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Positive News & Interviews

Homocysteine Levels & Your Health – Yorktest Laboratories

by Patrick June 18, 2009

written by Patrick

We are all becoming more aware to the importance of being health conscious, and feel the effects of our modern day lifestyles which include convenience foods and little or no exercise.

The media are making us more aware of the importance of eating a balanced diet, full of fresh fruit and vegetables, and how we should try to avoid foods high in sugar, fat and salt. Smoking is completely out of the question, and drinking alcohol should only be done in moderation. If we follow these guidelines we will be more likely to live longer healthier lives.

However, we could still fall prey to certain diseases. A good indicator of which is a substance called Homocysteine. The Homocysteine test from YORKTEST Laboratories helps identify if you have a raised level of Homocysteine in your blood.

THE FACTS ABOUT HOMOCYSTEINE

Homocysteine is a naturally occurring sulphur containing amino acid. It is involved in essential chemical pathways in the body and an increasing number of medical experts are saying that raised levels in the blood may be as, or more important than, raised levels of cholesterol.

Many factors are thought to raise levels of Homocysteine. Among them are poor diet – leading to low levels of vitamins B6 and B12, poor lifestyle, especially smoking and high alcohol intake, some prescription drugs, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and poor thyroid function. Normal levels increase with age and higher levels are more common in men than women. As with cholesterol, family history and genetic make up can play a part in causing raised levels as can obesity and lack of exercise.

WHAT EFFECT DOES HOMOCYSTEINE HAVE ON YOUR BODY

High levels of Homocysteine cause damage to the wall of the arteries. This increases the risk of coronary heart disease and strokes.

People at high risk include people with a poor diet, lack of regular exercise, are overweight, suffer from diabetes, smokers and those that consume excess amounts of coffee or alcohol. Even people with an active, healthy lifestyle may still be at risk, if there is a family history of high levels of Homocysteine or disease.

Levels of Homocysteine can increase with age, oestrogen deficiency and with some long term medications, including corticosteroids and some cancer treatment drugs. Strict vegetarians and vegans may also be at risk and people that suffer from stress can suffer too.

Whatever the state of your health a Homocysteine test can help you to assess what your risk might be – allowing you to take action to reduce that risk and give you peace of mind for the future.

There are always people who are at high risk and low risk, but the only way to find out definitively is to have a Homocysteine test.

HOW DO YOU TAKE THE TEST?

The YORKTEST Homocysteine Test is a simple finger prick blood test that can be taken from the comfort of your own home for as little as €99.

Taking the test is simple; firstly, it is a fasting sample and needs to be done first thing on a Monday morning. To start, wash your hands in warm to hot water to encourage good blood circulation, then prick your finger using the lancet provided and put a couple of drops of blood onto the Plasma Separator; about 4 or 5 drops. This card has been specially designed to separate the plasma from the blood. Following the instructions enclosed in the kit complete the test as directed. You then post your sample back to our laboratory for testing using a pre-paid envelope enclosed. Your results will then be sent out to you within 15 working days. We do advise that you monitor your Homocysteine levels after taking vitamin supplements and we advise to retest after three months. The Homocysteine Test can then be taken as part of your annual health check.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY HOMOCYSTEINE LEVELS ARE HIGH?

It is possible to reduce high levels of Homocysteine in less than 3 months if you are careful and eat the correct nutrients.

For more information or to order a Homocysteine test kit simply contact YORKTEST on 01 2022701 or order online at www.yorktest.ie

June 18, 2009 0 comment

Food & Recipes Positive News & Interviews

Healthy Spring Vegetarian & Juice Recipes – 2009

by Patrick June 18, 2009

written by Patrick

Spring is in the air, a new beginning, a time to shrug off the excesses of winter and get ready for Summer. There is a natural urge to lighten our diet, get up early with the sunrise and be more active. All of this is in preparation to help our energy rise up just like the sap in the trees for the more active and energetic days ahead.

Tabouli is a Middle Eastern dish traditionally using couscous. Here, Dorene Palmer, CEO of Divine Foods, uses quinoa, an ancient South American grain, packed with protein, calcium and gluten free. It is light and easy to digest.

Quinoa Tabouli (Serves 4)

1 cup raw quinoa, yields 2 cups
1½ cups water
2 tomatoes, diced
½ cucumber, diced
Bunch of parsley
Mint
1-2 scallions
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of ½ lemon and zest is optional
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper

Directions:

Wash and rinse quinoa in water. Combine quinoa, water and pinch of salt in a pot, cover with lid and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15- 20 minutes.

Finely chop; mint, parsley and scallions. Allow quinoa to cool, then combine all finely chopped salad ingredients in a bowl and toss gently together. Whisk the oil, lemon, salt and pepper together. Stir into Tabouli, adjust flavours and season to taste.

Dorene Palmer runs cookery classes in Dublin and Kilcoole. Contact her at 0857062039/2842590 or email palmerdee@gmail.com

spring-2009_pl_web_page_42_image_0001 According to tradition health practices, in Spring, the life force in your body is moving from the quiet water/kidney energy of winter to the wood/liver energy of spring. Thus juicing is a wonderful way to start Spring, with a juice day or even three days to cleanse and eliminate the acidic wastes of our rich diet.

Even without taking on a fast day, raw vegetable and fruit juices are a great way to maximize energy and fill your being with vital enzymes and photochemicals. Here, Mary Berkery, CEO of Heaven and Earth Day Spa, shares her favourite combinations.

“Spring Blush”

1 small beetroot
1/2 cucumber
1 small carrot

“Alkalinizing Green Juice”

1/2 large cucumber
2-3 celery stalks
1/4 apple
Thin slice of root ginger or slice of fennel bulb

Directions for both juices:

Remove the top from vegetables and scrub using water and a stiff vegetable brush to remove any dirt.
Peel or wash the cucumber. If the cucumber is waxed then remove the wax by peeling it.
Cut the vegetables to fit your juicer.
Juice and serve immediately

“Spring Boost” Wheatgrass Juice Shot

Wheatgrass is a complete food, full of B vitamins, phytonutrients, and is rich in chlorophyll. It aids liver detoxing, colon cleansing and strong bones. One week and your skin will look glowing and you will feel great!

Purchase 1-2 trays of wheatgrass or grow your own! Get an electric- or hand-wheatgrass juicer and away you go with one shot every morning on an empty stomach. Last thing at night too is a bonus

Heaven and Earth are offering heavenly 1- and 3-day retreats: alkalinising and energising Juice Days, with a spa treatment to aid detoxing, cleansing and renewal. Contact them at 01 284 3333 or see our website www.heavenandearth.ie

June 18, 2009 0 comment

Positive News & Interviews

The Truth about FAT & Importance of Omega 3 & 6 in Diet

by Patrick June 18, 2009

written by Patrick

spring-2009_pl_web_page_40_image_0001 by Anneliese Dressel.

In today’s fat-phobic culture, an important message has been lost: ‘Fat is essential to life’. Despite the advent of the low-fat diet revolution over 20 years ago, obesity rates are on the increase and eating less fat has in fact made us fatter!

Saturated fats are found mainly in animal products. Although they have important roles in the body such as protecting our internal organs and transporting fat soluble vitamins, over consumption can raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol that increases the risk of coronary heart disease. However, small amounts are great for using in high heat cooking (baking, roasting etc), as they are not easily damaged by heat.

Unsaturated fat raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol that can help to prevent against coronary heart disease. A subclass of unsaturated fats called the essential omega 3 and omega 6 fats cannot be manufactured in the body and therefore must be taken in the diet. They are the building blocks for hormones which balance many important reactions governing everything from how we sleep to how our blood clots.

The best sources of Omega 3 fats are fatty fish such as salmon, herring and sardines, flax seeds (and oil), walnuts and seaweed. Omega 6 fats are high in vegetable oils, meat and chicken. A healthy balance of Omega 3s and Omega 6s are the key to consuming the essential fats, and together they have demonstrated impressive results in the treatment of learning difficulties, depression and ADHD, whilst helping reduce the severity of allergies, asthma, eczema and hormonal imbalances.

Trans fats are synthetic fats created by ‘hydrogenating’ vegetable oils. This gives the oil a longer shelf life which is very good for food manufacturers but bad for you. Trans fats raise LDL and lower HDL cholesterol, are carcinogenic and have no health benefits. Unfortunately they can easily be at high levels within most people’s diets as they are used in the manufacture of margarine, biscuits, fried foods and baked goods. Trans fats are thought to be so damaging to health that many countries have banned their use and others have made it mandatory to label foods that contain ‘hydrogenated’ trans fats. This is not the case in Ireland.

Getting the Balance Right

Foods to include:

2-3 portions of oily fish per week.
1-2 handfuls of nuts and seeds per day.
Oils: 1-2 tablespoons per day.
Seaweed is great sprinkled on salads, stir fries or soups.
High omega 3 eggs.
Coconut oil for high heat cooking .

Foods to reduce or avoid:

Limit red meat to 2 or 3 portions per week.
Choose butter over margarine.
Nearly all pre-packed food contains ‘hydrogenated fats’.
Throw away any vegetable oil fats that have not been refrigerated or are not in a dark glass bottle as these may have turned into trans fats.
Do not cook at high temperatures.

Supplementing with Omega 3 and Omega 6

The average Western diet provides enough Omega 6 fats, therefore it is more important to supplement with Omega 3 fats. Vegetable oils provide omega 3 in the form of µ-linoleic acid. Not everybody is as efficient at converting this µ-linoleic acid to the more active forms of Omega 3; EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA(docosahexaenoic acid). Fish oils provide good levels of these EPA and DHA fats as the fish have already converted the µ-linoleic acid to the active form.

When choosing a supplement it is important to note that you often get what you pay for. Cheaper Omega 3 supplements often contain little, if any, EPA and DHA. A good target for mental well-being and performance is 1000mg per day so to get this amount; you may well need to take more than the manufacturer’s suggested dose. Look for a supplement that provides the highest levels of EPA and DHA. Supplements come in the form of capsules and oil.

Here are some examples:

3 Eskimo-3 capsules provide 240mg EPA
1 teaspoon of Eskimo-3 Liquid provides 750mg EPA
1 capsule of Minami MorEPA provides 580mg EPA
1 capsule of Minimi MorDHA (recommended during pregnancy) provides 83mg EPA
1 capsule of VegEPA provides 280mg EPA and 100mg EPO
2 capsules of Eye-Q provides 186mg EPA, 58mg DHA and 20mg GLA

ICIM teaches certificate and diploma courses in Nutrition and Nutritional Therapeutics. See our website www.icim-ireland.net or call 090 974 9929 for more details.

June 18, 2009 0 comment

Positive News & Interviews

Health & Nutrition: Cherry Good For You! CherryActive Review

by Patrick June 18, 2009

written by Patrick

spring-2009_pl_web_page_38_image_0001 John Carey, a man who lives and breathes his nutritional cherry juice product, CherryActive, believes it literally cured him of his crippling gout.
John had always enjoyed a healthy, fit lifestyle and, like many young people, took his health very much for granted. But ten years ago, aged only 28, he woke one day with an excruciating pain in his right toe, which was horribly swollen.
The GP confirmed that John was displaying the classic symptoms of gout. He was forced to shelve his training as a competitive black belt at judo and as a marathon runner, and for the next few years continued to suffer a series of bouts of gout.
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a build up of uric acid in the blood stream. It is characterised by excruciating, sudden, unexpected burning pain, as well as swelling, redness, warmth and stiffness in the affected joint. It occurs more commonly in men in their toes, but can appear in other parts of the body.
John was given prescriptive medicines that he was told to take for the rest of his life. Conscious that these medicines would have long-term side-effects, especially depression, John relentlessly searched for a more natural solution to manage his condition.
On a business trip to America, John had another attack that left him unable to walk. A colleague told him about the health properties of Montmorency cherries, only grown in northern US states. Willing to try anything, John ordered several bottles of the Montmorency cherry juice. After drinking the juice for a week, the pain in his toes had distinctly receded. John has continued drinking it ever since and, apart from a few ‘twinges’ in his toes, he has not experienced any more gout attacks.
So delighted was John with his new-found cure, he was anxious to let other fellow sufferers know about it and so changed his career path as a finance and leasing specialist to concentrate on marketing the cherry product from his home in the UK.
Utilising the resources of the farmer in the US whom he has partnered with, John set up CherryActive in January 2006 to spread the word about this amazing fruit. Made purely from 100% Montmorency cherries, CherryActive is sold as a Concentrate and Capsules.
On-going scientific research studies from the world’s most highly respected research centres is unveiling the powerful, health-promoting qualities of Montmorency cherry compounds, which have a rich source of potent, natural antioxidants that are highly effective in killing the harmful free radicals which occur in the body through the process of oxidation. Results from these studies suggest that regular consumption of CherryActive may help to maintain:
Healthy joints
Normal uric acid levels
A healthy cardiovascular system
Regular sleep patters
Muscle strength recovery

A recent ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) study measured the antioxidant levels in food and revealed that CherryActive has an amazing ORAC score of 8,260 per 30ml (compared with a ‘normal’ level of 1,790 for fruit and vegetables), equivalent to having 23 portions of fruit and veg a day!
As well as its health-giving properties, the power of the red CherryActive juice drink and capsules is also being recognised as the secret natural ingredient and major contributor to muscle recovery in the sports world, which is a fundamental key to achieving sports competitive success.
For more information visit : www.cherryactive.co.uk

June 18, 2009 0 comment

Positive News & Interviews

Business Advice: Client Attracting Secrets for Holistic Practitioners

by Patrick June 18, 2009

written by Patrick

spring-2009_pl_web_page_32_image_0001 Client Attracting Secrets offer you 3 simple goals. To get more clients, make more money and have more time off to enjoy it all!
By Siobhan Guthrie and Kieran Haughey

I have to be honest, when people talk about being a complementary practitioner, rarely do they consider themselves to be in business.

Let’s face it, as practitioners, we are driven more by helping others than making millions. In fact we’ll often hear “money’s not important”, especially when it comes to deciding what you’ll charge!

Isn’t it true that when we started our holistic training we never really thought we’d need to know how to market ourselves, how to place an advert, how to start running our practice like a business? Sure wouldn’t clients just love what we did, and keep coming back? And our business would easily “grow” by word of mouth. If we are just really good at what we do, then we wouldn’t have to worry about all the yucky “big business” stuff.

For most of us, there is a real calling to help as many people as we can. And that’s the catch 22 – can I give up my “proper job” to dedicate myself to full time practice in the therapy that I love?

Because to take that big step from part time to full time, we need to have a steady stream of clients already seeking our services. And many practitioners struggle to find an easy way to do this on a consistent basis.

So why it is that so many GREAT practitioners struggle to grow their practice and eventually give up? At the end of the day, all we want to do is treat more people. But by not knowing how to market your practice and treat it in a more business-like manner, growth is more difficult. All businesses need customers. Favourable word of mouth is just one way (albeit a very nice way) to get more customers. And it needs to be nurtured with our 3-step system!

Is it your dream, like so many practitioners, to go full time? Why is it that for 80% of practitioners this may never be a reality?

For some time now, I’ve wanted to help practitioners build their practice by getting more clients. I’ve been running my own clinic and holistic school for over 10 years and learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t.

This is the year that I’ve finally found a way to fulfil this dream. With the magic of the internet and the wide reaching possibilities it allows, I’ve set up a site specially to support holistic practitioners like you, called ClientAttractingSecrets.com.
This site is dedicated to helping you with the tools you’ll need to build your practice. And more than tools, we’ll help you to think differently about your practice. Your clients will thank you for it!

Some of the things planned (as well as the usual helpful tips and advice to implement immediately):

we will be holding master classes on how to write your brochure,

what to charge for your treatments,

how to ensure you always have clients,

and much much more.

So, if you are interested in making more money from your practice, but confused as to where to begin, join me, Siobhan Guthrie, and Kieran Haughey at ClientAttractingSecrets.Com and order your FREE copy of our CD “the 11 biggest mistakes that practitioners make when promoting their practice … and how YOU can avoid them”.

June 18, 2009 0 comment

Positive News & Interviews

Positively Newsworthy – Spring 2009

by Patrick June 18, 2009

written by Patrick

A Delicious Deal of a Meal

by Patrick Bridgeman

The team here at Positive Life magazine recently went for a belated Christmas dinner in Oliver‘s Eatery at Vaughans Eagle House, Terenure. While organising the night out, Paul told me that the restaurant he chose had received a Michelin Star. This evoked in my mind, images of posh, rich people eating the highest quality food. On the way there, Paul told me it was in a pub. This evoked a whole other set of images in my mind. It wasn‘t until I got there and experienced how these two could combine so perfectly that I realised what a blessing Oliver‘s Eatery truly is.

Recently opened by Olivier Quenet, formerly of Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud and one of the people behind La Maison des Gourmets in Castle Market. He maintains that he is determined to show Irish people that they can eat well from local produce at modest prices (all meat here is sourced from organic butcher, Danny O’Toole, whose premises is just across the road). The menu features what could be called high quality good old fashioned dishes, which makes perfect sense when you consider indulging in Michelin Star Pub Food. “Good raw materials being subjected to sensitive, skilled cooking.”

As luck would have it, we were joined by our Graphic Designer Manu’s friend Conrad, Oliver’s right hand chef. He provided us with great insight into the menu, as well as two free bottles of wine. Then, after a delicious dinner, when Paul and I set our sights on the Chocolate Fondant, only to be politely told that there were none left, Conrad went so far as to run off to the kitchen and bake us some from scratch. A memorable and enjoyable night, and with a satisfying food menu ranging in price from €4 to €14.50, anyone and everyone can head along and laugh in the face of the recession!

For more reviews, maps and menus

www.oliverseatery.ie

El Sistema Scheme is Music to their Ears

A revolutionary music project developed in Venezuela more than 30 years ago, is now being trialled in Scotland. Maestro José Antonio Abreu’s El Sistema network of youth orchestras has transformed the lives of an estimated quarter of a million underprivileged children living in South America’s barrios. Now, for the first time outside his native country, José Abreu’s methods are being used in the deprived Raploch estate of Stirling.

“The experience in Venezuela is that the structure of the symphony orchestra offers a chance for everyone to play their part, be challenged and learn together,” said Dr Richard Holloway, Chair of Sistema Scotland. “It’s an activity which touches the entire community. Everyone is welcomed, accepted and contributes.”
The power of music and playing as an ensemble, helps children to improve their skills and attainment. It also encourages communities to feel a greater sense of cohesion and mutual respect.

“Both adults and kids work as hard as they can,” said George Anderson, Big Noise orchestra spokesman. “No effort is spared. If any kid wants to play in the orchestra, our music teachers will do their utmost to make it possible for them and to make it fun. In the ‘Take a Musician Home’ project, our teachers will go to a child’s home, take tea and cakes and perform for their family. All our children are really positive and excited by the whole project… They are learning to be good citizens through music.”

Contact: www.makeabignoise.org.uk
and www.inharmonyengland.com
Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise orchestra launch concert.

Songs for Survival

Bruce Parry, star of the groundbreaking BBC series Tribe and Amazon, has teamed up with some of the music world’s biggest names to create a fundraising album for Survival International – the human rights organisation for tribal peoples.

Bruce, who has spent years immersing himself in some of the most remote tribal cultures on our planet, said: “I’ve got so much from my time with tribal people that I really wanted to do something for them in return. So, bringing together this fantastic group of musicians seemed a perfect way of doing just that. It’s been really wonderful to see how they’ve been inspired by some of the incredible tribal music that we’ve recorded.”

Bruce has worked with music producer Martin Terefe on the album, which also features artists such as Will.i.am – Black Eyed Peas, Yusuf Islam, Johnny Borrell – Razorlight, KT Tunstall, Hot Chip and Mike Oldfield. Every track is exclusive and has been written especially.

Songs for Survival is a double album. The first CD, entitled Amazon, features songs inspired by issues affecting tribal people and our planet. The second CD, Tribe, is a collection of dance and experimental songs by the Go! Team, Hot Chip, Blue States, Roger Sanchez and more.

All of the tracks are written around field recordings made by Bruce, when he lived with the indigenous tribes during the making of the series – drumming from Babongo initiation ceremonies in Gabon; war chants from the Kombai of Papua New Guinea; reed playing from the Penan in the rainforests of Borneo and hymns from the island tribe of Anuta, in the Solomon islands.

‘Bruce Parry Presents Amazon Tribe:
Songs for Survival’ – a double album released by Kensaltown Records,
is available from Amazon, price £7.98
All profits go to Survival International
Contact: www.amazon.co.uk

Poznan Climate Change Summit

by David Woollcombe

There were many positives about the Poznan meeting: it was held in a former Soviet era barracks converted into a massive conference area, stimulated by a variety of events, presentations and exhibits. There was a massive hangar devoted to 118 industry exhibits of post-carbon technologies – everything from windmills to a disco where dancers pounding the floor generate electricity! There were also over 300 workshops and presentations about climate change by many of the finest world experts on these issues! In fact, I learnt more about these issues in 2 weeks than any student could from several, expensive 3-year university courses.

2009 has to be a year of mobilization the like of which has never been seen on the planet. Few observing the bleary-eyed bureaucrats walking the halls in Poznan and listening to their hedged-about statements, would disagree with one young commentator: “If the fate of the planet is in the hands of these guys, we may as well not get up in the morning.” But – of course – our fate is not in the hands of those guys. It is in our hands! The Youth Delegation in Poznan led the way: in between their jokey and irreverent Fossil of The Day Award and ‘Yvo da Bear’ video. They got 80 governments to sign up to a defining resolution: “The survival of all countries and all people must be assured!”

For further information
unfccc.int/2860.php
www.ukyd.org

June 18, 2009 0 comment

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