16 minute read
HEALTH SPECIAL
HEALTH & BEAUTY
S P E C I A L
MIND & BODY
PRIVATE CLIENT BY BUPA
At Private Client by Bupa, feeling good isn’t good enough. Their ambitions for your health and wellbeing go much further. They curate a complete service for the mind, body and being, with premium health insurance plans that are designed to be used. From award-winning medical cover at home and abroad, to proactive wellbeing benefits and direct access to private specialists without a GP referral. Private Client by Bupa also gives you access to a worldwide network of doctors via the Global Virtual Care service, available 24/7 at the touch of a button. They’re here for you today, tomorrow, and for whatever comes next. Call 0371 3460 409 or discover more at
bupaprivateclient.com
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
In this section
IVBOOST IN HERTS 48 BEST IN EYECARE 49 PRIVATE HEALTHCARE 52 AROMA ENERGY 55 NUTRITIONAL ADVICE 57
NURSES AT IVBOOST @THE WELLNESS HUB
WELCOME BOOST
Absolutely Hertfordshire takes a closer look as a renowned London IV clinic opens in Berkhamsted
IVBOOST – a renowned IV therapy clinic on London’s Wimpole Street – has opened at The Wellness Hub in Berkhamsted. Founded in 2005 by medical director Dr Joshua Berkowitz, IVBOOST takes a holistic approach to health and wellness to help boost and restore the body’s natural ability to be well, energised and able to resist ageing.
IVBOOST specialises in intravenous (IV) therapy, o ering a range of treatments that are both safe and highly e ective.
The treatments work quickly as they infuse the vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream, giving your body these valuable nutrients. With IV vitamin therapy, 100% of the hydration and nutrients are absorbed into your body where they can quickly take e ect to help refresh, revitalise, rejuvenate and replenish. “We are delighted to welcome Dr Josh and the IVBOOST to The Wellness Hub and are excited to be o ering our customers these fantastic IV therapies,” says Emma James, MD and owner The Wellness Hub on Lower Kings Street. “IVBOOST prides itself on its medical skills and personalised approach, which mirrors our commitment to o ering bespoke wellbeing solutions. I have no doubt its services will prove popular in complementing and enhancing our existing range of therapies which include physiotherapy, massage, beauty therapy, sports massage, Pilates, personal training and yoga.”
“We have been very impressed by The Wellness Hub and have been made most welcome here,” adds Dr Joshua Berkowitz. “IV therapy is increasingly popular as a means to achieving optimum health and we have been looking for a new clinic outside London to meet the growing demand for our services. The Wellness Hub is the perfect site for IVBOOST and we look forward to meeting its customers. We recognise that IV therapy will be new to many people and clients can rest assured they will have a consultation before any therapy to ensure it suits their exact needs.”
IVBOOST @ The Wellness Hub o ers the following services:
IV VITAMIN THERAPY
Intravenous (IV) Vitamin Therapy has been practised for many years, often to support conventional medical treatment of a wide range of health conditions. It is the fastest way to deliver nutrients throughout the body because it bypasses the digestive system and is 90-100% absorbed directly into the organs (compared to 20-50% absorption if taken orally).
ENJOYING AN IV DRIP
VITAMIN SHOTS
A vitamin shot is an intramuscular injection that treats various vitamin defi ciencies. It is absorbed into your bloodstream via your muscles. Unlike vitamins taken orally, vitamin shots bypass the digestive system and result in a 90-100% absorption rate. Many people feel the e ects within hours of the treatment, which takes just a few minutes to administer.
OZONE THERAPY
Medical grade ozone is a highly active and reactive form of oxygen which is prepared by a highly skilled practitioner just before being administered. Ozone therapy can restore optimum oxygen levels in the body by increasing the red blood cell count and this, in turn, stimulates the release of oxygen into the body’s tissues.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Diagnostic testing gives a very clear picture of your health and can help pinpoint problems that may be missed through consultation or ‘standard’ blood tests o ered by GPs. IVBOOST uses a leading London laboratory, which o ers a very quick turnaround of precise, accurate results.
AESTHETIC TREATMENTS
IVBOOST can deliver a range of nonsurgical treatments to enhance the appearance and treat the visible signs of ageing. These rejuvenating treatments use the latest evidence-based products and cutting-edge technology to deliver safe, e ective and long-lasting e ects. Each treatment plan is tailored to address individual concerns to optimise results.
GPC OPTICIANS CARRY THE TOP EYEWEAR BRANDS
THE SHOP HAS RECENTLY BEEN REFURBISHED
Watch this SPACE
GPC Opticians wins Opticians of the Year UK 2022 award for outstanding service
Stevenage-based GPC Opticians has won the prestigious Opticians of the Year UK 2022 award. The company has been recognised by M & A Today Global Awards 2022 for its outstanding service to clients and unique approach to matching customers with the perfect eyeglasses.
GPC Opticians ranked number one out of more than 7,000 optician businesses and practices in the UK. The prestigious award rea rms GPC’s approach to working with clients. The opticians cater each pair of eyeglasses to its clients. Unlike big-box eyeglass retailers, GPC’s team work hand-in-hand with customers to fi nd the ideal pair of glasses.
The company doesn’t o er clients hundreds of pairs of eyeglasses to browse through. The team at GPC Opticians narrow down a shortlist of six to seven pairs of frames based on a client’s lifestyle. Additional information about each client’s habits, preferences for glasses, and eye health allows GPC’s team to match them with a pair of spectacles. After narrowing down possible eyewear options, GPC’s opticians consider the client’s facial features.
Clients can expect a relaxing experience at GPC’s Stevenage shop at 22 The Forum. Expect an eye exam and a unique eyewear styling experience over a latte or cappuccino. GPC Opticians o ers customers an in-store experience unlike those from big-box stores. Clients won’t feel rushed to select a pair of frames during a visit.
GPC Opticians recently refurbished its shop to the highest standards. The company’s new look perfectly complements its eyewear styling philosophy, and GPC o ers the latest in eyewear fashion. The company carries brands such as Versace, Longchamp, and Tom Ford. The bespoke service will perfectly match clients with the perfect pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses.
Over 59% of UK residents wear eyeglasses. GPC is one of the only opticians ensuring clients get a unique experience and fi nd a pair of distinctive eyeglasses.
Visit gpcopticians.com for more information or to book an appointment today
GET QUICK ACCESS TO A GP THERE IS AN EMPHASIS ON COMFORT AT PRIVATE HOSPITALS COMFORT AT PRIVATE HOSPITALS
Personal CHOICE
When it comes to healthcare, here’s why you should choose to go private
With a beloved NHS that has looked after so many of us since birth, some may ask why choose to go private? With only around 11% of the population covered by private health insurance many have never visited an independent hospital to experience the benefi ts.
WHAT IS A PRIVATE HOSPITAL?
Simply put, it is an organisation that provides treatment and healthcare services independently of the NHS. However, many private hospitals support their local NHS Trusts by providing several NHS services.
In England both NHS and privately operated hospitals are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which performs routine audits to ensure health care services provide people with safe, high-quality care. The benefi ts of going private can usually be grouped into the three following categories:
FAST ACCESS TO CARE
When searching for medical advice or treatment, most people will seek to book an appointment with their NHS GP. Depending on a number of factors such as number of people registered with the same GP practice, practice sta ng levels and geographical location, this can lead to appointment waiting times measured in weeks.
If referral to treatment is also required, patients are often added to a waiting list where times can vary depending on speciality and location. Although the NHS set targets to try and manage waiting lists, continued pressures on the system have caused waiting lists for many specialities to rise signifi cantly.
Private hospitals often o er private GP services that allow patients to seek face to face medical assistance within 48 hours with options to be treated within two weeks. Having the benefi t of reduced waiting times reduces the time that their issue has to impact their lives.
CHOICE
Private healthcare o ers patients the benefi t of choice. Whether it be choice of hospital, treatment and drugs (many not o ered on the NHS due to costs), time and location that is convenient for patients. All help to provide a more tailored healthcare service.
COMFORT
Private hospitals pride themselves on o ering their patients great care alongside a great experience, with an emphasis on comfort and luxury normally seen in the hospitality sector. Comforts include: private rooms with en-suites, TVs and access to high speed Wi-Fi; a la carte dining; fewer restrictions of visiting hours; and superior cleanliness standards.
HOW TO GET A PRIVATE HOSPITAL APPOINTMENT
Private medical insurance patients
If you are in the 11% of the population that has access to private healthcare cover you can make a claim against your policy to be seen at your preferred private hospital.
Self-pay patients
Join the growing number of people going direct to private hospitals by getting in touch with your local private hospital to submit an enquiry.
NHS patients
When referred for treatment use your ‘patient choice’ to select to be seen at a private hospital. NHS GPs are able to refer patients to be seen at private hospitals where they o er NHS services.
For more on patient choice visit
onehealthcare.co.uk
DEAN SHAW
SMELL of SUCCESS
Absolutely Hertfordshire meets Dean Shaw, the man behind Watfordbased Aroma Energy
By MARK KEBBLE
Q What originally inspired you to launch Aroma Energy?
A We wanted to create something that helps people get through their busy days, whatever their circumstances. For that reason, it is incredibly important that our products are accessible to the everyday person at an a ordable price. Our sense of smell is our most powerful sense, but people often forget that! By harnessing the power of smell, you can feel more relaxed, positive, creative etc, depending on which scent you choose (di erent smells have di erent e ects). It’s a really great natural way of boosting your mood and when it’s a ordable it’s a double win.
Q What’s the ethos behind the business?
A We’re a small, close-knit, team and a family run business. Sustainability is important to us too. We wanted to provide products that are as good for the environment as possible, which is why our products are natural and vegan friendly. Our packaging is sustainable too. We also spend a lot of time trying to get the right blends. There’s a lot of trial and error, but it’s important that we deliver only the best for our customers.
Q What do you o er?
A Product wise, we o er a huge range of aromatherapy products to suit everyone’s needs and scent preferences. From candles and wax melts to di users and essential oils, there’s something for everyone.
Q How do you select your essential oils?
A Our essential oils must be therapeutic grade and of the highest quality. We create our blends, in particular our life oils, based around what will be most helpful and benefi cial for the user. Our aim? To create products around what the customer needs rather than just what we just want to sell/make.
Q Why do you think these are key to wellbeing?
A More and more people are turning to natural remedies to help with the hustle and bustle of their busy everyday lives. Our oils are designed for this exact purpose. As mentioned earlier, the power of scent should be re-discovered. There’s so much research that shows that certain oils by themselves, as well as di erent oil combinations, can massively help anxiety and sleep.
Q What are your bestsellers?
A Throughout the year our ‘Anxiety’, ‘Sweet Dreams’, ‘Relax & Unwind’, ‘Feel Good and Focus’ blends do very well. ‘Anxiety’ is one of the top selling essential oils on Amazon.
Q What have been your recent launches?
A We’ve been up to quite a lot! We’ve recently expanded our on-the-go roller-ball bottle range to include our famous Anxiety blend, so that people can use it on the go. Similarly, we’ve recently expanded our Fragrance Oil range to include some more seasonal scents, including ‘Smores’, ‘Hot Chocolate’ and ‘Pumpkin Pie’.
Q What do you have planned for 2023?
A We’re currently creating a range of vegan essential oil pillow sprays. We’re also looking forward to launching a range of vegan vitamins and supplements soon.
Q Where are you based in Hertfordshire?
A We’re based in Watford. There’s a huge open fi eld across from where our warehouse is – you don’t get that everywhere! It’s so quiet and peaceful too. The warehouse isn’t too far from where we live, which gives us more time to work on creating more deliciously scented oils.
aromaenergy.co.uk
WEIGH UP THE GOOD STUFF V THE BAD
Simple things I N L I F E
Thinking about trying out the latest fad diet? One Hertfordshire expert suggests thinking again
Hello my name is Adam Michie and I’ve been involved in the health and fitness industry for many years. My passion is guiding clients through their fitness journey, with an emphasis on encouraging consistency in everything that you do.
Repetitive exercise and eating the right food is essential to maintain our health and fitness, to feel good, to help us focus, and to cope with a busy life, work agenda and so on. We need to allow time for ourselves, and to feed our bodies with essential balanced nutrition. Just a little patience and you’ll enjoy the journey of fitness.
So many people go on diets. They are confused by the food industry, and the influence of social media, but ultimately it comes back to basics: three healthy meals a day, drink water, and enjoy your new regime!
It is so easy these days to go for the ‘quick fix’ microwave meal, the cheeky meal deal, or to have a few home delivered takeaways, which can be lovely, but balancing it out is essential. Allow time to prepare di erent types of cuisines and enjoy a great, healthy and balanced diet, experimenting with di erent spices, textures, and flavours.
Food is the essential fuel that we consume. Gone are the days of six packs and getting ripped, we need to feel good about ourselves and a lot of that comes down to the nutrition we consume, proteins, good fats, good carbs and vegetables. There isn’t a single ‘fashion’ diet out there that will sustain someone's happiness or fitness levels, you can be sure of that.
So start today by enjoying three good, healthy meals, and drink two to three litres of water per day (tea, and co ee counts!). Whether you are already on your fitness journey, or you're just starting out, remember it is essential to be active, to move more, enjoy and start to feel great about yourself.
I sincerely hope that I can play a part in your health and fitness regime. I am a fully experienced personal trainer (covering Berkhamsted, and surrounding areas) and if you’d like help with your nutrition and exercise, I would love to help, and encourage you to achieve your goals.
You can join Adam’s Better Body community at thebetterbodyapp.com
