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Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the sports hall (GCSEs are here again, along with depression, stress and anxiety).

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Doesn’t time fly? I can hardly believe that once more a querulous cohort of GCSE students are being ushered begrudgingly into sports halls up and down the country with the weight and expectations of their parents resting heavy upon their slender adolescent shoulders.

I remember only vaguely at this vantage point my own GCSE experiences, perhaps it was the heady self assurance of youth, or the lack of expectation from my parents but I don’t remember it being a particularly big deal – but perhaps that is only with the benefit of hindsight. What I do know now is that in the interceding years there has fomented an atmosphere of rank terror and ever mounting pressure. Yes it is true, the students of today stand poised to enter and inherit a very different world and job market than the carefree days of yesteryear but even still the lunacy that accompanies the rhetoric around the importance of exams does perhaps pinpoint quite why we’ve seen the largest surge in diagnoses of anxiety, stress and depression amongst our youth ever.

So this is my antidote to that. All of this, all of the pressure, the expectation, the terror, is white noise, a buzzing fly for the thousands of you for whom these exams represent either the crowning glory of your academic life or a nasty gut punch after toiling for the last two years for what will feel like no good reason.

It may feel like the fate of the universe depends on your GCSE performance, but it really doesn’t. It’s all going to be okay. It’s important to remember that no matter what happens with your GCSEs, it remains a stepping stone and nothing more. A sort of gateway exam as it were. Obviously some of the recent and ongoing changes from alphabetical to numerical have thrown up confused and mixed messages and for many who are possibly university bound, the boundaries that were once so simple differ magnificently from one university to another. Hopefully though this will force schools to look at university entry and offer advice earlier than usual. With certain institutions and courses stipulating what now constitutes a grade C when in old money it was pretty obvious, it may be you’ll need to revise your plans and either do a resit or re-examine where you want to study post A levels. The same is true for certain HNDs, BTECs, Internships etc. who may have minimum requirements in English and Maths but what that shakes out in new money is somewhat subjective.

Your results when they filter through, squatting at the end of the summer holidays like a spectre at a banquet will necessarily impact the choices you make next, but, and it’s an important but – good or bad, nothing is permanent. As much as it feels like the most important thing in the world right now, as long as you’ve done well enough to keep your options open you’ll be just fine. My business partner is one of the smartest people I know, BA from Durham, MA from Warwick, PhD from Columbia, he had lousy GCSE results comparative to his ability and pretty unremarkable A levels if we’re getting into finger pointing. Equally, people I went to school with who performed astonishingly at GCSE level were middle of the pack come A level. As worried as you might be you are only ever really judged on your highest level of accomplishment, so as long as you do well enough to not close down avenues, things will work out just fine if you apply yourself and move forward in a positive fashion.

So no matter whether you’re the big winner or the wooden spooner come results day, try to hold on to the fact that it is, comprehensively, not the end of the road, just a bump in it. You can do resits alongside A levels or BTECs etc, you may need to slightly adjust certain plans to accommodate your new circumstances but you should never submit to feeling like a failure, nor should you be too smug. It all shakes out in the wash and if you know where you want to be, I guarantee if you apply yourself then your GCSEs are just business as usual.

The post Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the sports hall (GCSEs are here again, along with depression, stress and anxiety). appeared first on talkhealth Blog.

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Turmeric – medical jack-of-all trades, or just great curry ingredient?

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Chemistry-of-Turmeric
http://www.compoundchem.com/

Turmeric is a wonderful ingredient to add to a curry – it also has been exalted as a wonder food with lot’s of great benefits for health. Some of the more pervasive anecdotes with regards to turmerics ‘heath benefits’ are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects and benefits for digestive health and IBS.

I have always had a bit of a problem with the anti-oxidant hypothesis in health, as an ex polymer chemist I was very experienced in protecting polymer products such as paints and adhesives from the effects of oxidation and environmental free radical degradation. This was not always easy to achieve – even the in simplest of formulations.

These free radical reactions do occur in our bodies – at a base level we are a very complex mix of chemical reactions and our bodies contain polymers. Turmeric is a polyphenol, and polyphenols do show anti-oxidant properties. With anti-oxidant protection, as a chemical reaction, one factor needs to be fulfilled – the anti-oxidant has to be situated at the site where the free radical reactions occur to be able to mop them up. Therefore any research involving turmeric in petri dishes to observe it’s anti-oxidant (and anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer effects), or by feeding animals unsustainably large amounts may be very interesting, but far from proving it to be an effective anti-oxidant in our body. There is a problem with turmeric – it is very poorly absorbed in the digestive tract, it has poor solubility – therefore it would be difficult to transport it to the site of reaction. If the anti-oxidant cannot physically be transported to the site of free radical reaction, then it is clearly not possible for it to react! Until this problem is solved it is perhaps an entirely useless medical treatment, and of course it needs to be studied in humans as a treatment, with randomized controlled trials and ultimately a systematic review. These problems can possibly be solved – by utilizing chemistry.

But…but…turmeric is ‘natural’, is the response, so therefore it is surely better for us than all those ‘chemicals’ in medicines? If you are going to use the anti-oxidant theory for promotion of ‘alternative’ natural care, then you are buying into chemistry by using this as your argument. Spoiler alert – curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a chemical – see the info-graphic above. If it was effective it would be called a medicine, which may be possible in the future with lot’s more health research – but certainly we are a very long way from this now. One research paper proposed turmeric as a jack-of-all trades, in other words ‘useful’ for numerous health areas, which concomitantly also means master of none, an insightful figure of speech here, perhaps.

For digestive complaints turmeric has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine as a compound which can be useful for indigestion, but with little strong evidence for effective use in either IBS or indigestion – just tantalizing pre-clinical trials and uncontrolled studies.

Past history has taught us that medicines are often derived from naturally occurring pharmacological plants, so research of turmeric should certainly continue – but we really shouldn’t be tempted to jump the gun with promoting turmerics alleged health effects, this is disingenuous.

So does turmeric have any benefits at all? Of course! Turmeric is low fodmap as a spice and can be used to flavour low fodmap recipes for people who have irritable bowel syndrome and imparts these foods with a very vibrant colour. If you are wanting a January ‘health kick’ from turmeric, or use it to ‘cure’ your IBS, then think again, but enjoying a great, warming, vibrant low fodmap meal made from turmeric, either low fodmap curry, or the low fodmap soup recipe below, in the depth of winter, is surely a sublime use of this wonderful spice?

Carrot, ginger and turmeric soup

Ingredients

500g carrots

1 tablespoon of oil

1 teaspoon of Moroccan spice (Fodify)

1 teaspoon of ginger

2 teaspoons of turmeric

1500mls water

seasoning to taste

Method

Peel and chop the carrots

Fry the spices in oil to release the flavour

Add the water and carrots to the spices

Cook till the carrots are soft, then blend with a handblender

Season

Serves 3-4




https://www.nhs.uk/news/cancer/curry-spice-kills-cancer-cells/

https://www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/spice-for-mice/

https://www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/could-curry-spice-boost-brain-cell-repair/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11894-016-0494-0

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Getting To Know Eczema – How To Get Rid Of This Skin Condition Just By Knowing More On It

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The culprit stays there for a while. It suddenly moves into different places, wondering where it will be next. How can we know what the enemy does if we do not know the enemy? The key to knowing whatever movement the enemy does is to know all about it, to know its background, to know its location, and to know its limitations. Our culprit is eczema, a dermatological disorder that destroys the beauty of our skin. Getting to know Eczema can help us in curing it. Each disease or disorder basically presents a history, a pathophysiology and a treatment. Lets go on an intellectual road trip!

Harrisons Manual of Medicine 16th Edition states that eczema, or dermatitis, is a reaction pattern that presents with variable clinical and histological findings; it is the final common expression for a number of disorders. It study estimated that in England, there are already 5,773,700 people who have been diagnosed with this dermatological disorder. Eczema is a general term, commonly known as dermatitis.

Its more common kind is Atopic Dermatitis. In getting to know eczema, we should know its cause. It usually causes a tear or breakage of the skins barrier. Many have realized that it may be an immunological disorder or an allergic reaction. Eczema is not contagious but many believe that it is inherited, so some family members can have eczema all at the same time. Eczema causes dry itchy skin; its appearance differs from one person to the other. Intense itching is the general symptom of eczema at the start of its appearance.

It may lead to blisters or scaly skin, but due to intense itchiness eczema can eventually cause flaky, dry skin. It is typically found on the face, neck, back of elbows, knees, and ankles. In infants, it can be found on the cheeks, forehead, legs, scalp and neck.

It can last for hours to days. When eczema stays on the skin for months or recurs frequently, it can now be referred to as chronic dermatitis. It can be diagnosed through physical examination and diagnostic tests such as biopsy of the skin. It has different appearances. Because of this, kinds of eczema were detected and they are the following: Atopic Dermatitis, Allergic Contact Dermatitis, Irritant Contact Dermatitis and Seborrheic Dermatitis.

In getting to know eczema, we can now formulate what to do with it. Basically, it is being treated based on its type, but the general treatments goal is to eradicate the dry, scaly or burning appearance and to eliminate itching. Topical medications can be given but there are also preventive measures and natural cures for eczema such as avoiding too much exposure to water on the affected part; and avoidance of the allergens causing it, for Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

Medications for itching includes giving of anti-histamines may it be oral or topical. Use corticosteroid creams to decrease the inflammatory reaction, along with a moisturizer to make the skin smooth. Dermatologists can give a wide array of medications for our culprit to go away. Once we get to know eczema, we can fight eczema!

Do you want to discover some surefire techniques you can use to naturally get rid of your ugly eczema? If yes, then I will advise download a copy of the Beat Eczema E-book!

Click on this link ==> Beat Eczema Guide, to read more about this natural eczema cure program and see how its been helping thousands of eczema-sufferers round the world, to naturally treat their skin condition.

Related Articles: How To Get Rid Of Eczema, right home remedies for eczema, right eczema treatments

Itchy Scalps – Is It Just Dandruff?

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As some people have itchy scalps, the first thing that they think of is that they merely have dandruff. But, if this “dandruff” has been manifested for a long period of time, then it’s possible that they have a condition of the skin known as sebaceous dermatitis. Sebaceous dermatitis is definitely a skin condition that should be taken seriously because it can lead to baldness if managed improperly. Dandruff appears complicated when referred to by its medical term, pityriasis simplex capillitii. But, the truth is, dandruff is a simple condition where the scalp sheds dead skin cells. But, although it is a normal process for skin cells to die and be replaced by newer, healthier cells, only a small level of shedding on the scalp is thought to be normal. Anything past that is thought to be abnormal and known as dandruff which causes people to have itchy scalps. Although dandruff is not normal and chronic in some people, it can be managed easily by purchasing shampoo that has ingredients such as salicylic acid, sulfur, and selenium sulfide.

An itchy scalp that can’t be helped by dandruff treatments more likely needs seborrheic dermatitis treatments since there is a high likelihood that what you think is dandruff is actually a more serious skin condition called sebaceous dermatitis.

Sebaceous dermatitis is the only type of eczema that affects the scalp which is why it is also called scalp eczema by some. Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, seborrheic eczema, or seborrhea, it is a disorder of the skin that affects the sebum glands of the skin and leads to dry patches of skin shedding from the scalp. However, sebaceous dermatitis also affects the sebum glands on the face and the trunk which is why you shouldn’t be surprised to see patches of dry skin in these areas.

In the beginning, when sebaceous dermatitis first shows up, the scalp begins to itch and what looks like simple dandruff appears. The flakes may be gray, white, or yellowish in color. What’s odd with this condition is that the flaking does not only appear on the scalp but it could also appear on the face, the back of the ears, the chest area, and the upper back. In rare cases, redness of the skin and flaking may appear around the eyelashes, on the forehead, and the sides of the nose. If left unmanaged, the condition may worsen and lead to temporary or permanent hair loss depending on the damage endured by the hair follicles.

Sebaceous dermatitis does not have a known cause. But, it has been linked to three possible aggravators and these are stress, deficiencies or excess in nutrition, and fungal infection. Stress does not only come psychologically. It also comes in many forms including illness, fatigue, sudden environmental changes, poor health, and sleep deprivation. All these are said to be tied to the aggravation of the condition’s symptoms such as itchy scalps. Excessive consumption of vitamin A and deficiencies in biotin, riboflavin, and pyridoxine are also thought to cause sebaceous dermatitis. Lastly, proliferation of the fungi Malassezia globosa on the scalp is also linked to the development of scalp eczema.

Thankfully for those who suffer from scalp eczema, there are existing seborrheic dermatitis remedies that can help to avoid the possible complication of hair loss. These treatments include the use of strong anti-dandruff shampoos, antifungal shampoos, and topical steroids. These remedies will not only decrease flaking of the skin but can also help people with their itchy scalps.

Never dismiss the flaking of your scalp as simple dandruff especially if you see the same flaky formations on your face and trunk. What you think of as an itchy scalp may actually be a manifestation of something more serious and worse like scalp eczema.

Charles Perkins is a skin care professional. For more information related to itchy scalps visit http://www.GoodbyeEczema.com

Find More Atopic Dermatitis Articles

Just an hour a week….

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New research has shown that just an hour a week of resistance exercise can lower the risk of metabolic syndrome (cardiovascular risk factors such as overweight, high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar).

You don’t have to leave your house to benefit either,  bodyweight exercises or a resistance band will do the trick. Keep it simple.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170613121005.htm

Photo of a weight, towel and bottle of water

The post Just an hour a week…. appeared first on Whole Life Fitness.

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Looks, toasts and tastes just like REAL crumpets!

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This week we tried the new Newburn Bakehouse Gluten Free Crumpets and we were very impressed. Thank you for sending us a free sample :)

Look, toast and taste just like 'real' crumpets! Newburn Bakehouse #GF crumpets

Look, toast and taste just like ‘real’ crumpets! Newburn Bakehouse #GF crumpets

So what’s in them? The ingredients…

These delicious crumpets are not only gluten free but also dairy free. Those with a cow’s milk allergy will know what I mean here – many normal wheat containing crumpets still contain dairy so it’s been a long long time since I ate anything like a ‘normal’ crumpet. My dairy allergy started much earlier than my problems with wheat so this is good news for both coaliacs and those avoiding milk and dairy for whatever reason.

Here are the ingredients: Water, Rice Flour, Maize Starch, Potato Starch, Raising Agents: Sodium Bicarbonate, Ascorbic Acid; Whole Egg Powder, Egg White Powder, Salt, Preservative: Calcium Propionate (added to inhibit mould growth); Stabiliser: Xanthan Gum; Natural Flavouring.

Be aware these do contain egg so are not suitable for anyone with an egg allergy

Something in all freefrom baked gluten free food exacerbates my eczema and can cause a flare of nodular prurigo and I suspect it’s either the Calcium Propionate or the Xanthan gum. These two ingredients are not going to go away any time soon and I wasn’t too itchy so I would eat these as a treat. Crumpets are a treat food anyway so what’s not to like?

Are they healthy?

I try to eat a processed food free diet most of the time so that means lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. But everyone needs treats sometimes. And treats are not meant to be healthy… right? It’s why when I bake a cake or flapjacks I end up eating the whole lot! Don’t know why I get a tin out to store them in really. It’s hardly work it… ha ha.

I am also pleasantly surprised at the simplicity of this product. There isn’t a huge long list of unidentifiable ingredients and it’s not high in salt or sugar either and at just 144 calories a crumpet I’m sold!

Firstly, ‘normal’ wheat and gluten containing crumpets nutritional information

Nutritional Info for Warburtons normal wheat containing crumpets

Nutritional Info for Warburtons normal wheat containing crumpets

Looking at these normal crumpets you can see that the fat and sugar content is marginally lower. Just 98 calories per crumpet.

So whilst there is a slight increase in fat and sugar both the normal and gluten free crumpets have similar nutritional profiles. The gluten free was just slightly higher on all the warning measures, including salt but this is probably to be expected when you’re baking without gluten. When you’re looking at a baked product like a crumpet you’re not looking for zero calories you’re looking for that crumpet heaven. The gluten free variety were still only 121 calories per crumpet which isn’t bad for a tasty treat snack.

Gluten free baked goods have had a bad reputation in the past for being high in fat, salt and calories and sometimes 4-5 times the fat content but things are obviously improving.

Nutritional Info for Newburn Bakehouse gluten free crumpets

Nutritional Info for Newburn Bakehouse gluten free crumpets

How did they taste?

They were so tasty and really, they were just like how I remember crumpets should be. A bit of a crust but soft and fluffy inside and it’s even got those holes. Memories of Saturday afternoon walks with my family and tea in front of the telly, a large board resting on two chairs and hot buttery crumpets while we watch Dukes of Hazard. Ahhhhh crumpets…

We will definitely be buying these when we can find them in the shops but oh how I mourn butter.

Even ‘husband who can eat everything’ enjoyed them. Just as well as I am not good at sharing. He had this with butter (the swine) and marmite (yuk!) and I settled for just Flora Dairy Free spread on the first one and then this morning, the ultimate crumpet taste sensation…

Soft boiled egg with dippy crumpet soldiers! The soldiers were rendered unfit for battle once soaked in egg, they did go a bit soggy, but the whole combination was just so tasty. I was licking my fingers and the plate to hoover up every last crumb.

Top marks to Newburn Bakehouse. These are amazing!

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