Huge Advancement in Blood Glucose Management for Diabetes?
Jack Barton
For those unaware, diabetes is a condition relating to the body’s inability to shuttle blood glucose (sugar) into cells. Too high or too low blood sugar for individuals with diabetes can lead to numerous complications such as nerve damage, blindness, coma and even death in extreme cases. Therefore those diagnosed always have to manage their blood glucose with great precision. […]
Can Standing Workstations Help to Reduce Sedentary Time and Improve Wellbeing?
Adie Blanchard
Many research studies have investigated the negative impacts of time spent sedentary, such as when sitting. However many of us find ourselves with no choice but to sit for prolonged periods of time, such as when driving and working at a desk. Since many studies have reported the negative impacts of sitting on health and the importance of becoming more […]
Light Bedroom Equals Light Sleep
Faye Prior
Personally, one of the annoying things about summer time for me is the distinct lack of darkness at night time. It seems as though it’s light when I go to bed and it’s just as light when I wake up. Worse still, having light blazing through my windows at 4am is not the wake-up call I asked for. It’s no […]
Spend Less Time Sitting and Become More Active
Adie Blanchard
It’s now becoming more evident that the amount of time we spend sitting may have a negative impact on our health, especially in relation to cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, research also suggests that these effects can be counteracted through becoming more active! A recent study of 2,223 participant used accelerometer data to measure activity levels, including periods of inactivity as well […]
Medication Enhances Creativity in Parkinson’s Patients
Faye Prior
Professor Rivka Inzelberg is on a mission to prove her observation that people with dopamine treated Parkinson’s suddenly find a new zest for creativity. One of her earliest observations that led to this was when her patients started to bring her pieces of art that they had created, as opposed to the box of chocolates that they used to bring. […]
The 5k Run - A Way for a lot of us to Become More Active
Adie Blanchard
The 5k event is run (or walked, or even danced) over 5 kilometres (or 3.1 miles). Whilst it is the shortest of most running distance events, it is an achievable goal for many, especially for those who are looking to improve their general fitness or try something new. Many different 5k events take place all over the world, and whilst […]
Why Lack of Sleep May Be Contributing to Weight Gain
Jack Barton
Insufficient sleep can reduce mood, cause mood swings, reduce cognitive function, increase risk of numerous diseases and even increase mortality rate in certain populations. But, as is the case with typical illogical human thought, most deny mood swings, care little about cognitive function and see death or disease as something to worry about as and when it happens… When it […]
Green Fingered Therapy For Dementia
Faye Prior
The power of gardening is really underestimated. It’s so good that it’s used for a variety of health conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and for a condition typically overflowing with medications and different therapies, it might just be good for people with dementia too. The great thing about gardening here is that it’s easy to include family, friends […]
Pillow talk - which to use?
Faye Prior
I guess it seems silly that when we have sleeping problems we try and correct everything from the time we go to bed, to the colour of our lamps, to what food we eat in an effort to improve our sleep, but we never seem to pay attention to what we’re actually sleeping on, like our pillows! Yet pillows are […]
Could Some Cases of Alzheimer's Disease Be Preventable?
Adie Blanchard
A recent analysis of population based data has suggested around a third of Alzheimer’s disease cases worldwide may be attributed to modifiable risk factors, such as physical inactivity, being obese and smoking. These are factors which can be changed through modifying lifestyle, often leading to improved health and a reduced risk of developing long term conditions such as Alzheimer’s. The […]
Pilates For Acute Relief Of Lower Back Pain
Faye Prior
Recurring lower back pain is a common and significant problem in the UK. It can be painful to the point that it’s debilitating and stops people from even going to work. That’s why it’s described as one of the most expensive and debilitating health problems in this country. Solutions like physical activity, physiotherapy and correct posture are often recommended for […]
Passive Smoke Could Affect Fitness As Much As Actual Smoking
Faye Prior
I’m sure that most people could work out by common sense that smoking cigarettes is bad for a person’s lungs and therefore their fitness. How many times have you heard someone say “I need to stop smoking and go to the gym”. But what about the people who share houses with smokers, they don’t smoke the actual cigarette, so they […]
What’s The Point In Exercise If You Have A Heart Attack Anyway?
Faye Prior
One of the most pronounced benefits of being regularly active is the protective effects it has on the heart and lungs, preventing thousands of people from having a heart attack. But it’s not a signed and done deal, we can’t rely on exercise alone to prevent all heart attacks, so what’s the point in doing it in the first place […]
Fighting Parkinson’s Disease Fatigue
Faye Prior
Fatigue in Parkinson’s disease can be an underestimated and distressing problem, and around a third of people will experience some form of debilitating fatigue which is enough worsen depression and quality of life. Fatigue isn’t as simple to diagnose as you might imagine because it can have multiple possible causes. Sometimes people might experience fluctuations in energy throughout the day […]
Be Physically Active For Better Control of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Faye Prior
When we talk about physical activity a lot of it is to do with prevention, do this to prevent cardiovascular disease, do this to prevent diabetes etc. But what about those who are physically active and still develop diseases? Was it all a waste of time? Of course not! Physical activity has too many benefits to name, so it’s always […]
Striving for Optimal Health- Signs to Ease Off
Jack Barton
You are the minority… the elite. When writing these articles I’m not naïve, I’m writing to a specific population, a population that are making an investment in their health, that are open to suggestions and look to improve on a regular basis, because those that don’t care won’t read these articles. Therefore content of articles needs to reflect this fact. […]
Fighting Depression with Food (Blog 2 of 2)
Jack Barton
Nutrition not only has a huge influence in the prevention of depression, but may also have an influence on treatment of it. Current research is inconclusive, however many believe it has the potential to dramatically improve symptoms whilst also reducing the likelihood of developing other health problems. Certain nutrient deficiencies may contribute to depression. Once depression has developed it […]
A Major Step Forward in Predicting the Onset of Alzheimer's Disease
Adie Blanchard
Dementia is diagnosed in around 44.4 million people worldwide, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most prevalent type. What’s frightening is this number is set to almost double by the year 2030 due to the growth of the elderly population. Although this shows how health and associated health care has improved extensively over the years, it also underlines the need for […]
Pelvic Floor Exercises? There’s A Technology For That!
Faye Prior
Sorry guys, but this is a post about a product just for women. But you should carry on reading if pelvic floor exercises interest you, because that’s the topic i’m approaching full steam ahead. Just like we exercise those aesthetic parts of our body like the arms and legs, we really need to pay attention to things that we can’t […]
Age Is No Excuse When It Comes To Physical Activity
Faye Prior
“I’m too old to exercise” has never been a valid excuse, and unfortunately for you it never will be. The benefits are so widespread, like improved mood, bone health and life expectancy, and new benefits are added to the list every week. If you’re over the age of 70, then research has labelled you very old, not me. But even […]
How Quickly Do You Eat? The Hidden Path To Weight Gain
Faye Prior
When it comes to weight management, scientists say that it isn’t just about what you put on your plate but also how fast you eat it, with disadvantages for digestion probable too. Studies repeatedly show that people who eat fast tend to eat more, have a higher body max index, and gain more weight. Nowadays this probably isn’t surprising, since […]
LEO - Thigh Worn Wearable Tech For Sports
Faye Prior
Nowadays most wearable technologies are designed to be worn on the wrist or chest, so LEO stands out because it’s designed to be discreetly worn on the thigh underneath your clothing. LEO tracks all the usuals like distance moved, speed of movement, heart rate and calories burned. But it’s more unique features relate to it’s measurements of the muscle, like […]
Stress, The New Risk Factor For Strokes
Faye Prior
When it comes to risk factors for a stroke, or any other cardiovascular disease for that matter, the most emphasis is placed upon typical risks like being overweight, having high blood pressure, and eating an unhealthy diet. But in a new modern age, where technology amongst many other things has changed the way our lives are structured, it’s time to […]
Need To Memorise Something? Try Walking
Faye Prior
Sure enough regular physical activity is good for our brains. It helps to improve our memory, mood, ability to multitask and solve problems, and even improves academic performance. I’m sure everyone has heard of exam tips like ‘do the exam in the same perfume that you revised in’, or ‘listen to opera music’. I also have vivid memories of people […]
Fighting Depression with Food (Blog 1 of 2)
Jack Barton
Due to the fact that depression may relate to individuals to experiencing chronic low mood, motivation and feelings of sadness, many wrongly perceive it as being down to one or two causes – it is not just about attitude. The factors that lead to the onset of depression are vast and multifaceted. Fighting depression can be tough. Adherence to treatment […]
Beddit - Sleep Better, Dream Bigger
Adie Blanchard
If you’ve already heard about (or bought) the Misfit Shine, you’ll know that it has set itself apart from most activity trackers on the market, through its simple and stylish design making it suitable for almost every occasion. Although the Shine tracks sleep to some extent, Misfit Labs have taken their sleep tracking capabilities to the next level with Beddit. […]
Whey Protein to Improve Glucose Control for Those with Diabetes?
Adie Blanchard
Whey protein is a supplement typically used by those who want to increase muscle mass. However a recent study has suggested that it may be beneficial for diabetics by improving insulin response. When eating a meal, especially containing high GI (glycaemic index) foods it can lead to blood sugar levels spiking. Whilst this can be ok for those whose pancreas […]
Never Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever Feel Guilty About Your Emotions
Jack Barton
As any long term illness develops responsibility can often shift towards friends and family members to provide care and support. Often the contribution by friends, family and caregivers can be forgotten throughout the medical management process. However the emotional impact on friends and family members can be drastic. We’ve all experienced a close one suffer ill health, it can be […]
FingerReader Helps The Visually Impaired To Read Again
Faye Prior
More than 39 million people worldwide are blind, and more than 285 million people have some degree of visual impairment. Amongst more obvious problems like walking down the high street, the simple pleasure of being able to read not just a book but the leaflets and medications that the doctor gives you can be troublesome. With the rise in popularity […]
Swollen Ankles, What do they Mean?
Jack Barton
As we age we experience numerous changes in our bodies. We may gain a little bit of weight, we may lose some hair, or even gain some in rather strange places, we may lose our ability to complete certain tasks or we may experience slightly more sinister changes that are often attributed to the ageing process. Swelling ankles are often […]
Stand Up For A Successful Meeting
Faye Prior
Who would have foreseen that the difference between a good and a bad business meeting could lie in whether you were all sitting or standing. But actually it shouldn’t be surprising, if not just for the change in blood flow which aids thinking, then for the change in body language. Researchers, who were themselves curious about their own working spaces, […]
“Why Does She Scream Like That?” The Tennis Grunt
Faye Prior
As a tennis fan, it’s impossible for me to watch a single game of tennis without having someone else moaning and asking me “do they really have to make that noise when they hit the ball”. It troubles me since when a Ferrari is driven at 130 mph, nobody asks why the Ferrari makes that noise, but when a human […]
Being Nice To Your Partner Is Good For Your Arteries
Faye Prior
As if you needed a reason to be nice to your partner anyway, you can now shower each other with compliments and compromises knowing that it’s good for your arteries. Marital relationships have all sorts of effects on us, but up until now it wasn’t really known that they were affecting our arteries in the way that they seem to […]
Enhancing mental resilience and positivity with Omega 3
Jack Barton
I’ve posted several articles before referencing how common depression is and its influence on emotional state and every aspect of daily living. Depression is also a condition which can potentially influence one’s daily choices, thus reducing the likelihood of positive lifestyle changes and the subsequent beneficial impacts on symptomology and emotional wellbeing. It is often a condition that develops after […]
UpRight - The Posture Improving Wearable
Adie Blanchard
Poor posture is all too common in a world where we now sit (and slouch) for hours on end. Over time it can lead to back pain, which affects around 80% of the world’s population. Usually poor posture goes unnoticed until our back starts aching, however UpRight looks to put an end to this. UpRight is a discreet wearable device […]
Animal Data Suggests that Activity 24 Hours after Stroke May Benefit
Jack Barton
Strokes are caused by a lack of oxygen supply to the brain. Stroke can lead to brain damage, impaired mobility and in some cases death. Not all strokes influence one’s mental capacity however often the impact of a stroke is not known until a period of time after the event itself. There is a large body of literature looking into […]
Amazon Signal the Start of the Wearable Tech Revolution
Jack Barton
For a while it’s been suggested that wearable technology was going to be somewhat mainstream in the future. Market growth had begun to expand at an exponential rate and it had even been speculated that Apple may even include activity tracking technology in their next iWatch, providing a first glimpse of what’s to come. However until now large distributors haven’t […]
Pavlok - Shocking You into Habit Change
Adie Blanchard
Most of us know the decisions we should be making, such as going to the gym instead of sitting in front of the TV or cooking a healthy meal rather than ordering an all too convenient take-away. Maneesh Sethi decided to investigate why we continue to make the wrong choices despite knowing the right thing to do. His investigations led […]
Could Just One Bout of Exercise Be Good for the Brain?
Adie Blanchard
It’s evident that regular activity is beneficial not only for the body, but for the brain too. It helps to improve cognition, memory and brain function, where it may also have a protective effect against neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Although there are many studies highlighting the benefits of both long and also short term exercise and […]
The 104 Year-Old 100m Runner
Adie Blanchard
At 104 years old Stanislaw Kowalski has set the European record as the oldest man to run the 100m, also setting a record for those over the age of 100. Stanislaw ran the 100m in 32.79 seconds, smashing his personal best of 34 seconds and he attributed his success to his good health. http://youtu.be/yIANPOsk7r4?t=4m28s He attributes his longevity to spending […]
Endurance Training, Soccer Training, Strength Training and No Training- What’s Best for Mortality Risk?
Jack Barton
We all have our preferences when it comes to modality of activity, even if for some that preference is no modality whatsoever! For many the preference of activity is very much down to how much it is going to benefit their health. As I’m sure you’re aware the decisions made throughout your life often dictate your health as you age. […]
Studio XO - Wearing Our Hearts on Our Sleeves
Adie Blanchard
Although we might be able to hide our emotions well, wearable technology has now been developed to detect and display them – so we can quite literally wear our hearts on our sleeves. The skin holds many clues to emotions, where it has been used to indicate both physical and psychological arousal for many years. Changes in measures such as […]
Work, Nutrition and Exercise - The Key to Longevity?
Adie Blanchard
Dr Charles Eugster, who soon turns 95 believes the key to longevity is work, nutrition and exercise. The 34 time World Masters Rowing Championship Gold medallist and three time World Strenflex champion views retirement as a ‘financial catastrophe and health disaster’, emphasising the importance of working along with good nutrition and exercise. Dr Eugster believes retirement should be abolished, as […]
The Scales May Deceive Us as We Age
Jack Barton
Many individuals become more conscious of their weight as they age. A natural progression of a reduction in activity levels (for most, hopefully not if you’ve been reading our blogs) often leads to a slight gain in weight over the years. Therefore it’s not uncommon for individuals to hop on the scales more frequently in order to, in their opinion, […]
Activity, Weight Loss and Osteoarthritis Pain
Jack Barton
Osteoarthritis is a condition categorised by degeneration of the cartilage around joints leading to stiffness, swelling, reduced mobility and pain. The symptoms associated with the condition can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life having an influence on every daily activity undertaken. It is therefore of great importance to understand how to make lifestyle adaptations, if desired, […]
Study Demonstrates Significant Link between Insomnia and Hypertension
Jack Barton
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a condition on the rise. Individuals diagnosed with the condition are known to have increased risk of cardiovascular disease and demonstrate higher mortality rate than those with normal blood pressure. Individuals can offset their risk of developing hypertension through engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviours such as increasing daily activity and eating a healthy and nutritious […]
Depression- What to Look Out for
Jack Barton
Throughout life certain circumstances cause us to worry about friends and family. Many individuals fear for the psychological health of loved ones. Although everyone experiences lowered mood from time to time there is a significant difference between that and clinical depression. Clinical depression is associated with lowered motivation, increased fatigue, lower quality of life and increased mortality rate. Its effects […]
Risk and Progression of Dementia - Support is REALLY Important
Jack Barton
Dementia is a condition that many fear as they age. Engaging in activity, eating a nutritious diet and keeping the brain active are all fantastic ways to reduce risk of developing the condition. However recent literature suggests that the influence of friends and family can also have a significant impact on an individual’s risk of developing the condition. Social isolation […]
OCD, OCS and Depression in Ageing Populations
Jack Barton
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms (OCS) tend not to be talked about in the media. OCD is characterised by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviours (compulsions) (Mayo Clinic, 2013). OCS refers to symptoms associated with the disorder such as obsessions about locking doors, turning off the stove or catching germs and […]
Full Disclosure- Another Argument for Computer Based Medical Assessment
Jack Barton
Talking about your health can be embarrassing for numerous reasons. Despite the fact that informing the doctor of all relevant information is important for them to make decisions on best treatment options, many individuals can withhold information when undergoing a medical assessment. Even in cases where information is disclosed it can often be under-exaggerated in an attempt to save face. […]
MediSafe, the App that Gives a Gentle Prescription Reminder
Jack Barton
Remembering which medication to take in relation to your condition or conditions can be hard. There can be numerous boxes of prescriptions all to be taken in different amounts and at different times. One in the morning on an empty stomach, two with breakfast, one before bed and etc. Prescriptions become even more challenging when individuals are unsure as to […]
Epson Pulsense – Activity Trackers with Heart Rate Monitor
Adie Blanchard
Epson, known for their printers, are now joining the wearable tech market with the developments of two wearable devices. The Pulsense fitness watches allow wearers to track their activity including steps taken and calories burned, as well as sleep quality. However Pulsense has also been designed to track heart rate in real time, using bio sensing technology, something which many […]
Remote Consultations- Future Proofing Health Care
Jack Barton
It’s well established that the strain on the current medical model is increasing. The rising prevalence of long term conditions is placing great pressure on doctors to see all those that require attention. Waiting lists are growing and it’s only a matter of time before individual care begins to decline. I’ve suggested previously that technology may be the only answer […]
There’s a War against Obesity and We’re Losing!
Jack Barton
36.9% in men, 29.8% in women, 23.8% of boys and 22.6% of girls. That’s the staggering amount of individuals classified as overweight or obese worldwide (Ng et al, 2014). We’re fighting a war against obesity attempting to maintain population health and wellbeing, obesity increases the risk of developing numerous long term conditions including diabetes, coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, […]
The Risk of Attribution and Comorbidities
Jack Barton
Sometimes we all feel tired, sometimes we feel confused, sometimes we’re stiff, sometimes we’re sore, sometimes we’re sad, sometimes we’re happy and sometimes we’re confused as to where bloggers are going with their ramblings… The reasons for all of these feelings can be numerous and multifaceted. Sometimes we can experience these feelings as a result of our actions. Sometimes we […]
Charge Your Phone With Physical Activity
Faye Prior
The most consistent relationship that I have in my life is the one that I have with my iPhone charger. We see each other at least twice a day and some people would say that we shouldn’t have to spend that much time together. If I’m honest, I’d like to spend less time with my phone charger too, but it […]
Sex Is Off The Menu After A Heart Attack
Faye Prior
If the results of the latest British Heart Foundation sex survey are anything to go by, it seems as though a heart attack is becoming the third wheel in many relationships. When they surveyed heart attack survivors about their sex life a whopping 75% said that a heart attack was interfering with their sex life, 32% were having sex less […]
Visualising Your Condition
Jack Barton
Worldwide health illiteracy has been identified as an issue. The majority of people have a rough idea of what they have to do to improve their health, with the standard be active and eat healthily is where most draw the line. However it is a minority that actually understand why they are advised to make certain lifestyle choices. Even after […]
Giving Health Concerns the Boot
Jack Barton
For a lot of people structured exercise can be boring, tedious and repetitive. Going to the gym or running doesn’t appeal to many. However engagement in team sports is hugely popular for numerous reasons and suggestions have been made that sports, such as football, demonstrate significant health benefits. The enjoyment and publicity of the World Cup has inspired everyone (or […]
Diet or Activity? What’s Preferable for Obese Ageing Populations?
Jack Barton
The increasing prevalence of obesity is recognised across all populations, many individuals are looking to make lifestyle changes in order to attempt to improve their body composition and more importantly, their health and quality of life (QOL). However making numerous lifestyle changes can be extremely difficult, especially for those who have developed habits over decades. For ageing populations (no definition […]
YBrain - Combating the Effects of Dementia
Adie Blanchard
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting over 60% of those diagnosed. Whilst dementia is currently diagnosed in 800,000 people, numbers are expected to rise to 1.7 billion by 2050, making an effective treatment vital in improving quality of life in those diagnosed. YBrain has developed a wearable device to slow the effects of the disease, with […]
Physical Inactivity - The Biggest Risk Factor for Heart Disease in Women Over 30
Adie Blanchard
Physical activity has many benefits, not only can it be enjoyable and a great mood booster, but it can also improve health, wellbeing, quality of life and the ability to complete everyday tasks. Recently, research has suggested that physical inactivity may be a huge risk to our health – as if you needed another reason to become more active! The […]
Ali McWeeny - Why We All Need to Focus on Ability
Adie Blanchard
Whilst searching through the internet I came across something I found truly inspirational, showing that it really is all about focusing on ability, and not the things a person can’t do. At the age of 20, Ali McWeeny was in a life changing accident where the boat she was in capsized and the boat propeller cut her leg so severely […]
Another Win for Daily Activity!
Jack Barton
For many the increase of daily activity is a lot more appealing to implement as opposed to structured exercise regimens. The only question though, is an increase in daily activity as beneficial as a more structured approach? The answer to that question when looking to reduce falls in ageing populations appears to be a resounding yes according to a recent […]
A High Protein Diet for Improved Weight Management?
Adie Blanchard
Although many people suggest that weight loss is just attributed to the energy balance (calories in vs. calories out) which to some extent it is, this would suggest eating 100 calories (kcal) of nuts to have the same effect on the body as 100kcals of sweets. So why would nuts be the obvious better choice when dieting? Put simply, a […]
Out with the Old, In with the New – Reprogram your Brain
Tom Buck
We all have things we enjoy in our lives. It can be anything from food to music, to what sport we prefer to watch, or even what we enjoy watching on TV. We enjoy these things because our brains tell us so. If we eat something and we enjoy it, then in the future if we think about this food […]
Who is Supporting the Supporters?
Jack Barton
Dementia is a condition that has an impact extending beyond the individual. It also impacts family and friends who more often than not have to take on some kind of support role for the individual. Often those that are required to provide care and support can be more greatly impacted than the individual themselves. I’m sure many will empathise with […]
Velofeet - The Mobility Enhancing Unicycle with No Pedals!
Adie Blanchard
Although this sounds like a crazy concept, Velofeet (a unicycle with no pedals) could help to improve mobility and independence in those who find getting out and about difficult. Velofeet is lightweight and manoeuvrable, and is powered in a similar way to a standard bike; with the rider’s legs. However unlike a standard bike, Velofeet seats and supports the rider […]
The Technological Lullaby
Jack Barton
Insomnia and sleep deprivation are somewhat unrecognised as health conditions. It seems that restricting sleep is the norm due to increasingly busy lives despite the fact that current research suggests that getting optimal sleep is vital for our health and wellbeing. However insomnia is not simply the restriction of sleep, but rather the inability to fall asleep. Often insomnia and […]
Baby Steps towards the Self-Management Revolution
Jack Barton
The strain on the current medical model and the growing need for self-management is well recognised. More and more people are getting sick and doctors are becoming busier and busier. Ultimately there comes a point in which individual care is going to be diminished, some would argue that point has been and gone. Great innovation is often catalysed after identification […]
The 98-year-old Fitness Instructor
Adie Blanchard
To add to my growing list of blogs on inspirational people, is 98-year-old Hildegard Gigl. She teaches a fitness class adapted for seniors at the retirement complex she also lives in. Hildegard has been teaching the classes for 10 years to those over 75, where she now runs the half-hour class twice weekly. During the class she helps others to […]
Tech to Keep You Awake During Boring Online Blogs
Jack Barton
The ability to be at our most alert is fundamental for optimised performance during busy day to day activities. Students may need to stay alert in lectures, business people may need to understand when they are most awake to maximise meetings, police officers may need to remain alert during a stake out (I’ve watch too many movies) and grandparents need […]
Climbing Stairs - One Step at a Time or Two?
Adie Blanchard
Walking up stairs is a great way to improve activity and most of the time we don’t even realise we are doing it! Stairs climbing has even been found to improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle function. However, a recent study has suggested that how we climb stairs, either one step at a time or two, may influence the amount of […]
LeapBand - Activity Tracker for Kids
Adie Blanchard
With wearable tech growing in popularity and many different activity trackers available to buy, one market which hadn’t yet been utilised was activity trackers for kids. Increasing activity levels is beneficial for everyone, from the young to the old. So LeapFrog have released the LeapBand, a gamified activity tracker to encourage activity, in a fun and virtual way. LeapBand is […]
You’re Not a Hero, Good for You
Jack Barton
In an attempt to fight discrimination against those that are disabled or diagnosed with long term conditions it seems that often, those that are seen to be disabled or that are diagnosed with a long term condition are made out to be exceptional individuals, somehow commendable for living with their individual characteristics. Here I am not talking about overcoming a […]
Glance - Turning any watch into a smart watch
Adie Blanchard
Glance has taken a different approach to most activity trackers on the market, allowing any watch to be turned into a smart watch. Glance is an accessory that gives the user numerous smart functions, without them having to wear it as part of a separate band or strap. Glance tracks activity, notifies the user of incoming calls and texts and […]
Relativity of Life Events and Depressed Mood
Jack Barton
The ignorance of population awareness of depression appears to be subsiding. Increased media coverage of the condition, increasing prevalence and awareness in schools and academic institutions is helping to change public perception of the clinical condition. However the ability to understand more short term periods of depressed mood can sometimes be difficult for individuals demonstrating a lack of empathy and […]
Could Removing Confectionery from Checkouts Lead to Healthier Food Choices?
Adie Blanchard
When you go into any supermarket or convenience store you can’t help but notice the sheer amount of chocolate bars and sweets stacked up in the confectionery aisle, let alone the choice you are presented with when you get to the till. With all this temptation, impulsive buying of confectionery has become all too common and it’s no surprise when […]
Alcohol and Depression- Escape or Exacerbation
Jack Barton
Depression is a condition in which individuals experience chronic low mood and reduced motivation to engage in daily activity. Current literature suggests that depression is more prevalent than first thought with most individuals experiencing some form of clinical depression throughout their lifetime. The relationship between depression and alcohol dependency is widely recognised, many individuals use alcohol as an escape. Therefore […]
Dog Walking Your Way to 10,000 Steps
Faye Prior
I’m coming to you with yet another blog post about dogs. I’m not paid by anyone to endorse dogs so heavily, it’s just of my own free will to let you know how brilliant they are in general, and for your health too. This is an obvious one, and I’ve said it before, but people who have a dog are […]
Should We Exercise Before Bed?
Faye Prior
Sleeping is the most important part of the day as everybody should know, and it’s an important period of time for the body to recover and regenerate ahead of the next day, so we should do everything that we can to make sure we get a good nights sleep. Being active on a regular basis is good for improving the […]
Supporting Your Sports Team - A Matter Of The Heart
Faye Prior
Having lived in a very Welsh town by my English standards, I understand the serious business of being an armchair athlete. A win for the Welsh rugby team and we’re painting the town red, but a loss and well.. you may as well visit England for the day if you’re hoping to see some cheery faces. Watching sport can be […]
Why It’s Good To Be Active As We Age
Faye Prior
If you’re thinking ahead to your golden years and planning on retiring from anything that doesn’t involve relaxation, then take a minute to think twice about retiring from being active (which actually is often relaxing), because this is an age when activity should be at the top of your list. Deny it all that we can, but we can’t avoid […]
Scientists Work On Wearable Blood Glucose Monitor
Faye Prior
If there’s anything that the technology conscious consumer is missing, it’s a wearable blood glucose monitor! But it’s not the tech savvy that are anticipating its arrival the most, but of course those with diabetes, most of whom are required to prick their finger for a blood sample everyday. These people are closer to getting their hands on a wrist […]
The Bionic Pancreas May Aid Blood Sugar Control
Jack Barton
Individuals diagnosed with diabetes have to pay close attention to their blood sugar levels. Too high or too low blood sugar can lead to complications such as neuropathy and loss of consciousness. Therefore any technology that can consistently monitor blood glucose and pump hormones where necessary can significantly improve the management of the condition for those diagnosed. When Edward Damiano […]
The Smart Cup - What Are You Drinking?
Faye Prior
We’re being inundated with new technology. Wearables, tablets, apps and so on. But the next big thing is the smart home, and the technology in this sector is quickly catching up with the likes of wearables. On first appearances, the vessyl might look like an ordinary flask cup, but on closer inspection it’s anything but. When you pour your drink […]
Walking Osteoarthritis Limitations Away
Faye Prior
If you have osteoarthritis of the knees, when it comes to physical activity it’s probably your common sense to not think that more is better. But it seems as though more may actually be better when it comes to arthritis. With the pain and stiffness that arises from osteoarthritis of the joints in the legs, it’s not uncommon for people […]
Respect The Process.
Neil Maguire
I have recently joined a newly opened gym local to me in Liverpool. This is not your stereotypical health and fitness spa type gym. It’s in an old industrial warehouse on the outskirts of the city center that used to be used as a storage facility for the grain industry (close links to the River Mersey). I certainly wouldn’t label […]
Estimate Your Diabetes Risk For Free
Jack Barton
Apps aren’t just for flinging animated birds at blocks or lining up similar colour sweets… Who knew?! Recent applications under development are attempting to improve the health of the population through interpreting information about their lifestyle. One of these is the ‘Diabetes Risk’ application available for free from the Apple app store. The app looks to evaluate individual characteristics including […]
How Healthy Is Your Garden?
Faye Prior
Since I find myself endlessly promoting gardening as a leisure time physical activity, I think it’s only fair that I should share some health tips for your garden when I come across them, especially since you’re all growing your 5 a day of fruit and vegetables there! I don’t possess any gardening knowledge, but with this new technology device called […]
Atlas - The Smart Way to Workout
Adie Blanchard
Atlas is an upcoming competitor in the activity tracker market, however it tracks much more than the average tracker. It quantifies the user’s workout, identifying individual exercises, counting reps and sets, measuring heart rate, calculating calories burned and evaluating form too. So, how does it work? Atlas tracks the body on an x-, y- and z- axis, and through the […]
Women, diabetes and coronary heart disease: a startling picture.
Neil Maguire
Recent research from authors in the Diabetologigia online journal suggests that women diagnosed with diabetes are at a much greater risk of fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) events when compared to their male counterparts diagnosed with the same condition. To be statistically specific here, women have a 44% greater relative risk of CHD related incidents then men. Given previous research […]
Ultramarathon - Health booster or injury destined event?
Adie Blanchard
Whilst regular exercise is strongly associated with numerous health benefits, less is known about the health impact of extreme levels of exercise, and there’s nothing more extreme than an ultramarathon! An ultramarathon is any event involving running and walking longer than the traditional marathon length (26.2 miles), with the most common distances being 50 kilometres, 100 kilometres, 50 miles and […]
Controlling Blood Sugar Using Physical Activity
Jack Barton
Diabetes is a condition relating to the impaired ability to regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone responsible for the shuttling of blood glucose into bodily cells. Years of poor dietary habits combined with environmental and genetic factors can lead to chronically elevated blood glucose levels, subsequent excessive insulin production and therefore damage to the insulin producing gland, the […]
You Are Limitless
Adie Blanchard
The very image above has impassioned me to write this blog, and whilst overtraining is another blog altogether, the point I want to make here is that your limits are not to be restricted by others. In fact, more often than not there are no limits. Have you ever been told ‘you’re doing too much’, ‘you’re crazy for waking up […]
How Google Glass Is Set To Help People With Autism
Faye Prior
The benefits of google glass for doctors and people with health conditions and disabilities is rapidly growing by the month. The glasses have already taken up avenues for people with Parkinson’s disease, those who are hard of hearing, and by revolutionising how hospital staff can work more efficiently. Now researchers from Stanford University have worked out how google glass can […]
Want To Know When You’re Thirsty? There’s A Wearable For That
Faye Prior
The next generation of wearables is evolving and soon we probably won’t even have to think for ourselves anymore. Not only can wearable technologies tell us if we need to relax, take a nap, or see a doctor, now they can tell us when we’re thirsty too. Researchers from America have been building this wearable device to help masses of […]
The Future of Wearable Tech- Samsung Leading the Way
Jack Barton
I want to know it all. I want to understand whether what I’m doing is making a difference. I want to know when to speed up, slow down, take a break or keep on going. Currently the ability to know what’s going on in our bodies is limited to using obscure apps, understanding how we feel and waiting for our […]
Everybody’s Different, Do It Your Way!
Tom Buck
A lot of the time when I’ve spoken to people about exercise they have often found themselves to be put off from regular physical exercise due to the pressure they put on their self mentally before they have even begun. In my experience this has come down to the following reasons: Unrealistic expectations we have of exercise, i.e. expecting to […]
Ringly - The Connected Ring
Adie Blanchard
We are constantly consumed by technology. It’s a common sight to see friends and family alike in each other’s company only communicating with their phones. Whilst technology is constantly advancing the world we live in, it’s disconnecting us from reality too. Even though wearable tech often immerses us in technology even further, some wearable’s aim to keep people connected whilst […]
