective way to stay in tip top condition throughout the winter

Poor personal hygiene means your immune system is bombarded with harmful germs, bacteria and viruses, and less able to fight off cold and flu viruses when they come along

Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of attacks on your immune system, especially after using the bathroom, coughing, sneezing and before and after preparing food

Speeding up recovery

No matter how well you look after your immune system, you’re
likely to pick up a cold or flu. Here are some tips for getting rid of
a cold sooner:

Garlic is a proven antibacterial and decongestant, add
garlic to soups, pasta sauces and casseroles

Thyme and eucalyptus oils may help to clear congestion,
add drops to boiling water and inhale

Ginger and chilies are stimulating spices which can act as
decongestants

Echinacea is thought to stimulate the immune system

Zinc lozenges may also help to halt a cold, possibly by
destroying the virus

Photo by Sarihuella