ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN FOCUS - YOUR HEALTH HUB
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Your HealtH HuB A look at... Eco Holidays Fabulous environmentally friendly products Upcycling projects Minor Surgery FAQs Your In focus... local guide to health & Environmental Health wellbeing Your directory of professionals, practitioners, shops and online services available in the Dacorum and St Albans area
Carmel Twomey Lic Ac, MAsC TCM. Interested in finding the REAL cause of your dis-ease? Acupuncture | Massage Moativational Medicine (talking therapy) “I am passionate about assisting others in alleviating any health concerns, and also in understanding why the body created them in the first place.” Carmel is a highly qualified multi-disciplinary therapist, with thirty years of clinical experience both in Ireland and here in the UK. The human body is complex and magnificent and is not as limited as we have been lead to believe. Her expertise lies in taking into account the many factors that can trigger disease in the body and then skilfully assisting you in facilitating the healing process. phone: • Acupuncture administered only 07882 889989 at the clinic in Berkhamsted. email: • Talking therapy, both phone- carmel@carmeltwomey.co.uk based or face to face. www.carmeltwomey.co.uk
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in focus welcome ...to Your Health Hub – YOUR local health and wellbeing magazine and directory This edition’s editorial focus is on • Cotton tampons and sanitary towels, some Environmental Health. We are all aware that are plastic free. Reusable and washable the Environment needs our help, and every sanitary towels and underwear, Mooncups little change we work towards, makes a or Menstrual sea sponge tampons difference. Here are some suggestions: • Reusable and washable nappies, • Bamboo or bio-degradable toothbrushes breast pads, cloths rather than wipes or Disposable eco nappies – some are • Metal / bamboo reusable straws and bio-degradable, free from chlorine, vegan cutlery, in Italy they use pasta! (although not as good for the environment • Eco sponges that can be composted as reusable ones). • Natural bars of soap instead of liquid soap As well as looking at Environmental Health in containers in this issue, there will be the usual look at • Recyclable or refillable soap dispensers health & wellbeing, with your directory of Zandra x • Algae Omega 3 instead of fish oil tablets local health & wellbeing facilities • Use Natural Food Wraps and practitioners. • Paper or bamboo cotton buds – some can be composted Zandra • Shop locally and in charity shops Editor, Your Health Hub Directory 4
www.yourhealthhub.uk Contents 30 6 Doing your bit There is so much we need to do to help our environment. Find out what our editor, Zandra, is doing Editor’s favourites 8 Win a selection of WIN environmentally friendly health and wellbeing products 26 A quick snapshot of some local upcyclers Local people doing amazing things 12 Can we do more to travel sustainably? with discarded and preloved items How changing your travel behaviour could be good for the environment 30 Eco holidays Environmentally friendly getaways 14 Period poverty Action Aid looks at the use of 34 Aenvironmental herbalists view on health sustainable products Change the air in our homes 20 What’s the frequency What every health practitioner needs to 36 Pure drinking water Why is it so important to us? tell everyone about nnEMF The issues facing homeless Bee good and create a buzz 22 Help support Britain’s bees WIN 40 people and win a selction of goodies 42 Grounding Wellness techniques 24 Charity shops championing Returned to glory 44 The holistic home sustainability Your guide to air purifying plants 46 The Balance Procedure A dynamic and ground breaking tool for the 21st century 48 Power with the help of Goddess New year, new you 51 An anti-ageing injectable skin care treatment 22 52 Minor Surgery FAQ Directory 54 Your local guide to hair, beauty and health & wellbeing 5
in focus doing your bit We all know that there is much we need to do to help our environment. This is a new journey for me, but I realise anything we can do, even if it is one small change, is a positive change. Being honest I am still not there, but I am acutely aware of the need to do more, and as a family, we are trying hard to make simple changes that we hope are effective. RECYCLING Wrapping paper: I always put wrapping paper The first thing I looked at was household recycling into the recycling bin, but much of it is plasticised, – how were we doing with it? I knew that I had has glitter or metallic and cannot be recycled. always done a quick bin check to hook out any (Same for greeting cards). Unlaminated paper- cardboard and tins that the family may have based wrapping paper and pre-recycled wrapping inadvertently binned, but what else was I missing, paper are usually recyclable. A good way to or doing wrong? test is try to scrunch up the paper into a ball. If it I am still learning, but the first three things I scrunches, and stays scrunched, it can probably learned were: be recycled. Fruit punnets: I used to put fruit and mushroom Cardboard and paper: Plastic tape cannot be punnets in the recycling, but as they are usually recycled so remove from cardboard boxes first. made of a combination of plastics, and are often Similarly, the windows in paper envelopes need non-recyclable. to removed and placed in general waste before Cleaning your jars: I knew to rinse milk recycling the paper. cartons, tins, jars and bottles but I didn’t realise If it’s smaller than a post-it note it can’t be not doing so could end up sending all the recycled - plastic caps needn’t be removed from collected recycling to landfill. the bottle before recycling. Whilst soap dispensers belong in the recycling, the tops don’t. 6
www.yourhealthhub.uk Our recycling bin is much better utilised now and fills rapidly. Council websites will usually have simple swaps details of what is recyclable, and Dacorum has a little video outlining what happens to our waste. One swap I found very easy was to use http://www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/environment- natural bars of soap instead of liquid soap street-care/recycling-refuse-waste/what-happens- in containers. There is an amazing array to-my-recyclables of organic, vegan and eco-friendly bars of soaps. You can buy bars of shampoo, conditioner and even washing up liquid. Make-Up Remover – one of my biggest sins utilities was using makeup removing wipes, but I I had read about Green energy and was now use a facial cleanser and a flannel. becoming more aware of renewable energy – Gifting: This year I have endeavoured to by but I had not realised until I researched it, that upcycled items, gifts from charity shops or you could choose a provider of green energy eco-friendly gifts. for your household energy. Refill Stations: Our local health food shops offer basic’s refill stations for The Definition of Green Energy things like pasta and rice so I can refill Green energy comes from natural sources my own jars saving on packaging. such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, plants, algae and geothermal heat. These energy Cheaper: resources are renewable, meaning they’re Bulb makes naturally replenished. In contrast, fossil energy cheaper fuels are a finite resource that takes – they invest in millions of years to develop technology to and will continue to diminish with use. reduce costs, and they pass savings on to their (source: https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/energy/ members. stories/what-is-green-energy) Greener: Bulb make energy greener – so they help protect our planet. This isn’t about As a family, we chose BULB (although there being do-gooders; it’s just about doing what are others). makes sense for our environment and future Bulb is the UK’s fastest-growing energy generations. supplier, providing over 1.4 million homes with And they’re constantly looking to improve. affordable, green energy. Bulb was founded By obsessively listening to their members they in 2015 by Hayden Wood and Amit Gudka want to make the whole energy industry better. because they were fed up with the way the energy industry treats customers, and with W | https://join.bulb.co.uk/ how much businesses were charging for renewable energy. They saw an opportunity to make energy simpler, cheaper, and greener for There is much more to do, and I am everyone - and made it their mission to do so. still learning. I hope that this issue will Zandra x Simpler: Bulb make energy simpler – They inspire thinking and inspiration. have one, simple tariff for all. And you can speak to a human when you have a question. 7
in focus YOU CAN editor’s favourites WIN ALL OF THIS! Details at the end of the article. Being more aware of what I use on a daily basis for health and wellbeing as well as for the Environment has been a huge learning curve. I wanted to share with you some of my favourite finds from this year! Georganics Mouthwash Tablets These mouthwash tablets are made from entirely natural and non-toxic ingredients. The fluoride, SLS and glycerine free formula helps to restore a healthy pH balance to your mouth, maintain good oral health and freshen your breath. Flavoured with organic essential oils these eco- friendly tablets, that you add to water, are ideal for everyday use and great for travelling. Add mouthwash tablets to a drop of water and Georganics Mouthwash Tablets are made gargle for a healthy mouth and fresh breath. entirely in Britain. All the ingredients are mixed Natural flavours are used such as spearmint and together, adding organic essential oil and thyme, with no alcohol or other damaging nasties natural colourings. The bulk is then gently found in many commercial alternatives. Their heated to remove any moisture, and is collected design also makes them easy to carry about. as dry powder. The powder is then run into a They come in recyclable glass jar, packed in a press machine which turns it into tablets. The compostable craft paper box. bulk tablets are collected and stored in large W | georganics.com paper bags and then hand dispensed in retail E | beauty@mantelpiecepr.com containers when more stock is needed. Facebook, Twittwer, Instagram | @georganicsuk Alkaline Tea-bags Alkaline T bags are a very effective and economic way to transform ordinary bottled or filtered water into alkaline antioxidant water with good structure. The T bags use natural mineral crystals formed into ceramic balls to change the water. The T bag can be reused for upo to 30 days. This is an excellent way to trial the benefits of health promoting water. W | water-for-health.co.uk 8
www.yourhealthhub.uk Green People for Men Organic Shave Kit For many men, shaving can feel like a daily chore and one that they would rather avoid. Discover the secret to a comfortable shave that feels like a morning pamper session with protective, moisturising ingredients that keep the skin supple and hydrated. Treat Dad this Father’s Day with the Green People Organic Men Organic Shave Kit. Comprised of three peppermint and nourishing almond oil, intensely concentrated organic products, this kit is great hydrating organic formula for travel and on-the-go grooming and includes; Key ingredients include: Organic Aloe Vera, No. 1 Exfoliating Face Scrub 30ml Yucca, green tea, bamboo stem and grapefruit A gentle scrub with Bamboo extract and (£14.95) Cranberry powder to remove dead skin cells Green People products are available from No. 2 Soothing Shaving Gel 30ml Waitrose, Ocado, Whole Foods, Planet Organic, A 2-in-1 organic shaving gel and face wash Revital and independent health retailers containing soothing Aloe Vera - seaweed extract nationwide, as well as online at lubricates the skin and helps prevent razor burn www.greenpeople.co.uk and reduce nicks and cuts No. 3 Cooling Moisturiser 30ml An aftershave moisturiser with cooling Georganics Tooth Floss Our natural silk floss is the perfect alternative to conventional single use plastic dental floss. Ahimsa silk is used as a cruelty free 100% Natural Magnesium Deodorant floss without the use for non – antiperspirant with 0% aluminium recyclable nylon. It will not only stop any unpleasant odour, but The 30m floss comes in a also provide the necessary portion of magnesium reusable, plastic free, glass through our skin without any dispenser and metal lid involvement of our tired stomach. which allows to easily cut the One roll-on around the armpits floss. The dispenser can be will bring us up to 90% true re-used with our floss refills. magnesium, will stop the smell for Supply: 30m gives 100 many hours, and the wonderful applications. aroma from the natural Aussie Natural, sustainable and shrub “Lemon Myrtle” which leaves conscientious. a pleasant and delicate citrus scent. W | georganics.com 100% chemical-free, gentle on E | beauty@mantelpiecepr. skin and the magnesium can help com with other ailments. Facebook, Twittwer, W | Uk.karmarub.com Instagram | E | enquiries@uk.karmarub.com @georganicsuk T | 07940 780932 9
in focus Jack and Jill Kids – Natural Tooth Care Set Cornstarch toothbrush. Rounded nylon bristles (soft) for superior cleaning. Ergonomic handle made from 100% corn starch non GMO! Rinse mug Made from bamboo and rice husks, this biodegradable cup is earth friendly and cute! With a matte finish and a familiar face, it is perfect for hygienically storing Jack N’ Jill products in the bathroom, rinsing after brushing and even that midnight drink of water! Great as a regular drinking cup as well. These are naturally BPA & PVC free. Dishwasher safe. Dimensions: 9cm (height) x 8cm (top diameter). Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste. Flavour NFco Original Toothpaste 100g free. Rich in xylitol, salicylate free, fluoride free, Natural toothpaste. Original Formula 100g sugar free, colour free, SLS free, no artificial with native Australian rivermint. 70% organic preservatives, gluten free, safety seal, easy ingredients. open flip top cap, BPA free, minimal Recyclable Each NFco toothpaste is designed for the Packaging – made in Australia. whole family. The Australian made gel formula Ingredients: Xylitol, purified water, vegetable with native Australian rivermint is rich in xylitol glycerin (coconut derived), silica, xanthan gum, and free from fluoride, SLS, parabens and potassium sorbate (naturally derived), citric harsh chemicals. acid. Australian River Mint (Mentha Australis) W | jackandjillkids.com is native to the wild, pristine rain forests and waterways of eastern Australia. It is known for it’s fresh aromatic flavor and is used by indigenous Australians for medicinal purposes. Vegan, non GMO, fluoride free, paraben free, gluten free, soy free, sugar free, no artificial flavours or colours, cruelty free and SLS free. Contains 25% xylitol – amongst the highest available. NFco Bio-Degradable Cornstarch Toothbrush & Resin Stand Biodegradable toothbrush. Handle made from non-GMO cornstarch, soft nylon bristles, BPA free. Biodegradable packaging. W | nfco.co/nfcoukretail 10
www.yourhealthhub.uk Karma Rub – Magnesium Rub A totally natural magnesium product from Australia containing other trace elements to provide even more benefits. By applying Karma Rub to an area of the body you are delivering magnesium directly to where its needed most. Research has shown that the body retains about 90% of the magnesium from mag chloride when its applied to the skin as opposed to taking magnesium internally (30% retained). Applying to the skin also avoids upset stomachs. Idea for aches and pains, 5% magnesium sulphate, 5% other natural bruising, muscle fatigue and headaches W | Uk.karmarub.com amongst other things. E | enquiries@uk.karmarub.com Average 35% - 45% magnesium, chloride, T | 07940 780932 Studies on Quinoa protein see shine increase Green People’s - Quinoa & Artichoke by over 50% after just 5 washes. Intensely Shampoo conditioning; Quinoa protein also enhances Dull and lacklustre hair? Artichoke boasts deep the softness of your hair, making it more cleansing properties to remove mineral deposits manageable and easier to style. Multi-tasking which could be causing dullness, revealing Artichoke leaf boasts high levels of antioxidant the natural high-shine beauty of your hair. Like activity helping to repair damage from UV a protective shield to the cuticles in the hair exposure. Made with 91% certified organic shaft, Artichoke leaves the hair’s surface flat ingredients. (£15.50/ 100ml and smooth, giving shiny, sleek and frizz-free - £10.00) locks. Looking for volume? W | greenpeople.co.uk Quinoa coats every shaft, delivering body for hair that looks thicker and fuller. Made with 81% certified organic ingredients. (200ml - £15.50/ NOW WIN 100ml - £10.00) ALL OF THESE! Simply email zandra@yourhealthhub.u Green People’s - Quinoa & with the title EDITORS FAV k S Artichoke Conditioner 200ml and you will be entered into a Restore luxurious shine and draw. Winners will be pic ked at vitality. Quinoa and Artichoke random when the next preserve the surface of the hair, edition is published. leaving both natural and coloured hair with high-shine and brilliance. 11
in focus can we do travel more to sustainablY? Before I introduce myself and prescribe some ideas and recommendations to get you travelling more sustainably, I have a few questions for you to answer. Question 1 Have you ever been in a car (driver or passenger) and made a journey that could have been done by another mode of transport? Unless you have never been in a car, I imagine your answer will be yes. Question 2 Are you likely to consider other modes of transport if they were made easier (in terms of safety, time, money and convenience)? Hypothetically speaking, your answer is a yes, in reality, it’s not that straight forward. 12
www.yourhealthhub.uk Can we do more to travel sustainably? Do we want to? Do we need to? Hi I’m Ross. I’m a transport planner and the volunteer Chair for an organisation called Modeshift, supporting the delivery of sustainable travel for organisations, schools, communities in the UK. I was born and raised in London, enjoying an integrated transport system for the majority of my life before moving to Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire nine years ago. I own and drive a car for multiple LEARN: types of trips. • Don’t know what your options are? Find I’m fully on-board, as are the majority of out by visiting your local authority website people in the UK believing that we need to pick and Traveline www.traveline.info up our game and be more proactive when it • Can’t ride a bike and want to? Most comes to sustainability. I need to switch out councils offer Cycle skills training (by more car trips for alternative modes of travel qualified experts) for children and adults and to do that I need to focus on what I can do, rather than what others can do for me. For TRy: example, it’s easy to fall into the trap of ‘Why • Switch out a journey to another mode, don’t THEY build more cycle lanes’? Why don’t look to car share (search lift share or clubs THEY make buses free and more regular’? in your areas), perhaps park further away These examples are outside of my control and and walk the rest of the journey sit within what’s called ‘The Circle of Concern’. They are what concern me; they drive negative thoughts with zero action. inform: • Share what you are doing with family, In order to be proactive, I need to focus more friends and colleagues on my ‘Circle of Influence’. This is where I take • Many schools and businesses around the action, I make commitments and promises. For country are very supportive of sustainable example ‘I’ll try something new’, ‘I’ll get more travel. Why not see what they are doing information’, ‘I can’t change every journey but I already, and if that’s nothing or very little, can change that one’. See the difference? So if here are some ideas you’re willing to be proactive, what next? Modeshift STARS is a free scheme for Changing your travel behaviour is not all schools in England. Schools can only good for the environment, it can sign up, get ideas, bring about positive also save you money and help you lead a change and receive an award for their healthier life, but you know that already. achievements. There is also a Business So, don’t wait for something to happen, version for organisations to sign-up be proactive and make a change. and get involved. Like the school’s scheme, there are loads of ideas and an accreditation scheme to participate in. Visit www.modeshiftstars.org 13
in focus Period Period poverty and the use of sustainable products by poverty ActionAid UK How much are you spending on periods in your safe sanitary products they need to manage lifetime? Our calculator gives a stark reminder their periods without shame or stigma. of the financial burden of menstruating. As a In the countries that ActionAid UK works result of this cost, millions of women and girls in, women and girls are often forced to use worldwide can’t afford to buy or access the whatever they can to manage their periods, including rags, newspapers and even tree leaves. Those who have some pads may also have no choice but to re-use the same one for Aida is a 16-year-old girl in Malawi many days – putting their health at serious risk. who wants to be a nurse when she’s These same women and girls often face older but who began to skip school local taboos about menstruation as well, which because of the bullying she faced restrict their way of life further. when she had no means of cleaning or For example, in some cultures menstruating changing her pad. “The boys could see women and girls are prohibited from using salt the cloth and they laugh at me, so I go in their cooking; milking animals, and touching home to escape the bullying,” she says. other family members during their cycle. They are also told they can’t get pregnant if they 14
www.yourhealthhub.uk have sex while they have their period. Girls more vulnerable to child marriage and early we work with have also reported facing ridicule pregnancy – ultimately denying them their at school when menstrual blood has leaked basic right to be educated and reach their through their clothing leading to missed days potential. and some drop out altogether. Mass-produced; disposable sanitary products It’s estimated that one in 10 girls in Africa are also harming the environment due to will miss school when they have their periods. containing non-biodegradable materials. Most Missing school or work, in the long run, can sanitary pads contain up to 90 per cent plastic, have a devastating impact on their potential for example, while tampons have plastic to live a normal life, support themselves and applicators. This large-scale plastic production contribute to their communities. Additionally, releases vast amounts of greenhouse gases girls missing out on school can leave them which cause air pollution and global warming. Improper disposal of sanitary products such as wrapping them in plastic bags also fills up landfills and takes years to biodegrade. Some Ishu is a 14-year-old girl in Nepal sanitary products are also flushed down the who has to leave her family every toilet, which could mean that they end up in the time she has a period because it’s sea and washed up on our beaches. This has believed she will bring bad luck. She detrimental effects for humans, the wildlife and is forced to live alone in a remote, our land and oceans. windowless mud hut without warm clothes or running water. “I’m scared to stay alone in the hut”, she says, “I’m scared of ghosts and snakes [and that] bad people will come and attack me.” This practice is called chauppadi and although it has been illegal since 2005, it’s still practised in many communities. In recent years, at least two girls are known to have died as a result of it. 15
in focus ActionAid UK is running programmes cups are made of silicone and last 10 years, leaving very little waste. They are also easy to worldwide to put an end to these use and safe as they can be sterilised using problems for good. boiling water. We train women and girls to make reusable Our work increases girls’ choice and access to sanitary pads, so they always have access to sanitary products, putting their voices front and clean and affordable sanitary products, and will centre when determining which products are always try to implement sustainable solutions, most useful for their communities as well as for such as reusable DIY cloth pads. the environment. For example, in a pilot project in Malawi In some situations, such as humanitarian women and girls are trained to make DIY emergencies, it is difficult to promote sustainable pads with sewing machines to then sell at the options. If there is no running water or means local market for a small sum supporting them of cleaning and sewing, reusable pads and to become economically independent, and menstrual cups are not effective. At times supporting girls education by distributing them like this, we need public support to provide in local schools. https://www.actionaid.org.uk/ thousands of women and girls with hygiene kits blog/news/2019/05/24/how-to-make-your-own- that contain more traditional sanitary pads. reusable-sanitary-pads Ultimately however, our focus is on ending In many countries, and with support from gender inequality because this is what causes players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, our period poverty. We need to tackle the gender biggest donor, we have also opened more girls’ injustice that allows periods to hold women and rooms in schools, where girls can get changed, girls back from reaching their full potential and use the toilet, access free fabric pads and learn progress. sewing skills to make their own. They can also access more information about their periods, sex and pregnancy in these safe spaces, so they are better informed about their bodies. And, where appropriate, we distribute menstrual cups to women and girls. Menstrual 16
www.yourhealthhub.uk Period Use cotton tampons or sanitary towels swaps - some are plastic free Sustainable options that won’t harm the environment Try reusable and washable Mooncups or menstrual sanitary towels sea sponge tampons are or underwear washable and reusable Directory Coming up in your local guide Listings to Health & Wellbeing... from £35 payment plans In Focus Body, Health & Fitness. available A look at fitness trends, allergy testing & supplements Zandra: T | 07866 587117 or 01442 834398 In Focus Demystifying holistics E | zandra@yourhealthhub.uk and a look at women’s health www.yourhealthhub.uk 17
in focus the beauty of healthy skin The founder of Epionce, Dr Carl Thornfeldt has spent twenty-five years focusing on researching abnormalities of the skin barrier, cutaneous inflammation, drug delivery, herbs, and disease therapies. 18
www.yourhealthhub.uk Epionce formulas are botanically based and optimised to improve skin function by reducing inflammatory factors while improving barrier strength. The products are paraben free, gluten free, fragrance free and are vegan friendly. Epionce do not use or endorse animal testing for any of their skincare products. It really does sound too good to be true!! Just take a look at the three key technologies and ingredients used for maximising natural results: Anti-Inflammatory Packaging Many of the bottles, jars and tubes are made Technology from either HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Anti-Inflammatory Technology helps or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate), all of block the formation and activation of which can be recycled through most municipal inflammatory factors in the skin. recycling programs. All exterior product boxes Key Ingredients: Date Fruit Extract, are made from SBS (solid bleach sulfate) Meadowfoam Extract, Apple Fruit paper- board, which can also be recycled Extract, Flax Extract. through most municipal recycling programs. Barrier Repair Technology Barrier Repair Technology helps strengthen and repair the natural protective skin barrier for optimal function. Key Ingredients: Safflower Extract, Avocado Extract, Meadowfoam Extract, Phytosterols, Phytosphingosine. Keratolytic Technology If you’d like to try before you buy, contact Keratolytic Technology encourages cell Wendy at Tocolo who will provide you with turnover to remove dead skin cells, clear some free samples. It really is an amazing pores of impurities and retexturize skin. skincare range and worth a try. Key Ingredients: Azelaic Acid, Zinc T | 07824 553735 Pyrithione, Salicylic Acid, Willow Bark E | enquiries@tocolo.co.uk Extract. W | tocolo.co.uk 19
in focus what’s the frequency? What every health practitioner needs A couple of hundred years ago, there was very little or zero man-made EMF, no light to tell their clients, friends, family and (bar fire or lamps), no electricity, no radio, no everyone about nnEMF microwaves, no TV, satellites, mobile phones, Bluetooth. The only EMFs that existed were natural from Firstly what is nnEMF? the sun, the earth and stars. EMF stands for Electro-Magnetic Frequency. This is what we evolved with, developed with You may remember you learnt about this over millions of years from when the earth held in Physics at school. EMF describes any just basic life all the way up to the 18th/19th frequency from very high-frequency gamma Century. rays down through x-rays, ultra-violet, visible Is it that risky? Yes and no. We are exposed light, infrared, microwaves to radio waves. to all sorts of naturally occurring EMF, most EMF is measured in Hertz (Hz – Frequency), of which is beneficial. Infra-red is becoming this is the number of cycles (waves) per a widely popular therapy method for many second. The more cycles per second the higher conditions of the skin and soft tissues, visible the power (energy) of the wave depending on light is pretty handy, there are even many Amplitude – how big the wave is. The “nn” bit – positive effects of UVA and UVB for hormone this stands for non-native, i.e. man-made. production, sleep, cell health and much more. 20
www.yourhealthhub.uk the food in your microwave come out cold? Having worked on RADAR in my time in the Army, I also know how significantly dangerous non-ionising radiation can be. The EMF used in these devices GIVE energy to what they come into contact with. Like water, of which you are approximately 70%, give it enough energy and it boils. The frequencies that are being used can interrupt cellular signalling. Blue light (out of context from the Sun) affects vision and sleep hormone production, in turn effecting weight gain, mood, brain fog and gut function. Mobile phone network frequencies (which are becoming denser) and WiFi have a more serious effect of cells opening up VGCC (Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels), this lets calcium move more freely around your body rather than staying where it is needed, within the cell. This can cause free radical production, stress and inflammation which is known to cause at least 70% (up to 90%) of the worlds chronic disease. There was a saying in the Army Corps that Avoidance and mitigation are key. I worked in – “Like horse manure, spread it Switch off WiFi, tablets, computers, Bluetooth, thinly and it helps the crops grow, however, if TV, smart meters and phones – they are you keep it all in one place it just becomes a affecting your health. How many devices are steaming pile of sh1t”. around your home? How many can you switch EMF is a bit like this. What comes naturally off? Do it now. is what is ideal, it’s just that our lives have changed to unnatural. Nature spreads the muck far and wide and there should be a happy healthy environment. The problem - we have abused the sub-visible light spectrum. Microwave, radio wave, phone networks have pulled up a huge steaming pile of muck where there simply shouldn’t be. We are not adapted to the volume of frequencies and constant bombardment from this area of the spectrum and it’s getting worse. You may hear arguments of “it is non-ionising” which means it doesn’t directly damage the cell. It is also true that visible light has far more Peter Houchin, Retrain Pain energy than these frequencies being used for AMN Practitioner Level 3 communication. However, we know that this is W | retrainpain.co.uk not strictly true, just look in your kitchen. Does 21
in focus Bee good and create a buzz The decline in bees’ diversity and abundance would have a serious impact Britain’s bees are in trouble. 35 UK on how our natural world functions. This bees species are under threat of includes our food crops. (Source: Friends extinction, and all species face serious of the Earth) threats. Right now, they need us Friends of the Earth have a whole host of suggestions to help support our bees, have almost as much as we need them. a look at this link for more information https://friendsoftheearth.uk/bees/bee- cause-what-you-can-do I have listed a few of my favourite Bee related finds – and there is a chance to win them all too… natural/recycled materials. All of the fabric used for the wraps has been repurposed – typically preloved cotton duvet covers, sometimes cotton shirts or other suitable second-hand fabric. This means that the fabric designs can vary from kit to kit. Beeswax food wraps are an eco-friendly KICA Beeswax Food Wrap Kit product, that can completely replace plastic The kit contains three pieces of cotton food wrapping (cling film) and will last for fabric in different sizes (approx.16cm, 20cm months. Even when they start to show signs and 25cm sq). Also included is a beeswax of wear and tear, they can be repaired and bar, handmade from a blend of natural made good as new by adding a bit more beeswax, pine resin and jojoba oil. All these beeswax. At the end of their useful life, the ingredients are found naturally and contain wraps are biodegradable – no nasties left in antibacterial properties. Finally, the kit the earth for years to come! includes two large sheets of baking paper Win a Beeswax Food Wrap Kit – details on and a full set of instructions on how to make the opposite page. your wraps. The kit is completely plastic-free, and W | kicacandles.com all packaging is recyclable or made from FB and Insta | @kicacandles 22
www.yourhealthhub.uk Neal’s Yard Remedies Bee Lovely range Neal’s Yard Remedies launched its #SaveTheBees campaign in 2011, raising £13,000 in its first year and being awarded Best Campaign in the Ecologist’s International Green Awards. The company launched its Bee Lovely range in 2012 to support donations and took its 120,000 signature petition to Downing street in 2013 requesting the ban of deadly neonicotinoid pesticides. By 2018 £120,000 had been raised, for Bee Friendly charities such as London’s Bee Keepers Association and Balix beeswax candles Plant life as well “Bees for Development” for its project in Beeswax is a natural Ghana, whereby Bee Colonies have been introduced into renewable product that Cashew Orchards, resulting in increased yields and more does not require chemical profit for farmers. processing. Honey used in the range is When the bees make the Fairtrade and sustainably and wax it is almost white, it then ethically sourced from small “colours” to an amber hue cooperatives in Mexico. Being with propolis and pollen as certified organic by the Soil the bees go in and out of the Association both the farmers hive. and bees are protected from Our candles are hand-rolled harmful synthetic chemicals. from sheets of cleaned wax Win something from the and burn cleanly imparting a Bee Beautiful range – subtle honey-like scent. details below. Win a set of beeswax T-Light Contact Julie Bertelli candles – details below. T | 07854 427670 Contact Jill and Alex McNally, W | beautyfromnature.co.uk Balix Beeswax Candles T | 07879 614123 SOAPS 4You - Bee Bar Soap The antibacterial and smoothing properties of bee wax make it perfect soap ingredient. Bee NOW WIN wax makes the skin elastic and smooth and the soap can be used every day. Thanks to that ALL OF THESE! wax the soap contains proteins, lipids, vitamins, valuable Simply email mineral salts which have a positive effect on every type of skin. zandra@yourhealthhub.u k Bee wax soap gently washes and protects our skin, nourishes with the title BEE GOOD for and prevents it from drying, regenerates and exfoliates the that chance. Winners will be epidermis. Contains aromatic compositions based on natural oils drawn at random when and has a pleasant natural honey and milk scent. the next edition is Win a bar of the Bee Bar Soap – details right. published. W | soaps4you.eu 23
Your Health Hub’s featured charity Today protecting our environment is a priority for everyone and charity shops have been at the forefront of championing sustainability for years. Returned to Glory their precious lives well. All hospice care is provided free and, to fund the very special work they do in the local community, the The Charity Retail Association, the voice Hospice needs to raise over £5 million pounds of charity retail reported that each year the each year. Their shops play a vital role in charity sector is able to sell or recycle over raising this money making over £100,000 a 90% of donated clothing, over 90% of donated year alone by recycling clothes which cannot books and 85% of donated electrical goods. be sold. This diverts waste away from landfill – 373,000 The Hospice’s furniture showroom Returned tonnes each year alone whilst improving to Glory goes one step further. By repairing, recycling and re-use rates. It also reduces renovating and upcycling unloved pieces that C02 emissions by over 7 million tonnes in the would otherwise be disposed of, the team process. of talented volunteers at Returned to Glory The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted transform undesirable items of furniture. celebrates its 40th birthday this year and Their extensive workshop programme means its overarching aim it to help people live that anyone can try their hand at their own 24
www.yourhealthhub.uk upcycling including chalk painting, upholstery, and lampshade making to name but a few. Returned to Glory has also joined the mission to reduce the use of single use plastic by stocking products from The Refill Project. You can fill your pre-owned (and washed) empty containers with ethically sourced household cleaning and bathroom products. number twenty The Hospice’s multi-award- winning gift and home interiors shop in Lower Kings Road, Berkhamsted is doing its bit too. It has a growing range of eco-friendly products from beeswax wraps and insect hotels to recycled coffee cups, glasses and bags. Buyers are focusing on sourcing more of these products when they visit trade shows as well as supporting local artists and craftsmen and number twenty’s recent success in winning Dacorum Business Heroes Award reflects this. Shopping in charity shops mean you can shop guilt-free and support the environment too. By shopping at one of The Hospice’s eight shops, not only is there is the opportunity to grab a wonderful bargain, you also have the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to a sustainable society with all the money raised going to support the very special work the Hospice does in the local community. Returned to Glory, Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted. HP4 1EH. returnedtoglory@stfrancis.org.uk number twenty, 20 Lower Kings Road, Berkhamsted. HP4 2AB The Hospice of St Francis charity shops can be found across Hertfordshire. 25
in focus a quick snapshot upcyclers of some local When you start to look around it is amazing how many clever, crafty people are out there, doing amazing things with discarded and preloved items. There are many out there, but here I share a few of my favourite finds locally! Twee Life – Bird Feeders Twee have created handmade rustic fat ball feeders. Everyone is different and has its own natural character. They are created by up-cycling logs from my brothers tree surgery business. They feeders are really easy to refill, just push in new fat balls. They will attract a wide range of birds to your garden. A great gift or as a treat for yourself. Only £10 each. At Twee we sell a range of homemade, homegrown produce. Based in Great Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead. Give our products a try. Everyone needs a little Twee in their life! See our website for a list of local events, stockists and how to buy online. W | tweelife.co.uk 26
www.yourhealthhub.uk KICA Candles – Upcycled and KICA Candles are beautifully scented, soy wax candles Handmade Homewares with an earth-friendly twist. Every one of these unique, handmade candles comes in a lovingly upcycled food tin or used coffee jar. Not only do they smell fantastic and last for ages, but there isn’t a single bit of plastic packaging in sight. The colourful, shabby chic style candles are handmade in Leighton Buzzard using natural wax and recyclable materials. The perfect eco gift for any candle lover! W | kicacandles.com FB and Insta | @kicacandles Re-loved /Re-purposed Bain Ellisdon and Catty O’Donnell are local designers making unique items that are gentle on the environment, and are based in Home and Colonial in Berkhamsted. Bain produces one off pieces using vintage saris, Japanese silks and upholstery fabrics to make fabulous cushions, bags and has created a range of wonderful decoupage lanterns. Catty as The Green Dresser believes that plants – both house and garden enhance our homes, and our environment. She sources vintage china, silver plate and pottery and plants with houseplants and seasonal bulbs. Once bloomed, plant in the garden leaving the re-loved piece to receive new plants – new life! We will be running Workshops and Pop-up shops locally too. Full details on their Instagram | @bainellisdondesign @thegreendresser6367 27
A Retreat like no other! No 6am starts, no detox, no strict regime on this Retreat! Enjoy historical and cultural Ideal for solo travelers, excursions, local food couples, friends as it’s all and wine, Pilates classes, organised for you! relaxed ‘holiday Spanish’ Retreats are in Puerto de lessons, walking, cycling, Mazarron, on The Costa swimming, exploring the Calida, an unspoilt resort area, relaxing on the beach, on the south-easterly warm swimming in the sea or in coast of Murcia. the pool. The list of optional activities is endless. Stay in luxury apartments near the coast or in a tranquil villa 5 mins drive from the coast. www.costacalidaspanish.com Email: hola@costacalidaspanish.com
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in focus Eco holidays We all love our holiday’s – why not The Findhorn Foundation consider an Eco holiday? Whether it be a low carbon venue, an Eco Holiday that supports local communities or an environmentally friendly venue, there are lots to chose from. Here are some for you to look over. 30
www.yourhealthhub.uk Rainbow Lodge, Cambodia Rainbow Lodge, Cambodia is a purpose-built Eco Lodge in the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia. (Est. 2008). Enjoy a 10-minute boat ride with spectacular scenery to join our welcoming team and comfortable eco-friendly bar, dining area and private en suite bungalows. All meals are included using local produce You can simply chill in a hammock on as much as possible. Hybrid solar power your own balcony or you can join one of our system plus our own filtered water. Eco as we guided activities to take you on the river or can and improving. into the jungle and explore all nature has to Community projects supported include offer, all levels of fitness catered for. the local village and school. Guests are encouraged to visit them. Free kayaks and paddleboards are available and swimming in the river is safe! After all that activity, why not check out the spa for a Thai and Cambodian massage, manicures and pedicures. NB. Due to its remote location and position, RL is not suitable for those with mobility issues. The Findhorn Foundation – Holistic Learning Centre in Scotland The Findhorn Foundation is a retreat centre for transformational learning set within a renowned ecovillage and spiritual community. It is located on the beautiful Moray Firth, east of Inverness. You can enjoy a variety of events from our programme and get to experience life in this vibrant community by joining us in a way that is to celebrate the past and welcome the new into right for you. your life. Our signature workshop, Experience Week For however long you come, you will be part has given thousands of people over 40 years of this unique spiritual community, taking part a new way of experiencing life. You can in our daily life and practice. Our service is to also take part in workshops such as animal provide transformational learning to people from communication, dance workshops, crystal all over the world. healing, certified training session such as Esalen massage and special events with T | 01309 691653 teachers such as Robert Holden PhD. Many W | findhorn.org people love our New Year workshops as a way E | pr@findhorn.org 31
in focus Green & Away Green & Away is the UK’s oldest environmental conference centre - now an all purpose outdoor venue. In 2020 it celebrates its 30th birthday after providing a space for outdoor environmentally sound conferences and events for a wide range of organisations. Each year Green & Away builds a village under canvas near Worcester for 200 people - kitchen, parties, company retreats etc - all of which mean cafe, meeting spaces, furnished bedroom that we are not just preaching to the converted. tents, solar electricity, composting toilets, wood Many are the people who have said that time showers, all using a team of volunteers, and with us has changed their lives. Our ethos is that we use the site to teach about the environment. events must be beautiful and comfortable, and When it began, it was the only venue in Europe that the reason so many decisions our species set up to be environmentally sustainable. Now make are bad for the planet is because we every year we see a steady flow of interns live our lives separated from nature. At Green and volunteers learning about how to run an & Away we live closer to nature, so we can environmentally sound human settlement at first appreciate the changes we need to make to live hand. more sustainably. Our first events were for organisations in the So if you want to organise an event, or want to environmental movement - the Soil Association, volunteer or become an intern; or be our artist in the Green Party, the New Economics Foundation residence, or scientist in residence, contact us etc. Now we also cater for weddings, anniversary on www.greenandaway.org. array of reclaimed materials, and a quaint Alde Garden village pub which was selected as one of Alde Garden is a tiny wildlife garden in the CAMRA’s top 10 eco pubs in 2019. heart of the Suffolk countryside with an eclectic Camping and garden accommodation array of accommodation. Choose from yurts available May-September; pub and cottage (handbuilt by the site owners), gypsy caravan, available all year. tree-hut, bell tent or bring your own tent. Quirky facilities include a jungle shower, pizza oven, T | 01728 664178 campfire and ‘Treebog’ compost toilet. Friendly W | aldegarden.co.uk ducks and chickens roam free. E | info@aldegarden.co.uk The countryside location is perfect for exploring on foot, or make use of the free bike hire and local cycle routes. Framlingham is just 4 miles away, and the beautiful coastline is just 10 miles from the site. This site has won many environmental awards and has made interesting use of repurposed materials throughout. Also on site is a cosy 4 star holiday cottage which has been lovingly restored using a vast 32
www.yourhealthhub.uk ecoYoga, Argyll Nick and Rachel created the ecoYoga Centre at Inverliever Lodge as an expression of their belief in a healthy, happy, carbon-free and sustainable lifestyle. The transformation from an old outdoor centre to its present incarnation as a luxurious but still genuinely ‘eco’ holiday experience is now complete. Set station, plus solar panels. Our water comes in magnificent Scottish scenery; hills, lochs, directly from a natural spring situated just rivers and forests abound. above the centre, making us both ‘off-grid’ and The ecoYoga Centre is totally off-grid, truly sustainable. powered by our small hydro-electric power Relax and rejuvenate in luxurious ‘eco’ style by soaking in our natural wooden hot tub, or in one of our hideaway bathing spots near the river. We run yoga retreats throughout the year or when retreats are not running stay with us on a self-catering basis. T | 01546 810259 W | ecoyoga.org E | info@ecoyoga.org 33
in focus Did you know that changing environmental factors in our lives can override a genetic predisposition towards Individually, we don’t have the developing a disease? This is a power to change the air outside of huge idea to get our heads around. our homes, but we can do a lot to It boils down to this: we have within our power the choice to help change what’s within it. (Keep putting avoid conditions eg arthritis by pressure on your local MPs and more addressing the way we live, eat, to change the air, though!) play, sleep and manage our stress! a herbalists view on environmental health Think about what you breathe, what you clean with, what you put on your skin/hair/ By Lucy Blunden teeth. All of these things can bring additional chemical load to our bodies. When our bodies are exposed to chemicals in the outdoor environment, we assume that our bodies will get on and deal with it. And, most of the time they do. This is called detoxification and is an on-going natural process your body is undertaking right now involving your liver, kidneys, skin, immune and lymph systems. Home air: Do you have air fresheners? Many of these contain chemicals which have long-term negative impacts on aquatic environments. What might it be doing to your body – after all, our chemical make-up is largely water? 34
www.yourhealthhub.uk House and body cleaning products: better than eg a sanitiser and leave your skin Look under your kitchen sink and at the back of protected. your toiletries. Look at all those hazard warnings Alternative brands I like are: Green Wyse which end up in our water system! (great handmade vegan products by herbalist Try out some green cleaning methods (white Dawn Ireland; plastic-free for years), Avalon vinegar and bicarbonate of soda +/- tea tree Organics, Faith in Nature, Neal’s Yard oil does wonders) or a good old-fashioned Remedies. They may be a little more expensive detergent-based cleaner! I effectively clean but when we spend a bit more, we buy less and inside the glass oven door with bicarb and a bit actually use them up! Double bonus? of elbow grease, it just lifts off the grime! Bleach is another one. Kills *all* known germs… that includes ones we need to live a healthy life. Bacterial resistance is contributed Making you feel to by the use of anti-bacterial agents. They are the need to ‘detox’? non-specific and kill off both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ Clear out your toxic cupboards and bacteria. Antibacterial handwashes remove clean up your diet with loads of green and the commensal ‘good’ bacteria protecting colourful vegetables to assist your natural your skin as well as the ‘bad’. Soap cleaning systems. (I am not fond of the and hot water will remove the nasties term ‘Detox’ because it’s often touted as a lifestyle holiday for 2 weeks after which normal service resumes once again. Our bodies are in a constant state of detoxification; a natural biological process. It doesn’t happen in a tea bag once per week!) About Lucy: If you feel you need to assist your detoxification systems, herbalists are ace players in this field as our gentle, plant remedies nourish, repair and replenish. Contact me to find out more. Lucy Blunden: I am a medical herbalist and it brings me great joy to unearth the emotions beneath physical symptoms. Almost every disease begins after an emotionally significant event. I use plant medicines, food and EFT to change people’s lives. De-fuse the power of those emotions, address the symptoms and begin your journey to better. T | 07492 511 366 W | lucyblundenherbal.com Facebook | facebook.com/HertsHerbalist Twitter | @HertsHerbalist 35
in focus why is pure drinking water so important for us? For good health, we need safe, healthy and supportive environments. The environment we live in determines our wellbeing. Factors such as water contaminants, air quality, food and many more affect our health. Pure drinking water is one of the most important factors. Did you know that contaminated water can impact of this, a new study suggests that impose serious health risks to the human globally we are ingesting an average of 5 body as well as marine life? Contaminants like grams of plastic every week, the equivalent of heavy metals, chlorine, hormones, antibiotics, a credit card. This contamination comes from and pesticides, bacteria etc. in your drinking micro plastics which are making their way into water are harmful for all of us and affect our our food, drinking water and even the air which health but also the entire eco system. long term effects on our mind, body and overall When water leaves the treatment plants it health. travels for hundreds of miles through pipes that have been underground since Victorian What’s the solution? times. By the time it reaches our homes, it Investing in a high quality under the sink has picked up more contaminants through filtration system means healthy drinking water those pipes that are all affecting our health in straight from your tap at home, completely negative ways. contaminant free, no more waste from plastic Plastic water bottles are also no better bottles and saves money. The body consists solution as this is equally impacting the of more than 70% of water and hence clean, environment and air as well as human beings filtered water is the best beverage to hydrate due to plastic leaching into the water. The our cells to live a long, healthy life. 36
www.yourhealthhub.uk About: Amandeep Sofat is the owner of SBM Water UK Ltd. and is very passionate in supporting people to lead a healthy fulfilled life by providing pure, healthy delicious drinking water straight from your tap at home. About SBM: SBM Water UK Ltd. –Your water your life. We specialises in providing high quality water filter With only one change, you can machines in residential and commercial premises. Our make a huge difference to the aim is to provide pure, healthy, delicious and convenient quality of your own life, your overall drinking water in every household worldwide. health and your environment. It is our responsibility to create a Sbm Water UK healthy environment for our family, W | sbmwater.co.uk our young generation and many T | +44(0)7930982488 more generations to come. If you E | enquiries@sbmwater.com don’t have a filter, you are the filter. IV Nutrition Clinic Wellness treatments Personalised plan, quick acting, safe delivery and monitoring. More effective than oral vitamins and minerals. IV Nutrition Clinic, The Suite, 63, London Road, St Albans AL1 1LJ Telephone: 01727 223074 | Instagram: @iv_nutrition Email: ivnutrition.stalbans@gmail.com www.ivnutrition.co.uk 37
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