On Success and the Illusion of Choice

Everybody's work and home calendars are constantly filled with urgent deadlines. Every day, we face more decisions that have to be made than there is sand on the beach. We might as well stamp “URGENT” on our forehead in bright red letters, because that is how our lives need to be if we are to achieve success in the home and in the workplace. However, with work and home life constantly competing for our time, how do we make the best possible choices to achieve success in both?

 

In the pursuit of success, all of the choices that are presented to you are just illusions. As legendary football coach Nick Saban explains:

 

“All these guys that think they have a lot of choices are really sadly mistaken. If you want to be successful, you really don’t have a lot of choices, because it takes what it takes. You have to do what you have to do to be successful. So you have to make choices and decisions to have the discipline and focus to the process of what you need to do to accomplish your goals.” 

 

What this means for us is that in our constantly changing world, you need an unchanging purpose that you can measure against all of the other things that are forever changing. The United States’ unchanging purpose is the constitution. With only twenty-seven amendments in 240 years of existence, I would say that it has stood the test of time. 

 

If unchanging purpose is pivotal to your success and if choices are just mirages, how can you weed through all of the distractions?

Success Requires Taking Risks 

Sometimes we have to sacrifice what we want at the moment for something more important. Risk taking is a common trait among successful individuals. They have learned that being comfortable taking calculated risks will bring about positive change. This mindset, and its accompanying mechanics, strategies, tactics, or training methods are essential for success. Residing in perpetual comfort zones and associated risk avoidance will consistently blunt progress. If you want to be successful, get comfortable being uncomfortable. 

 

Many times, we stay in the same situations because we are fearful of the next chapter. Like a river that becomes quiet and turbid after a fallen tree blocks its flow, so does your mental and spiritual growth when waiting to muster up the courage to take the next step or change paths from the route you are currently treading.

 

Success Requires Evolution

Successful performances evolve over time. Tactics, mindsets, and behaviors that worked in the past must change as demand increases and as situations transform over time. Living in the past is a guaranteed avenue to frustration for both you and those around you.

 

Selective effort will result in disparities in performance during pressure situations. If you are less than mindful and lack purposeful attention to detail, you are guaranteed to have gaps in your performance. Success is in the details and the most successful people never tire doing the fundamental tasks that support their career and enjoyment. When everything you do daily has a purpose and intent, you won't be just ticking boxes without understanding or value.

 

Don't Let Perfectionism Ruin Everything

Strive for balance and excellence in all areas of life. Whether it is at work, in relationships, or in the community, successful people are always pushing boundaries, limits, and currently accepted ceilings. However, believing there will be a perfect performance is a deadly trap. Theattachment to perfectionism ruins both practice and performance and will ultimately decay your own life balance. All performances contain flaws, but within the imperfections lay opportunities for improvement.

 

See the big picture and do not get hung up on minor letdowns. Failure is embraced by leaders in all walks of life. Never let it paralyze, diminish risk taking, or influence behavior. Treat failure as a catalyst for problem-solving and change. Resiliency and being anti-fragile in nature gives you the ability to pay attention to, embrace, and accept constructive criticism from your mentors. This feedback will allow you to keep detailed records of your journey. Find patterns in the critiques you receive in order to eliminate faults and damaging behaviors.

 

Finding pleasure is critical in all endeavors. Find a way to enjoy every step because there is always another chance for everything in life. But, there is no chance of another life, so enjoy every moment.

 

Communicate Well, Inside and Out

Self-talk is powerful. What you think and say to yourself eventually becomes habit, and then drives your practice, competition, and life. Body language is closely related and if you express despairing traits, they will drive everything you do. Self-talk and body language may have a considerable negative effect but when positivity is expressed, the effect can eclipse any destructive behaviors. 

 

Your external communication is just as essential. Successful people are on a never-ending search for answers and solutions and will usually have a mentor that will give them wisdom, guidance, and advice. The most successful individuals know how to network and use networks and communication as oxygen to those relationships. The inability to express your thoughts, moods, concerns, and desires will be the demise of any relationship. Learn to communicate, or any relationship will be short-lived. 

 

With a Defined Purpose, Choices Make Themselves

Successfully balancing all that life has to throw at you is a finely tuned skill requiring years of practice, along with the ability to calmly ride out the multiple peaks and valleys of frustration that will inevitably occur along the way. Creating your own unchanging purpose will guide your decisions along the way and make the vision of your future distinct and well-defined. Allow yourself to accept that choices are just illusions and distractions on your journey to the top. Because if you want to be successful you don’t really have a choice, it just takes what it takes.

 

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Why You Aren't Getting Better at Kettlebell Spor

Progress is non-linear. One of the most common fallacies in the fitness industry is the idea of adding five pounds to your bench press every week. If this were true, you’d be able to add over 250 pounds each year, and take down those powerlifting giants in no time. But we know this isn’t possible. A lifter will eventually hit a plateau and be forced to make some changes in order to continue to progress. 

 

There are numerous training variables, both direct and indirect, that can affect performance.Routine assessments of these elements are essential for long-term improvement. Is your technique really the problem or are you simply missing too many workouts? Are you over-training or under-recovering? Is your coach the problem or is it you?

 

Keep in mind that there could be more than one reason why you aren’t getting better. Here are ten to consider for kettlebell sport.

 

Your Technique Is a Mess

Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of fit people get crushed when they start training for kettlebell sport. Their bodies are capable of moving the weight, but pure strength and endurance will only get you so far. They need to work on technique.

 

By improving the efficiency of your movements, you’ll use less energy with each rep and capitalize on relaxation and keeping your heart rate down. The goal of the sport is simple: to do more work than the competition. This is achieved by moving the weight at a faster pace. So given two athletes with the same level of fitness, the one who is able to move with greater economy is likely going to last longer at a faster pace.

Technique Work Is All You Do

Conversely, maybe your technique is already fine and you just need to get to work. Instead of chasing perfection, you need to build sport-specific fitness by doing a lot of reps. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how it feels – you just have to get it done.

 

You Need More Light and Fast Work

Don’t make the mistake of training with competition weight all the time. Rather, your program should follow the rules of periodization and progressive overload. Start with lighter bells, as light as 16kg for a professional male athlete who plans to lift 32kg in competition. Then slowly increase weight in as small increments as possible (typically 1-2kg).

 

Training with lighter kettlebells will allow you to improve technique at a faster pace and build a greater base of volume. In turn, you’re more likely to increase your competition pace when you reach competition weight again.

You Need to Build Mental Toughness

The head will always want to quit before the body. It’s simply trying to protect you from doing too much and getting hurt. The negative thoughts or self-talk are a defense mechanism. The problem for some people is that self-regulating starts too early. 

 

With practice, you can train the mind to let the body push just a bit farther than what feels comfortable and safe. Then maybe it realizes the work wasn’t so bad and that it could probably do it again - and maybe even a little bit more. Sometimes you have to tell the head to shut up.

 

You Aren’t Flexible Enough

Finding little moments of relaxation is essential in kettlebell sport. Athletes who can “turn off” their muscles in the rack and overhead positions have a huge advantage. If your flexibility is lacking, these positions are going to be a fight. You’ll struggle in the lockout and you’ll fatigue quickly.

 

If you find that you have trouble locking your legs and maintaining elbow connection in the rack position, or you can’t keep your arms straight overhead, maybe it’s time to go to a yoga class.

 

You Need More General Fitness

Think of your general fitness as the base of a pyramid. The peak of that pyramid can only reach so high given the width of its foundation. The bigger the base, the greater potential for a higher peak fitness level in your sport. 

 

Those coming from a deconditioned background will make progress only to the level that their general fitness allows. Sooner or later, it will be necessary to tear down the pyramid and rebuild– whether it’s the aerobic base or general strength and power. 

 

You Have the Wrong Coach or Program

You’re a great lifter – technically proficient with a high level of fitness – but your program is garbage. It could be that your program is too advanced or too basic, or that the progression just doesn’t make sense. 

 

Maybe the program is sufficient, but your coach is getting in your way. Maybe they lack the ability to give technical advice or encouragement, or maybe they distract you when you’re lifting with too many complicated cues or unnecessary shouting. Maybe they’re a good coach, but you have fundamental personality differences that affect the relationship and your lifting. If these issues sound familiar, it may be time to find a reputable coach with a solid track record (local is usually preferred) and make sure your personalities are compatible. 

You Aren't Listening to Your Coach or Program

Or maybe you’re the problem. 

 

You and your coach have a great relationship and they’ve outlined an impeccable program, but you won’t follow it. Maybe you’re not doing everything that’s prescribed like skipping assistance work or worse, modifying the actual main training sets without discussing with your coach.

 

Maybe you’re combining several programs, hoping to reap the rewards of them all, but it’s simply leaving you feeling beat up and over-trained with nothing to show for it. If all of those programs were designed to be done simultaneously, they would say so. Or you’re doing a lot of “bonus” work that your coach doesn’t know about like adding exercises or weight. I know of coaches who deliberately “under-program” for some of their athletes because they know they’re going to do additional work behind their back. 

 

It comes down to trust. If you trust your coach and your program, follow them.

 

You Lack Consistency

Training consistently refers to both frequency and effort. 

 

If you’re frequently missing sessions, you can’t expect to make the same progress as someone who is able to train regularly and complete all of their prescribed sessions each week. If you take weeks or even months off from kettlebell sport training, you can’t expect to make the same progress as an athlete who lifts all year. Similarly, you have to consistently train with the right intensity. Showing up isn’t enough – you have to give your best effort in each set. 

 

The best program is the one you’ll follow. If you’re supposed to lift four days a week and can only make it to the gym twice, then maybe it’s time to modify the program. And if you’re not able to train with the right intensity, maybe it’s time to address the potential emotional, psychological, or physiological barriers impeding your progress. 

 

You Aren't Recovering

Sometimes all the training variables are right – you’re fit and a technically sound lifter with a great coach and a solid program – but you simply aren’t recovering between workouts. Maybe it’s stress with work, family, relationships, or something else. Or maybe you aren’t getting enough restful sleep or your diet is off.

 

The body and mind can only be pushed so far and without the ability to recover, you risk injury or burn out. Training doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Your actions and thoughts outside of the gym are just as important as what you do in the gym.

 

Look Honestly at the Whole Picture

It’s not uncommon for lifters to concentrate on the wrong training variables. They'll focus too much on strengths rather than weaknesses, or blame the program when really they themselves are the problem. From time to time, it is useful to assess everything that may affect your performance: training program, coach, competition schedule, mental toughness, technique, and external lifestyle factors like work, family, and other personal relationships. 

 

Honesty is the key to growth and so if you find it difficult to evaluate yourself objectively, then seek input from your coach and/or training partners. You may not like what you discover, but change usually requires discomfort. The performance benefits from addressing some of your limitations should be well worth it.

 

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Say goodnight to Christmas stress and insomnia with Magnesium Oil

It is thought that this Christmas will be the toughest for Britain for more than 20 years.

Although most of us love the festivities, the run up to Christmas can be incredibly stressful, especially in the money stakes. 

It is thought that almost a quarter of us are likely to dread Christmas and borrow money to fund its expense.* 

Money worries and the pressures of buying perfect presents can lead to an impact on our wellbeing, as symptoms of stress and insomnia frequently take hold. 

A goodnight’s sleep is vital for the body’s ability to repair – particularly in managing elevated levels of stress hormones, which are a natural result of today's fast paced lifestyle. 

The physical effects of stress, including high heart rate and blood pressure, tense muscles and fast and shallow breathing, can play havoc in our bodies. Sleep helps to slow these effects and encourage a state of relaxation.

Recent studies suggest that magnesium, among its many important qualities, can have a calming effect on the nervous system and can help ease anxiety, relax muscles and nerves helping maintain a good quality of sleep. 

A clinical trial by Cardiff University this year found that applying magnesium to the skin is a faster way of absorbing this important mineral to the skin than tablets. 

BetterYou™ MagnesiumOil Goodnight Spray is a unique combination of magnesium and essential oils including camomile, clary sage and bergamot.

By spraying onto the body, concentrating on massaging in to the shoulders, abdomen and upper legs thirty minutes before sleep, the chloride form is quickly absorbed into the muscles, helping to promote deep muscle relaxation.

Plus, due to the purity of the magnesium oil and the simplicity of the formulation, there is no morning-after drowsiness, just a feeling of being rested and ready to face the day.

Prices start at £12.20 for 800 sprays.

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Ban the afternoon slump with Femergy, says Kylie

An Essex office worker’s day has been given a big boost by BetterYou’s energy enhancing products for women.

Kylie Frost, aged 26, has been using the healthcare supplier’s bestselling capsule product Femergy since January, after winning the supplement in a magazine competition. 

After she found it naturally combated her energy slumps throughout the day, she now takes it daily and has never looked back.

Kylie said: “I love love love Femergy! It's better than any afternoon coffee or quick pick me up I've ever tried in the past. 

“Having an office job, I, like many, often felt an energy slump in the afternoon. Femergy’s long lasting effect means my workday doesn't suffer any more. 

“I’m a healthy person and like to exercise, so a boost in my mental clarity in the afternoon puts me in the perfect mind set for my running and workouts after work. Plus I have a long commute so it’s good to have energy when I get home.

“It's also caffeine and sugar free which is great so there is absolutely no 'crash' after the energy boost and it doesn't affect sleeping patterns.”

Femergy combines natural and highly absorbable ingredients, including Brazilian Ginseng, Peruvian Maca and Cayenne Pepper, which are proven to enhance the body’s metabolism, reduce temporary feelings of tiredness and enhance sexual alertness, as well as increasing overall energy, mood and vitality.

This combination is suitable for use by those working long hours, looking to increase athletic performance, or who just require an extra natural energy boost throughout the day. 

“It took a few weeks before the product really kicked in, but I could feel the effects building over time. I definitely don’t feel as tired now and if I am a little low in energy I tend to cope better than I would have before. I would recommend Femergy to anyone – I have already got all my friends taking it,” said Kylie. 

Kylie also uses other BetterYou products regularly, including Magnesium Oil Original Spray and Magnesium Flakes to keep her body in tip top condition after her workouts. 

She also loves TotalNutrition, a superfood supplement providing all known essential nutrients, which she finds complement her balanced diet. 

For more information on Femergy™ and other BetterYou™ products, please visit www.betteryou.uk.com or call 0114 2202229.

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Magnesium Oil’s Olympic bid!

A British Olympian has hailed the rejuvenating powers of BetterYou's magnesium products, as she trains for the biggest sporting event of her life.

Team GB long jumper Jade Johnson says Magnesium Oil is one of the key ingredients in her recovery from long days of intensive training, ahead of this summer’s London showpiece.

A growing number of doctors and professional coaches believe that magnesium is the single most important mineral to sports nutrition. Not only does it help optimise an athlete's performance, but it also speeds up recovery from fatigue and injuries.

BetterYou has provided the athlete with a supply of its bestselling transdermal Magnesium products, including Magnesium Original Bath Flakes and Magnesium Oil Spray. 

Jade said: “Long days of training push my body to the max. The Olympic Games are the biggest sporting event on the planet and having them here, in our own country, means every athlete is feeling the pressure.

“That’s why we’re all looking for something that can give us that extra millimetre or extra second over our competitors, or that can take away the pain of another day’s intensive training.

“I’d barely heard of magnesium let alone why you need it to stay fit and healthy. But now
I really understand magnesium’s contribution to an athlete’s recovery and performance.

“BetterYou Magnesium Flakes really help me recover after a hard training session. Not only that, but once I’ve soaked in a hot magnesium rich bath, I feel the difference in my muscles and joints. My muscle recovery is much faster, meaning I’m back to full potential for the next day’s training which is essential, especially at the moment in the run up to such a massive event.

“I also use the Magnesium Oil Spray, which is particularly convenient when I'm travelling as I have the reassurance I can keep up with the benefits I get from the flakes while travelling light.

“I would never want to be without Magnesium Oil now.”

The majority of muscle injuries are a result of not warming up properly, but spraying magnesium before exercise can improve the flexibility and function of the muscles, thanks to the mineral’s muscle relaxing qualities. 

Post-exercise application helps the muscles repair - remineralising and aiding the detoxifying process. An ice bath may help to halt inflammation post-workout, but there is no faster way to remineralise than with Magnesium Oil. 

A clinical trial by Cardiff University found that applying magnesium to the skin is a faster way of absorbing this important mineral to the skin than tablets. 

BetterYou’s range of transdermal magnesium products have been developed for absorption through the skin as an aid to maintaining the body's essential magnesium levels. 

By massaging BetterYou Magnesium Oil into the skin, magnesium is absorbed directly into the skin tissue, entering the cells immediately, bathing and feeding them, quickly replacing magnesium lost through sports.

For more information visit www.betteryou.uk.com or call 0114 220 2229.

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Games boost sports uptake, but help at hand for energy sapped men lacking the drive

Millions of men are leaving their sofas and hitting the pools, courts and running tracks as Team GB’s golden heroes spark a surge in people taking part in sport.

But as the stresses of modern life turn millions of men to exhaustion, even the best intentioned fledgling Farahs could lack the daily drive to take advantage of the sporting spirit that’s been ignited by London 2012.

Luckily, help is at hand thanks to a natural food sourced energy supplement designed specifically for men.

Menergy, from health supplement creator BetterYou combines highly absorbable food state ingredients to help to maintain the body’s natural balance during times of temporary tiredness, resulting in a body better able to maintain and release energy.

Packed full of nature’s finest energisers, including Peruvian Maca, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, and Chromium, Menergy helps to combat fatigue, maintain mental clarity and promote stamina.

Andrew Thomas, founder of BetterYou, said: “This summer’s Olympic Games have met their goal and inspired an entire generation of people to take up sporting activity. But we know there are still barriers which prevent even the best intentioned amateurs to lack motivation.

“As summer turns to autumn, tiredness takes its toll and long days at work sap our willpower, some of us may need a helping hand to keep our personal sporting legacies on track.

“Menergy can help. The combination of ingredients is perfect for those people working long hours, but who are also looking to increase athletic performance.”

Menergy does not disrupt sleeping patterns and is naturally caffeine and sugar-free and suitable for those on vegetarian, vegan, diabetic and coeliac diets.

The combination of Brazillian Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba helps increase blood flow around the body by speeding oxygen supply to all the major organs, so when taken daily and at the onset of tiredness, Menergy nourishes and revives the body with positive effects that build over time.

And with the addition of chromium, of which a shortage of which may lead to premature fatigue, Menergy might be the boost a man needs to be the next Mo Farah.

For more information visit www.betteryou.uk.com/menergy or call 0114 220 2229.

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Harper's Bazaar favours flakes in its Hot 100 listings...

Top glossy magazine Harper's Bazaar, has chosen Magnesium Flakes as the winner in its 'Best Overnight Destresser' category in this year's Bazaar Beauty Hot 100 listings!

The supplement, which readers use as their ultimate shopping guide, will be in the October issue, on the shelves in September. Click here to see more.

Magnesium Flakes are available to buy in three different sizes. Click here to buy, or for more information.

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New trio gives Sheffield health company a boost

A rapidly developing Sheffield company is boosting its team with a hat trick of appointments.

BetterYou are pioneers in health products, producing a unique range of vitamin and mineral supplements distributed to the healthcare market worldwide.

Now, to aid its continued growth after a record breaking year, the Chapeltown based firm has now boosted its production and distribution departments.

Rebecca Barker, aged 26, from High Green has been employed as production manager, responsible for managing existing production and new product development and ensuring all products meet the brand’s high quality expectations.

Charlotte Sweet, aged 26, from Greystones is the firm’s distribution manager, responsible for dispatching all of the UK orders to consumer and trade, as well as managing export deliveries  to more than 15 countries worldwide.

Finally, James Taylor Unwin, aged 21, from High Green is BetterYou’s new distribution assistant, working closely with Charlotte.

BetterYou was set up five years ago by Managing Director and Founder, Andrew Thomas, to capitalise on a gap in the market for innovative health and nutritional products, including transdermal magnesium and vitamin sprays, formulated for today’s modern lifestyles.

The company, which supplies stores including Holland & Barrett and Lloyd’s Pharmacy and exports to more than 15 countries worldwide, has seen year-on-year growth of more than 60 per cent and has doubled staff numbers in the last year.

For more information visit www.betteryou.uk.com or call 0114 220 2229.

ENDS

Photo caption – L-R – Rebecca Barker, James Taylor Unwin and Charlotte Sweet all join the team at BetterYou.

 

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Leading children’s medic backs national vitamin D drive

One of the country’s leading experts in the problems of vitamin D deficiency says more needs to be done to prevent the recent resurgence of childhood rickets, ahead of a major awareness campaign.

Dr Benjamin Jacobs, consultant paediatrician and Director of Children’s Service at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, is using National Vitamin D Awareness Week to renew calls for parents and pregnant women to consider supplementation, following a rise in serious medical problems affecting children including, rickets, calcium deficiency convulsions and rarely even heart failure.

Dr Jacobs, who has spent years treating children suffering vitamin D deficiency, spoke out this year, describing what he sees as an unacceptable lack of vitamin D awareness.

Now the consultant says more needs to be done to make health professionals aware of the issue, as many had been taught that rickets was a disease of the past.

"I've noticed a big increase in children suffering vitamin D deficiency in the last decade. Even today, many doctors, health visitors, midwives and nurses, are not sufficiently aware of the problem.

“Parents need to be made more aware, in a balanced and informed way, of the conditions deficiency can cause. For some groups, particularly children and pregnant women, supplementation is the best way to go,” he said.

Dr Jacobs’ calls follow announcements earlier this year by Chief Medical Officer for England, Dame Sally Davies, who contacted medical staff about concerns that young children and some adults are not getting enough vitamin D.

Research suggests that in many parts of the UK, most children have insufficient levels of vitamin D. Dr Jacobs sees an extreme case of rickets monthly, but says there are many more children who show less severe symptoms of deficiency including muscle weakness, a delay in walking, and bone pains. A national survey of children suffering convulsions due to a lack of Vitamin D is due to be completed next month.

Cases of rickets have also increased by more than 400 per cent since 1996, Labour MP Kate Green announced last month in the House of Commons.

National Vitamin D Awareness Week will launch on Monday 29 October to Sunday 4 November, to raise public understanding of the dangers of vitamin D deficiency.

Health supplement pioneer BetterYou, proudly supporting the awareness week, has also just revealed survey findings which suggest a massive proportion of the UK population are at risk of a range of debilitating symptoms brought on by deficiency.

The survey found that nine out of ten people could be vitamin D deficient, with nearly two thirds severely lacking. And of those diagnosed as being severely deficient, most (71 per cent) do not take any form of supplement- highlighting a clear link between deficiency and supplementation.

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director at BetterYou, said: “Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most important lifestyle health initiatives facing us today. Raising awareness this is a long-term objective for our company, but we believe that for people to take action against this easily reversible situation, they must have access to the correct information.

“I believe the work Dr Jacobs and others are producing to expand our knowledge and treatment in this area is admirable and very exciting.”

The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital is the largest orthopaedic hospital in the UK and regarded as a leader in the field of orthopaedics both in the UK and world-wide.

The Trust provides a comprehensive and unique range of neuro-musculoskeletal healthcare, ranging from acute spinal injuries to orthopaedic medicine and specialist rehabilitation for chronic back pain sufferers.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Dr Benjamin Jacobs

Dr Jacobs trained in paediatrics across London until taking up a four year lecturer post (Honorary Senior Registrar) at the University of Manchester. During this period Dr Jacobs submitted an MD thesis on the psychology of children's eczema. He then undertook a three year fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada from1996-1999. During this period he obtained an MSc in Clinical Epidemiology with a thesis on measuring the severity of influenza in children (CARIFS).

Dr Jacobs then returned to the UK as a locum consultant paediatrician in the NHS and in the Royal Naval Hospital Gibraltar.

He was appointed consultant paediatrician to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in 2002, and in 2004 he was appointed lead for the Paediatric Unit at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, which included three consultant paediatricians and a child psychiatrist. In 2009, Dr Jacobs was appointed to the Trust Board at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital as Director of Children’s Services.

For media information please contact Melody Patterson, PR Manager at BetterYou, on melody@betteryou.uk.com or call 0114 220 2236. 

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Pregnant women urged to take B12

Pioneers of vitamin D and B12 sub-lingual spray supplementation have welcomed research which calls on mums-to-be to take the vitamin with folic acid to help avoid birth defects.

The Shine charity findings show that women supplementing B12  prior to conception and in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy could reduce their likelihood of giving birth to children with spina bifida, hydrocephalus and other conditions affecting the central nervous system.

BetterYou, who produce Boost B12 oral spray, say the importance of B12 has been long understood, but that the new research sheds new light on why supplementation is so important.

Around one in 1,000 pregnancies in the UK are affected by natural tube defects (NTD) but folic acid, when taken correctly before and during pregnancy, could prevent up to 72 per cent of these cases.~

Scientists have researched ways to reduce the risk further, studying potential benefits of vitamin B12, which helps the body to metabolise folic acid. These findings highlight a link between low folate and low B12 levels, with some studies suggesting a possible three-fold risk increase for NTDs in women with low levels of B12.*

Vitamin B12 is known specifically for its role in producing healthy amounts of red blood cells which are necessary for the proper delivery of the required oxygen to the body's cells and tissues.

Although B12 is found in popular foods, including red meats, fish and dairy products, a healthy digestive system will only absorb one per cent of the vitamin from our diet. This means more of us now need supplementation.

Andrew Thomas, BetterYou founder and managing director, said: “The total amount of vitamin B12 stored in the body is about 5mg in adults with around 50 per cent of this being stored in the liver - for several years if needed.

“This sounds positive – and it’s fair to say that nutritional deficiency of this vitamin should be rare. However 0.5 per cent of this is lost each day by secretions into the gut, and not all these secretions are reabsorbed. The result is that deficiency is becoming more prevalent than ever.

“How fast B12 levels change in the body depends on the balance between the amount obtained from the diet and the amount lost. Our intake of B12 is reducing as our diets rely more and more on processed meats. Combined with the reduced efficiency of our digestive system, B12 is one of the hardest vitamins to absorb.

“Boost is an excellent way for mums-to-be to supplement their B12 levels, as research has found that tissue lining of the mouth offers a strong alternative for effective absorption of our nutrients.”

Boost contains Methylcobalamin, the most active form of B12 which is present naturally in the human body, making it the most readily absorbable form. The formula also contains chromium and green tea extract, all associated with energy production and body metabolism.

A recent study, carried out by Cardiff University investigating sublingual vitamin absorption found that nutrients are absorbed faster through the sub-lingual membrane - below the tongue and soft palate, and the buccal membrane than any other tissue area, other than the lungs.

Boost is suitable for vegetarians, vegans and throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. It retails at £11.95 for one month’s supply and is available from all Holland & Barratt stores, independent retailers across the UK and www.betteryou.uk.com.

ENDS

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2225389/Mothers-folic-acid-AND-vitamin-B12-prevent-birth-defects-leading-expert-warns.html

For media information please contact Melody Patterson, PR Manager at BetterYou, on melody@betteryou.uk.com or call 0114 220 2236.

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Ice baths should be put in deep freeze - transdermal magnesium holds the key to recovery

A health supplement pioneer which has won awards for its range of sports recovery products supports new claims that ice baths have little recovery benefit for the body.

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth found that plunging into icy water after exercise is a waste of time – and warn that it may do more harm than good.

Following the research, stronger evidence supports the use of magnesium soaking to help restore lost minerals, normalise muscle function and aid repair.

Many famous elite athletes, including Paula Radcliffe and the England rugby team, frequently use ice baths to help them recover from exercise.

But the new research, which tested 40 male athletes, found no differences between those who used cold water therapy and other cool-down methods in terms of athletes' perception of pain or more importantly in their biochemical markers of muscle cell damage.

A growing number of doctors and professional coaches believe that magnesium is the single most important mineral to sports nutrition. Not only is it needed for optimal muscle contraction, skeletal strength and to help sustain the high oxygen consumption necessary for athletic performance, magnesium also speeds up recovery from fatigue and injuries.

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director at BetterYou, said: “We often forget how important recovery is. Enhancing performance is important, but without quick and full recovery, training programmes can often be delayed.

“An ice bath is often favoured, but as this research shows it doesn’t repair the damage or replace minerals lost through the exacerbated metabolism process. A concentrated magnesium bath- foot, or full body, will help relax cramping muscles as well as replace the lost magnesium.

“Transdermal magnesium chloride treatments should be used as a staple part of any sports nutrition programme. This application is particularly suitable for sports professionals who need high levels of magnesium replenishment. “Trials have shown transdermal application to be up to five times more effective in increasing cellular magnesium levels. Oral supplementation is much less effective in the treatment of injuries and tired muscles. BetterYou has seen many positive examples of this through supplying our magnesium range to various sports personalities and 2012 Olympians.”

Dr Popescu, Physician of the Romanian National Football Team, tested BetterYou Magnesium Oil spray during Euro 2008 on his team both on and off the pitch. As a result, he now strongly recommends the product for further usage in other sports and teams, after it was found to be beneficial in 90 per cent of cases.

A clinical trial by Cardiff University showed how well magnesium is absorbed through the skin, feeding every cell.

Watkins & Josling tested whether transdermal application of magnesium chloride could alter serum magnesium levels and whole body calcium/magnesium ratios. After 12 weeks 89 per cent of subjects saw a rise in cellular magnesium levels with the mean cellular rise of 59.7 per cent. This represents an estimated five times quicker result than comparable oral supplementation.

Using the most pure natural source of magnesium chloride known and fingerprint batch testing, BetterYou’s transdermal magnesium products are becoming the benchmark for sports mineral therapy.

For more information about the range of magnesium body sprays and soaks, visit http://www.betteryou.uk.com/Magnesium-113 or call 0114 220 2229.

ENDS

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/nov/08/ice-bath-exercise-new-research

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Royal morning sickness prompts recovery advice from vitamin specialists

Worried mums-to-be stricken by bouts of morning sickness should top up their levels of vital vitamins in their most absorbable form to keep them and their babies healthy during pregnancy, specialists say.

With the news the Duchess of Cambridge has been hospitalised by morning sickness, health care pioneer BetterYou are reminding mums-to-be of the importance of vitamin D supplementation.

The advice also follows results of a recent study by The Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, which found spring/summer babies have more chance of developing poorer health, including a number of degenerative illnesses such as multiple sclerosis.

The findings were linked to a pregnant woman's lack of exposure to sunlight, leading scientists to advise pregnant women take a vitamin D supplement in countries where sunlight levels are particularly low between October and March- such as the UK which is as northerly as the Alaskan Panhandle.

BetterYou has established a product perfect for maintaining vitamin D, B vitamin and folic levels during pregnancy and nursing. DLuxPregnancy Daily Oral Spray, includes optimum daily levels of vitamin D, folic acid and vitamins B1 and B6, and is rich in essential vitamins for the health of mother and baby.

Because the spray is mainly absorbed by the rich source of blood vessels in the mouth, it’s a much better supplement option for expectant mothers like the Duchess who are affected by severe morning sickness in the early stages of pregnancy.

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director at BetterYou, said: “The importance of pregnant women getting enough vitamin D has long been a serious concern, one of which has been discussed in the House of Commons.

“Babies are born with around half of the mother's vitamin D levels, and as only 10 per cent of the body’s requirements is satisfied by diet, it is more important than ever that pregnant women’s levels are at an optimum.

“But when morning sickness strikes it is harder than ever to retain the nutrients the body required. DLuxPregnancy is a great way to supplement the vitamins, as they are primarily absorbed through the sub-lingual membranes in the mouth with secondary absorption in the stomach.

“So for the purposes of morning sickness, an oral spray is the better option compared to oral supplements which are harder on the stomach.”

Researchers at Cardiff University recently found that more than a third of DLux’s active ingredients are absorbed immediately into the bloodstream, via the tissue in the cheek and under the tongue.

Recently, the Chief Medical Officer for England, Dame Sally Davies outlined her concerns to health professionals about a rise in vitamin D related conditions, asking them to consider vitamin D supplementation for at risk groups, including pregnant mothers.

Cases of rickets have also increased by more than 400 per cent since 1996, Labour MP Kate Green recently announced in the House of Commons.

DLuxPregnancy retails at £9.95 for one month’s supply and is available from Holland & Barratt, independent retailers across the UK and www.betteryou.uk.com.  For more information please visitDLuxPregnancy. 

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Squeaky clean natural beauty boost

A squeaky clean Middlesex woman has been wowing the world with her strong, shiny locks and super strength nails - all thanks to a potent mix of natural antioxidants.

Beverley Amos, aged 52 found her brittle nails and lack lustre locks were getting her down.

But after a daily dose of Femergy Skin, Hair & Nails – a natural antioxidant supplement to help protect and repair women’s tissue from the effects of pollutants, UV exposure, exercise and the stress of modern lifestyles – she is fighting off compliments from her family, friends and even her hairdresser!

Beverley said: “I have tried many products over the years which have promised to work wonders, but Femergy Skin, Hair & Nails is by far the best.

“I came across it last year at the Vitality Show in London and have been taking them daily since. The main reason I chose the product was as the ingredients are natural, food sourced, and there are no added colours or preservatives.

“Since taking them the condition of my hair is fantastic! The young lady at my hairdressers is amazed at how squeaky my hair is – she even tells everyone I’m the only person who has hair that squeaks clean when she washes it. I told her it’s all due to taking my Femergy every day.

“My nails have also improved dramatically. Lots of people, including my niece ask where I buy my nails – I have to explain they are my own nails not bought from anywhere.

“I would recommend Femergy Skin, Hair & nails to anyone – it really is a must-have beauty product for women.”

Each natural ingredient in Femergy Skin Hair & Nails has been carefully selected for its effective antioxidant properties.

Acerola cherries contain spectacularly high levels of vitamin C, with levels more than 30 times higher than an orange. They are also high in amino and fatty acids, helping to keep cell membranes supple.

Pine bark extract is a water extract from the bark of the French maritime pine. Recent research by Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found the extract improved skin elasticity by 25 per cent, making it the latest go-to ingredient for slowing the signs of aging.

These two star natural additions are combined with tissue repairing vitamin A, skin cell protector vitamin E and selenium, a mineral which combines with proteins to make important antioxidant enzymes to help protect cellular damage from free radicals.

All form a powerful antioxidant dream team list of powerful, protecting and repairing ingredients.

Femergy Skin, Hair & Nails retails at £11.95 for a month’s supply and is available here.  

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Spot on superfood cure for Berkshire mum’s acne problem

This is the story of a student therapist who has found an overnight cure for acne.

Nicola Russell, aged 41, from Newbury, was so embarrassed by the outbreak of spots that kept appearing on her neck, she was forced to wear a scarf whenever she went out of the house or saw friends. Her problem became so desperate she was willing to try anything to cure her embarrassing problem, which is when she turned to a unique mix of diet boosting superfoods.

“I used to get spots on my neck which were so bad that I had to wear a scarf all the time to cover them up and being an advocate of healthy eating it was embarrassing having to explain why the spots kept appearing, despite eating well.

“I came across BetterYou’s Magnesium Oil spray in my local health food shop. When I got home, I looked on the website and was excited to see the range of products. The first thing that caught my eye was the Femergy range and TotalNutrition superfood.

“I have been taking all three products combined with a very good diet and lots of water, which I have always practiced. I noticed a difference to my skin within days – the spots stopped appearing overnight and I haven’t had any for over a month.

“I have a lot more energy and my skin is great. My hair has always been thick and shiny anyway and I’m really bad with looking after my nails, but even they are looking better.

“I’m so excited to have found these products. You name it, I’ve tried it, but these are the only products to have worked. They have changed my life,” Nicola said.

The products Nicola uses are food state, food sourced and contain only natural ingredients with nothing synthetic added.

The Femergy range combines natural food state botanicals, vitamins and minerals which have been chosen to work in harmony with the body.

Femergy Original works to maintain a feeling of energy and mental clarity, with Femergy Skin, Hair & Nails providing a natural antioxidant formulation to help protect and repair from the effects of pollutants, UV exposure and the stresses of modern life.

TotalNutrition is a unique organic, raw food formula which provides a natural food state blend of essential vitamins and minerals. The unique combination organic superfoods have been individually selected for their nutritional balance and optimal bioavailability.

Femergy Original, Femergy Skin, Hair & Nails and TotalNutrition are available from independent retailers across the UK andwww.betteryou.uk.com

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Health pioneers and TV medicinal chef provide easy meal ideas for parents

Health pioneers have teamed up with the UK’s top medicinal chef to get the nation cooking nutritious meals from scratch, after shock Government statistics reveal how few parents make fresh meals for their families.

The Department of Health questioned 2,000 mothers for its Change4Life Be Food Smart campaign, which encourages the public to think about the ‘hidden nasties’ in everyday foods so they can better manage the amount of salt, fat and sugar in their diets.

The results found that a lack of time and confidence in the kitchen means that only one in six parents make a meal from scratch every day, leaving youngsters being served unhealthy convenience foods such as chicken nuggets, sausages and pizza.

Obesity costs the NHS £5 billion each year with 40,000 people dying of conditions attributable to being overweight or obese. The Government’s latest figures show that the number of children who are overweight or obese doubles during primary school.*

Most convenience foods are laden with saturated fats, sodium and sugar and provide little to no nutritional value.

But Dale Pinnock’s collection of easy-to-follow recipes, being given away alongside BetterYou TotalNutrition, aims to help parents provide simple, nutritious meals to their children.

The TotalNutrition Recipe Book includes a range of quick and easy meal ideas, including BetterYou’s renowned Mean Green Morning Smoothie, potato ‘power’ boats, superfood frittata, spinach and feta wraps, and oat and seed bars. All recipes use TotalNutriton to help both adults and children feel the benefit of a nutrient rich diet.

BetterYou's TotalNutrition is a unique organic raw food formula which provides a natural food state blend of essential vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids- an ideal body booster for the millions of people, like those questioned; whose busy lifestyles mean their nutritional intake is taking a hit.

The unique combination of 100 per cent organic superfoods has been individually selected for their nutritional balance and optimal bioavailability, helping to replace some of those lost from processed meals.

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director at BetterYou, said: “Dale has demonstrated through years of expert research and analysis that what we eat can have an untold impact on the way our bodies deal with a range of medical complaints.

"What these recipes do is make the task of the parent, the patient, the chef, that bit easier, providing our bodies with the superfoods they need in ways that can be seamlessly incorporated into our everyday diets."

TotalNutrition retails at £15.30 and is available from Holland & Barratt, independent retailers across the UK and www.betteryou.uk.com. 

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