The British Gut Project.

Barbara has flagged up this interesting crowd-funded project, allowing people to find out what microbes are living in their guts (also, mouth and skin). "You are what you eat!" has probably never rung more true than when it comes to the good and bad bacteria living in our gut. Do read the article, and consider sending a sample... for you, your partner, or your whole family. Proof that pesents need never be boring!
http://www.britishgut.org/

Exam Nerves!

Both Giles and I currently have sons sitting their GCSE exams. Although we might say our exam nerves are worse than theirs, here's an informative article from The Guardian on ways to keep the tension under control and get the best results possible.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/may/10/can-i-do-anything-to-stop-test-anxiety-exams-fear

Additionally, here at The Chandos Clinic, our reflexologist Anne Brunton offers sessions particuarly geared towards combatting exam stress.

As for Giles and I, we are both counting down the days until it will all be over (bar the waiting!)

Let them eat cake!

I have been trawling the net for over an hour, and I can't find anything that isn't Election related. So in the end, I've defaulted to a recipe! Probably not much healthy and nutritious about it, but I think we all deserve a bit of post Election comfort right now. (And when else can you get to indulge in "a melange of spices") Enjoy!

http://relish.com/recipes/election-cake/

Too much screen time is linked to neck strain.

Screen Time is pretty unavoidable these days, so do read this article from The Telegraph, explaining the best way to maintain a healthy posture and a happy neck!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing/11533145/Easy-ways-to-prevent-tech-neck.html

Spring is here, so have those tissues ready!

It's the day after Easter Monday, and the weather couldn't be more glorious; I'm sat at the clinic desk with the door wide open. Barbara and I have just had our lunch in the garden, our first of this year! Unfortanely for some, this fine weather also means that the season of misery is about to begin.

In our house, we have all the bases covered when it comes to hay-fever! My husband starts early with the tree pollen, and just as his is fading, mine takes over with the grass pollen. Meanwhile, my son just sneezes and rubs his itchy eyes regardless, whatever the season. 

So here is a very informative article from The Guardian, which may help you work out what you are reacting to, and how to treat it.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/apr/05/have-i-got-hay-fever-another-allergy-runny-nose-itchy-eyes

Although there is no mention of it in the article, a spoonful of LOCAL honey a day has worked wonders for me over the years. 

At The Chanos Clinic, our allergy specialist, Gosia Gray, would be happy to help you further. Ring the clinic to book an appointment with her on Thursdays or Saturdays.

The benefits of singing!

We are now in the full beam of spring, and all the birds are at their most vocal, but we can join in too! Do read this article from The Guardian about the health benefits gained from singing. 

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jul/09/sing-choir-good-for-you

Digital devices, e-cigarettes and children: reasons to be vigilant.

I don't wish to be alarmist, especially on a Monday morning, but these are 2 very interesting articles from Medscape, regarding concerns over e-cigarettes and mobile / cordless phones in relation to children.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/829881#vp_1

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/832938