Healthwise Clinic Natural Health Blog

Snow and ice in Britain over the last few days have made a difference to our health.  While the weather has created problems it has also given us opportunities for better health.

• The hills have been alive with sledging, skiing and snowboarding.  Conditions have been so good that the snow has rivalled experiences you would normally get in the Alps.  Lots of fun ways to take exercise.

• Parents who would normally be at work are taking the time to be with their children whose schools have been closed.  Spending quality time with those who are most important to you is important for our health.

• Cars have been left in the drive, and people have walked.  Simply walking for 20 minutes is soo much better than always going by car.

• We have noticed there have been more conversations with strangers.  The weather is a good subject to talk about but there has been a better connection between people and a chance to get to know new people.  (We are social creatures – we need to be in contact with others)

• This is of course in addition to all the people who have helped each other dig cars out of the snow, and generally be good neighbours…our mind and spirit affects our health.  Being helped as well as helping others contributes massively to our well-being.

• Food is being bought in a more planned way.  More snow is continually being threatened, so many families have stocked up.

• We have become more aware of the weather.  In traditional chinese medicine the seasons play a large part in health, and often in modern life we simply fail to notice the season we are in.  Looking at a snow scene is also an opportunity for reflection.

• Last but not least, winter is a time of rest and recuperation.  The snow has given us all a chance to stop and take life more quietly for a day or two.  Stopping the frenetic lifestyle is a key aspect of better health.

However, we are looking forward to seeing all of you whose appointments were affected by the weather, and hope we will be able to catch up in the next few days.

The Story: An overweight employee at a pizza shop in the USA received a back injury from a freezer door.  It was decided that he needed surgery to improve his back.  His employers agreed to pay for the surgery for the back, but were then told he would first need a “weight-loss” operation to make the operation on his back successful.  He weighs 340 pounds ( 24 stone).

The employer refused to pay.  A court in Indianapolis has now ordered them to pay  for both operations.

This is definitely a first of its kind… and is an extreme response to an extreme situation.

It is safe to assume that the back problem was exacerbated by the weight, and therefore a natural reduction in weight would seem to be a better route to health.  Although the surgeon’s knife can accomplish amazing results dietary and lifestyle changes can bring about a more natural and permanent solution.

We have often seen patients condition so improved that surgery becomes unnecessary.

A story such as this is making news and obviously has widespread impact for employers and the overweight.  It looks like an extreme situation, but stories like these are likely to become more common.

Obesity is growing rapidly.  As long ago as 2005 64% of US citizens were overweight or obese, and figures are increasing all the time.  Obesity in Britain also continues to rise, with children as young as two now being classified as obese.

An NHS report in February 2009 found that in 2007 24% of the adult population was obese.  Roughly a third of adults said they did eat 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day, and interestingly over two thirds stated that they would like to take more physical exercise.

Unless there is a dramatic shift in behaviour, it looks as though the health of the developed world is in jeopardy.  Stories about obesity, heart disease, diabetes as well as surgery and litigation are likely to become commonplace.

A great attitude will certainly help you to get there! We certainly believe there is nothing preventing you.

There are lots of things you can do. General advice includes things you’ll know already like taking some gentle exercise every day, drinking water, eating healthily, and avoiding excesses of tea, sugar, coffee and alcohol.

However, the diet that is right for you wouldn’t necessarily be right for somebody else. The exercise that is right for you may also not be helpful for somebody else. Without knowing your personal situation, my best advice after the general points above is to follow the Seasons.

The Seasons are very important in Chinese medicine. Each season brings different health problems which can best be solved within that season. I will be talking about this over the next few weeks in my column at 50 c0nnect and will also post it here so you can look at your health from this perspective.

You may have some particular problem that can be solved, but more general advice would be to stay balanced. Have time for reflection and time for action, be physically active and also relax completely, take some time out and just be still!

Natural medicine is based on the energy that goes round your body, and ideally you want it to flow freely and not get stuck. Getting stuck in any emotion like anger or fear, for example, is connected to your physical well-being and is also connected to this time of year.

There is a particular emotion connected to Spring, and you will hear about that very soon.

Keep in touch and in the meantime have some me time…….

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