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This weeks feature
Bausch & Lomb unveils treatment for dry, tired-feeling eyes
There’s no disputing the fact that modern lifestyles are wreaking havoc on our eyes. With eight-hour days spent staring at a computer screen, and intense air-conditioning, cigarette smoke and air-borne pollution adding to the issue, associated health problems such as ‘Dry Eye’ syndrome are becoming increasingly prevalent.
In fact, ‘Dry Eye’ syndrome has now become one of the most common problems treated by eye specialists in the UK. Common symptoms include a feeling of grittiness or soreness, but despite the name, not necessarily a feeling of dryness. |
The condition is often also accompanied by a reddening of the delicate eye area and watery eyes, particularly when exposed to the wind. However, wind isn’t the only climatic condition that can cause discomfort …
As we enjoy the (sometimes sporadic) long, hot days of the Great British summer, spare a thought for the 20% of Brits for whom the warmer weather goes hand-in-hand with uncomfortable hay fever symptoms, such as sore eyes and a runny nose. Hay fever causes problems for millions of eyes every year and constant rubbing of the sensitive eye area is yet another factor that can directly lead to ‘Dry Eye’ syndrome.
And for those who decide to flee the country in search of warmer climes this summer, travel can also have a huge impact on the state of the eyes. Air conditioning on planes and trains, combined with extended periods of reading, can sap moisture from the surface of the eye, denying it a normal coating of tears – commonly known as a tear film – and leading to dry, sore and itchy-feeling eyes. After hours on a plane, even the most seasoned traveller all too often finds themselves emerging red eyed and reaching for their sunglasses.
Luckily, help is at hand in the form of Bausch & Lomb’s Hycosan - a preservative-free formula designed to soothe and moisturise dry eyes. Hycosan incorporates the active ingredient sodium hyaluronate, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found to relieve symptoms of ocular discomfort through water binding properties that reduce evaporation, mimicking the natural tear film and increasing tear film break-up time.
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Each one-click, one-drop bottle contains 300 doses in a patented one-way delivery system which allows for safe and effective multiple use, and ensures that the product remains contamination-free for at least 12 weeks after first opening. The soothing formulation is ideal for those with sensitive eyes and for use with both soft and hard contact lenses.
Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Hillingdon Hospital, Mr Nick Lee said: “A combination of environmental factors and medical conditions make dry eyes increasingly common for people in the UK. Keeping the eyes well lubricated is essential not only for comfort but also to protect the eyes from developing other complaints which can be far more serious.â€
Hycosan is available from Dollond and Aitchison, plus independent pharmacies and opticians, priced £12.99 (RRP) for three months’ supply.
We have 15 bottles of these eye drops for you to win! Just take part in the health quiz, and take your chance!
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Preserving the youthful elasticity of skin could unlock secrets for better bodily health, says Manchester Scientists
University of Manchester scientist Dr Michael Sherratt has begun a study to understand the decline of ‘springiness’ in our body’s skin and tissues. This decline is what causes our familiar wrinkly skin in older age but it also goes on deep inside our bodies in our blood vessels and lungs, significantly reducing our health. His work is at the forefront of exciting new research that could help fight life-threatening conditions like pneumonia or aneurysm. |
Dr Sherratt is a leading scientist on the understanding of ‘fibrillin’. This is the protein that allows our skin, lungs, blood vessels and many other parts to remain elastic and healthy rather than stiff and lifeless. He says:
“Fibrillin becomes less effective as we age, increasing our likelihood of health problems as we grow older. We can’t replace it and we only have the fibrillin that was made when we were young, so taking care of it is vital. My research aims to increase our understanding of this vital protein, possibly paving the way for solutions such as new treatments or better early diagnosis of problems. Alternatively it may suggest that there are lifestyle choices we can all make to help.â€
For example, scientists already believe that raised sugar levels in diabetes are strongly related to the hardening of proteins. So it is possible that more research could show a wider relationship between sugar consumption and the elasticity of our fibrillin.
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Recognising the importance of his research, Help the Aged is pleased to announce major financial support for his studies in Manchester through to 2010. Dr Lorna Layward, Senior Research Manager of the Help the Aged iomedical Research into Ageing programme, says:
“We are very pleased to be funding Dr Sherratt’s work, which could contribute to bring better health and independence to older people in future. We normally think about flexibility in terms of exercises like yoga, which can be great for us at all ages. But Dr Sherratt is taking the idea of flexibility at the microscopic level and finding if there are ways to improve it. His findings may literally help us put a spring back into our lungs, arteries and eyes.â€
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CHOI-BO â€" THE New Workout
Get Fit For Life
UK, June 2008: Anthony Aurelius, ‘the UK’s No.1 Fitness Expert’ has released this year's must have workout DVD.
CHOI-BO is the first workout DVD and forthcoming televised workout to be shot in full High Definition format in Europe, (watch a short trailer at: www.choi-bo.com), and Choi-Bo Productions Ltd. are now looking for 2 fitness experts/martial artists/dancers - one male, one female - to star in Choi-Bo 2. |
Anthony Aurelius – who is fast becoming known as ‘The Jamie Oliver of Fitness!’ - has designed this workout for adults and young people alike. Indeed, Anthony is aiming to do with Choi-Bo what Jamie Oliver did with School Dinners, for he will be actively promoting the workout to schools as well as through health & fitness clubs. He’s even encouraging youngsters to teach Choi-Bo: Suzy Bennett, who stars in the DVD and Television Broadcast of Choi-Bo with Anthony Aurelius and Marius Sacalean, is just 14 years old, and she’s training to be a Choi-Bo Instructor too.
Aurelius says “Young people should be encouraged not just to exercise, but also to teach exercise classes in schools under the supervision of their teachers. This will teach them how to exercise properly and also develop leadership skills at an early age.â€
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Choi-Bo is a non-confrontational, non-competitive, FUN exercise workout routine to music which is suitable for adults and young people alike. However, behind the fun is substance. Choi-Bo has 7 separate, yet integrated components for health and fitness to deliver a complete workout for the mind, body and spirit.
Choi-Bo’s focus, rather like Yoga and Pilates, is to improve Body Awareness (deepen the connection between the mind and body). The benefit of this approach is that it enables participants to concentrate fully upon the exercises and martial art techniques they are performing which enhances the health benefits of this type of structured, biomechanical exercise.
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The workout could be likened to a ‘moving meditation’, in fact, Suzy Bennett says, “Choi-Bo is like a dance, which is perhaps why it is so enjoyable to doâ€.
The Auditions for Choi-Bo 2 in August ‘08 in London are sure to be a mixture of Strictly Come Dancing and the X-Factor. For more information about Choi-Bo, to become a Choi-Bo Instructor or to apply on-line to audition for Choi-Bo 2 please visit: www.choi-bo.com.
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New Online Health Information Service puts you in charge
Got a nagging question about your health? Concerned about a test you know you should have or finally decided to kick the habit and bin the ciggies? If you are looking for reliable, personalised information about your health and lifestyle you can now find it at the new website, NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk).
Health advice is now the second most searched for subject online so it is no surprise that there is a lot of information of variable quality out there. NHS Choices is a one-stop shop for all your health information that you can trust and that puts you in charge of decisions about your own health, lifestyle and even treatment options. |
The NHS Choices website can be accessed in libraries and many high street pharmacies for free. Your GP will also be happy to show you the website and print information for you to take away and read at home.
Take a quick and easy personal health check, watch short movies from the experts and real people about their experiences of common conditions. Learn about Rudolf Walker’s (Patrick Trueman on Eastenders) tips for a healthy heart, JimÃs honest account of life after a stroke and Norman’s amazing story of running three marathons and from John O Groates to Lands End after a double hip replacement plus access information only previously available to the medical profession
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Read the facts, get motivated and take inspiration for a healthy life from online magazine, Live Well with up to date articles, short movies and features relevant to you.
Watch the Zimmers singing about your generation and learn about how Britain’s oldest band keep rocking at sixty plus. Read about the ten checks you should have to keep yourself healthy and learn about why your generation is the happiest around and why sex really is good for you.
Still smoking? It’s never too late to quit. Use our simple cost calculator to work out how much you could be saving and be inspired by real life ex-smokers and their stories of how they successfully kicked the habit.
Should you need to go to hospital NHS Choices gives you the information to make an informed decision about where and when you want to be treated. View ratings on hospital waiting times, cleanliness and readmission figures and for the first time what previous patients have to say about their treatment and experiences via immediate online feedback.
It is even possible for you to make your choice of hospital based upon personal preferences such as travelling times, MRSA incidences and availability of single sex wards.
NHS Choices – your one stop shop for a healthier you
www.nhs.uk
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Stump Pain and Hit it for Six
Paingone Sport, the World Famous pain relieving device has once again proven itself to be a winner amongst sporting people throughout the world – this time with a South African international cricket player.
The Paingone Sport which is not much bigger than a pen offers your muscles some fast, effective relief from the pain so often suffered both during and after sport activities.
The pen has been successfully used by South African cricketer A.B. de Villers. In a recent international cricket game between South Africa and India, AB de Villers was struck by a ball in the back, he immediately collapsed in pain. The team physiotherapist rushed onto the pitch to apply Paingone Sport. After using the pen by clicking 30-40 times, AB de Villers then stood up and continued the game – virtually knocking the ball out of the park! |
Commenting upon Paingone Sport Craig Zimmerson, Managing Director at Medi-Direct International in South Africa, distributors of the product said: ‘Paingone Sport is fantastic for anyone suffering with a sporting pain or injury. It is easy to use and apply – working even through sports clothing – after only 30-40 clicks the user can continue their sporting activity. It is testament to the Paingone Sports pedigree that it is being used a physiotherapist on a world class player in the South African cricket team.’
With many testimonials, case studies and people within the medical profession using the Paingone pen in the treatment of most types of pain, it has a proven history of success. As well as being safe and effective in relieving sports pain, the PainGone Pen is ideal for anyone suffering with back pain, migraine, period pain, arthritis, sciatica, osteoporosis, rheumatism, inflammatory conditions or any other type of chronic and acute pain.
PainGone uses a low frequency charge, produced by crystals to stimulate the nerve pathway. This nerve pathway sends ‘a call for help’ message to the brain. The brain responds through the spinal cord by sending endorphins (the body’s own natural painkillers) instantly to the point of pain.
With several successful clinical studies behind it, PainGone is used within Pain Clinics, Hospitals, and by tens of thousands of people on a daily basis. As an alternative therapy, the PainGone has a number of national and international accreditations and is a CE registered medical device. PainGone can be used alongside conventional medication if additional pain relief is required. It can fit in a handbag or pocket and even works through clothing. There is also no need for gels, pads, batteries or maintenance, as it is totally self-contained.
So when you have been taking training sessions too hard and your legs and arms feel battered and bruised from another high intensity work out, here is Paingone Sport which eases pains, twinges or niggles and keeps your sessions going longer!
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Saltpipe Offers Dr Chris Laryngitis Relief
Have you ever heard someone say ‘I’ve lost my voice’? Or maybe you woke up one morning and your voice sounded croaky or wheezy when you tried to talk. Well this is what happened to ITV’s This Morning doctor, Dr Chris Steele recently when he was suffering from a bout of Laryngitis.
Laryngitis is the inflammation and swelling of the larynx, which is also known as the voicebox. Dr Chris is certainly not alone; almost every person will experience acute laryngitis at some point in their lives. Usually associated with a viral infection of the upper airway it can also be caused by vocal overuse, smoking, drinking of spirits or an allergic reaction. |
When Dr Chris was recently struck down with laryngitis he was due on TV for This Morning two days later and needed to use something which was going to help his voice be heard, so that he could go on air! Chris turned to The Saltpipe which he has used in the past for colds and other respiratory infections.
Whilst obviously not being able to cure his laryngitis, Dr Chris used The Saltpipe several times a day, in the two days before he was due on air. It enabled him to clear his airways, breathe easier and give him back the power of speech – which wasn’t perfect but would enable him to carry on with the planned TV programme.
Dr Chris Steel commented, ‘Even though I was suffering from laryngitis and struggling to talk, when I used The Saltpipe it enabled me to regain some use of my vocal chords – sufficiently enough for me to go onto This Morning. The Saltpipe has many benefits for people who suffer with other respiratory conditions such as asthma and colds. It is a great product which would be a valuable addition for most bathroom cabinets’
An innovative and wholly natural product, The Saltpipe can be transported quickly and easily in a handbag or briefcase or stored in a cool drawer for when it is needed.
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The clinically proven Saltpipe utilises the ancient remedy of Salt Therapy – which has been used by different cultures throughout the World for centuries. The salty atmosphere in Eastern European salt mines has long been used to ease the symptoms of respiratory ailments. The active ingredients in The Saltpipe are rock salt crystals from the Transylvanian Praid Salt Mine. Mined since the 2nd Century AD; the curative properties of the salt are well known and appreciated.
Through the process of inhalation and exhalation, the moisture of passing air absorbs the micron sized particles, which then penetrate the respiratory system to achieve the beneficial effects. The active ingredient induces the natural self cleansing mechanism that flushes away impurities from the surface of the cells. Salt particles also mechanically clean the air passages to help clear out the nasal cavities and help calm and heal inflamed lungs and airways. Acting as ‘muco kinetic’ it helps restore the normal transport of mucus and unclog blockages in the bronchi and bronchioles.
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In addition to laryngitis The Saltpipe can benefit asthma, COPD, hayfever and allergy sufferers, smokers and snorers. It can also help overcome stuffiness, persistent coughing, shortness of breath and wheeziness during colds, flu and other infections. It can neutralise the daily damaging effects of air pollution, dust, smog, fog and secondary cigarette smoke.
Available from Tower Health, it is priced at £29.95 (normally £34.95). To find out more about how this natural solution can help ease respiratory problems contact the customer service help line on 08450 066 077 or visit the website at www.tower-health.co.uk
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Travelodge Dips into Aquatics to Solve the Nation’s Sleep Crisis
In a bid to offer its customers a better night’s sleep, budget hotel chain, Travelodge, has today launched the UKÃs first goldfish hire service. The trial responds to a recent sleep study conducted for the hotel company which stated that 63% of the nation is sleep deprived due to stress and 58% claimed watching goldfish could be the answer.
Customers at Leeds Vicar Lane and Birmingham Fort Dunlop Travelodge hotels, will be able to request a ‘fish therapy room’ at time of check-in for no extra cost. Customers are encouraged to follow the hotel’s guide to relaxation before bedtime and to watch the goldfish for 15 minutes to aid de-stressing. |
Wayne Munnelly, Director of Sleep at Travelodge said: ‘We are always looking at ways to get our customers a better night’s sleep and watching goldfish is proving to be a popular choice.’
Research studies over the last three decades have identified that watching fish has a calming affect on the human mind. It helps to reduce stress levels, tackle insomnia and treat a range of health issues such as high blood pressure. In a separate Travelodge study of 2,000 UK consumers, two thirds of respondents said that they associated an aquarium with tranquillity and serenity. A third believed watching fish swim creates serenity and the Goldfish was voted Britain’s top favourite pet fish.
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Travelodge has sought the help and advice of Britain’s leading animal psychologist Dr Roger Mugford and sleep expert Chris Idzikowski from Edinburgh Sleep Centre to develop its Goldfish Service and sleep guide.
Dr Mugford said: ‘It’s a well known fact, that watching fish can have a positive impact on human emotions - especially when feeling tense. This is why you often see aquariums in dentists’ and doctors’ surgeries. Travelodge’s new service is a great example of how one sector can learn from another. Many hotel customers check in after a stressful day or before a big event the following day.
There is no doubt that this service can have a calming affect, inducing sleep and reducing anxiety.’
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Chris Idzikowski, sleep expert from Edinburgh Sleep Centre said: ‘There is some evidence that gazing at fish reduces stress. Stress causes difficulties in achieving a quality night’s sleep so if you have the space, time and would like to try a novel stress reduction technique, consider keeping fish. You would need to watch the fish every evening for at least 15 minutes prior to sleep’.
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Listed below are five tips from the ‘De-Stress Fact Sheet to help you relax’:
1. Make a list of all the tasks you need to tackle the following day or / and write down your worries
2. Try some gentle exercise such as yoga to relax your body and meditation for your mind
3. Take a warm bath
4. Watch the Goldfish swimming for at least 15 minutes
5. Use ‘Trigger Pictures’ To Relax You - Try to conjure mental images of a favourite or fantasy place or moment - such as a great party, event or idyllic holiday spot - as a way of triggering feelings of relaxation and well-being.
Hotel Managers and selected members of staff at each hotel will take full responsibility regarding the welfare of their goldfish. They have all been self- trained by the RSPCA guide to looking after goldfish and Dr Roger Mugford will be on hand if they have any queries regarding the welfare of their fish. |
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