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July 2019

SHOULD WE ALL BE CHASING POKEMON?

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SHOULD WE ALL BE CHASING POKEMON?

It may seem a bit crazy to us oldies, this recent obsession with chasing virtual Pokémon. I’m sure a lot of you haven’t got a clue what it is all about but it appears that there are rewards, like in all computer games, for the numbers and types you collect. There are levels of achievement and the Pokémon are to be ‘collected’ all over the world!! Already accidents and police incidents are on the increase as a result of the craze.

One of the serious implications of our technological age is the reduction in actual activity and the increase in virtual activity, as for example in sitting playing on a PlayStation. The implications for the health of the younger generations are quite worrying because for starters, childhood obesity is dramatically on the increase leading to a shortening in life expectancy of our 18 year olds!

Sitting for long period of time is directly connected to an increase in mortality via diabetes, cancer & heart disease not to mention the implications on back and joints problems.

However there is perhaps some good to come out of this craze.

There is the suggestion an additional aim of the game is to encourage people to walk more as the Pokémon are found and collected by walking to them so perhaps the future for activity is not perhaps as bleak as one might at first perceive.

Whatever your lifestyles please continue to be as active as possible as this will go a long way to ensuring you have a long and happy life.

For any further advice about pain & stress management together with other health issues pleas get in touch.

10 RULES of RECOVERY

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10 RULES OF RECOVERY

Step1) Own your problem. You heal yourself (with a little help!)

Step2) Acknowledge your mind plays a role in health recovery.

Step3) Acknowledge your rate of recovery will be affected by both your mental and physical fitness levels and my skills. It’s a collaboration.

Step4) Have faith in the process. Be an optimist. We can do it!

Step5) You need to do as much as you can to help your recovery because I will.

Step6) Miracles are always possible but they may take more than one treatment.

Step7) If your problem is stubborn it may be because your stress levels are interfering with your recovery (more than you realise).

Step8) Recovery is always a possibility. It’s just a matter of uncovering the blocks.

Step9) Remember your body is always trying to get you better.

Step10) Exercise & Diet play a role in recovery too.

If you are struggling with your recovery please email info@irvingboxer.com or call 020 8954 2254 as I’m sure I will be able to offer you some simple tips to help you. Or you can book a money back consultations!

How important is the ‘Selfie’ to cancer prevention?

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This week has seen many women joining The Facebook campaign of going without make-up and taking a ‘selfie’ to raise awareness for cancer. Any thing that raises the awareness of cancer prevention is very important especially as over 300k people are diagnosed with it each year.It is interesting to focus on the term selfie as for me this word helps to focus on the fact that we ourselves have much more influence over cancer prevention than we realize. You only have to view the Cancer Research website http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-info/healthyliving/ to see how many aspects of our lifestyle influence cancer creation.Below i have listed 16 pointers that I believe can go a long way to creating health and thus preventing cancer.I’d love to hear your views on the subject so please feel free to contact me via my email link.

MY 16 POINT PLAN TO BEAT CANCER

1) Stop smoking

2) Keep your waist size below 32 inches for a lady & 37 for a man

3) Try to keep alcohol to 3 drinks a week max

4) Exercise daily for a minimum of 20 minutes.

5) Make half you plate fruit, salad & veg

6) Try to reduce red meat, milk & cheese

7) Avoid fried or processed foods or foods with any additives.

8) Choose whole grain cereals ie porridge, pasta, rice & bread

9) Don’t add salt or sugar

10) Minimise confectionery and sugary desserts.

11) Choose organic produce if possible for their extra nutrients.

12 Avoid anti-antiperspirants (use a natural deodorant) & taking unnecessary meds if you can.

13) Eat more fish, tofu, miso, nuts, broccoli, seeds & olive oil

14) Drink more water, juices & green tea and less ordinary tea & coffee

15) Meditate daily

16) Consider getting advice on supplements such as selenium, vitamins C & D, fish oils, B complex.

Loving Kindness: Your Key to Successful Parenting and Healthy Children!

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Loving Kindness: Your Key to Successful Parenting & Healthy Children

Firstly before starting this blog I want to mention the book Childhood Disrupted by Donna Jackson Nakazawa. A must for anyone with an interested in the Mind/Body connection and the origin of pain and illness plus good parenting.
Most of this blog is written as a result of reading that book.
 
Our childhood is probably the most significant period of our life and if you want to work out why as an adult you may be suffering with chronic pain, poor mental or physical health and even a lack of ‘success’ take a look back at your childhood. If i tell you the amount of loving kindness you experienced as a child will directly influence those factors in adulthood you might see a connection.
Before I continue I want to tell you about a 55yo patient I saw recently who suffers from Ataxia which is a co-ordination disorder. Just out of interest I asked her what her childhood was like. She laughed nervously a couple of time before telling me that her father teased her mercilessly and her mother over-protected her. Hmmn Interesting!
 
Anyway the purpose of this blog is to give you some ammunition to make the world a happier and healthier place via these 14 tips to better parenting:-
  1. Manage your own baggage. Don’t pass it on; don’t share it; be less reactive; get yourself sorted out!
  2. Don’t overprotect from adversity. A little builds resilience. Develop your own Emotional Intelligence; Don’t try to toughen them up! Avoid bullying, teasing, criticizing, or humiliating them.
  3. Instill the 4 “Ss” in your child; Seen: Safe; Soothed & Secure. Listen & acknowledge them. Don’t scare them. Support them through their difficulties. Develop their sense of well-being & self-esteem.
  4. Use eye-contact. Give them your full attention and re-assurance.
  5. If you ‘lose it’ apologise immediately. Take 15 deep breaths & say sorry.
  6. Validate and normalise all your child’s emotions. ” You sound….” “I hear you”. “You feel…. about…”
  7. Amplify good feelings. Praise them and highlight positive experiences.
  8. Stop; Look; Go. Develop an attitude for gratitude and appreciation for everything in your environment.
  9. Name difficult emotions. “I see you are angry, frightened, upset” separate themselves from their feelings to prevent overwhelm.
  10. Recognise the power of the 20 sec hug! Promote secure attachment.
  11. Make ‘ what is happening’ a safe and open conversation. AVOID SECRETS as these make a child feel inadequate and guilty. Bring’troubles’ into the open and tell them it is nothing to do with them.
  12. Re-frame stories of Inter-generational trauma. Discuss hardships that parents had when viewing present behaviour. 
  13. Every child need a Reliable Adult or Mentor. This develops resilience. Community is beneficial ie neighbours, friends, GP, teachers etc to provide UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
  14. Bring Mindfulness into schools. Be aware of Performance Stress. Home life adversity (45% divorce rate). Mindfulness helps with mental health; improves grades; lowers stress; improves well-being; reduces depression and increases resilience.
Happy parenting!
If you’d like to discuss ways to over come childhood adversity and thus improve health and reduce pain please get in touch. info@irvingboxer.com 

How much does the Big C impact upon your life?

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How much does the Big C impact upon your life?

This week to coincide with MacMillan week I gave a talk focusing on Informing about & Preventing Cancer and here is a summary of the key points that I spoke about.

All of the first information is taken from the Cancer Research UK website and unfortunately some of the statistics are of a sobering nature. However as you read on you will see there is hope and the good news is we are not victims and although as they say ‘cancer doesn’t care’ if you do, you will see there is an awful lot you can do to protect yourself.

Firstly I want to say I’m not an expert in Cancer prevention but my training and experiences of 38 years in practice have provided me with information & stories that will form the basis of this blog.

For the record my mother & sister both died young from the disease, 62 & 48 so I like most of you have been ‘touched’ and will undoubtedly continue to be so for the rest of my life.

Ok let’s go!

1 in 2 people born after 1960 in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime!!

However the good news is that Cancer survival rates have doubled during the last 40 years so that of that 50%, half will now survive compared to only a quarter 40 years ago. Unfortunately those statistics are not as favourable for women as they are for men.

Many people believe that getting cancer is purely down to genes, fate or bad luck, but through scientific research, we know that our risk actually depends on a combination of our genes, our environment and things to do with our lifestyle, which we’re more able to control. In fact it is estimated that only 2-3% of cancers are linked to faulty genes. Your genes also respond favourably to lifestyle changes so don’t be over concerned about your genetic makeup, even if it is not so favourable.

***An important fact that I think you need to be aware of is that if you are a post-menopausal woman and you are obese, unfortunately you have a 30% risk of developing Cancer***. However, you do have the power to do something to help reduce that risk.

Now for some good news:- Experts estimate that more than 4 in 10 cancer cases could be prevented, largely through lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking & drinking alcohol, weight management, increasing exercise and eating more fruits and vegetables.

Personally I believe that figure to be much higher and prevention is probably 90% in our hands especially when you factor in Stress into the equation. Interestingly stress and cancer are not mentioned as I guess it’s hard to provide the research data that links the two. When I asked my audience what they perceived to be the major cause of Cancer, to a man (woman!) they said “stress”!! (not smoking which it statistically is!). A recent study worked out that those lifestyle changes would increase one’s life expectancy by 14 years. That’s not bad is it?

So get yourself a health consciousness and you will be providing your body with plenty to defend itself.

On a final note I’d like to talk a little about stress. As I said there is not much evidence connecting stress & cancer. However it has been proven that a healthy mental attitude can reduce the risk of illnesses and improve recover rates and vice versa. In my mind there is a connection as a lot of cancers arise after people have experienced stressful episodes in their lives. Whatever your view I know that relaxation, meditation, contentment, calmness, love, appreciation and optimism will improve your health and thus help with all illness prevention.

If you would like to discuss any aspects of cancer prevention please feel free to contact me at info@irvingboxer.com or 020 8954 2254

An inspiration to us all!

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What ever you think of her music, Dame Vera Lynn is an inspiration. To be still working at 97 is incredible, however it is my goal for my patients to be healthy, fit and active well into their 90s; and why not? We know how to do it but it’s a question of your genes and your lifestyle.

Here are 6 tips to get you there:-
1) Address your stress with plenty of rest & relaxation, hobbies & learning some form of mindful meditation.
2) Try not to sit for long periods and do some non competitive exercise daily.
3) Avoid sugary foods.
4) Eat more fruit, salad and vegetables than any thing else.
5) Drink more water and less alcohol, tea & coffee.
6) Seek the advice of Alternative Medical Practitioners whose aim is to encourage your health, rather than treat your disease, and visit when you are well to stay well!
 
If you’d like to become one of my patients and live healthily into your 90s, give me a call.

4 Tips to Make Your Networking a Success

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Networking Rules OK

I was introduced to networking about 5 years ago and it has completely rejuvenated my business and changed me as a person. Prior to this I really didn’t know where my business was going. The yellow pages ran out decades ago and online business never seemed to materialise. I was starting to worry.

Luckily a friend of mine suggested I visited his BNI group as they had a vacancy for a Physical Therapist. Luckily I was able to see there was potential for me and I took the plunge and signed up, which I have to say was one of the best decisions of my life.

Since that day new business has continued to flow to me from all the networking meetings I attend so much so I also joined 4Networking and that too provides new business for me.

The major change in me is that my business prosperity is now firmly in my hands because I not only find patients through networking but I can also find any assistance or advice via the numerous contacts I have.

So to finish this blog I want to say if you need a tradesman or professional or you’d like to learn how networking might help grow your business please get in touch.

4 Tips to Make Your Networking a Success

1.Be very interested in how you can help someone else’s business before you talk about yours.

2.Be your biggest advocate.

3.Prepare for you meeting and make your short presentation as enticing as possible.

4.FOLLOW UP! FOLLOW UP! FOLLOW UP!

CAN YOU AFFORD TO IGNORE YOUR BACK TWINGES?

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CAN YOU AFFORD TO IGNORE YOUR BACK TWINGES?

Did you know that back problems are the biggest cause of absenteeism from work?

How will you cope if you or your staff are off sick with a bad back?

Remember 80% of the population get back problems and once you’ve had one bout then you are 50% more likely to have another.

Most problems begin with twinges!

At some stage they WILL get worse (it may not be tomorrow or the next day) but depending on your age it will be sooner rather than later.

Then, how will you cope if you have:-

1) difficulty sleeping and getting out of bed.

2) difficulty dressing especially putting your shoes and socks on.

3) difficulty moving and walking around.

4) difficulty getting in and out of your car.

5) difficulty bending and lifting.

6) difficulty standing up and sitting down.

7) difficulty playing sport or gardening

………..and finally difficulty having any fun whatsoever!!!

These are all the realities of a back sufferer and I’m sure you don’t want this to be you, so how can you prevent this from being your reality?

It’s not difficult and work place assessments and manual handling training can help, as can avoiding long periods of sitting. Doing back stretches and keeping active are also important adjuncts. However, the single most important factor to keeping your back healthy is having it checked over by an experienced spinal mechanical expert, which is what an Osteopath is. This should be done throughout your life and more frequently as you get older.

Doctors and phsios have their place but an Osteopath, [who should be your first point of call with back twinges] is qualified to tell YOU the state of your back, you won’t have to tell him. He will check your posture and your flexibility as these are the key indicators to the state of health of your spine. In a few sessions he will make significant changes to your pain and stiffness so that your life will be a lot more comfortable. This isn’t difficult to achieve and it shouldn’t be expensive, provided you get treated quickly.

DON’T IGNORE THE TWINGES!!!!

An Osteopath should be part of your medical team like your Doctor, Dentist and Optician. Regular [but infrequent] check-ups are an easy way of maintaining your spinal health. You know what happens if you don’t go to the dentist for a long time, well it’s exactly the same with an Osteopath! However, Osteopathy is a lot less uncomfortable than Dentistry so don’t put off your check-ups.

Finally, would you put off getting your car serviced until it broke down? No, so why wait until your twinges get worse, get them sorted quickly!

For further information regarding keeping you and your staff healthy please contact me 020 8954 2254

QUESTION: “I have a bad back; how long should it take to get better?”

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This question is the one that every patient wants to know the answer to before they embark on a course of treatment.

I’m writing this because someone said to me they went to another physical therapist who told them they should sign up for a course of treatment which would help them get better and prevent the problem from recurring. All sounds good so far. However, they had to attend every week for a year and lay out I guess between £1500- £2000!!!!

This makes my blood boil.

Here is my answer to the question: “How long have you had the problem?”

For me this is usually the key to making an accurate prognosis as the quicker you attend the quicker you’ll get better. If the problem is recent, then a couple of sessions should do, but if you’ve had it for more than a few months then 3-6 sessions may be required.

In my experience most people feel a significant benefit within three sessions and for many that will be enough especially if they haven’t delayed their first visit and come within a few days of their injury . The worst thing you can do for your prognosis is delay having a treatment.

A visit to your GP with a back problem is not really necessary [unless you require a doctors referral for your insurer] as every Osteopath is fully trained to make a diagnosis and also medically trained to spot something more serious. A lot of doctors don’t know enough about back problems and Osteopathy to recommend it quickly and delay recovery by prescribing painkillers and/or Physiotherapy instead of recommending Osteopathy. Physiotherapy is best suited for rehabilitation and sports injuries. Osteopaths spend all their training learning about spinal issues so are most ably placed to provide effective and speedy treatment.

If your practitioner expects you to visit more than 3 times without benefit and thinks you’ll need more than 6-10 sessions to get well I would find someone else!

guarantee to help my patients in the quickest and least expensive way possible and this is usually around 3-6 sessions [£150-300]. I want my patients to be happy with their outcome and then sign up for my back pain prevention programme which depending on their age is between one and eight sessions a year![not 52]

There are a few cases that I can’t help for whatever reason but I will know that after 3 sessions so there is no expensive and drawn out wait to find this out. I will then refer the patient onto the most appropriate path for them to get helped.

I pride myself on the ethical and considerate way I run my practice.

If you’d like any help with any of the following please contact me on 020 8954 2254

· Neck & Shoulder Tension

· Headaches or Migraine

· Low Back Pain with or without Sciatica

· Slipped Disc or Osteoarthritis.

21 STEPS TO RECOVERING YOUR HEALTH

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21 STEPS TO RECOVERING YOUR HEALTH & OVERCOMING PAIN

  • 1. Take 100% responsibility for your life. YOU are in charge & YOU have the Power & Control to make anything happen.
  • 2. Write out the story of your life with the highs & lows.
  • 3. What does your life say about you?
  • 4. Develop FAITH & LOVE for yourself & life. Believe in GOOD.
  • 5. Become aware of your emotions as they are your life & health predictors.
  • 6. Write out positive affirmations contrary to your negative beliefs.
  • 7. Start being Proactive instead of Reactive.
  • 8. Avoid reality & Dream Big. WHAT YOU THINK COMES TRUE
  • 9. Look for good in everything. Practice Appreciation.
  • 10. Make being happy & joyful your daily goal. Look for good.
  • 11. Start the day reading a list of all the good things in your life and all the good things about you.
  • 12. Create a Dream board for all your goals.
  • 13. Listen to uplifting music.
  • 14. Go for a walk to clear your mind and practice deep Breathing.
  • 15. Eat regularly and have lots of fruit & veg.
  • 16. Drink less coffee & alcohol and more water.
  • 17. Do a daily Mindful Meditation. Learn to relax & slow yourself down and become calmer. Think “COOL CALM & COLLECTED”.
  • 18. Avoid watching or listening to the news.
  • 19. End the day writing a diary of any emotional upsets and get them off your chest. SUPPRESSED EMOTIONS ARE THE ROOT CAUSE OF MOST ILLNESSES & EXACERBATE PAIN.
  • 20. Continue the diary with gratitude for all the good things that have happened today and are in your life generally.
  • 21. Aim for 7-8 hours’ sleep a night.

If you would like my help to Mentor you through these 21 Steps please get in touch at info@irvingboxer.com or on 020 8954 2254