Coronavirus SARS-COV-2 Health Advice From GPDQ’s Dr Gero Baiarda

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Catherine Balavage

NHS GP Dr Gero Baiarda is one of the hundreds of GPs currently on-call at GPDQ – the UK’s leading GP-on-demand service. Dr Baiarda has myth-busted 10 common beliefs associated with the SARS-COV-2:

The virus is a living organism that we can kill. It is not alive. It is a protein chain of RNA within a protective layer of fat. Since the virus is a protein super molecule rather than a living organism, you cannot kill it. It will, however, decay spontaneously given enough time. The time it takes to break down depends on the environmental temperature, humidity and type of material upon which it settles.

People are most contagious before they even know they have the virus. This is untrue. Infected cells are invaded and destroyed by the virus, allowing millions of new viruses to burst forth and be shed on surfaces or passed to other people. Spread is most effective, therefore, in coughed droplets. Patients who are asymptomatic can, however, pass on the virus as soon as they are infected.

SARS-COV-2 is a hardy virus. It isn’t. SARS-COV-2 is surprisingly fragile. The only protection it has is a thin outer layer of lipid or fat. That is why any soap or detergent (both of which break down fat) will destroy it – even washing up liquid works well. By dissolving the external lipid layer of the virus, the virus is rendered completely inert and unable to penetrate human cells. Hence why washing hands often with soap and water is so important.

If delivery drivers wear gloves, they won’t spread it. This is wrong. Every item that a gloved hand touches can then be contaminated. According to a recent study from the New England Journal of Medicine, the virus can live up to eight hours on cardboard. To stay safe, the best advice is not to touch the parcel until ideally the following day.

The virus can’t be passed on by food. It can be transferred easily. If someone who has the virus on their hands touches food, it is very likely to become contaminated for many hours. To denature and inactivate the virus, food should either be washed or cooked at 65 degrees celsius at least for 4 minutes or more.

Alcohol-based sanitizer with a 60 percent alcohol concentration is as effective as washing your hands in soap and water. Wrong. Squirting a little bit of alcohol gel on your palms and rubbing them together is not effective. You need to cover the entire surface of both hands including fingers and thumbs, but this should be done only after the hands are free of any residues – such as after sneezing. The small nozzle on bottles of sanitizer are part of the problem, as people assume a small amount is ample.

Drinking alcohol will prevent people getting the virus. This is not true. The only alcohol that will help to prevent the spread of the SARS-COV-2 is that in hand sanitizer. This is only for external use, and even then, it is only effective if it has a concentration of 60 percent or above, if you use enough, and in the right way.

Moisturising hands after washing reduces cleanliness. Incorrect. Moisturizing the skin is very important. The virus can lodge itself in damaged skin on your hands cracked by repeated washing, so it’s important to try to avoid this. Keeping fingernails short will reduce the risk of sheltering and passing on the virus too.

Washing hands isn’t as important when self-isolating, as you’re all virus-free. Wrong. If there are any external items (shopping / deliveries / post etc) entering your home, hand washing remains important. Every time you wash your hands you will break the chain of infection. If in doubt, give them a wash! Do this for at least 20 seconds with warm, soapy water and if you have paper towels that you can throw away, this is better than using a communal towel. If using towels, dedicate one to each person in the house, keep them separate, and wash them daily.

Vinegar is good for keeping bathrooms and kitchens free of the virus. Incorrect. Vinegar will not work against SARS-COV-2 and is not advised. The cleaning of bathrooms, kitchens and surfaces is still best carried out with hot water from the tap and a surface detergent as you have always done. If you have a case of SARS-COV-2 in your house and want to disinfect common areas, you can use a dilution of household bleach or hydrogen peroxide – this is a mild antiseptic.

Sherlock Unlocked: Little-known Facts About the World’s Greatest Detective by Daniel Smith

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Catherine Balavage

This book is well written and well researched. An essential for anyone interested in Sherlock Holmes.

Consulting detective Sherlock Holmes has been fascinating generations of readers, watchers and listeners for over 130 years, since he first appeared in print in 1887. Now an internationally renowned cultural icon, his name appears on books, films, television dramas, radio plays, stage adaptations and the rest right across the world and he is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as ‘the most portrayed movie character’ in history.

With all this material readily available, one might think there’s not much to find out about Sherlock, but in Sherlock Unlocked, Daniel Smith looks behind what we think we know about the well-known sleuth and reveals little-known facts of which every Sherlock aficionado should be aware. From the eccentric and odd characters to the bizarre plot twists, and from Conan Doyle to Moriarty, this book will appeal to Holmes’ fans old and new.

Full of fascinating facts, such as:
– The shameful addiction of Watson’s that Holmes kept secret – a dark gambling habit.
– The part the legendary Langham Hotel played, in both Conan Doyle’s literary friendships – including with Oscar Wilde – and in the storylines he created for Holmes and Watson.
– The Real Moriarty? The true-life London underworld thief-taker, Jonathan Wild, was a model for Professor Moriarty
– Holmes’s retirement passion was bee-keeping.
– One of Conan Doyle’s childhood teachers, Eugene Chantrelle, became a notorious murderer.

Sherlock Unlocked is available here.

Don’t Be Afraid of Disability: A Guide on Acceptance And Inclusion

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Frostie

Credit: wikipedia

There are approximately 40,000 people with Down’s syndrome living in the UK, and over 10 million people with disabilities in Britain*. Therefore, with 15% of the population living with a disability, it is essential that people are understanding and knowledgeable when it comes to inclusion. Inclusion is relevant to everybody through all stages of life, right through from the playground to the workplace, to new social situations. Most people will have felt excluded at some point in their lives, and if somebody has a disability this experience may be heightened.

It is common to be afraid and anxious of disability, not sure how to act or what to say, particularly if you don’t have previous experience. However, it is better to admit nerves and pledge to learn about disability, than remain ignorant and in the dark. Every disability is different, as is every individual, and so there is no ‘one size fits all’ method of knowing how to behave around a person with a disability. However, Carol Boys, CEO of the Down’s Syndrome Association has provided her expert advice for helping make sure that everyone in society is accepted and included.

Understand everyone is different

There are a broad range of disabilities, encompassing mental and physical, and therefore, it is important to remember that everyone is different. People with Down’s syndrome have a learning disability, but even within this specific type of disability, this can be mild or severe. Interacting with people who have a learning disability is likely to be different to interacting with people who have a physical disability, and acknowledging that everyone is different is the first step of working towards a society that promotes inclusion, after all, the world would be very boring if we were all the same! Understanding that the different people we encounter throughout our lives can enrich our experiences, and help us to learn new things and make new friends is so important. There is still a lot of work to do to ensure people with Down’s syndrome, and other disabilities, have many of the same life chances that the general population take for granted, and this is why we at the DSA work to educate the general public and show that people with Down’s syndrome have the same feelings and moods as everyone else, and thus, should be treated as individuals.

Ask questions

As there is such a broad spectrum of disabilities, it would be very difficult to be knowledgeable about every disability you come across. Some disabilities aren’t visible, nor would you necessarily realise someone had a disability until a certain situation occurs, therefore it’s important to not to be afraid of asking questions to help you understand. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions to the person with the disability directly or you think it would be inappropriate, do look at resources online to assist you. The DSA website has an extremely useful FAQ section which will help offer some clarity http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/about/general/. Fear often comes from the unknown, and therefore they more we know, the less scared we will be of disability.

Be respectful

This is probably the most important piece of advice to take on board. Being respectful to anyone, whether they have a disability or not, is the best way to interact with others. Every individual has a different personality type (some we might click with and others we may not!) but never be disrespectful by talking down to or patronising someone with a disability. It’s important to note, for example, that everyone with Down’s syndrome needs some level of support at some point in their lives, whether this is a couple of hours help a week on their schedule, or 24/7 care. It can be difficult to get your heads around the balance of how much support to offer without treating people ‘differently’. However, being respectful, sensitive and considerate will always be appreciated no matter the situation.

Clue up on the terminology

To ensure you are sensitive in any situation, it is important to never use offensive terminology when discussing disability, either to the person with the disability themselves or with others. Assigning people with a label can be ignorant at the very least and highly upsetting at the worst. At the DSA, one of our objectives focuses on educating the public and the media on the correct way to talk about Down’s syndrome. For example, you should never say ‘this person suffers from Down’s syndrome’, as the word ‘suffer’ has negative connotations of illness. Instead, people ‘have’ Down’s syndrome. Alongside this, it is important not to define people by their disability. Don’t introduce people by name and their disability – a simple ‘this is my friend Sophie’ is sufficient – just like other people in your life.

Do what you can to help

Trying to make sure people aren’t afraid of disability can come in all different forms. This may start with informing people if they use the wrong terminology or volunteering at groups to provide support and assistance. If you are keen to get more involved, this year for World Down Syndrome Day, you can purchase ‘LOTS OF SOCKS’ socks to show your support of people with Down’s syndrome and raise awareness on World Down Syndrome Day (21st March). https://worlddownsyndromeday.org/lots-of-socks

For more information visit: http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

* http://www.dlf.org.uk/content/key-facts

Down’s syndrome: Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. Around one in every 1,000 babies is born with Down’s syndrome. There are over 40,000 people with the condition in the UK.

Everyone with Down’s syndrome will have some degree of learning disability. The most important thing to remember is that everyone with Down’s syndrome is an individual, with their own strengths and weaknesses and personality traits that make them who they are.

The Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) is a registered (1061474) national charity that exists to provide information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest. The DSA seeks to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people with Down’s syndrome. To find out more about the work of the DSA visit our website www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

Terminology: Down’s syndrome – What to say (and not to say)

We rely on the media to speak about issues relating to Down’s syndrome in a way that is both factually accurate and inoffensive to the general public, including people with Down’s syndrome and their families.

We are sure you share our concerns so please take a minute to check that your copy is in line with the following language guidelines and that you are not perpetuating any myths about the condition.

*DON’T SAY*	*DO SAY*
*Suffers* from OR is a *victim* of Down’s syndrome	Has Down’s syndrome
A Down’s baby/person/child	A person/baby/child with Down’s syndrome or who has Down’s syndrome
Retarded/mentally handicapped/backward	Learning disability
Disease/illness/handicap	Condition OR genetic condition
the risk of a baby having Down’s syndrome (in relation to pre-natal screening and probability assessments)	the chance of a baby having Down’s syndrome
Down’s (as an abbreviation)	DS (as an abbreviation if necessary)
*MYTHS*	*FACTS*
People with Down’s syndrome don’t live very long.	Today, people with Down’s syndrome can look forward to a life of 60 years plus.
Only older mothers have babies with Down’s syndrome.	Although older mothers have a higher individual chance of having a baby with Down’s syndrome, more are born to younger mothers, reflecting the higher birth rate in this age group.
People with Down’s syndrome cannot achieve normal life goals.	With the right support, they can. The vast majority of people with Down’s syndrome learn to walk and talk, and many are now attending mainstream schools, passing GCSEs and living full, semi-independent adult lives.
People with Down’s syndrome all look the same.	There are certain physical characteristics that can occur. People with Down’s syndrome can have all of them or none. A person with Down’s syndrome will always look more like his or her close family than someone else with the condition.
People with Down’s syndrome are always happy and affectionate.	We are all individuals and people with Down’s syndrome are no different to anyone else in their character traits and varying moods.

EU Referendum – If You Really Believe in Democracy There is Only One Way You Can Vote on Thursday

Posted on June 22, 2016 by James Yardley

A couple of months ago I began this EU campaign genuinely undecided about how I would vote. I knew we sent the EU quite a lot of money and that it was bureaucratic. But I also believed fully in the idea that we were stronger together and that free trade is usually a good thing.

After much thought and research I have decided to vote to leave the EU. The final factor was the Paxman documentary which I would encourage everyone to watch.

Much as I love Europe. I cannot vote in favour of a system which is undemocratic and unaccountable. We must all fight to defend our democracy. So many have already sacrificed so much in the past to do so.

How is the EU undemocratic? Firstly, perhaps most importantly it lacks transparency. This system is unnecessarily and seemingly deliberately complex. Understanding how laws are actually made is difficult. There are three main bodies.

The European Council – Decides priorities and directions of the EU

The European Commission – Proposes legislation, policies and programmes of action and is responsible for implementing the decisions of the European Parliament and the Council.

The European Parliament – Amends and approves legislation

There are also a myriad of other bodies involved, of which there are far too many to list. When a system is this complex it becomes impossible for ordinary people to have any input or influence on the decision making process. Power becomes held in a smaller and smaller elite.

New laws are not proposed by elected members of the EU parliament. In almost all cases they are proposed by unelected commissioners. This is crucial. What is the point of having elected representatives if they are powerless to change anything? When I vote for my MP to go to Westminster he or she stands on a manifesto of policies he or she wishes to undertake on my behalf. My MEP stands for nothing. It’s little wonder that almost no one actually knows who their MEP is. The elected European Parliament, in those policy areas in which it is allowed a say, votes on directives in vast batches with very little opportunity for debate. Detailed scrutiny is given in committees, but only a tiny proportion of MEPs are able to participate. The ability to modify directives is itself subject to many rules. There is no accountability. Any laws which are created trump our own parliament. Whatever people may say, it is not democracy.

I do not pretend that leaving the EU would not be difficult and there would not be a great deal of upheaval. I have also been very disappointed with most of the arguments and figures from both sides. It saddens me that the debate has been dominated by immigration and the economy when to me the true issue is our relationship with the EU and our democracy.

But we cannot allow this undemocratic system to continue. The EU has shown itself to be completely unwilling to reform. David Cameron had a golden opportunity to work for proper democratic reform during his re-negotiation. He didn’t even bother because he, and most other politicians, have no interest in changing a system which favours them. It is time for us all to stand up and be counted and take back control of our democracy. We may not get another chance.

It Takes Two… to Make a Baby. All You Need to Know About Men’s Fertility

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Frostie

Although a woman is the one, who will carry and deliver the baby, a man has a crucial role in pregnancy. In fact, almost 40 % of problems with fertility are caused by men’s conditions. *

We have put together some useful tips and fact from our experts for making healthy sperm and giving you the best chance of becoming a dad.

Don’t cook your balls

Heat is among the top causes of reduced fertility in men. ‘Everyone thinks of not having hot baths or wearing tight underpants for men as it may affect sperm health. It’s production takes place at 32°C, which is lower than the body temperature at 37°C. The testes are on the outside of a man’s body to keep them cooler. As they get closer to the body (e.g. by sitting for long periods when driving or cycling) the sperm heats up which may reduce the count.

However, a more surprising piece of research found that men using laptops on their laps was causing a problem with sperm health. In order to balance the laptop, men will often close their legs. This on its own (even without the laptop) raises the temperature of their genitals by up 2.1°C. In conjunction with heat generated by laptop itself it causes a rise in temperature of up to 2.8°C. It might seem like not a lot, but a rise of just 1°C can decrease fertility by 40%!’ explains Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading nutritionist and author of Getting Pregnant Faster.

Oysters for dinner

‘Stress, pollution, smoking and alcohol – unfortunately, our modern lifestyles tend to decrease our zinc levels. In addition, heating and cooking can also reduce the zinc in foods by 50%. However, this is a mineral not to be forgotten. It not only boosts sperm levels but it also improves it quality (it creates the outer membrane and tail of a sperm.) A low level of Zinc can even lead to impaired fertility.’ explains Shona Wilkinson, Head Nutritionist at www.nutricentre.com.

‘Make sure you include in your diet zinc-rich ingredients such as seafood, lamb, spinach, nuts, beans and mushrooms. Studies conducted by experts from https://www.numan.com/erectile-dysfunction, also show that ‘eating a rainbow’ of fruit and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants will not only fuel your grey matter and muscles but can also boost your fertility. Antioxidants cause surges in testosterone, improve sperm quality and increases sex drive.

You can also try AgeLoss Men’s Multi by Nature’s Plus (www.nutricentre.com, £47.00) which is not only high in Zinc but also in libido-optimizing herbal staples rhodiola rosea and ginseng.’ adds Michela Vagnini, Nutritionist at www.naturesplus.co.uk.

There is one, very important amino acid…

L-Arginine is an amino acid, which is crucial for most of metabolic processes. It contributes to the health of vascular system by boosting blood circulation and regulating the relaxation of blood vessels. ‘As it supports blood flow, it is a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction, a common problem associated with infertility. Stress, fatigue and lack of stamina can make men weak and not able to complete the sexual act. In addition, L-Arginine is essential for sperm production (it can be found in large amounts in the head of the sperm). You can find it seafood, eggs, lentils, chocolate and whole wheat grains. You can also go for NHP’s Men’s Fertility Support (www.naturalhealthpractice.com, £32.77), which includes 1000mg of L-Arginine.’ says Dr Glenville.

If you are worried about your stamina, you can also try organic medicinal mushroom supplement by Hifas da Terra, Mico-Cord (Harrods, £55), which enhances cardiovascular circulation and strengthen the body.

Lose extra pounds

We all know that being overweight has a huge impact on our health. Unfortunately, it is also an excellent contraceptive. ‘Extra pounds affect sperm quality, decrease their ability to swim, reduce sperm count and increase damage to DNA. Men, who are overweight, suffer from hormonal imbalance, which causes lower sex drive. So losing those extra pounds should be the first thing on your list!’ says Wilkinson.

No smoking area

Apart from being dangerous for your overall health, smoking can affect men’s fertility on many levels. ‘Toxins found in cigarettes take their tool on not only our lungs but they can also increase the risk of DNA damage in sperm cell. Smoking can also contribute towards erectile dysfunction as it damages the blood vessels. And finally, this awful habit depletes Vitamin C from your body, which contributes to sperm ‘clumping’ together. This can affect its mobility, as sperm are not supposed to stick together – they cannot swim that way.’ says Glenville.

Make those boys swim faster
Have you heard of CoQ10? Apart from being a powerful antioxidant, which helps to protect cells from free radical damage it is also necessary for energy production. ‘Studies have shown that it can not only increase sperm health but also its motility in semen, making your little swimmers more energetic. Unfortunately, CoQ10 decline with age and is extremely difficult to obtain through the diet. Go for Ubiquinol Qu10 by Quest Vitamins (www.revital.co.uk, £23.15).’ advises Sharon Morey, Nutritionist at Quest Vitamins.

* http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/features/male-infertility-facts

5 Film Sets That You Can Go Explore

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Frostie

If you love films and travel, you might want to combine the two on a pilgrimage to the sets of your favourite movies. Here are our top 5 film sets that you can go and explore.

Jurassic Park – Kualoa Ranch, Oahu

Originally set to be filmed in Costa Rica, Steven Spielberg’s 1993 mega blockbuster Jurassic Park was relocated to the craggy, prehistoric landscape of Oahu, Hawaii. Standing in for the mythical Isla Nublar, Kualoa Ranch is arguably one of the stars of the film, as it sets the mood and tone for this ‘science gone too far’ escapade. Visitors to Kualoa today can take guided ATV tours of the vast acreage, also used as a filming location for Lost and Godzilla.

Harry Potter – Warner Brother Studios, Leavesden

A perennial favourite of kids of all ages, the 8 Harry Potter films were all shot in and around London and Oxford. A specialised team of designers, visual effects experts and artists built the elaborate sets—and you can visit them to this day! Take a wand waving class, get up close to prosthetics and costumes actually used during filming, and of course – visit the unbelievable shop at the end. If you want to catch a glimpse of filming locations around the city, head to the Millennium Footbridge, King’s Cross Station (home to the iconic Platform 9 ¾) and Leadenhall Market.

The Grand Budapest Hotel- Görlitzer Warenhaus Department Store, Görlitz, Germany

Fans of Wes Anderson’s quirky alternate universe often cite The Grand Budapest Hotel as their favourite of his films. Nominated for 9 Oscars in 2014, this visually arresting movie was shot primarily in a department store, not a hotel. While the hotel’s façade was a model (a technique that Anderson often employs), the interior shots were all filmed in this handsome art nouveau department store, built in 1913 and located 60 miles from Dresden. Open daily, you can treat yourself to a bit of retail therapy while you walk through the halls of cinematic history.

Ghostbusters, Tribeca Firehouse, New York City

This 1984 classic is beloved by generations of fans who grew up watching the films, television series, cartoons and playing with Slimer action figures – and that is why so many fans flock to the Tribeca Firehouse at 14 North Moore Street in New York City. Now valued at over $16 million due to its newly trendy location, the newest reboot of the film due next year may not be able to afford to hire the space!

Friday the 13^th, NoBeBoSco campground, Blairstown, New Jersey

If you love scary slasher flicks and you want to pay homage to Jason at the fictional Camp Crystal Lake, you will have to get the permission of an organisation so wholesome that it is the antithesis of Friday the 13^th: The Boy Scouts of America! ‘Camp Crystal Lake’ is actually set on the NoBeBoSco campground in New Jersey, and during the off season they will occasionally grant permission to film buffs who want to wander through the original cabins.

These filming locations are iconic, interesting and affordable (or even free) to visit. Do you have any others you would like to see added to this list? Leave your suggestions in the comment section below!

Secret Saviours Review: Does It Prevent Stretchmarks? UPDATED

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

There are a lot of horrible things that come with pregnancy: nausea, sickness, rib pain, exhaustion, but most of these are not permanent. Unlike stretchmarks. These horrible little things take ages to fade and become silvery lines. You can get them for a few reasons and men get them too. To start off our new parenting section we started to review stretch mark products. We decided to review Secret Saviours after attending the launch at 34. Secret Saviours comprises of a Multitasking Support Band, which is used with a specially formulated Day Gel and Night Cream. Does it prevent stretchmarks? Let’s find out.

I start using Secret Saviours when I was 24 weeks pregnant. Everyday I apply the day cream, wear the band and then take if off and apply the night cream in the evening. It’s a bit of a fuss, let’s be honest. But if it stops stretchmarks then it is completely worth it. The band does not fit well to begin with. I measure my bump and I am a size small and the band is a large. It is not uncomfortable but ruins the silhouette of a lot of the clothes that I wear. The pattern is visible under most clothes, making me look like I have a spotty belly. As I said, it is quite cumbersome but if it works it will be worth it.

I am now 32 weeks pregnant and happy with the results so far. I have noticed two stretchmarks a couple of inches below my belly button. I was very annoyed and upset when I saw them but I don’t even think they would be visible if I was wearing bikini bottoms. Still annoying though. So apart from a few stretchmarks which are not very visible, so far so good. I can’t say the system completely works as I have obviously gotten a few stretchmarks but it is possible that it could have been a lot worse. I will update this post as I go along.

The band is not uncomfortable and can also work as a pregnancy band/belt. It is quite sticky when you take it off at night because the day cream you use is tacky to help the pads stick. There are times when I just want to put my clothes on and not bother with the whole thing but so far I feel the results have been more than worth the effort. I will update after the pregnancy to let you know the final results.

You can get the premium Secret Saviours pack here.

Update.

I now have my baby, a son called Luke. Did diligently using the pregnancy band and creams work? I believe they made a difference. I did not come out of the experience with no stretchmarks. Small person + big baby is a recipe for lots of stretching, but the stretchmarks came late in the pregnancy. It is a bit annoying wearing the band everyday, but I actually think it helped my back. I think many people will get different results from Secret Saviours, even the makers said at the press launch that some women will get stretchmarks no matter what, but for most I think Secret Saviours pregnancy band and creams will make a difference.

British medics have designed a unique product which is scientifically proven to help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

The Secret Saviours Multitasking Support Band, which is used with a specially formulated Day Gel and Night Cream, reduces the risk of getting Striae gravidarum — the medical name for these unsightly scars – by 70 per cent.

Seven out of ten women who use this innovative under bump and lower back support will be spared these angry red marks which eventually fade to silvery pink, but stubbornly refuse to go away.

And if stretch marks do occur, the severity of them is reduced dramatically, a study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology has confirmed.

RIPPING YARNS: STRETCH MARKS – THE FACTS

Stretch marks are scars left by tearing below the surface of the skin and once you have them, without resorting to a tummy tuck, you have them for life.

TV doctor and GP Dr Chris Steele notes: “Stretch marks are very common in pregnancy, with some studies suggesting as many as nine out of ten mothers-to-be develop these unsightly streaks, but they can also spring from teenage growth spurts and rapid weight gain.

“It’s impossible to predict who will get them, although multiple pregnancies, ethnicity and family history all increase the odds of getting Striae gravidarum,, as doctors call them. And while many mums-to-be massage in moisturisers and oils in the hope of heading them off, there is very little evidence most potions and lotions will make any difference.,”

A BRITISH DISCOVERY
Secret Saviours was invented by leading vascular surgeon Mr Stephen Barker and an expert in tissue engineering at University College, London. It is the first product of its kind with clear scientific proof of effectiveness.

A trial, at the Institute of Maternity and Gynaecology at Tucuman in Argentina, recruited 159 women who were between 12 and 14 weeks pregnant. Half used the Secret Saviours system and the other half did not use any creams or devices to provide a control group for comparison.

Independent clinicians who saw the women at the end of their first trimester and around their due date assessed any stretch marks using a scale of zero to ten, with zero being no marks and ten being multiple, highly visible scars.

In line with studies examining the incidence of stretch marks, 66 per cent of women in the control group developed Striae gravidarum, with most scoring a seven for severity. But two out of three women who used Secret Saviours had no sign of stretch marks and those which did were very minor in appearance, with most scoring just four.

Commenting on Secret Saviours, mum of two and women’s health expert, Dr Catherine Hood, notes: “The secret of the Secret Saviours system is its Multitasking Support Band lined with pads arranged in a random pattern which gently grip the stomach and literally redirect stretch marks.”

“Secret Saviours works by equalising pressure points within the skin and helping to prevent any tiny tissue tears from forming within the dermis, the inner layer of skin which contains blood and lymph vessels.

“But if they do, the Support Band provides a gentle barrier of bumps which block the path of any minor tears which could spread along straight lines of stress and turn into full blown stretch marks.”

Dr Catherine Hood adds: “The skin-saving support provided by the Multitasking Support Band is enhanced by the addition of Secret Saviours’ Day Gel and Secret Saviours Night Cream. Both are formulated using ingredients such as Centella asiatica and vitamin E, which have been shown to support skin healing.

“There are no parabens, PABA, animal ingredients, synthetic colours, mineral oils petroleum or paraffin in either the Day Gel or Night Cream.”

Vascular surgeon Mr Barker promises: “We cannot guarantee Secret Saviours will stop all stretch marks, but we can guarantee that it will significantly reduce the risk of developing them and minimise the appearance of any which do appear.”

As an added bonus, the Secret Saviours Multitasking Support Band also provides some welcome under-bump support, which has the added bonus of reducing lower back ache — a common problem in pregnancy.

10 Little Known Facts About Dickens

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Frostie

The Charles Dickens Museum has put some great Dickens facts together for us in conjunction with the release of The Invisible Woman which is out on DVD now. . Enjoy.

Dickens was extremely fond of his sister in law, Mary Hogarth, who was 15 at the time they first met. Mary died, aged 17, in his arms at his home at Doughty St (now the Charles Dickens Museum) and Dickens was struck low with grief. He wore a ring from her finger for the rest of his life and kept a lock of her hair. He was unable to work for months following her death – a situation previously unheard of. To a close friend he wrote of her death:

“Thank God she died in my arms and that they very last words she whispered were of me … I solemnly believe that so perfect a creature never breathed. I knew her inmost heart and her real worth and value. She had not a fault…”

· Dickens love and fondness for Mary coloured his life for years after and affected him profoundly. Years later Dickens spoke of his wish to be buried beside Mary to his friend John Forster:

“The desire to be buried next to her is as strong upon me now as it was three years ago; and I know (for I don’t think there ever was love like that I bear her) that it will never diminish…”.

· Dickens met his first love, Maria Beadnell, at age 17. He was not considered good enough for the attentions of a bankers daughter. He vowed to become an actor to impress her and even when he became a well earning parliamentary reporter in 1835, he was refused by Maria’s parents. Maria contacted Dickens again later in life in 1854 and he was once again infatuated and sent her effusive letters until he discovered she had become dull and matronly. After this he never spoke to Maria again and portrayed her cruelly as Flora in ‘Little Dorrit’

· Dickens met the young actress Ellen Ternan when she was 17 and he pursued her from 1857 and was connected to her until his death in 1870. Dickens went to great lengths to keep the affair a secret from his adoring public. Ellen was the same age when he met her as Mary Hogarth had been when she died.

· As the relationship with his wife Catherine soured, he arranged for a wall to be built in the middle of their shared bedroom making the separation complete.

· In 1858, Dickens officially separated from Catherine and to put an end to rumours in circulation about his affair with Ellen Ternan, he had a notice published in London Times and Household Words to explain the ‘amicably composed’ separation to his wider public.

· When Dickens separated from Catherine, he blamed her mental instability as the cause of their break-up rather than the affair with Ellen Ternan

· A serpent ring tells the story of strained relations between Catherine Dickens and her sister Georgina following the separation of the Dickens’s marriage in 1858; Georgina made the controversial decision to remain with Dickens as his housekeeper. Many years later, after Dickens’s death, Catherine made a gift of the serpent ring to the sister who had deserted her, the symbol of the snake implying her betrayal.

· The affair between Dickens and Ellen was covered up well into 1920’s. Subsequent generations denied that the affair ever happened. A discovery of Dickens’ stolen or lost diary of 1867, found in 1943, appears to confirm the affair through coded entries..