Illuminating WomenBy Rosie McCauley, Principal Osteopath

is important to find sources of the hormone found in a relatively low number of foods. Oily fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, are a good source along with egg yolks. Rich sources of dietary calcium are dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale as well as other nutrients. Supplements are available but should be taken with advice from a professional nutritionist.

Exercising outdoors, at the same time receiving daylight, is a great way to combat the onset of winter blues, or more seriously, seasonal affective disorder. On page 2

Coten End Counselling explore how they might help during dark or challenging times and our Osteopath, Richard Baggott la Velle highlights your knees ‘needs’ during exercise.

Soporiphic melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone secreted from the pineal gland, or the ‘third eye’ whose production is negatively influenced by exposure of the eyes, and perhaps the gland itself, to light. Many aspects of modern life can disrupt your body’s natural production of melatonin and with it your sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant

As the days shorten, our exposure to light or lack of it, can have a massive impact on our health. Quality of sleep, vitamin D production, hormone regulation, and stress levels can all be influenced heavily by how we live with our light sources: electronic, the sun… and even the moon!

Vitamin D is important as it is essential for helping the body use calcium, and relevant to bone strength and conditions like osteoporosis (see Clare Henderson’s Fact File inside), multiple sclerosis, and even breast cancer. It is produced in the epidermis and absorbed back through the skin after exposure to sunshine.

But in the winter our levels can decrease by as much has 75% as we cover up and retreat indoors. So it

The ladies have it in this issue, which will focus on how we can help you in particular.

RESTORE AnD REVIVEFinally, it’s here! The 2nd edition of the Wellbeing newsletter from Westbury Osteopaths

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WOMEn AnD THEIR knEESIt is important to consider how to prevent a knee injury.

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A gOOD nIgHT’S SlEEP

Sleep is an active state that is essential for physical and mental restoration.

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and considered to be a protector of our DnA. So it is possible to see how a disturbed sleep pattern can adversely affect our health.

Our latest star is Amanda from Blue Owl Therapy, who will be talking about how to sooth us to sleep with oils on page 3. Tips to improve sleep and regulate melatonin production:

Increase light during the day• Remove your sunglasses • Spend more time outside during daylight (especially in winter)• let as much light into your home/ workspace as possible.

Boost melatonin production at night• Turn off your television and computer in the evening.• Don’t read from a backlit device at night (smartphones and tablets). • Change your bright light bulbs to low- wattage alternatives• Blackout your bedroom (and your children’s) to stimulate melatonin production and regulate hormones• Avoid switching on lights during the night.

from www.helpwithsleeping.net

As the days shorten, our exposure to light or lack of it, can have a massive impact on our health.

Restore and Revive

By Rosie McCauley, Principal Osteopath

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acupuncture, nutritionist Jo gamble and of course, Osteopaths Clare De Souza, Peter Overton and Elspeth Alexander, I have found and delightfully received the care that I needed during this most difficult time.

Inevitably, I have reflected on how I could have arrived at this place. How did my body get to the point it broke down? Physician heal thyself. I have been guilty of giving the advice that I didn’t listen to myself. So, the current work-in-progress is to find the balance between being the best mum and wife I can be, and running a practice of professional and caring practitioners offering the best of healthcare for our clients. Watch this space!

As such, I have taken the difficult decision to stay away from practice this year, until my son attends school in September 2015.

Finally, it’s here! The 2nd edition of the Wellbeing newsletter from Westbury Osteopaths. As some of you know, I’ve been a little distracted over the last year with a diagnosis of breast cancer and

the treatment that followed. I’m glad to say that I’ve made it through chemo and radiotherapy relatively unscathed… so fingers crossed from hereon in.

Thanks to the support of my devoted husband and wonderful Daddy, Phil, friends and loved ones, the consultants and breast care nurses at Warwick Hospital, my homeopath, the lovely gwenyth Mafham,

It is only with the support of the team that has come together in the last 12 months that I can do this. Thank you to locums lizzie Cooke (who will be staying on and hopefully increasing her time here at Westbury) and Justine knowles who have managed my list this last year. Also, many thanks to the wonderful Richard Baggott la Velle and recently qualified, First Class graduate Clare Henderson, who have willingly taken on the extra work load to great effect.

Angel Power and Dawn goddard from Coten End Counselling, and gwenyth Mafham, Homeopath have also contributed to the congenial atmosphere at Westbury Osteopaths: a real place of welcome.

lastly, thank you for having borne with me during the last 12 months. The kind words I have received from many of you by email, letter and phone or even a smile in the street have been warmly received and made all the difference to my recovery. I look forward to catching up with you as you see me around the place and take this time to restore and revive me!

Best wishes

ONe DaY FRee PaSS @ LaFITNeSS WaRWICK POOl, JACUSSI, SAUnA, STEAM, gYM All THE FACIlITIES

FREE OF CHARgE BY APPOInTMEnT OnlYT: 01926 499799 W: www.lafitness.co.uk/warwick Welton Road, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 5PZ

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appointment BookingFirstly I heartily apologise for the less than fruitful experience suffered by those trying to book an appointment over the summer. A number of issues crept up, and we fell way below our normal standards.

I’m very happy to say that finally, we have found a call handling bureau that seems capable of managing the incoming calls AnD booking appointments!! Hoorah. This is our impression over the recent trial period we have had with Clinic Answer, but please let us know if you have any concerns or problems on feedback@westburyhealth.com. The ‘reception’ service will be open during office hours and on Saturday mornings to take appointment bookings on 01926 408885.

Alternatively, feel free to email reception@westburyhealth.com for anything else

10% OFF ThROugh NOvemBeR for patients mentioning the code Westost14.131 Regent Street, leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4nX

T: 01926 887 175 / 07412100955 W: www.louienoirlingerie.co.ukvalid during november

ups and DownsBy Dawn goddard, Coten End Counselling

a good night’s sleep

Sleep is an active state that is essential for physical and mental restoration. These days, many of us simply don’t get enough of it either because we do not recognise its

importance or because we have trouble falling asleep even when we’re tired.

Under normal circumstances we spend a third of our lives in bed, so getting the most from your sleep time is possibly the simplest way to improve your health, resistance and wellbeing.

Some pleasant ways to reduce stress and help you drop off are to make use of natural essential oils and have regular massage therapy.

By using neal’s Yard Remedies in my therapies, I tailor treatments to suit your individual needs. I can offer you a selection of 100% pure essential oils and a fabulous range of products that have aromatherapy at their heart.

The natural cycles and changes which happen in a person’s life can prove challenging - whether it’s moving from adolescence to adulthood, from single adulthood to being in a relationship, becoming a parent, having a relationship end, experiencing bereavement or generally growing older.

The end of each phase hails the beginning of another and can be a rejuvenating and positive experience. The emotional highs and lows we experience can provide us with the opportunity to connect with a range of emotions and help us to create a more balanced and grounded life. For those who want some help in moving on and making the most of their new role, effective counselling can help unravel these thoughts and feelings.

At Coten End Counselling* we utilise a wide range of counselling skills and approaches to meet the individual needs of our clients. We can help guide you through day to day challenges as an effective way of preventing distress.

And we are also here when you need support through the most difficult situations life throws at you.

*previously known as Time for Change Counselling

Westbury newsletter 3

Some pleasant ways to reduce stress and help you drop off are to make use of natural essential oils and have regular massage therapy.

By Amanda Woodhead MFHT, MAR,

Book a 60 minute massage with me by 30 november 2014 and receive a free aromatherapy gift!

PLuS, get a free essential oil to aid sleep with every Zen Soto Diffuser purchased - choose from lavender, Cedarwood, Mandarin or Patchouli.

I am very excited to be able to offer you my lovely range of complementary therapies from Westbury lodge on Friday mornings. Please call 07941 075 831 to book your treatment direct with me. I look forward to seeing you!

www.blueowltherapy.co.uk

FaCT FILe:Osteoporosisby Clare Henderson, Osteopath

Women and their knees by Richard Baggott la Velle, Osteopath

Recent studies have shown that athletic females that take part in sports that involve jumping and pivoting (e.g netball/athletics) are up to 10 times more likely to sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACl) injury than a male playing the same sports.

Most of these injuries occur during the landing from a jump or the sudden change in direction whilst running as seen in tennis or hockey. As ACl injury relates to an increased risk of osteoarthritis developing in the affected knee later in life, it is important to consider how to prevent injury.

What can be done? Poor positioning of the knee during both sporting pursuits and general living, and poor muscular control of the hip and trunk above the knee are the main mechanisms of injury. Why not talk to a tutor or coach about improving your technique whilst exercising? An improved technique not only prevents injury, but will also improve your game and with it your chances of winning!

Our Osteopaths Richard and Clare are well placed to offer advice on sports and avoiding injury. The stretches one undertakes to prepare before and after exercise are an

What is it?Osteoporosis is part of the normal aging process in men and women, when the net loss of bone density can cause the bones to become more fragile and prone to fracture. Osteoporosis is more common in post-menopausal women than in men of the same age, as a drop in oestrogen affects the activity of bone remodelling.

Bones with low density are not generally painful, but if bone fractures occur these can cause discomfort and affect mobility.

What can I do to minimise the effects/risks?lifestyle plays an important role in reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis. Regular weight-bearing exercise from youth, a healthy balanced diet rich in minerals and safe sun exposure to gain healthful Vitamin D will all help (see “Illuminating Women”). Those with osteoporosis need to maintain gentle exercise to keep mobile and co-ordinated, to reduce the risk of falling and fracture.

Osteopathy is safe for those with Osteoporosis Your osteopath will explore your lifestyle and medical risks for osteoporosis and so it is vital to be open about your medical history, so that they can make sure that you are given the most appropriate treatment and help restore freedom of movement. If you have any questions about this ask to speak to one of our Osteopaths or your gP.

Useful links:national Osteoporosis Society http://www.nos.org.uk/

nHS Choices http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Osteoporosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx Patient http://www.patient.co.uk/health/osteoporosis-leaflet

OSTEOPOROSIS AFFECTED

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important part of avoiding injury. through their training and personal experience, our Osteopaths can help to guide you through the supporting activities that will allow you to pursue your chosen sport or activity. My knees hurt

The important first step is to find the right diagnosis or cause for your knee pain.

The knee is a complex articulation, and there are a myriad of other causes of knee pain in all age groups. For example wear and tear, muscular pain and hormonal disturbance can all cause your knees to hurt.

Once your Osteopath has identified the problem they can begin to unwind the tissues causing pain. Soft tissue techniques, and gentle treatment to balance the mechanical pressure on the knee from elsewhere in the body such as the pelvis, low back and even the shoulders, can all help to relieve the load on the knee joints and allow the body to repair.

If you are experiencing knee pain please book an appointment on 01926 408885 and one of our Osteopaths will help to explain what is happening and ease the problem.

The knee is a complex articulation, and there are a myriad of other causes of knee pain in all age groups.

PRInTED On 100% RECYClED PAPER

T: 01926 408 885www.westburyhealth.com

Westbury lodge, 50B Coten End, Warwick, CV34 4nP

WESTBURY OSTEOPATHS