Re: the apparent last entry, I did not see a chiropractor a week ago, but because I amended that and a number of other posts they have suddenly jumped to the date on which I made the changes.
Jumping however to the last real post on 17th April I write about saunas and that is quite poetic as I was in one last month. In fact I was in a thermal spa complex in northern Spain where there were a myriad of different hydrotherapy treatments that ranged from Jacuzzis and water jets to steam rooms, cold rooms and a sauna. Needless to say in the four and a half hours that I was there I tried them all out and the experience was certainly worth it.
Moving back to the sauna I have to say that it is a real shock to enter a heated sauna room for the first time. The air really is so hot that it feels like it is burning the inside of your nose and the dryness of the room (it is dry not humid heat) is an experience that hits you immediately. The first mini session that I had literally lasted 2 or 3 minutes as, coming straight out of thermal water, the heat was so intense that it was almost unbearable. Second time a round I was more prepared and I stayed in for 10 minutes or so, as I did with subsequent visits.
The sauna sensation really is a strange one and I can understand how the Finnish leave the sauna and get into an ice bath or very cold shower. I went straight to a normal cold shower which amazingly felt quite warm. The sauna tricks your body with its immense heat. There was a temperature gauge on the wall and, as I recall, it was set at around 60 degree C. What the dry heat does it take away any humidity, however the overbearing hot air really does impact on you, first as you enter and later, with relief, as you leave. Having only done this the once I think that multiple sessions, extended duration times and regularity are something that you would need to build up to over time, but I can see the appeal.
Monday, 29 October 2012
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Chiropractor
I saw a chiropractor many years ago and decided last week to make an appointment to see him again in the hopes that he would be able to ease and improve my back problems.
I was able to get both an assessment and first treatment appointment scheduled during the course of that week and I will be having treatment on a weekly basis for the next few weeks.
It seems rather insane that, with a national health service, I am unable to get this treatment through my GP (doctor) and consequently free. Yet I am able to see a physiotherapist, obtain X-rays, see a consultant and numerous other medics via a doctor’s referral.
This is particularly “common sense defying” when you consider that chiropractors have been around and using a scientific approach to resolving problems emanating from the spine for a couple of thousand years. They also have to train and qualify for the same period of time as a doctor and need to have continual training in order to retain the licence.
In other parts of the world osteopaths and chiropractors are considered as main stream practitioners, yet here in the UK they are seen as alternative. You are left to conclude that this classification has nothing to do with health and medical practices, but rather the cynical economics used to “miss-run” the British National Health Service.
As for the treatment, the outcome will only be apparent over time and the bending, twisting and manipulations performed by a chiropractors are certainly far from pleasant. But then again there is no gain without pain.
By way of a link, this http://www.roundhaychiropracticclinic.com is the clinic that I am currently taking my treatment from.
Added October 2012. After several months of treatments I felt that this was going no where. I got some easing of the discomfort shortly after each appointment, however by the time the next consultation was due things were back to the status quo. Ultimately I saw an osteopath who made big improvements in just 3 appointments. He also gave me some back strengthening exercises which I still have to do.
I was able to get both an assessment and first treatment appointment scheduled during the course of that week and I will be having treatment on a weekly basis for the next few weeks.
It seems rather insane that, with a national health service, I am unable to get this treatment through my GP (doctor) and consequently free. Yet I am able to see a physiotherapist, obtain X-rays, see a consultant and numerous other medics via a doctor’s referral.
This is particularly “common sense defying” when you consider that chiropractors have been around and using a scientific approach to resolving problems emanating from the spine for a couple of thousand years. They also have to train and qualify for the same period of time as a doctor and need to have continual training in order to retain the licence.
In other parts of the world osteopaths and chiropractors are considered as main stream practitioners, yet here in the UK they are seen as alternative. You are left to conclude that this classification has nothing to do with health and medical practices, but rather the cynical economics used to “miss-run” the British National Health Service.
As for the treatment, the outcome will only be apparent over time and the bending, twisting and manipulations performed by a chiropractors are certainly far from pleasant. But then again there is no gain without pain.
By way of a link, this http://www.roundhaychiropracticclinic.com is the clinic that I am currently taking my treatment from.
Added October 2012. After several months of treatments I felt that this was going no where. I got some easing of the discomfort shortly after each appointment, however by the time the next consultation was due things were back to the status quo. Ultimately I saw an osteopath who made big improvements in just 3 appointments. He also gave me some back strengthening exercises which I still have to do.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Sauna for health and wellbeing
One of the best things that you can do in order to enjoy good health and have a good lifestyle is to regularly take a sauna.
In northern Europe, and predominantly Finland, the taking of a sauna on a regular basis is a national pastime. There are as many saunas in Finland as there are family homes and many people have a small home sauna in their house, or more often in a cabin in the garden.
The great thing about the sauna is that it does a number of things. The heat is dry and hot and this makes sweating a quick and continuous process. This sweating gets rid of all kinds of toxins and rubbish from the body and it clears the pores and improves the skin.
The other thing that a sauna does is make the body work hard. The heat increases heart rate and blood flow and this is good for circulation and even losing a bit of weight.
The way that you are suppose to take a sauna is also interesting. In summary you alternate short periods in the sauna with short period out of it. This means that sessions can last a long time. The other thing is that in Finland taking a sauna is a social event and the sauna will be a group affair with either family members, friends, business colleagues, or a mix of any.
At the end of a sauna, and following a shower, you can expect to feel clean fresh, energetic and as if you have been flushed out from the inside. Most people find this a good sensation and it is similar to how you would feel having taken a shower after an intense sporting exercise like squash.
If you are interested in having your own sauna, the luxury of ownership is not as expensive as you might expect. You can get sauna kits that enable you to build a mini sauna, capable of taking anything from two to six people, in any vacant space. This could be the corner of a room, a loft, a cellar or a garden cabin. Because saunas produce dry heat with no condensation, special ventilation is not required and modern sauna kits have electric heaters that do not require flues.
In northern Europe, and predominantly Finland, the taking of a sauna on a regular basis is a national pastime. There are as many saunas in Finland as there are family homes and many people have a small home sauna in their house, or more often in a cabin in the garden.
The great thing about the sauna is that it does a number of things. The heat is dry and hot and this makes sweating a quick and continuous process. This sweating gets rid of all kinds of toxins and rubbish from the body and it clears the pores and improves the skin.
The other thing that a sauna does is make the body work hard. The heat increases heart rate and blood flow and this is good for circulation and even losing a bit of weight.
The way that you are suppose to take a sauna is also interesting. In summary you alternate short periods in the sauna with short period out of it. This means that sessions can last a long time. The other thing is that in Finland taking a sauna is a social event and the sauna will be a group affair with either family members, friends, business colleagues, or a mix of any.
At the end of a sauna, and following a shower, you can expect to feel clean fresh, energetic and as if you have been flushed out from the inside. Most people find this a good sensation and it is similar to how you would feel having taken a shower after an intense sporting exercise like squash.
If you are interested in having your own sauna, the luxury of ownership is not as expensive as you might expect. You can get sauna kits that enable you to build a mini sauna, capable of taking anything from two to six people, in any vacant space. This could be the corner of a room, a loft, a cellar or a garden cabin. Because saunas produce dry heat with no condensation, special ventilation is not required and modern sauna kits have electric heaters that do not require flues.
Friday, 13 April 2012
Buying beds – now is the time
If you are thinking about buying a new bed or, for that matter, a mattress to replace your existing one, now is the time.
The end of one financial year and the start of a new one (in the UK) generally see big discounts on many beds and mattress products. There are many reasons for this and they include everything from clearing out old stock to trying to sell before the holiday season kicks in. The holiday period is a quiet time for most home and home fitting product sales and beds are one of them. Many people buy bed just after Christmas and the online and store based bed retailers try to keep this momentum going through springtime by increasing their discounts.
The best things to buy are, as ever, the budget priced beds. These have (and need) the fastest through-put and the longer they stay in stores and warehouses the more they bite into profits.
The other big discounts occur on end of ranges and discontinued models. Again the aim is to clear these bed and mattress products out of storage and showroom areas to make way for new stock and new lines. It is the same in many sectors.
So what do you need to do to get the best deals, or make the biggest savings?
Start by looking at the ads online. See which offer discounts, price reductions and special offers, and then check them out. You will find different deals with different sellers on different beds, so there will be a lot to look at, but ultimately this will save you money, or get you a more expensive bed for less. Either way it is worth your time and effort.
The other thing to thinks about is delivery. With many of the more expensive beds that have 4 to 6 weeks delivery, you may find that they can be dispatched more quickly. Again this is because of similar reasons, manufacturers wanting to open up storage space for new production and any new models.
If you are in the market for simply replacing your mattress, but retaining your bed frame, now is also the right time, but make sure that your bed frame is stable and in good condition.
The end of one financial year and the start of a new one (in the UK) generally see big discounts on many beds and mattress products. There are many reasons for this and they include everything from clearing out old stock to trying to sell before the holiday season kicks in. The holiday period is a quiet time for most home and home fitting product sales and beds are one of them. Many people buy bed just after Christmas and the online and store based bed retailers try to keep this momentum going through springtime by increasing their discounts.
The best things to buy are, as ever, the budget priced beds. These have (and need) the fastest through-put and the longer they stay in stores and warehouses the more they bite into profits.
The other big discounts occur on end of ranges and discontinued models. Again the aim is to clear these bed and mattress products out of storage and showroom areas to make way for new stock and new lines. It is the same in many sectors.
So what do you need to do to get the best deals, or make the biggest savings?
Start by looking at the ads online. See which offer discounts, price reductions and special offers, and then check them out. You will find different deals with different sellers on different beds, so there will be a lot to look at, but ultimately this will save you money, or get you a more expensive bed for less. Either way it is worth your time and effort.
The other thing to thinks about is delivery. With many of the more expensive beds that have 4 to 6 weeks delivery, you may find that they can be dispatched more quickly. Again this is because of similar reasons, manufacturers wanting to open up storage space for new production and any new models.
If you are in the market for simply replacing your mattress, but retaining your bed frame, now is also the right time, but make sure that your bed frame is stable and in good condition.
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Walking and mobility aids
We are fortunate in many societies to live in a world where there are many different aids that can assist with mobility, staying active and getting around.
The obvious aids are wheelchairs and the many versions of mobility scooter, however these remove the need to walk or use our legs altogether. The other option is an aid that helps us to make the best use of our legs by offering some kind of support or balance assistance whilst we walk. The two most obvious and useful examples are strollers (walkers) and walking sticks.
Strollers, often called walkers take the form of a supportive frame, usually with four legs, that anyone with walking difficulties can use to help themselves stay balanced and in control. Some strollers have PVC or rubber ferrules on the base of their legs, whilst others have casters or small wheels on the two font legs. In both cases the walker’s frame is completely stable when all four legs are in contact with the ground and this makes it possible to lift or push the walker when initiating a step, and then lower it, or fix its position when moving forwards.
The shape of the walker means that the person using it is actually within the frame during the walking activity. As a result it would be very hard for them to fall over or slip.
The other walking aid is of course the oldest of them all, namely the walking stick. The walking stick was originally very simple and, whilst the design has evolved rather than changed, modern walking sticks do come in a number of different forms.
One of the big differences between the walking stick of 50 years ago and its counterpart of today is in the material of manufacture. Modern sticks are normally made of metal and they are strong and lightweight. Some will even fold down so that they can be stored in a pocket or bag.
A further change is in the variety of handle designs that can be selected from. There are several and each offers its own grip and holding sensation.
Being able to change the length of the stick is another modern day evolution of the walking stick. Nearly all modern sticks have this attribute and it means that it is not only possible, but practical, to set the stick at the exact height for almost anyone’s walking requirements.
One other addition to modern walking stick characteristics is colour. Once these sticks were all made of wood and they came with a varnished or polished finish. Today they can be black, green, red, blue, or almost any colour that appeals. These bright colours can also draw attention to the person using the stick which will result in those around them showing more care as they pass by.
The obvious aids are wheelchairs and the many versions of mobility scooter, however these remove the need to walk or use our legs altogether. The other option is an aid that helps us to make the best use of our legs by offering some kind of support or balance assistance whilst we walk. The two most obvious and useful examples are strollers (walkers) and walking sticks.
Strollers, often called walkers take the form of a supportive frame, usually with four legs, that anyone with walking difficulties can use to help themselves stay balanced and in control. Some strollers have PVC or rubber ferrules on the base of their legs, whilst others have casters or small wheels on the two font legs. In both cases the walker’s frame is completely stable when all four legs are in contact with the ground and this makes it possible to lift or push the walker when initiating a step, and then lower it, or fix its position when moving forwards.
The shape of the walker means that the person using it is actually within the frame during the walking activity. As a result it would be very hard for them to fall over or slip.
The other walking aid is of course the oldest of them all, namely the walking stick. The walking stick was originally very simple and, whilst the design has evolved rather than changed, modern walking sticks do come in a number of different forms.
One of the big differences between the walking stick of 50 years ago and its counterpart of today is in the material of manufacture. Modern sticks are normally made of metal and they are strong and lightweight. Some will even fold down so that they can be stored in a pocket or bag.
A further change is in the variety of handle designs that can be selected from. There are several and each offers its own grip and holding sensation.
Being able to change the length of the stick is another modern day evolution of the walking stick. Nearly all modern sticks have this attribute and it means that it is not only possible, but practical, to set the stick at the exact height for almost anyone’s walking requirements.
One other addition to modern walking stick characteristics is colour. Once these sticks were all made of wood and they came with a varnished or polished finish. Today they can be black, green, red, blue, or almost any colour that appeals. These bright colours can also draw attention to the person using the stick which will result in those around them showing more care as they pass by.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Sleeping - improving sleep
Many of us experience sleeping problems and these problems may be temporary or ongoing.
For those who find getting to sleep and then staying asleep hard there could be a number of explanations. Some people are light sleepers, others only need what seems like a limited number of hours sleep and still more people wake up due to muscular or skeletal discomfort.
If the problem appears to be related to some kind of discomfort, then it is possible that the bed, or more probably, the actual mattress could be at the heart of the poor sleep pattern. If this is the case then changing the mattress for one offering a superior orthopedic foundation could be the solution. Often problems connected with the back can be caused by, or accentuated by, a poor mattress and even a poor sleeping posture. A new mattress made from good quality pocket springs or memory foam may resolve the discomfort and result in a far better night’s sleep.
If the sleeping trouble is not physical, then it may be down to stress, restlessness or keeping the mind active and purposeful immediately prior to trying to sleep.
Obviously medication “may” be a solution to these impediments, however having a proper sleep “preparation” regime can often have surprisingly good results. In fact in many cases changing a few things that you do, or don’t do, before you go to bed can completely alter your sleep pattern.
The first thing to do is to try and relax and relaxing actually takes a conscious effort – it is not something that just happens.
Concentrating on breathing and rhythms can be one way of relaxing, or trying to clear the mind of all thoughts can be another.
One mistake that many people make is in doing something mentally taxing prior to going to bed. Unless you feel tired, doing a crossword, watching an action film, or playing on a PC game is not a good way to prepare for sleep. You want your mind to be slowing down, not being activated and stimulated.
Information about sleeping techniques and tips can be found at the sleep council's website.
For those who find getting to sleep and then staying asleep hard there could be a number of explanations. Some people are light sleepers, others only need what seems like a limited number of hours sleep and still more people wake up due to muscular or skeletal discomfort.
If the problem appears to be related to some kind of discomfort, then it is possible that the bed, or more probably, the actual mattress could be at the heart of the poor sleep pattern. If this is the case then changing the mattress for one offering a superior orthopedic foundation could be the solution. Often problems connected with the back can be caused by, or accentuated by, a poor mattress and even a poor sleeping posture. A new mattress made from good quality pocket springs or memory foam may resolve the discomfort and result in a far better night’s sleep.
If the sleeping trouble is not physical, then it may be down to stress, restlessness or keeping the mind active and purposeful immediately prior to trying to sleep.
Obviously medication “may” be a solution to these impediments, however having a proper sleep “preparation” regime can often have surprisingly good results. In fact in many cases changing a few things that you do, or don’t do, before you go to bed can completely alter your sleep pattern.
The first thing to do is to try and relax and relaxing actually takes a conscious effort – it is not something that just happens.
Concentrating on breathing and rhythms can be one way of relaxing, or trying to clear the mind of all thoughts can be another.
One mistake that many people make is in doing something mentally taxing prior to going to bed. Unless you feel tired, doing a crossword, watching an action film, or playing on a PC game is not a good way to prepare for sleep. You want your mind to be slowing down, not being activated and stimulated.
Information about sleeping techniques and tips can be found at the sleep council's website.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Products for the overweight
The populations of many countries in the EU and North America have seen a rapid rise in the levels of obesity. Just 15 to 20 years ago seeing someone who was excessively overweight was almost a rarity, now it covers up to 30% of the population. We even have a name for this – bariatrics.
Why so many people are obese is one question. Obviously it relates to a lack of exercise, poor diet and a minimal degree of self worth. However, given that there appears to be no slowing down of this trend, the next question is how can society and the people whom obesity affects deal with it?
One possible solution is better dietary advice, but this information has always been there and is simply ignored. Another option is to make people aware of the health benefits of exercise and staying in shape. But yet again this is nothing new and everyone knows that being obese and being healthy do not go hand in hand.
The honest fact is that an increasingly large proportion of many populations simply make the decision that they would rather eat excessive amounts of unhealthy food and lead a sedentary lifestyle. This is of course nothing more than a lifestyle choice and one that anyone and everyone is perfectly entitled to make – just like smoking or consuming large quantities of alcohol.
So what is the other way of looking at the obesity situation?
It is simply to accept that this is a continuing trend that is endemic of many modern societies and that, rather than trying to remove obesity, we should look at how to live with it.
This leads on to the relatively new specialism in medical science called bariatrics. Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that concerns itself with obesity, its causes, its treatments, and helping people who are excessively big to live comparatively normal lives. It is a rapidly growing area of medicine.
One way of doing the latter is to gain the assistance of occupational therapists, but the other is to use a massive range and variety of bariatric aids, products and gadgets that help someone to compensate for their obesity.
Bariatric aids come in all manner of sizes and applications. These cover mobility scooters with heavy duty chassis and very wide seats that make it possible for a large person to retain their independence and mobility. They also include much smaller aids like devices that can help someone get dressed, and larger stronger toilet seats that are suited to much bigger bodies and their corresponding weight.
A range of aids for the bariatric sector can be found in some mobility and disability shops. Many of these aids are developments or amended versions of other previously existing medical aids, but with the addition of widening, strengthening and support alterations to make them suitable for large and heavy people.
Why so many people are obese is one question. Obviously it relates to a lack of exercise, poor diet and a minimal degree of self worth. However, given that there appears to be no slowing down of this trend, the next question is how can society and the people whom obesity affects deal with it?
One possible solution is better dietary advice, but this information has always been there and is simply ignored. Another option is to make people aware of the health benefits of exercise and staying in shape. But yet again this is nothing new and everyone knows that being obese and being healthy do not go hand in hand.
The honest fact is that an increasingly large proportion of many populations simply make the decision that they would rather eat excessive amounts of unhealthy food and lead a sedentary lifestyle. This is of course nothing more than a lifestyle choice and one that anyone and everyone is perfectly entitled to make – just like smoking or consuming large quantities of alcohol.
So what is the other way of looking at the obesity situation?
It is simply to accept that this is a continuing trend that is endemic of many modern societies and that, rather than trying to remove obesity, we should look at how to live with it.
This leads on to the relatively new specialism in medical science called bariatrics. Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that concerns itself with obesity, its causes, its treatments, and helping people who are excessively big to live comparatively normal lives. It is a rapidly growing area of medicine.
One way of doing the latter is to gain the assistance of occupational therapists, but the other is to use a massive range and variety of bariatric aids, products and gadgets that help someone to compensate for their obesity.
Bariatric aids come in all manner of sizes and applications. These cover mobility scooters with heavy duty chassis and very wide seats that make it possible for a large person to retain their independence and mobility. They also include much smaller aids like devices that can help someone get dressed, and larger stronger toilet seats that are suited to much bigger bodies and their corresponding weight.
A range of aids for the bariatric sector can be found in some mobility and disability shops. Many of these aids are developments or amended versions of other previously existing medical aids, but with the addition of widening, strengthening and support alterations to make them suitable for large and heavy people.
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