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  • Stress Awareness Week 2020

     

    Managing your stress levels and mental health has never been so important as we battle our way through and out the other side of Covid-19. These new and often scary challenges are of major concern to organisations as well as individuals.

    International Stress Awareness week 2020 or #StressAwarenessWeek

     

    Is a week filled with articles, hashtags, personal stories, developments, reports and statistics highlighting the impact our mental health has upon our everyday living. It will provide new tools, diagnostic pathways for support and hopefully make you feel that you are not alone.

    Almost one in five adults, that’s almost 20%, are thought to have experienced some form of depression during the lockdown in June of this year. Compared to the period before (July 2019 to March 2020) when numbers were about one in ten.
    Stress and anxiety are described as the top two most common areas in which adults experience some form of depression.

    International Stress Awareness Week

    The development of the week came as an expansion of Stress Awareness Day founded in 1998. Ten years later, in 2018, the awareness week was created to approach stress from a preventative angle rather than a curative one.

    This year the event will address the following subjects;

    o People’s experiences with mental health challenges and what can be done to support them
    o How employers are responding to mental health issues and what can we learn from them
    o Campaign against mental health stigma
    o The importance of stress management professionals in alleviating stress with practical and proven reliance techniques
    o Further actions in light of the pandemic
    o Ensuring those suffering know where to seek support

    Talking Therapy ServiceDoing Our Bit

    Here at the clinic, we have been helping our community since we became a community interest company or CIC back in 2014. What this means is that instead of pocketing profits, we give them to the community. Over the years, we have done this through providing affordable, low-cost and free services.

    When the lockdown came, it put most of our practitioners at a loose end because they couldn’t see many of their clients. Instead of resting on our laurels, we decided to set up a free talking therapy service.

    In the beginning, people were hesitant to call but as soon as word got around the calls came in thick and fast. Our practitioners stepped up to the mark, never turning anyone away. For three months, we answered over 70 calls accumulating over 150 hours of FREE mental health support.
    Social prescribers have personally thanked us for reducing mental health waiting times. Our therapists have been commended for their telephone and video therapy sessions to such an extent that some clients have asked to be removed from waiting lists for mental health support.

    We didn’t Stop There

    Once we were able to return to The Devon Clinic in Hyde Road, we set about gaining funding to enable our practitioners to return to work and continue their vital community support work. After several rejected applications, we applied to the National Lottery. We were granted funding bt the Lottery Awards for All program to provide mental health support to the residents of Torbay adversely affected by Covid.
    We are proud to be in the position of being able to provide Six Funded Talking Therapy Sessions funded by the National Lottery Awards For All.

     

    You can find out more about our funded talking therapy sessions and how to apply HERE.

     

    To this day and in light of the recent nationwide restrictions, we will continue to provide where possible access to a reduced rate, part and fully funded talking therapy sessions for those adversely affected by Covid. Please contact us either by telephone 01803 500300, email reception@devonclinic.co.uk or by completing the form below.

     

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  • How We CUT Mental Health Waiting Times

    You may have seen, heard about, or even used our Free Talking Therapy Service during the lockdown-we sure did get about! We had no idea that our little company would play such a huge roll in answering so many calls for mental health support from all walks of life from across the bay. From late March to July, we supported over 70 individuals not only struggling with the lockdown but gaining any access to any mental health support shy of a 6-month wait. During this time, we quickly became the first point of call for many professionals, including social prescribers, health visitors, carers and GPs. Below is the story of what we achieved from a pulling together and a budget of ZERO to what we are doing now.

     

    mental healthWhat We Did

    At the end of March, and before Zoom fatigue set in, we had an online meeting to discuss how despite the clinic being closed we could continue to support our community especially those who will be even more cut off from society because of the lockdown. We concluded that we would try to set up a free talking therapy service with practitioners volunteering their time to take calls.

    In just under two weeks we had everything in place; volunteer talking therapy practitioners, we had digital posters, social media posts, a website page, an online referral system and a manned telephone to receive the calls 12 hours a day 7 days a week.

     

    Little did we know that with a few shares on social media and a few emails here and there that GP’s, social prescribers, social workers, carers, and helpline workers would be calling us daily to help them support the mental health of  Torbay.

    For each call that we received, we made it our mission to contact the person in need within 24 hours, something nearly all of those we spoke to had never even heard of let alone experienced.

    The free telephone service ran until the end of July. During that time, the support provided enabled those struggling with their mental health during the lockdown not only immediate access to a professional but regular talking therapy for up to four weeks.

    We supported over 70 individuals in Torbay accumulating over 280 free hours of mental health support.

    Closing the service was a sad decision, but as the calls dwindled and our practitioners, like us, returned to the clinic, we knew the service had run its course.

     

    Positive Feedback

    mental health

    Trish Thomas is one of several counsellors at The Devon Clinic. Her specialities include; depression, stress, anxiety, domestic & psychological abuse, gender diversity, family relationships, low self-esteem, recovery from eating disorders, addiction and substance abuse, postnatal depression and fertility issues. Trish particularly enjoys working creatively where appropriate as this can be a way to express difficult emotions.

    Trish has written a short case study about an individual she supported during the lockdown on our talking therapy service. Please note some details, including the client’s name have been changed to protect their identity.

    “Alison was referred to me during May 2020, midway through the lockdown period. Initially, Alison had severe anxiety;  a mixture of social anxiety and fear about catching the coronavirus. She had been signed off from her job by her GP, as she was unable to work due to her extreme anxiety about both catching COVID-19 and transmitting it to the elderly residents of the care home in which she worked. Her employers were not sympathetic, despite her previous good record, and had decided to give Alison a formal warning. This caused her huge distress and guilt about letting down her patients. She began to fear that everyone she met was judging her. When we first spoke, Alison was unable to leave the house.

    After three phone calls, in which we explored Alison’s fears and looked at what might be behind them, Alison felt confident enough to go for walks in her neighbourhood while maintaining social distancing. She also learned some techniques such as mindfulness and staying in the present moment to manage some of the symptoms of her anxiety.

    Together, we slowly re-expanded Alison’s horizons, so that by our sixth and final call, she was able to meet with a close friend at a distance and to drive to see her elderly father in the garden of his home. Reluctantly, she decided to resign from her job, as she no longer felt that the work environment in the care home was right for her. She had become much less worried about how others saw her, recognising those fears as signs of her social anxiety. She felt strong enough to continue without my support.”

     

    What The Professionals Said

    We had heard all along how our telephone service was really helping those in need, but we wanted to know from those services utilising us what impact it was having on them, and this is what we received;

    mental health

     

    mental healthMoving Forward

    We knew the free service had come to an end, but we still wanted to support our community’s mental health because waiting times will continue to climb regardless of a pandemic and even more so because of one.

    This is when we turned to The National Lottery Awards For All. We have been successful with applications in the past, and they are currently funding our Single Parent Stress Management Programme. 

    It is with thanks in part to Jane and Beth’s feedback that we were successful in our application. We are now able to continue providing mental health support to those adversely affected by COVID-19 at our clinic in Hyde road.

    For more information about our COVID talking therapy service, eligibility and how to access please click HERE 

    Alternatively, complete the form below for a callback

     

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  • Massage Therapy in Torbay

    Massage Therapy in Torbay

    Whether you’re after a relaxing experience or are looking for a solution for your aches and pains, why not try massage therapy at our complementary health clinic in central Torbay?

    Massage therapy aims to relax, revive and heal the body. The Therapists application of the hands, manipulate the soft tissues and muscles in the body,  promoting natural healing and enhance the clients overall well-being.

    There are many types of massage therapy, each with their own benefits. No longer is massage just perceived as luxurious. Treatment is available for anyone, whether for relaxation purposes, athletic performance or pain relief. Sessions differ from person to person with tailored treatments suited to your requirements.

    So why do people go for Massage Therapy?

    • Reduces stress and anxiety
    • Lowers blood pressure
    •Relieves pain
    • Detoxifies the body
    • Enables better sleep
    • Improves immune health
    • Relieves any muscle tension
    • Reduces migraines

    We offer various types of massage therapy at The Devon Clinic. Catering for your individual needs and requirements with a select range of treatment options available. If you would like any further information, do not hesitate to contact us at The Devon Clinic:
    01803 500300 or reception@devonclinic.co.uk

  • Returning to School

    Hypnotherapy For Eating DisordersWe, as parents, teachers and guardians, have different views on returning to school in this current climate. Sending our children back to their year group bubbles has proved and is proving to be a challenging process for some.

     

    Lockdown proved to be a tough time for a lot of children. Some revealed traumatic and harrowing times, a lot of uncertainty, even feeling like they were safer to stay inside.

    Change inevitably affected how accessible pastoral support was at schools, and we had to rely on education over the internet through online meetings and lessons. So where to go from here to support those who need it most?

    Grief

    The pandemics impact on isolation for families and relatives of children exist on the platforms of COVID deaths or underlying conditions. During this time, people close to us may have been taken ill or hospitalised. It proved to be a challenging time for families and friends. Coping mechanisms for children and teens vary from sadness, withdrawing, anxiety and anger—lots of complicated feelings and emotions.

     Services

    The importance of mental health resources would have been highly interrupted or indeed cancelled, as statistics revealed during the lockdown. Regarding providing support for teenagers and children who are particularly vulnerable, and are already experiencing mental and physical difficulties, this has inflicted a vast array of problems for accessing mental health organisations in an already stretched area of expertise for teens and children.

    Uncertainty

    The scale of uncertain times at home for children is not yet recorded. However, many teenagers and children entered lockdown in already challenging domestic environments: 

    • Neglect
    • Physical violence
    • Financial hardships
    • Malnourishment
    • Temporary and unstable accommodation
    • Anxiety

    Change

    Are they moving up a year? Going to school, college or university for the first time? Because these have not been smooth transitions either due to missing out on valuable education periods in the last six months. For anyone. Algerrhythms are altering grade boundaries. Some not in favour of pupil’s unconditional progression, especially in times like these. Causing many to rethink, resit and re-adjust to alternative options.

    Anti-social behaviour and friendship circles

    For many, social distancing has inflicted a strain of some degree on friendship groups and being able to meet up with peers. Social media has been the central platform of communication between friends; however, others haven’t been so fortunate. We tend to rely on our friends and peers for support and activities throughout life, not just when we are young. The impact of the pandemic is a common breeding ground for anti-social behaviour and bullying. Aka “Contagion.” Racism and inequality rise due to the origins of this contagious virus in China.

    The outcome

    Patience, understanding, and productive approaches to accommodate the mental and physical health of our children is required. Flexible policies and safeguarding our children are at an all-time high as this blog outlines, for the foreseeable future.

    We all want to future proof the next generation the best we can… don’t we.

  • Mental Health Reports Double

     

    Adult Mental Health Doubles From 2019

    Twice as many adults in the UK are reporting symptoms of depression compared to last year according to the Office for National Statistics

    Before the pandemic, one in ten are said to have depressive symptoms. Now it is reported that one in five states symptoms associated with low mood and depression.

    The results come from a survey of some three and a half thousand adults over the past twelve months. Participants were asked a set of standardised questions used to assess depression. They were asked to think about the previous two weeks and mark on a scale (1-10) how often they experienced changes to behaviour including mood, enjoyment of activities, sleep, and appetite.

    The scoring results from June 2020 showed that 20% met the criteria for depression. Compared to the same month last year, a 50% increase.

    While the screening questionnaire is well known, it is important to remember that it is not a diagnostic tool but rather an indication of everyday depressive behaviours and feelings.

     

    Symptoms of Depression Rising Amid The Pandemic

    A small number, some 3.5%, saw some improvement in their symptoms since the outbreak. But over 13% surveyed developed symptoms that fell into the moderate to severe category of depression.

    People under 40, those with a disability, women and those who would struggle with an unexpected cost were found to be the groups most likely to show symptoms of low mood and depression.

    Laura, a 25-year-old from Torquay, has been experiencing worsening mental health over lockdown. She also manages a form of Chronic Fatigue called ME and lives alone in a flat with no outdoor space. Laura had been managing her severe depression before Coronavirus with face-to-face talking therapy and volunteering at a charity shop. Lockdown meant her therapy sessions ceased, so too did her voluntary job. The isolation and abandonment from her mental health team hurt the worst and left her feeling “the worst I’ve ever felt”.

    Pre-lockdown, her daily routine kept her busy and allowed her to process her thoughts. But at home and with no professional support, Laura had no one to talk her thoughts through with. “I had such dark and intrusive thoughts; I’ve never known such a dark depressive place.”

     

    Post-Lockdown Mental Health

    Head of the charity Mind, Stephen Buckley “It is important to remember that for the past six months most of us have found it more difficult than usual and that there is no ‘normal’ way to respond to an international pandemic. If you do notice changes to your thoughts, behaviours and feelings that affect your daily living talk to someone you trust or a professional.”

    Throughout the pandemic, The Devon Clinic has provided continuing support for the community. During the lockdown, a free telephone service was set up with direct access to our professional talking therapists. Many cited that our temporary service was the only access they had to mental health support during the lockdown.

    As the country continues to open up, and services slowly begin to work through the backlog of old and new caseloads, we continue to support our community’s mental health.  The Devon Clinic has a range of talking (and physical) therapies including counselling, psychology, cognitive behavioural therapy and hypnotherapy to support good mental health. We are proud providers of private, part and fully funded sessions allowing us to support Torbay’s mental and physical wellbeing.

    For more information on therapies provided, please click here

    To see our funded packages please refer to our home page

    or complete the form below.

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  • 10  Ways Hypnotherapy Could Help You Lose Weight

    10 Ways Hypnotherapy Could Help You Lose Weight

    Talking therapies at The Devon ClinicPeople ask how hypnotherapy helps people to lose weight and maintain their loss without having to stick to a strict diet. The answer is that hypnotherapy changes the way you see and think about food and exercise. The old saying a little of what you fancy does you good rings true. It is when the little becomes a lot that we need to regain control.

    Quite often, hypnotherapy is seen as the last resort for those wishing to regain control. We don’t mind this, of course, as hypnotherapy only truly works when the person is fully committed to their goal. Take quitting smoking, for example. You cannot seek treatment to stop smoking if you aren’t 100% committed because it will not work long-term, it might work for a short period, but without commitment on the clients part, it’s always going to be difficult.

    The key to losing weight is creating a deficit of calories in vs calories out. It sounds simple, but as human beings, we are not simple, take our metabolism, for example. To successfully lose weight and maintain the loss, you need to engage the mind which is far easier said than done. Hypnotherapy is an excellent tool for engaging the mind at the subconscious level.

    With that in mind, here are ten ways in which hypnotherapy can help you lose weight and maintain your goal.

     

    1. Hypnotherapy helps your subconscious mind regain control over your eating habits. If you currently feel food controls you, hypnotherapy can help you flip the switch putting you firmly back in control.
    2. It will help increase your self-esteem so that you are far less reliant on the temporary pick-me-ups that food can provide. When a person feels more positive towards themselves, they are far less likely to reach for things such as food and alcohol for comfort.
    3. If you eat through impulse hypnosis can create mind triggers so that you stop, look and listen before deciding to eat, particularly if you are not hungry.
    4. Hypnotherapy will also increase and maintain self-motivation enabling you to stay on track. Motivation is the top reason many fail to stick to weight loss plans. By utilising hypnotherapy, you will remain enthusiastic about your progress.
    5. Weight loss hypnotherapy works with underlying issues, including letting go of past trauma that may have led you down the path of relying upon food for comfort.
    6. Improving your self-esteem and control over food will also increase your motivation to participate in exercise to reach your goal. Many people struggle to exercise, but once you begin to feel better about yourself, taking this step will become much easier and even enjoyable.
    7. It is longterm. Unlike diet plans, hypnotherapy is long term and doesn’t have an expiration date. Each day you can plant new suggestions into your subconscious mind through self-hypnosis.
    8. Through the delivery of strong suggestions that you are back in control and food is no longer, the boss will help you control binge and mindless eating.
    9. Driven by focus and goals hypnosis for weight loss can help you visualise and experience your goals mentally so that your excitement to achieve them is heightened.
    10. Overall, hypnotherapy will improve your wellbeing, self-esteem and enthusiastic determination to achieve your goals.

    You may have tried other options and previously discounted hypnotherapy but have come to realise that taking back control is more about the way you think than a simple meal and exercise plan.

    If hypnotherapy is something, you want to explore further, then click here, and someone will be in touch. A consultation is just £10.00

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  • Nutrition. Should we be more motivated?

    Nutrition. Should we be more motivated?

     

    Food intoleranceAll over the media, we are told to eat well, move more, count calories and supplement our everyday health and wellbeing profiles with these exact measure’s day in day out. But what exactly is the point to this? And furthermore, why are we as a nation obsessing over it so much, that ironically, it is becoming UNHEALTHY?

    Granted, the world and its wife has been a surreal and somewhat scary environment to live in, because of the COVID pandemic. So, it has been vital that we look after our health both mentally and physically to the best of our abilities.

     

    The spark in COVID cases and the fluctuating audacity of society, has come at a pivotal point that we should all be being more mindful, with our diet, fitness regime and mental health. They all are intrinsically linked, and this blog is in no way a criticism of nutrition, but a balanced plate of suggestions and overviews of the topic. So, to speak.

    Healthy eating is a catalyst response for healthier mindsets.

    The advantages

    • Weight loss
    • Cancer health
    • Diabetes management
    • Cardiovascular health
    • Futureproofing the next generations
    • Strong bones and teeth
    • Improved mood and sleep patterns
    • Improved memory

     

    August, together with January, are the prime months that people in society are purchasing more supplements for weight maintenance and weight loss solutions. Looking healthier on the outside by promoting vitality and health on the inside, as quick as they can. Sometimes.

    Supplementation

    Vitamins and minerals, amino acids and fat burners are exceedingly easy to just have in one tablet. Less energy to take one pill, right?  But is this REALLY healthy living? And moreover, can it be a safe and permanent way of life?

    Magic pills do not exist. FACT. What does exist, is a careful balance of supplementation and nutritional intake to meet our bodies requirements and therefore, achieving by making that balance happen. Both in our diets and health, we are achieving a goal for our mental and physical wellbeing.

    Making it permanent

    So, how can we anchor these prospects down sufficiently and break the cycle of eating to feed bad emotions and stop ingesting the wrong nutrients for our minds and bodies?

    The Devon Clinic has different therapies for healthy eating, healthy thinking, internally balancing solutions right at our fingertips.

    Allergy testing, Acupuncture and Hypnotherapy, are very useful grounding tools for embedding these wants, wishes and putting a sustainable plan into action. Practitioners are able to work with the inside demands aka, what our bodies are telling us with different ailments we produce to the world, and what changes to our health and wellbeing plans of action we harbour as individuals. We really are what we eat, after all…

     For further information and to contact us

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  • Therapy Rooms to rent South Devon

    Therapy Rooms to rent South Devon

    The Devon Clinic is just two minutes from both Paignton Bus and Train Stations and we have seven unique therapy rooms to rent. The clinic is on Hyde road and we provide a friendly and welcoming environment for both practitioners and clients.

    All our therapy rooms to rent are fresh and relaxing offering a sense of peace and tranquillity for all types of therapeutic disciplines, including counselling, psychotherapy, massage and more. All our therapy rooms can be hired by the hour, half and full day to suit you and your clients needs.

     

    Call or email for more information: 01803 500300 or reception@devonclinic.co.uk


    The Devon Clinic reception therapy rooms to rent
    Our brand new reception is the first port of call for all clients and practitioners.  Here everyone will be greeted by our friendly reception staff and volunteers. You can relax, browse one of our local magazines, watch our in-house video and enjoy a glass of filtered water while waiting.

    Features and benefits for therapy rooms to rent:

    • Staffed reception during office hours M-F 9 am to 5 pm
    • Boosted Wifi access
    • Flexible room rentals
    • Evening and weekend access
    • The option of being featured on our website and social media

    For further details please call or email:
    01803 500300 or reception@devonclinic.co.uk

     

    Treatment Rooms to Hire

  • The inner conflicts and resolutions of Psoriasis

    Here’s an itch we can scratch.

    You might be aware; August is Psoriasis awareness month. This blog equips you with the tool kit you require, to handle and identify the triggers of Psoriasis, and what can help make your everyday life, smoother and comfier. Because where there’s a problem, there is always a solution.

    Since we are all individual, our Psoriasis outbursts are all different.
    So how can we solve what feels like, an everlasting dermatological condemnation for our skin?

    What is on the inside, reflects on the outside.

    This blog has a common theme, all the shots psoriasis shoots, are centralised around the misfiring of our immune system’s responses to protect us.
    The result is it inflicts a huge overload of skin cell growth and inflammation.
    Cell by cell, around and around we go on a vicious cycle. Or do we?

    Dehydration

    Drinking too much alcohol and not hydrating ourselves enough causes that dry flaky skin, making symptoms more prominent. Alcohol causes relaxation but because it has this adverse effect, makes it the only drink you DON’T need a lot of.

    Medication

    Whether this is self-medicating on recreational use, or pharmaceutical cures for the mind and body complications e.g. high blood pressure, heart disease and bipolar disorder, can actually inhibit psoriasis symptoms from healing.
    So, always consult with a doctor/ dermatologist before making any alterations to your system. Topical medications for Psoriasis combined with alcohol link to worsening the symptoms.
    Smoking inhibits blood flow, something our skin cells require a substantial amount of oxygen to prevent dry and sore skin. The less we smoke, the fresher air our lungs and skin cells breathe!

    Digestion

    We really are what we eat!
    Certain foods cause certain outbreaks. However, experimenting with these,to see if they lessen or exacerbate outbreaks of psoriasis, is harmless and productive. It has been discovered that decreasing dairy, sugar, and red meats from diets does decrease inflammation in the skin for sufferers. Making a valuable trade for those that are high in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, overall, those skin-friendly nutrients will promote better management and reduction in symptoms.

    Inflammation

    Psoriasis sufferers often harbour more inflammatory cells than those who don’t. When these pesky allergic reactions take place, itching and irritation naturally worsen. Anti-histamines and soothing topical ointments can counter these flare-ups.

    Laceration

    Cuts, scratches, sunburn and friction burns all play a part on aggravation and irritation for psoriasis. The dermatology of your skin can worsen… getting it covered, soothed and bandaged all promote healing asap. Prevention is the best solution after all.

    Frustration

    What does stress do to psoriasis? Ironically, they impact each other, as having psoriasis, makes us stressed. Being stressed worsens symptoms. To combat this, exercise and meditation practice enable our immune systems to regenerate. Which is key to help symptoms.

    There is a common theme to be discovered in this blog, all the triggers of psoriasis are centralised around the misfiring of our immune system’s responses to protect us.
    The result of this, is it inflicts a huge overload of skin cell growth, and inflammation accompanies it cell by cell, and around and around we go on a vicious cycle. Or do we?

     Reduction and Prevention

    Holistic approaches to reverse the inflammation such as taking a bath, exercising, relaxing, can all help to some degree, by targeting the cause we have a positive effect and bring everything back down to a level our bodies respond to life’s troubles better. To name a few.
    So, what can we do to resolve this at the clinic? We harbour talking therapies, massage, acupuncture, allergy tests and Hypnotherapy to tackle the inner physical and mental inflammation we incur. We pride ourselves with treating internal conflicts, dermatological or psychological.

  • Is it a Seasonal Allergy?

    Allergies and Ailments & Ailments and Allergies

    Are they connected, research says so? We hope to inform you of the key seasonal allergy symptoms. It is important to remember that allergy symptoms are not contagious whereas are viruses are.

    Amongst the coronavirus pandemic, symptoms and signs have been causing people anxiety on top of existing normal seasonal induced allergy symptoms they experience yearly.

    What are the symptoms? 

    1) High pollen count causing the need for anti-histamines

    2) Having a throat like a razor

    3) Spring showers illuminating spores and pollens

    4) Nose running like a tap

    5) Eyes that just won’t stop itching!

    Sound familiar?

    Let me explain…

    There is undoubtedly some confusion arising between COVID symptoms mimicking those that actually are just a seasonal cold. These can include changes in breathing, appetite, taste and smell, all of which we have been told her prominent COVID symptoms. All of which are allergy-related.

    People with asthma, especially seasonally induced asthma, should listen to their bodies. If your coughing is more severe, or just feels different, or your medications aren’t giving you relief, contact your doctor.

    However, those experiencing seasonal allergies will likely have other symptoms that aren’t typical for COVID-19, as I mentioned earlier, like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy throat/ear canals/sinuses, and watery or dry eyes.

    This is your immune system trying to defend your body.

     

     Should we stress less?

    You should be aware, although I am sure you already are, that these times, in particular, have not been exactly easy for anyone. The least we need to be worried about are our stress levels exacerbating symptoms and causing unnecessary worry.

    The fact is, is that stress is not a cause for an allergic reaction. But it can make your allergy symptoms worse! Studies have found that “ individuals with persistent emotional stress, have more frequent allergy flares.” The same can be said for PMS sufferers. Higher levels of hormones can be blamed for worsening those runny noses and itchy eyes! These same hormones can worsen allergies for expecting mothers also.

    More symptoms shouldn’t mean more reliance on medications and reducing exposure just isn’t enough sometimes. You should make an appointment with your doctor for any persistent allergy symptoms that do not respond to over the counter anti-histamines.

    Here to help

    Allergy and digestive health testing MarleneThe methods to discover, control and reduce allergic reactions here at The Devon Clinic, is to seek a pain-free allergy and digestive health test from Marlene Hoschstrasser.

    Our allergy and digestive health testing will give results on over 150 foods and 50 environmental substances plus a vitamin and mineral deficiency test.

    The Devon Allergy Clinic can offer diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as IBS, Candida, and some gut and immunological conditions.

    Marlene Hochstrasser, the Clinical Director of The Devon Allergy Clinic, is a Registered Nurse with a Diploma in Allergy from Greenwich University administered by Allergy UK (Britain’s leading allergy charity).

    Our allergy and digestive health testing start with a full consultation, including a complete medical history of the individual and their family. This is followed by the testing of over 200 food and environmental substances. Allergy identification and treatment is a key factor in removing sources of immune stressors leading to an improved quality of life.

    As our allergy tests are non-invasive and require no exposure to needles or potentially harmful foods they are suitable for all ages.

    Allergy identification and treatment is key in removing sources of immune stressors, leading to an improved quality of life.