Tag Archives: heart disease

Fight Heart Disease Like Cancer Book Review

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Fight Heart Disease Like Cancer

By Michael V. McConnell, MD, MSEE

Fight Heart Disease Like Cancer by Michael McConnell is a must read for everyone. It is a fantastic book that lays down the facts of heart disease and then tells you how to avoid it. This book is a gift to humanity. I know that may seem like overkill, but if everyone read it, and impacted the changes, then it would save millions of lives.

Micheal McConnell, a cardiologist and clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University School, is clearly a man with a passion. People do not take heart diseases seriously enough and there are many myths about bit. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women. It also presents differently in women and women are more likely to die from it. He has even given all author royalties from sales of this book to the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. An impressive man indeed.

Unbeknown to many, the main cause of heart disease—the world’s number one killer of women and men—is a cancer-like “tumour” inside the coronary arteries that keep our hearts beating. Although this similarity to cancer is well-established in medical journals, most people (and their health care providers) don’t approach heart disease as seriously as cancer, even though it’s just as deadly. In Fight Heart Disease Like Cancer, cardiologist Michael McConnell shares the stories of his family, patients, and research to lay out a modern and effective approach to preventing, screening for, and treating heart disease like cancer to avoid its dire consequences.

Highlighting the latest research on the substantial overlap between heart disease and cancer—from shared risk factors to screening for early detection to new and powerful therapies—Dr. McConnell also highlights the many ways our society can reduce heart disease for all. Fight Heart Disease Like Cancer will guide you step-by-step on how to prevent, screen for, and treat heart disease to live a healthier and longer life.

Out now | Hardback 232 pages | ISBN 9781421448466 |

Women ‘Three Times More Likely to die of Heart Disease than Breast Cancer’

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fitness-get healthyCardiovascular disease kills as many women in the UK as it does men, accounting for a combined total of 155,000 deaths each year or one death every three minutes.

More than 30,000 women die from coronary heart disease in the UK every year with over 700,000 women living with the consequences of heart disease and stroke, according to research published by The British Heart Foundation ahead of World Heart Day on 29th September.

World Heart Day is organised by the World Heart Federation and aims to raise awareness of heart disease through education, advocacy and research. The aim of World Heart Day is to create healthy heart environments and encourage individuals to make healthy heart choices wherever they live, work and play.

This year, World Heart Day will be focusing on women’s heart health, as despite the shocking statistics above, The British Heart Foundation claim that women often wait longer then men before calling 999 after experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. Often, this is due to women being less likely to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack or being reluctant to cause a fuss. As Dr Cliff Bucknall, Consultant Cardiologist at London Bridge Hospital, notes,

“Many women believe that heart disease is a condition that only affects men. This is simply not true and as a result, women are less likely to be aware of the associated risks, particularly, around heart disease and contraception.” 

Dr Bucknall states that for most women taking oral contraception, or Evorel HRT patches, there is a very low risk of experiencing a heart attack. However, this does rise with age as the risk of having a heart attack rises significantly following the menopause. Dr Bucknall comments:

“There are different types of hormonal contraception which can have different effects on the formation of blood clots and potential heart attacks. Consequently, it is extremely important to discuss with your healthcare provider the birth control options that carry the least risk for you.”

Also, Dr Bucknall dispels the myth that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medication protects women against heart disease. He states,

“HRT will help to relieve menopausal hot flushes and night sweats but don’t expect it to help your heart. Recent research now suggests that HRT isn’t heart protective and, as with all drug treatments there are potential side effects.” 

For women who are worried about their heart health, Dr Bucknall shares the following advice:

“There are a number of simple self-help actions that women can take to reduce their risk of heart disease. These include, giving up smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and undertaking more physical activity.”

 

 

Diabetes… It’s Not Too Late To Take Control

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Nexus PR have wonderful people there, so when I got notification to go one of their events, I was only too happy. I met Nicky, Emma and Isla at The Balthazar, 4-5 Russell Street, which is a beautiful restaurant, with a naturally beautiful venue room. On entering the upstairs venue room there was an amazing piece of technology, which did an instant scan of your retina and could do a 3D image of your retina and show exactly where, if any, issue involving the retina is! To say it quick would be an understatement and it was well used over the course of the afternoon.

 

There was a genuine point to having the eye testing equipment, which was not the solo piece of medical advice there, as they had blood pressure testing too! Things attributed to Diabetes, but either overlooked, or ignored by the person with it! Simply health Advisory Research Panel (ShARP) were the company supporting the event and Speaking on behalf of ShARP was the exceedingly talented Dr Gill Jenkins.  Who is a practising GP (in Bristol) with special interests in lifestyle health, in particular around obesity, smoking, diabetes, heart disease, lipid management and joint health. Dr Jenkins has a breadth of medical experience since qualifying in 1981, including psychiatry, cardiology, rheumatology and emergency medicine. Her skills are not just in medicine, but whilst her Pilot’s license wasn’t needed in the event, it just goes to show how remarkable she is. After Dr Jenkins, was Dr Ralph Abraham. Dr Abraham specialises in diabetes and Endocrinology; lipid disorders; heart disease prevention. Dr Abraham Trained at Kings College Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital as an academic physician turning to full time private practice in 1984. Founded London Medical in 1991.

 

Rounding things up was Francesca Marchetti. Francesca is a self-employed optometrist working in the West Midlands/Warwickshire area, for both multiple and independent practices. She has previously worked as a part time lecturer/clinical demonstrator at Aston University. Francesca works at the “Midland Eye Institute” in their refraction clinics. She has recently been appointed secretary to the Warwickshire LOC (Leaders in Oncology Care) and is an AOP (Association of Optometrists) Councillor for the Midlands. Dr Jenkins started the proceedings by listing the reason behind Diabetes Mellitus. Poor sugar control can lead to:

 

  • Higher risk of heart disease.
  • Peripheral vascular disease.
  • Stroke.
  • Kidney damage.
  • Erectile issues
  • Nerve damage.

I think that the penultimate reason alone is a reason for males to make sure their blood sugar levels are kept in check! The stats may bore the general public, but they are a correlation of information compiled to show how far and how long this disease has been going! Mitigating factors can contribute to diabetes, such as high blood pressure, obesity, age, reduction in activity levels and unsurprisingly denial. Dr Jenkins said that the number of pre-diabetes has tripled since 2003, which is shocking by any means! If you had millions of pounds (sterling) and it tripled in 10 years, I am sure that you would not be upset. However, that figure is attributed to the number of people. The strange thing is that people are not really educated about diabetes! We all either know someone, or have a family member with it, but yet people are not bothered about such a debilitating disease. They are not in the knowledge of how they can lose their sight or limbs down to diabetes and it is often too late when they are in a situation that threatens to do just that! Bariatric (weight loss) surgery has shown to reverse the condition in 86% of people with Type 2 diabetes.

 

This proves that sufficient diet can also do this, however, many people with this condition are not motivated enough to change their diet sufficiently. The NHS spend £13.8 billion per annum treating people with diabetes. Believe it, or not, that figure is conservative! That doesn’t take into account complications, or other treatments extenuating from this. Dr Jenkins also explained that whilst some young people get Type 1 diabetes, it is usually virally activated and out of the total amount of people that have diabetes, about 85%-95% are type 2! I suppose that was as good a point as any to make way for Dr Abraham to speak, as trying to prepare yourself for more frightening stats is not easy! He started by saying, “If you have pre-diabetes it’s silent. There are no symptoms and a shocking number of people are in this position and are sleep walking towards serious health problems. It is particularly important to be aware of your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, especially if you’re overweight, or have a family history of diabetes.” ShARP did a series of surveys and found that 53% of adults questioned had convinced themselves they were at no risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 49% were displaying potential signs of diabetes. And the amazing figures kept coming! 76% with potential diabetes had not mentioned it to their doctor. 38% believed their symptoms were not serious. 18% disliked seeing their GP and 14% turned to the internet for advice over their GP… Exercise is one of the easiest way to attack pre-diabetes.

 

Almost 21% of adult never, or rarely, work up a sweat working out. Diet also works well, so that in tandem with exercise is a great combination. A Mediterranean diet, high in fruit, vegetables, monounsaturated fats, grains, legumes, nuts, lean meat and moderate intake of dairy foods has been found to reduce the risk of developing diabetes by as much as 83%. Dr Abraham made an excellent analogy referring to the amount of glucose that is in the modern human’s body. Just for reference, it is in nearly everything you eat… even things like Beef burgers!! It’s an industrial compound… which we happen to ingest. Anyway, the analogy was this, “If you think of putting glucose in a hot pan, it will start to turn to liquid then bubble and then solidify and become brittle. If you apply that to the human body and 30-40 years of glucose in your body at 37 degrees Celsius then it is similar to caramelising.” Given or lifestyle, we should be looking at what we eat better and how we take care of ourselves! We are not the same as our forefathers and their diet was different! They worked, because it was fundamental to survival and was an everyday occurrence. Given how we, as modern humans, take all this for granted, we should be more vigilant and aware of the things we do and do not do. Looking at the whole picture, Dr Abraham stated a Nine Care Process to check yourself.

 

  • Blood pressure.
  • Weight.
  • Smoking status.
  • Cholesterol – blood checks.
  • Hba1c blood checks (long term sugar level).
  • Eye checks including Retinal Screening.
  • Feet check – peripheral pulse loss from vascular damage and sensory loss from nerve damage.
  • Kidney check – including renal function blood tests – especially creatinine and eGFR.
  • Urinary Albumin.

Most people would not associate any of these with diabetes, but it is often the start of pre-diabetes and on to a more serious Type 2 diabetes. The most interesting things about these events are the fact that many stats scare, but you find one subject that just rattles you and leaves you thinking, “I’m sorry… say that again!” for me it was the St George’s University of London research that patients with foot ulcers are also more likely to die from heart disease, or a stroke! Yep, I had to do a double take when that was mentioned! How often do we check our feet, or take anything happening to them seriously? Remember that the accumulation of negligence and ignorance is the main reason people suffer from diabetes. I was hoping that the effervescent Francesca Marchetti would be able to get the shock from my system… well, it is a talk on diabetes and she is the eye specialist… I only hoped that it would be. Many of us had already had or eye scans before sitting down, so many of the people in the room were secretly hoping a picture similar to their eyes didn’t appear… thankfully one didn’t! Diabetic patients are at more risk from glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye). The retina needs a constant supply of blood, but high blood sugar levels can cause blood vessels to become blocked, or leak! This damages the retina and stops it from working!

 

Blood leakages are easier to detect than plasma leakages, but both are damaging to the retina if supply is lost! Everyone that has diabetes should have an annual eye exam. A bleed in the eye is often a reflection of one in the body, or brain. Francesca stated that in England alone, 1280 people a year go blind because of diabetic retinopathy. That also tends to be down to poor systematic diabetic control. Francesca passed around some glasses to imitate stages of cataracts and retinopathy, which shows how annoying it must be for people with these symptoms. Cataracts can occur 10-15 years earlier in patients with diabetes. Surgery can prevent further damage, but at the moment there is no cure for retinopathy. Francesca also started dropping starts which should not exist, by right, but the human animal is a strange creature indeed! About 48% of people with diabetes have never had their eyes checked… I wonder how many without diabetes would fit into that demographic. A third of people with diabetes will develop renal disease because of the damage to the small blood vessels in the kidney. A woman is 8 times more likely to develop kidney disease, but for men it’s 12 times more likely! Men just need to stop being so “macho” and just get checked!! Kidney disease kills 21% of people with Type 1 diabetes and 11% of those with Type 2! Because high blood pressure is more common amongst diabetics, this all adds to the complications and enhances the danger. Elevated AGE (Advanced Glycation End)  have been linked to a host of problems including:

 

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Liver damage
  • Formation of amyloid plaques, which lead to Alzheimer’s
  • Impaired kidney function
  • Extensive brain damage from strokes

Apart from the link between AGE and dementia, evidence suggests that getting diabetes in middle age increases the odds of a form of brain damage associated with dementia. Brain scans from the Mayo Clinic confirmed that having blood sugar problems can literally shrink the brain, with diabetics having an average of 2.9% less brain volume than those without the condition. Midlife diabetes was also associated with an 85% rise in micro-strokes. I always think that “micro” doesn’t extend the seriousness of the stroke! It is serious enough to shut down functions of the body, which means it should be taken seriously and not ignored to the point it becomes debilitating. Francesca finished off by some facts that don’t look good for our future, if this is not stemmed as a disease and even things like depression can be detrimental to the condition doing its own damage along with the disease. Thankfully the meal was ready to cheer up the crowd.

 

The sad thing is that we need events to make people aware, but maybe the media can make things better! The awareness needs to be wider afield and not just a quick advert telling how wonderful a product is to eat (or drink), but actually letting people know more about it!  Whilst many are aware of the dangers of modern additives and excess sugar, feeding it to your family does not help the situation. We got to chat to the specialists during the meal from The Balthazar and Francesca said thatthe UK has a National Eye Health Week! I didn’t even know!! It is from 22nd September – 28th September this year and if you have never  had an eye check, or are overdue one, that would be the best time as any, so you have no excuse about forgetting, or  being too busy. It is a weeklong and you have had more than enough warning. From the wonderful women of Nexus to the wonderful speakers of this event, is association with ShARP.

 

 

Dr Jenkins can be found at www.sharppanel.co.uk/sharp-experts/dr-gill-jenkins

Dr Abraham can be found at www.londonmedical.co.uk/en/consultants/ralph-abraham

Francesca Marchetti can be found at www.college-optometrists.org

Details for The Balthazar can be found at www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Dining/Balthazar/7bc84/

Goat's Cheese and Tomato Medley.

Goat’s Cheese and Tomato Medley.

Lamb Cutlets with Sauteed New Potatoes and Veg

Lamb Cutlets with Sauteed New Potatoes and Veg

Lemon Cheesecake with Raspberry and Cream

Lemon Cheesecake with Raspberry and Cream

 

And don’t forget that National Eye Health Week is from 22nd September – 28th September 2014. Thank you Nicky, Emma and Isla at nexuspr.com

 

Margarine and health, removing the confusion on dietary needs

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A big, fat confusion

We all need fat in our diet, but knowing which types can often be confusing.

The Fat Information Service (FIS) is supported by a group of expert dietitians, nutritionists, lipid experts and GPs to give the low down on the role of fats and oils in our daily diets. It aims to offer clear information to help identify good fats from bad fats and to support informed dietary choices needed for good health.

The following e-feature bulletin from FIS explains why findings published this week regarding the changing trends in the UK’s fat consumption are both concerning and potentially life-threatening.

Get to know your fats

Dietary fats are classified by their chemical composition, and can be either saturated (as found in animal products such as butter) or unsaturated (found in vegetable-based products such as spreads and  margarine).

When choosing fats, we are advised to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle[1]. This is because clinical research clearly illustrates that risk of developing heart disease is reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats[2].

Sorting fact from fiction

A worrying new report suggests that Britons are increasingly shunning evidence-based advice and are choosing butter over spreads and margarine, believing it to represent a purer, more natural alternative.

Commenting on these findings, nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire from the Fat information Service (FIS) says: “Consumers should not be concerned about the notion of margarines and spreads being ‘highly processed’ or ‘packed full of additives’.

 

“The primary ingredients in margarine include vegetable or plant seed oils, water, milk and salt; all of which are naturally sourced.

 

“Processing of spreads is necessary to ensure that the natural oils are combined with other ingredients to develop a smooth consistency for spreading. The only additional step used in making margarine compared to the production of butter is the initial process of extracting the oil from seeds.

“Although spreads do contain additives, many of the colours used are natural and vitamins A and D are added by law. And whilst they contain preservatives, their use is strictly controlled and regularly reviewed to ensure they are entirely safe in the quantities consumed.

“The bottom line is that margarines, when consumed in moderation, represent a healthy, natural choice for consumers”.

Dangerous consequences

 

So what consequences might these unfounded myths regarding spreads and margarine have on the UK population if they remain unaddressed?

 

Sara Stanner adds: “With heart disease already the UK’s biggest killer[3], the recent surge in butter sales is worrying news for the health of the UK population.

 

“More than  half of the fat found in butter is saturated fat.  Scientists agree that a high dietary intake of saturated fat raises the level of total and bad cholesterol in the blood, which increases the risk of heart disease.

 

“In contrast, spreads made with vegetable oils contain less saturates and a higher proportion of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, which help reduce cholesterol levels when substituted for saturated fat.

 

 

“At the end of the day our food choices are driven by what we enjoy, but consumers who prefer the taste of butter should be advised to use it sparingly and opt for vegetable oil blends where possible, in order to maintain good health. ”





Fat Information Service tips 


 


As in all aspects of a healthy diet, balance is key and dietary fats are no exception. While unsaturated fats (such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) offer significant health benefits, getting too much of any type of fat can be damaging to your health.


 


Whilst it’s not desirable to increase the total fat content of the diet by simply adding them to your diet, replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats will help you achieve a better balance for your heart and overall health (along with a healthy diet and lifestyle).


These tips will help show you how:


ü  Switch to lower-fat dairy products, like reduced-fat cheese, low fat yogurts, and skimmed or semi-skimmed milk to reduce your intake of saturated fats.


 


ü  Swap butter for small amounts of spread or margarine as this can help reduce your saturated fat intake. Spreads are also fortified with other vitamins and can help supplement your diet with key nutrients. Additionally, spreads made from seed oils contain essential fats, omega 3 & 6; these are fats that your body cannot make and you thus have to take in via your diet.


 


ü  Choose lean cuts of meat, poultry or oily fish rather than fatty or processed meat products. Make sure you trim any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken or turkey before cooking.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Risk of heart disease reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats.

			
						

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The Fat Information Service reveals the facts behind the headlines…


Lululemon_Yellow_Yoga 


Fatty acids continue to be the subject of ongoing academic research and media attention. In this bulletin, brought to you by the experts behind The Fat Information Service (FIS), we discuss some recent findings regarding different types of fat and risk of heart disease.




Get to know your fats


Dietary fats are classified by their chemical composition, and can be either saturated (found in animal products such as meat, cheese and butter) or unsaturated (found in oils, seeds and spreads).


When choosing fats, we’re advised to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle1.


Sorting fact from fiction


Recent coverage of the role of fats in the diet has made for confusing and alarming reading as well as being based on unreliable evidence. So what should we believe?


 


In response to a new review paper just published in Nutrition Bulletin2, Dr Carrie Ruxton from The Fat Information Service notes: “This latest release successfully challenges the recent media frenzy which followed publication of a BMJ paper on heart disease risk and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in  margarine and spreads. 


The evidence shows clearly that the risk of developing heart disease is reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats3. By highlighting this robust evidence base and outlining the inaccuracies surrounding interpretation of the BMJ study4consumers are urged not to shun the government’s dietary guidelines on the basis of spurious media reports.


The Nutrition Bulletin study confirms that advice for the general population should still be to choose foods with a lower saturated fat content and to opt for fats that are primarily unsaturated, supplying a range of omega 3 and 6 polyunsaturated fats. 


 


 


Fat Information Service tips


 


As with all aspects of a healthy diet, balance is key and dietary fats are no exception.


 


While polyunsaturated fats offer numerous health benefits, getting too much of any type of fat can be damaging to your health. Present guidelines suggest that no more than 35% of your overall daily energy intake should come from fat (with no more than 11% from saturated fat)5,6.


 


So while it’s not desirable to increase the total fat content of the diet, replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats will help you achieve a better balance for your heart and overall wellbeing (as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle).


These tips will help show you how:


ü  Switch to lower-fat dairy products e.g. low fat yogurts, and skimmed or semi-skimmed milks to reduce your intake of saturated fats. Eat less cheese.


ü  Swap butter for small amounts of spread or margarine as this can help reduce your saturated fat intake. Spreads are also fortified with other vitamins and can help supplement your diet with key nutrients. Additionally, spreads made from seed oils  contain essential fats, omega 3 & 6; these are fats that your body cannot make and must be taken in via your diet


ü  Choose lean cuts of meat, poultry or oily fish rather than fatty or processed meat products. Make sure you trim any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken or turkey before cooking.


ü  When you do roast or fry food, try using a lower saturated fat spread or oil product

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Spring Clean Your Body

			
						

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Christmas may be a mere memory now but some of us are still in need of a spring clean for our body. I know I certainly do. So with spring on the way I started to finally detox myself and get in the best shape of my life. Here are some of the things I kick-started the spring clean with. 


Pukka Wheatgrass Juice Powder


Wheatgrass?! Yes, I know it is very LA, but not only did it make me feel energised and healthy, but I also liked the taste. Wheatgrass is one of the most nourishing foods in the world and you can tell when you are drinking it. It just makes you feel instantly better. It is health in a glass. 




Wheat Grass Juice naturally supports the body’s ability to cleanse itself due to its high chlorophyll content. It is one of the most nourishing foods in the world containing an easy to digest broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins and antioxidants, but daily juicing can be a real pain – who really has time to pick and juice fresh Wheat Grass every day!?


Why not try Pukka Herb’s easy-to-use Wheat Grass Juice Powder instead? Unlike many other wheat grass products available, to ensure optimum potency, we use only concentrated fresh cold dried organic wheat grass juice, and now, for the first time, it is even available in a hand handbag friendly sachet for juicing on the go!


Pukka Herbs’ Fibre Plus


The fibre plus, like the wheatgrass, is in a handy sachet. You just add it to 250ml to water and you are good to go. It doesn’t taste as good as the wheatgrass but still leaves you feeling cleansed. It is a brilliant idea and has a lot of goodness in a condensed form. 


Overindulging rich foods and alcohol can often result in indigestion. Pukka’s powerful new Fibre Plus sachets can help alleviate your digestive dramas. Containing a powerful blend of soluble and insoluble organic fibre blended to support and maintain a healthy and regular digestive system, its high fibre content lubricates the bowels, heals inflammation, and replenishes gut flora.


Clean Greens


Drinking this just gave me energy. Instantly. It made me feel healthy. I am inspired to buy these in bulk along with the wheatgrass. You can read below to find out exactly what it does, but I swear by these now. They just leaves you feeling cleansed and healthy. I have been trying to find a natural way to get more energy and I really think I have found it. They get the Frost thumbs up. 




Alkalises & Oxygenates: Helps carry oxygen to the blood.


Mineralises: Minerals in these super-green foods help reduce food cravings.


Detoxifies: Removes unwanted substances causing stagnation, congestion from the body channels, organs, tissues and cells.


Reduces inflammation: Reduces inflammation throughout the digestive tract and liver.


The chlorophyll rich ingredients in Clean Greens helps carry out all of these vital functions and acts as a potent food based antioxidant that is intended to reduce premature ageing and bring you lasting vitality.


Pukka Herbs are available from Amazon UK and health stores. 


After looking after your insides it is time to give your skin some attention.


 




As Jameela Jamil lands her dream job presenting the Radio One chart show, she also reveals the secret to her glowing skin and guess what?… It doesn’t cost a bomb!


Jameela credits the Dr Organic Manuka Honey Skincare range to her glowing skin and when asked what her top beauty tip is, she describes how “I throw on my Dr Organic Manuka Honey Rescue Cream, and go about my day”. She also loves the Dr Organic Manuka Honey Skin Lotion stating: “It smells so delicious I could eat my face!”




Dr Organic’s Manuka Honey Rescue Cream provides deep nourishment to skin leaving it feeling protected and intensely hydrated. Apply a small amount to the face, gently work into the skin and enjoy the gorgeous scent of Manuka Honey that will leave your skin silky and soft. Available from Holland & Barrett.


White Tea


Super healthy white tea is best brew for 2013 detox


Health-conscious shoppers have began searching for healthier alternatives to the morning caffeine hit or post-work pint.


This ‘detox January’ trend has driven brands like Tetley to launch green tea ranges, plugging the health benefits that the lower-caffeine and antioxidant-rich alternative to black tea is known to possess.


But east London tea entrepreneur Joe Kinch is backing a different, whiter horse – he knows that white tea is the perfect way to kick-start a healthy 2013.


Packed with antioxidants that boost the immune system, improve brain function, and can help prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease, and with very little caffeine, white tea is green tea’s healthier younger brother.


Both white and green teas come from the same tea plant, Camellia sinensis, but white tealeaves are harvested at a younger age than green tea leaves.


Because white and green teas are treated gently and not overly processed, they retain most of their beneficial antioxidants. White tea is the least processed of the two, as it isn’t fermented at all, but is simply steamed and dried. Since white tea is less processed, it retains a higher amount of antioxidants.


The antioxidants found in white tea have many health promoting properties from boosting cardiovascular health, helping to lower cholesterol, and enhancing weight loss.


In fact, a 2009 study by Kingston University and Neal’s Yard Remedies, found that white tea not only boosts health but can also combat age-associated wrinkles and other signs of ageing.


While green tea contains around 20g of caffeine, white has around 15g, making it perfect for people trying to avoid the less pleasant side effects of too much caffeinated stimulation.


White tea is considered rare and is usually more expensive than green, as it can only be hand picked during a few days of early spring and has to be handled with such care. But Joe’s Tea Co’s is set be the first tea company to make the health benefits of white tea available to the average Joe. Health-conscious shoppers can get a box of ‘Whiter than White’ online or in Harvey Nichols’ stores across the UK for less than a fiver.


Joe Kinch, owner of Joe’s Tea Co, said:


“I’ve been drinking white tea this January as I returned to work after a few days of over-indulgence – I hope people embrace it for its great flavour and super health benefits!”




Pharmacy-assured bespoke vitamins at the click of a mouse


A new way of taking vitamins has been launched which will change the way millions of people can access this important part of the health market, using innovative new daily vitamin pouches.


thrivevitamins.co.uk tailors the supply of vitamins to the user’s own lifestyle and brings pharmacy assured service to the online marketplace.


The service, established by retail expert Alan Beesley and pharmacist Brian Duggan, with support from Peter Batty, the chief executive of one of the North of England’s largest pharmacy groups, provides a personalised 28 day supply of vitamins unique to the customer’s own lifestyle and health and wellbeing needs.


The daily pouches instil a regimented approach to taking vitamins, which is both convenient and portable.


Using state of the art robotics, alongside the company’s professional experience in pharmacy and e-commerce, the vitamins are sealed in convenient teabag sized daily pouches, each printed with the customer’s name and the contents.


Brian Duggan said: “Prior to the launch of Thrive Vitamins, the marketplace could not cope with the requirements for individualised vitamin programmes, but we have developed a system which learns about the customer and recommends vitamin plans to suit their lifestyle.


“Rather than a bottle of one specific supplement, such as Zinc, the bespoke packs contain the mix of vitamins needed at regular intervals, meaning the service is efficient, removing the over-selling of products, which are in excess of the customer’s needs.”


Alan Beesley, who created the Thrive Vitamins brand, said: “We wanted to provide a more convenient, personalised service to compliment a customers lifestyle. So, we created an easy way to ensure customers receive the supplements they need, when they need them and in handy daily dose pouches.


“Our team includes pharmacists, retailers and even has a former member of the Royal Logistics Corps, whose organisation skills were utilised for 13 years ensuring the British Army had the equipment it needs. All together, we have developed an unique, professional and simple system which we believe will be popular with individuals and families alike.”


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Time To Take A Break? Get Out Of Your Chair, It’s Killing You

			
						

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If you think working overtime, skipping your lunch hour and staying chained to your desk will make you more productive, you need to cut yourself some slack and take a break.


Working non-stop without taking a break can increase your chances of weight gain, heart disease and worse. Staring at a computer screen for more than 2 hours per day can cause Computer Vision Syndrome, a real affliction, which causes blurry vision, headaches, dry eyes and can lead to long-term nearsightedness. However, getting up and away from your desk for just 5 minutes can alleviate eye strain and reduce fatigue in addition to making you feel better. The mere act of standing at your desk instead of sitting at it can help you burn up to 2500 calories per week. Not bad for just standing around.


Work hard and break hard; doing so will make you a healthier, happier and more productive employee.


Take A Break


Take A Break by LearnStuff.com 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Get smart for hearts with Alfa Romeo charity pocket squares, support Heart Research UK

			
						

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–          Alfa Romeo and fashion house PPQ create limited edition charity pocket squares for Heart Research UK


–          The Italian-made silk accessories were designed by Alfa ambassadors, including Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones, Chris Tomlinson and fashion label PPQ


–          On sale for £14.99 each from www.alfaromeo.co.uk/pocketsquares and participating Alfa Romeo dealers


–          Tweet this: @AlfaRomeoUK & @PPQClothing with @DragonJones design pocket squares to support @HeartResearchUK bit.ly/P3utV8 #GetSmartforHearts


 


Alfa Romeo has launched a new campaign in aid of Heart Research UK, encouraging fashion conscious members of the public to ‘get smart for hearts’ by wearing one of six specially designed pocket squares to support the charity’s fight against heart disease.


 


The limited edition pocket squares, priced at £14.99 each, are handmade in Italy using 100% Italian silk and designed by some well-known faces from the worlds of sport, business and fashion.


 


Design contributions have come from Dragons Den star and entrepreneur Peter Jones CBE; Team GB long jumper Chris Tomlinson and actor Tom Ellis,  together with fashion label PPQ and 2012 Alfa Romeo Young Designer of the Year Janine Clark.


 


Marking a landmark anniversary for Alfa Romeo, a sixth pocket square design celebrates 50 years of the Giulia. Launched in 1962, the Alfa Giulia was renowned for its style, performance and innovation, selling over a million examples during its 15 year production run.


 


Pocket squares, the fashion accessory à la mode among the sartorially inclined, have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to the likes of the Mad Men wardrobes and dapper Brit style icons such as actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Matt Smith, and musician Tinie Tempah. Major fashion labels including Dolce & Gabbana, Dunhill, Hermes and Louis Vuitton have all produced pocket squares as part of their recent collections.


 


Percy Parker, co-founder and designer at PPQ, says; “Pocket squares add colour and individuality to any formalwear. From business suits to black tie, they’re a must-have accessory for any well-heeled gentleman. With these limited edition Alfa pocket squares, now you can look the part, whilst benefitting a great cause.”


 


Just 6,000 Alfa pocket squares have been produced, going on sale from 3 September and available online from www.alfaromeo.co.uk/pocketsquares in participating Alfa Romeo showrooms. September will also mark a dedicated month of fundraising for the campaign, with nationwide support from Alfa’s dealer network.


 


Peter Jones CBE says; “This is a great project to be part of and I’m delighted with how my design has turned out. These accessories are beautifully made, stylish, sophisticated and they benefit a fantastic charity. So ‘tailor your ticker’ and show some heart for the great causes being helped.”


 


Damien Dally, Head of Brand, Alfa Romeo UK says; “Alfa’s brand strapline is ‘Without heart, we would be mere machines’ and that’s a poignant message for this campaign. We’re delighted to be supporting Heart Research UK’s important cause with a project that raises money and awareness through fashionable style. So get smart for your heart and wear a pocket square with pride this year.”


 


For more information on Alfa Pocket Squares, visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk/pocketsquares


 


To find out more about Heart Research UK, visit, http://www.heartresearch.org.uk/