As a family doctor, Alison Grimston loves the opportunity that the internet gives to share with people how they too can relax into bringing about life changes that will improve their future health. Holistic Doctor Online shares how complementary therapies and nutritional supplements work, in animals and people. About Alison Grimston
J. K. Rowling: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) [Adult Edition] Wow! I can't get over this amazing ending to J K Rowling's dynasty! I read it to the children over the holiday in Devon, finishing it on the car journey back (and oh, what fun creating different voices etc - though not a patch on Steven Fry...) - I haven't stopped thinking about the book and the ending for three days & nights. What an incredible, powerful imagination. Well done JKR, you have surpassed yourself! (*****)
Sarah Muir: The Complete Horse and Rider Excellent guide to tack including different types of saddle, weights of rug, etc, as well as information on seat position, aids, jumping and competition. Useful for beginner and experienced rider alike, and especially to those of us in horse therapies. (*****)
Tony Pavord: The Complete Equine Veterinary Manual Fantastic guide aimed at owners, but essential reading for therapists who need to know basic anatomy, physiology, conformation, ailments, and much, much more. Invaluable for assignments! (*****)
Dr Alison Grimston is a holistic doctor who works with complementary therapies and nutritional supplements. She only recommends the best, pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements, such as those on www.holisticdoctor.usana.com.
Disclaimer: The content of our website is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor relating to any medical condition.
Of late,
we’ve been hearing the words probiotics being thrown about a lot in the realm
of health and fitness. The health benefits are the same that fermented food
like yoghurt gives us. They’re dietary supplements of live bacteria or yeast that
are healthy for the human body because:
·They help minimize the effect of
antibiotics: While
antibiotics are useful in fighting infections and preventing new ones from
targeting your body, their overuse can lead to a suppression of your natural
immune system because new strains of bacteria that are resistant to most known
antibiotics develop in your body when you take too many of them. Probiotics
help nullify this effect and boost your immune system so that your body is
naturally able to fight infection.
·They aid the digestive process: It’s not enough to just watch what
we eat; we also need to ensure that the nutrients in the food we put in our
bodies is effectively absorbed and that we benefit from them. Probiotics help
in the digestive process and enhance the absorption of protein, calcium,
phosphorous and fat.
·They prevent vaginal and urinary
tract infections in women: There are various healthy bacteria in a woman’s vagina that help
maintain hygiene and health. Factors like oral contraceptives, too many
steroidal treatments, menopause, spermicides, diabetes, antibiotics, and the
reduction of estrogen due to external factors or age kill these bacteria and
cause infections of the vaginal and urinary tracts. Probiotics prevent
embarrassing infections and helps maintain good hygiene.
·They lower blood pressure and
cholesterol: Clinical
trials have shown that lactic acid bacteria are effective in reducing both
total and LDL cholesterol levels in people who are healthy. And the peptides
produced during the fermentation of milk and other lactic products are thought
to be useful in controlling and lowering blood pressure.
·They prevent colon cancer: Cancer is a dreadful disease, and
when it affects your colon, you reach a stage where your intestines are blocked
and you’re unable to eat anything at all. Probiotics help maintain good colon
health by minimizing the carcinogenic effects of cooked meat.
If you’re
allergic to dairy products or don’t eat them for other reasons, probiotics are
the best way to gain all these health benefits.
By-line:
This article
is written by Kat Sanders, who regularly blogs on the topic of how to become a radiology tech
at her blog The Heath Tech's Blog. She welcomes your comments and questions at
her email address: katsanders25@gmail.com.
This is the site of Dr Alison Grimston, a United Kingdom GP and
spiritual healer who works with animals and people. Here she offers
insights and information on integrating the best of complementary and
scientific medicine in human and animal care. For more information on how nutritional supplements can transform your life see http://www.holisticdoctor.usana.com
Disclaimer: The content of our website is not a substitute for
professional medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of
your doctor relating to any medical condition.
Most snoring is just temporary, and may be related to weight gain and obesity, rhinitis or nasal polyps.
Snoring can be a symptom of a condition known as sleep apnoea. This is a breathing disturbance characterised by explosively loud snoring interspersed with long pauses of silence.
During these pauses which can last for as long as ten seconds or even longer, the snorer will actually stop breathing. This problem can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night, preventing the snorer from falling into a natural sleep. They then wake up feeling tired, unrefreshed and exhausted. Sleep apnoea can rarely prove to be fatal if the heart stops beating whilst in an episode of apnoea.
The exhaustion from the sleep deprivation caused through the snoring and apnoea can also lead to unrelated accidents which are caused through the sheer exhaustion the sufferer is experiencing. These can include driving accidents, working with dangerous machinery or even just losing concentration at a critical time throughout the day.
If you or your partner is snoring so loudly it causes a disturbance, keeps others awake and doesn't respond to any home remedies you've tried such as lying on your side, losing weight, stopping smoking and drinking etc, then it may be time to consult a sleep specialist. They can give you a complete evaluation of your problem and give you lots of ideas and options to improve your snoring problem.
There are lots of tests they can give you to see what is causing your snoring problem, and once the cause is discovered then hopefully they can then offer you a solution to if not solve the problem completely, at least make it less of a trouble.
Nasal splints can be an effective remedy to assist with the problem of snoring. There is a product called "Breathe easy" on the market which can be a very effective remedy for some individuals. This consists of small tapes that are placed on the sides of the nose to encourage the nostrils to keep in a wide position. This then helps the snoring problem to decrease because more air is being breathed in by the snorer. This causes the vibrations in the throat to decrease and the noise volume is lowered thus helping both the snorer and others in his household to get better nights sleep.
A nasal spray decongestant can also be a good option. Some snoring can be caused by the person developing a cold or cough; this can then aggravate any snoring problems which may be present. You shouldn't need a nasal spray decongestant to be prescribed as there is a variety which can be bought over the counter - ask the pharmacist for advice.
Snoring which is worsened by Rhinitis is another problem that can be helped with the assistance of a decongestant spray, or if the problem is longstanding by a steroid nasal spray such as beclomethasone.
However it is important to realise that overuse of a decongestant spray can ultimately make the problem worse as they tend to thicken the lining in the nose if used too much. Decongestant sprays should be used sparingly for a maximum of seven days, and discarded once the medical problem has improved.
Carers are those who carry out the daily care of someone in need, who may be a family member, friend or neighbour. They usually cook, clean, carry out personal care, and provide companionship for those who cannot do these things for themselves. Carers often feel guilty about needing time away from those they care for and often worry that if they take time off the individual will somehow suffer. Despite this guilt, carers may become stressed, resentful, or even depressed if they are not given respite (temporary relief) from their care giving duties.
Taking respite is the perfect solution when a carer is feeling stressed, or depressed. Taking a break allows the carer to recharge, relax, and rest. Respite can save a situation that may otherwise end up in accidental abuse or neglect because of stress.
Respite care allows the carer to get out of the home environment for a much-needed break, or to do personal errands that otherwise go undone due to the demands of the care situation. Carers also use respite care when they take vacations, or when they need to go to church, meet friends, or keep a doctor's or dentist's appointment.
There are several options of respite care for carers to investigate when they are ready to. They can look for another volunteer from the family, or from the neighbourhood to stay with the individual while they are taking a break. They can look for day centers willing to take the individual on occasion or on a regular basis. Some residential homes or nursing homes offer respite care for individuals requiring more supervision. Some temporary respite workers even take individual into their homes in order to give carers a break.
A residential home respite program will give your loved one a chance to socialize with others of the same age, while nursing home respite programs are geared more towards the individual who needs nursing care.
Holistic Doctor Online Quick Guide - 7 Steps to Respite Relief
This is the blog of Dr Alison Grimston, a United Kingdom GP and
spiritual healer who works with animals and people. Here she offers
insights and information on integrating the best of complementary and
scientific medicine in human and animal care.
Disclaimer:
The content of our website is not a substitute for professional medical
advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor relating to
any medical condition.
Just a quick note to say that this site will be changing very soon.I have carried on blogging at my other site, so click on the link on the post below to see that. meanwhile I have been writing an E-book on respite care - this will be released in the next 2 weeks, and there will be a fr*ee downloadable Ebook for anyone to get - all from this site soon!
I have decided to consolidate my different blogs! Please join me at Dr. Alison Grimston's blog for posts on naturally healthy pets, Vane Cottage and Holistic Doctor on Line!
I am always looking to make better use of the produce from our garden, and (being a wonderful, wildlife – friendly garden) our main products are in fact stinging nettles and dandelions!
The whole family enjoys watching “Country File” on BBC1 on Sundays (although I rarely have time – too busy with all this stuff!). This Sunday my son called me down to watch a section on the New Forest (my favourite place, he knows), and this was rapidly followed by a section on cooking dandelion soup!
Now I have tried nettle soup (not bad, considering) but not the culinary management of dandelions – knowing as I do that its herbal strength is in its diuretic properties. So this soup sounded rather interesting! I would be more than happy to try it.
Now I find that my good friend Madeleine Giddens of “Mad About Herbs” has mentioned the same programme in her blog - and included some recipes!
Here's some welcome advice from my good friend Marnetta Viegas of Relax Kids...
It is so important that children wake up feeling great inside and grow up knowing that they are special. Children with a deep sense of worth and self esteem will find life easier and grow up enjoying each moment and challenge.
Affirmations are a powerful tools to help boost a child's self-esteem. Getting children to repeat a positive quality or statement about themselves is key to developing their feeling of self worth and value.
Repeating positive affirmations brings calmness, positivity as well as power and inner strength.
Here are some positive qualities that you can use and encourage children to talk about, think about, feel, draw, repeat, practice, affirm, write and act out.
I am special I am great I am unique I am confident I am loved I am powerful I am courageous I am peaceful I am happy I am determined I am lucky I am calm I am bright I am talented I am clever
The more children (and adults, actually) think and feel these qualities, the more the qualities will be a natural part of their life.
This is something that we could all learn from – related to my earlier postings on the gratitude dance.
Take a moment to look at the Relax Kids CDs available from my site.
I have found these CDs and products AMAZING in helping my own kids and those of my patients with sleeping and behavioural disturbance, low mood, aggression, self esteem, bullying, or just plain feeling out of sorts!
It is with great regret that I write to announce the death of the spectacular UK Healer, Bill Harrison, on 21st April 2008. The following is an Email that I received from his family.
Love & light Alison x
A funeral service for Bill Harrison will be held on Thursday May 1st 2008 at 11:30am at the Weston-Super-Mare crematorium. Followed by refreshments at the Hand Stadium in Clevedon. The family have asked for family flowers only and donations to Bill's favourite charities.
Remembrance Ceremony: The family are planning a memorial service to be held in Bill's Gardens on the 13th July 2008 (times to be arranged). This will be a celebration of Bill's life and many achievements.
Sean, Steve, Donna, Gemma, William, Connor and Charlie would like to say that they really appreciate all the messages that have been sent via Bill's website.
Today's post comes from a medical publications group. Some good information for doctor's and patients to keep in mind!
Love & Light,
Alison x
New ethical guidance from
the GMC says that doctors have to set aside religious and personal beliefs that
compromise patient care. The guidelines say that:
If wearing a face veil impedes your communication with patients,
you will have to remove it.
You can't refuse care before or after a procedure because you disapprove of it - for example, abortion or ritual circumcision of baby boys.
You don't have to do abortions but must tell patients how they can find another doctor who can carry out the procedure. The patient mustn't
be left with "nowhere to turn," so if she can't arrange to see
another doctor you should make arrangements for an alternative doctor to
take over her care.
If you are the only person who can legally sign a cremation form as
the medical attendant, you can't refuse to do it.
Patients
who are Jehovah's Witnesses should be asked about their attitude to blood and
blood products. Details of hospitals and doctors specialising in
"bloodless" medical procedures are available from their organisation,
Watch Tower Society.
Today I had an Email from my lovely sister, Liz. She sent me this information on milk in breast cancer. While not evidence-based (in the purest form of the phrase) I have felt over recent years (as have many nutritionists) that dairy products should be avoided with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Also try to stick to a raw food diet, mainly vegetarian, as much as possible.
Enjoy the post!
Love & light,
Alison
About Milk - Just be aware
By Prof. Jane Plant, PhD, CBE " Why I believe that giving up milk is the key to beating breast cancer..."
Extracted from Your Life in Your Hands, by Professor Jane Plant.
I had no alternative but to die or to try to find a cure for myself. I am a scientist - surely there was a rational explanation for this cruel illness that affects one in 12 women in the UK
I had suffered the loss of one breast, and undergone radiotherapy. I was now receiving painful chemotherapy, and had been seen by some of the country's most eminent specialists. But, deep down, I felt certain I was facing death. I had a loving husband, a beautiful home and two young children to care for. I desperately wanted to live.
Fortunately, this desire drove me to unearth the facts, some of which were known only to a handful of scientists at the time.
Anyone who has come into contact with breast cancer will know that certain risk factors - such as increasing age, early onset of womanhood, late onset of menopause and a family history of breast cancer - are completely out of our control. But there are many risk factors, which we can control easily.
These "controllable" risk factors readily translate into simple changes that we can all make in our day-to-day lives to help prevent or treat breast cancer. My message is that even advanced breast cancer can be overcome because I have done it.
The first clue to understanding what was promoting my breast cancer came when my husband Peter, who was also a scientist, arrived back from working in China while I was being plugged in for a chemotherapy session.
"Thank you so much for ALL the help you gave us regarding his head, chest and eye problems..... I did find our journey with you so interesting, what a refreshing and informative doctor you are!" Best Wishes, D & J S, 2007
"Thank you very much for seeing me yesterday and for the advice and information you gave me in response to my quesions."
Yours sincerely, JH
"Thank you very much for all you have done for us, we are both very grateful." EK, 2007
"I would just like to say thank you for all the years you have been looking after me, with all my problems."
Sincerely, CR, 2007
"We would BOTH like to thank you so much for all your help and advice and at all times your efficient and expert medical care. Right from the time that we first met you..., you have shown us kindness and understanding."
P & M W, 2007
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