Gym club owner to swim channel for childhood friend’s son

Lisa Auchinvole, 40, aims to raise £10,000 to support Action Duchenne charity for muscle wasting disease after friend’s son diagnosed.

Lisa Auchinvole, successful owner of tfd health and fitness club in Wantage, Oxfordshire, is attempting to swim the English Channel at the beginning of September. Lisa has been training for over a year for the swim which, dependent upon the weather conditions, will take place on 4th, 5th or 6th September. 40 year old Lisa is undertaking the personal challenge with the aim of raising £10,000 for Action Duchenne, the charity dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Lisa’s childhood friend Trudi Carpenter has an eight year old son, Adam, who is living with Duchenne. The life limiting disease is caused by damage to the dystrophin gene and affects 1 in 3,500 male births in the UK.

Under the rules of the Channel Swimming Association (founded in 1927), Lisa’s swim must be undertaken from Dover to Cap Gris-Nez in France, in just a swimming costume, hat goggles and grease, accompanied by a pilot boat. The boat helps to steer a safe path through the waters and provide food and drinks (with no direct contact) during the swim, which takes an average of 12-15 hours, starting in the early hours between 2 am and 3 am.

During her training Lisa has been getting used to swimming front crawl for long distances in lakes, rivers and the sea across the UK, in water averaging 15 to 17°c. In June she swam across Lake Windermere and recently from Portland to Lulworth Cove, Dorset – a five hour swim. Her most recent and final training session was a non-stop 12 hour swim in an unheated pool at her own health club.

According to Lisa, “The Channel swim is a challenge for me personally and to raise as much money as I can for Action Duchenne. I am hoping to finish in about 12 hours, but I must admit I am nervous about the recent reports of sharks. I have been asked how I will endure the tiredness and pain - to me it is just for one day in my life, I do not have any of the challenges that Trudi and Steve have every day.

“I was devastated when I learnt of Adam’s condition and wanted to support the family as best I can. This event is just part of a tireless fundraising campaign that Trudi and her husband Steve run to raise money for the charity. Action Duchenne funds vital research and drug trials that could make an enormous difference to the life of Adam and other boys and young men living with Duchenne.”

Trudi Carpenter said; “We are overwhelmed by the support that we have received from families and friends since we received the devastating news of Adam’s condition when he was four years old. Lisa’s commitment to our cause with her channel swim shows us just how much she wants to give her help and support and will be a tremendous achievement.”

The former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies has sent words of encouragement to Lisa, who won medals for Oxford as an under 11 swimmer and was a county competitor in her teens. To donate to Lisa’s channel swim, please visit www.justgiving.com/lisaschannelswim.

Nick Catlin CEO at Action Duchenne commented; “Through the dedication and commitment of our many supporters we are starting to make a real difference. Recent results from trials have shown that progress has been made in combating this devastating disease. It is the tireless campaigning and fundraising from our friends, families and supporters that has made this possible.”

Smokes? E-Cigarette Direct has a competition for you

E Cigarette Direct, the manufacturer and retailer of the Smoker’s HALO Electronic cigarette, is encouraging smokers and vapers (e-cigarette users) to enter a competition to win one of up to 10 e-cigarette kits.

To enter the competition, smoker’s simply need to say how they have spent or would spend money saved from switching from tobacco to electronic cigarettes.

“UK smoker’s can save £1800 pounds a year or more by switching to e-cigarettes,” explained Managing Director Jean Rasbridge.

“In these hard economic times £1800 can make all the difference.”

Many vapers and smokers have already entered the competition. Smokers who have already switched to the electronic cigarette said that they have spent money on finishing off degrees, going on holidays, paying off debt, starting an online business - and buying more e-cigarette kits for friends and family.

For more information about the competition or to enter, visit the ECigaretteDirect blog.

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First Ever Living Memorial Orchard

Orchard Created As Living Memorial For Male Cancer

The UK’s only Plum Festival has joined forces with the male cancer charity Orchid to help them raise awareness of testicular cancer and how to detect it.

Together they are creating UK’s first-ever Living Memorial Orchard just outside Pershore, home to the Festival. Traditional varieties of plum trees to include Rivers Early Prolifics; Pershore Purples; Pershore Yellow Egg and Pershore Emblem; Heron and Czars will be planted in November in memory of those who have died from male cancers.

Each tree will cost £45 and this will include the tree itself, planting, tree guard and supports, ongoing maintenance and a plaque. People will also be able to visit their tree during the year. The orchard will be managed by Vale Landscape Heritage Trust, a charity dedicated to saving and managing threatened orchards and wetlands throughout the county.

Commenting on the Living Memory Orchard, Angela Tidmarsh, Plum Festival organiser, said: “The region has lost 80% of its orchards since World War 2. How wonderful to restore such a traditional part of our landscape in memory of loved ones. Not only do orchards look beautiful in blossom, the fruit produced will be sold to further support the work of both charities. They’re also a haven for wildlife and where appropriate sheep and cattle are grazed in them too.”

The Plum Festival takes place on August 29th - Bank Holiday Monday. Matt Wakefield, a testicular cancer survivor, will be sitting in a bath of plums on the day to get the message across to men about the importance of regularly checking for the disease. And the best place to do so is in the bath.

27th – 29th August – Pershore Plum Fayre Day and Farmer’s Market Pershore goes plum crazy with a host of events and entertainment including every shop turning their windows purple. Also the largest display of classic and vintage cars in the West Midlands.

Plum Alley will be open every Saturday throughout August selling everything plummy – from the fruit in its original state through to sausages and soap. The bells of Pershore Abbey have been ringing out a peal to welcome visitors to the town every weekend in August.

Which? report: Independent opticians better trusted with UK’s eye care

Independent opticians are a safer place for people to have their eyes tested and get new glasses – as claimed in a new Which? report.

Richard Pakey,a self-styled champion of the UK’s 3,000 independent opticians, has welcomed the consumer report.

In a number of tests, researchers got a higher standard of eye test from independents than they did at the big chains.

Richard is the founder of specialist optical growth company Independent Practice Growth UK and himself a dispensing optician.

He said: “This clearly shows smaller opticians can offer higher standards of eye healthcare.

“That’s not a big surprise. When you use an independent optician, you are highly likely to be dealing with a business that is being run by the owner.

“When someone’s name is above the door there is a higher level of pride in the work that is done. I know hundreds of independent opticians, and most take personal responsibility for the quality of eye healthcare in the practice.”

He added: “That’s different from the big chains, where you typically deal with different employees at every visit, who just want to process you quickly to hit targets.

“Is that really how we want eye healthcare to be in this country? Or do we want people to build up long-term healthcare relationships with experts who own the businesses they are dealing with?”

Richard pointed out that a visit to the opticians isn’t just about identifying and correcting vision problems.

Eye tests can also detect diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes and high blood pressure.

He believes that the free eye tests and 2 for 1 glasses deals advertised by the chains should be banned, as they make people devalue the importance of regular eye tests.

Richard said: “When you regularly visit a trusted independent optician who knows your history you will actually see much better value for money with more thorough eye exams, more time to ask questions and generally a higher level of care.”

Richard Pakey owns two independent opticians practices in Hertfordshire & Essex.

He founded Independent Practice Growth UK to help other practice owners fight back against the multiples and cheap glasses websites.

Richard’s first book “It’s Time to Fight Back” was published in February 2011.

(EDITOR: Banned? What? Like in a communist society with no freedom of choice? From that remark Richard could be seen as wanting to go back to the bad old days when we wearers of glasses had no choice but to visit the only optician in our town, no matter how good or how bad he was, or how expensive.

Whilst there are horror stories about some large chains -for example, there is one who offers a 60 minute service that in reality takes three weeks, yet you are still charged a premium price for the non-existent 60 minute service!- there are also plenty of horror stories about independent opticians who ruin expensive frames because they decide to repair them with non-standard parts on the basis of: "that will do, they'll never know I did it"  or who have over-charged someone by 300% for what was in reality a fairly cheap pair of frames. And Specsavers, although apparently a national chain is, in reality, hundreds of local opticians all working as part of the Specsavers brand.)

Electronic Cigarettes Help Housewife to Stop Smoking Tobacco Cigarettes after 45 Years

Jackie Castle smoked about 40 cigarettes a day for some 45 years, but when her son and daughter-in-law announced they were to have a baby and that if she didn’t give up smoking she would not be allowed to hold the baby she knew, somehow, that she must give them up.

She tried patches, gum and eventually hypnotherapy but none of these worked, possibly because Jackie didn’t really want to stop smoking. Then she heard about electronic cigarettes.

So she ordered an electronic cigarette starter kit from an online company www.electronic-cigarettes-4u.co.uk and started using them instead of her regular cigarettes.

They looked and tasted similar to conventional cigarettes and could be bought in a variety of flavours and strengths to suit all tastes.

The main difference with the electronic cigarettes is that the liquid nicotine used in them is purified and contains no tar, or any of the over 4,000 other harmful substances that tobacco cigarettes contain. As they do not give off carbon monoxide smoke, but instead a fine vapour that disappears into the atmosphere in seconds, there are no secondary smoke problems that can cause illnesses for the people around you, and they can be smoked on airplanes, in shops, bars, restaurants, bingo and in all the other places that tobacco cigarettes are banned, including public buildings.

Also, there are no problems with yellow teeth, smelly breath, hair or clothing, no brown fingers, room furnishings or car ceilings, no ashtrays full of dog ends and as there is no lighted end, no chance of burning down the house.

They work very simply, you have a battery that looks like the white part of a cigarette and is rechargeable and a cartridge that looks like a cigarette filter and contains purified nicotine known as e-liquid. In between these is an atomizer. When you puff on the cartridge the battery heats the atomizer which in turn heats the nicotine to give you the required "hit" and you breathe in and breathe out just nicotine vapour which vanishes almost instantly.

In addition to the health advantages there are also massive savings as a cartridge lasts for approximately 10 regular cigarettes so that a typical smoker that smokes a pack of 20 per day could save about 80%, enough to pay for an annual holiday for 4 or fill up your car’s tank every week for free.

It looks certain that the use of electronic cigarettes will grow as more countries stop people smoking tobacco products in public places.

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npower employee bikes it to back Macmillan Cancer Support

Npower employee Steven Jones and his friend Rob Smart, both 26 years old and from Stourbridge, Worcestershire, have eschewed the idea of a local bike ride for charity; instead, they have entered the London to Paris bike ride in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. They will be covering 300 miles - or 470km - in just four days, starting from St Pancras station on August 17 and finishing up at the foot of the Eiffel Tower on August 20.

Steve, who works for npower and Rob, who works for Structural Design Partnership Ltd, have been friends since before they could walk, let alone ride a bike. They both attended Greenfield Primary School and then Redhill Secondary; both have done some road cycling in the past, but nothing on the scale of their forthcoming challenge. Steve is a keen downhill mountain biker, and Rob a regular cross country cyclist but London to Paris, a long distance road challenge, is completely different. Both friends have been in training for some time and can now cope with cycling around 150 miles a week.

They aim to raise at least £1,400 each for Macmillan. Steve explained: "This year is Macmillan's Centenary and, speaking with friends and family, everyone has a story to tell of how Macmillan has helped someone they know. Macmillan wouldn’t be able to do the great work that they do without regular financial support - we were looking for a challenge, Macmillan is an incredibly worthy cause; it seemed like an excellent match."

Up until now, they have been riding their off-road bikes but, following a practice ride on the MacRide Elgar, when they borrowed road bikes and found the whole experience faster, easier and more comfortable they are looking to buy road bikes in time for the event.

As an extra incentive, npower, has promised to match Steve’s fundraising, up to £1,000. The fundraising is on track and anyone who is willing to sponsor the dynamic duo should go to www.justgiving.com/teams/london2paris.

Failure of quit smoking initiative strengthens calls for a new approach

New figures showing that under half of smokers succeed in quitting through NHS services have strengthened calls for a radical rethink of the UK’s failing approach to smoking cessation.

The NHS Information Centre announced yesterday that 788,000 people used quit smoking services in England this year at a cost of £84.3m but that worryingly over half of them (384,000) returned to smoking shortly afterwards. Even among those who did quit, many are likely to have returned to smoking in the following months.

The new figures prove the quit smoking policy is failing to save a large proportion of smokers from the most harmful effects of cigarettes, or so says the leading UK electronic cigarette manufacturer, E-Lites.

The company is calling for a closer examination of the benefits of harm reduction, rather than a devotion to smoking cessation, alone.

E-Lites director Dermot Ryan points out: “What these new figures tell us is while quitting services are helpful to many smokers, a majority of them are still not being helped. Perhaps it’s time to look at other options and consider the benefits of harm reduction.

Products like E-Lites provide smokers with the nicotine they crave, but without the harmful carcinogenic effects of tar, tobacco and hidden chemicals. We believe it’s a far more realistic approach for those who cannot quit, or do not wish to quit. If only more people realised the healthier alternatives that are open to them.”

FACTFILE:

E-Lites (www.e-lites.co.uk) was established in the UK in 2007 and is already a leader in its field, producing some of the most advanced electronic cigarettes on the market. The company is expanding nationally and internationally as demand grows for its innovative products.

Its latest range of new-generation E-Lites are the result of extensive UK research and development.

Michael Ryan, one of the founding directors of E-Lites, is also chairman of the Electronic Cigarette Industry Trade Association (ECITA), a representative body which provides advice, guidelines and support to members, as well as working to ensure the correct regulatory framework is applied to such products. For more information, visit www.ecita.org.uk

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Weight loss. It's not rocket science!

Whilst working hard to lose weight, I realised that losing weight is not rocket science. It's more nutritional science, one would suppose.

There's a great deal of science out there, some genuine science and some pseudo-science about diet and nutrition, some of which impacts on how, or if, we can lose weight

For example there is the myth of how much water we must drink, which is said to have an impact on how much weight we can lose. The idea that we must drink a litre or even two litres of water a day has no basis in science whatsoever. There are a number of theories of how and where the myth started, from inaccurate medical research several decades ago. Some researchers even claimed that the myth can be traced back to a BBC science reporter who misread his shorthand notes and so because his shorthand was so poor, accidentally caused misery and confusion to dieters the whole world over.

Whilst it is true that we do need to keep ourselves rehydrated, it is not true that there is some mythical figure for optimum consumption of water, or that other moisture taken in to the body somehow doesn't count. That glass of milk, the glass of diet shake, the tea, coffee, beer and wine (being careful to be aware of alcohol consumption, naturally) the moisture in the food that we eat, all contribute to our overall consumption of water into our body.

Can too much water be harmful? Yes, it can. Some dieters and exercise fanatics who consume vast quantities of water in the mistaken belief that water is very good for one if one is on a diet have found that they can become addicted to water, sometimes with fatal consequences, as too much water in the body can result in brain damage or even, in extreme cases, death.

Water intoxication (or water drunkenness as it is also known) is a result of the electrolytes in the body becoming too diluted. It's not a common problem, but one all dieters who make water a part of their diet regimen need to think carefully about. One pretty rough rule of thumb is, if you are thirsty, drink. And if you are thirsty all the time and have problems with controlling your weight, might it be time to get a diabetes check at your doctor's surgery?

One of the other things I found out whilst looking at ways of losing weight was that, generally speaking, if one wants to lose weight one must ensure that the amount of calories coming on to your body must be outweighed (if you'll pardon that expression) by the amount of calories going out.

This means that if your consume 1,500 calories a day and burn off 2,000, you will have a gentle and sustainable weight loss over a period of time. Conversely if you consume 2,000 calories a day and only burn off 1,500 calories a day, you will have a significant weight gain over a long period of time.

There are many dieting aids available to the weight conscious amongst us, some potions, some pills, some machines and some psychological assistances by way of hypnosis, etc., and it is very much a case of horses for courses. Many of these aids work, but they might not work for everyone, but so long as they assist is in our goal of burning off more calories than we consume, then they are welcome assistances in our fight against being overweight.

There are, of course, no magic pills that will make us lose weight without exercise. Losing weight still requires a degree of dedication and effort on the part of the dieter. Losing weight in a sensible, sustainable way (no starvation diets, for example!) will help to benefit one in a number of ways such as a reduction in the possibility of heart conditions, less strain on joints and so forth.

Weighty matters

As a child and as a young teenager I was, as my mother put it, “almost as thin as a whippet.” Unfortunately at about 16 or so I stopped growing in height and continued growing in width and girth. This problem was mitigated by the fact that I lead a fairly active lifestyle and had, for some years, also had a physically demanding occupation.

Eventually I married and settled in to married life and took up a mostly sedentary job until one day my wife said: “I can't get my arms around you! What on earth do you weigh, now?”

We decided to find out and it was with horror that I discovered that I was weighing a little over 19 stone. We realised that something must be done.

But what?

I decided that the first step I should take to address this issue was to analyse my lifestyle. There were too may snacks. A cake shop that sold yesterday's still delicious cakes and rolls at a large bag for only a Pound was one culprit, another one was a discount shop that sold everything from packs of crisps to tins of beans at remarkably low prices was another. Actually, that's not true. The only culprit was my inability to somehow understand that no matter how cheap something is, it still contains just as many calories as when it was at full price!

A bag of chips at only a Pound a bag might have seemed like a delicious and cheap lunch but they, too, piled on the pounds, whilst saving on the Pounds. My wife is also an exceptionally good cook.

Crisps, chips and sweets were, I decided, not good and so were dropped from my diet.

My wife decided that an increase in the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables we consumed would be a good idea. For some reason I had never been a big eater of fresh fruit, but this was changed as part of our healthy eating campaign. We vastly boosted the amount of fresh vegetables (which I love) so this was not much of a problem. And if one shops carefully, the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables one can purchase is considerable.

I also took the decision to walk to and from our home to my office, which is two miles away. So from only walking at weekends when we went out together I found myself walking four miles a day, or 20 miles a week. My wife has a part time job in the evenings, so I decided to walk to meet her from work every evening, another two miles a day, bringing my daily total to six miles a day, or 30 miles a week.

Within several weeks my wife noticed a difference and over a period of several years my weight fell from a little over 19 stone to 14.5 stone.

There have, of course, been relapses. The odd bag of crisps here, the odd chocolate bar there. The bakery and cake shop owner retired, his premises became a traditional sweet shop, something ele to be avoided, and the discount shop is still filled with bargains, but, on the whole, I have stuck to my resolve and am now looking forward to shedding a further several stone in weight.

Herbalife can help you lose weight

Herbalife produce the Formula 1 Weight Management programme, which is designed at helping you lose that excess weight that snuck up on you when you were not looking!

First of all is the Formula 1 Shakes. These cost £27.60 for a tin and act as a meal replacement. Each measured glass will deliver you less than 220 calories, but it is carefully designed to deliver you high levels of important minerals and vitamins to help ensure your dieting is healthy.

They also contain soy protein and plant-based carbohydrates, which will help you to feel full for longer. They also help ensure that you do not get a sudden drop in energy levels which can make a dieter suddenly find they are not only craving for sugary snacks (like chocolate bars) but that they find themselves running out of energy. They come in the following flavours: Cappuccino, Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, Strawberry, Tropical Fruit and Vanilla.

Sometimes it is not easy to carry a large container of milk shake powder with you when  you are out and about or perhaps at work. In this case the answer lies in the extremely handy Formula 1 Vanilla Sachets. These cost £10.55 for 7 sachets and will deliver exactly the same nutritional punch as the Formula 1 Shakes, but all in the from of a one shot sachet that is easily portable.  

Man and woman cannot live by shake alone -as nobody has ever said!- which is why Herbalife have formulated some nutritionally balanced Healthy Meal Bars, too. These are ideal if you do not have time to make a shake or feel like something you can get your teeth into.

The Formula 1 Bars (£15.30 for 7 bars) are pocket and hand bag or man bag sized and as these tasty bars each contain under 207 calories, you can be sure that they'll help you to reach your target goal in healthy and sustained way.

As with the Formula 1 shakes, they contain soya protein which will help you not only lose weight but to maintain and build healthy muscle tissues, too, when combined with exercise. These bars are also designed to help ensure that you will feel fuller for longer. These are available in the traditional chocolate dipped flavour and also in the new and delicious Red Berry and Yoghurt flavour.

To find out how Herbalife can help you lose weight call 0845 056 0606 or visit http://products.herbalife.co.uk or visit www.myweightlosschallenge.com.

Dieting help for everyone

When it comes to dieting and losing weight, a little help is worth a pound of pity. Over the next several weeks, That's Health will be looking at a number of products that can help you to lose weight.

That's Health will look specifically at meal replacements and supplements that are scientifically and nutritionally designed to help you lose weight as part of a calorie controlled diet.

That's Health hopes that if you feel the need to lose weight to either look better or to feel better -you might have health issues that you are aware will improve if you can shed those extra pounds or stones- these articles will help you in your quest. 

However, if you are classed as clinically obese or suffer from some health issues (heart condition, etc) it might be advisable for you to seek the help of a medical professional such as a doctor or a properly qualified dietician before you commence on a weight loss programme.

In any case, good look in your desire to lose weight.

Serious Law Explain The Difference Compensation Can Make Following A Personal Injury

Whilst not wanting to help push the so-called claims culture, That's Health brings you this information because we realise that some people have genuinely been injured and need help and support. Some of it financial. We bring this article to yuor attention on that basis:

If you have been injured as a result of an accident that was not your fault, you will be entitled to claim compensation, and for many taking part in personal injury claims the entire process can be a daunting one. This puts many people off making a claim, and being awarded what is rightfully theirs.

Your greatest asset in a personal injury case is having the right solicitor on your side. Serious Law have over 20 years experience in this area and can offer you the best help and advice during this difficult time.

A solicitor who specialises in your particular injury, for example brain injury claims or spinal injury claims, will also have contacts you may find useful, such as medical experts or charities dealing with such injuries.

If you’re unable to work due to your injury, you must submit evidence of any loss of wages. This will increase the compensation you receive in order to factor this in. Compensation can allow you to concentrate on recovery by alleviating the stress of money worries.

To make the first steps in your personal injury claim contact Serious Law now on 0800 61 66 81.

Improved patient care and 1,500 hours a year saved at Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with Digital Pen technology

The Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is improving patient care by speeding up the process of patient feedback after implementing a new Digital Pen and Paper solution from technology innovator Anoto and UK partner Ubisys. For an initial investment of £65,000, the solution has revolutionised the patient feedback process, saving staff up to 30 man-hours a week – around 1,500 hours a year.

Deployed across 57 wards and departments, a patient, carer or member of staff can fill in a patient experience form using the Digital Pen, dock it at a PC or laptop on the ward and every morning the data is uploaded, collated and then sent for real-time analysis and reporting. Patient experience has significantly improved in 45 of the 55 areas surveyed. In addition, the Trust has secured Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) funding valued at £913,000.

“We are constantly striving to do better – in terms of patient feedback, patient experience and patient care,” explains Heather Keane, Assistant Director – Quality, Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who receives a daily patient feedback update.

“Our previous manual system was flawed, as it was very time-consuming and the information was often out of date by the time we received it – leading to delays in improvements to patient care. The new system means quick and easy recording of feedback with no disruption to patients and huge time and cost savings for staff. The pens are simple to use, require no training and are familiar to everyone who has ever used pen and paper.”

The Trust plans to continue the rollout, potentially up to 1,000 users. Designed for the hospital’s specific requirements, Anoto partner Ubisys installed its Ubisys Formidable platform on its own network and placed a pen on every ward.

“The joy of Digital Pen technology is in its simplicity – easy to install, easy to use and easy to become reliant on,” adds Ubisys Managing Director, Tarek Ghouri. “Our years of experience working within healthcare means we can focus on helping deliver improved patient outcomes by allowing healthcare providers to focus on their job – caring for patients – and less on administration. We are looking forward to completing the rollout at Doncaster and seeing further improvements.”

www.anoto.com/healthcare

Reveal the silent killers – and help prevent a stroke

This month sees the launch of One Heart, One Life Campaign – launched in the North West of England and coming to your area!

To help reduce the incidence of stroke, Macclesfield based company, Dot Medical, has developed a brand new, non-invasive screening programme to check people for Atrial Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) as well as 12 other heart measurements.

Dot Medical Ltd. specialises in Cardiological (heart) equipment; so they decided to use their knowledge and expertise to develop a locally based, mobile screening programme to help people detect whether they may have Atrial Fibrillation, which can cause a stroke.

Why Now and why Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation often has no symptoms at all and it can cause small blood clots to form, increasing the chances of a stroke occurring five fold!

Every year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke – and 1 in 4 of these victims has Atrial Fibrillation. Of all people who suffer a stroke, about a third is likely to die within the first 10 days.

In fact, stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition.

The incidence of strokes has increased around the world so much that China and Europe are actively campaigning to check for Atrial Fibrillation in order to help reduce the number of people at increased risk of suffering a stroke.

Dot Medical decided they would initially roll out this programme locally, so that people living in the North West of England are the first to be offered the chance of this new initiative.

Managing Director of Dot Medical, Dr. Ian Rankin commented: ‘Dot Medical’s goal is to screen as many people as possible in local venues. If we can help people to reduce the chances of their having a stroke by checking their heart rhythm, using state of the art equipment, then our efforts will have been well worthwhile. In the case of a stroke, screening prevention could make all the difference between a high quality of life and a devastatingly poor quality of life’.

The screening programme is quick, non-invasive and affordable using the latest technology to check for Atrial Fibrillation. The screen only takes a few minuted and can be completed whilst sitting in a chair. Patients will receive a detailed result sheet which can be shared with their Doctor if they wish.

Screening starts on August 18th in Cheshire at: Tytherington, Prestbury and Alderley Edgeand costs only is £89.00: it only takes a few minutes and could save you years.

Jo Brand works with Macmillan Cancer Support

Jo Brand has joined forces with her co-star Joanna Scanlan and director Peter Capaldi, for a brand new comedy film (54 seconds) to launch Macmillan Cancer Support's new 'Move More' campaign.

The film sees Jo Brand running around South London, in what looks like some hardcore marathon training. She eventually runs into her kitchen with Joanna Scanlan and produces a pint of milk; it then becomes clear she only ran to the corner shop.

Renowned actor and director, Peter Capaldi, joined the funny twosome, and provided the voiceover for the film reuniting him with the two lead stars of his Bafta award winning nursing comedy, 'Getting On'.

Jo Brand said: "People will look at me and go, 'why's that fat, unfit, menopausal, middle-aged woman telling us what to do? She surely never takes any exercise.' Well you're wrong there, because I do.

"I'm just trying to spread the word and upturn the myth that actually you should be resting after cancer treatment. You shouldn't, you should be getting out and doing any kind of exercise you can. You don’t have to run a marathon, but you just have to up your activity levels."

As part of the 'Move More' campaign, Macmillan Cancer Support is publishing startling new research that shows health professionals are not telling cancer patients about the many benefits of physical activity post-treatment. Doing enough physical activity after cancer reduces effects of treatment and can even reduce the risk of mortality and recurrence.

A free 'getting started' pack to help ease people into physical activity after cancer treatment, including a seed pack from The National Gardens Scheme, to encourage gardening as a way to get active, is now available from www.macmillan.org.uk/movemore. Those affected by the disease can also interact with the online cancer community on the Macmillan website.

The film and the behind the scenes film can be viewed at www.macmillan.org.uk/movemore and www.youtube.com/macmillancancer.

PhoneShield Information

For many years there have been nagging doubts about mobile phone and wi-fi safety and recent evidence suggests they could pose health risks, the mobile phone manufacturers themselves have at last recognised these doubts by including precautionary safety advice in their handset manuals that phones should not be held next to the body.

And the recently published Interphone report, which cost $20 million, commissioned by the World Health Organisation to reassure public fears, instead admits the possibility of developing tumours after 10 years.

Using a mobile phone or cordless telephone and computer at the office and at home adds up to many hours of exposure each day to electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Whilst our bodies need electricity to power our brains and body movement, they are not designed to tolerate such large increases of electromagnetism which can lead to a breakdown in our immune systems and a lower resistance to illness. Some of the less serious conditions are headaches, tiredness, loss of concentration, premature fatigue, confusion, memory loss, sleep disturbance etc.  

 

These Quartz Shields help to protect the whole family by reducing exposure to EMR and give peace of mind. Scientific and medical research shows that children are particularly at risk as their skulls are thinner and their immune systems not yet fully developed. Their lifetime of exposure to radiation from wire free technology will also be longer.  Pregnant women and their unborn babies are also known to be especially vulnerable.

These products make it really easy to take some precautionary actions. The quartz crystal technology is proved able to reduce exposure to EMR and helps to diffuse and alleviate the harmful effects on the brain and body's biological system.   In a recent survey of people who were already experiencing early radiation symptoms whilst using their mobile phone, PC or laptop, over 84% confirmed immediate relief and less stress after using a Shield. 

The Shields have a strong adhesive pad and simply attach to your mobile or wi-fi device without needing wires or batteries and have no affect on transmission or reception.  

www.phoneshield.co.uk

 

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Smoking enters a new age as E-Lites launch best ever electronic cigarettes

Smoking enters a new age as E-Lites launch best ever electronic cigarettes

The revolution in smoking has taken a step forward as E-Lites has launched what it believes to be the most advanced electronic cigarettes ever developed.

The latest range of E-Lites represent the next generation of electronic cigarettes. They feature unique micro-technology to give smokers the most realistic, simple and reliable alternative to conventional cigarettes, but with the advantages of being significantly healthier, much less expensive and unrestricted for use in most public places.

E-Lites, set up in 2007, is now the UKs leading electronic cigarette brand with a number of celebrity fans, but the company’s latest G9 range is the most satisfying, easy-to-use and durable so far.

Breakthrough technology has given E-Lites unsurpassed longevity, with rechargeable starter kits (£39.99) that provide the equivalent of around 200 cigarettes and E-Tips refills with a lifespan far beyond any others available on the market. There’s also the option of single disposables (£9.99) that provide the equivalent of about 40 cigarettes.

The battery life of E-Lites is the longest of any other e-cigarette, and the E200 model comes in a toughened plastic case with a built-in USB connection for easy recharging, so you can recharge from your laptop whilst on the move.

New features include diamond core components at the heart of every product, which enable them to withstand the harshest drops and bumps.

Even the user experience has been enhanced to hithertoo unprecedented levels, with signature tobacco flavourings specially formulated for UK tastes and an internal micro-switch that delivers the most precise and consistent delivery of nicotine vapour with each inhalation.

Available in Standard, Light and Menthol variations, E-Lites contain pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, combined with purified water and flavourings. This solution is converted into a vapour on inhaling, which gives users the familiar feeling of smoking, but without the most harmful ingredients of cigarettes, like tobacco, tar, carcinogens and added chemicals.

At a recent ‘Tobacco Amnesty’ in London to mark World No Tobacco Day, TV’s Dr Hilary Jones acknowledged that E-Lites were “a healthier option” for smokers who could not quit completely and preferred a product that is used like a cigarette, rather than nicotine patches or gum.

E-Lites produce an odour-free vapour, rather than smoke, and are unrestricted, which means they can be used just about anywhere.

The cost-savings are also significant. It is estimated a typical 20-a-day smoker could save something like £162 per month by switching from conventional cigarettes to E-Lites.

E-Lites Director Adrian Everett said: “We’re immensely proud to be unveiling not only the best electronic cigarettes we have ever created, but we believe the best ever developed anywhere. Over the past four years, the E-Lites brand has become synonymous with superior electronic cigarettes, not just in the UK but also overseas, where we are experiencing considerable demand. However, we are never content to rest on our laurels and this latest G9 range is the result of significant investment in research and development to produce the most distinguished electronic cigarette out there.

“The fact is that we are now in the 21st century and conventional cigarettes are becoming outdated. Smokers who cannot quit or don’t want to quit are interested in a healthier and more cost-effective option. Our unique technology and design innovations have made that possible and we expect to see E-Lites become prevalent over the next few years.”

Visit www.e-lites.co.uk for more details.

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Specsavers, a quick, efficient service

Specsavers offers a quick, efficient service that provides a happy marriage between technology and good, old-fashioned values of customer service.

There's a free SMS reminder service that sends customers a message the day before the appointment reminding patients of not only the date but the time. Ideal for those of us who lead such busy lives that we rarely remember what day it is, let alone remember the date and time of an appointment with the optician!

The service is reasonably quick and the service fast and, in general, friendly. At all points we got the impression that they were asking all the right questions. And performing the right tests, not always the case with all opticians.

As with all Specsaver branches the prices are prominently displayed, so you know exactly what price you can expect to pay at all stages of the process. Incidentally, if you have a favourite frame, these can- usually- be re-glazed at £39. And their are usually special deals such as 2 for 1, etc.

The examination process is very thorough, including the pre-test and the eye test and examination itself. At all times and at all stages patients are treated professionally by professionals.

Retinal photographs are now taken as standard, this is -unlike with some other High Street opticians- included free of charge.

There is a nice range of frames available, though I got the impression that larger branches might have better ranges, though I am sure staff will do their best to ensure you are happy. Frames available range from the very basic to some fairly nice designer frames.

One disappointment was that the facility to allow patients to check out how they looked in a new frame wasn't working due to a fault. Perhaps it would make sense to have a digital camera available for such an eventuality?

We would like to thank Telford Specsavers for their assistance in researching this article.