A case study in healthy skin by Sue Francis

In the daily fight against infection and pollution our skin is our front-line defence. Therefore we need to protect and reinforce it with particular care. When our skins defences are breached, whether by allergy, bite, burn or the extremes of weather, our skin needs tender loving care to encourage the natural healing process whilst avoiding infection.

Having researched all kinds of products So I can have healthy skin I found that lots of chemicals are used under complicated names that are time consuming to look up and for the most part many of us have not got the time, it is confusing to say the least! After years of not knowing and finally deciding to become a beauty therapist I had to explore this further and have found Aloe Vera to be a most helpful ingredient in restoring and promoting healthy skin. It has both anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal qualities which aid our skins defence perfectly. It is able to penetrate down to the deeper dermis layer of the skin, nourishing and protecting all the time, even influencing the rate at which our skin ages, thus creating healthy skin.

Moisture is lost through our skin which causes dry, flaky, cracked, scaly skin. Dehydration causes damage in the lower layers of the epidermis. The health of the cell is affected causing the immune system of the skin to become weak, risk of infection and skin disease which cause gaps in the lipid barrier and show up as acne, eczema and rosacea.

Environmental damage

Seasons have harm on healthy skin. Winter/cold can take out the moisture causing itchy cracked and scaly skin which can cause it to be very inflamed and itchy.

High humidity can cause you to sweat more and heat up faster. Once this happens the skin can become blotchy red and irritated.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help keep the moisture in and out of the air the seasons change and too much sun will cause dryness, irritation and sunburn.

Lily first went under Hypnosis in 2009, for a while Lily was Bulimic, but soon realized that this was not a healthy way to control her weight so she took a more positive action, Hypnotherapy!

Lily said, “After the Hypnotism, I wanted to go to the gym every day, otherwise I felt really bad. I just wanted to get more toned and healthy. I’m really good about everything at the moment, I’ve never been happier!”

Lily Allen then went onto describe the process as “having her brain reprogrammed to enjoy healthy things”

However, hypnosis is a professional method and is used as an approach for all types of reasons from helping people overcome fears, building confidence, quitting smoking and even managing chronic pain.

A hypnotherapist helped Lily to undergo the changes in her life. Helping to reprogram her mind to develop a healthier attitude to food and exercise by boosting the enjoyment Lily has when heating healthy foods and also raising happiness levels when going to the gym or doing similar exercise.

Hypnosis is not a magic cure though, you need to be prepared to work hard, both in terms of exercise and controlling what you eat. However, if you struggle to remain positive or have failed to stick to a plan before, hypnosis can help cultivate a more positive attitude.
A hypnotherapist will deal with the sub-conscious part of the mind, that is the non-analytical or instinctive part.

Here at The Devon Clinic, we offer a wide variety of weight loss packages.
These can include Hypnotherapy to help ease cravings and comfort eating‚ allergy testing to check if you’re intolerant to certain foods, acupuncture to aid digestion and much more.

International Ataxia Awareness Day

What is Ataxia?

Ataxia is the name given to a group of neurological disorders that affect balance, coordination, and speech. There are many different types of ataxia that can affect people in different ways

Certain types of Ataxia are more common in certain age groups.

Recent studies have shown that there are at least 10,000 adults and 500 children in the UK with progressive Ataxia.

Of course, there are many different causes for ataxia. It’s important to remember that ataxia is a symptom and may occur as a result of many different underlying conditions such as MS.

It can also occur due to head trauma or intoxication. Many ataxia’s are inherited conditions caused by having defects in certain genes. But the most common inherited progressive ataxia is Friedreich Ataxia. It’s the most common form of ataxia because it’s characterized by an inherited mutation in the Frataxin (FXN) gene leading to reduced levels of Frataxin, a protein essential for life and cell survival.

Although at this time there is no actual cure for Ataxia, there are many therapies that would help.

At the early stage of the disease, neuro-rehabilitation would be beneficial.

Counselling and Patient support Groups are recommended.

Speech therapists as Dysarthria is a common symptom of the progressive ataxia’s.

And many more. For any symptoms, there is someone around to help.

How is Ataxia diagnosed?

Ataxia can be diagnosed in many different ways. But can sometimes be quite difficult to get a diagnosis of the specific type of ataxia, as there are many different conditions that can seem very similar.

Patient history

Brain Scans

Family history

Genetic tests

Laboratory tests

Genetic Counselling

Pre-symptomatic genetic testing

Overcoming OCD with Hypnotherapy: The story of Sam Smith

This tweet posted in 2014 shows Sam‚the condition was an obstacle he had to cope with daily.

This guy is not ashamed about any aspect of his life and enjoys engaging with his fans so they can get to know the real him.

Sam Smith use to struggle so badly with OCD he used to film himself going through daily rituals before leaving the house.

Following the GQ Awards earlier this year, Sam was found to have said “I had to film myself flicking off every plug and checking every tap”, he later added ‚”I had a fear if the house was going to flood or burn I would have proof I had nothing to do with it”.

Sam, Captured here with 3Am has now conquered the condition thanks to hypnotherapy.

All about Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy puts the client in a state of deep relaxation while focusing on the hypnotherapist voice.

In many ways hypnotherapy is a kind of psychotherapy. Hypnotherapy aims to re-programme patterns of behaviour within the mind, enabling irrational fears, phobias, negative thoughts and suppressed emotions to be overcome.
As the body is released from conscious control during the relaxed trance-like state of hypnosis, breathing becomes slower and deeper, the pulse rate drops and the metabolic rate falls. Similar changes along nervous pathways and hormonal channels enable the sensation of pain to become less acute, and the awareness of unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea or indigestion, to be alleviated.

What is OCD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry; by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the associated anxiety; or by a combination of such obsessions and compulsions.

Symptoms of the disorder include excessive washing or cleaning; repeated checking; extreme hoarding; preoccupation with sexual, violent or religious thoughts; relationship-related obsessions; aversion to particular numbers; and nervous rituals, such as opening and closing a door a certain number of times before entering or leaving a room.

Allergy tips for eating out this holiday season

Now that the height of the holiday season is upon us & the schools have broken up many people are either taking a holiday in the UK or abroad or planning more meals out than normal. Sunshine, warmth & an upbeat mood make this all the more likely. However, it is important to sound a firm note of caution when eating out especially if you are susceptible to allergies & food intolerance.

Here are a few tips for dining out if you suffer from allergies.

• Do the research. Know exactly what you’re walking into so there are no surprises.
• Choose simple items on the menu without sauces, no casseroles or crusted-over desserts unless you absolutely, positively know what’s in them.
• Develop good relationships with a few local restaurants/chefs who know you, understand your allergies and sensitivities, and happily accommodate you. Frequent those places.
• Always speak up about your food issues (firmly, pleasantly) so the chef, manager, and wait staff understand your dietary needs.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• And don’t be afraid to leave if you’re not comfortable.
• When a restaurant treats you well, always say thank you and then tell your friends.

It is worth noting the difference between food allergy & food intolerance or insensitivity. A food insensitivity leads to gas, stomach pains & a feeling of indigestion & possibly an upset stomach. A food allergy invokes an immune system reaction brought on for instance by specific ingredients such as peanuts or shellfish. At worst the allergic food in question can lead to anaphylactic shock which causes a sudden drop in blood pressure from eating only a minute amount of the allergic foods. A bad reaction to shellfish can become more aggravated the next time you eat something in this food category. Always carry your allergy medications with you since mistakes can occur even in the most careful restaurants. Make sure they are in date.

In the past 12 months, there have been new regulations coming into force. Under new EU regulations, establishments must be well prepared to cater for allergic diners. The Royal College of Public Health commissioned a study of takeaway businesses in the UK & found very alarming results. Food allergies are on the rise & have doubled in the last 10 years whilst hospital admissions have risen 7 fold. The report is especially worrying for those that have multiple life threatening allergies.

In conclusion, the above advice & comments make for depressing reading for allergy & food intolerance sufferers who just want to enjoy a meal out during the summer holidays. With just a little advance planning & sensible precautions at your choice of eating establishment, one can still enjoy a safe tasty meal that is unlikely to be overly expensive.

Leafy Green Vegetables have enhanced nutrition per calorie than any other food. Greens make up a compelling source vitamins A, C, E and K and well are numerous B vitamins.

These are prosperous sources of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. They are rich in fibre, remarkably low in fat and carbohydrates and provide an amazing source of protein.

As a general rule, you should aim to eat at least five servings of vegetables daily (that’s about 2 1/2 cups of cooked vegetables), and that includes leafy greens. As long as they’re prepared in a healthy way, leafy greens, like other non-starchy vegetables, are a great addition to your diet and offer countless health benefits. Leafy greens are full of vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting phytochemicals. They are an important nutrient for weight loss and maintenance because it keeps you feeling full and helps control your hunger. Fibre can also lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and help to temper blood-sugar swings by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates into your bloodstream after meals. This lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Leafy greens also contain a lot of water, which helps keep you hydrated and contributes to beautiful skin and hair.

A list of common leafy greens

1. ArugulaIs a good source of potassium, a mineral involved in managing blood pressure and preventing osteoporosis.
2. Collard Greens A good source of Beta, Carotene, an antioxidant precursor to vitamin A that can help prevent and manage arthritis, cataracts, and also muscular degeneration.
3. Kale, Kale is a high-quality carb and very low in calories, kale can help manage type 2 diabetes and is a terrific addition to any weight loss plan.
4. Lettuce, Low in calories, some types of lettuce such as romaine, green leaf, red leaf, bib and butter head are good sources of antioxidants, including beta-carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and quercetin which help prevent arthritis, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
5. Mustard Greens, Are a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, mustard greens also contain folate, a B vitamin that may help reduce the risk of heart disease, enhance memory, and improve moods, as well as Vitamin K which may prevent bone fractures.
6. Spinach, High in fibre and very low in calories, can help with type 2 diabetes, packed with nutrients. It’s also a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin C Lutein, Zeaxanthin, helping to maintain healthy eyes, hair and skin. Spinach contains very high amounts of Potassium and vitamin K. Spinach also includes iron and B vitamins which will help maintain strong, healthy hair and a healthy circulatory system.

Tick Bites and Red Meat Allergy

When one considers allergies nuts or dairy allergies first spring to mind & reactions to these are caused by proteins in these substances. However, allergies can now extend to eating red meat. Surprisingly red meat allergy can be caused by ticks which are more prevalent in the summer as many are enjoying the outdoors & countryside. This correlation was first noted in 2009 in Texas where the eating of red meat is very popular.

The allergy to red meat is due to a carbohydrate that is injected into the bloodstream by the bite which is also present in meat. The first bite primes the immune system & the next time a bite is received an allergic reaction can take place e.g. when eating a steak an outbreak of hives can occur or even an anaphylactic shock episode in the case of the latter also seek help from a medical professional. The allergic reaction can often increase with frequency & severity. Unlike other food allergies, this can happen to people who have never previously been allergenic & can be delayed 4-8 hours after eating red meat. Lone Star ticks carry a sugar called alpha-gal, which is also found in red meat, but not in people. Normally, alpha-gal in meat poses no problems for people. But when a Lone Star tick bites a person, it transfers alpha-gal into the bloodstream. It’s not yet known if red meat allergy is permanent. While some people show indications of recovery, others do not.

Simple ways to prevent tick bites include avoiding bushy and woodland areas with high grass & instead walking in the centre path of trails. Ramblers, fishermen & campers should take particular care as should anyone swimming in rivers. Always shower upon returning home or to your holiday accommodation & ideally carry out a full-body inspection. If any ticks are found remove them as soon as possible with a pair of tweezers by gently gripping as close as you can to the skin & pull off with a sharp twist. Be aware that these insects can also cause a bacteriological infection known as Lymes Disease.

Enjoy the sunshine & outdoor but keep safe this summer and keeps these facts in mind!