Obesity is becoming a weighty issue!

Obesity – If current trends continue, it is estimated that at least one third of UK adults will be classed as obese by the year 2020.

With obesity, it is estimated that a fifth of boys and a third of girls will be obese and suffer from obesity. This is not just a problem that applies to the UK – people all over the world are getting fatter and becoming obese. In fact The World Health Organisation predicts there will be 2.3 billion overweight adults in the world by 2015 and over 700 million of them will be obese.

The latest figures from the WHO for 2005 record 1.6 billion adults as overweight and 400 million obese.

Obesity

Obesity is a modern problem – statistics for it did not even exist 50 years ago.

The increase of convenience foods, labour-saving devices, motorised transport and more sedentary jobs means people are getting fatter and obese.

Governments, health chiefs, schools and doctors are all trying to alleviate this problem by teaching us all about healthier eating to combat obesity. Such initiatives like eating ‘five-a-day’ fruit and vegetables are battling for our attention at the same time as junk food and the convenience of take-away’s.

Similarly slimming clubs go from strength to strength as women in particular sign up to lose weight and get a new image away from obesity.

However if a slimming club isn’t for you, then why not have a word with your local pharmacist who can supply guidance and also various over-the-counter weight loss management, dietary products and slimming supplements. Often herbal remedies are used to aid weight loss and obesity but can only help slimming as part of a calorie controlled diet.

Always very popular as part of a weight loss programme are milkshakes, meal replacement bars and soups which are low in calories and a good way to combat obesity.

Before you buy any weight loss products, talk to your pharmacist if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any prescribed drugs. Always remember your pharmacist has a wealth of knowledge and is there to help with your questions.

Healthy Heart, hve you got one?

Are you at risk from cardiovascular disease – Heart Attack?

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in men over 45 and women over 65 across Europe, with the UK having one of the highest death tolls in the world. It is the single largest cause of death in the UK with figures revealing that one in three men and one in four women die from coronary heart disease.

In the UK it is estimated that there are around 330,000 heart attacks every year and around two million people suffer from angina. Around 10% of all hospital admissions for men aged 45 to 64 are for coronary heart disease and chest pain is the most common medical reason for a patient to attend their local accident and emergency unit.

The health services have been challenged to measure the cardiovascular risk of all people over 40 years old. This is a huge task which GPs will struggle to manage alone.

You can get your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol tested in your local pharmacy allowing them to measure cardiovascular risk. Unfortunately pharmacies currently need to make a charge for this service. This may change in the future as more and more NHS services are moved from doctors to local pharmacies.

Your local pharmacy is now becoming a much more important part of the NHS, not just dispensing prescriptions but also providing other important healthcare services.

Why not visit your local pharmacy today and see what they can do to help you keep your heart and general health in good check!

Coughs and Colds Symptom Relief

Coughs, Colds Sneezes and Runny Noses – “TIS the season to be jolly”, says the Christmas carol! Unfortunately this time of year is also the season for coughs and colds.

Common cold, coughs and sneezes are the ailment which most frequently sends patients running to pharmacies. Like most viral infections, there is no actual cure for the common cold so a trip to the doctor will usually be unnecessary.
Pharmacists can provide advice and medicines that help to manage the symptoms of cold, snezing and runny noses. Colds normally last for seven to ten days. The symptoms of colds are unpleasant and a nuisance, patients are usually simply looking for some relief from a sore throat, sneezing, runny nose and irritating cough.

Asif Khan from the Global Hour group of pharmacies offers some timely advice to anyone suffering from a cold or cough:
Analgesics – these are for treating general malaise and raised temperature. The latter is most likely to occur in children.
Decongestants – these help to relieve blocked and stuffy noses and wheezing association with coughs.
Unfortunately many people being treated for high blood pressure, asthma or glaucoma are unable to take the above medicines but may benefit from:
Inhalants – these contain ingredients to relieve a blocked nose.
Saline nasal drops or sprays – these clear nasal passages and sooth.
One thing all suffers of colds and coughs should remember is to drink plenty of fluids – this does not mean alcoholic drink, coffee or tea, all of which can actually cause dehydration which will make symptoms feel worse.
On average at any one time, one person out of every 60 will be suffering from a cold. This means that in the UK alone 930,000 people will have a cold every day. Over a full year one hundred and one million working days are lost as people stay at home to nurse their colds, coughs and sneezes.
Remember, the GP can give nothing to treat a cold so why not talk to your local pharmacist who will advise on the best products to suit your individual needs. And you don’t need an appointment!

At this time of year things can be a little tight for everyone. Here’s the insider information to get the best from your buck when it comes to your hair.

Looking and feeling your best whenever possible can certainly set you up better to deal with any challenges coming your way. There are ways that you can still maintain your visits to the hairdressing salon for those “Me Time” treats without breaking the bank. Make no mistake when times get tough any business will work hard to get your business.

Many hair salons will have offers and deals available to entice potential clients to visit them for their New Year makeover.

Just call and ask, explain that you are looking to visit the hair salon and would like to enquire if they are currently running any New Year or introductory offers, you’ll be surprised how many are.

If you’re available there and then, and the hair salon has appointments, don’t be afraid to ask, “If I come right now, what deal can you offer me?” Again any hair salon worth their salt would rather have a client in paying something, than an empty space earning nothing!

If you want to try a larger hair salon, it’s this time of year when many newly qualified hair stylists are trying to build their client lists.

The hair salon will often have special deals and reduced prices to help these new hair stylists build their experience.

Quiet time in the hair salon is when most people will intensify their training. If you’re not pushed for time and want a real bargain, ask if the hair salon are looking for haircut or hair styling models as part of their training days.

If it’s a reputable hair salon, you can be assured of good quality job done under complete supervision at next to nothing prices. You have to be easy on time and not be in a rush, it may be an evening appointment and you may have to be flexible on what hairstyle you have, but it’s a great way to get a great new look.

Whatever you decide, remember we are in a consumers market and you call the shots! Make some calls and do some research and you could bag a great bargain that you’ll wear for weeks to come.

Short Hairstyle

Beautiful Hairstyles… Your Everyday Hair Accessory

Hairstyle Haircare – Spending time and money on your hair is a worthwhile investment, it’s something you wear all day every day and can make or break your image. Get your hair right and you’re guaranteed to feel confident.

New hairstyle looks for locks are soft and volumised. Kate Moss can be seen sporting a tousled Bardot-esque bouffan hairsyles.  Sixties influenced hairstyle up-dos are also being popularised by Breakfast at Tiffanys. Current hairstyle bobs are being softened with face-framing layers, making them easier to wear.

Choosing your hairstyle look is not as simple as going for the latest celebrity look, but needs to take into account your features, colouring, personal style and available time for maintenance. You cannot beat the expert advice of a good stylist who can discuss what is possible and realistic.

Colour is a great way to revitalise your hairstyle looks and can take years off your appearance. Be sure, though, to choose hairstyle shades that flatter your skintone or your new look could have the opposite effect. Lowlights look great for winter hairstyles, plums are flattering for cooler skintones whist warmer chestnut shades are a rich choice for more golden skins. If grey hair is a factor you may find block colour a little harsh as tones vary in natural hair colour. A better hairstyle effect may be obtained with a mixture of shades, or tones lighter than your own.

There are plenty of hairstyle options for party looks. The relaxed chignon is quickly arranged with the help of a few hairpins, teasing out a few loose strands completes the look. Hair ornaments are widely available amongst many ranges of costume jewellery. Shorter hairstyles can be glammed up with delicate metallic bands. Or synthetic hairpieces or fascinators can be a fun way to obtain a temporary longer look. Party hairstyles has never been easier to achieve.

Exercising – According to the mental health foundation an average of one in four people will experience some kind of mental health problem over a course of a year so why is exercise important in mental health?

Nicola Peters, Health and Exercise Practitioner explains the importance of physical activity and exercise and why its time to change!

The benefits of physical activity and exercise are well documented and we can improve our physical health quite swiftly once we have made the important changes to our lifestyle. Physical activity or exercise can improve our mobility, bone density, reduce risks of osteoporosis, reduce risk of CHD, normalize blood pressure, improve cholesterol and help with weight management.

Physical activity and exercise can improve mental health and wellbeing

This includes improving mood, reduce anxiety, decrease clinical diagnosis of depression and improve self esteem, confidence and self worth. Body image is also something that exercise can improve we feel more confident and happier with how we look.

What type of exercise should I do?

There is no one type of exercise to suit everyone, the main thing to consider is you need to enjoy what you do! It’s important that you choose an activity that fits your lifestyle and any changes you make to improve your physical activity or exercise regime has to be achievable! You could start by making a check list of things you would like to do and things you really don’t like and start from there!!

Physiological benefits of exercising:

• FEEL GOOD FACTOR- INCREASED ENDORPHINS
• IMPROVE MOOD- CHENICALS REALESED IN THE BRAIN WHEN WE EXERCISE, DOPIMINE, SERATONIN, NOREPINEPHRINE
• THERMOGENIC- WHEN THE BODY IS WARM WE FEEL RELAXED
• DISTRACTION-TIME AWAY FROM DAILY STRESSES, PROBLEMS AND TIME FOR SELF
• FEEL CALMER AND HAPPIER- ACTIVITY CREATES TRANQUILITY EFFECTS
• SOCIALISATION
• SHARING EXPERIANCES AND INCLUDES RATHER THEN EXCLUDES
• GIVES US A SENSE OF CONTROLE AND PLEASURE IT CAN BE FUN AND ENJOYABLE
• YOU WILL FEEL INCLUDED RATHER THAN EXCLUDED
• SHARE EXPERINACES AND ACHIEVMENTS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Weight Loss this New Year

Weight Loss begins at home to its time to start losing weight!

Whilst weight loss Government initiatives such as the Healthy Schools programme, 5-a-day Campaign and Change4Life have helped raise the profile of the problem of the nations’ growing waistlines and obesity, according to a study by The National Heart Forum seventy-five percent of adults will be obese and over weight by 2020.

In direct contrast, such programmes as LighterLife has helped 200,000 people lose weight and keep it off and stay slim. Jo Neville and Lisa Grove, LighterLife Counsellors for Huddersfield and Holmfirth have helped local residents shed incredible amounts of weight over the years.

Jo says, “People often choose LighterLife because of the speed at which they are able to lose weight. Many clients have tried many other weight loss programmes and have been frustrated at the slow weight loss, lost their motivation and have just given up. Through LighterLifes’ nutritionally balanced soups, shakes and bars, they get fast, simple, safe and sustainable weight-loss and most clients are able to see results from week one.

Read more »

Teeth Whitening – Brighten up Your Smile

Teeth Whitening is a popular non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that will brighten up your smile.

Teeth Whitening is suitable for all ages. However, as everyone’s teeth are different, it is advisable to seek a dental opinion beforehand.

At Marsh Dental Care, dentists Jayne Millington-Smith and Preetpal Dhillon use the innovative Brite Smile tooth whitening system to restore smiles to their natural white beauty.

The Teeth Whitening Brite Smile procedure is quick, safe, simple and comfortable. It only takes an hour and begins with a short preparation to cover the lips and gums leaving only the teeth exposed.

The dentist then applies the Teeth Whitening whitening gel to the teeth and activates it with a special light. The gel and light work together to gently penetrate the teeth, breaking up stains and discolourations, leaving you with a bright, white smile that can last for many years with proper care. It is perfect for anyone looking for immediate results.

For those individuals who are not suitable for teeth whitening, cosmetic restorations such as dental veneers are available for enhancing the smile. Veneers can be used to lighten discoloured teeth, straighten uneven teeth and to close spaces between front teeth.

Here’s a few Holiday Health Tips and Advice

Things you may want to pack when getting ready for your holiday.

Vitamin B1

Take this supplement approx 2 weeks before travelling and during your holiday to help prevent mosquito and midge bites. Take between 300mg and 500mg twice a day.

Ginger

Excellent for those long journeys to calm and prevent nausea and travel sickness. Can be taken raw, stem, capsules or as a sweet.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

A must for travellers to help prevent those upset tummies we often get due to changes in our diets, drinking water. Probiotics provide strains of beneficial bacteria which can destroy or control harmful organisms and improve intestinal function.

Lysine

I suggest taking this product if possible two weeks before and continue taking throughout your holiday to help prevent cold sores. Recovery Remedy – a useful product to keep handy and use if you get anxious before flying or travelling.

Tea Tree Oil

If you are unlucky to be bitten, dab on Tea Tree oil to stop the stinging and prevent infection. Tea Tree oil is antibacterial, antifungul and antiviral and can be used for numerous problems

Aloe Vera

Contains at least 3 anti-inflammatory fatty acids which explains why it is highly effective in treating burns, scrapes and allergic reactions, and is very soothing, or can be used as a lovely moisturising after sun.

Ultimate 6 Pack Abs

How to lose Lose Belly Fat and Get Six Pack Abs

Perfect six pack abs is one of the most sought after physical qualities in our modern world.

Six pack abs, the most beautiful and successful celebrities all have them, and everyone strives for taut, solid abs of their own. Many people religiously work away at their fat in gyms. They perform the necessary work outs as advised by trainers, and eat as healthily as is possible for them. No matter how hard some people work though, it never comes to fruition as that hateful excess belly fat just won’t go away! Do you ever wonder why this is so?

Well, it is not just the gods toying with us, making celebrities perfect while others suffer – it actually has to do with your body’s adaptation. Although it may not be a well known fact, the human body can actually get used to daily workout routines and machines. Just when you think you have worked your hardest and burnt the excess calories away, it suddenly turns out that everything you have done is completely useless. So what is the solution to this problem? It is simple: introduce fun cardiovascular exercises into your workout routine, and do not get stuck at the local gym for hours on end. Cardio workouts not only help in exercises to lose belly fat, but they also target a desired heart rate for the best results.

Here is a prime example. Instead of hopping on a boring old stationary bike at the gym, rent or even purchase a bike and hit an adventurous trail with a friend. Stationary bikes, especially those with a back rest, lessen the intensity of a workout and elongates the amount of time it takes for the body to break a sweat. Not only are you wasting your time, but you are also wasting your energy. In contrast, outdoor cycling not only exercises to lose belly fat, but it also offers the chance to explore new places, intake fresh oxygen, and bond with a companion.

Another plus is that cycling is an aerobic workout that tones your legs! Losing belly fat and toning your legs in just one workout? Sounds incredible and it is perfectly plausible.

Another cardio exercise to lose belly fat is swimming. When you propel yourself through water, enormous amounts of energy and muscle tissue are required.

Swimming helps build that necessary muscle tissue which, in turn, burns the fat. Additionally, swimming is just a fun exercise in general, no matter what season it is – summer, winter, spring, fall, it does not really matter!

So what about those of you out there who absolutely despise the idea of running? No worries – just walk! Walking is the easiest exercise you can do to lose belly fat. It is an activity that can be done at any time of the day. The best possible time is at night, after dinner. Many people choose to have their meals while sitting in front of the television, but this does not help in keeping the excess fat away. Perform power walks after a meal and throw in some light weights and earphones. That is all you need!

If the pace of walk is far too slow for you, then one of the best cardiovascular workouts is to run. Running works your entire body instead of just certain concentrated areas. It takes a lot of energy and endurance to run on a treadmill or out in the open.

It places a strain on the abdominal muscles, especially if you are running on an incline and contracting them. You can even alternate between rapid walking and running every other day. Just strap on some comfortable shoes and go.

All that cycling, swimming, walking, and running is sure to make you hungry, and that is perfectly understandable. After all, you are burning away all that energy when you work out.

Recharge by incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. At the end of the day, make sure you are getting the proper amount of sleep. Surprisingly, even the most subtle of changes in your lifestyle can make the biggest differences. Make sure you are doing cardiovascular exercises to lose your belly fat and, additionally, eat well.

Proven muscle building methods to build six pack abs revealed! Discover the secret why 90% of the people from all around the world failed to get six pack abs, right now… (Ultimate 6 Pack Abs).