WellBeing World Summer 2017

Channel Islands Edition

No.15

July/August/September 2017 Happy | Healthy | Inspired

Summertime is always the best of what might be

FEATURING

Sun Safe this Summer Guernsey Mental Health Report Join the Food Sharing Revolution Care Free in the Canaries Planning to Build Your Dream Home?

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

This Simple Exercise can make you Happier Inspiring an Active Jersey A World of Flavour Ditch the Diet!

Enjoying Meaningful Social Activity … and much more to inspire, relax and make you feel good! £3.00 Where sold

www.wellbeingworld.je

WellBeingWorld

WELCOME

Welcome WORDS: Beverley Le Cuirot, Founder and Editor

Welcome to our 'Care Free Living’ edition.

Care Free Living is something we feel to be so very important in this increasingly fast world of ours. We need to take the time to ‘smell the roses’, not just so we enjoy our time on this earth, but importantly, so we stay healthy, in body and mind.

Every day we hear concerning statistics about the state of our nation’s health, particularly so our mental health.

The results of two recent surveys – one in the UK and one in Guernsey – show 31% and 44% respectively of people having experienced mental ill health issues (anxiety, depression or stress) at some point.

In the UK, mental ill health is said to affect around one in six people in any given week; and two in five employees say they have taken time off work or reduced their responsibilities due to their mental health. The findings, published by management consultancy firm PwC, come as NHS managers warn that the Government’s commitment to improving mental health services is being undermined by rising demand, staff shortages and the failure of funding to reach the front line.

The survey also shows that nearly a quarter, 23%, do not think their organisation takes employee wellbeing seriously, and 39% said they did not feel comfortable telling their employer about the issue. WellBeing World, along with associations such as the CIPD and MIND in Jersey and Guernsey, are working hard to change this for the benefit of the employees, the employers, and the economy alike, and we always invite your views.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

It is therefore my pleasure to bring you another packed edition with contributions from our network of experts and practitioners all over the world, including Australia, USA, the UK, and of course closer to home in the Channel Islands. We have seasonal topics such as keeping safe in the sun, adventure in the Canaries and Italy, and Aqua Fitness in Australia; we are pleased to introduce Jersey Sport, inspiring an active Jersey; and we have articles from the world of work, as well as care free living for the body, mind and soul.

We have a new Insight section where we delve a little deeper into topics; one of our first insights comes from a recovering addict and how he interprets ‘care free’. We have articles for women, for men, around the home, lifestyle, we have our popular book review, and much more.

I hope it’s a ‘care free’ summer for you!

Healthy regards until next time,

Beverley beverley@wellbeingworld.je

3

CONTENTS

Contents

Aqua Fitness Around the World

FEATURES

Sun Safe this Summer This Simple Exercise can make you Happier A Living Library Disease of Civilisation

WORLD

Care Free in the Canaries The Amazing Race – Italian Style Aqua Fitness Around the World

ECO

Eco Emma Join the Food Sharing Revolution

WHAT’S NEW

Inspiring an Active Jersey Schools Out Come Stroll with Me …

WORK

Selecting a Suitable Mindfulness Provider Coffee Shop Workspaces Paying Employees to Put Their Wellbeing First From Firefighting to Care Free Living Employee Wellbeing – a MUST to Have New Research: The Snowball Effect of Healthy Offices

BODY

Carefree Living – the Holistic Way Tending to Your Tendons A Fresh Approach to Managing Health Beach Body Healthy

FITNESS

Sun, Sea, Fun and Fitness. Life’s a Beach!

Live in the Moment

4

18

6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52

Selecting a Suitable Mindfulness Provider

FOOD

A World of Flavour The Foods We Eat Ditch the Diet!

MIND

Guernsey Mental Health Report Building Resilience

INSIGHT

Careful, Caring and Carefree Morning Pages Clarity and Guidance with Oracle Cards Helping People Stay Independent Can Being Hopeless Help Us?

WOMEN

Hey, Good Lookin’, EveryBody Is Beautiful Sensitive Subjects

MEN

Tech Keep Trippin’?

HOME

Why Gardening Therapy is Being Prescribed by Doctors Planning to Build Your Dream Home?

LIFE

It’s 5 o’clock, somewhere!

Care Enough … to Feel the Sand between Your Toes Enjoying Meaningful Social Activity

30

54 56 58 60 62 64 66 67 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86

BOOK CHOICE

88

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

92

WELCOME CONTENTS

Live in the Moment

52

Guest Contributors: Claire Barker-Hemings – Australia Dillan DiGiovanni – USA Practitioners in Jersey & Guernsey: Andy Barnes, Jersey Foodstate Dr Alessio Agostinis, Jersey International Mindfulness Centre Catriona Mcallister, Jersey Sport Cesca Dessain, Healthhaus Dave Houghton, Starlight Construction David Kennedy, Jersey Sport Julie Couley, All Care Jersey Julie Dryburgh, Life Coach Kary Day, Jersey Uncovered Lorna Jackson, Health Point Clinic Louise Augré, Augré Physiotherapy

64

Careful, Caring and Carefree Marion Gorrod, Waitrose Mark Blamey, Jersey Alzheimer’s Association Dr Prasanna Kerur, Ayush Wellness Spa Rebecca Evans, FlyDirect Richard Sheldon, CIPD Guernsey Branch Sam Duffy, Gecko Learning Solutions Samuel S, on behalf of Silkworth Charity Group Tania Le Couilliard, Healthhaus And the WellBeing World team: Lucy Sanderson Abigail Ali Katherine Day Amber Blake Beverley Le Cuirot

New members of the team (left to right): Amber Blake, Katherine Day, Beverley Le Cuirot

Thank You and Disclaimer: WellBeing World would like to thank all of our contributors, members and advertisers for making our magazine what it is; and to you, our readers, for your support. We aim to bring you properly researched information that enables you to make wise health decisions and which support your general health and wellbeing.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

Although every effort is made to ensure the veracity of published information, WellBeing World and its Directors and Publishers cannot be held responsible for the information contained herein or for the views and actions of individual contributors.

All contributors are qualified to practice in their own fields of expertise. If in doubt, please consult with a medical practitioner before acting on health information received.

5

FEATURES

Sun Safe this Summer With the gorgeous summer sun also comes the risk of sun burn and more malicious damage to our skin. We all want to make the most of the beautiful weather, particularly as we’re not always sure it will stay, the question though, is how to do so safely.

There’s a certain amount of pressure, on women particularly, to work on that perfect summer glow. To end August with a nice, even, golden brown tan. No one wants to have tan lines, except perhaps to prove they did in fact tan. But this can lead to skin damage due to the sun’s strong rays. Quite often we sport red patches of burn, evidence of the areas of skin missed in our early-morning sun cream application, or perhaps where we forgot to top it up in the midday heat.

There’s a lot of discussion about the ‘right’ sun creams to use, but sun cream isn’t the only solution. Here are some top tips to stay sun safe in the summer heat: 6

1 Sun cream is important, although it isn’t a one stop solution to keep your skin safe. An SPF 15 needs to be the absolute minimum factor used, no matter your skin colour, and regularly topped up even if the bottle advertises it as being water resistant and long lasting. SPF 30 is better. Also, did you know that sun cream can go out of date? On the base of the bottle should be a little ‘M’ and a number. This is the number of months the sun cream will last once it has been opened. www.cancerreasearchuk.org.uk warns that “You should never use sunscreen in order to spend longer in the sun. No sunscreen, no matter how high the factor, can provide 100% protection.”

FEATURES

2 Seek out the shade, or go inside when

the sun is at its strongest. (Please note that when the sun is at its strongest, does not automatically mean when it is at its hottest.) For the UK and Channel Islands, this is between 11am and 3pm.

Use trees and foliage, or parasols, or tents to create shade if there is none naturally available where you are. Your skin will thank you for the break, though don’t think it means you can get away without wearing sun cream. UV rays can be sneaky and filter through some fabrics, or reflect off surfaces such as water.

3 Clothing is your friend. Sunglasses and

hats are often seen as summer essentials, and they are essential in protecting your skin from the summer sun. However, it might also be worth exchanging your denim shorts for a maxi skirt, as the less skin you show, the more you are protected.

Go for loose-fitting clothes in darker colours. If the fabric isn’t see-through when you hold it up to the light, then you’re good to go.

Everyone’s skin is different and can handle different levels of sun. Why not put your skin’s health first and embrace your natural skin tone? You may even end up preferring your natural colouring.

Embrace your uniqueness. Besides, no one likes being a bright red lobster for a few weeks when you do burn. If you still want that summer glow, don’t purposefully harm your skin. Ask a bottle of self-tan for some help instead.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

"Go out and enjoy the summer, but remember to stay sun safe and look after your skin – and that of your loved ones, too."

Don’t forget that it’s not just you that is at risk in the sunshine. Pets can get sunburnt too, especially on areas where you can see their skin through their fur, such as a dog’s nose. If they have lighter fur, they are also at a higher risk, and it might be worth rubbing them down with a Pet Sun Cream Wipe to help protect your four-legged friend.

But the one area we often overlook in caring for our pets, is their paw pads. Before making your dog go for a walk in the heat, on even hotter tarmac, press the back of your hand to the floor in the sunshine. If you can keep your hand there for at least a solid five seconds then go ahead and enjoy your walk. If not, then your pooch’s paw pads will burn on the tarmac.

Go out and enjoy the summer, but remember to stay sun safe and look after your skin – and that of your loved ones, too.

7

FEATURES

Did You Know? … This Simple Exercise can make You Happier.

Five Conscious Random Acts of Kindness can Increase Your Wellbeing.

TOP TIP from: Dr Alan Schlechter Psychiatrist and Professor of The Science of Happiness at NYU

Decide on a day, and on that day you are going to commit five random, conscious acts of kindness.

Not at the end of the day, looking back and saying “Did I do five things?”, but during the day, consciously looking for out for them and counting them up. It could just be “I held a door”, it could be, “I called somebody who I know needs a call and I’ve been meaning to do it.”

Count up those five things, and if you do that just once a week, we find the wellbeing of those people rises, and it stays up.

Five random acts of conscious kindness has an enormous impact on somebody versus doing three random conscious acts of kindness which might be too simple. They tried it with just one. They tried it spread out over a week, it doesn’t do it. The five really makes you put your mind to it.

Because I would bet many of us do something kind on almost any day.

But this is about being consciously aware of it and by making it five, it does feel like a bit more. “Have I gotten to that fifth one?”

It’s like the people with the Fitbits.

The people who do well with the Fitbits are those folks who at the end of the day realise they only got to 9,000 steps, and they wanted 10,000, so they go out around the block again.

They go home and they have this tremendous feeling of achievement and that’s going to positively reinforce that they’re going to do it again.

Five conscious random acts of kindness just once a week can increase your wellbeing in a similar way.

Dr Alan Schlechter teaches the popular course The Science of Happiness at New York University and is the author of “U Thrive: How to Succeed in College (And Life)”.

8

FEATURES

A Living Library We are all best sellers...

You can’t judge a book by its cover and an initiative which started in Copenhagen in the year 2000 is revolutionising the way we are able get to know each other. Since having started, this innovative enterprise has amassed a great following and a host of event organisers from country to country are all putting on events in their home towns as far afield as Australia; the event is known as The Human Library and it’s leading the way for people who want to tell their story and for those who want to listen.

10

FEATURES

Whilst we live in a world full of diversity and difference, we sometimes struggle to understand or empathise with our fellow humans. Beneath the surface, we are all pretty much the same beings – bones and blood and brains and all that stuff – but in the year 2017 we are all unique in the way we think, live and choose to empathise with others.

We have more access to discovering more about the world both online and in the way we are able to travel to far flung places and cities but yet, it can be tricky to really get to know what people are all about.

We often gravitate toward people with similar backgrounds, personalities, outlooks and geographical locations as us and we establish friendship groups with those that we ‘click’ with. But what about the people we don’t necessarily feel a rapport with? What about the people we literally don’t ‘get’ - those we might not even ever really meet or try to understand. The people who we might be intrigued by, baffled by or eager to understand but never have the opportunity? Often, we make an assumption and get it way off mark.

The Human Library (and events of this nature) solve this conundrum and offer a chance to check out (quite literally) a whole array of different folks with different strokes, available for candid conversation and to answer questions on a range of subjects pertaining to their quintessence; you can basically hear from people from all walks of life and wonders of human nature.

of people and what makes who tick and it seems that as the world evolves, so do we in regard to how we all live our lives differently. The problem with reading online or assuming what we read is verbatim and valid, is that generally we are reading a filtered or edited edition of an entity or individual. Want to know about transgender people and the issues they face, for example? No doubt there are pages and pages on the subject, but hearing from a person directly allows for an unfiltered and honest account. If you’ve wondered about what it’s like to be a single parent, a refugee, a person with bipolar, a naturist, someone who is homeless, unemployed, gay or practically any type of person that makes up the population – then an event like The Human Library gives you that sincere ‘open book’ version of things.

By checking out a person in order to ‘read’ their story, you can delve into the reality of their life – you may not agree with it, relate to it or want to change any preconceived ideas about who they are or why, but at least you walk away with an element of empathy and let’s face it, the world needs more of that. Reading a face whilst being told a story from the horse’s mouth opens up a whole new perspective and with that we mitigate the impressions that have no real basis or truth. As the founder of the idea said, “How are we to understand each other, if we do not have the opportunity to talk to each other?” - Ronni Abergel, Inventor of The Human Library™

“...you walk away with an element of empathy and let’s face it, the world needs more of that.”

Of course, have a wealth of information at our fingertips; online we can google search whoever and whatever we like and read reams of sites and profiles about an A-Z

It helps with that whole ‘live and let live’ ethos which we need to embrace so that we can do exactly that.

Find out more about The Human Library by clicking over to www.humanlibrary.org and keep an eye out for a similar event coming soon to Jersey - we’ll keep you posted …

Creating a WORLD of Difference

11

FEATURES

Disease of Civilisation WORDS: Amber Blake

In today's society and "modern world" many of us are touched at some point by diseases such as Depression, Cancer, Anxiety and many more. Have you ever wondered why these diseases are so prevalent today yet were unheard of in the past or amongst indigenous tribes?

A recent study conducted amongst 2,000 Kaluli people of Papua New Guinea, showed only one with minor signs of clinical depression.

These people face trauma on a daily basis, they experience famine, mortal infections and violent deaths yet they do not seem to bear the same illnesses that we do in our society.

We all share the same survival skills and responses, the fight, flight, freeze, and appease. We also share the same basic desires and needs for food, warmth, shelter and reproduction.

These motives are common to all.

However, since the beginning of man we have evolved in many ways, and much of it has been to the detriment

of our health. We now spend 40 hours or more a week behind a screen, many earning just enough to get by.

We have lost our connection with ourselves and with nature.

It is interesting to look at the key differences between Indigenous and Western world views:

12

Indigenous Views

Western Views

Spiritually orientated society. System based on belief and mysticism.

Scientific, sceptical. Requiring proof as a basis of belief. Suspicious of mysticism.

Society operates in a state of relatedness.

Everything and everyone is related. There is real belief that people objects and the environment are all connected. Law, kinship and mythology reinforce this.

Compartmentalised society, becoming more so. Identity comes from jobs and material possessions.

Be-ers - Fit in with and exist within the environment and what's happening now.

Do-ers - Progress is important. Life seen in term of “getting on". Utilising the environment.

Time is non-linear, cyclical in nature. Time is measured in cyclical events. The seasons are central to this cyclical concept.

Time is usually linearly structured and future orientated. The framework of months, years, days, etc. reinforces the linear structure.

Authority is based on age, cultural knowledge, and relationship with people. Small-scale authority system.

Large scale authority systems. Authority given through roles and bureaucracy. A relationship is established by the role.

Feeling comfortable is measured by the quality of your relationships with people.

Feeling comfortable is related to how successful you feel you have been in achieving your goals.

FEATURES

Why do we suffer these diseases? 99% of the existence of humans have lived in a "hunter-gatherer" lifestyle. This was our lifestyle up until the industrial revolution began.

We adapted our lives to this new way of living but our brains have simply not had enough time to evolve yet.

Our way of life and habits that contributed to our genetic makeup was replaced with a system and society completely foreign to our species.

Ultimately because we were not designed to live this way of life. The only way we can free our minds is if we free ourselves.

Put your phone down – Have time away from your mobile phone, especially as these days they don't just ring. Too much screen time isn't good for your cognitive functions. Go to the beach or to the woods for a walk and leave your phone behind at home if you can. Half an hour of being uncontactable, away from everything and just enjoying the peace that nature provides can make the world of difference.

Forget about time – This is extremely difficult for most especially those who have their days scheduled down to the last second. Make the time to forget about time, one evening after work or at the weekend and make sure you do something for yourself that makes you happy, it might be a walk, painting or swimming, whatever you enjoy – and just do it. Pay no attention to the time, keep going until you're ready to stop.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

Life is NOT a competition – Stop comparing where you are in your life with others. Each and every person on the earth is moving in their own time. We all have our own definition of success; another person's success does not diminish your own. "Comparison is the thief of joy" ~ Theodore Roosevelt The power of kindness – A small act of kindness

has such amazing power. A simple smile can brighten someone's day, smiling is contagious. Martin Luther King Jr once said "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "what are you doing for others?". Remember to ask yourself that question.

Be in the moment – It is becoming increasingly more difficult to just "be in the moment" with the fast movement of technology, commitments and planning for our futures, we forget to enjoy the now. Make the most of the little moments that happen every day, it might be stopping to smell the roses, listening to the sound of the birds singing or watching your children play. Be in every moment possible.

Nowadays, it's almost impossible to get away from all the stresses and strains of the western society without quitting your job, leaving behind your material possessions and joining a tribe deep in the Amazon jungle. However, these little changes you can make in your daily life will ultimately have a huge impact on your health especially your mental wellbeing.

13

WORLD

s ie r a n a C e h t in e e r Care F

WORDS: Rebecca Evans Product Executive, FlyDirect

Everyone knows that holidays do wonders for our general wellbeing, and scientists recently found that the benefits of a trip away can last for up to a month after our return home. Summer here in the Islands can almost feel like being on holiday all the time, with sun-soaked weekends seeing us through the working week.

It’s the short days and stormy weather of winter, coupled with those persistent coughs and sniffles that can leave us feeling less than our best. It’s no surprise then that millions of Brits head off for sunnier climes in those long dark months and Tenerife is a popular choice with almost guaranteed sunshine, not to mention an easy and stress free 4 hour flight direct from the Channel Islands, with no need to transit through London.

Dominated by volcanic Mount Teide, the island features a wide range of breath-taking landscapes and a wealth of activities and excursions to choose from. Lounge lizards can relax and rejuvenate at one of the many excellent spa hotels that line the coast. Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque on pretty El Duque beach is home to the decadent Nuestro Spa, voted Spain’s best in 2016.

Those that prefer to stay active on holiday are spoiled for choice. Join a sunrise yoga lesson on the beach, snorkel or kayak with sea turtles along the south west coast or take a day trip to adjacent La Gomera

However you choose to spend your vacation time, you are sure to feel your cares melt away as you recline beside your heated hotel pool and let the Vitamin D get to work on boosting your immune system and mood.

"However you choose to spend your vacation time, you are sure to feel your cares melt away as you recline beside your heated hotel pool and let the Vitamin D get to work on boosting your immune system and mood." to hike through the picturesque landscape. Thrill seekers can leave their worries at ground level and tandem paraglide from the nearby mountain tops, landing smoothly on the beach right beside FlyDirect favourite, the sumptuous H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel.

FlyDirect offer direct flights from Jersey to Tenerife from February to April 2018. You can book flights only or take a holiday package with one of a range of hand-selected quality hotels, including airport transfers to make your trip even more care free.

More info: www.flydirect.je - or call 01534 496 659 14

WORLD

The Amazing Race - Italian Style WORDS: Katherine Day

Living on an Island nine miles long by five miles wide can get a tad stifling at times, no matter how much you love it. Travelling, be it short holidays spent in beach hotels or long backpacking expeditions across countries and continents, has become a rite of passage to most Islanders.

In March this year, I fulfilled a dream of mine – seeing and exploring Italy. From the food and culture to the history (especially Roman mythology), I have always been fascinated by this spectacular country. Having finished my four years at university I knew I wanted to expand my horizons through travel and Italy was at the top of my “travel bucket list”.

Planning the trip began as a challenge as many of my friends were either already travelling or committed to work, and I did not really fancy travelling solo, being rather shy and a little nervous. But my horizons broadened after a close family friend mentioned Contiki, a travel company which organises tours for like-minded culture vultures with a great sense of party. Shortly before Christmas I decided to extend my Christmas shopping spree, and began investigating the Contiki tours on offer for the New Year.

Before long I had found and booked my trip away – it was to be: Simply Italy.

But what was it about the trip, and about this travel company, that changed my mind, enticing me to take the plunge and embark on a solo trip?

16

Contiki, is a travel agency which creates trips and tours specifically designed for 18-35 year olds, and does so in a way that it doesn’t matter if you’re travelling with a friend, a partner, or by yourself. Unlike those 18-30 holidays which have gained quite the reputation, Contiki isn’t about partying until the early hours of the morning, sleeping through the day, and inhaling alcohol like it is oxygen. Contiki is about truly experiencing the places you visit, tasting the local foods, and learning about the history. It’s about meeting new friends, making memories, and having no regrets when you’re on the plane home.

And the Simply Italy trip? Nicknamed the Amazing Race by the Contiki trip managers, it is a whistle stop tour around Italy hitting all the important highlights – the wellknown spaces to the little local secrets. From the mighty colosseum to the mouth-watering pesto focaccia in Porto Venere, everything you could hopefully wish to explore about this beautiful country is covered in twelve days. It was a hectic schedule, but during that time I had one of the best experiences of my life. I made new friends, tried exciting new foods, saw some breath-taking places, and learnt so much. It was a trip that helped me come out of my shell.

WORLD

If there was one thing that going on this trip taught me, it was the importance of selfcare. Particularly, whilst on the road.

Emma Fry, a travelling health coach, recently wrote an article for the Huffington Post outlining her top tips for staying healthy on the road. These were:

1 Keep hydrated by eating foods high

in water content, such as watermelon, grapefruit, pears, eggplant, and peppers.

2 Think whole foods, which are good for your energy and digestion.

3 Enjoy the experience and explore the fresh produce stands and food markets.

Try local delicacies and stay true to your healthy diet regime.

4 Avoid panic eating! Whole foods with high protein levels, such as avocados, bananas, and pumpkin seeds, are the perfect antidote to this as they help you feel full.

One more thing I want to add to this list though, is make sure you factor in time to sleep! A good night’s sleep can restore your body and your mind. Its power should not be under rated. So, don’t sacrifice sleep to stay out late with friends if you feel your pillow calling out to you.

While in Italy I drank so much water every day, to the point where it has had a positive impact on my daily H2O habits. It was refreshing in the heat, energising, and it kept me healthy and sober between those naughty after dinner glasses of limoncello (after all, I was in Italy).

Creating a WORLD of Difference

"I made new friends, tried exciting new foods, saw some breath-taking places, and learnt so much. It was a trip that helped me come out of my shell."

The Italians love their food. In every location we stopped, my new friends and I made sure to ask for food recommendations from our trip manager. We always set out with our maps not only annotated with the must-see sites, but also with local food markets and stalls. In Florence, we discovered a massive indoor food market filled with stalls of fruit, vegetables, bread, pizza, pasta, meat, and fish. Brimming with people, the colours and smells of all the locally sourced produce and foods swarm your senses. It proved to be a cheaper, healthier, more exciting, and educational way to eat.

From beginning to end this Italian adventure was spectacular and comes highly recommended. It broadened my horizons, and allowed me to discover a confidence which I did not know I possessed, while fully experiencing a country with which I had always been fascinated, and now love. The only choice left to make this year … Greek Islands or Thailand? Decisions, decisions.

17

WORLD

Aqua Fitness Around the World

‌ Taking Strength, Power and Flexibility to the Pool WORDS: Claire Barker-Hemings Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) International Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre, Melbourne, Australia

As the UK is heating up many people are very likely taking to the pool to exercise in a cool environment. Whilst there are many benefits from swimming why not take the opportunity to try something new? Aqua Fitness or Aqua Aerobics as it has been called in years gone by is now becoming more popular and is used by many Olympic and professional athletes to train strength, power and flexibility.

No longer an option to consider only in our later years; many younger and fitter people are now taking to the pool. The fitness industry has upped its game and there are many great instructors out there taking different training protocols to the pool to provide their clients with a challenging workout no matter their age or ability. The water does not discriminate. The harder you push the harder the water pushes back. So no matter what fitness level a client is as long as they are working their hardest the water will give them the optimal workout. Technically you could have an older client standing next to an elite athlete standing next to a recreational exerciser all performing the same group of exercises and know they are all getting a phenomenal workout and working towards their individual goals.

Benefits of Aqua Fitness Sessions Cardio Endurance - Most aqua

fitness sessions target cardiovascular (heart and lungs) endurance.

18

The class may be performed in a continuous, interval or circuit format. Interval training is very popular in the water just as on dry land. Not only can interval-style training save you time, 30 minutes interval session can expend the same amount of calories as a 60 minute continuous session, there is increasing evidence that interval training assists in managing many risks factors including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes by improving insulin action and sensitivity.

Strength - Due to the very nature

of the environment, water is up to 15 times more resistant than air, the muscles have to work harder to perform exercises. Add one of the many pieces of equipment which are available today and you have your very own gym in the pool. A study conducted in 2007 found that after 12 weeks of regular aquatic fitness exercise, participants had made significant gains in strength, flexibility and agility.

Expending (burning) calories -

Yes you do burn calories ‌ you can burn 350-500 calories an hour while exercising in the pool depending on the type of activity you are doing and how much effort you put in.

Low impact - The environment is very forgiving, in shallow water you experience a low impact work out and if you choose a deep water class there is no impact at all. The deep water gives the body a whole new challenge and is a fantastic workout for your "core". Studies have also shown that aqua fitness alleviates pressure on the joints due to the supportive nature of the water which relieves the pressure placed on joints from normal wearand-tear as well as arthritis.

It's FUN! - There is absolutely no doubt that exercise in a group is a great way to make friends and enjoy social interaction. An AARP survey studying the exercise attitudes and behaviours of adults between the ages of 50 and 79 found that older adults are more likely to maintain a fitness

WORLD

programme if they had committed to exercising in a group. https://assets. aarp.org/rgcenter/health/exercise.pdf

Here are a few of the aqua fitness class variations popping up in pools around the globe: Aquastrength - using a barbell,

ankle fins and hand bells this programme gives you a water resistance workout like no other.

It improves strength, balance and

mobility. The programme has been designed by Dr Rick McAvoy and all exercises are based on Functional fitness. www.aquastrength.com www. rickmcavoyaquatics.com

Aqua Cycling - A "spin" session in

the pool, these are energetic, high calorie burning low impact exercise session on a bike in the pool!

Acquapole® - "Poledancing" in the pool. A fun high energy session which helps to tone the whole body. www.acquapole.com Float Fit - The new kid on the block, more an "on" water exercise session.

A 30 minute HIIT session which is a low impact cross training class giving you a full body workout. Using burpees, lunges, squats, mountain climbers, the plank plus more. www.aquaphysical.com

In addition to these there are numerous different training programmes already in pools including Aqua Zumba®, Aqua PIlates, Ai Chi, Thaifit®, Deep water running to name but a few. Contact your local pool to discover what classes they offer and remember always seek the advice of your medical care provider before undertaking a new exercise regime.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

19

ECO

Eco Emma WORDS: Katherine Day

Harry Potter actress Emma Watson has been in the spotlight since she was twelve years old.

However, rather than allow the spotlight to change her, she has a University degree and in 2014 was named the UN’s Women Global Goodwill Ambassador. She has used her platform to fight for equality through her “He for She” campaign, and to reclaim the word “feminist”. Her book club, Our Shared Shelf, inspires people all over the world as together, each month, Emma and her fellow readers focus on and discuss feminist texts. You may have even heard of her “book fairy” visits in New York City, dropping off books in public places, particularly on the Subway.

Most recently, Emma is trying to play her part in bettering the world through her Instagram account The Press Tour, where she raises awareness of eco-friendly fashion through each of her red-carpet appearances.

has certainly come a long way. Several outfits were created from recycled plastic bottles and you wouldn’t be able to tell if it weren’t for her “outfit essay”. And one pair of earrings she wore were in fact recycled shrapnel from the Vietnam War.

Originally created in February to coincide with the Beauty and the Beast press tour, this Instagram account documents Emma’s outfits for her various appearances. Through “The Press Tour” account Emma proves it is possible to be eco-friendly and sustainable in our clothing and fashion choices.

Often, discarded clothes and offcuts of material end up in landfill sites. And while this seems very separate from us, it is an issue that is becoming more and more important.

Fashions change, we change sizes, and clothes are simply not designed to weather many outings.

For every event, Emma posts a series of photos illustrating the outfit and sometimes the creation process.

Alongside each photo is a detailed description, written by Emma, of the different components and lists where the materials are sourced. Recycling

20

In our last issue, Abigail discussed how companies are helping to clean up the oceans. Certainly, with companies like Adidas, who are creating trainers from ocean plastic, we are on the road to having more “recycled” clothing options available.

Hopefully with the traction created

through Emma’s Instagram account, raising awareness of the eco-friendly fashion choices available, even more companies will decide to create budget friendly lines of eco-fashion for those of us at home who have been inspired by Emma’s journey.

ECO

In the meantime, how can we make our wardrobes more sustainable?

1) Investigate.

Research your favourite brands. Find out about their eco and ethical practices.

What materials do they use in their products? Where are they sourced from? And how? How committed is the company to change?

There are already several brands dedicated to creating sustainable and eco-friendly clothes and accessories, most of them simply seem to have heavier price tags attached. You never know what you might find with a little bit of research.

Now who do you want to support?

2) Repair and re-wear.

3) Rehome your clothes.

When sorting through your wardrobe, don’t just plan to throw away the items on the ever-growing “unwanted” pile. Look at them carefully. What condition is each item in? How many times have you worn it? Does it still have the label attached?

If your offcuts are still in good condition, consider donating them either to a charity shop or take them to the nearest Salvation Army bin. Is there a car boot sale coming up? Maybe see if you can sell them instead.

Either way, just because you don’t want a piece of clothing anymore doesn’t mean someone else won’t want it, or in fact, need it.

4) Buy less but don’t be afraid to spend more.

We all have our favourite items of clothing, from a pair of jeans to a pair of winter boots. Often when these items seemingly “die” we throw them away with a heavy heart, both excited and daunted by the prospect of shopping for a replacement.

Most of our purchases are impulse buys, found when we’re looking for something specific. These items usually then disappear into the abyss of our wardrobes where they will be kept, maybe being taken out once or twice in its lifetime.

Yet there’s another way. These items can in fact be revived through a good old dose of TLC. That lovely dress you wore to your friend’s wedding that no longer fits – see if it can be altered. Those heels that were your favourite pair for work – take them to a cobbler and get them re-heeled. The jeans you wear every weekend which have a rip – can you “artfully” repair them with a spare patch of material? Or, how about transforming them into a pair of denim shorts and use the offcuts to create a pouch for your charging cables, or jewellery?

When shopping consider first what you want. And then what you actually need.

Quite often we rely on only a few staple items, think about and focus on these. It’s often better to spend more money on one item which you know you will wear often, will love, and that will last. In the long run, this may even prove to be a cheaper way to shop.

These are just four suggestions to help you get started. But what you do now, is up to you.

21

ECO

Join The Food Sharing Revolution If you love food, hate waste, care about the environment or want to connect with your community, OLIO is for you.

OLIO is a free app that connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. This could be food nearing its sell-by date in local stores, spare home-grown vegetables, bread from your baker, or the groceries in your fridge when you go away. It can also be used for nonfood household items too.

It’s super easy! To make an item available, open the app, add a photo, description, and when and where the item is available for pick-up. To access items, simply browse the listings available near you, request whatever takes your fancy and arrange a pick-up via private messaging.

The team at OLIO believe that small actions can lead to big change.

Collectively – one rescued cupcake, carrot or bottle of lotion at a time – we can all build a more sustainable future where our most precious resources are shared, not thrown away.

22

Founded by Tessa Cook and Saasha Celestial-One, Olio has now also reached Jersey, thanks to the vision of local resident, Elis Joudalova, who is ‘City Champion' here. Here’s the story of how OLIO grew from an idea into an app saving thousands of food items every week.

Tessa grew up on her parents’ dairy farm in North Yorkshire, England.

She describes an amazing childhood, but one that had a constant theme running throughout it – work needed to be done. Feeding cows, mucking out, moving stock; it was relentless and ran late into the evening, every day of the year. As a result, she learned pretty much as soon as she could walk just how much hard work goes into producing the food that we all eat. And so she held the firm belief that food is meant to be eaten, not thrown away.

Her ‘lightbulb’ moment came in December 2014 – she remembers

it well. She was packing up her apartment in Switzerland, getting ready to move back to the UK. Despite her best efforts, they were left with six sweet potatoes, a whole white cabbage and some pots of yoghurt. The removal men said that all the food had to be thrown away, but Tessa couldn’t bring herself to do this. She took her new-born baby and toddler and set off armed with the food to find someone to give it to. Unfortunately, the lady who she had hoped to give it to wasn’t in her usual spot outside the supermarket, so she thought about knocking on her neighbours’ doors to see if they wanted it, but she didn’t really know them and thought it might be awkward if they didn’t want what she was offering. “This is absolutely crazy,” she thought, “… this food is delicious. Why isn’t there an app where I can share it with someone nearby who wants it?” And so the idea for OLIO was born.

In February 2015 she shared her idea with Saasha and they knew that they had to work together to bring this app to life!

ECO

Saasha is the daughter of Iowa hippy entrepreneurs (hence the origin of her last name, CelestialOne – which her parents made up). In her own words, she grew up in a large, relatively poor family and spent much of her childhood accompanying her Mom on various missions to rescue things that others had discarded – wooden fixtures from foreclosed houses, plants from the greenhouse dumpster, aluminium soda cans (worth 5¢ each) casually tossed aside at the beach, etc.

In salvaging and reselling these items, she not only earned her pocket money, she learned that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. As a child, she launched over a dozen micro-businesses, and she always dreamed of starting her own business one day, in food, which is a passion of hers.

When Tessa mentioned her idea, she knew instantly it was genius and that she wanted to be a part of the journey to bring it to life. Within an hour they had settled on a name and made their plan!

From Idea to Reality

They incorporated the company in February 2015 and gave themselves a year to make it happen. The initial desk research shocked and terrified them.

A third of the food produced globally is thrown away, and in the UK households are responsible for over half of all food waste. The average family throws away £700 worth of food each year. That adds up to £12.5 billion going straight to landfill!

Their market research showed that 1 in 3 people are “physically pained” throwing away good food. That’s a lot

"Collectively – one rescued cupcake, carrot or bottle of lotion at a time – we can all build a more sustainable future where our most precious resources are shared, not thrown away."

of people, who almost every day, are having to throw away food because there’s no alternative…

So they set up their first test … via a WhatsApp group. The members of the group all lived close by and they asked them to add any surplus food they had into the group for two weeks. They waited with bated breath for what seemed like an eternity … and then someone added an item – half a bag of shallots! They leapt with joy, and watched on in excitement as many more items of food were shared.

They created their own App, initially very basic but that didn’t matter, they were live and ready to bring food sharing to the world. Since launch, they have convinced 180,000 users in more than 40 countries, who have shared at least 200,000 items of food.

The days of food wasting might soon be numbered in Jersey, too, thanks to Elis who wants the Island to be the first without food waste. To get there, she has been knocking on the doors of shops, restaurants, and cafés to invite them to share their food surplus. She said: “I thought it was going to be hard but I have been overwhelmed by the response."

More info: On Facebook – Jersey Olio Community – also www.olioex.com

23

WHAT’S NEW

Inspiring an Active Jersey WORDS: Catriona Mcallister - CEO, Jersey Sport

Established in June this year, Jersey Sport is a coordinating body created to operate independently, but with financial support from the States of Jersey. Its remit is to inspire an active Jersey by leading, championing and enabling participation in sport and encouraging active living. We spoke with CEO, Catriona Mcallister, who explains more.

Jersey has a wonderfully active sporting community, with many different clubs and facilities offering a great range of options. This provides its residents and visitors the opportunity to participate in some kind of sport or activity every day of the year, if they so wish. It will be Jersey Sport’s role to help people find out about what’s available and give people the confidence to take that difficult first step towards an active lifestyle.

We want to inspire people to be active and get moving regularly to ensure they can enjoy the benefit of an active lifestyle. It is never too late to start an activity and there really is something for everyone. The key to getting and staying active is to take small steps and to build up your activity slowly. Many people are put off when they see figures on how long they should be active for but if you start small and build slowly you will be surprised at what you can do and how much better you will feel. Your fitness and confidence will grow together.

24

The physical and mental health benefits of being active are well documented and the biggest benefits to health come where people go from in-active to active. Jersey Sport will help people to get and stay active by integrating the many opportunities in Jersey and making sure there is equality of access to active living and sport with an entry point for everyone regardless of current levels of activity or age.

Part of the issue in Jersey is not the lack of opportunity it is the fact that in some cases it’s a well-kept secret. Through its website, Jersey Sport will establish a single point of information on sport and active living and make it easy for people to find out about all the amazing ways you can be active. It does not have to be indoors in a gym or on a sports field and it can be in a group or as an individual.

People often say they don’t have the time to exercise so if that is an issue for you then start to think about ways you can build exercise into your normal day. Your exercise does not need to be in one chunk.

WHAT’S NEW

"We want to inspire people to be active and get moving regularly to ensure they can enjoy the benefit of an active lifestyle. It is never too late to start an activity and there really is something for everyone."

• Walk around the house when brushing your teeth.

• Walk around the house or office when taking a call.

• Use the pause button when watching TV, gaming or online and make sure you stand and walk around for two minutes for every hour sitting.

• Get up from your work desk every hour and walk around.

• Consider walking meetings and don’t be scared to get up and walk round the room in a long meeting.

• Take your lunch for a walk, walk to meetings and consider part or full active travel to work.

• Fight the urge to find the nearest parking space and nearest bus stop.

• Make that coffee with you friend a ‘take away’ and enjoy it ‘on the go’.

You will find that actually taking a ten minute walk when you’re busy at home or work increases productivity and concentration.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

Jersey Sport already offers a wide range of ways to be active. Our activity referral programme helps people who have an underlying health issue to access activity with the support of our qualified instructors. We also provide walking football for older adults and a wide range of after school and holiday programmes for children. Jersey Sport delivers physical literacy programmes in schools designed to teach children movement skills such as running, jumping and throwing which will help them build the fundamentals needed to enjoy an active life. We also deliver the schools swimming programme that helps to ensure our young people are safe in and around water.

You’ll find lots more information online on our website – this will also help signpost you to other activities that are available to meet your requirements.

More info: www.jerseysport.je

25

WHAT’S NEW

School’s Out! WORDS: David Kennedy, General Manager, Jersey Sport

It’s summer time! For parents, guardians and school children it marks a break from the routine of school life and everyone can look forward to a later and more relaxed start to the day. No more of hurry up mornings, get your shoes, take your lunch box, where is your water bottle routine! However, some parents look at the summer holidays as a long stretch of challenging times with children demanding to be entertained and parents themselves wanting the children to be “out of their hair.”

Research shows there are also social issues that arise for children and adolescents on their holiday breaks. Children can lose access to the social contact that is inherent in the school setting. Without this, children with poorly developed social skills or social anxiety can experience feelings of isolation during vacation. For the socially active child, time off of school can lead to stress if he or she does not attend every possible social activity. This child may fear that they will lose their social status if they are not present at an event.

the growing issue with child obesity, sports courses are becoming an increasingly popular solution to keep your children healthy and happy through the long holidays.

It is therefore no surprise that parents want to “outsource” the mindful occupation of their child’s summer activities, ensuring they are fruitfully occupied, learning a skill, following a schedule and provide a safe environment.

With the recent epidemic of increased screen time and

So the top tip is to make sure you are organised for the holidays if you want to reduce the potential of stress.

Courses tend to get booked up early so ensure you don’t get disappointed by leaving it too late.

Jersey Sport offers a variety of sport and activity courses that can keep the kids active for a few hours a day, or all day long if needed. Delivered at various locations across Jersey, these courses are delivered by experienced staff who are qualified to teach sports such as swimming, wall climbing, fishing and dodgeball.

More info: www.jerseysport.je 26

WHAT’S NEW

Creating a WORLD of Difference

27

WHAT’S NEW

Come Stroll with Me …

Let’s Start in the East …

WORDS: Kary Day MITG, Jersey Uncovered

Summer is here, and what better opportunity is there for us to set off on an Island adventure?

Rather than surfing the internet, and if surfing the waves isn’t your thing, how about taking a gentle and meandering stroll to explore the amazing Island of Jersey, while reaping the benefits of being out and about in the fresh air. But where do you go to get the best exercise for you, while enjoying sensational views, and who can take you there?

Introducing Jersey Uncovered, a group of six Blue Badge Tourist Guides each with their own speciality. Jersey Uncovered launched in March 2016, and is dedicated to revealing the best of the Island to tourists and locals alike.

Ever wandered past a coat of arms hidden in the wisteria on a building in Gorey Village and wondered why it’s there? Or tried to find the location of the hidden follies of Jardin d’Olivet? Perhaps you simply want to learn more about the history of our defensive towers and castles, or you want to hear a cracking good ghost story or two. Well Jersey Uncovered is the team to help you.

To set you off on your path, why not try a fun, mildly strenuous, and very interesting wander through the East, which displays the beauty of our protected coast and woodland areas.

This circular walk takes approximately three hours, not including stops for refreshments and photographic opportunities. If three hours is too much, split the walk into two 1.5 hour sections.

28

Beginning at the historical Gorey Harbour, take a stroll along the footpath leading up to the 13th Century Castle.

Cross the road by the Crab Shack East and follow the steep footpath up to the top of the hill. At the top bear right past the Pilot House, and take the track on the right that leads to Victoria Tower. On your left you will see Old Cadet House, the gates of which bear two marvellous canon sculptures.

Follow the road, taking care to remember that it also provides vehicular access, and you will approach the headland of Mont St Nicholas. The footpath takes you to the Martello Tower, built in 1837, of granite, and named after the reigning Queen.

Continue along the well-worn footpath, past the tower.

Look carefully (you may miss it) you should find that the footpath leads (along the right side of the tower) to a set of hidden steps which take you down to Jeffrey’s Leap or Le Saut Geffroy. This tall rock is reputed to be an ancient place of execution where criminals were thrown into the sea.

WHAT’S NEW

From here follow the road through Ann Port to continue past Archirondel Bay and the Millennium Cross. Take the 15 mph Green Lane on your left hand side which runs parallel to the main road, and leads to St Catherine’s Woods one of the largest woodlands in Jersey.

Bearing in mind that there is a small section that requires dexterous footing as you scramble over a rocky section, keep following the path through the woods to admire a multitude of flora and fauna before turning right to follow the path up along the side of Rozel Manor to join a small lane leading to the main road (B91). Turn right along the main road for a short distance before turning into La Rue du Flicquet.

Taking another footpath, signposted to St Catherine’s Breakwater descend carefully, through Verclut Quarry, to the Breakwater.

After a short stop for refreshments, walk towards the lifeboat station. Instead of joining the main road, continue to follow a meandering footpath running along the seashore, which ultimately takes you to back to Archirondel, home to an 18th Century Jersey Round Tower, part of the Napoleonic defences instigated by General Henry Seymour Conway.

Leaving Archirondel, cross the road and take the right hand lane (Les Puchots), which climbs to above Anne Port Bay. At the top watch out for a sign post on your right indicating Anne Port Dolmen (La Pouclée de Faldouet), which is set a little way back from the road.

This takes you to a 6000 year old tomb; still a place of magic and mystery. As you leave turn right and the lane will bring you back to Mont de la Guerande, and the descent towards the Castle and ultimately the harbour, and a well-earned cup of tea.

This is just one of the many walks on offer from Jersey Uncovered. Join one of the JU Guides on a ramble or two and not only will you enjoy a fabulous walk, you may discover something new about a well-known monument, landmark or ancient building. You might even see something you have never seen before. Uncovering new treasures, and discovering Jersey’s hidden secrets, at the same time improving your health and wellbeing – that is our speciality.

More info: www.jerseyuncovered.com Please do remember that the terrain is often uneven, and care should be taken at all times by walkers.

Anyone following these routes does so entirely at their own risk.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

29

WORK

Selecting a Suitable Mindfulness Provider WORDS: Dr Alessio Agostinis, Founder, Jersey International Mindfulness Centre

Due to a steep rise in popularity, a range of mindfulness providers is now available, all with varying backgrounds, knowledge, training and qualifications. Some take a more scientific, secular (non-Buddhist) approach, some come from a more spiritual background, and others develop their own recipe from both. The confusion as to what mindfulness actually means is further confounded by one’s own experiences of mindfulness, meditation, yoga, etc. Furthermore, there is ongoing debate between academics, practitioners and the Buddhist community around what mindfulness is or should be (herding cats comes to mind!).

All of course have very valid points. For instance, providers of secular (non-Buddhist) mindfulness courses sign up to (currently non-regulatory) minimum Good Practice Standards as part of the UK Network of MindfulnessBased Teacher Training Organisations. These standards include having a background in mental health or the area in which they wish to apply mindfulness (stress, children, alcohol relapse, depression, pain, etc), as well as a significant amount of personal practice before learning to teach, 2-3 separate intensive week-long mindfulness teacher trainer retreats, experience in running practice groups and ongoing supervision by an experienced teacher, as well as CPD including at least 5 days of top-up mindfulness retreats each year. There is a UK listing of mindfulness teachers who fulfil these criteria accessible to both the public and workplace professionals at: https://www.mindfulness-network.org/listingspagenew.php

30

Of course, not all mindfulness and meditation providers sign up to this and those from a more spiritual background would typically make the case that utilising strictly controlled packages may lose some of the essence and broader spiritual learning that mindfulness may offer.

Their view is that standardised non-Buddhist packages miss out on some important aspects of teaching and restrict the variety of meditation practices offered. As a result of the intensive and costly training, secular packages tend to be more expensive whilst spiritual approaches are more accessible financially. On the other hand, the latter will focus less on a formalised structure or evidence base, which may make it difficult to establish what part of their teaching targets a specific need or client request with solid data. And so it goes on.

WORK

"Depending on size, budget, employee typical working schedules, culture, availability of in-house champions, the size of the organisation and the priorities for training and provision, and any other relevant factors – the given organisation may choose a mix that is feasible to them."

A potential solution

Interestingly, after 10% of the UK parliament trained in research-based mindfulness, the ‘Mindfulness All-Party Parliamentary Group’ (MAPPG, October 2015) produced a report recommending mindfulness should be implemented in areas including: education, the workplace, Health and the Criminal Justice system. Exactly one year following the above, the MAPPG created a policy institute called ‘The Mindfulness Initiative (M.I.)’. M.I. reviewed a large body of evidence base and case studies from all sizes of organisations and made explicit recommendations on how to implement mindfulness in public life and, specifically, on how to make a successful business case for mindfulness in the workplace (October 2016).

The authors highlighted how mindfulness offers potential benefits above and beyond wellbeing, including improvement in: • Resilience and Performance • Relationships and Collaboration • Leadership • Decision Making • Creativity and Innovation The salient point about this document is that, if you wish to be successful in implementing mindfulness, you MUST follow a rigorous process involving all of the following steps:

Scoping and planning: really understanding the culture in the organisation and be absolutely clear about what the organisation wishes to achieve through mindfulness; piloting it, evaluating use and availability of resources, assessing the pros and cons for mindfulness and planning a communications strategy.

Assessing training options: considering the type of

package willing and able to provide (the range provided is from a taster session and up to 10 week groups and therefore from one hour to 20 hours of training), as well as considering the setting and practicalities e.g. having in-house, face to face, webinars or apps.

Identify suitable training providers: A recommendation is made to consult the aforementioned UK listing, and that employees are and feel supported to attend.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

Buy-in: it is recommended that a formal or informal

business case is produced to include key information, including costings and final recommendations. The report also recommends that common myths should be dispelled, such as that mindfulness and meditation are the same thing; that mindfulness is helpful for everything and everyone; that it is dangerous; or that it is disguised Buddhism (ALL are myths).

Approach to implementation and roll-out:

Depending on size, budget, employee typical working schedules, culture, availability of in-house champions, the size of the organisation and the priorities for training and provision, and any other relevant factors – the given organisation may choose a mix that is feasible to them.

Evaluating Outcomes: It is always best to build in

formal and methodologically sound evaluation of any work and this does not exclude mindfulness. Ideally a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) would be utilised and would encourage a process whereby separate groups (mindfulness, a control and a different intervention) are compared via appropriate research methodology. Various ways of collecting data are suggested.

Maintaining Mindfulness in the workplace: Making

mindfulness stick is hard so it is important for the courses to have clear and explicit transference into the everyday work life.

So, how should I choose?

The debate between mindfulness experts is unlikely to end. This is because both sides of the spectrum have valid points. Ultimately, the most important thing is that employers make an informed choice about the pros and the cons of each approach, what they want to achieve from offering mindfulness, what proportion of budget may be allocated to it, whether they wish to have standardised ways of measuring outcomes (particularly if a business case is to be made from within a corporate or sports/ athletics organisation), the organisational aims and wellbeing/absenteeism/engagement strategy – and any other specific needs.

More info: www.jsyimc.co.uk

31

WORK

Coffee Shop Workspaces WORDS: Katherine Day

Freelance working is becoming increasingly popular due to the amount of freedom it brings and the true feeling of being your own boss. It is a way of working which allows parents to work without sacrificing the relationship they have with their children.

It allows writers, artists and performers time to focus on their craft. It is certainly a wonderful way to work, if it suits you, or rather if you suit this format.

Some people need the discipline that working in an office environment provides, while others thrive on the freedom of freelance. One part of working freelance which needs careful consideration, though, is how productive you can be working alone and from home, because this will most likely be your new “office” environment.

The home can be filled with distractions, from social media to general chores, depending on how focused you are feeling that day. Whilst at other times, a freelance worker might just feel lonely and need some form of social interaction away from the isolation of their home environment. This is where coffee shops can come in handy as an impromptu office space.

Coffee shops provide relaxed atmospheres, filled with people and noises, and offer the social interaction that we, as a species, rely and thrive on. With food and caffeine on hand, our “working” fuel is sorted with minimum time wasted as the worker can’t use cooking lunch or making a cup of coffee as a form of procrastination. These sociable

32

spaces provide useful places to meet potential clients for your freelance career. What’s more, you are helping your local coffee shop flourish with the extra business you bring.

Using a coffee shop as your “office” one day a week can provide a world of good. On this day household chores are no longer a responsibility for you to worry about and can’t offer a distraction because you have left them behind.

Order a coffee or herbal tea and know that this is your undisturbed working time, whatever form your work takes.

Don’t let social media distract you by refusing to join the café’s Wi-Fi on your devices. Use the days when you’re at home to complete your research in those fifteen minute breaks between chores, jobs, and appointments. That way, you’re “work away” days can be unplugged – from worries, and distractions. Simply don your headphones, play a suitable soundtrack, and go.

Plus, you never know who you might meet whilst waiting in line to order your cappuccino.

WORK

Paying Employees to Put Their Wellbeing First

REPORTING: Beverley Le Cuirot, Founder & Director, WellBeing At Work

An increasing number of forward-thinking companies are recognising the value of employee wellbeing, so much so that some employers in the USA are now paying their employees to work out and get enough sleep.

Along with a number of other companies, Casper, an online retailer, is looking at ways to incentivise employees to exercise and get enough rest. But rather than offering a traditional gym discount, Casper gives employees cash rewards for working out—wherever, and however, they please. The goal is to promote healthy habits among employees, and drive down health-insurance costs at the same time. But the programme also raises an important question:

34

How much information should employers have about what workers do when they’re off the clock?

Casper pays its employees as much as $190 per month for tracking their workouts and their sleep using an app called IncentFit. They receive $4 for every mile they run, $2 for every mile they bike and $20 for each fitness class they attend. Employees also receive $2 for every night of sleep that they allow the app to track.

Handing out these benefits obviously costs the company dearly, but Casper’s co-founder Neil Parikh insists it’s an investment worth making. With more than 69% of employees enrolled in the programme, Parikh is quoted as saying his company is “always trying to find ways to quantify and motivate people to take positive social behaviours.”

WORK

The company doesn’t have access to employees’ detailed logs, but they can estimate individual sleep and exercise habits based on how much any given employee is being paid each month through the programme.

Casper isn’t the only company using money to motivate their employees to prioritise their health; Hootsuite, the popular social media managing system, also encourages its employees to block out some paid work time for exercising at their in-office gym and yoga studio.

And Clif Bar & Company, pays its employees to exercise a set number of hours a week. Owners, husband-and-wife duo Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, like to stay active and health and wellness has been the backbone of the company since day one. So much so, that employees are encouraged to work out 30 minutes a day on company time, meaning they're essentially paid to exercise two-and-a-half hours a week.

Times highlighted a new programme created by SunTrust Banks which encourages employees to take a day off to focus on their financial wellness.

Encouraging signs indeed that employers are realising that their employees' health is a smart investment.

On the other hand, Liane Davey, an organisational psychologist, warns that the tracking benefit will likely only incentivise those who already work out frequently and have little impact on the behaviour of those who don’t.

That means it’s better for a company’s brand than for lowering health-insurance costs or increasing productivity.

She suggests that companies would do better to think holistically about their employees’ health—and to avoid tracking it. The best option is to pull healthy activities into the office, during the work day. Activities like meditation, group walks, or stress-management during lunch, coupled with leaders encouraging employees to take a break and participate, are far more likely to spark positive peer pressure and engage those who opt out of post-work wellness, she says. Plus, getting active during the work day speaks volumes about management’s belief that a healthy mind and body is just as (if not more) important as your 5 pm deadline.

" At the end of the day, it’s more than the incentives, whatever and however these are awarded, it’s about the culture of the organisation and whether or not the individual feels valued, appreciated, and listened to. This is what drives employee wellbeing overall."

Clif Bar, which is headquartered in Emeryville, California, makes it easy for its 490 employees to capitalise on the benefit — there's a 2,500 square-foot onsite gym with a bouldering wall, personal trainers, group classes, weights and machines – and it has shown that employees are more inspired to work and to fulfil their jobs because of these benefits.

After all, the most successful people make time for exercise, it is a well proven boost to productivity.

Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson has said "I definitely can achieve twice as much by keeping fit. It keeps the brain functioning well."

And he is not the only successful individual who prioritises fitness. Dozens of today's top business leaders, from Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg to media guru Oprah Winfrey, exercise regularly.

This focus on employee wellbeing goes beyond just physical health, too. A recent article in the New York

“You’re never going to have perfect exercise or wellness policy,” says Davey, “and Casper deserves praise for encouraging values and behaviours they believe in.”

It’s an interesting debate, and one to which WellBeing At Work would add that health and wellness is a personal matter for each individual, and yet is something that employers can support and facilitate. At the end of the day, it’s more than the incentives, whatever and however these are awarded, it’s about the culture of the organisation and whether or not the individual feels valued, appreciated, and listened to. This is what drives employee wellbeing overall.

More info: www.wellbeingworld.je/wellbeing-at-work/ Creating a WORLD of Difference

35

WORK

From Firefighting to Care Free Living WORDS: Louise Augré, Augré Physiotherapy

Do you ever feel you are fire fighting through the day, stressed out at your desk and craving a more ‘care free living’? If so, you’re not alone.

The demands of our careers and our busy lifestyles really can have a big impact on our health and wellbeing and it can be a job in itself just to try and stay fit and healthy, (never mind trying to stay fit, healthy AND on top of it all).

We see many patients who’ve picked up an injury behind their desks, those suffering from back and neck pain because they’ve spent too many hours in front of the computer at work or sitting on an office chair not positioned

36

at the right height. Long periods of bad posture can overstretch the spinal ligaments and strain the discs and surrounding structures in the spine.

Our experienced team at Augré Physiotherapy at the Lido Medical Centre don’t want to be fire fighting through the day either. We might be fully trained to deal with your injuries when they arise and can treat all musculoskeletal conditions but we actually want to prevent these sorts of injuries in the first place.

Our Physio Pilates courses, suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced, are the perfect remedy to keep you fit and flexible and help you achieve a better work / life balance.

Using the methods and teachings of Joseph Pilates, we provide an exercise programme that works on balancing and controlling movement and focuses on your core muscles to build up your posture, flexibility and strength.

WORK

We know that maintaining both mental and physical strength is vital for some of our clients, none more so than those who work for the Emergency Services and we work closely with them to help them stay fit for duty.

Our local firefighters have one of the most dangerous and physically demanding jobs around and it’s important for them and us that they stay in the best shape possible and can get straight back to work after injury.

"Joseph Pilates created both physical and mental exercises and breathing techniques that not only condition the body, but helps focus the mind and keep stress levels down."

We’ve been down to the station to see for ourselves just how heavy their fire fighting equipment is, tools they need to force entry to buildings, raise ladders, ventilate roofs, handle charged hose lines and rescue people.

Each and every call out can be stressful, an adrenaline rush that requires a calm but very quick response in difficult conditions so it’s important our firefighters have the mental training to keep their heart rates down and to reduce stress.

Fit firemen are much less likely to suffer injuries like strains and sprains, pulled muscles or dislocated joints which can all cause time away from work. Pilates creates an evenly conditioned body helping to prevent injury and strengthens the back by building support and strength in the abdominals, (important for such backbreaking work).

Joseph Pilates created both physical and mental exercises and breathing techniques that not only condition the body, but helps focus the mind and keep stress levels down. The breathing exercises also help increase lung capacity and circulation.

Injuries do happen though, so we work with the crews in their fully-equipped gym at the station, guiding them through exercises based on strengthening, stability and proprioception, because precise coordination really is essential in their line of work.

We tailor the exercises to all our clients’ individual fitness needs and for our firefighters that means helping them prepare their bodies for the stresses of fighting fires – the heat and smoke, having to wear and carry heavy gear and because of the unexpectedness of fires, the lack of sleep.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

His method teaches us how to balance and control the whole body, and enables us to exercise that control in other areas of our lives. He claimed we’d all be happier doing his exercises too!

We all rely on the emergency services to help keep us and our homes safe and our local firefighters know they can rely on our team at Augré Physiotherapy to keep them physically fit, mentally ready and able to do their jobs.

More info: www.augrephysiotherapy.com

37

WORK

Employee Wellbeing, a MUST to have.

WORDS: Beverley Le Cuirot, Founder and Director, WellBeing World PHOTOS: Paul Wright Photographer

“Employee wellbeing is not a nice to have, it’s a MUST to have.” ~ Professor Sir Cary L. Cooper at the recent CIPD Jersey Conference ‘THINK!’ He’s right of course, and the line-up of speakers certainly did make us all think.

As CIPD Jersey Chair, Cheryl Kaye said when she opened the conference: “If you think about it, we think all of the time. But how often do we stop and think about the quantity and quality of our thoughts? And what do those thoughts then trigger in our actions? And those around us?”

It’s estimated that we have around 50 – 60,000 thoughts per day. How often do you think about the impact of those thoughts on your behaviour and performance? The CIPD Jersey conference was our chance to stop and think; to reflect, to explore our minds and to understand our thoughts better in order to enhance our own performance and that of others around us in our personal and professional lives.

38

Attended by industry leaders, directors, managers and HR professionals, the conference did just that. Cheryl challenged us: “We know that the workplace is the place we spend the majority of our time, and that our thoughts drive our behaviours … so how can we influence or perhaps change this?” She encouraged us to find at least one thing to take away from the conference, either that we will do differently or that we will share with others.

My takeaway is that: Employee wellbeing is a MUST to have for all organisations – and it is my life’s work to spread that word.

Along with Rossborough Healthcare, WellBeing World was honoured to be a joint sponsor of the conference which brought together prominent speakers from the world

of work and neuroscience, all experts in their respective fields, and specialising in resilience, wellbeing, mindfulness, mental health, addiction, stress management, leadership and much more.

Richard Clarke, Managing Director of Rossborough Heathcare told WellBeing World: “We’ve been delighted to continue our support of the CIPD Jersey Branch with this fantastic event. There was a great mix of both local and international speakers, all able to give their own expert insight into the world of positive health and wellbeing and the impact it can have on us both personally and at work. There was a definite buzz amongst those in attendance and great to see the CIPD shine a light on this hugely important topic.”

Building on the popularity of The Future of Work Jersey which was hosted by WellBeing World in 2016, the aim of the CIPD event was to

WORK

equip delegates to enhance their own and the performance of others at work through understanding and applying cutting-edge research about the brain. Feedback from the delegates suggests that it achieved its objectives and more. “Thought provoking”, “enlightening”, “inspiring”, and “practical”, were just some of the comments received. As one of the organisers, “Well planned and well delivered”, and from ITV News Presenter and MC for the day, Jess Dunsdon, “The best conference I have ever attended” was praise indeed.

Other expert speakers included: David Ogilvie, Founder & Director of The Resilience Development Company; Dr Alessio Agostinis, Founder of Jersey International Mindfulness Centre; Stephen McCrimmon, Head, Family and Carers Service, MIND Jersey; Jason Wyse, CEO, Silkworth Charity Group; Julia Tybura Chartered FCIPD, MD of Zenon Consulting; and Sue Cox, Facilitator, Speaker,

Creating a WORLD of Difference

"My takeaway is that: Employee wellbeing is a MUST to have for all organisations – and it is my life’s work to spread that word."

Coach and Tango Dancer – and they didn’t disappoint. Each brought a new aspect to for us to consider and to reflect upon.

During a very moving interview with CIPD Jersey Vice Chair Jayne Coppin, Jess shared her own very personal story of despair and triumph; and Richard Sheldon, Policy Advisor of CIPD Guernsey shared some telling results of the recent Guernsey Mental Health Survey (which is also detailed in this edition on pages 60/61). WellBeing World is pleased to note that as a result of THINK! CIPD Jersey will be rolling out the Jersey Mental Health Survey very shortly.

So, there were many highlights, overall though, the main takeaway

of the day for me came from keynote speaker, Professor Sir Cary L. Cooper when he announced most emphatically that ‘Employee wellbeing is not a nice to have, it’s a must to have.’ This was a recurring message throughout the conference, and one which reinforces the work we have been doing over the last several years to raise awareness for wellbeing generally, and employee wellbeing in particular, in the Channel Islands.

Hearing the validation of the need for employee wellbeing from one of the most eminent speakers on the subject certainly reinforced my views, as did seeing the nods of agreement from each of the delegates. Word is definitely spreading when it comes to wellbeing!

39

WORK

Latest Research: The Snowball Effect Employees Perform Better in Healthy Offices

The results of a recent report has found that employees operate and perform more effectively in a healthy working environment. The research was conducted at CBRE’s Amsterdam headquarters over a seven month period, with 124 participants. For two months data was collected with no changes, followed by a five-month period in which one element of the office was adapted each month.

Workplaces were fitted out with more plants, better lighting and participants were encouraged to exercise more, relax and eat more healthily. Other methods were also used in addition to these experiments, including daily questionnaires, one-to-one interviews and activity trackers.

Mr Wright added: “Making these modifications to our offices can prove to be a smart business investment, as the introduction of healthier offices can lead to less people taking sick leave, reduced cases of stress and burnout, and high staff turnover being eradicated.

The results suggest that the changes made to the office environment had a positive impact on the employees’ health and well-being, and that productivity improved.

“Innovative tech companies want efficient and ‘cool’ office spaces, with features including high ceilings and adaptive reuse conversions. This is an important factor to consider in Belfast, due to the number of potential office refurbishment projects in the city centre and the continued prospect of FDI. Creative office space will attract and retain talent, and foster creativity and positivity.”

David Wright, director, CBRE said: “We now spend the majority of our time in work – a place where a focus on health and wellbeing is a new development. Creating a more positive working environment for employees can be achieved by implementing a few very simple but effective techniques, such as adding more plants around the office, offering healthy alternative snacks, and encouraging staff to exercise more.”

Similar studies conducted in the past have often looked at extreme situations, whereas this is the first time that research of its kind has been carried out in an every-day scenario with typically healthy people – bringing business and science together.

40

Based on the findings of ‘The Snowball Effect of Healthy Offices’ report, it seems employers across the world will be looking for offices tailored to improve health and wellbeing in the pursuit of better productivity.

‘The Snowball Effect of Healthy Offices’ report was researched, compiled and presented by CBRE along with a research team at the University of Twente in the Netherlands.

BODY

Carefree Living – the Holistic Way WORDS: Dr Prasanna Kerur, Ayush Wellness Spa

To be carefree is to be free of care! Being carefree is to be happy and relaxed and is the opposite of being stressed out. Carefree is not the same thing as careless.

The cycle of life is full of uncertainties and it will remain that way because we never know what is next. Many of us don't take advantage of this and try to prevent the inevitable. Sure, you can plan strategically, but life tends to take its own course. Make the concerted effort to stop worrying about living up to the expectation and create your own life and embrace the uncertain.

Here are eight vital steps towards holistic carefree living.

1. Self awareness

Recognising oneself not as a mere body but as a perfect combination of physical body, mind and consciousness/ spirit is the initial step towards the spiritual journey of life.

42

Body and mind work as the external ego self and the consciousness is the pure self that permeates through the body-mind system and connects to the universal consciousness. This self-awareness strengthens the core and brings about fulfilment, peace and joy. Meditation is the key to unlock this state of being!

2. Breathe well

The secret to a stress-free state of being is to exercise the breath. Pranayama as a part of Yoga practice is a method that focuses on breathing involving three cycles-take a deep breath, hold the breath, then release it. Don’t forget to breathe deep whenever and wherever you feel fidgety and stressed.

BODY

3. Ask vital questions

Each day, take a moment to sit in silence ask yourself these fundamental questions. Don’t expect an answer straightaway.

- Who am I? - What is my purpose being here?

4. Harness positive affirmations

Start your day with positive affirmations and keep reminding yourself about them at regular intervals throughout the day. Affirmations are basically a form of auto-suggestion and when practiced deliberately and repeatedly, they reinforce chemical pathways in the brain, strengthening neural connections. Read the book You Can Heal Your Life, by Louise Hay. “I feel joy and contentment in this moment right now.”

“I am grateful for this moment and find joy in it.”

“Even when there is chaos around me, I remain calm and centred.”

Most importantly, have an affirmation every night before retiring to bed.

5. Learn to unlearn

6. Break free!

Break free from compulsive and addictive patterns.

Compulsions also often go hand in hand with anxiety and depression. The excitement of gambling, the comfort of eating, the high of the purchase … all temporarily drown out feelings of sadness and worry. But, of course as soon as the moment is over that bad feeling returns and so does the urge to repeat the soothing behaviour. Addiction is not about our brains being "hijacked" by drugs or experiences, it's about learned patterns of behaviour. Our inability to understand this leads to no end of absurdities. Think about what's driving the behaviour. Try to interrupt or at least postpone the behaviour.

7. Keep body and mind fit

"Unlearning is about moving away from something. Letting go, rather than acquiring. It’s like stripping old paint. It lays the foundation for the new layer of fresh learning to be acquired and to stick."

Reduce the burden of knowing. Unlearn! So what is unlearning? It is to let go of the things that you have learned. Example: take a cup.

Learning represents filling up the cup and unlearning would represent emptying the cup. You empty the cup and fill it up again. You might empty the cup of water and fill it up with a nice nutrient loaded smoothie. Same cup, different drink. Continue the loop.

Unlearning is about moving away from something.

Letting go, rather than acquiring. It’s like stripping old paint. It lays the foundation for the new layer of fresh learning to be acquired and to stick.

Since change is the only constant you can truly rely upon, learning to navigate and adapt to it is not just important to your survival, it’s essential for you to thrive in the bigger game of life. Unlearning (and then learning something new) will keep you innovative, relevant and valuable.

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn” ~Alvin Toffler.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

Regular, natural physical activities like walking, running, dancing, cycling, swimming along with good sense of humour and good laughter help to keep us fit and energetic.

You are what you eat! So ensure a back to basics healthy cooking and eating patterns keeping various fresh, seasonal produce that are bursting with nutritional and more importantly eat mindfully with full involvement.

Release the accrued physical, chemical and emotional toxins out of your system frequently with regular massage, exfoliation and reflexology.

8. Listen to your gut feeling

Many of us have forgotten how to listen to our intuition.

We have to relearn how to listen and respond. As children, we listened to our gut feeling as but as we grew older many of us forgot how. Listen to your intuition instead of brushing it aside. Your intuition may not always steer you right, but it can be a useful first step in decision-making.

Step away from the situation, be honest with yourself and acknowledge those unsettled feelings; they are there to guide and support you. Listen to them. Pause and reflect on the message your intuition sent you and follow it, you will never go wrong!

43

BODY

Tending to Your Tendons WORDS: Lorna Jackson 1st BSc (Hons) MBAcC, AFN, Health Point Clinic

Climber’s elbow. Achilles pain. Rotator cuff tear. Most athletes have experienced tendon pain at some point in their careers. In fact, tendon pain is one of the most commonly diagnosed chronic connective tissue disorders in sports medicine (1).

Why endurance athletes are likely to develop chronic tendon injuries:

A tendon is a type of connective tissue that transmits forces generated by muscle to the bone, tendons store and release energy to propel the body forward, sideways, backward, etc.

Connective tissues like tendons adapt at a much slower rate than muscles do. Muscles heal quickly because they are nourished directly by a rich blood supply; tendons have a poor direct blood supply and are fed mostly through the synovial fluid-containing sheath surrounding the tendon.

Endurance athletes often increase the intensity and length of their workouts at a pace too fast for connective tissue to adapt adequately. Their muscles may be able to handle the increased workload, but their connective tissue (tendons, ligaments, bones) cannot keep up and injury results.

Tendon Anatomy and Injury

Tendons are composed of collagen fibres bundled together like parallel straws. These fibres are aligned in a specific direction in order to handle a specific stress.

When a tendon undergoes repetitive or unusual stress, the healing process of collagen goes awry: the fibres become jumbled, stuck together, and a soft tissue adhesion (scar tissue) forms.

The unvaried and relentless training cycles of endurance athletes essentially guarantee the formation of these adhesions. Adhesions prevent the equal distribution of stress throughout the tendon, creating “stiff spots” that are subject to high levels of strain and an increased likelihood of injury (2). The tendon’s strength and function are compromised.

How Tendons Heal

In the first 24-48 hours after acute injury there is an inflammatory phase in which immune cells flood the area and clean up damaged collagen fibers.

In the repair phase, new collagen is formed, and this takes up to 6 weeks.

The remodelling phase is characterised by the collagen becoming properly aligned and strong, which can take up to a further 12 weeks (3).

If a tendon is continually overloaded and stressed during the healing phase, it will not heal properly and tendinosis may occur. Tendinosis a chronic tendon injury characterised by degenerative and disordered repair. If you have an injured tendon, it needs relative rest. Besides rest, there is ALWAYS something you should be doing to facilitate the healing process.

3 Things You Need To Be Doing To Restore The

44

BODY

Strength And Integrity Of Your Tendons: 1. Break up those adhesions.

Endurance sports place a lot of cumulative stress on the body, and the body is going to lay down scar tissue in an attempt to heal the area. There are a number of ways to break up adhesions and improve tissue mobility such as cupping and gua sha (similar to the Graston technique).

You can also take matters into your own hands using a lacrosse ball, foam roller, or just your fingers. A combination of compression and active movement will literally pull apart the scar tissue. To do this, compress the tissue (i.e. put your weight on a lacrosse ball under the tissue you want to work) and then take that muscle through its range of motion. It is important to break up the adhesions both in the injured tendon and in the fascial line that is overstressing the tendon in the first place.

2. Realign your collagen fibres: Eccentric exercises (lengthening

under contraction) generate a small piezoelectric current inside the tendon that stimulates the repair process IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. Eccentric exercises have been proven to be one of the most beneficial things you can do to regenerate healthy collagen (4).

3. Get some electro-acupuncture.

There are a number of recent studies that point to the role of acupuncture in tendon healing (5-9). Acupuncture is particularly effective in promoting tendon healing for a number of reasons: Electro-acupuncture kick starts a number of cellular processes that help tendons heal faster and stronger.

Acupuncture is unique in the precision with which it can reach the site of injury.

Acupuncture addresses the imbalances in entire fascial lines that are creating the injury in the first place.

If you are an endurance athlete, you will have soft tissue adhesions. You need to be doing something about it. Your connective tissue simply cannot heal from the daily onslaught of unvaried movement without laying down some scar tissue. Supple, mobile tissues do not get injured. Likewise, if you have an injury, rest alone is not sufficient to ensure that your tendon will heal properly. Take control of your overuse injuries. Take care of your tendons!

More info: www.healthpointclinic.co.uk

Please note the references 1-9 can be found on the Health Point Clinic website.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

45

BODY

A Fresh Approach to Managing Health No Pain, No Gain … Not Here!

Align Health Agency has been built on the philosophy that a personally tailored and proactive combination of services will help people to feel the best possible version of themselves. From chiropractic and sports massage to personal training with Align Fitness, together with talking therapies, all under the one brand brings a fresh approach to managing health.

It is therefore exciting to know that Align Fitness is now able to offer personal training from their new training suite in Gloucester Street. In the hub of the financial district, it is ideally located for those quick but effective training sessions we all need to do, to stay fit and healthy.

They also have fabulous shower facilities so you can freshen up before you go back to work.

All levels of fitness are welcome; from those who have already embarked on their training journey, to those who wish to start anew. Classes are available to enhance the training experience, both inside and outside the training suite, showing clients that you do not have to be a gym goer to get fit. Classes on offer will include Circuits, Yoga, Pilates, Mobility Education and Ko8 Class; the latter making its appearance for the first time in the Channel Islands.

The team at Align believe that allowing the client to understand ‘why’ they are training is the best way for them to develop their health and fitness. This may be through adjusting an exercise so they can get the most from it, or by teaching them new habits that can be used on a daily basis

More info: www.align.je

46

to improve function at work and at home. They speak with a lot of clients who have good habits, but don’t seem to be progressing, and they find that by making small adjustments they are able to reach their training goals faster.

"All levels of fitness are welcome; from those who have already embarked on their training journey, to those who wish to start anew."

The new fitness facility is unique as they have the ability to work alongside the practitioners at Align Health Agency, therefore clients’ risk of injury is dramatically reduced as they receive chiropractic and massage support.

They do not believe in the motto ‘No pain, No gain’, as with all of the additional support available from the combined services within the group, the client is able to be free of the aches and pains which often accompany strenuous – or sometimes not so strenuous – exercise.

BODY

Beach Body Healthy WORDS: Katherine Day

In today’s world, where image appears to be all-important, and we strive for that perfect shape and tone, it is vital to remember that being Beach Body Healthy is far better than being “Bikini Body Ready”.

While magazines and newspaper articles bombard us with images of “perfection” and the ways to achieve this through “beach body diets” and “beach body exercise programmes” it is very easy to lose sight of one simple fact, your health is far more important than your look, and you look far better when you are healthy.

When an individual is truly healthy, no matter what size or shape they are, their own inner beauty and confidence shine through. The more comfortable you are in your

48

own skin, and the healthier you are, the better you look. It is a self perpetuating cycle.

Too often we see “diet successes” taken to the extreme. Once on that diet treadmill it is very difficult to dismount, and slim and fit can easily give way to gaunt and hollow cheeked. Don’t sacrifice healthy for that size 6 bikini.

So how can we tackle this problem, and achieve our perceived beach body perfection, while remaining healthy?

A good way to start is by adjusting your body positivity. Learn to be comfortable in your own skin, and love what you have. Make the most of all your attributes. Take time out to treat yourself, go for regular walks, have that massage you have been postponing because of timing issues, visit the hairdresser, or simply enjoying an afternoon relaxing in a Spa. All this will benefit you in the long run.

But all good regimes need backup.

It is not enough to pamper yourself on the outside, you also need to look after the inside by ensuring that the fuel you provide your body is good fuel. A petrol car will run if you fill its tank with spirits, but it won’t run well. It will break down, and the

BODY

engine will suffer. Your own body is like that engine. Fill it with the correct fuel, and it will run for miles and not let you down. Whatever your food preferences, make sure that your diet is a balanced affair, cutting down on the salts and bad sugars is the first step to a healthier you.

Don’t go for the quick fixes. Take time to consider what you want to eat for the week. Use Sunday evenings for example to plan the week’s meals so that there are no impulse purchases of sneaky creamy pastas finding their way into the shopping trolley. And never ever shop when your tummy is rumbling.

It is not sufficient to ensure that the food that you eat is correct, you also need to ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Sleep is the greatest healer, and stress reliever. While a good night’s sleep instantly makes you feel better, its significance goes far beyond banishing tired eyes and bad moods. Getting sufficient sleep plays an important role in a healthy lifestyle, and brings great benefits to your heart, weight, and brain.

Stay hydrated. Even mild dehydration can affect your energy, mood and ability to think clearly, and can even lead to increased anxiety and tension. But don’t rush to down sugary drinks, they will not quench your thirst. An eight ounce glass of water regularly throughout the day will set you on the path to clearer thought processes. Even if you spend the majority of your day planted at your desk, make sure you have a water bottle handy.

what you are doing. Learn to dance, go swimming in a different bay every day, discover the green lanes on your bicycle, walk the cliff paths, join Park Run, or join forces with a friend and exercise together.

We all know that regular exercise releases endorphins that improve your mood, but take the time to find the right exercise plan for you and you will reap the benefits.

Instead of finding excuses and avoiding exercise, you will find yourself looking forward to it.

"Stay hydrated. Even mild dehydration can affect your energy, mood and ability to think clearly, and can even lead to increased anxiety and tension."

Most of all remember, being beach body ready does not necessarily mean being beach body perfect. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and true beauty comes from within. Treat yourself well, love the skin you are in, and you will be Beach Body Healthy for life.

Finally, find an exercise that you love.

Exercising is not a chore when you enjoy

Creating a WORLD of Difference

49

FITNESS

Sun, Sea, Fun and Fitness. Life’s a Beach!

WORDS: Tania Le Couilliard Master Personal Coach, Reformer Pilates & Advanced Mat Pilates at Healthhaus

Summer’s here!! Yippee! Time to throw out all the daily worries and head to the beach!! This is the time of the year where everybody starts to feel alive again and with the fair weather, why not head to the great outdoors for your exercise.

Where better than to venture out to one of our amazing beaches and the sea. Lots and lots of fantastic activities await here to help you forget about the dreary days of winter. You can take your fitness training to the water, relax and enjoy life at the same time.

50

In the last couple of years there has been a boom in water sport activities and they are now more readily available to the general public to try out; from kayaking, surfing, sailing and, my favourite, stand up paddling boarding.

If hitting the water isn't your idea of chilling out, then take a nice long walk on the beach, play ball games with friends or just sit, read and take time out.

FITNESS

Here are few facts about the benefits of my personal favourite carefree living time on the water stand up paddle boarding: Improves balance: Balance is important in everyday life.

We don't realise how much we rely on it until it starts to fail us. Paddle boarding will help strengthen those muscles that help keep us upright.

Full body workout: All your muscles are constantly working to ensure you stay upright!

• Legs and bum for standing.

• Core muscles for stability.

• Arms, back and shoulders for the paddling action.

Your whole body is constantly working to maintain balance and to keep you moving - great for toning all your muscles.

Low impact: Stand up paddling is a very low impact

exercise, so may be suitable as part of an injury rehab programme; allowing you to maintain strength and to keep your joints moving. Paddle boarding is particularly useful for runners who are experiencing shin splints or knee and hip pain.

Reduces stress: If you enjoy being out on the sea, paddle

boarding can be very soothing as you glide through the water (especially when it’s calm!) Take your time to look around you, enjoy the peace and the feeling of being out in the open.

Focus on the rhythm of your paddle strokes and you’ll soon forget about any other worries. Mentally and physically you’ll feel on top of the world. You’ll also get your daily dose of vitamin D from the sun, but don’t forget the sunscreen!

Cardio workout: If you spend enough time out on the

water paddle boarding, you can get a good cardio workout.

You can also race your friends while paddling to make it a bit more motivating and challenging, which is a good way to get the heart rate up. According to iSupWorld.com, paddle boarding will help you avoid being a victim of heart attacks and strokes. Engaging in paddle boarding is similar to running, aerobics, or even cross-training, you’ll have improved cardiovascular health and less risk for related diseases.

Improves endurance: Once you learn how to stand up

paddle board, you begin to master it and therefore develop your endurance from the constant paddling.

You will get similar benefits from most water sports, so go out there and find the activity that gets you down onto the sea. If paddle boarding doesn’t float your boat maybe try a couple of surf lessons or kayaking if you feel you’d be safer sitting down. We have some amazing coastlines to be explored.

Remember safety first when going out on the water.

Always check the wind and tides. I would recommend to go out in groups and if you are new to paddle boarding, go out with an experienced instructor and/or guide.

Sun, sea, fun, fitness and getting your daily dose of vitamin D. What more could you want, for a care free summer?

"If paddle boarding doesn’t float your boat maybe try a couple of surf lessons or kayaking if you feel you’d be safer sitting down. We have some amazing coastlines to be explored."

Creating a WORLD of Difference

51

FITNESS

Live in the Moment WORDS: Cesca Dessain Fitness Manager / Personal Coach at Healthhaus

Make the most of the present; live in the moment to achieve your health and fitness aspirations.

Setting and achieving new goals is incredibly important, however we are often too focused on what is ahead, preventing us from the making the most of the present moment. We often focus too much on the end goal more than focusing on what we are doing now, making the process stressful and a real struggle and therefore losing the enjoyment of the experience and changes. Embrace your journey and take in the experience whatever obstacle you may come up against. The goals you set should be a process of living and not an insignificant value of time.

Live life consciously, be an active participant in your life and take responsibility for the decisions you make. This will give you the ability to achieve your goals and be more successful. Living consciously provides many health benefits; it can contribute to managing your stress levels and finding ways to deal with different situations.

Those who live consciously appear to be more positive than those who don’t. Living consciously also addresses on the present time, not dwelling in the past or worrying about the future. The time and effort invested in the process and a positive approach will lead to amazing results and a sense of fulfilment for each and every day.

Within the Health and Fitness industry, we are driven by setting goals. Whether you are looking to lose weight, gain muscle mass, improve fitness performance or just feel more fit and healthy, understanding to recognise and seize the current moment is imperative to not only achieving goals, but succeeding with them in a positive and fulfilled way.

52

Here are a few ways you can incorporate this into your fitness routine: 1. Create small goals with realistic progressions to each workout.

2. Prioritise your technique and form to gain the benefits and long term development.

3. Set your mind and overcome the challenge; believe you can complete each exercise and session.

4. Focus on your body, how you move and how you feel rather than resisting the present.

5. Train with a positive attitude and effort to achieve the best results. You have achieved something by putting in the time and effort which will contribute towards your end goal.

6. Step out of your comfort zone: try something new!

Whether it be a new class or different type of workout, grab the opportunity and look at the positive outcome it may bring. Trying something new may seem daunting, but this will keep you motivated and therefore living your life to the fullest. Face your fears and confront those obstacles we often resist or avoid. Believe you can, and you will.

As long as you are moving you are heading in the right direction; recognise, embrace and appreciate your fitness journey. Focus on now and acknowledge each step of the way, don’t restrict yourself to what happened in the past or concern yourself too much on the future. Live in the moment and enjoy your experience. Focus to be your best and make it happen. Live life now.

FITNESS

Creating a WORLD of Difference

53

FOOD

A World of Flavour WORDS: Marion Gorrod

Marion Gorrod, branch manager of Waitrose St Saviour, discusses two new ranges launched for 2017.

With the picnic season upon us, it’s the perfect time to try Waitrose’s new ranges launched for summer.

Taking inspiration from key food trends, the Waitrose World Deli range is full of light and vibrant dishes.

Introducing new world ingredients and flavours including the Hawaiian fish dish, poke (pronounced ‘poh-kay’), and gochujang, a spicy Korean condiment; the products can be matched together to create colourful sharing plates. From pastries to frittatas, antipasti to seafood, there is a world of flavours to explore, with the range featuring cuisines from Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Caribbean, Peru and Greece.

Using the very best ingredients from around the world, Waitrose World Deli includes Serrano Involtinis - Italian for ‘little bundle’ - made from cured and air-dried serrano Pictured above:

Pork, Roquito Pepper and Pibil Skewers - Roasted skewered meatballs made from British pork, diced red peppers and a spicy pibil paste, inspired by traditional Mexican slow cooked dish of pork pibil Jerk Chicken Thigh Kebabs - British chicken thigh kebabs roasted in a pimento, allspice and cinnamon marinade 54

ham from south-western Spain. Combined with the classic Argentinian chimichurri dressing, these involtinis pack a powerful flavour punch.

Yuzu is frequently hailed as a superfood due to its antioxidant properties, with celebrity chefs like Heston Blumenthal and Nigel Slater using it in recipes. The citrus flavour provides a subtle tang to the Chargrilled Fennel, Yuzu and Coriander Antipasti, with hints of Thai aromas.

The World Deli range combines the best flavours from a huge range of international cuisines in small, shareable dishes. Designed to be mixed up, served and shared at dinner parties, gatherings and picnics, we can’t wait to see what customers think of these new dishes.

Chargrilled Fennel, Yuzu, Coriander Chargrilled fennel with a yuzu, chilli and coriander dressing Gochujang Hot Smoked Mackerel - Mackerel pieces marinated in soy sauce, salted black beans, spicy cayenne, garnished with spring onion, then hot smoked over oak chips Smoked Salmon and Yuzu, Edamame - Scottish smoked salmon pieces with chopped radish and edamame beans

and a distinctive yuzu, orange and green jalapeno dressing Butternut Crush - Charred Cauliflower, Cranberry Charred Corn Crush - Black Bean, Piquillo Pepper Stuffed Vine Leaves - Hand wrapped vine leaves with rice, onion, lemon juice and herbs

FOOD

Good to Go with the Lunch Bunch

Eating well is important to shoppers, who are looking for fresh, nutritious and beautiful foods with lots of colour.

To keep midday mealtimes interesting, Waitrose has introduced 23 new products to its ‘Good to Go’ range, including chia seed flatbreads, gorgeous grain salads and sandwich thins under 300 calories. Almost half of the range is vegetarian, featuring a meat-free take on a New York deli favourite.

Waitrose studied emerging food trends to create the new Good to Go products.

Alongside American and Mexican, there are nods to Greek cuisine with ingredients such as broad beans, dill, capers and olives. A lot of attention has been paid to diversifying the breads used in the sandwiches too - such as bloomers, rye, thins and open flatbread.

For those looking to keep calories in check, Waitrose has added three sandwich thins, all under 300 calories.

Varieties include Egg and Smoked Ham Thin, Cheese Ploughman’s Thin and Roast Chicken Salad Thin.

Grains are hugely popular right now so feature in many of the supermarket’s new salads. Go 'al desko' with the King Prawn and Black Quinoa Salad. Black rice and black quinoa create a striking colour base when you add king prawns and finish with a mango and miso dressing. Also new to the range is the Avocado, Feta and Rice Salad.

"Waitrose has introduced 23 new products to its ‘Good to Go’ range, including chia seed flatbreads, gorgeous grain salads and sandwich thins under 300 calories. Almost half of the range is vegetarian, featuring a meat-free take on a New York deli favourite."

And for a tasty summer dessert to help you cool down …

Why not try making berry and coconut ice lollies?

Vegetarian Gluten Free Preparation time:

10 minutes, plus freezing Cooking time: 0 minutes Total time: 10 minutes, plus freezing Makes: 8

Method

1. Hull the strawberries and put in a blender with the other berries. Add the coconut milk and honey (add more to taste if liked) and whizz until smooth. Divide the mixture between 8 x 150ml lolly moulds and secure an upright lolly stick in each. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight, until completely solid. Dip the outside of the moulds in hot water for a few seconds to release.

Ingredients

280g mixed strawberries, raspberries and blueberries 400ml can coconut milk 2 tbsp honey, plus extra to taste

About Waitrose

Winner of Best Food Retailer at the Verdict Customer Satisfaction Awards, Waitrose currently has 355 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, including 64 convenience branches, and another 27 shops at Welcome Break locations. It combines the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop, and is dedicated to offering quality food that has been responsibly sourced, combined with high standards of customer service. Waitrose also exports its products to 58 countries worldwide and has eight shops which operate under licence in the Middle East. Waitrose's omnichannel business includes the online grocery service www.waitrose.com - as well as specialist online shops including www.waitrosecellar.com for wine.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

55

FOOD

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly The Food Choices We Make

WORDS: Andy Barnes, MD, Jersey Foodstate

We are influenced daily by clever marketing and there is no better example than with food. If you buy a so-called “health spread”, you will be buying a hydrogenated, trans-fat product that is entirely unnatural to your body and stressful to the liver and immunity. Yet the beautiful people in the ads with perfect smiles apparently owe their health to these products. Not so!

We can categorise the foods we buy in to Nutritional, Stimulant and Intellectual foods. I am sure you can guess which one we need the most: It’s the one that is advertised the least!

Nutritional Foods: Essentially these are

vibrant and dynamic nutrient-rich foods consumed in a natural form that the body can recognise and absorb. These are organicallygrown ripe fresh fruit and vegetables. The

56

body expends much less energy processing and utilising this wonderful class of foods.

This results in a substantial health benefit for the immune system as it conducts its functions of detoxification, removing waste products, repairing tissue and promoting healthy growth. Foods in their natural form grown according to nature’s laws and principles provide the optimum opportunities for positive health.

FOOD

Animal products or their by-products (milk, cheese, eggs and other dairy products) do provide us with health benefits, however, they require more energy to extract and utilise their beneficial materials. It is salutary to reflect upon the difference between organically reared and commercially reared animal products, and indirectly their by-products.

We do need to be aware that commercially reared animal and animal by-products contain many synthetic additives and ‘improvers’ that we plainly do not require for optimum health.

Stimulant foodstuffs: These are foods

that, as the title implies, stimulate us at differing levels. There are some healthy stimulant foods, however, we have to be aware that many foods stimulate us in a negative way, making us feel better for a while, until we need the next ‘fix’. We all need the comfort of a reward from time to time, as long as we are aware that these feel-good foods are not to be considered a nutrient source. Many processed foods are damaging to our immune systems, for example, sugared and artificially sweetened foods and drinks, fried foods, caffeine products, foods made with refined flour and a whole host of foods made with undesirable additives. There is no need to dwell on this class of food, suffice to say that they are not in a natural form that our body can utilise and benefit from. Some of the foodstuffs require us to expend a lot of energy extracting what benefit there is, if any. It is rather like a bank account: we can write a cheque if we have the funds necessary to cover the amount, but if we do not have sufficient reserves in our health account we can go overdrawn.

Intellectual foodstuffs: This intriguing class of food is essentially produced according to modern techniques of food processing, refining and other unnatural methods of manufacture. Marketing departments within companies quite often develop these foodstuffs to create a sales market. Perhaps we should ask ourselves whether it seems sensible to take a naturally grown food and refine Creating a WORLD of Difference

it – i.e. strip away some of its natural food components with their associated benefits – and then add artificial chemicals to it.

Introduced for profit, these artificially processed products are expressly designed to appeal to our intellect and desires. We have seen the enticing advertisements for these ‘healthy’ manufactured foods Do they contribute any additional health benefits that food in its natural unprocessed form could not deliver?

Rarely, if at all.

"Our precious immune system requires both the physical materials and conditions to perform its function properly; through our selection of foods we do contribute positively to building to combating disease and re-establishing good health."

This brief introduction to differing classes of foods can help provide a foundation for future healthy food choices. Our precious immune system requires both the physical materials and conditions to perform its function properly; through our selection of foods we do contribute positively to building to combating disease and reestablishing good health.

What about Supplements? A good

question. Our Foodstate nutrients are created in their food form, so we can genuinely put them in to the “nutritional foods” category. Sadly, 98% of nutritional supplements come from pharmaceuticalgrade synthetic/chemical sources, so to refer to them as “natural” is misleading. We recommend as a minimum, a food-based multi vitamin & mineral to compensate for the desperate depletion of these essential nutrients from the farm soils.

More info : www.jerseyfoodstate.com

57

FOOD

Ditch the Diet!

WORDS: Beverley Le Cuirot Founder WellBeing World and IIN Health Coach

EAT

If you want more energy, agility, clarity and focus, crash diets won’t do it, but changing how you eat, move, sleep and relax will.

1. Start Your Day with Protein

Starting your day with sugar-loaded cereal doesn’t provide sustained energy. Fortunately, the solution is as easy as it is delicious: start your day with some filling protein instead. Not only will a protein-rich breakfast keep you satisfied for longer, it can also help you shed unwanted weight. Research published in the International Journal of Obesity reveals that study subjects who started their mornings with eggs versus a similarly-caloric bagel lost 65% more weight than their carb-consuming counterparts.

2. Fill Up on Fibre

A little extra fibre on your menu can go a long way.

Not only will it fill you up, it can also cause significant changes to your intestinal microbiome, kick-starting your metabolism along the way. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that individuals whose diets were rich in high-fibre whole grains burned approximately 100 calories more each day than those who opted for refined carbs.

58

3. Pack in Some Probiotics

Researchers at Imperial College London have determined a link between consumption of probiotics, like those found in fermented foods, and metabolic changes linked to decreased fat absorption and weight loss. So, if you’re eager to kick that metabolism into gear, start by adding some fermented foods to your meal plan.

MOVE

4. Morning Miracle in Action

One of the easiest tools to boost your metabolism is available free of charge. Enjoying some early morning sunlight could just be just the ticket. Researchers at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine found that individuals who were exposed to early morning sunlight had lower BMIs independent of other factors known to affect metabolism, like exercise, calorie consumption, or age. Those who took in the sun just a few hours later didn’t experience the same benefits. An early morning walk is a win-win.

FOOD

5. Build Some Muscle

Not for everyone, but the answer to your body fitness won’t be found in a bottle of diet pills, it’s in the gym or out on the circuit. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that subjects with greater proportions of skeletal muscle had significantly higher resting metabolic rates than those who had a higher fatto-muscle ratio.

SLEEP

6. You Snooze You Lose – in a Good Way!

Sleeping may not have the same calorific burn as working out but getting an adequate amount of sleep can make all the difference when it comes to your metabolism.

Researchers at the University of São Paulo have found a link between the production of sleep hormone melatonin and increases in leptin, a hormone that signals satiety, suggesting that a good night’s sleep can help you steer clear of sugary, fat-laden snacks with ease. A study published in the academic journal Sleep additionally reveals that even minor sleep deprivation can significantly increase levels of cortisol, a hormone that triggers fat storage. We are only just realising the important benefits of sleep, and these are just a few.

7. Put Your Phone Down

RELAX

8. Less Stress

While some people claim that maintaining high stress levels is essential for their productivity, staying stressed may be having a detrimental effect on your metabolism.

When you’re stressed out, your body increases the production of cortisol, a hormone that triggers belly fat storage. Multiple studies have linked high cortisol levels to lower metabolic rates and an increased risk of obesity, making it so important to find time to de-stress and decompress. Researchers at Kaiser Permanente have linked lower stress levels to an increased likelihood of meeting weight loss goals, so if you’ve got some stubborn weight you just can’t shake, some deep breaths and a whole lot of “me time” may be just as important as those long hours you’re logging at the gym.

Research via Eat This Not That.

"While some people claim that maintaining high stress levels is essential for their productivity, staying stressed may be having a detrimental effect on your metabolism."

If your phone is starting to feel like it’s an extension of your body, the best thing you can do for your mental health and metabolism is to step away and unplug (difficult, I know!). Researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse have found that just 50 minutes of cell phone use a day can affect your brain’s glucose metabolism, and a study conducted at Northwestern University reveals that the bright light emitted from digital devices can have a negative impact on our circadian rhythms, making it more difficult to get an adequate amount of sleep, and slowing our metabolism in the process.

Creating a WORLD of Difference

Since qualifying with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, I have created the Eat Move Sleep Relax platform which is dedicated to the four pillars of radical wellbeing: eating nutritious food, keeping the body moving, getting enough sleep, and learning how to relax. I also incorporate the 30 Days to Health Living Programme & Beyond which has proven to be a sustainable way to finding a healthy lifestyle.

We are all different and we each need to find the foods, the exercise, the sleep, and the relaxation methods which suit us. The 30 Days to Healthy Living is a good way to identify what’s right for you.

More info: www.facebook.com/ EatMoveSleepRelax or contact: 30days@wellbeingworld.je

59

MIND

Guernsey Mental Health Report

WORDS: Richard Sheldon, Policy Advisor, CIPD Guernsey Branch

The importance of supporting people’s mental health at work has slowly but surely gained recognition in Guernsey over the past few years and with good reason. We are inevitably influenced by the press coverage this issue attracts from the UK, but as a relatively small community with limited resources when issues do arise in the workplace it can have a significant impact.

The most recent large-scale survey of adults living in England found that nearly one person in four (23%) had at least one psychiatric disorder (Health and Social Care Information Centre 2009). This stark statistic means that a much higher proportion of people in work must be suffering from common mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, than has probably been assumed by most employers.

Greater awareness of the high proportion of people who experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives has encouraged a broader appreciation of holistic health and wellbeing approaches that address the psychological, as well as the physical, risks affecting people’s health. The upwards trajectory of stress and mental health conditions as a cause of sickness absence in organisations has also helped to push mental wellbeing up the workplace agenda.

60

Whilst surveys in the UK have become increasingly common over recent years, as far as we are aware there has never been an equivalent survey undertaken in Guernsey before. It is against this backdrop that the CIPD Guernsey Branch commissioned this survey in 2016 to explore experiences and attitudes about mental health in the workplace from both the employee and employer perspective. The questions asked in our survey are based upon the questions asked by the CIPD in its national Employee Outlook Survey carried out in July 2016, enabling us to compare how attitudes to mental health in Guernsey compare with the UK.

MIND

Key Findings for Guernsey • 44% have experienced mental health problems in employment • 25% always go into work despite suffering poor mental health • 36% of employers provide training to line managers on how to deal with mental health issues • 10% have received adverse treatment as a result of disclosing mental health issues Employers cannot afford to ignore people’s mental health in the workplace. Our survey finds that over four people in ten (44%) have experienced mental health problems while in employment. This is significantly more than in the UK (31%). One difference that may have affected the results is that the majority of people in Guernsey work in either the financial or professional services, whereas the UK has a more diverse economy. Given these jobs are often associated with long hours and high pressure, this results is perhaps unsurprising.

This figure rises to 47% for female employees compared with only 37% for men. Given a similar differential in the UK (36% vs 26%) this points to a wider trend that women are more likely to admit or to be aware that they have mental health needs. From an employer’s perspective this is a key statistic to bear in mind when dealing with men as there may be a reluctance to admit there is a problem.

The question is then what can employers do to tackle these issues?

Creating an open culture around mental health is the first step in raising awareness about mental health issues and fostering an environment where people feel comfortable to disclose their own experience of poor mental health; if individuals don’t disclose their mental health problem at work, they will not receive any organisational support if it is available.

The day-to-day responsibility for managing staff falls on line managers, and this should include dealing with the mental health of employees. Training in this area is vital to ensure managers have the confidence and competence to implement policies sensitively and fairly. One of the most encouraging results of the survey is that 36% of Guernsey employers already provide training for line managers and 29% provide resilience training for staff.

These figures are slightly better than the UK. Another element is promoting these services, as only 19% of employees believed their employers offered such training.

A good starting point for this is a mental health policy,

"Creating an open culture around mental health is the first step in raising awareness about mental health issues and fostering an environment where people feel comfortable to disclose their own experience of poor mental health"

Based on the results, Guernsey employers do offer a wide range of support to employees experiencing difficulties.

The four main forms of support are phased return to work (93%), access to occupational health services (86%), access to flexible working (79%), and access to counselling services (68%).

Yet it is striking that many employees are not aware of the support that is on offer, with the response from employees being almost half those compared to employers. This demonstrates that there remains work for the employers to do in this area, and there remains a gap between the reality of what is on offer and the perception of employees.

although this is not sufficient by itself. The best employers promote mental wellbeing through other means, and are willing to discuss the issue freely and openly.

Despite greater awareness about the need to pay attention to the psychological, as well as the physical, aspects of people’s health and wellbeing at work, our survey shows that there is some way to go before the majority of employers develop a robust framework in this area. If people have good mental health, and feel supported during times of poor mental health, ti is not a leap to assume they will feel more motivated, engaged and productive at work.

The urgency with which employers should be addressing this agenda will only increase in the years to come.

More info: guernsey@cipdbranch.co.uk Creating a WORLD of Difference

61

MIND

Building Your Resilience ... bouncing back from adversity WORDS: Sam Duffy, Founder, Gecko Learning Solutions

What do you mean by bounce back? Some people may take this literally asking ‘why would you want to bounce back to the past?’ I don’t see it like this. Bouncing back is not about time, it’s about the speed and quality of recovery.

62

MIND

We all have bad times; things that happen to us that challenge our mental, emotional and physical strength. This could be anything from a bad day to a more serious traumatic event. Your mind is your onboard computer. It has its own programme, created by you and your experiences. A weak programme will dwell negatively on the event, replaying it, often repeatedly attaching disproportionate importance to it. As a result the problem grows. We can get stuck, unable to move on, eventually becoming overwhelmed.

Don’t worry if you have more questions than answers at this point. This is normal.

Despite challenge and change being as certain in life as death and taxes, it is more than likely that you have not received any training or education in this area, at school or in the workplace.

Where attention goes, energy flows, where energy flows, life grows.

Let’s be clear here that bounce back is not about blocking or denying what’s happened. A simple starting point, is what I call the 3 A’s:

Acceptance of the world that we live in.

Life is a challenge. Expect it. Embrace it.

Awareness of events and their impact

on you. Instead of ‘why me?’ ask ‘why not me?’ As the old Arabic proverb goes ‘all sunshine makes a desert’.

Ability to respond and recover quickly

with resilient skills and behaviours. You wouldn’t try to decorate a room without the proper tools for the job, so why would you not ‘tool yourself up’ to deal with challenge and change? I know you are imagining a workman’s belt full of tools here, this is good. Hold that thought!

So, after a challenging time, how do you respond? Do you press pause or replay?

Do you pick up where you left off or do you stand still? Do you feed the memory junk thoughts or do you detox? Do you have a range of tools for the job, or is it always a hammer?

So where can you start?

Taking time out to consider your current level of resilience is a good start. Is your onboard computer fit for purpose? Is the programme helping or hindering? We can help you identify this.

Once you have determined a base-line you can look to improve your toolkit of solutions; your skillset and mindset. For every question there is an answer and for every problem, there is a solution. That’s the resilient thinking that helps you bounce back.

Oh, and it’s nothing to do with tennis balls either!

More info: www.geckojersey.com

Creating a WORLD of Difference

63

INSIGHT

WORDS: Samuel S Recovering Addict, on behalf of Silkworth Charity Group

I find the term ‘carefree living’ an interesting one. Sobriety has in many ways provided me with a lifestyle that is more care free; if anything it has provided me with an opportunity to care more about the world in which I live and the people that share the world with me.

64

INSIGHT

Dictionary definitions of ‘carefree’ include light-hearted, joyous, elated and cheerful.

seemed previously locked away open up to you, joys that for me without being sober would have been locked away.

‘Wear your sobriety like a flowing robe, not a hair shirt or indeed a hessian mankini’, these are words that I have heard issuing from my sponsor, the addition of the hessian mankini was a onetime ad lib, but you get the point.

Another part of the last six and half years for me has been a growing relationship and understanding of the sea.

Surfing has been something that I briefly tried and loved whilst I was drinking, I could not focus on or give the time and energy required to improve. Memories of peeling blue heavy waves in Morocco, glittering seas, gorse and summer days by the coast in our native beautiful Isles, and the pumping surf of Indonesia have all contributed to the mosaic that has made up a healthier and happier way of life in sobriety. Not always easy, however a life which if I were to die tomorrow, I would die safe in the knowledge that I had lived in a way that made my soul rejoice, not mired always within the fog, confusion and self loathing that comes with the bottle for the alcoholic.

Sobriety has provided me a platform from which I can care more about the world around me than I used to, I can care for my family, choose to live in a way that I can add positively to the world rather than detract from it. With this potential comes responsibility, it does not however weigh me down, it fills me with hope for the future, it gives me possibilities of health, love, fulfilled potential, of working towards dreams so that they might come to fruition.

This is a far stretch from the weight and heaviness that comes with alcoholism and addiction.

The promise of drink and drugs for me was the potential to prolong the party, to remove myself from the humdrum everyday life that I found dull and tawdry. I wanted my world to transform at the weekends, indeed as often as possible and substances helped me remove myself from myself. They turned all that did not glitter to gold, for a time, there were always consequences, however there was a time in which I was surrounded by so many friends that I could keep at bay the darkness of alcoholism that would eventually overcome me as I like so many others before, and after me will attest to, the utter isolation and desolation which comes to visit us when we are truly alone and our one companion is the bottle and the drug.

"In sobriety, I have hiked up mountains, learned to surf, climb, practiced the odd bit of yoga and continue to practice meditation, these are all activities through which I am able to find the joy in the everyday."

I was always active and exercised, it is something that I managed to maintain not with strict adherence to I might add, throughout my drinking. It was a tool that I used to try and counter the awfulness I felt whist living in that way.

Alongside meetings, the climbing wall has become a place of solace and joy, the feeling of total focus, of a body working in harmony with mind is a wondrous thing, it helps me to reset in times of stress and gives me a space to think and be when I need. Admittedly I am no climbing expert however as you continue and progress, joys that

The coast and sea were important characters in my childhood; clambering up cliffs and through rock pools, sandwiches with sand in and beaches emptying at sunset; are imprinted into memories of my childhood. Contact with this wondrous part of the world has been rekindled since I stopped drinking. It seems unthinkable to me today that I might live in a way that means I cannot access this joy, however that is what drinking and using mean for me.

I am confined to a life of constant exhaustion from being up late and partying and for searching for that elusive high that is always disappearing around the next corner.

In sobriety, I have hiked up mountains, learned to surf, climb, practiced the odd bit of yoga and continue to practice meditation, these are all activities through which I am able to find the joy in the everyday. The reality is that for me, a life of drinking and drugging, which I thought provided me with freedom and liberty was in fact prison that would follow me to the ends of the earth and beyond.

Life in sobriety provided many challenges, I have no doubt it will continue to do so. I do however feel that I am living in a way that is aligned with my happiness, and feel that I am living in a manner with which I can feel happy and in a way proud. So yes I am carefree, I am also however careful, caring, responsible, joyous, grateful and hopefully working at and learning to be present.

65

INSIGHT

Morning Pages WORDS: Katherine Day

Need a productive day filled with self-love rather than anxiety and stress? Perhaps Morning Pages can help.

This is a ritual for the morning, created and outlined by Julia Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way. Whether or not you consider yourself an artist, this is a practice that can be utilised by anyone and everyone who wants to achieve more in their day, with a positive rather than a negative attitude.

The concept, and the rule, of this practice is that each morning you grab a notebook and pen and write three pages long hand. It must be three pages and it must be written in long hand. However, this writing doesn’t need to be poetry or fiction, it can be anything. Most often, these words on the page are early morning ramblings as your brain wakes into consciousness. Here you can pour out any worries and concerns that may be causing negative “blockages”.

66

Spill your anxieties and fears onto the page and you feel lighter. Use the time to indulge in yourself and focus on your mental health. Let your brain wander and you never know,

you might come up with an idea that can springboard you into an entirely new direction or provide a clarity that helps you through your day.

Although this is very much a personal challenge, one for you to complete

every day, don’t allow yourself to be beaten by a missed day. Just pick up the pen and begin again, even if it is with your evening coffee rather than your morning hot water and lemon.

This practice helps you create a positive outlook for each day. Make it

fit with you. All you have to do is pick up a pen and write three pages. That’s it. Just let the ink flow and write.

INSIGHT

Clarity and Guidance with Oracle Cards

WORDS: Julie Dryburgh, Life Coach at Align Health Agency

I’ve always had a strong interest in Oracle Cards and often used them to gain guidance and advice whenever I felt I was at crossroads in my life.

My experience of Oracle Cards has been powerful and positive.

It was during one of my readings that it became evident that the ability to interpret Oracle Cards for others was a gift I had. From this experience, I took the leap of faith to start offering Oracle Card readings and have never looked back.

I chose to offer readings with Oracle Cards as I find that they are less structured than Tarot. I feel Oracle Cards have a different energy that allows me to better use my intuition to interpret the cards’ meanings for my clients.

The cards have meaningful images and guiding words on them to interpret areas of your life such as romance, finances, life and health. They have been used for centuries as a guide to interpret all aspects of life and I use them in the same way for my clients.

So how does it work? The client chooses which set of Oracle Cards they wish to use and instructs me when to stop shuffling. A relevant number of cards will be placed in a specific order for interpretation. The sessions are unique to you; no two readings are ever the same. The sessions last an hour and a healing mediation may be provided depending on the outcome of the guidance.

Oracle cards help people find clarity, receive guidance and embrace the necessary changes that may need to be made in their lives. Through this awareness you can experience an amazing sense of deep healing so that any life transformation may begin. It’s so easy to arrange; readings can be held on Skype, as well as during 1-1 private sessions, depending on your location, availability and preference.

More info: www.juliedryburgh.com – and to arrange an appointment, please contact Julie on +44 (0) 1534 789 367.

67

INSIGHT

Helping People Stay Independent WORDS: Julie Couley, Founder, All Care Jersey

All Care Jersey offer a wide range of services specifically to help people remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible. But when is staying home alone no longer a good idea?

In recent years, Paula Spencer Scott, senior editor at Caring.com, compiled a guide to help families determine when the time has come to move older relatives from their homes and into a more supportive

environment or, alternatively, to bring in a home health carer, such as All Care Jersey, who can provide them the necessary assistance. The following is adapted from Ms. Scott’s recommendations.

"And, if you are the primary caregiver, how are you doing? Are you increasingly exhausted, depressed or becoming resentful of the sacrifices you have to make to care for the person?"

68

INSIGHT

The following tell-tale signs could alert the need for greater care within the home: • Recent accidents or close calls, like a fall, medical scare or minor car accident.

• A slow recovery. How well was a recent illness weathered? Did it develop into something serious? Was medical help sought when needed?

• Ask friends and neighbours whether your family member’s behaviour has changed lately.

• Ask the person’s doctor whether you should be concerned about the person’s health or safety and whether a home assessment by a social worker or geriatric care manager may be advisable. If you expect resistance from the person, ask the doctor to “prescribe” a professional evaluation.

• Worsening of a chronic health condition. As problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia or congestive heart failure progress, more help will be needed.

Care for the Carer

• Bodily changes, like obvious weight loss or gain, increased frailty or unpleasant body odour.

Consider your older relative’s emotional state. If he/she is riddled with anxieties or increasingly lonely, then it may be time to make a move for reasons other than health and safety.

• Greater difficulty managing the so-called activities of daily living, like dressing, bathing and cooking.

• A loss of active friendships, including outings with friends, visits with neighbours or participation in religious or other group activities.

• Days spent without leaving the house, perhaps because of difficulty driving or a fear of using public transport.

• Is someone checking in regularly? If not, is there a home-safety alarm system, a personal alarm system or a daily calling service in place?

• Is someone nearby to assist if there’s a fire, flood or other disaster, and does the older resident understand plans for a catastrophe?

• Mail in a chaotic state, scattered about and unopened. Are there unpaid overdue bills or piles of unread magazines?

• If an older relative is still driving, go along for a ride and look for failure to fasten the seat belt or heed dashboard warning lights; signs of tension, preoccupation or distraction while driving; damage to the vehicle that may indicate carelessness.

• In the kitchen, signs of excess or forgetfulness, like perishables well past their expiration dates.

• Favourite appliances are broken but not scheduled for repair.

• Signs of fires. Look for charred stove knobs or pot bottoms, potholders with burned edges, a discharged fire extinguisher. Do smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have live batteries?

• A once-neat home now cluttered, spills that were not cleaned up, grime coating bathroom and kitchen appliances or an overflowing laundry basket.

• Neglected plants or pets.

• Signs of neglect outside the home, like broken windows, debris-filled gutters and drains, uncollected rubbish and an overstuffed mailbox.

And, if you are the primary caregiver, how are you doing? Are you increasingly exhausted, depressed or becoming resentful of the sacrifices you have to make to care for the person?

With All Care Jersey, you can decide how much care is needed, when it is required and how much you are able to afford. They offer a free initial consultation meeting, when they will sit down with you and look at all of your requirements before creating a detailed care plan to suit your care needs and financial situation. Their prices are all inclusive and you can rest assured that there are no hidden costs. As Approved providers of care under the Long term care scheme, care can be provided that is eligible for funding from the LTC department.

Their services promote independence of the individual and also support the maintenance of social contact with friends and the community, to support people and their families to lead a happy, healthy and care free life.

Typical services include: • Emotional Care – Companionship, Conversation, Interactive Hobbies

• Personal Care – Help with Bathing, Dressing, Eating

• Household Care – Cleaning, Cooking, Washing, Ironing • Medication – Reminders and Administration

• Transportation – Outpatient Appointments, Shopping, Social Activities • Exercise – Maintenance of Health, Mobility, Independence

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s – from early stages support through to 24 hour care Together with supported living, respite, outreach services and day care services, the friendly team at All Care Jersey offer a complete package of care and support.

More info: www.allcarejersey.com

69

INSIGHT

Can Being Hopeless Help Us? WORDS: Dillan DiGiovanni Internationally-Certified Coach and Consultant

In the search for enjoying this thing called the human experience, could the trick to having it all actually be in wanting nothing?

accepting more and more of what is toward it becoming what we wanted after all.

If we usually associate being hopeless with despair, regret and futility this may seem a dire proposal. Yet, in our endless striving to keep up with the Joneses’, folks I’m curious to actually meet to see what the fuss is all about, we’re faced with countless opportunities and possible inevitable failures. The more we want something, the more it impacts us negatively when we’re denied it. And yet, we persevere in the pattern.

When we live from a place of receiving what comes as everything we needed, either because it truly is enough or because it teaches us something we needed to see or learn about ourselves and the world, we get off the hamster wheel of wanting something else. We see every interaction, every conversation, every opportunity, every material possession lost or found, as the very thing we needed in that moment.

We often do this from a place of hope, wanting things to go the way we want or planned. We hope the climate will heal itself, despite our many actions that threaten it. We then hope people will stop taking actions that harm the climate, once we’ve woken up to what would help.

We hope people wouldn’t harm animals or eat meat or tokenise marginalised people or abuse or exploit people. We hope men would be more chivalrous but sensitive and better communicators. We hope women will be tender and nurturing but bold and fierce in the corporate world. We hope the cake will reveal the sex of the baby we want without considering that baby might have been born transgender. We hope the weather will be nice for our vacation.

We hope the guys and girls walking around the town would get off their phones and pay attention before they hurt someone – or themselves.

70

We hope and hope and hope. We spend our whole lives hoping. In our constant need and desire to feel good, we hold onto hope to avoid feeling anything negative or unsavory. Our whole lives rest on our hopes which is escapism in its purest form.

If we can hope for an alternate reality, we don’t have to be tuned in and vulnerable with what’s actually around us. In our hope for the future, we forget that we’re creating it in the now.

If we’re constantly choosing something that isn’t what we have, what does it mean for what we actually want?

What we resist, persists. What we allow, transforms.

So if it’s a new or different reality we want, we have to detach ourselves from actually wanting it. How does that work? Well, the trick is allowing and wanting what’s happening because it IS happening. The only way we’d ever get freedom from our wanting is to stop wanting.

Otherwise, it’s an endless cycle of displeasure and dissatisfaction that would go on endlessly until we die.

That’s actually how most human beings live. It’s reality. Everything is “I hope” this and "I hope” that instead of, “I accept what is” as the genesis to

We don’t hope for people to be other than who they are. We don’t hope to win the lottery. We don’t hope that people will stop or start eating grass-fed meat. We don’t hope for anything. We allow what people do or say or think or feel and we use it all as wisdom for who we choose to be.

When we learn to be more hopeless, don’t live our lives resting our potential for happiness on outcomes outside of ourselves. Hoping is too passive or boring for us. Instead, we take action toward doing and thinking and feeling and saying and being who we think might make a positive difference in the world. We do it without wanting or needing or hoping other people will validate or support or emulate us.

We stop hoping and we start doing to get more of what it is we want or need. Acting from volition helps us feel empowered and energised and inspired toward building the life and the world we dream about.

INSIGHT

71

WOMEN

Hey, Good Lookin’ EveryBODY is beautiful WORDS: Lucy Sanderson

Following the rise of the machines, humankind has turned narcissism into something of a worrying norm. Through social media and the correlation between our own competition in conveying the ‘perfect image’ as well as being relentlessly bombarded by advertising telling us how we should look, there is a generation growing up with a skewed view of body image; a heavy hit against self-esteem and associated mental health issues. It’s the new and exhausting version of ‘Keeping up with the Joneses/Kardashians’ and for many, striving for the ‘perfect image’, they’re aspiring to an impossible (and delusory) task.

Did you know that girls see on average, upwards of 400 advertisements per day, all of which indicate how they should be looking, what they should be shaving, waxing, shaping, sucking in, moisturising, tanning, or covering up. It’s no wonder that half the faces that we see as we

72

scroll down Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat are a far cry from the real self behind the selfie. Almost half of all of the selfies uploaded onto social media have been filtered, doctored or cropped in some way – that’s a lot of images and a lot of effort to alter image.

WOMEN

Approximately 93 million selfies are taken every day and apparently, teens spend seven full days a year taking them (that does not include the time spent editing *face palm).

The ceaseless soar of the selfie and subsequent negative body image phenomenon has been met with some equally powerful force from the opposing side of the coin – the side that is all about promoting positive body image and obliterating body shaming (we covered this in our last edition). Pioneers of the body positive movement in advertising, Dove, calculated some astonishing results to their ever-growing linearised campaigns, which researched this hot topic and showcased the results as a part of their global marketing campaigns.

Championing the ‘BeReal’ drive and flying the flag against body shaming, Dove released a string of statistics and the numbers were staggering … Here are a few: • 9 in 10 women and 7 in 10 girls were found to be stopping themselves from eating (and doing other risky things) as a response to how they perceived their image to be.

• Over 70% of women want change in terms of how the media portray us – it was noted that more diversity in respect of age, race, size and shape was implored by women from an array of countries.

• 72% of girls feel tremendous pressure to be beautiful.

• Only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful (up from 2% in 2004).

• Only 11% of girls globally, are comfortable describing themselves as ‘beautiful’.

But before we go heading down the negative talk about positive body image, let’s keep it real and on the right note as we introduce a one-woman revolution, Taryn Brumfitt, the founder of The Body Image Movement – a global campaign which she set up after she found herself hating her body, no matter what shape or size it was. Taryn was a normal gal from Australia, three kids left her body as it would any – different to how it was before kids. So, Taryn embarked on a mission to get what she’d always wanted,

Creating a WORLD of Difference

the ‘perfect body’. Before long, she was training for a body-building competition and low and behold, she did it – she had the body she’d always dreamt of and did well in the comp (which, by its very nature, was supposed to validate and confirm she was perfect).

Nope. Stones lighter and in ship-shape for a competition, Taryn felt exactly the same as she did, and loathed her body just like she had before the changes. This epiphany led to a global crusade and Taryn spent time travelling the world to ascertain the stratospheric size of the problem.

In response to her findings when asking 100 women one question, ‘Give me a word to describe your body’, Taryn released their answers on a video over social media (cheer on that rise of the machines now!), and the answers she got were saddening to the point that she decided to do something about it. Words like, ‘disgusting, ugly, fat, wobbly … gross …’ were all too familiar – in fact, hardly any women said a positive word. One lady, Rita, who was in a wheelchair did say, ‘soft and luscious’…

Bravo Rita!

Taryn is now forging a forcible female flurry of change for positive body image; undoing what’s been done by media and social media, and what’s been done by us to each other, as well as us to ourselves. Her documentary, Embrace was released in the UK in January, you can get it online – really worth a watch.

Something must change about our bodies, but it isn’t how they look. It’s how we feel about them! All the big brands are bolstering better body image, from sports brands to fashion houses, food and drinks and every other business known to us mortals is running to boost our body love, so shame on the body shamers … down with the digs and pressure to be someone else’s form of perfect.

Victoria Secret just learned the hard way, the people will decide what’s body beautiful and all bodies are just that: BEAUTIFUL.

73

WOMEN

Sensitive Subjects WORDS: Abigail Ali

Although pet names vary, many women will agree that one thing more sensitive than our feminine area during mother nature's monthly gift, is talking the nitty gritty on the intricates of the whole experience. But perhaps the reason it’s kept so under wraps has allowed a harmful cocktail of chemicals lurking quietly under the wrapper too. Periods, nearly all women will face them at some point in their lives – now it's time to face up to the risky products we trustingly rely on during that time of the month, every month.

In recent years we have most certainly become a little more comfortable exposing the sometimes difficult realities of periods. A new wave of mainstream feminism has encouraged liberation on all things woman with unashamed speech to freedom of choice, confidence and celebration in all it entails to be female. And rightly so! Much like changing attitudes, options for sanitary products have come a long way since the historic woollen nappy pads and leather bound Victorian underwear the brave had to endure before us. So there's no doubt that pads and tampons have become much more discreet, comfortable and acceptable but at what cost to our health?

A woman will use around 11,000 tampons or towels in her lifetime so surely these products are regulated to be of utmost safety?

In fact, not. The alarming reality is that the most common brands in our supermarkets and pharmacies are made up of around 90% plastic materials, contain pesticideridden cottons and carcinogenic chemicals all neatly wrapped in a crude oil plastic applicator and non-recyclable packaging that go on to pollute the environment.

increased risks, UTI's, yeast infections, endometriosis or hormonal issues are in part due to the chemicals hiding in the plasticities?

These plastic chains are called polymers - often made of carbon, hydrogen and sometimes oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine, fluorine, phosphorous, or silicon ... that’s the same stuff they make tar, tyres, poisons, pesticides and rubber out that we're putting inside our bodies daily during menstruation. One of the main threats comes from Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) which are a group of chemicals that are very toxic and can cause cancer and other adverse health effects. The release of POPs and other toxic chemicals present a host of ecological and human health issues. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is particularly noxious, owing to its halogenated compounds (those containing bromine or chlorine), and are particularly dangerous if burned during disposal, in which case dioxins are produced, some of which are among the most harmful of all human-made compounds! You wouldn't want to breathe it, so why are we risking its release and absorption through our most intimate feminine areas?

"A woman will use around 11,000 tampons or towels in her lifetime so surely these products are regulated to be of utmost safety? In fact, not."

In these wondrous times of the health revolution we are becoming more educated and aware to consider how the air we breathe, thoughts we think, food we eat, the lotions we absorb and way in which we move our bodies affect our health. And the intricate female anatomy which is central to hormone regulation, the vessel for reproduction and the centre to our pleasure system should too, be treated with the utmost gentle care and consideration. 1 in 5 women are now at risk of cervical cancer, odds which have doubled in the last 20 years. Could it be that these

74

And it’s equally bad news for tampon fans. Not only do they carry the risk of toxic shock syndrome, a rare, life-threatening bacterial condition but in fact, cotton is the world's most heavily pesticide sprayed crop. These pesticides have been shown to affect the health of wildlife and humans in a devastating way from infertility, hormonal imbalance and even cancers. If that's not reason enough to pull the plug, most tampons and pads are bleached with chlorine which leads to a toxic by-

WOMEN

product called dioxin – this can lead to reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and can cause cancer.

The environmental impacts are just as huge as one pack of sanitary towels contains the equivalent of around four plastic shopping bags. Every year, BILLIONS of plastic laden pads and liners are disposed of, most of these pads are made from over 90% crude oil plastic which goes on to pollute our environments. The most common brands of products are also non-biodegradable, so like the rest of the plastics causing havoc on the ecosystem they end up in landfills, oceans and water supplies.

So what are our options? Like most safe options, look for organic. Choosing only fully certified organic cotton removes the risk of direct exposure to residues from chemical pesticides, fertilisers, defoliants and fungicides commonly used on conventionally grown cotton. UKbased Natracare started developing theirs in 1989. Their products are made from certified organic and natural,

Creating a WORLD of Difference

plant-derived materials that are chemical and additive free and biodegradable, containing only organic and natural ingredients sourced from ecologically managed producers and certified free from animal testing. Their tampons, including the applicator, are compostable. There are also other options that dodge the sanitary norms entirely.

Although the ‘moon cup’ divides opinion, the little silicon cup which is used internally, is chemical free, reusable and environmentally friendly. Much like the sea sponge, not everyone has come round to the idea of getting so up-close with these but there are so many benefits which may encourage a little curiosity. Rather than containing unhealthy by-products like dioxins, sea sponges contain beneficial sea minerals and enzymes that discourage odours and bacteria growth unlike any other man-made products available.

But whatever your choice, find not only the most comfortable and practical option for you but above all, the safest to protect you and your most wonderful feminine area, period.

75

MEN

Tech keep trippin’?

The effects of your energy on electronics

WORDS: Lucy Sanderson

I’m a girl, but I’m pretty sure that this is a universal and unisex phenomenon, so fellas, you can empathise with this; my tech is forever bugging out, tripping and turning off and I swear with all of my highly energised heart, that it’s certainly not something I’m doing on purpose.

For one, tech is expensive and I hate being left high and dry when my Mac goes haywire (typically over a deadline or other urgent work process) … It’s a matter that seems to be something lots of people are struggling with and until I researched it, I had no idea how many of us are what some call, ‘sliders’. The phenomenon that is known as ‘street lamp interference,’ or SLI, is possibly a psychic event that is just beginning to be recognised and studied. Like most phenomena of this type, the evidence is almost exclusively anecdotal …

76

Everything is energy. That’s a fact and we are basically human shaped forms of it, our phones are various rectangular shapes of it and our computers, watches and headphones, etc. are all also energy in various shapes. Humans have a heart at the centre of their energy field, our tech has a circuit board or other microchip type thing, which essentially drives its force and ability to function. Vibrations are what define an energy’s strength and good vibrations or bad, both seem to have a profound effect on some peoples’

electronic appendages. My bioenergy field, referred to by some as an ‘aura’ is seemingly supercharged. Sometimes my watch stops (new batts or not) and sometimes my mac freezes up.

Bulbs sometimes blow after hardly any usage and my car tends to trip out like a weirdo – I thought it was me and it quite possibly could be.

When one of my tech friend/guru web wizards mentioned that his wife suffered the same problem, I realised that even the most sceptical of friends see the pattern. Online, there are a host of sites (presumably were created by fellow sliders when they were having a good day) suggesting that people with a more high frequency bio-energy field seem to be the ones who have the tech troubling superpowers.

MEN

This anecdotal evidence points to a valid and poignant reason as to why it’s always during a more stressful time that my tech seems to turn to dust. It’s also the reason why I’m still a pen and paper gal art heart. The human nervous system is chemical and electrical in nature and our neurotransmitters are basically just electrical impulses. When we are emotionally wound up, our nervous systems light up like a busy switchboard; then boom. Lights out.

Needless to say, the Fitbit and other wearables are not much use for someone who experiences issues with their tech and electronics. One possible reason that human energy fields can affect electronic energy fields is that modern day electronics all contain quartz crystals, which help the internal clocks keep time, and which also help transmit and receive signals. The computer is electrifying and vibrating the quartz using a magnetic field, so if your personal energy field is strong enough, it could affect and even change the frequency at which the crystal is vibrating. Slide away, and give it all you’ve got.

and re-attune your chakras. You can also help to correct the problem by keeping particular stones or crystals around your desk (some wear them about their person), to help mitigate the effects of your electric field. Suggested crystals to use for this are black tourmaline, tourmalated quartz, hematite, smokey quartz, or unakite.

Science may be undetermined in so far as confirming that the SLIder force is with us; but then, objective data can often be the precursor for investigations and research. In the meantime, give the crystals and energy therapy a whirl and see if you can’t tune out from the issue and save a bundle on tech!

Now, although the phenomenon of electromagnetic effects on our tech is purely anecdotal, the narrative evidence is in abundance online and as you chat to friends (as I have), you’ll find that this is a very real situation for some people.

Without getting too groovy about the vibes that relate to these occurrences in some folk, surely if we suspect that electronic products can have an effect on us then it’s very viable that the vice versa is true.

If you or someone you know has found this article familiar then it’d be worth noting that there are a few suggested ideas to help lessen the lurching of the technology grim reaper. Reiki and other similar energy practices have shown to bring some benefit as they literally align

Creating a WORLD of Difference

77

HOME

Why Gardening Therapy is being Prescribed by Doctors REPORTING: Karen Gordon (Abridged – article originally published on NetDoctor.co.uk)

It's time to whip out your gardening gloves because not only are digging and weeding great exercise, a good stint of gardening boosts mental health too. Recent research carried out by Harvard University's public health graduate school and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that people living in an area rich in vegetation have improved physical and mental health, and 30% of the overall mortality benefit from living near vegetation came from lower levels of depression.

Professor Tim Lang, Centre for Food Policy at City University London says it's widely recognised that regular contact with plants, animals and the natural environment can improve our physical health and mental wellbeing.

When we grow food and flowers, we're engaging with the natural world at a pace that provides a welcome antidote to the stresses of modern life.

78

"For the large number of people in our society – children and adults – who live with challenging physical or mental health problems, gardening and community food growing can be especially beneficial. Such activities can relieve the symptoms of serious illnesses, prevent the development of some conditions, and introduce people to a way of life that can help them to improve their well-being in the longer term. And even if you are feeling fine, gardening is … well, just a very nice thing to do."

HOME

Prescribing gardening for mental health

GPs in London have already started to prescribe gardening time, with the help of Lambeth GP Food Cooperative, which aims to harness the physical and mental therapeutic benefits of gardening while growing more local produce. It was launched in 2013 at the Brockwell Park Surgery, South London but is now present at several GP surgeries across the borough where unused outdoor space is turned into gardens for patients to grow fruit and vegetables. Ed Rosen, its director says: "We began this with a specific focus on patients with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis and asthma. Our patients tend to be older as they have developed long term health conditions later in life. They also tend to be more socially isolated and lonely than younger people because often their partners have died or their families have moved away. So we wanted to create a health generating activity that people will enjoy.

"It creates the opportunity for breaking down barriers between clinical staff and patients because they're all going out and getting their hands dirty and growing food together."

Other boroughs are now looking at the Lambeth model to follow suit.

Reasons why Gardening is Good for the Soul 1. Soil is *actually* an antidepressant

Soil has been found to have similar effects on the brain as antidepressants to lift mood. A study by the University of Bristol and colleagues at University College London looked at how mice exposed to 'friendly' bacteria normally found in soil, altered their behaviour in a similar way to that produced by an antidepressant. Dr Chris Lowry, lead author on the paper, said: "These studies help us understand how the body communicates with the brain and why a healthy immune system is important for maintaining mental health. They also leave us wondering if we shouldn't all be spending more time playing in the dirt."

When the team looked closely at the brains of mice, they found treatment with the bacteria Mycobacterium vaccae activated a group of neurons that produce the brain

Creating a WORLD of Difference

chemical serotonin, which regulates mood. Gardeners inhale the bacteria and have physical contact with it.

The natural effects of the soil bacteria can be felt for up to three weeks, if the experiments are any indication.

Mycobacterium antidepressant microbes in soil are also being investigated for improving cognitive function, Crohn's disease and even rheumatoid arthritis.

2. It incorporates mindfulness

You might feel too busy for mindfulness, but research shows it can have a huge impact on your stress levels, helping to stave off anxiety, slash depression risk, boost productivity and ease insomnia. Hilda Burke, Psychotherapist, says that gardening is an activity that seems to help a lot of people get into a "flow" state. This means that you don't notice the time passing, aren't simultaneously thinking over other things, making plans or rehashing the past. As such it helps people both to switch off to other stuff and switch on to the present moment. In other words, to be more mindful.

"What makes gardening unique and sets it apart from other activities such as baking say or knitting is that it quite literally connects us to the earth. Working with soil, planting things, being patient, nurturing our seedlings offers a valuable lesson for our personal lives. How often do we feel bogged down with stuff we'd rather not get our hands dirty with? Yet by being patient, loving and nurturing of ourselves we, like the gardens we tend, can blossom and grow!"

3. It boosts brain health

Gardening exercises your mind as well as your body. It utilises a number of our brain functions and includes learning, problem solving and sensory awareness, keeping our minds active. A number of studies have shown the benefits of therapeutic gardens for patients with dementia and Alzheimer's. A study, published in the Psychiatry Investigation, said the benefits of horticultural therapy included a reduction of pain, improvement in attention, lessening of stress and a reduction in falls.

The charity Thrive uses gardening to help people with a range of mental health problems, including soldiers experiencing post-traumatic stress. Its recent research with early-onset dementia patients showed that, over a year, participants' memory and concentration remained unchanged, but that mood and sociability improved.

79

HOME

Planning to Build Your Dream Home?

WORDS: Dave Houghton, Starlight Construction Ltd.

How does a house become a home? The final results may look different for every family, but the underlying goal to feel at home is universal. The key is to turn your available space into the home that fits you. Your home tells a story, it expresses your family’s interests and make guests feel welcome, so whether you are building your own, or renovating an existing home, here are some tips to think about.

1) Floors: One way of refreshing an existing home is to change the flooring. Whether this is the addition of rugs and carpets, or a larger scale new floor throughout, this can make a big difference to the way you feel around your home.

2) Storage: Functionality of a home is key. So many

design decisions are based on aesthetics, but it’s hard to get around to decisions that are based on style before you deal with all the basic necessities of storage. This can be simple and straightforward or the storage units can

80

become the focus. The simple step of giving everything a place of its own goes a long way to creating a space that feels beautiful.

3) Outdoor areas: Your outdoor space is just as important a living area as your kitchen or living room.

A good garden design will enhance your lifestyle and compliment your home creating that perfect indoor/ outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining. A good project manager will help you will all of these aspects, and much more.

HOME

"The simple step of giving everything a place of its own goes a long way to creating a space that feels beautiful."

Designing Your Own Home Start with a vision

You probably already have a picture of your ‘dream home’ in your mind. It helps to reinforce this vision by visiting other homes, attending open houses, taking photographs, looking on the web, to reaffirm your initial ideas.

Pull it all together

Put all of your ideas in one place, a journal is a good idea, so that you are ready to refer to your research when you meet with your architect and builder/project manager.

Decide on the life you want

Talk with your family about how they want to live. Do they prefer urban or rural living? Do they need space to play, or for the pets to run around? Do you prefer a clean, modern build, or a more traditional craftsmanship? What is your budget?

These questions will start to help you focus on the home you want to create. The more information you can provide, the more likely you will achieve the design of your dreams, and and the more likely you’ll stay on budget too.

Identify the professionals you want to work with

Starlight Construction can help you with the planning and construction of your dream new build project or the remodelling of your existing home and garden to help you achieve maximum living space while at the same time adding value to your property.

We Build Lifestyles

Building a new home or an extension shouldn’t be just about adding bricks & mortar. It’s about improving your lifestyle, and incorporating the way your family live, and the way you want to live.

We’ll help you create a modern home for everyday living with double storey, single storey, rural and narrow lot options, or custom design to match your lifestyle and home living.

We pride ourselves on being customer focussed, friendly and professional in every aspect. We will ensure your new home is constructed to the highest quality, in the fastest possible timeframe.

If you are looking for a quality and affordable builder for your next project get in touch today for a free quote.

It is important to find the right partners. Look for established, local, trustworthy professionals to help you realise your dream.

More info: Call Dave Houghton on telephone: 07797 747 927

Creating a WORLD of Difference

About Starlight Construction

Starlight Construction is a medium sized, modern, professional building company with expertise in delivery methods such as Construction Management, General Contracting and Design Build.

They undertake all aspects of the build, including full project management, and work closely with each client from the initial planning stage through to practical completion and garden design, producing quality workmanship and a professional service on every project - at a price that is affordable.

They believe in open communication, respect, accountability and are committed to teamwork which yields mutually beneficial relationships with employees, clients and subcontractors.

Services include New Builds, Extensions, Renovations and Loft Conversions Starlight Construction understand that lifestyles have changed and clever use of space in the family home is a must for the modern family.

Also refurbishments to block work, windows, timber work, roofing, tiling, carpentry, bespoke wardrobes, timber flooring, and garden projects large and small including driveways, hard landscaping, patios, decking, and fencing.

With nearly 10 years’ experience in home extensions, loft conversions, new build houses, garden design and landscaping, they pride themselves on delivering stunning results on time, every time.

Their fully qualified trade team have delivered hundreds of beautifully finished projects from contemporary kitchen extensions to stunning loft conversions and bespoke gardens.

Working closely with your architects, they will design and build your home to improve your lifestyle, incorporating the way your family lives, and the way you want to live.

81

LIFE

“It’s 5 o’clock … Somewhere!”

It’s 5 o’clock, the day has flown by in a flurry of jobs and appointments; you are homeward bound and frazzled. Your feet hurt, your brain hurts, and your temper may be frayed.

The fridge is calling. Cue that long, cold glass of …

But wait … who says 5 o’clock needs to be wine o’clock (or chocolate o’clock)?

Perhaps it’s time for a re-think? After all, hot, tired, thirsty and in need of something to alleviate the stress, what healthier alternatives are there to wine o’clock?

How about a refreshing tall glass of sparkling water and a fresh lime, or lemon and mint, accompanied by a stroll along the beach dipping your feet into the sea? After all, we live in a small Island. How privileged are

82

we that we can be on the beach, or even strolling in a quiet country lane within a short space of time from leaving the office?

Close your eyes and imagine the sound of the water splashing into the glass over ice cubes, toss in a slice of fresh lime and sip! Here you have all of the enjoyment, with none of the calorific side effects.

And if a bubbling glass of water doesn’t “float your boat” try the distraction method.

How many of us return from work, reach for the wine bottle and the toast and pâté, or the crisps, without giving it a second thought. You are peckish, dinner needs to be prepared but a rumbling tum is calling you to the Pringles! Stop right there. Don’t sacrifice yourself to crisps and wine during dinner prep.

Instead, down a glass of water, and take yourself out for a brisk walk.

Just 10 minutes out of your front door before you return to the house, can help blow the cobwebs away and create a different mindset. That 20-minute walk once a day, can extend into a 30-minute stroll with little effort. Just 15 minutes out and 15 minutes back can make all the difference to your homecoming habits,

LIFE

and your overall health and fitness. You don’t necessarily have to be alone. Take the kids, take the dog, the goldfish might struggle though. Make it a fun outing.

In all seriousness, rewarding ourselves with a glass of wine at the end of a long day, can lead to a slippery slope. “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” has been a dangerous justification for the ever-changing time of wine o’clock – the appropriate time to begin drinking alcohol.

Many of us at the end of a day reach for that bottle of wine as congratulations for getting through the day, be it because of a tough day at work or having successfully completed the round of pick-ups and drop-offs at the children’s various after school clubs, while reciting times tables in the car, or running through the daily spelling list. But rather than a reward for all that effort, are we actually making ourselves a slave to the grape?

So at the end of your long day, instead of visualising how that glass of wine will make you feel better, visualise how much damage that glass of wine may be doing to your system. Chances are that after half an hour instead of feeling energised you will still feel sluggish, and tired, and be reaching for a second glass to boost you up again. The cost of the wine plus the calories consumed plus the resulting headache can equal a regretful or grumpy individual.

"Close your eyes and imagine the sound of the water splashing into the glass over ice cubes, toss in a slice of fresh lime and sip! Here you have all of the enjoyment, with none of the calorific side effects."

Visualise how much better you will feel having consumed a refreshing glass of cold water. Hydration is so important and a simple glass of water can give you a lift, wake you up, and set you on the right path.

It’s not a case of giving up cold turkey, but cutting back. You’ll find that as you cut down the amount you drink the more energised you will feel, the more focused, and as long as you don’t get saddled with a split bill when out with friends you will save money. You will gain back true control of your life sip by sip.

So rather than be slave to the grape, when you finally get home at the end of a long day, think twice about reaching for the wine and instead grab a water, and crack on with the evening. Don’t treat the wine as a reward. Treat your mind or your body instead, with a new book or a long, hot bath. Your insides will thank you for it.

83

LIFE

Care Enough … to Feel the Sand between Your Toes!

Our jobs have a way of swallowing us whole. In this world of technology there is no true off switch for work. We leave our offices and we worry about what we didn’t manage to complete, our phones buzz with business-related emails, and sometimes we go home to other jobs.

By definition a workaholic is someone who compulsively works hard and continuously long hours, yet this does not necessarily mean that every workaholic enjoys their job. Sometimes they simply feel compelled to put in the hours.

Now, with the help of social media our lives are even more pressured. It has become normal to broadcast our lives over Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and the many other social media platforms. Pictures of late night working dinners and endless cups of

84

coffee, posts and tweets about how many hours we have worked as we’re heading home in the late hours of the night, and conversations centred around being busy is “the norm”. Life has become a competition, and success in our working lives is the way to win the top prize.

But pushing ourselves this hard is not healthy, nor is it productive in the long-term. Even though it is a belief that showing the world how busy and therefore how dedicated and in demand we are, might lead to more

work and consequently more money, is no longer quite the case.

Balance is key. Finding the balance between work and life is essential to maintaining our health – both physical and mental. Today’s working population need to be able to leave work and go home to relax and spend time with family, to go to the gym or for a run along a beach or country lane. It is time to put our wellbeing first, because otherwise we burn out.

And neither we, nor our employers, want that to happen.

LIFE

But, what are the first steps to getting on the road to a healthy work life balance where neither element is sacrificed – because some of us do in fact love our jobs.

1) Sleep!

Sleep is incredibly beneficial. On average an adult needs between seven and nine hours sleep each night. It has been found that excessive sleepiness affects both your physical and mental health in more ways than we might expect.

2) Experience Life

Use your free time to expand your horizons rather than waste time watching television and surfing the internet. Try to write a list of experiences you want to enjoy before you reach a certain milestone, such as a birthday.

When you are going home to do chores, watch television, and spend the evening on the sofa it is no wonder that you find it hard to get out of the office. You may even feel reluctant to leave earlier. Remember the things you always said you would do when you were a teenager, odds are that real life got in the way. Try to tick off that list now. You will feel more energised and have some great stories to tell your colleagues at work and friends and family.

3) Family and Friends

Spend more time with family and friends.

This seems pretty obvious, and perhaps you already feel like you are achieving this.

However, we only get so much time to spend with these amazing people around us on this earth. Make the most of that time. Rather than sit in silence with them or moaning about your day, ask about their favourite memories and places.

4) Getting Outside

Enjoy the seasons and spend more time outside. Whether it’s simply reading a book on the beach, walking the dog, or enjoying a cocktail with friends, spending time in the fresh air can do wonders especially for headaches after being in an office all day long staring at a computer screen.

5) Me Time

Make time for YOU. You might enjoy a quiet 5 minute break to savour a herbal tea, or reading a few pages from your favourite book, watching your favourite film with friends, or perhaps a spa evening all to yourself with a little pampering. We all need to take care of ourselves.

No matter our religious beliefs, we have this one life as the people we are now. We need to make the most of the time we have and to embrace life and the opportunities we are given to the best of our ability.

There are many phrases – YOLO (you only live once), #noregrets, FOMO (fear of missing out) – they exist for a reason; to point out this part of life. We should spend it being our true selves, not trying to live payday to payday where all we experience is work and our living room.

When we get to the end of our lives we may well have ticked everything off of our “must-do” list, but have we really taken time to remember the feeling of “the sand between our toes”?

Finding the balance between work and our life outside of the office and taking care of our own physical and mental health is the key to a brighter and happier future. Let’s all begin by taking one small step, whether it be to sleep more, laugh more, relax more, stroll on the beach. Take the time to feel the sand between your toes – and breathe!

85

LIFE

Enjoying Meaningful Social Activity … Saturday Club and Splashchat

WORDS: Mark Blamey Manager, Jersey Alzheimer’s Association

Jersey Alzheimer’s Association is an independent charity which provides help, advice and support to anyone affected by dementia, including the friends and families of individuals with dementia and those who provide care.

We offer a number of weekly activities which enable people with dementia and care providers to get out into the community so as to enjoy meaningful activity in the company of others.

organisations. We provide all of our activities free of charge with the exception of Saturday Club, for which we charge £6 per day to cover transport and catering costs.

It is especially important to know about a person’s life before they develop dementia as we can then match individuals to activities that are based on a person’s favourite hobbies and interests as well as their ability and potential.

Saturday Club is held every week from 9am until 3.30pm at the Sandybrook Day Centre, Sandybrook, Rue du Craslin, St Peter, for anyone who has dementia.

Our charity works alongside, and at times in formal partnership with, Health and Social Services and other voluntary and community

86

Saturday Club

This facility enables families and carers to have a break while the person with dementia is cared for in a safe and stimulating environment by our person-centred dementia care trained staff.

We provide transport and a hot three-course lunch and have various activities and entertainment throughout the day. In good weather people may enjoy the safe garden or perhaps go out accompanied by our staff to visit a car boot sale or to enjoy an ice cream. People can come for the whole day or for just an hour or two.

A professional referral is not necessary but the person must have a diagnosis of dementia from the Memory Assessment Centre or a GP. People visiting the Island who have dementia are also welcome.

LIFE

"The foundation of the group is based on evidence that physical activity and fitness can have a positive impact on minimising the progression of dementia, and maintaining cognitive ability."

Splashchat

Splashchat is an award-winning social swimming group run by a partnership of Occupational Therapists, the Memory Assessment Centre, AquaSplash and Jersey Alzheimer’s Association. Its purpose is to allow people with dementia and carers to meet on a weekly basis, take part in a swimming activity and then spend time afterwards talking with peers.

The foundation of the group is based on evidence that physical activity and fitness can have a positive impact on minimising the progression of dementia, and maintaining cognitive ability.

If a person has received a diagnosis of dementia s/he can be referred to Splashchat. The individual must have a level of physical fitness that would allow safe access to the pool and to take part in a swimming session.

Splashchat runs on Thursday mornings and swimming sessions are held at the AquaSplash from 10.30am - 11am. From 11am onwards you can visit The Bar & Canteen to purchase a hot/cold drink and spend time with others. The session ends at 11.45am. Splashchat operates for 10 week blocks during term-time but the group often meets at another swimming pool nearby when it is holiday time. At present there are no transport facilities available therefore people need to make their own arrangements to get to/from the swimming pool.

Our charity also runs weekly art and music groups, and our volunteers help out at the Forget Me Not Cafe at Rosewood House, St Saviour’s Hospital.

More info: www.jerseyalzheimers.com – we’re also on Facebook, or call in to our Office at the junction of Hilgrove Street and Hilary Street in St Helier. The Office is open from 10am to 1pm Monday to Thursday, or at other times by prior appointment.

Tel: 01534 723 519.

‘Dementia' is an umbrella term which is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions.

Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion, and problems with speech and understanding.

Dementia is not a mental illness, it is a progressive physical brain disease that damages brain cells. It cannot presently be cured, although there are anti-dementia drugs in the form of pills or patches that may delay memory deterioration for a while.

There are many different types of dementia, the most common of which are Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia; sometimes people will have a combination of more than one type of dementia.

The most noticeable early symptoms are short-term memory loss, repetitive behaviour, general confusion, lack of understanding and an increasing inability to perform everyday tasks. A person might show feelings of insecurity and need constant reassurance.

Whilst dementia causes problems with recognition, memory, reasoning and communication, it does not strip people of the ability to connect, at a deeper level, with others.

Our charity cannot make a diagnosis of dementia but we can signpost anyone who approaches us to the help that is available from GPs, the Memory Assessment Centre run by Health and Social Services, and other agencies in Jersey.

87

BOOKS

Book Choice

Great reads to inspire Care Free Living

You Have Permission: How to stop doing stuff you don't want to do and start doing stuff you do want to do Author: Mary Schiller Publisher: CreateSpace (12 February 2017)

Do you find yourself spending most of your time engaged in activities that you really don't want to be doing? Does it feel like life is passing you by, and you're missing it? This is your one life. It's time to live it. You Have Permission shows you how simple it can be to create the life you really want to be living. Starting right now. www.maryschiller.com

A-ha! How to solve any problem in record time Author: Mary Schiller Publisher: CreateSpace (10 September 2016)

What if finding the answers to challenging life or business problems required no effort whatsoever? There's something hidden inside everyone, including you, that allows you to access the answers you need when you need them. A-ha! will show you how simple it can be to have new insights – those thrilling "a-ha!" moments – almost at will. www.ahabook.biz

88

BOOKS

The Joy Formula: The simple equation that will change your life Author: Mary Schiller Publisher: Aptitude Consulting (10 March 2016)

What if the answer to one of life's most pressing questions could be found in a simple equation? Good things come in small packages. The Joy Formula clears up an innocent misunderstanding that leads us in the wrong direction on a daily basis. Once you see even a glimpse of a new understanding, you will open up to joy, inner peace, creativity and success in ways you never dared dream possible. Don't let its small size fool you.

Inside this slim volume is the secret to lasting happiness, starting right now. Dissolve the stress and the suffering, and relax into who you really are. Experience ease in your daily life as you never have before. There is nothing for you to learn, nothing for you to do, nothing for you to change in order to feel happier and more at peace.

Simply turn your gaze in a new direction, and look over here ... to The Joy Formula.

Mind Yoga Author: Mary Schiller Publisher: Aptitude Consulting (15 May 2016)

What if you could essentially eliminate stress from your daily life simply by seeing your mind in a whole new way?

It's time to unwind your mind ... for good. Mind Yoga is an easy, revolutionary method of stress relief that can be learned by anyone, of any age. It requires no special skills.

It's not a fitness routine or a spiritual practice. It's a way of seeing the true source of stress, and once you do, stress has no power over you. You're free to live the life you really want to live. www.mindyoga.me

Creating a WORLD of Difference

89

BOOKS

Liquid Thinking Author: Damian Hughes Publisher: Capstone; (23 April 2009)

Stuck in a rut? Know what you want but don’t know how to get it? Feel like life is passing you by? Sick of getting mediocre results? Then enter the wonderful world of Liquid Thinking ‌ A practical, jargon-free and easily accessible self-help book drawing on a diverse range of experiences and containing digestible lessons and exercises used by sports captains, charity leaders and business leaders. It is the only self-help book which has ever been endorsed by Sir Richard Branson, Angelo Dundee, Muhammad Ali, and Jonny Wilkinson.

The Winning Mindset: What Sport Can Teach Us About Great Leadership Author: Damian Hughes Publisher: Macmillan (14 July 2016)

In The Five STEPS to a Winning Mindset, Professor Damian Hughes, the acclaimed author of Liquid Thinking and How to Think Like Sir Alex Ferguson, draws on both his lifetime experience and academic background within sport, organisation and change psychology to reveal the best ways to create a winning mindset in both personal and professional life.

Having worked with some of the top teams in the UK, and watched some of the best coaches in the country at work, Hughes distils the five key principles that separate the best coaches and teams from the rest: Simplicity; Tripwires; Emotions; Practical; Stories: STEPS. The role of a sports-team leader is fascinating, complex and tough. Fantasy football leagues may convince us that success is all about buying players and selecting a team.

In reality, it is about creating winning environments recruiting, developing and nurturing talent, effectively communicating a shared vision with a diverse collection of individuals, delivering on enormous expectations from a range of stakeholders, overcoming significant challenges, handling pressure and staying focused throughout: a set of challenges familiar to leaders in all sectors.

90

It is a brave man who starts his book on self-development by quoting Jerry Springer and discussing the literary merits of the Joy of Sex; however, this is Damian Hughes to a tee. Combining his own experiences as a Manchester United football coach, HR Director and youth club leader with exclusive insights from Sir Richard Branson, Angelo Dundee, Muhammad Ali and Jonny Wilkinson, Hughes will help you to step forward to achieve your own special hopes, dreams and ambition.

His books have been credited with helping people build their own houses, fight cancer and run marathons, so come on and be a fellow Liquid Thinker!

Like a lighthouse in stormy seas, All Care Jersey stands for strength, protection and peace of mind.

Established specialists in the field of care, our welltrained experts can be trusted to look after your wellbeing and that of your loved ones.

Services include personal care, palliative care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia support, companionship, respite, recuperation, complex and special needs support, short or long term care, night care, housekeeping, shopping assistance, and supported living care.

All Care Jersey is a member of the States of Jersey Approved Provider framework for homecare services.

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

WellBeing Directory You will find more WellBeing practitioners at www.wellbeingworld.je We print 5,000 copies and achieve +20,000 impressions online, per edition.

If you’d like to advertise in the next WellBeing Directory or in WellBeing World magazine, please contact us for a rate card at info@wellbeingworld.je 92

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY WELCOME

ALIGN HEALTH AGENCY

Based at Lido Medical Centre, the newly merged Align Health Agency offers a unique range of services that address multiple aspects of health, including the physical, emotional and chemical aspects of wellbeing, alongside the key concept of prevention. Align’s concept is a 360 degree approach to health which is reflected in its range of services: chiropractic and osteopathy, sports and remedial massage, acupuncture and dry needling, cognitive hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, craniosacral therapy and life coaching, and Align 1-1 Fitness.

W: www.align.je E: info@align.je T: +44 (0) 1534 789 367

AUGRÉ PHYSIOTHERAPY

A small and friendly practice, Augré Physiotherapy is based at the Lido Medical Centre. Their experienced team of physiotherapists have the ability to treat all musculoskeletal conditions and each are qualified in their own sub-speciality of physiotherapy. They specialise in knee and shoulder complaints.

They also offer Pilates and specialised Pregnancy Pilates led by a qualified Physiotherapist and Personal Trainer. Classes are limited to just five people and conducted in a fully equipped gym.

W: www.augrephysiotherapy.com E: info@augrephysiotherapy.com T: +44 (0) 1534 280 010

Creating a WORLD of Difference

ALL CARE JERSEY

Like a lighthouse in stormy seas, All Care Jersey stands for strength, protection and peace of mind.

Established specialists in the field of care, their well-trained experts can be trusted to look after your wellbeing and that of loved ones. Services include personal care, palliative care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia support, companionship, respite, recuperation, special needs support, short or long term care, housekeeping, shopping assistance, and much more.

W: www.allcarejersey.com E: contact@allcarejersey.com T: +44 (0) 1534 619 719

AYUSH WELLNESS SPA

Awarded ‘Best Spa in the South West UK & Channel Islands’ by the Good Spa Guide, Ayush Wellness Spa offers a combination of authentic Ayurvedic therapies and luxurious spa treatments. An Ayurvedic physician works with Indian and Western therapists to provide consultations and treatments and share with you the teachings of this timeless tradition enabling you to develop practices that will help restore and maintain mind and body. The concept is authentic in an environment that advocates a healthy lifestyle, enriching both physical and emotional wellbeing.

W: www.ayushwellnessspa.com T: +44 (0) 1534 614 171 Hotel de France, St. Saviour’s Road, St Helier

93

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BROAD STREET DENTAL CARE

At their modern purpose-build ground floor practice Broad Street Dental Care undertake all levels, from simple to complex, of dentistry and facial rejuvenation. They create beautiful smiles augmented by facial non-surgical procedures for a more youthful appearance. Complex treatments involving tooth whitening, veneers, crowns and bridges result in life changing transformations and dazzling smiles! Dermal fillers and muscle relaxant treatments are also available. Initial check-up fee is £39.00; facial consultations are free of charge.

W: www.broadstreetdentalcare.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 866 900 29 Broad Street, St Helier – visit or call to make an appointment with Dr Joanna Chaplin

GECKO LEARNING SOLUTIONS

Gecko Learning Solutions is a Jersey-based company providing a range of personal and professional learning and development solutions. Specialising in creating engaging and relevant learning events, they share their knowledge and passion for each subject, from management development to personal effectiveness, in a way that is practical, fun and will ‘stick’, just like a gecko to the ceiling!

For more information including details of their Open Courses, please visit: geckojersey.com

W: www.geckojersey.com E: sam@geckojersey.com T: +44 (0) 7797 734 079

94

ENERGETIX at UP AND ABOVE

Energetix combines sophisticated exclusive jewellery with the power of magnets. People wear the jewellery because they are fascinated by its radiance and want to have the power of magnets in their immediate vicinity all the time.

All the jewellery and accessories have the same purpose, to give us moments of wellbeing in our daily life and each of these moments tells us we are on the right track. Designs for women, men, children and a great sports look.

T: +44 (0) 1534 758 808 Up and Above, 50 Don Street, St Helier Order online at www.upandabovejersey.energetix.tv

HEALTH POINT CLINIC

Lorna Jackson Acupuncture 1st BSc (Hons), MBAcC, AFN. Traditional acupuncture is more than pain management, treating headaches or back pain, it is uniquely suited to modern life as physical, emotional and mental blocks are seen as interdependent.

Acupuncture is safe, gentle and it can be used by everyone, including babies, during pregnancy, sports enthusiasts and the elderly. Lorna operates from her clinics in The Lido Medical Centre and Greencliff Chiropractic Clinic. Most private health insurers cover acupuncture treatment. Please check before treatment.

W: www.healthpointclinic.co.uk E: lornajackson@healthpointclinic.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 852 039 (Greencliff Chiropractic) T: +44 (0) 1534 859 348 (Lido Medical Centre)

WellBeing World brings together more than 160 categories of health and wellbeing, with a quick and easy online search for the practitioner, supplier or retailer to suit your needs. Check us out, now!

www.wellbeingworld.je

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

HEALTHHAUS

HOTEL DE FRANCE

Healthhaus is a boutique styled private members club for the discerning health conscious individual. With the pace and pressures of modern living, the vision at Healthhaus is to provide an effective and time efficient fitness solution leaving you the opportunity to indulge in a 360˚ approach to wellness.

A 126 bedroom four star Hotel conveniently located just outside of St.Helier. Dine in the informal brasserie style Garden View Restaurant overlooking award winning gardens or at the fine dining ‘Saffrons’ Restaurant, renowned for local produce prepared with healthy Indian spices.

Why not contact their membership team to arrange a tour of the club to find out how Milon training can be incorporated seamlessly into your day. Fit and healthy in just 35 minutes, twice every 10 days!

They look forward to taking your fitness personally.

The Ayush Wellness Spa at the Hotel offers swimming pools, sauna, steam room, treatment rooms and an extensive fitness centre. Parking and Wi-Fi are free. A friendly but professional welcome is assured.

JERSEY ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

JERSEY FOODSTATE

W: www.healthhaus.co.uk E: info@healthhaus.co.uk T: +44 (0)1534 614 800

Jersey Alzheimer’s Association is a local charity for local people whose lives have been touched by dementia. We are here to help and support people with dementia, their families, friends and carers. Our aim is to ensure that all those who are directly affected by dementia are treated with dignity and respect, receive the best possible care and support in our community and enjoy the quality of life that every human being would hope for. For help and support please get in touch. Drop in for a cuppa.

Hilgrove St, St Helier, Jersey. Mon - Thur 10am - 1pm or at other times by appointment.

W: www.jerseyalzheimers.com T: +44 (0)1534 723 519

96

St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey JE1 7XP W: www.defrance.co.uk E: general@defrance.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 614 000

Nutrients presented in a healthy, natural way, just as they are with whole food, Jersey Foodstate exists to provide the highest quality vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, as well as information and education about diet and nutrition.

W: www.jerseyfoodstate.com T: +44 (0) 1534 855 280

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY WELCOME

JERSEY INTERNATIONAL MINDFULNESS CENTRE

The only Mindfulness centre in Jersey to actively develop, research, publish and implement its findings, the team at Jersey International Mindfulness Centre ( JsyIMC) is passionate about providing a superior customer experience and tremendous value for their customers.

They provide tailored mindfulness courses, taster workshops and consultation at all levels, including: performance, sports, the challenge of exams, emotional intelligence, stress and health conditions management, corporate wellbeing, with formal psychometric measurement.

JERSEY SPORT

Jersey Sport exists to lead, champion and enable participation and excellence in sport, whilst encouraging active living for all in Jersey. It offers a wide range of ways to be active; the activity referral programme helps people with an underlying health issue to access activity with the support of qualified instructors. Other programmes include walking football for older adults and a wide range of after school and holiday programmes for children. The team also run physical literacy programmes in schools designed to teach movement skills, and they deliver the schools swimming programme.

W: www.jerseysport.je E: info@jerseysport.je T: +44 (0) 1534 449 617 Fort Regent, St Helier

W: www.jsyimc.co.uk E: mindfulness@jsyimc.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 852 953

JERSEY UNCOVERED

Jersey Uncovered is a team of professional, registered Tourist Guides who have undergone stringent and comprehensive training together with written and practical examinations to achieve the nationally recognised symbol of tourist guiding excellence, the Blue Badge. Jersey Uncovered guides have a wide range of specialist knowledge and expertise, and are passionate about the Island in which they live. As well as walking tours and coach tours, castle tours, maritime and heritage tours, to name a few, Jersey Uncovered guides can offer you a bespoke Island adventure.

W: www.jerseyuncovered.com E: info@jerseyuncovered.com T: +44 (0) 7797 741 176

Creating a WORLD of Difference

JULIE DRYBURGH

Julie is an experienced life coach who has been working with clients for almost 30 years, helping them to achieve wellbeing and balance throughout their life by combining open dialogue and a variety of advanced hands on treatments. Julie is highly qualified in a variety of specialist techniques such as Craniosacral Therapy, Theta Healing, Reiki, Animal Therapy and Oracle Card Reading. By talking to you and applying these techniques, Julie provides a platform for you to achieve a balance between your physical, mental and emotional levels.

W: www.juliedryburgh.com E: julie@juliedryburgh.com T: +44 (0) 7797 742 347

97

WELLBEING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

K9 WELLNESS CENTRE

SILKWORTH LODGE

The team at K9 Wellness Centre is committed to keeping dogs’ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything they do via their range of specialist canine services. They believe in a collaborative approach to canine treatment, working directly with doggy parents, veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses for the best outcome for our furry friends. They are fully insured and the first centre of its kind in the Channel Islands, offering a full range of competitively priced canine services.

Silkworth Lodge is the only residential rehabilitation treatment centre in the Channel Islands. It is a nonprofit organisation, owned and administered by The Families in Recovery Trust, to support those with drug and alcohol dependency, together with their families.

W: www.k9tanglestop.com E: info@k9wellness.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 859 049 FB: K9 Wellness Centre

W: www.silkworthlodge.co.uk E: info@silkworthlodge.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1534 729 060

THERAPYBREAKS

Ann Marie Clarke of Therapybreaks practices at the Lido Medical Centre, Jersey. She provides psychotherapy, coaching, professional supervision and therapy breaks for individuals, couples and families. Psychotherapy can help with many life changes and challenges e.g. Stress, Work related problems, Depression, Anxiety, Loss, Eating disorders, Experience of abuse, Alcohol and drug problems, Parenting and Redundancy. Coaching supports you in discovering effective ways of living your life and achieving fulfilment. Ann Marie offers a free 30 minute consultation to assist you in deciding which is the best support for you.

W: www.therapybreaks.com E: annmarie@therapybreaks.com T: Ann Marie +44 (0) 7797 770 059 98

If you would like to find out more about the programmes we offer or even enquire about some of our fundraising events, please get in touch.

WELLBEING AT WORK

Working with employers to support employee wellbeing, mental health and resilience, the WellBeing At Work approach involves an in-depth review of an organisation’s work environment, practices and culture, and offers employee wellbeing interventions, including: 1. WellBeing Audit – taking the Pulse of your Organisation 2. Employee WellBeing Strategy and Consultancy 3. Provision of a Health and Wellness Programme 4. WellBeing Health Check Days 5. Bespoke Health Coaching including the 30 Days to Healthy Living & Beyond Programme W: www.wellbeingworld.je/wellbeing-at-work/ E: beverley@wellbeingworld.je T: +44 (0) 7797 727 209