Category Archives: Health

Introducing Jivesse Marine Collagen Cream

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Jivesse premium skincare which has up until now graced the shelves of Harrods has earned its place as a reputable dermatological brand. The impressive science and innovative ingredients have placed it high above competitors in the skincare market and now launching at first class wellbeing emporium, John Bell & Croyden, and soon to be launching in Selfridges, this is set to be a range which will hopefully be a staple for anyone looking for serious results and quality natural ingredients.

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Being an advocate natural skin solutions, the science behind the Jivesse range is quite simple but altogether quite revolutionary. Having been developed by skincare experts with clinical knowledge of dermatology as the name suggests, Jivesse Marine Collagen Cream contains potent active ingredients which help to accelerate the natural production of collagen within our own skin. The result, tighter, brighter, and youthful skin without any Botox. Result! What makes Jivesse so unique is that is the first Triple Complex Marine Collagen Cream…

…here comes the science;

The Triple Complex Formula contains

Peptan® The purest form of type I collagen
Argireline®The cosmetic alternative to Botox
Liftonin® Xpress: Which instantly tightens and lifts

As well as this the product contains a host of anti-oxidants and skin luminosity which reduces the damage of vital molecules within the skin and helps to introduce Vitamin C to the skin, something which our body’s cannot produce naturally.

Our result;

The brand is at once luxurious, smart and the team behind it are genuinely some of the most articulate and passionate in the business. Having just announced Anna Williamson, TV Presenter and Life Coach, as their Brand Ambassador, Jivesse are spring boarding their brand as one that is hopefully set to create waves within the cosmetic market. The science really speaks for itself here and the results speak volumes. Luckily, I haven’t got to the point where i’ve had to deal with the dreaded wrinkle situation but after a skin analysis with the experts at John Bell and Croyden, my skin was suffering from severe dehydration. After just two weeks of using this product my skin is luminous, radiant and successfully no longer dehydrated. Any moisturiser that can deal with the elements we’re privy too in The UK is a winner in my book. The clincher for me is the fact that this moisturiser is presented in a beautiful Airless Jar protecting the cream from light exposure and contamination. We love using this product and it has certainly brightened up and made my skincare regime a much more enjoyable experience.

Jivesse is available to buy at

Jivesse.com

Harrods

Now Launching at John Bell & Croyden

Interview with Fitness Expert and Trainer Adrian Collins by Kris Martinez

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Interview with Fitness Expert and Trainer Adrian Collins by Kris MartinezAdrian Collins is one of the best trainers in the fitness industry. His exercise plan, ‘The Social Butterfly Programme’ has been featured in the Mail Online and The Sunday Times Style Magazine. The programme, which is 6-8 weeks is completely personalised to suit individual goals and promises to fit around the schedules of busy professionals.

Being a busy person myself, I was eager to learn more about  the programme and how it works.

When I arrived at Adrian’s gym near Old Street station, I was expecting  to be thrown into a hardcore army style workout, but it was the exact opposite of that.  Instead, Adrian had me do a few simple exercises, which he used to assess my posture. Knowing nothing about me, Adrian was able to deduce that I used to dance. He was also able to see areas where I was tight.

After assessing my posture,  Adrian took me through a few exercises that would not only help me reach my goal of toning up, but also help with my posture issues.

Adrian took the time to get to know me and find out what my goals were. His style of training is brilliant. He uses a mix of pilates and strength training, which keeps things fun and interesting. He also gave me exercises to do on my own time that help with my posture issues. If you are in the London area, I definitely recommend checking him out. For those of you who live elsewhere, Adrian also offers online training. Prices start at £380.

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After our work out, I had the opportunity to ask Adrian some health and fitness questions.

1. What is your theory behind the Social Butterfly Program?

I created the Social Butterfly Program as being a city based trainer I know how hectic people’s lifestyles are. It’s the perfect regime for city dwelling, party loving people with busy social schedules. It’s completely personalised to your goals.  Wether it’s focusing on s desired body type, re alignment or shaping up for a special event, it’s tailor made to make you look fantastic and stay motivated.

2. What do you say to people, who say they don’t have the time to workout?

Time management is needed here.  Usually from my experience being able to fit in a workout in your day structure without making it too much of an inconvenience is key. Try a morning workout HIIT before work or on your lunch break having your meals around this in preparation.. This is why I promote a 15/20 min HIIT to my clients to achieve on their off days from training with me.

3. What tips do you have for people who don’t have access to a gym?

It’s not necessary to have to go and use a gym to create a good workout routine. Many of my clients don’t have gym memberships I use a private hired studio or train in parks or at homes.  There are some great outdoor spaces for working out, try finding a hill or a flight of stairs is one of my recommendations, as you can really get a burn on different intervals using these. And there is a lot you can do with your own body weight for exercises. It is affordable to purchase some basic workout equipment these days. I like using resistance bands with clients which helps with more pull exercises etc..

4. What is the best way to tone up?

Consistency – sticking to a routine and keeping your food clean… This combined with a good resistance based program can work wonders on toning your structure.

But this all relates back to goal setting if you put your mind in the right place and follow a consistent routine with your eating habits sleep and shocking up the exercise program this can create a snow ball effect to your metabolism

5. What is your favourite type of workout and why?

It depends on my mood and if I’m aiming for a specific goal. From boxing pad work to heavy lifting and squating to Pilates.  I rate the Pilates reformer highly, if I’m feeling a bit tight from weights I like the challenge this machine brings when doing specific exercises. Once you get past the basics there are some full on moves which can really challenge your body.

Interview with Fitness Expert and Trainer Adrian Collins by Kris Martinez2

6. What are good pre and post workout snacks?

I try and avoid the idea of snacking (the body works on digestion of foods with insulin response, snacking can screw this up and forces you to hit insulin spikes etc), But you do need to fuel your workouts and get the right ingredients in within 45mins, post workout to optimise muscle recovery.

Key foods that help promote a fuel efficient workout are apples, almonds and post work out protein and carb are needed for muscle recovery. Look to keep this clean as poss if you want to optimise muscle tone, I find white fish or a breast of chicken with sweet potatoes or basmati rice with good greens for fibre to help get this ingredient through your digestive system in optimal time and ease.

7. What exercises do you recommend to get rid of love handles?

Assessing your diet, getting the correct sleep pattern and with an optimal exercise program in place will all help to rid this area if that is your goal.  Targeting muscle groups in isolation can be great for specific toning and look but, if you are unfamiliar with targeted exercises I wouldn’t recommend isolation as there are implications to the rest of your kinetic chain if your technique isn’t spot on. So, for this I would recommend compound exercises and a good Pilates balance / alignment and core routine to help support your structure before upping exercises for isolation..

8. What is your favourite exercise and why?

Again this always changes dependant upon where I am with my own training routine at the time. I do like compound exercise such as deadlifting as this hits my whole body. But, I also enjoy sports as exercise such as swimming, surfing, snowboarding…

9. If you’re out having a drink, what is a good choice to go for?

Other than water! If you tend to have the “occasional” alcoholic beverage try sticking to clear drinks, champaign, vodka tonic… And also try slipping water in between to stay hydrated as this will really have a difference in how you feel the next day. Clear drinks give your digestive system an easier time in dealing with the toxins and the extra H20 helps the system flow these toxins quicker.

10. If your goal is to shed some weight and tone up, how many times a week do you recommend working out? And how long should your workouts be?

Quality rather than quantity, I’ve always said.  Ask yourself next time you hit the gym is this challenging for me? How much time am I spending on moving or am I sat here on my phone breaking my workouts not concentrating on my exercise/movements. Yes there is a key amount of days and time you want to spend in optimising your weight toning goals, that is why I have most clients I see on the Social Butterfly Program take on the intense level with three to four sessions a week.  I also, encourage them to take on the 15 minute HIITs on the days we don’t train usually over the weekends for optimal metabolism boosting effects.

For more workout reviews, interviews, and delicious recipes be sure to follow my blog, at Fit About Town.

 

 

30 Days of Gratitude Day Three

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It is quite hard to make the ceiling in your home look interesting but I have added a filter which seems to make it look like the sky. Anyway, that brings me to day three of my 30 Days of gratitude: having a roof over my head. With the migrant crisis and a rise in homelessness, having a place to call your own is something to be grateful for indeed.

30 days of gratitude #30daysofgratitude

Catch up on other days:
Day 1.
Day 2.

What are you grateful for?

 

 

Does Your Child Need Urgent Medical Attention? By Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Healthy children, who have died following a short but severe infection have hit the news recently.

The problem is that young children can become sick within hours. Most recover equally quickly—but, despite best care, some don’t, particularly if they have meningitis or other overwhelming infection.

One year-old William Mead died of sepsis, apparently after ‘111’ staff didn’t appreciate how ill he had become. I won’t comment without knowing all the facts, except to say it can be difficult, sometimes even for experts, to assess whether a small child is seriously ill.

However, as an ex-paediatrician, I do have concerns about telephone diagnosis, whether the 111 service, swine-flu helplines, or GPs asking parents to hold the telephone over a child’s chest so they can hear their breathing (yes I have known this to happen). Professor Neena Modi, a senior paediatrician, has also publically voiced similar concerns recently.

Small children have an immature immune system, and consequently don’t react to, or show signs of, illness in the same way as adults. Whenever I was asked to see a sick child, my first concern was whether they needed immediate emergency treatment, or whether I could take my time, asking more questions and making a detailed examination. The signs in the Table would help me decide, and sometimes I just knew from experience.  I remember assessing a new-born baby, who simply wouldn’t stop crying. Something wasn’t right. We did some tests on the special baby unit—he had meningitis and needed urgent antibiotics. Happily he made a full recovery.

I am not suggesting that every crying child needs an urgent medical assessment—just that signs of illness in babies and toddlers can be subtle, and experience helps.

So how does a parent know whether to seek urgent medical help?

Does Your Child Need Urgent Medical Attention? signsofillnessinbabiesandchildren

The Table provides pointers, however, you know your child, and, even if they don’t shown any of these signs, if you are worried, you must insist they are seen by a doctor—better to ‘waste someone’s time’ than miss a serious infection. As a personal example, I was convinced one night that my young son had meningitis. I rushed him to A&E department, where he made a miraculous recovery, just before my colleague came in to examine him. Embarrassing, but I would do it again.

So if you are worried, what should you do?

Options include:

  • Phone your GP
  • Phone 111 and ask to see a doctor that day (or within the hour if you are really worried)
  • Go to your local A&E department (check first that it is open).

If all else fails, and your child is getting worse, dial 999 for an ambulance.

Although it is important that you are aware of these signs and what to do, please do remember, though, that overwhelming childhood infections are relatively rare. Most infections are not serious, and most times your child will be dancing around the next day.

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

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

Further information:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/spotting-signs-serious-illness.aspx

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120704/Signs-that-a-child-is-seriously-ill-Interview-with-Professor-Middleton.aspx

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

 

 

30 Days Of Gratitude Day Two: My Husband

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Following on from day one, here is day two of my thirty days of gratitude. Some people don’t get to find The One but for six years now I have been lucky enough to live my life alongside my best friend, building memories along the way. I am not going to bore you all with the reasons my husband, James, is amazing, I will just say that I know I am lucky to have such a soppy, caring, sweet, loving, decent, hard-working and moral husband. We have been through a lot together and we are as happy today as the day we met. Oh, and he is the father of my son. Thank you James. #30daysofgratitude

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Shoe Aid – Because Walking Barefoot Should Be A Choice…

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Capture‘We’re shoe people….that’s what we do.

Can you imagine a life where you and your family cannot afford a simple pair of shoes? For 300 million children worldwide, this is a reality. They do not have a choice to be barefoot because their families are too impoverished to afford an essential pair of shoes. We’re working to change that, and you can help’.

Shoe Aid UK

 

In 2004, Lee Todd, who had created a career in the shoe business for himself watched on television a video of a single shoe washing ashore after the calamitous 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. It was an image he never forgot and it moved him to develop the Shoe Aid charity in 2010.

With Lee’s leadership and Shoe Aid’s core team, Shoe Aid has collected tens of thousands of shoes for people in need. In partnership with The National Police Aid Convoy the shoes collected have benefited and helped improve the lives of people in the UK, Malawi, Gambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Russia, Albania, Pakistan, Ghana and Rwanda.

Strategically placed shoe bins are used to collect used and new shoes. These can be found in participating schools, offices, factories and religious and retail establishments. Shoe Aid is working to establish itself as a leading global charity that will continue to provide needed shoes to people in the UK, developing nations, disaster zones and refugee camps. In addition, Shoe Aid aims to help develop micro-businesses in developing countries where they will teach people how to create commerce on gently worn shoes. Any newly donated shoes will be proudly allocated as designated by Shoe Aid.

Shoe Aid is also doing long-term planning to help those in poverty in the UK with a vision of establishing charity shops throughout the UK for people in need of re-purposed shoes at a nominal price.

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Why Shoe Aid?

As a UK charity, Shoe Aid are passionate about what they do. Every day, they are seeking ways to help improve the lives of children around the world by working with global partners to collect donated shoes. The shoes that are collected are sent to parts of Africa and Eastern Europe. The pieces are then repurposed and provided to impoverished families.

‘We need you to join us. We have a lot of work to do and we need businesses, companies, charities, schools and individuals to add their voices and efforts to our movement. Together, we can make a difference, not only in Eastern Europe and Africa, but also right here in the UK. Help support our efforts and make a difference in a child’s life today’.

12 New Terrace
Sandiacre
Nottingham
NG10 5PU

Phone: 07947 686333

E-mail
lee@shoeaid.com

About Shoe Aid…

Shoe Aid is a charity (in the process of registration) established to raise awareness and help the 300 million children worldwide who do not have the ability to obtain a pair of shoes, which are necessary for hygienic and health reasons, for work and school, due to the devastating ills of poverty. Shoe Aid believes that walking barefoot should be a choice, not a hardship.

www.shoeaid.com

@ShoeAidUK

Facebook: ShoeAidNottingham

 

 

Power through the New Year with Whitworths Shots

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So January’s finally over and how many of those resolutions have you stuck to thus far? In a study conducted by leading healthy snack brand Whitworths, nearly 10 million Brits wave goodbye to their diet plans as we enter into the month of February due to faltering willpower. So what is the solution and how do we claw back our start of year “New Year, New Me” mindset?

Frost had the pleasure of experiencing a workout of a very different kind hosted by the brains behind Whitworths called The Willpower Workout. The workout is the foundations of what will help us to turn our healthy eating patterns into habits. So why do so many of us struggle to keep and maintain healthy eating patterns? The study showed that the population is set to lose willpower due to things like boredom of healthy food, with 26% of us claiming a lack of low calorie snacks are easily available, 19% feeling down about the bad weather and 9% of us a lack of sleep Karen Cox, Brand Controller at Whitworths comments; “As a brand that promotes healthy snacking, we believe that working on maintaining willpower is the key to succeeding in losing weight. Our ‘Willpower Workout’, which launched this month, is a little different to classes you’ll find in your local gym – featuring experts in the fields of hypnotherapy and sleep therapy as well as fitness and nutrition.”  

Want to have a go…? Check out this video to try the very first and exclusive Willpower Workout.

So who are Whitworths? They are the brain-child of the award-winning shots range, not the alcoholic kind ahem, but the kind that will give you a satisfying and healthy snack boost throughout your day. In this day and age where the demand for healthy-snacks is through the roof, Whitworths are committed to providing us with something a lot tastier than your average rice cake or salad. Whitworths Shots have it all covered with eight incredible flavours to choose from;

Berry and White Chocolate Shot: An indulgent mix of cranberries, extra juicy, plump and large Chilean flame raisins and creamy white chocolate pieces (93 calories per pack)

Toffee Pecan Shot: A sweet and satisfying collection of juicy sultanas, dried chopped dates, toffee pieces and crunchy pecan nuts (99 calories per pack)

Fruity Biscuit Shot: A fruity blend of sunshine sultanas, cranberries and rich white chocolate-coated shortcake biscuits (93 calories per pack)

Orange and Chocolate Seed Shot: A classic mix of orange flavour cranberries, golden, succulent raisins, milk chocolate-coated and natural pumpkin seeds (95 calories per pack)

Raisin and Chocolate Shot: Plump golden and crimson raisins paired with rich dark chocolate balls make this the perfect simple-but-satisfying treat (91 calories per pack)

Blueberry and Seed Shot: A delicious juicy jumble of raisins, pumpkin seeds, yogurt-coated sunflower seeds and dried blueberries (98 calories per pack)

Cranberry and Almond Shot: A super-saintly mix of juicy, succulent crimson raisins, little jewel cranberries and toasted, crunchy almond slices with no added refined sugar (97 calories per pack)

Apricot and Seed Shot: A ‘clean eating’ blend of chopped, tender apricots, tangy cranberries, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds with no added refined sugar (88 calories per pack)

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All at under 100 Cals per shot. So turn your healthy eating patterns into habits with Whitworths Willpower Workouts and let us know how you get on. Remember, it only takes 21 days to make a habit.

Shots are available now in Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug and WHSmith from 49p per pack.

https://www.facebook.com/WhitworthsUK/
www.whitworths.co.uk

An interview with Dr Kathleen Thompson: Author of From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope and Frost’s medical correspondent

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From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope by Dr. Kathleen Thompson book review, health, breast cancer,

Why did you write the book?

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was surprised how hard I found it, even as a doctor, to navigate my way through the tests and treatments. It made me realise how much more difficult it must be for someone without any medical knowledge. This book is to help those people. I also wanted to give an insight of what it was like to have cancer, for the benefit of the friends and relatives of people with breast cancer.

 

What is your book about?

It uses my personal breast cancer experiences to guide people through their breast cancer treatment, explaining the various tests and procedures. It points them to further information sources too. Although full of information, it is simply written, in order to be easily absorbed by someone in a state of shock.

Later in the book I explain medical research. The internet is a fabulous source of information. The trouble is, it doesn’t have a truth-filter. Anybody can post anything, and there are numerous ‘cancer cures’ which are unsubstantiated and sometimes dangerous. When you have a serious illness, it is tempting to try anything. So, for these reasons, I explain how to assess whether a claim is valid, or whether it is misleading.

Finally I talk about the causes of cancer and what we can do to reduce our chances of contracting it – and it is surprising how much we can do.

 

What is the most important message of your book?

Take control. We lose control of our lives the moment we are told we have cancer—take it back. Don’t relinquish that control to anyone, even to your medical carers. They may do a fantastic job, but in the end, you are the one with the most at stake. You need to understand all your treatment options, discuss with your doctor, and then decide which are best for you, and make sure you get them.

 

Who will your book help and in what way?

Firstly it will help people going through breast cancer, or other cancers, as much of the information extends to all cancers.

Equally it will help the relatives and friends of people diagnosed with cancer.

It will also be of interest to anyone who enjoys reading about personal experiences and who is interested in improving their health, reducing their cancer risk and understanding medical research

 

Did being a doctor help you get through breast cancer?

In many ways, yes it did, and that is why I want to share my ‘inside knowledge’ with others. In some ways, though, it didn’t, and I felt as vulnerable, bewildered and uncertain about what to do as anyone else.

 

Can we do anything to help lower our cancer risk?

Absolutely yes—it is surprising how much we can do. Of course some people have a higher risk of cancerthan others, and sometimes, however hard you try, you can’t prevent it. But for many of us, we can shift along the seesaw of cancer risk—and so make ourselves go up, and not down.

 

Frost found From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope impressive, and important. If you know anyone who could use help after a diagnosis, don’t hesitate to point them towards the book.

From Both Ends Of the Stethoscope is available from all good bookshops and Amazon.co.uk