In the UK any dentist can call themselves an ‘orthodontist’ even if they have no specialist qualification. Only those clinicians with recognised specialist training can be listed on the General Dental Council’s Specialist Register and call themselves ‘Specialist Orthodontists’.

TheOrthodontist.com_Q&A from VisionTrust on Vimeo.

Take a look at the video to find out more… Enjoy, and please share!

Walpole – The Orthodontic Specialists, have been the leader for Teeth Straightening and Cosmetic Smiles for over forty years, responsible for creating the best smiles in Surrey.

More information about Walpole – The Orthodontic Specialists can be found at http://myorthodontist.co.uk/

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On average 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every day and around 1 in 100 people in the UK have been diagnosed with epilepsy.

As a sufferer of the condition I am aware of the stigma attached with epilepsy. I was teased about it at school and was even told I had the devil inside me but laughed it off although inside it hurt.

The aim of National Epilepsy Week is to elevate understanding of the condition. Not just the physical symptoms but that the fact that someone who you think might be rude and ignoring you may in fact be having an absence seizure.

A couple of years ago there was an incident in which a bus driver refused to accept a passenger’s disabled bus pass because they had no obvious disability and wasn’t carrying any money to pay the fare. There was uproar amongst the passengers and they paid the fare for her.

It’s because of cases like this that people performing public roles, as well as members of the public, should be trained properly and made aware of other conditions such as epilepsy that are regarded as disabilities but which aren’t obvious because of a lack of physical symptoms.

Here’s a reminder of a course of action to take if you see someone having a seizure:

What to do when you see someone having a seizure

• DO NOT restrain them in any way.
• Put them in the recovery position. This will prevent fluid from getting into the lungs.
• Make the surroundings are as safe as possible. Remove any sharp objects from the immediate area. Supporting the sufferer with pillows or a coat will help ensure no further injury is sustained.
• DO NOT put anything into the sufferers mouth, this could result in being bitten or the sufferer vomiting.
• If someone has a fit in public, don’t allow a large crowd to gather. When the person recovers from the seizure they will normally be unaware of what’s happened and seeing a large number of people staring at them could be very distressing. At least two people should remain with the patient. One to monitor the patient and another to go and summon help from someone trained in first aid or other medical professional if one is available.

An ambulance should be called if the seizure lasts for over 5 minutes, especially after emergency medication has been administered or the sufferer is having trouble breathing.  This means the patient is in status epilepticus and requires immediate medical attention. An increased heart rate for a prolonged period of time can cause cardiac arrest and could even lead to brain damage.

Some people don’t even have any physical symptoms when they are having a seizure. These are called absence seizures. People may appear to be rude if they ignore you or stare blankly into space. It could be the case that they’re having a seizure like the person in the video below.

Take the Epilepsy Action Mythbusters Quiz here: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/e-learning/2013-05-mythbusters-quiz/story.html

For more information about epilepsy and what to do if you see someone having a seizure, please visit the Epilepsy Action website at http://www.epilepsy.org.uk

By Chris Kent

Image copyright Epilepsy Action 2016

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Hoorah! My new toy the ‘reformer’ has finally arrived! Since attending the reformer course at Body Control Pilates London in January I have been eager to purchase this large machine. Ten months later I am pleased to announce that reformer work is now an additional form of strength training available to my private clients. Many clients, on first seeing this large piece of equipment, have described it as a ‘machine of torture’. They have nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed working on it and have more often than not requested to use it again in subsequent sessions.

So what exactly is the reformer and why does it have such a dramatic impact on clients?
The reformer was invented by Pilates founder, Joesph Pilates and as shown in the picture above, is based around a bed-like frame. It consists of a flat platform called a carriage that slides up and down the frame on wheels. The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs, all of varying resistance to alter the challenge of moving the carriage. Above these springs is an adjustable footbar, which the practitioner can push against with either their hands or feet to move the carriage. At the opposite end to the footbar are long straps in which either the hands or feet can be inserted as a further way of moving the carriage.

The most remarkable thing about the reformer is its versatility; exercises can be performed on it either lying, sitting, standing, kneeling, sideways, pulling the straps, pushing the footbar, perched on the footbar and numerous other ways besides. This means that almost every muscle in the body can be lengthened and strengthened very dynamically with just this one piece of equipment.

So how is the reformer any more beneficial than the mat, if at all?
Like the mat, the reformer promotes all the known benefits of Pilates including longer, leaner muscles, a stronger core, greater mobility, better posture and improved balance and co-ordination. However, unlike the mat, the reformer provides a closed chain environment, which gives the client constant feedback with regards to their movement. This helps the client ‘feel’ their alignment more easily and also assists their learning process, thus helping them increase their strength more rapidly. The rectangular grid of the reformer and carriage creates an ideal environment for highlighting asymmetries in the body. This in turn allows for more concrete correction of joint alignment and muscle imbalances.

The varying resistance provided by the springs of the reformer can be combined with gravity to add physical work to the stability/mobility challenges already encouraged by an exercise. This extra physical work contributes to strength building, not only in muscles but also in bone. Alternatively, the spring resistance can be used to offset gravity. Whilst this reduces the physical load of an exercise, it increases instability, forcing the core to work harder in compensation. The stronger the core, the better the posture, balance and general well-being of the client. Greater strength leads to a deeper appreciation, awareness and understanding of the body in space. Translating this back onto the mat enables the client to perform mat-based exercises with greater proficiency, satisfaction and overall benefit.

In addition to the above, the reformer encourages eccentric contractions, which endorses the further benefit of muscle lengthening. In an eccentric contraction a muscle is driven to elongate rather than contract in order to overcome a force. When performing exercises on the reformer, the body is forced into such eccentric contractions by pushing or pulling against the resistance of the springs, carriage and the client’s body weight. This in turn builds the long, lean muscles for which Pilates is renowned, without adding bulk.

What makes this machine truly enchanting, however, is its fun-factor. With its plethora of adjustable features, every exercise performed on the reformer can be modified to work similar muscles groups in very contrasting ways. This means that no two sessions on the machine are ever the same. So if Pilates matwork does not tempt you then why not give Pilates on the reformer a go. You may even be surprised at how invigorated you feel by the challenges it affords!

Jessica Curnier

Image sourced from: http://tinyurl.com/nb3f5r6

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European Captain, Paul McGinley, has already participated in the support program – which lasted almost four hours at Prime Health and is enthusiastic about the process, which he says could make a significant difference during The Ryder Cup. He visited the center a few weeks ago for his assessment.

Here is the full program on offer to the players by Prime Health.

The European Tour, European Tour Performance Institute and European Ryder Cup Committee is delighted to be partnering with Prime Health to provide comprehensive health & fitness support for potential competitors and their medical/therapy teams in the lead up to the 2014 Ryder Cup in Gleneagles, Scotland on 26-28 September.

Situated in the heart of Weybridge, Surrey and located only a 20 minute drive from Heathrow and Wentworth, Prime Health is a truly world class medical, diagnostic, therapy & fitness centre which has recently become a “Preferred Provider of Services” to the European Tour.

Founded in 2012 by ex European Tour physiotherapist Jonathan Shrewsbury, Prime Health brings together a large team of resident and visiting clinical specialists as wells as being home to some of the most advanced diagnostic equipment in the UK.

Prime Health is well versed in supporting elite sporting organisations having already been entrusted with looking after the England Rugby Football Union, Premiership Football Clubs, British Olympic Association, English Institute of Sport, England & GB Hockey, Harlequins RFC and London Irish RFC.

In order to optimise player preparations for the Ryder Cup Match, between 1 August and 21 September, Prime Health will be offering the services listed overleaf to any eligible player residing in the Top 10 World Ranking List or Top 10 in the European Tour Ryder Cup Rankings.

These services are complimentary and can be requested by either the players’ own medical/therapy team or through the ETPI’s Dr Roger Hawkes and Rob Hillman. All clinical information and results will remain confidential to the player and he alone will be able to nominate who reviews the information.

The services on offer:

Diagnostic Investigations/Treatments

• 3T MRI – unrivalled imaging clarity with additional specialist Cartilage Mapping and

Metal Artefact Reduction techniques

• Digital X-ray
• Ultrasound / Ultrasound Guided Injections

All radiology reporting will be conducted by musculoskeletal specialists including the European Tour Radiologist Dr Phil O’Connor and his team.

Private GP Services

• General Physical Examinations can be conducted by the GP Team including Respiratory Testing, Blood & Urine Analysis, ECG’s etc

Musculoskeletal Injury Screening

• Advising on the prevention of injury or examination of pre-existing injuries by Consultant Sports & Exercise Medicine Physicians

Functional Movement Screening

• Conducted by Justin Buckthorp – European Tour Strength & Conditioning Coach

Nutritional Therapy Testing & Advice

• Conducted by Alex Manos – Nutritional Therapist

Keep an eye out for the golfing competition where you could be in the chance to win a three-ball at the exclusive St. George’s hill.

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What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is the gradual and silent loss of bone tissue (approximately 25-30%), resulting in bone fragility and an increased likelihood of fracture. It is classified as a silent skeletal disease as many are unaware they have it until they suffer a fracture. An estimated 3 million people in the UK suffer from osteoporosis, approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50.
The vertebrae of the spine, the hip and wrist are the most likely sites of fracture in those suffering from osteoporosis. A spinal fracture can result in scoliosis, altered pelvic tilt, poor hip mobility, knee problems, increased kyphosis (hunchback), respiratory impairment, incontinence and chronic pain.

The main risk factors for osteoporosis include:
Menopause (12 month cessation of menstrual period)
Early menopause (before 45)
Women who have undergone a hysterectomy, particularly before 45
Female athletes or dancers with or who have experienced amenorrhea (loss of menstruation)
Women with or who have experienced eating disorders
Low calcium intake
Smoking
High caffeine intake
Sedentary lifestyle
Heavy drinking
Low body weight and BMI (body mass index)
Small thin frame
For men, low testosterone levels
Depression
High protein diets

So what type of exercise is effective for stimulating bone growth?
Bone will only respond when it is placed under stress against the force of gravity. High impact, weight bearing exercise is therefore very effective in improving bone mineral density, particularly in the spine and hip. Examples of weight bearing exercise include walking, jogging, dancing, tennis, badminton, squash and aerobics. Strength training has also been shown to lower the risk of fractures for postmenopausal women if performed twice a week. This is because muscle is attached to bone by tendons. As the muscle contracts, they tug at the bones, stimulating bone growth. The stronger the muscles, the more powerful the stimulation.

Bone only responds to intensity of exercise, not duration. Therefore, after about 10 minutes of repetitive exercise, bone production stops meaning that variation as in circuit training is the key to continued bone growth.

So how can Pilates help?
Since Pilates is a strength training programme, it can stimulate bone growth. By working on balance and postural stability, it can reduce the number of osteoporotic fractures caused by falls. Pilates also offers the benefit of teaching the neutral alignment of joints in the body, lengthening the spine and consequently decreasing potentially painful compression. Improving pelvic floor fast and slow twitch fibres may also be advantageous in addressing osteoporosis related incontinence, whilst improving relaxation skills can help with pain management if present.

Pilates exercises are very much site specific, allowing focus to be placed on strengthening the muscles around vulnerable bones. Many exercises in Pilates are also weight bearing, using either the weight of the body or the force of muscular contraction to place pressure on the bone and stimulate bone growth. Bones can be continually challenged in Pilates by either using hand, wrist or leg weights, stretch bands, the Reformer and its springs (bigger Pilates equipment) or simply the weight of the body itself. Pilates is not repetitive either so changing the site of target every 10 minutes serves to promote optimal bone growth within an hour workout session!

So if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or you have 3 or more of the risk factors associated with it, then why not investigate the possibility of incorporating Pilates into your exercise regime to stimulate bone growth? Please ensure, however, that your Pilates instructor is qualified to teach those with osteoporosis as many of the more classical Pilates exercises require modification to ensure safe practice for the individual suffering from osteoporosis.

Jessica Curnier

Images sourced from: http://tinyurl.com/mh559yn and http://tinyurl.com/nogt5b6

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As part of the evening event, all of the usual counters in the House of Fraser beauty hall will be open on the night including Chanel, Mac, Bobbi Brown, Benefit and Lancôme. Individual counters will be offering different activities for shoppers to enjoy, ranging from styling advice from brands lead stylists, master classes, and consultations.

On top of this, there is a deal running for the duration of the Beauty Confidential promotion in House of Fraser stores and online (Wednesday 23 April to Monday 5 May) that offers customers £10 off thirty ‘must have’ products when you spend £50 or more. So those looking for a bargain on top brands such as Estée Lauder, Clarins and Yves Saint Lauren (to name but a few) will surely be leaving with a smile on the face!

The Beauty Confidential event will be informal in nature and refreshments will also be supplied to those perusing the counters. Local bar, All Bar One will be offering gorgeous complimentary cocktails for those of you looking for a post-work alcoholic treat. Alongside this, the delicious artisan bakery Maison Blanc, which is located on North Street, will also be offering a selection of amazing canapés to keep you well fed as you browse the products on show.

And if that wasn’t quite enough… The iconic Radisson Blu Hotel will be offering the first 100 customers who attend an exclusive gift, whilst also running a raffle throughout the night for a spa weekend at their hotel.

With hundreds expected to attend, make sure you don’t miss out on a great event of workshops, advice, goody bags and beauty essentials at Guildford’s House of Fraser on Thursday.

James Martin

The post Beauty Confidential Event at House of Fraser (01.05.14) appeared first on This is Our Town Guildford.

For many mums-to-be, especially those that are relatively new to an area, one of the biggest adjustments they find themselves going through is that of making new friends. You might find that you feel the need to meet people you can relate to, going through what you are at this special time and you’re not really up to talking to strangers in the street, so what are your options?

One relatively direct option is to try to make friends online, in pregnancy and motherhood forums. The upside is quite obvious: you’re making friends with people all over the world, so the likelihood of meeting alike people, or of having someone answer your questions, is much higher. On the flip side, we all like a cuppa and a natter face-to-face every now and again, don’t we?

You could also try to find local friends through Facebook or Meetup groups in your area. No matter where you live, you’ll be able to find one relatively close to you and they will almost certainly have regular meetings, usually at least once a month.

Alternatively, are you attending any pregnancy exercise classes? These can be the perfect places to meet other mums, as you already have a lot in common. Plus well-organized classes such as YogaBellies for Pregnancy will schedule time for all of you to chat after class and even organizes coffee mornings and lunches!

How about your birth preparation classes? Sometimes ladies prefer attending these in a private and intimate way, with only their birth partner and that is perfectly fine, but if you’d rather combine the learning with making friends, you’ll find these a great place to meet other mums too. Birth ROCKS classes are offered in both private and group settings.

After the baby comes, you might find it even easier to meet new mums because, in addition to the aforementioned online ways, there are many churches and organizations that run playgroups and coffee mornings. You might also want to join a Baby Massage group class or even a Mum and Baby Yoga class after your six-week check where you will meet many others and their little ones!

As you can see, there are many opportunities to make friends if you know where to look. Please leave a comment with any other ideas you might have!

Cristina Freniche

Image shows ladies practicing partner yoga in the Guildford pregnancy class; the posture is called the ‘Tree Pose’ or ‘Vrkasana’.

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So what is Pilates and how could you benefit from regular practise?

Pilates is a gentle form of low impact exercise designed to lengthen and strengthen muscles, particularly those of the core, to restore muscle balance, improve posture and reduce body aches and pain. It was created in the early 1900s by German born Joseph Pilates who combined numerous sport and art forms, including yoga, martial arts, gymnastics, skiing, fencing and dance, into a single exercise regime. Pilates rebuilds the spine, making you feel taller, longer and leaner. It reconnects mind and body, increasing body awareness, concentration and promoting relaxation. It builds muscle tone and encourages joints to work through their full range of motion, helping you feel stronger, more supple and mobile. Forget that tiring neck ache or lower back stiffness, as Pilates can help rid you of all this discomfort. I can guarantee that a well-rounded workout with me will leave you feeling energised, empowered and motivated, encouraging you to live your day with positivity and body confidence.

So what makes Jessica Pilates different from the rest?

There are a number of Pilates instructors out there already, with two large studios already in the Guildford town centre, so why come to Jessica Pilates? Well, my aim is to make everyone fall in love with Pilates, if not after the first session, then definitely after the first block of six. My desire is to better educate people about the benefits of Pilates and encourage more people to engage in what I consider to be a mind and body transforming discipline. Being passionate about my work drives me to help my clients achieve their goals in health and fitness; whether that is rehabilitation from an injury, eliminating daily aches and pain, feeling stronger, more mobile and less stressed, or just simply toning. The thought of exercise fills many of us with dread, but I aim to motivate my clients by making classes fun, dynamic, interactive and accessible to all. As a member of Body Control Pilates, the internationally leading organisation in Pilates teacher training, I am continually undergoing training to update my knowledge and learn new developments in the field. This helps to keep my classes fresh, innovative and challenging. Never will an hour of exercise pass so fast and leave you feeling so invigorated and alive!

Want to find out more? Then visit my website HERE or send me an email at [email protected]. All information regarding my classes can be found on my website, so please do not hesitate to get in touch if you might be interested in learning more and potentially trying out this new method of body conditioning. Your first taster session in a group class is FREE, so why not experience something new and fall in love with Pilates!

Jessica Curnier

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