Health & Beauty Let’s see those smiles!
Seeing people smile is something we’ve all missed during lockdown. Video calls are good but there’s nothing like the real thing! It’s lovely that we’re more able to see family and friends again now, and resume normal activities. For months we were literally ‘masking’ our smiles, and although we’ve all been focused on our health, it’s understandable that dental care may not have felt like a priority. If you haven’t been for a while, now is a great time to treat your teeth to a check-up or a hygienist visit. From experience, when patients return to the dentist after time away, they may feel anxious or embarrassed - even that they’ll be told off in some way! Happily that’s not the case, and no matter how long it’s been, you’ll receive a warm welcome and praise for coming. Others may worry they’ll need lots doing, but often find that considerably less work
Understanding menopause Health education service Menopause Experts has launched, offering free training and resources to women - and men. The company offers comprehensive and upto-date information to help women understand and manage often debilitating symptoms like forgetfulness, hot flushes, headaches, itchy skin, night sweats, brain fog and low or non-existent sex drive. See www.menopauseexperts.com
FEED YOUR MIND Merchant Gourmet found that hour-long lunch breaks are a distant memory for most of us, with respondents revealing they take just 23 minutes on average and 20% of us dodge lunch altogether. Award-winning nutritionist, Sian Porter, is encouraging people to eat well for health, mood and energy levels, and believes eating a plant-based diet can play a key part. Here’s her tips on foods to help boost brain power: • Plant-based proteins such as lentils, beans, peas, nuts, seeds, soya (calcium set tofu): These provide iron which helps maintain cognitive function and reduce tiredness and fatigue. They also contain niacin (vitamin B3) which helps release energy from food and normal psychological function. • High fibre starchy carbs including wholegrains, such as brown rice, quinoa: Ready cooked can save time
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Dr Chris Prange with some of the Caring Dental team
is needed than they thought. These days patients are fully involved in their care, deciding what treatment they would like at a pace that suits them. Quality, caring, comfortable dentistry can be more affordable than people imagine, and with regular visits and a preventive approach, you can enjoy good oral health for many years to come. We've had some lovely reviews from nervous patients, saying how relaxed they now feel and wishing they hadn't left it so long. Our number one priority is helping people feel confident about visiting the dentist, and to put a smile back on their face! Dr Chris Prange, Caring Dental, Petts Wood www.caringdental.co.uk
How to deal with…heatstroke Heatstroke happens when the body gets so hot that it can't control its temperature. Symptoms include having hot, flushed, dry skin; headache; feeling dizzy or being confused and restless, which gets worse quickly and the person becomes unresponsive. What to do: Call 999/112 immediately. Cool them by moving them into a cool environment and remove their outer clothing. Wrap them in a cold, wet sheet and begin pouring water over them. Keep cooling them while waiting for help to arrive. If their temperature returns to normal and they no longer feel hot to touch, you can stop cooling them. Gary Currier, NMA Training
and are packed full of flavour. Products such as Merchant Gourmet’s new Cajun style pouches mean most of the work has been done for you. These provide slow-release energy to help power your brain, nutrients such as thiamin (vitamin B1), and selenium; a lack of which may increase the chance of feeling negative. • Fruit and vegetables: These are key for providing vitamins such as vitamin C to aid iron absorption, and folate which helps maintain normal psychological function. • Calcium-containing foods, such as yoghurt, green leafy vegetables, nuts and dried fruits: Calcium contributes to normal function of digestive enzymes and helps to release energy from food. • A drink for hydration: Water is best for concentration and alertness.
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