Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Europe Health Radio unveils new logo

Europe Health Radio, the forthcoming new development from UK Health Radio, the health and wellness radio station for the UK, Europe and beyond has unveiled its new logo:



The mission of the new health radio station will remain the same as UK Health Radio in the UK:

The mission of UK Health Radio is to improve the quality of life of people across the globe by providing health and wellness information through radio broadcasts and a resource website, allowing professionals to share best practice, their expertise and passion and for suppliers to showcase their products and services


The content will be largely shared with UK Health Radio but will also include regional programmes in European languages.

Station Director, John Hicks, welcomed the new artwork, which will be featured in a new website being launched by the end of the year, and said: "This is a unique opportunity for health, medical, nutrition, pharmacueticals, sports, fitness and homeopathy practitioners, campaigners and experts to share their passion and expertise on the radio in their own language."

"Similarly, for listeners, UK Health Radio and Europe Health Radio offer them the opportunity to hear health and wellness radio programs in a range of European languages." John added.

UK Health Radio can be heard at www.ukhealthradio.com

Self Harm Prevention National Conference Attendees To Hear From The Howard League for Penal Reform

The Howard League reports that ex-prisoners are extremely vulnerable to suicide.

“Although the self harm risk is high, short sentence prisoners receive little or no preparation for release and no post-release support. Those serving long sentences are supervised on release, but the Probation Service prioritises public protection rather than the welfare of the ex-prisoners.” The report stated.

The Howard League for Penal Reform is a national charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.
Frances Crook, Chief Executive, Howard League for Penal Reform, will be addressing the Self Harm National Conference, http://stepup-international.co.uk, on the self harm risks of those in the penal system.
 The conference has been set for, Friday 07, December 2012 by, Step Up International, to address the alarming problem of self harm, that is sweeping across the UK, as well as the rest of the world.
 Other noted speakers for the Self Harm National Conference, will include: Keith Waters with the multi-centre approach to self harm & prevention, based in Derby NHS, Remy Aquarone, President of European Society For Trauma & Dissociation, Poppy Jaman, Chief Executive, Mental Health First Aid, England and Caroline Hattersley, of the National Autistic Society.
 Other issues that will be addressed at the conference will include the impact of on-going self harm, equipping professionals to deal with the issues that self harm poses, implications for services, (including education sector, police, youth offending teams, health), of young people self harming, and safeguarding young people against and from the media in the 21 Century.
The Self Harm National Conference, has been designed for those who are offering services for children and young people, such as those in the education sector, police services, probation, youth offending teams, as well as those in health services, local authorities and therapists.
The Self Harm National Conference, is planned for Friday 07, December 2012, Oxford. For complete details go to: http://stepup-international.co.uk/self-harm-national-conference Telephone, +44(0)121 551 1668 or email info@stepup-international.co.uk.

Movember


Movember



Ryan - week one! 





I had an email from my nephew this morning.  He often writes to me about fundraising and today was no exception!

He wrote:

Hi Aunty Mandy,

It's Movember and time to make a difference!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
Men’s health is a cause I am passionate about but in order to make a difference I need your help. My commitment is to grow a moustache for the month of November and in doing so, raise vital awareness and funds for men’s health, including prostate and testicular cancer.

I am asking you to help support my personal journey by making a donation. The size of the donation isn’t important, every little contribution helps Movember to continue its funding of world class programmes.  If you want to know more about what you’ll be helping to fund, you can visit Movember’s Programme Overview details of which appear below.

To highlight the importance of what I am doing, take a look at these statistics:
• 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
• This year 40,000 new cases of the disease will be diagnosed in the UK
• 47% of testicular cancer cases occur in men under 35 years and over 90% occur in men under 55 years.

I was pleased to see Ryan getting involved with this cause.  There is no doubt that men’s health issues are at last coming out of the shadows. I did a blog on men’s health not so long ago and it is good to see that my nephew, who is in the age group that traditionally stick their heads in the sand, is speaking out for the causes of prostate and testicular cancer.  Funnily enough I was talking to someone who is undergoing investigation for prostate cancer at the moment and if I think about it I know lots of other men of a certain age who are in the same boat.

Well Ryan thanked me in advance for supporting his efforts to change the face of men's health.     Donating online or by cheque to this cause are both possible and all the details for that appear below. There are several programmes you’ll be helping to fund by making a donation and I am sure that if you get in touch with Ryan he will fill you in on the details.   Oh and I am really looking forward to seeing him with that moustache!

Please note that all information and content on UK Health Radio and this blog are provided by the authors, producers and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge.  It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please do not delay or disregard any medical advice received due to information gathered on UK Health Radio.
UK Health Radio – the health radio station for the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond at www.ukhealthradio.com – is kindly sponsored by www.1-stop-health-shop.com

Amanda Thomas
UK Health Radio


If you’d like to contribute to this cause you can do that by:
• Donating online at: 
http://mobro.co/ryanthomas5
• Writing a cheque payable to 'Movember', referencing Ryan's Registration ID: 3689249 and mailing it to: Movember Europe PO Box 68600 London EC1P 1EF  

Please click on the link below for further details of this programme.

Friday, October 26, 2012

What is Brush DJ?

Brush DJ is a free toothbrush timer app that plays 2 minutes of music taken at random from the user's device to encourage brushing for an effective length of time. The app also allows users to set reminders to brush twice a day, floss, use a mouthrinse and when next to see their dentist or hygienist. Evidence-based age specific information is given as per the Department of Health's toolkit 'Delivering Better Oral Health'.
 
 
 




Want to know more? Then visit www.BrushDJ.com
Twitter: @BrushDJ https://twitter.com/BrushDJ             
Facebook: Brush DJ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brush-DJ/245442625526057

EHFG 2012: New EHFG President Helmut Brand calling for expansion of EU health mandate


According to Prof Dr Helmut Brand, the new EHFG president, EU actions have contributed much more effectively to health protection in the everyday lives of EU citizens than national policymakers could have. He called for the further development of the EU health mandate established in the Maastricht Agreements, noting that the European Parliament should be given more power to deal with public health topics and the EU should be positioned more strongly in global health issues.



Prof Dr Helmut Brand (Chair of the Department of International Health at the University of Maastricht) is the new EHFG president. He made the following comments on assuming office: “There will be no revolution; I rely on evolution when it comes to the continuation of the EHFG, the most important EU congress on health policy issues. The Gasteiner Valley as venue, the format of the congress in general, the integration of the four “pillars” of policy, research, industry and civil society–all these aspects have been well received and should be retained.”

The EHFG should also retain a perspective that extends beyond the EU borders. The EHFG has networked for many years with the Southeast European Health Network (SEEHN), conducted a health policy dialog with the CIS countries and developed a mature cooperation arrangement with Taiwan. Touching on this latter collaborative effort, Professor Brand said: “It is a tradition that should be expanded in the medium term into a European-Asian dialogue. It has also become much more important to view European health issues also in a global context and to push for global networking.”
 
A “Workshop on the Future” and interim activities also between the annual congresses will supplement the previous EHFG program in future. Prof Brand: “The first event of this kind will be held in May 2013 at the University of Maastricht and will commemorate the Maastricht Agreement that was signed there in 1992 and that went into force in 1993. This agreement defined a health mandate for the EU for the first time. The object was to support and coordinate national health policymakers.”
 
Very positive contribution of EU actions thus far
Prof Brand noted that EU activities have contributed very positively to various aspects of health protection in the everyday life of EU citizens, e.g. food safety, the protection of non-smokers, or product safety, for example, toys. Patients benefit from EU measures to improve the safety of drugs and medicinal products, from advances in controlling infectious diseases or from the safety of blood and blood products. Prof Brand: “These EU-wide efforts frequently improved the health protection of more than 500 million citizens. That never would have been possible with individual actions by single countries.”
 
BSE, SARS and other public health crises have occasioned changes in the responsibility of the EU. In international crises, the national authorities were often convinced to share their responsibility because of their own insufficient ability to respond and the declining trust consumers showed in them. Prof Brand: “The EU worked out concepts for this type of joint responsibility not only to lay the legal groundwork but also to establish suitable infrastructures. Examples include networks, scientific advisory committees, agencies or data recording systems that contribute to better health protection for citizens and consumers.” Areas affected by these efforts were blood safety, food safety, monitoring of communicable diseases and cancer prevention or screening programs.
 
EU health mandate must be redefined
Prof Brand: “The EU health mandate has to be redefined for two reasons: first, because the challenges for public health and for health systems have changed dramatically since Maastricht but second, because of the current discussions on a further development of the architecture of Europe per se—for example developing the vision of the United States of Europe.” He went on to cite several central points crucial to further development:
- Further strengthen the European Parliament to give the public health sector another contact partner at institutional level.
- Position the EU even more strongly in global health issues as a major player on the global stage.
- Build up a European health information system to make data on health indicators broadly and speedily available.
 
Stability in a globalised world
“The subject of health is given much too little attention in the discussion of the financial and economic crisis. But it could offer a window of opportunity at European and at national level to implement reforms that would otherwise not be possible without the crisis, including a reform of the EU health mandate,” Prof Brand explained. He then added: “The public health sector must take an admonishing role in monitoring the solution strategies being developed to deal with the financial and economic crisis.”
 
The EHFG is the most important conference on health care policy in the European Union. In this its 15th year, the EHFG attracts more than 600 decision-makers from 45 countries to discuss major topics on the future of the European health care system from 3 to 6 October 2012.

Fun video shares serious message


Within 24 hours of being posted on YouTube, the new promotional video for UK Health Radio, the health and wellness radio station for the UK, Europe and beyond had over 700 views.

UK Health Radio Station Director said: "We commisioned this video just as a little bit of fun but it contains a serious message that UK Health Radio and our website provide a useful health and wellness resource for everyone, including sports people".

The video was kindly sponsored by www.1-stop-health-shop.com

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Common Toxins in our Homes, Schools and Workplaces

The Global Health Network has released a new paper titled “Common Toxins in our Homes, Schools and Workplaces.”



According to an US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spokesman, indoor air pollution causes 50% of illnesses globally. This statistic should catch the attention of every physician, every lawmaker and every layperson reading this paper. That’s more than all the cancers and all the heart disease combined. It is time we started to pay more attention to the indoor air we breathe. It is staggering to comprehend the enormous impact on our global society as literally millions of individuals and families are harmed by contaminants inside our homes, schools and workplaces.

Changes over the years in building philosophy, construction materials, pesticides, usage patterns, etc., along with new awareness and improved testing capabilities, have brought us to the understanding that some buildings are sick and can make their occupants sick. Shoddy construction practices and environmental disasters also contribute. Americans spend, on average, 22 hours a day indoors. As such, it is a disconcerting thought that the structures we live in, work at and where we educate our children might lead to significant and even deadly health problems.
 
Radon, asbestos, products of combustion (such as carbon monoxide and cigarette smoke), volatile organic compounds (such as formaldehyde, benzene, pesticides and some personal care products), particulate matter, lead and a number of known and emerging disease-causing microbiological agents are discussed in this paper. However, the most space is reserved for the discussion regarding the secondary metabolic products of molds and bacteria released into the air of water-damaged buildings as these potentially may harm the most people and because of the disinformation war currently being waged suggesting that human disease from these toxins cannot exist.
 
Naysayer articles spend valuable print space suggesting that disease from mold can only occur after ingestion, or can only occur in the presence of large amounts of aerosolized toxin, or can only occur in an acute exposure. In light of the overwhelming peer-reviewed and journal-published evidence to the contrary, it is unimaginable that such papers are still being inked, are still being used in courts as “evidence” and are still considered relevant in any way. It’s the “Big Lie” all over again – say something long enough and loud enough and many will believe the lie.

“Big Business” has been shown repeatedly to use this tactic regarding the dangers of their products, and the histories of such substances as radium, asbestos and coal are evidence of the same. Workers in these industries, and other industries, were exposed to dangerous materials for decades while those making the profits knew the potential harmful health effects.
 
Mould illness, mold-related illness and biotoxin – related illness are euphemisms which are collectively referred to as Multi-system Exposure Related Illness (MERI) in this paper. MERI is a multi-symptom, multi-system disease occurring in many people due usually to long-term exposure to the interior of water-damaged buildings. While a massive acute exposure can lead to MERI, the most common mechanism is chronic exposure to low level toxins leading to an inflammatory response in the body. Written by treating physicians and researchers in the field, this paper is a collaborative effort which provides detailed information on the pathophysiology and diagnosis of MERI, as well as details regarding the treatment protocols used by some of the leading physicians.
 
It is time to move beyond the focus of “establishing the fact of mold disease,” because it has already been established in numerous research papers and in the treatment of thousands of patients. It is time for our national and world leaders to develop a comprehensive public health response to this devastating epidemic that has the potential to cripple our individual and collective futures. The paper provides specific recommendations in the Call to Action. The Global Indoor Health Network looks forward to collaborating with government agencies and organizations in the public and private sector in this search for better health and safer living and working conditions.
 
Authors: Scott W. McMahon, MD; Janette Hope, MD; Alan R. Vinitsky, MD; Jack Dwayne Thrasher, PhD; William J. Rea, MD; and Michael R. Gray, MD.
The paper can be found, in its entirety, at:
The Global Indoor Health Network (GIHN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is uniting experts and laypersons from the world. GIHN’s vision is a global community of individuals and organizations working together to ensure that comprehensive information and guidance concerning medical treatment, investigative techniques and solutions are available to address the effects of contaminants in the indoor environment of homes, schools and businesses. Visit our website at: www.globalindoorhealthnetwork.com.
 
 
 
 
 
Please note that all information and content on UK Health Radio and this blog are provided by the authors, producers and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please do not delay or disregard any medical advice received due to information gathered on UK Health Radio.
UK Health Radio – the health radio station for the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond at www.ukhealthradio.com – is kindly sponsored by www.1-stop-health-shop.com


 

Rude Health - breakfasts worth waking up for



Rubbish in Rubbish out – Goodness in Goodness out.

 
I do believe that for us to function at our best we need to stick to the goodness in, goodness out formula. And with that in mind and in an attempt to avoid the rubbish in rubbish out consequence, I thought we would look at the importance of a good sustaining breakfast along with one of my favourite cereal brands. – Rude Health.
The Rude Health company has a slogan that certainly does what it says on the tin. Their slogan is - Breakfasts that are worth waking up for.   I have been a recent convert to their products, after grabbing a box of their granola to go with a recipe I was trying that involved fresh fruit Greek yoghurt with a topping of granola and a drizzle of honey. I am a very keen breakfaster. I always remember the old saying - breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper and my mum who was always telling me that breakfast was the most important meal of the day.  I know now that behind that saying is the fact that eating first thing kick starts the metabolism, so if you are missing breakfast in an attempt to lose weight, what you are doing is actually going to achieve the opposite result, as a sluggish metabolism means that calories are burned more slowly.  
Rude Health make a range of muesli, porridge, granola and cereals with no added salt, refined sugars or any other rubbish. They reckon they choose their ingredients like they choose their friends, and they apparently like them wild, not refined!  I can go for that!  They use naturally sweet ingredients like honey and maple syrup instead of sugar, and never over-process their grains. For their cereals they use the highest quality, sustainably produced fruits, nuts and seeds to make breakfasts that you will fly out of bed for.   I consider myself a porridge purist, and I can say that the porridge that Rude Health makes ticks all my boxes.
Their products are available on line, and you can also find out about each of the products and get stockist information there too. Made from a complex base of oats, rye and barley and top quality fruits, nuts and seeds, their mueslis will keep a royal bounce in your step until lunchtime.
Rude Health agree with me that life's too short to eat food you don't enjoy. So they make their products with ingredients that taste amazing, and are good for you too.
For people on a gluten-free diet, finding a cereal to enjoy in the morning can be hard. So Rude Health have made a range of tasty, healthy cereals - with no gluten!
With breakfast sorted they don’t let you down through the rest of the day either.  They offer a range of snacks that pack a full-on-flavour punch that will be on line soon to buy.   
I am convinced that if we get breakfast right then the rest of the day will be a doddle.  And Rude Health have made that deliciously possible with their variety of top quality products.   




 
Please note that all information and content on UK Health Radio and this blog are provided by the authors, producers and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge.  It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please do not delay or disregard any medical advice received due to information gathered on UK Health Radio.
 
UK Health Radio – the health radio station for the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond at www.ukhealthradio.com – is kindly sponsored by www.1-stop-health-shop.com



Amanda Thomas
UK Health Radio




Monday, October 22, 2012

Holistic Wellness for the Upcoming Season


That season is almost upon us, the end of summer and the return of shorter, darker days and for many, the risk of colds and flu as well.  If you should find yourself having to do battle with some viscous bug that is going around, consider putting the following in your natural alternative arsenal:

Echinacea:  This is a wonder herb (pictured) that has very serious immune boosting powers.  It has mild antibiotic action, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.   It is good to consider this for short term, during the winter months to increase the body’s resistance to colds and flu.   Usual recommended dosage is 500 mg to 1000 mg per day for no more than 6-8 weeks. 
Grapefruit Seed Extract:  I would not EVER be without this in my home medicine cabinet as it can be used for so many different things.  If you are currently fighting off a cold or flu, this is one of the most natural effective ways to assist the body in returning to balance gently.  It is a natural antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral.  Recommended dosage is 5-10 drops per day, while recovering.  It’s fine to place the drops in water or juice.
Oil of Oregano:   This is a powerhouse of a natural antibiotic that has also been shown effective against bacteria, fungus and virus invaders.  It is very helpful when a sore throat starts to set in, just add 2-3 drops to a glass of cool water and drink.  It may also be added to hot water with lemon to soothe the throat, and will greatly assist in opening up the nasal passages.
Eucalyptus Oil:  Hands down this is an all time favorite when I have a head cold trying to take up residence.  I will put about 40 drops of this wonderful essential oil on about 2 cups of Epsom salts and throw it into my very warm tub water right before I hop in. The steaming water will aerosolize the eucalyptus and help open up the nasal airways and get you breathing freely again.
Ginger Root:  This is one of the most warming teas to make during the cold and flu season.  Buy some fresh organic ginger root and keep on hand in your fridge.  When you feel the need, simply grate about a tablespoon worth and simmer in water for about 15 minutes.  Adding a teaspoon or so of some raw Manuka honey will only enhance the healing properties of this wonderful tea.
Black Elderberry Syrup:  This wonderful berry is just full of immune boosting, anti-viral and antibacterial properties.  They have a very high amount of antioxidants to assist in fighting free radicals, more so than even blueberries!
Influenzinum:  This is a homeopathic remedy that attuned for the current (2012-2013) season.  To prevent flu it is recommended to take 3 pellets of 30c strength once per week during the flu season. 
Be Well!

 
Content written by Ruth-Ann Rohrman, Holistic Wellness Consultant, and owner of Well Balanced, a Holistic Wellness Energy Kinesiology Practice in the US. 

 

 

Please note that all information and content on UK Health Radio and our blog are provided by the authors, producers and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge and does not substitute professional medical advice or treatment. So please do not delay or disregard any medical advice received due to information gathered on the UK Health Radio.

 

 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

October Means Time to be Breast Aware



October Means Time to be Breast Aware

Here at UK Health Radio we came across a great site the other day that lists all the awareness days for every month of the year.   The site highlights the fact that this month, October, is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, more than just Breast Cancer Awareness we are urged to get better overall breast awareness. How will you know something is wrong if you don't know what it usually feels like?
It’s true that we are often shy about discussing breast examination or going to the doctor with any concerns, maybe afraid of what we might hear?  However, surely it is better to suffer a few moments of embarrassment rather than have to endure more breast cancer treatment than is necessary, or to have the relief of your worst fears set aside when that lump turns out to be no more than cyst? Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to help us with breast cancer facts, information and early breast cancer detection.
Women in the over 50 age group are the most at risk from breast cancer, but if you are under 50 it is dangerous to assume that it won’t happen to you. Women under 50 and men too, can also develop Breast Cancer. Yes that’s right fellas, so any strange lumps or bumps in that area need to be seen by the doc. Regular self-examination is the best idea to be able to flag up, early, any changes, and for those women with larger breasts that are more difficult to examine, extra mammograms paid for privately might also give extra peace of mind. But for most people, simple self-examination costs nothing, takes hardly any time and could save your life.
Breast Cancer groups are always trying to keep Breast Awareness at the top of the agenda and I am sure that you have seen and may even have been part of some of the many events that take place throughout the year. There is the much heralded and very popular Race for Life in the summer, in which ladies often take part wearing their bras over their clothes.  This month, October, the breast cancer pink ribbons start to appear. The Breast Cancer Campaign site points out, however that ‘Wear it Pink’ is just one of the month's initiatives that takes place on the 28th October this year to raise awareness and funding for vital research but in a fun way.
If you want to get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this October, make it your mission to ensure that you remember everything you learn – forever.  It might just make the difference between life and death for you or for someone you love.   Survival rates in the UK are increasing all the time and surgery is now often a lot less invasive than it used to be.  For further information go to:

www.breastcancercampaign.org    

Please note that all information and content on UK Health Radio and this blog are provided by the authors, producers and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge.  It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please do not delay or disregard any medical advice received due to information gathered on UK Health Radio.
UK Health Radio – the health radio station for the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond at www.ukhealthradio.com – is kindly sponsored by www.1-stop-health-shop.com



Amanda Thomas
UK Health Radio