The Covid-19 outbreak has meant that life as we know it has changed, at least for a while, and this may have caused you to feel anxious, stressed, worried, frustrated, sad, bored, lonely, or frightened. It’s important to remember everyone reacts differently to stressful events, and it’s okay to feel this way. Your feelings are […]
Category archives: Lifestyle and General Health
The thyroid part 3 – hyperthyroidism
In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, causing the body to be in a constant state of overdrive. Estimates suggest that about 85% of hyperthyroidism cases result from an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease, which is a heredity condition seen more often in women.
Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease, the thyroid gland part 2
Hypothyroidism is the medical name to describe an underactive thyroid gland. It often results from the autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s disease. Also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.
Thyroid disorders, the inside scoop
Thyroid disorders are prevalent, about one in 20 people have some kind of thyroid disorder, which may be temporary or permanent. Although they can affect anybody at any age, including children and babies, they mainly occur in women. A
Coronavirus/COVID-19, stress less by getting informed.
While I appreciate that you are probably feeling bombarded with news and updates about this virus. As a healthcare professional, it concerns me that growing misconceptions and myths around this rapidly changing health crisis are causing people to feel increasingly concerned about how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
Your chair is killing you! Time to start squatting.
Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration but it’s probably contributing your ability to move well by reducing your range of motion. When you think about squatting, what comes to mind? The burn from your last gym session? Struggling to pick up your dropped keys? Or using a lavatory in tropical climes? Did you know that squatting […]
Pain, what’s really going on?
Pain is tricky; it can be a valuable and potentially life-saving protection mechanism. You only have to touch something unexpectedly hot to appreciate that the resulting OUCH was helpful because it made you pull your hand away and prevent possible further injury. But what exactly is pain?
Core stability, demystifying the myths.
Almost every day, I hear someone talking about their core, usually stating that they need to strengthen it, or that having a strong one [core] will cure their back pain… mmm [sigh]. Here’s a recent example; a new patient lets call him mister B was telling me that a trainer had told them they needed […]
Pillows, do we really need them?
Following on from the articles on sleep positions and mattress advice for pain-free sleep, the other question I get asked relating to sleep is “Do I really need a pillow to sleep well”?
Sleep positions for pain-free z-z-z-z’s
As an osteopath, it’s routine to be talking with patients about sleep, especially if discomfort or pain is making it difficult to get to sleep. Any joint-related problem or health concern can be a factor that influences our choice of sleep position. The question that comes up most often is what position is best?
Lactose intolerance
Do you get bloating and abdominal pain after drinking a large cappuccino, or eating ice cream? If the answer is yes, you could have Lactose deficiency, which causes Lactose intolerance.
Calcium, why it’s important.
Did you know that the body contains more calcium than any other mineral? Alongside it’s a vital role with bones, it helps with heart health, and is needed for the nervous system to work efficiently.
Mattresses advice.
Almost every patient I see in pain asks if their bed or mattress could cause their symptoms. While your bed could contribute to discomfort, making a change is not always easy. The main concern for most people is sleep disturbances, and comfort is a critical factor in getting a refreshing sleep, and that presents a […]
The Relaxation Response
A variety of techniques can help our nervous system back into balance. The relaxation response is one of the simplest because it works like a braking system to brings our body and mind back into a state of equilibrium.
Stress, part 2 – Lifestyle tips
I mentioned in part 1 that there is no universal stress reduction strategy and effective stress management requires a multidisciplinary approach. What a great about both these statements is that it gives you choice
Stress, part 1 How it affects your body
Pressure and stress are omnipresent; touching every aspect of our everyday life, affecting our body, thoughts, our feelings, and our behaviours too. Interestingly, although most people believe that all stress is harmful, it has some essential benefits.
Touch, the silent language of compassion, communication, and connection.
Welcome to 2019! I wanted the first entry of this new year to be about something significant, meaningful and potentially life-changing, so let’s talk about the benefits of touch. Touch is our first sense to develop and the first language we learn; while in the womb, foetuses touch their face to learn about themselves. As […]
Anaemia
Do you struggle to get through the day? Or get breathless, sluggish and weak doing everyday activities? These could be signs of anaemia. Anaemia leads to poor circulation of oxygen around the body and sometimes causes complications, although it’s rare, anaemia that remains untreated can even become deadly.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, winter depression, explained
Are you dreading the long cold dark evenings ahead now that the clocks have changed? Do you want to hibernate and overeat? If yes, you might be at risk of winter depression. Living in the northern hemisphere means the change of seasons can profoundly affect some people; low mood, craving carbohydrates, or simply wanting to hibernate through […]
Walking, are you getting the real benefits?
I was recounting a story in one of my classes recently about a man complaining about his struggle to find a parking space after a stressful drive to his “lovely health club”, where he jumped on a treadmill and walked for 30 minutes before driving home! Mmm, I know his part of the metropolis is […]