In an interesitng reversal of the trend of recent years for retailers to go oneline, online glasses and sunglasses retailer, Selectspecs.com, is opening its first ‘bricks and mortar’ store in a bid to bring its ‘cheapest glasses in the world’ offering to its offline consumers from 23rd April 2012.
Currently one of the leading retailers for cheap glasses online, Selectspecs.com offers a range of eyewear including both own brand and designer specs. Visitors to its site will find some of the most competitive prices in the world for items such as cheap Ray-Bans, geek glasses and rimless glasses.
Its expansion onto the high street in picturesque Westgate-on-Sea, Kent, is part of the upcoming trend to combine online content with an engaging in-store experience. While offering consumers the same great value and enticing discounts, the store will allow people who aren’t confident in purchasing online to try before they buy.
In-store computer terminals will showcase the extensive online range, and frames not available in the shop can be called in for customers to try. In-store optometrists and trained staff will be on hand to offer comprehensive eye-tests using the very latest technologies, consultations and advice, with orders processed and delivered direct to the customer at home.
David McMillan who founded Selectspecs.com in 2005, said: “The decision to open a shop on the high street stemmed from our observation that digital content has reached a new level of consumer influence. To stay ahead of the competition our future growth strategy had to combine both clicks and bricks; a multi-channel approach rather than a pure online offer.
“Building brand equity online has been our key objective, with huge investments in SEO, PPC, marketing and PR to improve search results and drive traffic to the site. But channel-hopping is becoming the ‘new normal’ for today’s Internet-savvy shopper so we envisage a high proportion of high street sales coming from this consumer sector as they will use the store as a showroom for online purchases. The intention is to increase brand exposure and sales by making the shopping experience more enjoyable and convenient than ever, both online and in-store.”
This type of activity has already been witnessed by leading consumer brands, Hotel Chocolat, Amazon and eBay, and is supported by Professor Joshua Bamfield, Director of the Centre for Retail Research.
He said: “This is a reasonable strategy as a significant proportion of online retailers are likely to have a high street presence over the next three to four years. Multi-channel retailing is now seen as part of the upcoming trend and Selectspecs will be at the leading edge of this growth strategy.”
Selectspecs.com has one of the largest ranges of glasses and cheap sunglasses on the market, boasting 40,000 styles of frames online. This, combined with its unique offering of the world’s cheapest prescription glasses range at a mere £6 (including prescription lenses), has firmly positioned the company at the top of its game with an average of 200,000 website visits per month.
www.selectspecs.com: 37 Station Road, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent, CT8 8QY.
For a video sneak preview of the store, visit Selectspecs on YouTube
For images and latest news, visit Selectspecs on Facebook
Saturday, 31 March 2012
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Heather Mills Wins Four Gold Medals For Great Britain In The Aspen USA Downhill And Super G Championships
Heather Mills in Aspen
Competing for the British Disabled Ski Team, Heather (44) won two Super G ski speed races and two downhill events at the US Paralympics Adaptive Alpine Speed National and North American Championships on the formidable Tiehack speed course.
"I am absolutely delighted - it is like a dream come true,” said Heather, who competed in the World Cup event wearing a plaster cast to protect a broken thumb.
Heather only took up ski race training a year ago after being spotted on the slopes and encouraged to try out for competitive skiing.
In the last 12 months, she has had five high speed skiing accidents, all of which led to her being hospitalised.
“I fractured my left shoulder twice, snapping my anterior cruciate ligament once and smashing my scapula into five pieces,” says Heather, who had to be airlifted off the slope on one occasion.
After winning her four gold medals, Heather paid a warm tribute to the London Prosthetic Centre (www.thelondonprosthetics.com) and the Austrian prosthetic clinic who worked so hard to make her an artificial limb that would actually ‘stay on’ during the harsh racing conditions.
Heather, who first raced for the British disabled ski team in January this year, attributes her stamina and fitness to rigorous training and her vegan diet, which she first adopted when her left leg was amputated below the knee. Since then she has battled to overcome many setbacks.
“At the time, I became vegan to help the healing process,” says Heather, who wears the names of her vegan food firm The Redwood Wholefood Company and vegan restaurant VBites emblazoned on her ski suit.
“Switching to a plant-based diet made me feel so alive – it completely transformed my life,” she says. “I never looked back.”
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Pole dance your way to a better body this summer?
If you've not tried pole dancing then now's the time as it's the fitness trend that continues to grow in popularity in the UK, with pole classes in many gym chains. It's also proved to be more than a fad, with pole dancing bidding for a place in the Olympics alongside Cheerleading and Yoga.
Pole dancing is a full body workout that will help you tone up, lose weight and get fit - whilst having a great time and gaining body confidence. You’ll be amazed at the variety of exercises you can do with a pole, similar to exercises you might do in the gym, but using your own body weight for resistance. From chin ups and crunches to work your arms and abs, to pole climbs and swan holds for your legs and bum - you can work it all on a pole!
Pole Motion: Pole Fitness Volume 1 is a complete pole fitness workout on DVD, led by expert instructor Justine McLucas. The Pole Motion workout uses the pole to its maximum potential as a versatile piece of fitness equipment, which enables you to improve your fitness whilst learning an artistic skill.
You'll have fun, get fit and feel sexy whilst learning a complete workout routine, from warm up exercises through to spins, poses, toning and stretches, all accompanied by a great dance music soundtrack! Whether you're a beginner or already pole dancing, Pole Motion is the perfect workout.
The DVD includes easy to follow, step by step instruction with one of the UK’s elite polers Justine McLucas talking you through the moves including basic spins, poses, pole sits, floorwork and hand grips. There are 3 lessons, 4 routines, 3 tone up sessions to strengthen and tone muscles, a fun warm up routine around the pole, stretch out session and special bonus features including a pole terminology section. DVD RRP 14.99 GBP
For the complete solution you can order the ‘Pole fitness start kit’ featuring: X-Pole Sport dance pole, Pole Motion - Pole Fitness DVD, Resistance Band and Vertical Fitness magazine. At only 159.99 GBP from www.polemotion.com, getting started in pole fitness is cheaper than a rowing machine or treadmill and could be the best investment you’ve ever made!
Justine McLucas also featured in the recent series of 'Got to Dance' and Pole Fitness was also tried and tested in the Fit Gear show on Fitness TV Sky Channel 282.
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Sunday, 25 March 2012
Increased alcohol prices will NOT help dependent drinkers, warns expert
Raising the price of alcohol will not change the behaviour of dependant drinkers warns Alastair Mordey, a specialist in alcohol and drug addiction. He believes while Government plans announced today may deter social drinkers, creating minimum alcohol price caps will not deter an addict.
“If the UK Government is going to raise alcohol prices it also needs to provide support to the addicts that will remain undeterred by these increased prices. The negative impact will be more on the families and dependants of addicts rather than the addicts themselves.”
Mordey, Programme Director at The Cabin, a world-class drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre based in Thailand, is facing unprecedented levels of demand from the UK for its services.
“The patients we have had here at The Cabin from the UK would never have been deterred by drunk tanks or booze buses. Binge drinkers are just part of the problem. We must also consider the hidden and high functioning alcoholics in UK society, who need direct support from the Government in terms of rehabilitation.
"There are all these services for down and outs/ violent binge drinkers but what about the middle class alcoholic who pays his taxes? No booze buses, drunk tanks or police in hospitals are going to change the lives of the high functioning alcoholic and their families. These people can only be saved through programmes such as we offer at The Cabin.”
Of the £5.7 billion the Government receives from alcohol taxation, £2.7 billion is spent by the NHS to combat alcoholism.
Alastair said: “Perhaps the Government needs to consider the benefits of treatment and the positive long term effects alongside the negative effects of a hike in prices.”
www.thecabinchiangmai.com.
“If the UK Government is going to raise alcohol prices it also needs to provide support to the addicts that will remain undeterred by these increased prices. The negative impact will be more on the families and dependants of addicts rather than the addicts themselves.”
Mordey, Programme Director at The Cabin, a world-class drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre based in Thailand, is facing unprecedented levels of demand from the UK for its services.
“The patients we have had here at The Cabin from the UK would never have been deterred by drunk tanks or booze buses. Binge drinkers are just part of the problem. We must also consider the hidden and high functioning alcoholics in UK society, who need direct support from the Government in terms of rehabilitation.
"There are all these services for down and outs/ violent binge drinkers but what about the middle class alcoholic who pays his taxes? No booze buses, drunk tanks or police in hospitals are going to change the lives of the high functioning alcoholic and their families. These people can only be saved through programmes such as we offer at The Cabin.”
Of the £5.7 billion the Government receives from alcohol taxation, £2.7 billion is spent by the NHS to combat alcoholism.
Alastair said: “Perhaps the Government needs to consider the benefits of treatment and the positive long term effects alongside the negative effects of a hike in prices.”
www.thecabinchiangmai.com.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
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Wednesday, 21 March 2012
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Sunday, 18 March 2012
Private Medical Insurance covers all stages of Ovarian Cancer, say health insurance quote providers ActiveQuote.com
Cancer of the ovary is the fifth most common cancer among women, and can affect women of any age. As the symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague- pain in the pelvis, persistent bloating and difficulty eating- it has traditionally been known as the ‘silent killer’.
Advanced ovarian cancer may not be treatable, but early detection of ovarian cancer offers a 90% cure rate. All private medical insurance policies offer cover for diagnostic tests and scans, although budget policies may have an annual limit on the amount you can claim. For women without symptoms who are simply looking for peace of mind, Spire Healthcare offers ovarian cancer screening on a one-off fee basis.
Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will usually need surgery followed by a course of chemotherapy. If specialist cancer treatment is important to you, compare health insurance quotes with full cancer cover. Full cancer cover will cover the cost of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with no monetary or time limits.
Some insurers also cover the costs of drugs not available on the NHS. Avastin has recently been licensed as the first targeted drug for women with advanced ovarian cancer after surgery, but will not be reviewed for use on the NHS until 2013. Aviva, AXA PPP and Bupa have all recently removed limits on their cancer cover and will meet the cost of licensed cancer drugs, including Avastin.
All cancer drugs, including Avastin, are tested in clinical trials prior to being licensed for use. Participants in clinical trials are often among the first to benefit from experimental drugs before they are brought to market. If you want to be covered for taking part in a trial for ovarian cancer treatment, compare health insurance policies with cover for experimental drugs. Aviva will cover experiment treatment in full if there is enough medical information to support its use.
Whilst women with advanced ovarian cancer are now living longer and fuller lives, sometimes palliative care is needed when the cancer is no longer treatable. Chloe Hibbert of health insurance comparison website http://www.activequote.com said: "Private medical insurers differ in their stance on palliative care, so it is important to compare health insurance policies online to make sure you know at what stage your cover will cease. Aviva, Bupa and Exeter Family Friendly cover the cost of palliative care, even if the cancer is incurable."
Scientists do not yet know what causes ovarian cancer, but with a better awareness of symptoms and improved drugs the diagnosis does not have to mean the worst. If you carefully compare health insurance policies you will be able to choose the best treatment the UK has to offer, and gain peace of mind about your future health.
FACTFILE:
ActiveQuote Health Ltd is a health insurance broker, fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) number 501109 as a health insurance intermediary.
ActiveQuote offer free advice on private medical cover in the UK.
Take ‘The Posture Challenge’ with PosturePlast at the Vitality Show
PosturePlast will be exhibiting at the Vitality Show on stand H362 and visitors to the show will have the chance to take ‘The Posture Challenge’ with osteopath and PosturePlast inventor Adam Dallison.
‘The Posture Challenge’ involves a free consultation for visitors, in which their posture when sitting, standing, bending and lifting will be analysed. Those who take part will then be given a posture “prescription” with advice on improvements to their posture that may help to improve health and wellbeing.
It is estimated that 80% of adults will experience lower back pain in their lifetime, and poor posture is often cited as a main cause of this common problem. As well as back pain, posture can also have an impact on a range of health problems, physical appearance and emotional wellbeing.
Dallison explains, “Good posture can effectively reduce your height and make you appear shorter than you really are*1 whereas standing straight can instantly make you look up 10 pounds thinner*2.” An added bonus is that when standing tall, the chest is naturally pushed forwards and appears larger, increasing curves in all the right places and posture when sitting can even affect the appearance of cellulite.
An X-shaped adhesive support, it encompasses flexible struts to help keep the wearer’s back in its ‘safe-zone’. It works to gently hold the back in the correct posture, which alleviates back pain and gives uninterrupted healing time. In trials 78% of chronic back pain sufferers got “significant” relief within one week of using PosturePlast.
Based on the proven principles of taping used by osteopaths and physiotherapists for years, PosturePlast gets to work straight away by giving active support when sitting, standing or lifting. By doing this, it not only helps provide fast pain relief, but also works to re-educate and retrain the wearer to have better posture, helping prevent further damage in the future.
Visit PosturePlast on stand H362 at the Vitality Show between Thursday 22 and Sunday 25 March to take part in ‘The Posture Challenge’ and receive a free posture “prescription”.
FACTFILE:
PosturePlast: PosturePlast is a class I medical device, which has been designed by osteopath Adam Dallison to both provide pain relief for lower back pain, as well as helping encourage correct posture in the wearer. By correcting the wearer’s posture, PosturePlast can deliver continuous pain relief and support for up to 48 hours, gives back injuries uninterrupted healing time and works to retrain the wearer’s natural posture. Taking the principles of the clinically proven method of taping, used by osteopaths and physiotherapists for many years, PosturePlast makes it easy for people to use on their own.
The carer who lied about time spent with elderly client exposed as cheat by Telecare Monitor
Christine Crawford’s* (not her real name) 89-year-old mother is hard of hearing, registered blind and uses a Zimmerframe after breaking her hip and wrist a year ago. “Mum lives about 20 minutes from my house by car,” says Christine, “so I can’t get over there as much as I’d like to, and of course I worry about her constantly.”
So Christine was relieved when the care company contracted by her local authority made sure it sent a carer three times a day to stay with her mother for 30 minutes each time, and longer on a Saturday, her ‘bath day’.
However, when her mother told her that the carer only stayed for about 10-15 minutes each time, alarm bells started ringing.
So Christine was relieved when the care company contracted by her local authority made sure it sent a carer three times a day to stay with her mother for 30 minutes each time, and longer on a Saturday, her ‘bath day’.
However, when her mother told her that the carer only stayed for about 10-15 minutes each time, alarm bells started ringing.
“We had a meeting with the care company” says Christine. “And they assured us that the carer was staying the full 30-45 minutes each time she came. They even showed us her time-sheets, all filled in precisely to that effect. And they implied that my mother was ‘confused’ about the timings. They basically said she was wrong.”
But what the care company didn’t know, was that Christine had installed a telecare monitoring device, called SeNCit, a few months previously, to keep an electronic ‘eye’ on her mother, and this device could prove that the carer was the one who was lying.
“We weren’t deliberately checking up on the carer,” says Christine. “We had heard about this new device which you pop up on the wall of your elderly relative's house or flat, and it texts you if it doesn’t detect daily movement. So you programme in the hours you would expect to see movement in the home, say between 8am and 11am, when mum would normally use the bathroom, and if there is no movement in this time slot, you get a text – it’s as simple as that. So you know pretty quickly if your relative has had a fall or becomes incapacitated in any way.
“But one of the other functions of this device is that it alerts you when the front door opens – basically so you know when your relative leaves the house or comes back, as this can be a real issue for some elderly people with Alzheimer’s – and so I was able to see exactly when the carer turned up, and when she left.”
In this case, the care company accepted that they had been wrong, and now Christine is pleased to say that her mother gets the full amount of time with her carers each day.
“Without this device I wouldn’t have known though.” She says. “And the old person will always be accused of being confused and getting the times wrong. I think all houses should have these SeNCit devices fitted, so the care companies know that their carers are putting in the time they say they are.”
FACTILE:
SeNCit contains a SIM card that can store up to five mobile or landline numbers and the PIR technology that can detect body heat up to 10 metres. Mounted on a wall in a room in the house that the resident has to regularly pass through, often the hall, the alarm will be programmed to detect movement at three key times throughout the day, for example, morning, lunchtime and evening.
What makes SeNCit unique:
The elderly/vulnerable individual does not have to raise the alarm or remember to wear a device;
It's multi-functional, compact and discreet, meaning the elderly/vulnerable individual feels safe but not stigmatised;
Its running costs can be as low as a few pence a month, so with many councils forced to make cutbacks in their social-care budgets, SeNCit is a cost-effective way of keeping an eye on the most vulnerable members of society;
It offers ultimate peace of mind for concerned relatives/friends and will, hopefully, help them to avoid late-night dashes to check on their elderly/vulnerable relative or friend.
It will alert the relative or friend if there is a mains power cut, and then again if the back-up battery is running low.
The service operates on pay as you go or contract, with text costing between 4p and 10p depending on the mobile phone service provider.
As well as detecting lack of movement, SeNCit and SeNCit+ which includes a wireless door sensor also has a number of other functions, including:
A thermometer that will detect if the house temperature has dropped below 18C;
The wireless door sensor device will alert relatives/friends of the vulnerable/elderly individual has wandered out of the house by sending a text message if they open the door;
The door sensor device can also alert relatives/friends of the vulnerable/elderly individual if a carer has not visited when they were expected to;
If there is a power cut, SeNCit will send a text message;
SeNCit can also act as a home-security device and be programmed to alert individuals to movement in a house when a house is unattended.
Also, if a relative is showing alarming habits – e.g. getting up to go to the toilet more in the night could mean a water infection, which could be serious.
Sleep Easy with Dunlopillo and McTimoney Chirpractic Association
The McTimoney Chiropractic Association and Dunlopillo provide some top tips for preventing neck and back pain whilst sleeping.
March is National Bed Month. We all need a comfortable and decent night’s sleep whatever our age and most of us will have experienced back or neck pain when sleeping on an incorrect mattress or pillow. The McTimoney Chiropractic Association, in alliance with Dunlopillo, has brought together some top tips to help avoid back or neck pain in bed.
• Check your mattress - is it time for a new bed? If you find you are sleeping less well than you did a year ago, or if your mattress is sagging in the middle, or you are waking up with aches and pains, it may be time for a new bed. A good mattress will offer support allowing the correct alignment of your spine and body as you sleep.
• Choose your pillows carefully – use a pillow that is right for the position you normally sleep in and one which allows the neck to be in a natural position. For instance, if you sleep on your back or front, you will need a slimmer pillow than if you sleep on your side.
• Sleeping position – lying on your back or on your side creates less stress on the back and neck than other positions; also try to avoid being in one position for too long.
• Create a calm and relaxed environment - which is well ventilated and without draughts. Try to relax before going to bed. Try things that help relax both the mind and the body, such as a warm bath or listening to some music. The Sleep Council offer several great ideas on their website.
• Watching TV - If you like to watch TV in bed, ensure you are in a position that is comfortable for your back and neck. Avoid slouching against the pillows and creating a banana shape in your back as this stresses the spine, muscles in your back, neck and shoulders.
• Take a minute in the morning - take a minute to wake up and try some gentle stretches. Avoid bending or doing anything strenuous until your spine and joints have had time to ‘wake up’.
How to choose a bed
• Ideally Dunlopillo and the Sleep Council recommend you think about changing your mattress at least every seven years. Expect, and prepare for, the seven year hitch!
• Your mattress should offer support and be comfortable. Your height, weight and sleeping position will define the type of mattress you need. Ensure that your partner is comfortable as well - and that the bed is large enough for both of you. Sometimes split mattresses which zip together are the answer for those with different needs.
• Try lying on your side - your spine should be parallel to the mattress and the mattress should neither sag in the middle nor bow. Sagging means the mattress is too soft, and bowing means the bed is too hard.
• Your mattress and base work together so try to think of them together, and don’t buy either in isolation.
• Once you have a couple of choices, spend at least 10 minutes lying on each bed in your normal sleeping positions. Make sure your partner is with you so you can ensure the final choice suits you both.
The McTimoney Chiropractic Association (MCA) and Dunlopillo have together produced a leaflet explaining how to get the best from a good night’s rest. If you would like a copy, contact the MCA on 01491 829211.
FACTFILE:
The Sleep Council – www.sleepcouncil.org.uk
About McTimoney
McTimoney chiropractic is a precise, gentle and effective technique, used regularly by many to help manage back, neck and joint pain. The technique is suitable for the whole family: from newborn babies and pregnant women to grandparents – and even your pets.
McTimoney chiropractic involves checking the whole body and, where necessary, performing gentle adjustments to help realign the individual bones of the skeleton. This technique allows the nervous system to work as well as it possibly can, bringing about optimum health and wellbeing in the body.
McTimoney chiropractic has been found helpful for thousands of people for over 30 years and it is growing by nearly 150,000 new patients per year.
Saturday, 17 March 2012
I am diabetic
Yes, the test results confirm that I am diabetic.
Next week I have my first appointment with the diabetes nurse to discuss what type of diabetes I have, what treatment I will require and what dietary restrictions I will have to impose on myself.
Next week I have my first appointment with the diabetes nurse to discuss what type of diabetes I have, what treatment I will require and what dietary restrictions I will have to impose on myself.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
EU Ban Poses New Risk To Walkers And Outdoor Workers
Tick-borne disease charity BADA-UK (Borreliosis and Associated Diseases Awareness-UK) and Patron Ray Mears are warning people to be especially vigilant in rural areas over the coming months.
The charity is using its annual awareness campaign Tick Bite Prevention Week (26 March - 1 April) to highlight the increased risk of contracting tick-borne diseases following the EU ban of Asulam, a herbicide used by hill farmers to control the invasive spread of bracken. This plant provides a perfect habitat for ticks.
Ticks are second only to mosquitoes for carrying disease to humans worldwide and are responsible for transmitting Lyme disease (Borreliosis), which can lead to serious complications including damage to the nervous system, joints, heart and other tissues.
Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency show that 953 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease (Borreliosis), which is contracted from an infected tick bite, were reported in England and Wales in 2010.
Two-thirds of these were identified in the South of England but have also been reported from most counties. Infections occur most frequently in Exmoor, the New Forest, the South Downs, parts of Wiltshire and Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex, Thetford Forest, the Lake District and the North York Moors. However, the Health Protection Agency states that any area where Ixodid ticks are present should be regarded as a potential risk area.
Authorities acknowledge an under reporting of cases and estimate that around 3,000 people contract Lyme disease each year in the UK, whilst latest research published in January 2012 by the School of Biological Sciences, at the University of Bristol, suggests that the prevalence of Lyme disease bacteria in the UK tick population is considerably higher than most recent estimates indicated.
TV Bushcraft and Survival expert and BADA-UK Patron Ray Mears warns: "The control of bracken is vital to the survival of numerous species of flora and fauna as well as reducing tick populations.
The spread of bracken as a result of the Asulam ban will lead to increased tick numbers making it all the more important that the public takes precautions against tick bites when out and about in rural areas."
BADA-UK advises that the best defence against tick-borne infection is to avoid being bitten in the first place by taking a few simple precautions when out walking. These include wearing protective clothing and using an effective insect repellent.
Wendy Fox, Chair of BADA-UK, who has been left disabled by Lyme disease, says: "We understand perhaps better than most the devastating effects that tick-borne diseases can have if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Therefore, we strive to help prevent others from falling victim to them. People who frequent bracken-rich areas can be recreationally and occupationally exposed to tick-borne disease, particularly Lyme disease. Increased interest in outdoor pursuits, combined with an increasing tick population is resulting in a year-on-year rise in cases of tick-borne disease."
In 2012, BADA-UK and Tick Bite Prevention Week are once again being supported by Mosi-guard® Natural.
The charity is using its annual awareness campaign Tick Bite Prevention Week (26 March - 1 April) to highlight the increased risk of contracting tick-borne diseases following the EU ban of Asulam, a herbicide used by hill farmers to control the invasive spread of bracken. This plant provides a perfect habitat for ticks.
Ticks are second only to mosquitoes for carrying disease to humans worldwide and are responsible for transmitting Lyme disease (Borreliosis), which can lead to serious complications including damage to the nervous system, joints, heart and other tissues.
Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency show that 953 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease (Borreliosis), which is contracted from an infected tick bite, were reported in England and Wales in 2010.
Two-thirds of these were identified in the South of England but have also been reported from most counties. Infections occur most frequently in Exmoor, the New Forest, the South Downs, parts of Wiltshire and Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex, Thetford Forest, the Lake District and the North York Moors. However, the Health Protection Agency states that any area where Ixodid ticks are present should be regarded as a potential risk area.
Authorities acknowledge an under reporting of cases and estimate that around 3,000 people contract Lyme disease each year in the UK, whilst latest research published in January 2012 by the School of Biological Sciences, at the University of Bristol, suggests that the prevalence of Lyme disease bacteria in the UK tick population is considerably higher than most recent estimates indicated.
TV Bushcraft and Survival expert and BADA-UK Patron Ray Mears warns: "The control of bracken is vital to the survival of numerous species of flora and fauna as well as reducing tick populations.
The spread of bracken as a result of the Asulam ban will lead to increased tick numbers making it all the more important that the public takes precautions against tick bites when out and about in rural areas."
BADA-UK advises that the best defence against tick-borne infection is to avoid being bitten in the first place by taking a few simple precautions when out walking. These include wearing protective clothing and using an effective insect repellent.
Wendy Fox, Chair of BADA-UK, who has been left disabled by Lyme disease, says: "We understand perhaps better than most the devastating effects that tick-borne diseases can have if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Therefore, we strive to help prevent others from falling victim to them. People who frequent bracken-rich areas can be recreationally and occupationally exposed to tick-borne disease, particularly Lyme disease. Increased interest in outdoor pursuits, combined with an increasing tick population is resulting in a year-on-year rise in cases of tick-borne disease."
In 2012, BADA-UK and Tick Bite Prevention Week are once again being supported by Mosi-guard® Natural.
Text Reminders Could Make Missed Dental Appointments A Thing Of The Past
Research by the British Dental Association discovered at least three and a half million dental appointments are missed in England each year, and is a common problem across the whole of the health sector. But new research from overseas has shown that text message reminders could be a solution to improve attendance rates.
In a recent trial, dentists in India who sent their patients a text reminder found that four in every five people attended their appointment on time. Although text messaging is used by many dental practices in the UK, it is not widespread and with an estimated 91 per cent of adults in the UK owning or using a mobile phone it is the most ubiquitous form of communication.
While it remains to be seen whether the system would eradicate missed dental appointments in the UK, it is a solution that should be given further consideration, according to Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation. Dr Nigel Carter.
Dr Carter said: “At present individual practices are responsible for how they communicate with their patients. However, with such a large number of people not attending dental appointments, it’s obvious better communication is needed.
“A text message is a very simple, efficient and cost effective way of communicating in modern society. With so many mobile phones in use, it could be the answer to the problem.”
The cost of NHS dental treatment, allied with dental anxiety within the population, accounts for the reason three in every four people think twice about looking after their oral health. With basic NHS dental charges due to increase on 1 April 2012, Dr Carter believes now more than ever patients need to be informed about how important their oral health is.
Dr Carter said: “While patients may have genuine reasons for not attending dental check-ups, the Foundation has previously reported on other factors, particularly financial constraints, influencing dental treatment choices.
“The general public need greater access to information to educate them on how important their oral health is. It has been proven that looking after your oral health can reduce the risk of getting infections which in turn can spread to other parts of the body. For instance, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, pneumonia, pancreatic and colon cancer are all problems made worse or even caused by poor dental health, particularly gum disease.
“If people realised that dental care is not a luxury that should be overlooked, regular checkups can identify early signs of gum disease. The cost of not doing so has health implications, not to mention more extensive cost implications.”
The research, carried out on 206 people attending outpatient clinics at the ITS Centre for Dental Studies and Research (ITS-CDSR), Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, found the rate of attendance on time was found to be significantly higher in the test group (79.2 per cent) than in the control group (35.5 per cent).
In a recent trial, dentists in India who sent their patients a text reminder found that four in every five people attended their appointment on time. Although text messaging is used by many dental practices in the UK, it is not widespread and with an estimated 91 per cent of adults in the UK owning or using a mobile phone it is the most ubiquitous form of communication.
While it remains to be seen whether the system would eradicate missed dental appointments in the UK, it is a solution that should be given further consideration, according to Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation. Dr Nigel Carter.
Dr Carter said: “At present individual practices are responsible for how they communicate with their patients. However, with such a large number of people not attending dental appointments, it’s obvious better communication is needed.
“A text message is a very simple, efficient and cost effective way of communicating in modern society. With so many mobile phones in use, it could be the answer to the problem.”
The cost of NHS dental treatment, allied with dental anxiety within the population, accounts for the reason three in every four people think twice about looking after their oral health. With basic NHS dental charges due to increase on 1 April 2012, Dr Carter believes now more than ever patients need to be informed about how important their oral health is.
Dr Carter said: “While patients may have genuine reasons for not attending dental check-ups, the Foundation has previously reported on other factors, particularly financial constraints, influencing dental treatment choices.
“The general public need greater access to information to educate them on how important their oral health is. It has been proven that looking after your oral health can reduce the risk of getting infections which in turn can spread to other parts of the body. For instance, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, pneumonia, pancreatic and colon cancer are all problems made worse or even caused by poor dental health, particularly gum disease.
“If people realised that dental care is not a luxury that should be overlooked, regular checkups can identify early signs of gum disease. The cost of not doing so has health implications, not to mention more extensive cost implications.”
The research, carried out on 206 people attending outpatient clinics at the ITS Centre for Dental Studies and Research (ITS-CDSR), Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, found the rate of attendance on time was found to be significantly higher in the test group (79.2 per cent) than in the control group (35.5 per cent).
Newyddion Cymru: Minister Visits Medical Device Testing Centre Of E...
Newyddion Cymru: Minister Visits Medical Device Testing Centre Of E...: Health Minister Lesley Griffiths yesterday (Wednesday 14 March) visited a Welsh Government-funded laboratory in Bridgend which is unique in ...
50 Years On: Tesco Launches Vapestick Electronic Cigarettes In All Pharmacies
Almost 50 years ago to the day, the Royal College of Physicians published their seismic survey on smoking and health which, for the first time, confirmed the connection between death and smoking-related diseases. At the time the Report caused hysteria throughout the media and its effect on the UK's social and economic structure is still being felt today.
It is a fact that over 100,000 smokers in the UK die each year from their habit, and yet it is estimated there are still currently 10 million smokers in the UK alone.
Smokers have been urged by Governments to quit their habit using willpower or NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) products. But In February 2012, a Study at Harvard University, regarding the effectiveness of NRT patches and gum, clearly demonstrated that ex-smokers relapse at equivalent rates, whether or not they used Nicotine Replacement Therapies to assist them in quitting.
Now, 50 years on from that RCP Survey, and in the same week as 'National No Smoking Day', TESCO - the UK's largest Grocer - has formally launched the sale of VAPESTICK Electronic Cigarettes - an alternative to smoking tobacco - in all their UK Pharmacies.
Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular over the past few years, attracting millions of users around the world. This rise in popularity has been driven by several highly compelling reasons to make the switch.
Firstly, they are far healthier than smoking tobacco. Every Scientist, Doctor and independent Study that has so far considered these products has confirmed that electronic cigarettes are far healthier than their tobacco counterparts. Whilst they still contain nicotine (in whatever strength the user prefers), they contain no tar, or carbon monoxide, or ammonia, or any of the other thousands of toxins found in tobacco smoke. Instead of tobacco smoke, the user inhales and exhales a water-based vapour which delivers a similar sensation to that of tobacco smoke.
Electronic cigarettes are also far less expensive than tobacco, with users able to save as much as 75% over the cost of normal cigarettes, and they also do not fall foul of the UK smoking ban, so they can legally be used anywhere.
In September 2011, the UK Government's Behavioural Insights Team or "Nudge Unit", said they wanted to encourage smokers to try electronic cigarettes. They said, "If alternative and safe nicotine products can be developed which are attractive enough to substitute people away from traditional cigarettes, they could have the potential to save 10,000's of lives a year".
Last week, Professor John Britton, Director of the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies said (on BBC Radio 4's 'Inside Health' programme): "We've got 10 million smokers in the UK and half of them, some 5 million people, are going to die if they don't stop smoking...this is a massive health problem. These electronic cigarettes, if they can provide an alternative that is acceptable to a proportion of those smokers, potentially have a lot to offer public health."
Until recently, electronic cigarettes have been available mainly through on-line retailers and mail order catalogues. This has put them under-the-radar of many UK smokers who are keen to give up, but have not yet managed to find a successful aide to doing so. With "National No Smoking Day" on March 14th, VAPESTICK products will be sold on TESCO Pharmacy shelves, as a healthier alternative for smokers to now consider.
VAPESTICK becomes the first electronic cigarette brand to be formally stocked and supplied by the Pharmacies at the UK's largest Grocer. A founding board member of ECITA - the (European) Electronic Cigarette Industry Trade Association - which ensures its members comply with strict guidelines regarding product safety, certification and testing - VAPESTICK has concentrated on developing its products to the highest possible standards, resulting in a wide portfolio of high quality and well-designed electronic cigarette products and accessories to meet the needs of smokers.
Michael Clapper, Co-Founder and Chairman at VAPESTICK said: "After years of hard work in creating these products, we could not be more excited about the launch in TESCO Pharmacies across the country. I think it shows a real commitment by TESCO, not only to us, but also to the on-going health and well-being of their smoking customers who have been searching for a healthier alternative. They can now find one, right on their doorsteps, at their local TESCO Pharmacy. We are confident that our products are precisely what UK smokers have been looking for, giving them the opportunity to make a healthier choice for both themselves and their families".
An intensive and sustained marketing campaign will be supporting the launch of VAPESTICK products in TESCO, including customer sampling around the UK, a nationwide radio campaign and promotional in-store offers.
How do Electronic Cigarettes Work?
Without any combustion or tobacco, VAPESTICK electronic cigarettes heat a liquid in a cartridge that contains three pharmaceutical-grade ingredients - Propylene Glycerol, Nicotine (in the strength selected) and food flavouring, via an atomiser which is connected to a battery. The heating process vaporises the liquid in the cartridge, producing a vapour that can be inhaled and exhaled by the user and is odourless. The act of using electronic cigarettes has become known as "vaping".
VAPESTICK Products
Also on sale online at www.vapestick.co.uk, was well as Harrods (Pharmacy), Argos, Costco, Betterware and hundreds of other independent chemists and retailers across the UK.
It is a fact that over 100,000 smokers in the UK die each year from their habit, and yet it is estimated there are still currently 10 million smokers in the UK alone.
Smokers have been urged by Governments to quit their habit using willpower or NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) products. But In February 2012, a Study at Harvard University, regarding the effectiveness of NRT patches and gum, clearly demonstrated that ex-smokers relapse at equivalent rates, whether or not they used Nicotine Replacement Therapies to assist them in quitting.
Now, 50 years on from that RCP Survey, and in the same week as 'National No Smoking Day', TESCO - the UK's largest Grocer - has formally launched the sale of VAPESTICK Electronic Cigarettes - an alternative to smoking tobacco - in all their UK Pharmacies.
Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular over the past few years, attracting millions of users around the world. This rise in popularity has been driven by several highly compelling reasons to make the switch.
Firstly, they are far healthier than smoking tobacco. Every Scientist, Doctor and independent Study that has so far considered these products has confirmed that electronic cigarettes are far healthier than their tobacco counterparts. Whilst they still contain nicotine (in whatever strength the user prefers), they contain no tar, or carbon monoxide, or ammonia, or any of the other thousands of toxins found in tobacco smoke. Instead of tobacco smoke, the user inhales and exhales a water-based vapour which delivers a similar sensation to that of tobacco smoke.
Electronic cigarettes are also far less expensive than tobacco, with users able to save as much as 75% over the cost of normal cigarettes, and they also do not fall foul of the UK smoking ban, so they can legally be used anywhere.
In September 2011, the UK Government's Behavioural Insights Team or "Nudge Unit", said they wanted to encourage smokers to try electronic cigarettes. They said, "If alternative and safe nicotine products can be developed which are attractive enough to substitute people away from traditional cigarettes, they could have the potential to save 10,000's of lives a year".
Last week, Professor John Britton, Director of the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies said (on BBC Radio 4's 'Inside Health' programme): "We've got 10 million smokers in the UK and half of them, some 5 million people, are going to die if they don't stop smoking...this is a massive health problem. These electronic cigarettes, if they can provide an alternative that is acceptable to a proportion of those smokers, potentially have a lot to offer public health."
Until recently, electronic cigarettes have been available mainly through on-line retailers and mail order catalogues. This has put them under-the-radar of many UK smokers who are keen to give up, but have not yet managed to find a successful aide to doing so. With "National No Smoking Day" on March 14th, VAPESTICK products will be sold on TESCO Pharmacy shelves, as a healthier alternative for smokers to now consider.
VAPESTICK becomes the first electronic cigarette brand to be formally stocked and supplied by the Pharmacies at the UK's largest Grocer. A founding board member of ECITA - the (European) Electronic Cigarette Industry Trade Association - which ensures its members comply with strict guidelines regarding product safety, certification and testing - VAPESTICK has concentrated on developing its products to the highest possible standards, resulting in a wide portfolio of high quality and well-designed electronic cigarette products and accessories to meet the needs of smokers.
Michael Clapper, Co-Founder and Chairman at VAPESTICK said: "After years of hard work in creating these products, we could not be more excited about the launch in TESCO Pharmacies across the country. I think it shows a real commitment by TESCO, not only to us, but also to the on-going health and well-being of their smoking customers who have been searching for a healthier alternative. They can now find one, right on their doorsteps, at their local TESCO Pharmacy. We are confident that our products are precisely what UK smokers have been looking for, giving them the opportunity to make a healthier choice for both themselves and their families".
An intensive and sustained marketing campaign will be supporting the launch of VAPESTICK products in TESCO, including customer sampling around the UK, a nationwide radio campaign and promotional in-store offers.
How do Electronic Cigarettes Work?
Without any combustion or tobacco, VAPESTICK electronic cigarettes heat a liquid in a cartridge that contains three pharmaceutical-grade ingredients - Propylene Glycerol, Nicotine (in the strength selected) and food flavouring, via an atomiser which is connected to a battery. The heating process vaporises the liquid in the cartridge, producing a vapour that can be inhaled and exhaled by the user and is odourless. The act of using electronic cigarettes has become known as "vaping".
VAPESTICK Products
Also on sale online at www.vapestick.co.uk, was well as Harrods (Pharmacy), Argos, Costco, Betterware and hundreds of other independent chemists and retailers across the UK.
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Prostate Cancer Charity announces £1million 'Love Train' John O'Groats to Land's End Walk to help save 10,000 lives
The Prostate Project, a rapidly growing, patient led, prostate cancer charity that has raised nearly £6 million in the last 13 years, today announces a major new fundraising drive to help save more of the 10,000 lives that are lost every year to prostate cancer.
The Love Train £1 million Appeal launches on March 21st with a 1000 mile John O’Groats to Land’s End walk. Leading the epic walk will be Alan Carr MBE, a well known charity fundraiser, his daughter, Charlotte (whose idea the walk was) and Nigel Lewis-Baker, a trustee of the Prostate Project and a walking miracle who was diagnosed with advanced, incurable prostate cancer 6 years ago.
He has become one of the UK’s leading cancer fundraisers. He is a cancer champion for Macmillan Cancer Support and ‘Ambassador for the Year’ for CRUK. “It’s too late for me” said Nigel, “but diagnosed early prostate cancer can be very successfully treated with a more than 80% chance of a complete cure. It is vital that we get this message across to as many men as possible as we trek down country and encourage them to have a routine PSA test once they reach the age of 50.”
Founded in 1998, the Prostate Project jointly funds one of the most dynamic and successful research teams in the world at the University of Surrey. They have brought together a world-class team of clinicians, scientists, specialist nurses and technicians who have earned an international reputation for excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. This close working relationship between clinical and laboratory personnel is rare in the world of cancer research.
Some of their discoveries are mind boggling in their complexity yet shocking in their simplicity. A simple protein that will ‘switch off’ cancer cells and cause their death, a new vaccine that can seek and destroy cancer cells, a virus that can replicate itself inside cancer cells causing them to burst and die, and a protein called EN2 discovered in urine that can detect cancer cells 50% more accurately than the current 30 year old PSA test.
These, together with other clinical and research achievements are resulting in diagnostic and treatment discoveries that will bring significant benefits to patients within the next 2 years - quite possibly within months. Now, they need to provide the team as a whole with a vital component that is currently missing - a model world-class NHS Urology Centre.
The key to the success of the walk is the extent to which the Charity can engage with local communities and local/regional media (press, radio and tv) at each of the cities, towns and villages along the route and encourage them to fundraise in advance of the Love Train arriving in their town. Strong support has already come from Rotary, Lions Clubs and the Masons and the Charity is confident that more publicity will result in many clubs, groups and individuals organizing their own fundraising events and presenting donations to the Love Train as it travels through their area.
The Charity prides itself in having administration costs of less than 3% – far below the average 20% lost to administration by most UK charities. 97 pence in every pound donated goes directly to the point of need with an added 19.4 pence if the donation is gift aided. Colin Stokes, Chairman and joint founder said “We have a simple philosophy – to raise as much as we can, spend as little as we can, and deliver diagnostic and treatment advances that give men a better chance of beating prostate cancer”.
Three further events are planned as part of the Love Train Appeal, a Diamond Jubilee Ball at Ascot racecourse on 29th September 2012, a Valentine’s Dinner Dance on board the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh on 16th February 2013 and a fundraising project to improve the lives of Brazil’s poor children in October 2013. For more information about the Love Train Walk or any aspect of the charity’s work please visit the Love Train website at: www.lovetrain.org.uk - the charity’s website at www.prostate-project.org.uk or contact Tim Sharp or any of the Love Train team.
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