Alternative Therapy Put on Trial

An experiment in allowing NHS patients easier access to alternative and complementary therapies has been launched by NI Secretary Peter Hain.

The £200,000 year-long trial will run in two health practices in Londonderry and Belfast. The main focus will be on anxiety and musculoskeletal problems.

GPs in these areas will now be able to refer patients for therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and massage.

Mr Hain said it would help those who could not afford treatments privately.
‘I am certain, as a user of complementary medicine myself, that this has the potential to improve health substantially,’ he said.

‘For the first time, GPs will be able to refer patients directly to a complementary therapist if they feel their patient could benefit from the treatment, and indeed if it is the patient's wish.

‘It will bring together both the mainstream and complementary sectors in what I hope will be the start of a process which will lead to full roll-out across the province.’

Mr Hain said he was ‘delighted that Northern Ireland is leading the way in integrating complementary and alternative therapies into the National Health Service’.

The pilot will be available to patients registered with participating GPs attached to the Community Treatment and Care Centre, Hollywood Arches, east Belfast and Racecourse Medical at Shantallow Health Centre in Derry.

The pilot, announced last October by Health Minister Paul Goggins, will be run by Get Well UK, a not-for-profit organisation which promotes greater access to complementary and alternative medicine.

Allergy Fears over Dyeing Hair

An obsession with staying young could be putting people at risk of allergic reactions to hair dye, with facial swelling and the skin condition dermatitis among the risks for people who colour their hair.

More than two thirds of hair dyes currently contain para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and other related substances, which can cause a reaction.

Hair dye
Writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), John McFadden, of the St John's Institute of Dermatology at King's College London, and Ian White, a consultant dermatologist at St Thomas' Hospital, London, warned of the dangers.

They said: 'Cultural and commercial pressures to dye hair and, perhaps, the widespread obsession with the ‘culture of youth’ are putting people at risk and increasing the burden on health services.

'It may not be easy to reverse these trends, however, as some patients have continued to use such dyes even when advised that they are allergic to them and risk severe reactions.'

Allergic reactions
Dermatologists have reported anecdotally that positive reactions to PPD in patch testing is increasing in frequency, they said.

'This was confirmed in a recent retrospective survey in London, with a doubling in frequency over six years to 7.1% in a clinic for adults with contact dermatitis.

'This rise could not be attributed to an increase in occupational exposure (in hairdressers), medicolegal claims, the use of temporary 'henna' tattoos containing high concentrations of PPD (often when on holiday), or a greater proportion of South Asian patients - who tend to have high rates of allergy to hair dye.

'In the same London clinic, from 1965 to 1975, between five and 11 patients with non-occupational PPD allergy were seen each year.

'More recently this figure has consistently exceeded 40 such patients annually.'

Other studies have also shown that the number of people dyeing they hair is growing, they said.

Complaint Against The Purist Company Upheld

A complaint from The Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association Ltd (CTPA) objecting to a magazine ad for The Purist Company was upheld according to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

A magazine ad for The Purist Company was headlined ‘your hair and skin care products may be toxic’. Further text continued ‘Eight out of ten shampoos sold in the UK contain sulfate cleansers like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), others contain olefin sulfonates. Some contain sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) which undergoes a chemical process to make it less irritating but may leave it contaminated with 1,4 dioxane - shown to cause cancer in animalsð. Other ingredients to be wary of are parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, petrochemical cleansers, ethoxylates, mineral oils, DEA, silicones together with artificial colours and synthetic fragrances, the two leading causes of allergy and sensitisation in all cosmetics. Skin tissue readily absorbs these toxic chemicals which can be avoided by using products that are made with natural alternatives. Surveys show that at least 50% of women believe they have sensitive skin. At risk are those with a recognised skin condition or just dry, red or itchy skin or scalp, infants, chemotherapy patients and the elderly ... The Purist Company is ... committed to producing hair, skin and body care products using high quality botanical ingredients, certified organic where possible and GMO free, that are pure and gentle, yet highly effective. All [Akin] products from The Purist Company are vegan and formulated without animal ingredients, animal testing or the use of potentially toxic sulfates or parabens’. Small print text stated ð Ref: ‘Dangerous Beauty’ by ...’.

Issue
The Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association Ltd (CTPA) believed the ad was misleading and alarmist, because it implied lawfully marketed cosmetic products were toxic and, therefore, harmful to consumers.

Response
The Purist Company (Purist) said eight out of ten shampoos sold in the UK contained sulphate cleansers, for example, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). They sent detailed documentation and peer reviewed articles to show the effect of SLS on the skin, immune system, vital internal organs and hair, which demonstrated that, in concentration, SLS had an irritant effect. They explained that ethoxylated sulphates, such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), used in detergents, cosmetics and toiletries, underwent a chemical process to make them less irritating, but that the process often left them contaminated with a substance called 1,4-dioxane, which had been shown to have a carcinogenic effect in animal testing. They said one report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), published in the US Department of Health and Human Services, National Toxicology Program, concluded that the presence of 1,4-dioxane, even in trace amounts, was a cause for concern.

Purist argued that the primary causes of allergic reactions to personal care products were artificial fragrances and preservatives. They sent examples of studies to demonstrate that at least 50% of women tested believed they had sensitive skin. They pointed out that they deliberately avoided the use of any sulfates in their Alchemy and Akin brands; they therefore believed, as a result, their personal care ranges were gentler and more luxurious, offering premier care for even the most delicate and sensitive of skin types.

Assessment
Upheld
The ASA understood Purist intended to convey that, unlike other widely available cosmetic products, their Akin brand did not contain artificial cleansing agents such as SLS and SLES, which they believed were often the cause of irritation to users with sensitive skin. We also understood that Cosmetic Regulations in the UK required that products did not cause harm to human health and considered that the headline claim ‘your hair and skin care products may be toxic’, together with references to cancer and the statement ‘other ingredients to be wary of ...’ in the ad, implied some cosmetic products, which were lawfully marketed, were toxic and therefore harmful to health. Because we had not seen sufficient evidence that cosmetic products could be toxic, we concluded that the ad was misleading and alarmist.

The ad breached CAP Code clauses 3.1 and 3.2 (Substantiation), 7.1 (Truthfulness), 9.1 (Fear and distress), 19.1 (Other comparisons) and 50.5 (Health & beauty products and therapies - General).

Action
We told Purist to amend their future ads to remove the implication that some lawful cosmetic products were harmful and advised them to seek guidance from the CAP Copy Advice team before doing so.

Complaint Against The Redbush Tea Co Upheld

A complaint objecting to a magazine ad for The Redbush Tea Company Ltd was upheld on all of the six objections according to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

An ad, for Rooibos or Redbush tea, appeared in Pregnancy & birth magazine and was headlined ‘Give your health a boost’. The subheading stated ‘Rooibos tea has been helping soothe digestive disorders for years. Now discover the health benefits that Redbush Tea could have for you and your baby’. An image of a mother bottle-feeding a baby appeared beside text that stated ‘REDBUSH TEA OR ROOIBOS has been used as a tribal medicine in South Africa for centuries. Its health benefits for infants were first discovered when a mother accidentally mixed some cooled rooibos tea in her baby's formula, and discovered that her daughter slept peacefully, having suffered for months with colic and vomiting’. Under the heading ‘Natural remedy’, text stated ‘Naturally infused with anti-inflammatory properties ... Redbush is also naturally caffeine free, and can help overcome the symptoms of nausea and headaches commonly found from drinking coffee’. Under the heading ‘Health benefits’, text stated ‘Redbush has fantastic skin healing properties ... If bottle feeding your baby, add Redbush to the formula instead of water, using the same quantity, and cool to the usual temperature’.

Issue
The complainant challenged whether:
1. the claim ‘Rooibos tea has been helping soothe digestive disorders for years’ was misleading and could be substantiated;
2. the claim ‘her daughter slept peacefully, having suffered for months with colic and vomiting’ implied Redbush could be used to treat colic and nausea;
3. the claim ‘Redbush has fantastic skin healing properties’ was misleading and could be substantiated and
4. the claim ‘If bottle feeding your baby, add Redbush to the formula instead of water’ encouraged an irresponsible practice.

The ASA challenged whether the claims:
5. ‘Naturally infused with anti-inflammatory properties’ and
6. ‘can help overcome the symptoms of nausea and headaches commonly found from drinking coffee’ were misleading and could be substantiated.

The CAP Code: 3.1;7.1;50.1;50.11;6.1

Response
1, 2, 3, 5 & 6. The Redbush Tea Company explained that the ad had been prepared by Pregnancy & birth magazine in response to an award for Best Natural Remedy, voted for by their readers. They said it had not appeared elsewhere and they had no plans to use it again. They said they always took care to explain to magazines that prepared similar ads that they should avoid making claims about the healing properties for Redbush tea and sent one of their own ads to demonstrate that they did not make similar claims themselves. They said at the time the ad was published they thought that it would be acceptable because the claims were made on behalf of Pregnancy & Birth magazine and were the result of a vote by readers. They said they now appreciated that was not the case.

They said their own literature on their products always included qualifying text that made clear there had been no clinical trials on Redbush tea. They sent scientific research that showed Redbush tea contained anti-oxidants including Quercetin, which they asserted had recognised anti-inflammatory properties.
They argued that caffeine was known to cause stress and headaches and that many doctors recommended caffeine-free alternatives to avoid those side effects. They said they were a member of the Health Food Manufacturers' Association (HFMA) and that they were applying to the European Food Safety Authority to make claims for the healing properties of Redbush that would be compatible with forthcoming European laws.

Pregnancy & birth magazine explained that all similar ads were written from briefs supplied by clients and that the final version was signed off by the client. They said they relied on the client to check and hold substantiation for all claims made. They said they had not received any complaints about the ad.

4. The Redbush Tea Company sent a press cutting that recommended giving babies between 25ml and 50ml of Redbush between feeds to prevent and treat colic. They asserted that Redbush was clinically prescribed for babies in South Africa but said they accepted that was not relevant to the EU.

Assessment
1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 Upheld
The ASA noted the comments from The Redbush Tea Company and Pregnancy & birth but considered that, without clinical trials to demonstrate that Redbush could treat the conditions mentioned, the ad exaggerated the benefits of Redbush tea. We noted that there was research to demonstrate that Redbush contained Quercetin, but we did not see evidence that showed the amount of Quercetin in Redbush tea had anti-inflammatory properties. We considered that the claim ‘can help overcome the symptoms of nausea and headaches commonly found from drinking coffee’ implied that Redbush could relieve symptoms of nausea and headaches and not that consumers could avoid those symptoms by replacing coffee with Redbush. We concluded that the ad was misleading.

4. Upheld
We did not see evidence that showed Redbush could safely be added to formula instead of water or that it was clinically prescribed for babies for any purpose. We concluded that the ad was irresponsible.

The ad breached CAP Code clauses 2.2 (Social responsibility), 3.1 (Substantiation), 6.1 (Honesty), 7.1 (Truthfulness), 50.1 (Health & beauty products and therapies) and 50.11 (Medicines).

Action
We welcomed The Redbush Tea Company's assurance that the ad would not appear again.

Gillian McKeith to Drop Dr Title after Complaint to Advertising Watchdog

TV nutritionist Gillian McKeith has agreed to drop the title Dr from her company's advertising following a complaint to the industry watchdog, it was confirmed on 12th February.

The Advertising Standards Authority said it had received a complaint about the honorific, challenging whether McKeith was a qualified and accredited doctor and therefore entitled to use it.

After the ASA came to the provisional conclusion that the title was likely to mislead the public, McKeith Research said it would stop using it in advertising for future products.

McKeith, who has made a fortune with book and health food spin-offs from her programme You Are What You Eat, argues that she has a right to call herself a doctor after completing a distance learning PhD in holistic nutrition from the American Holistic College of Nutrition.

But it is understood that the basis of the complaint to the ASA was that the title was likely to mislead the public because the college had not been accredited by a recognised educational authority when she took the course.

McKeith has now agreed not to call herself a doctor on advertising for her company or its products, which include a range of health foods and cook books, removing the need for a full investigation.

McKeith is best known for presenting the Channel 4 show You Are What You Eat in which she helps to motivate the people featured in the programme to lose weight and change their lifestyle.

The programme is currently in its fourth series in which two people are chosen to move into her London home and stick to a healthy living regime.

LCTA Moves into State-of-Art College Premises

London College of Traditional Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (LCTA) has moved into new premises in North Finchley and is promising to transform college life for its students and staff with the introduction of a range of modern facilities.

Students and staff will benefit from brand new, purpose-built teaching facilities; an upgraded library with electronic tagging and the ability to reserve and renew books online; and a spacious common room. The classrooms are large, light and airy and the lecture rooms are have been designed and furnished with wall-mounted white boards, ceiling mounted projectors and all necessary audio and video capabilities.

The College retains its herbal pharmacy and dispensary and a student study area with computers and internet access. ‘We are so excited to be in our new building and absolutely delighted with the way it looks,’ comments Susanna Dowie, LCTA Principal. ‘We wanted to offer our students a place where they could learn and study in professional and comfortable surroundings. We have taken a big step up with our new premises and the additional space is just wonderful for everyone.’

The College is also working hard to ensure that those students who live further away have online access to course information, timetables and the College library through a new Extranet resource that is due to be introduced later this year.

‘As well as being a far better environment for students and staff, our location is fantastic,’ explains Susanna. ‘We are well situated for travel by car, bus or London Underground and even have a safely secured indoor bike rack. The local facilities are excellent and provide greater choice for shopping, eating and drinking in between studying. Those of our students who live further from the College will enjoy the benefits of better facilities when they are here as well as better access to College support when they are away from us.’

The new building, which is twice the size of the old College premises in Finchley Central, is at number 90 Kingsway, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley - just five minutes away - and has a theatre and health club on its doorstep.

For further information about LCTA and its courses, or to obtain a prospectus, please call 020 8446 3332 or visit http://www.lcta.com.

What People are Saying about True Success

True Success, Successful Private Practice is a new, easy to follow course that will help you establish your practice in the complementary and alternative medicine field. Here's what a few people in the industry have to say about it:

'Andrew's programme is an ideal springboard into creating a successful private practice. It is the perfect collection of practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives that encourage the listener to think for themselves, whilst at the same time serving as an authoritative and friendly guide through the jungle that is setting up business in this field.

'Andrew demonstrates wisdom and depth throughout, and with a well structured format, workbook and easy listening style, partners you as you explore all aspects of what it takes to build a successful private practice.

'He successfully applies one of his own maxim's in the programme - '...extending your comfort zone, not getting outside it...'- which demonstrates a congruency so important when choosing who to invest in when it comes to building a successful private practice.

'Our choice of coaches, advisors and mentors in the early stages (and on our quest for success) is key to laying solid foundations on which to build and propelling us to even greater heights.

'I recommend this programme as a great ally to anyone wishing to make a success of their private practice - I will be doing so to all of my students!
Congratulations Andrew...this is an invaluable contribution to our field.'

Richard Moat PhD
Founder & Creator of Moativational Medicine(tm)
Web: http://www.richardmoat.com

‘It is with great pleasure that I write to you and tell just how great it was to listen to 'successful private practice' CD programme. I think that anyone who wants to start a practice or increase what they are doing should make this a must do course. It has lot of good material and is well worth the price.’

Robert Otto
Chief Executive Officer of:
International Association of Counsellors & Therapists
International Medical & Dental Hypnotherapy Association

‘Whether you are just starting up your practice or have been in practice for some years but would like to do better, attract more clients, manage your business hours more efficiently or if you would just like to learn more business strategies, True Success's 'Successful Private Practice' will be an incredible asset to your business.

'When I first started to listen to True Success, I became very excited at the concepts and principles put forth and could start to see how my own private practice could expand and grow, how it could generate more income, give me more fulfilment from my work and also how it could give me more free time!
This product is a must have, in fact, I would say it is essential for any practitioner starting up in private practice and every practitioner who may already be in business but is looking to do better.’

Stephen West
BSc. Lic Ac MBAcC
Director of Altmedzine and Acupunture Practitioner

‘Many talented practitioners and therapists enter into private practice only part time as the lack of business and marketing skills prevents them from moving forward. As an senior qualified hypnotherapist and trainer with 16 years experience, I know only too well the ups and downs experienced by many therapists and practitioners in either starting out or even if already in practice, only to find their personal business acumen and skills a limiting factor to progress and be successful in what they really desire. These excellent CD's and accompanying workbook also provides a great insight into how you the therapist can make that big difference to your practice. Having listened to this CD audio programme I therefore strongly endorse and thoroughly recommend 'Successful Private Practice' from True Success, to anyone who is serious about being a successful therapist in whatever discipline you practice ‘

Sam Weller
SQHP -Weller Associates
Director of Training -Academy of Clinical and Medical Hypnosis
Web: http://www.hypnotictracks.com

‘Andrew's 'Successful Private Practice' is a goldmine of relevant information for therapists that is easy to listen to. I love the way it covers not only the practical aspects of practice but the deeper meaning of why I do what I do (Homeopathy).

‘I personally have applied the principles and ideas he suggests and my practice reflects this.

‘Having also experienced the highs and lows that Andrew talks about and found the solutions to level them out, I am happy to offer this programme to you, so that you too may benefit from his proven insights.’

-Mary L English
Registered Homeopath

For more information on True Success, Successful Private Practice visit http://www.true-success.co.uk

50% off for AltMedZine subscribers only!

Patient Safety Tops NHS Complaint Reviews

Patient safety comes top of the list of concerns for people having their NHS complaint reviewed.

Around 100,000 complaints are made against the NHS every year, with roughly 8,000 sent for review by the health watchdog if a patient is dissatisfied with the outcome.

A Healthcare Commission report found that 22 per cent of those complaints were about safety - for example falls or children being given the wrong jabs.

Others were about poor care of dying relatives, bereaved families being treated in an abrasive way, and patients being discharged at 'inappropriate times of the day or night'.

Dirty wards
Poor quality meals, inadequate nursing care and dirty wards were also on the list of complaints.

The Commission said many concerns focused on the 'basic elements of health care'.

One in 10 of the complaints to do with children were over problems with immunisations.

Meanwhile, most complaints about the death of a patient involved relatives being given contradictory or confusing information by staff.

Incomplete case notes also meant the Commission had problems investigating some complaints.

Nursing care
The report added: 'To family members, this lack of information suggests that their relative was not monitored, fed or cared for appropriately.'

Marcia Fry, the Commission's Head of Operational Development, said relatives in one case had been handed a dead person's belongings in a black bin bag.

In another, a bereaved person had been shown the wrong body in a mortuary.

Around 7 per cent of all complaints to the Commission were about the standard of nursing care, while around 5 per cent were about cleanliness and hospital infections, such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile.

Of some 16,000 cases handled by the commission between July 2004 and July last year, around 70 per cent of those it could review found in favour of the complainant.

The NHS provides around 380 million treatments a year, so the proportion of complaints is actually very small, the Commission said.

But it announced it would inspect 50 trusts as part of a national audit, including the worst ten and the best ten.

Organic Companies Threatened by Government GM proposals

A delegation representing 74 organic businesses, with a combined turnover of about £950,000,000 met at the House of Commons to express their grave concern at Government proposals to allow up to 0.9% GM in organic food without it being labelled.

Last Autumn the Government completed its consultation on the coexistence between GM crops, non-GM crops and organic crops in England. The Government's consultation document, drawing on opinions expressed by the European Commission (which are not binding on national governments) presupposes a GM content in all non-GM food, including organic food, of up to 0.9%. The Government says that organic and non-GM food containing up to 0.9% GM would not be labelled, leaving consumers in complete ignorance as to the GM content.

The meeting in the House of Commons, hosted by Peter Ainsworth MP, Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, and Jim Paice MP, Shadow Agriculture Minister, was organised by the Food and Drink Federation's Organic Group and The Soil Association.

During the consultation, the Government met with a number of GM companies, including AstraZeneca, BASF Plant Science, Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences, Du Pont (UK) Ltd, Monsanto UK Ltd, and Syngenta Ltd. Not one organic business was consulted directly.

The 27 companies attending the meeting included: Abel & Cole, Aspalls, Community Foods, Dorset Cereals, Doves Farm, Fresh, Green & Blacks, Grove Fresh, OMSCo, Planet Organic, Rachel's Dairies, Rainbow Wholefoods, R B Organic, Riverford, Stonegate, Yeo Valley and W Jordan Cereals.

Alex Smith of Alara, Chair of the Food and Drink Federation's Organic Group said, ‘There is overwhelming evidence that one of the main reasons that consumers buy organic is to avoid eating food containing any GM. If the proposals set out by the Government were implemented, very significant new economic burdens could be placed on organic food producers, manufacturers and retailers - the Government envisage allowing routine contamination of all non-GM and organic food chains with up to 0.9% GM. Organic businesses will face enhanced risks of GM contamination, product recall and loss of their most valuable asset, the consumer trust that underlies their brand value’.

Peter Melchett, Soil Association Policy Director said: ‘The Government wants the full cost of keeping organic food as it now is, at the lowest reliable and repeatable level of detection of GM (0.1% GM), to fall on organic businesses, and therefore on organic consumers. So people who eat organic food will end up paying for a GM policy designed to benefit the GM companies. The Government is putting at risk one of the fastest growing areas of the UK economy. Tesco's organic sales grew by 39% last year. Organic farm shops and box schemes are seeing similar rates of growth. The Soil Association has pledged to keep GM out of organic food, so the public can continue to put their trust in organic food’.

Peter Melchett added: ‘We warmly welcome the motion tabled in the House of Commons by the Conservative Front Bench, with all-party support, which states that 'consumers have the right to choose non-GM foods and that all foods containing GM material, or that come from livestock fed on GM, should be clearly labelled as such', and that 0.1% GM 'should be the trigger point for GM labelling'.
We hope it is not too late for the Government to change their pro-GM stance, which threatens public trust in organic farming and food.’

The 74 companies supporting this initiative have a combined turnover of about £950,000,000. Together they directly employ 8,356 people throughout the United Kingdom. They work with at least 4,790 suppliers, who in turn provide jobs for thousands of people in the UK and abroad.

Ayurveda's Healing Touch for Cancer Patients

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, might not have found a cure for cancer as yet but it is now being used to make radiation and chemotherapy more effective and also help patients recuperate speedily from painful after effects of therapy.

Ayurveda consultant Dr M Sunanda Devi says that she suffered from oral cancer last year. ‘I took both radiation and chemotherapy for the disease.

‘I experienced unbearable thirst and pain as a result of therapy. And because of the ulcers in the mouth I could not eat anything. Allopathy failed to give me relief and I turned to Rasayana, a procedure in Ayurveda which is a combination of salves, some medicines and a prescribed diet. Soon I started feeling the difference,’ she explains.

The side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy manifest gradually and become painful. Nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, fatigue, weight loss, radiation burns and hair loss are among the common side effects patients suffer during and even after treatment. Ayurveda experts say there could be relief from all these symptoms.

‘Certain medicines and a right diet can not only speed up treatment, but also complement it,’ says Dr Sarangapani, assistant professor at DRKR Ayurveda Hospital in Erragadda. Interestingly, allopathic doctors have begun to vouch for Ayurveda remedies.

‘The combination of vitamins and ointments work wonders, post radiation,’ explained Dr Monica Gupta, oncologist at Medwin Hospital.

Some of the major corporate hospitals, realising the growing popularity of ayurveda, have begun to open separate wings for this alternative medicine.

Kamineni Hospital has a separate department for ayurveda and treats over 30 cases of cancer everyday. Apollo Hospital has an ayurveda consultant on the rolls. Medwin Hospital treats around 2 cancer patients everyday.

Ayurvedic consultant at Apollo Hospitals, Dr B Ranganath says, ‘Ayurveda is used primarily for rejuvenation after radiation where healthy tissue is also damaged with the diseased tissue. It speeds up the healing process. Common items like turmeric, and gooseberries can arrest cancerous tendencies in the body.’

Supplements Reduce Stress Fractures in Navy Recruits

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, even over a short time period, can significantly reduce stress fractures (overuse injuries to the bone) in female military recruits, according to a study reported on February 11th, at the 53rd annual Orthopaedic Research Society meeting at the San Diego Convention Centre.

The randomised, double-blind study, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, looked at 5,201 female U.S. Navy recruits during eight weeks of basic training from 2002 to 2006 at Great Lakes Naval Station near Chicago, Ill.

The women, ages 17 to 35, were divided into two groups with one group receiving daily pill supplements of 2,000 Mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D, and the other group receiving placebo pills. Calcium supports bone formation and repair, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.

During the study, 170 recruits in the placebo group experienced stress fractures, about 25 percent more than in the group taking the calcium/vitamin D supplements.

A history of regular exercising decreased the risk of stress fractures, while cigarette smoking increased the risk.

‘What really surprised us is that calcium/vitamin D supplements made a significant difference in such a short period of time. Frankly, we were not sure we would see any statistically significant results in only eight weeks,’ said principal investigator Joan Lappe, Ph.D., R.N., a professor of nursing and medicine at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.

Stress factures are one of the most common and debilitating overuse injuries seen in U.S. military recruits in all branches of the Armed Forces. The rates of stress fracture for females are consistently higher than for males. Estimates are that as many as 21 percent of all female recruits suffer this injury, Lappe noted.

‘Stress fractures often lead to chronic pain and disability,’ she said. ‘In addition, the financial impact is enormous in terms of lost costs for recruits discharged from training. One U.S. Army training base estimates the cost at $34,000 per (discharged) soldier, not including expenses related to health care.’

The study shows that taking calcium/vitamin D supplements can greatly reduce stress fractures in female military recruits, many of whom are suddenly and dramatically increasing their levels of physical, weight-bearing activity.

Lappe noted that the study may also have implications for nonmilitary athletic populations, such as high school track and field athletes, in whom stress fractures are also problematic.

‘It appears that supplementation with calcium and vitamin D provides a health-promoting, easy and inexpensive intervention that does not interfere with training goals,’ she said.

Study co-investigators include Diane Cullen, Ph.D., and Robert Recker, M.D., both with the Creighton Osteoporosis Research Centre, and Capt. Kerry Thompson, Ph.D., and Renee Ahlf, both with the U.S. Naval Institute for Dental and Biomedical Research.

Creighton University
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
United States
Web: http://www2.creighton.edu

FDA Due to Expand Oat Heart Health Claim

Oat products with a higher fat content could be eligible to carry a heart health claim, according to a new proposal by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Released last week, the proposal comes in response to a petition from PepsiCo's Quaker Oats Company, which said that some low-sugar oat products are ineligible for the claim.

Under current FDA regulations, products low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in soluble fibre are able to claim that they reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The fibre contained in whole oat is called beta-glucan soluble fibre, and is found in oat bran, rolled oats and whole oat flour.

However, although Quaker Oats' unmodified instant oatmeal products are eligible to bear the heart health claim, the firm's flavoured, reduced sugar products are not because they do not meet the nutrient content requirement for 'low fat'.

But according to the company, these products only have a higher fat content because by reducing sugar, the products contain more whole oats - and fat from whole oats.

The firm therefore petitioned the FDA to amend current regulations so that the 'low fat' eligibility standard would not be applicable to foods exceeding this standard due to the total fat inherent in whole oat sources.

According to Quaker Oats, this would encourage food manufacturers to create products that are lower in added sugar while still retaining the heart-protective qualities of these whole oat-based foods. It would also enhance consumer's ability to incorporate beta-glucan soluble fibre into their diets while reducing their sugar consumption.

The petition also stated that the additional level of inherent fat in whole oats would not have a negative impact on the benefit of the oat beta-glucan health claim.

The FDA said it agrees with the petition, and ‘tentatively’ concluded that for purposes of the oat beta-glucan health claim, it is appropriate to exempt foods that exceed the 'low fat' criterion due to fat contained in whole oat sources from oat bran, rolled oats and whole oat flour, as well as oatrim.

The agency is now calling for comments on whether or not whole oat food products that contain sources of fat other than whole oat sources should be exempt from the 'low fat' requirement and, if so, how much and what types of fat contributed by these sources would be acceptable.

Cancer more Prevalent among Black Community

Cancer rates are still higher among black Americans compared to their white counterparts, according to recent statistics released by the American Cancer Society.

Rates among black men are higher by more than one-third over whites, and the rates for black women are higher by 18 percent. Blacks will represent almost 63,000 of the estimated 560,000 deaths of cancer in 2007, the ACS reports.
They also will represent 153,000 of 1.7 million new cancer cases in 2007.

‘African Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival rate of any other racial or ethnic group for most cancers,’ according to the ACS web site.
Mike Adams, a natural health advocate and published author, accused the medical profession of misinforming the black population about the benefits of sunlight, relating this to the higher prevalence of cancer among blacks.

‘Blacks die from skin cancer at rates that far exceed whites because conventional medicine strives to keep black Americans in a state of ignorance concerning the need for sunlight and Vitamin D,’ Adams said. ‘Since dark skin pigmentation blocks Vitamin D synthesis in the skin, as many as 75 percent of blacks are chronically deficient in the anticancer vitamin. The way to save the lives of millions of black Americans over the next ten years is to tell the truth about sunlight and Vitamin D.’

Most forms of cancer are more prevalent in blacks versus whites on an adjusted scale of rate per 100,000 people, however the few exceptions are cancers of the breast, skin, bladder and also leukemia, the report shows.

Overall, cancer rates among blacks have decreased overall for the past century. However, lung cancer rates have increased among black women and will be again the number one killer among the combined black population. The report states that this can be associated with the higher prevalence of smoking menthol cigarettes among the black population, which offer a less harsh feel of inhalation to the throat but are possibly more dangerous to the human body than a normal cigarette. In 2003, 27 percent of all cigarette sales were menthols, but around 70 percent of menthol cigarette sales go to blacks.

Cancer Risk Lowered by Vitamin D - even in Sunlight

Increasing vitamin D intake through sunlight, diet or supplements may decrease a person's risk of contracting breast cancer by 50 percent and of contracting colorectal cancer by more than 65 percent, according to two recent studies conducted at the University of San Diego.

The studies used meta-analysis to pool data from multiple previous studies, in order to increase precision and be able to draw conclusions that the original data did not allow. Researchers divided subjects into groups based on their blood levels of vitamin D, and compared the incidence of cancer between groups.

‘The data were very clear, showing that individuals in the group with the lowest blood levels had the highest rates of breast cancer, and the breast cancer rates dropped as the blood levels ... increased,’ said Cedric Garland, co-author of one of the studies.

The blood level associated with a 50 percent lower risk of breast cancer could be reached by spending as little as 25 minutes in the sun for darker skinned people, or even 10 to 15 for lighter skinned individuals.

In the other study, researchers found that the same amount of sunlight corresponded with a two-thirds lower risk of contracting colorectal cancer.

‘The evidence on the anti-cancer benefits of sunlight exposure and vitamin D are no longer deniable,’ said Mike Adams, author of ‘The Healing Power of Sunlight and Vitamin D.’

‘The risk reduction of breast cancer is absolutely astounding, far out-performing even the most aggressively hyped cancer drugs such as Herceptin,’ Adams said. ‘Sunlight should be the number one prescribed medicine in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. It costs nothing, is extremely safe, and prevents numerous diseases including breast cancer, prostate cancer, depression, osteoporosis, diabetes and even heart disease.’

The breast cancer study was published online in the most recent issue of the ‘Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.’ The colorectal cancer study was published online in the February 6th issue of the ‘American Journal of Preventive Medicine.’

Raising Vitamin D Intake could Lower Breast, Colorectal Cancer Risk

Increasing the daily intake of vitamin D to 2000 International Units could halve the risk of developing breast and colorectal cancer, two studies have reported.

The results, from the same group of researchers from a variety of research institutions, are based on a pooled analysis and meta-analysis of studies, and may increase pressure on decision makers to increase the recommended daily intake of the vitamin.

Currently, the RDI is set at 400 IU, and the tolerable upper intake level (UL) in Europe and the US is set at 2000 International Units (IU), equivalent to 50 micrograms per day. However, recent research, particularly from clinical trials, suggests that this should be raised.

Moreover, a recent risk assessment by the US-based trade organisation, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) concluded that the UL could be raised to 10,000 IU (250 micrograms per day).

The link between vitamin D intake and protection from cancer dates from the 1940s when Frank Apperly demonstrated a link between latitude and deaths from cancer, and suggested that sunlight gave ‘a relative cancer immunity.’

Vitamin D levels have been linked to skin colour - darker skinned people produce less vitamin D on exposure to the sun, relative to fair-skinned people.

Calls for raising the recommended daily allowance of the vitamin have been growing after reports that higher intakes could protect against osteoporosis and certain cancers. Consumer awareness of these health links is also increasing with some outlets reporting massive boosts in sales.

Sources: Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Published on-line ahead of print; doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2006.12.007
‘Vitamin D and prevention of breast cancer: Pooled analysis’
Authors: C.F. Garland, E.D. Gorham, S.B. Mohr, W.B. Grant, E.L. Giovannucci, M. Lipkin, H. Newmark, M.F. Holick, F.C Garland

American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Volume 32, Number 3, Pages 210-216
‘Optimal vitamin D status for colorectal cancer prevention - A quantitative meta-analysis’
Authors: E.D. Gorham, C.F. Garland, F.C Garland, W.B. Grant, S.B. Mohr, M. Lipkin, H. Newmark, E.L. Giovannucci, M. Wei, M.F. Holick.

Olive Oil may Protect against Stomach Ulcers and Cancer

Polyphenols found in olive oil, a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet, may prevent infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, said to be the cause of millions of cases of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease each year.

The new research by researchers from the Spanish Institute de la Grasa, and the University Hospital of Valme, report that, under their simulated in vitro conditions, the polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil exerted anti-bacterial effects against eight strains of H. pylori, three of which were said to be resistant to antibiotics.

‘These results open the possibility of considering extra virgin olive oil a chemoprotective agent for peptic ulcer or gastric cancer, but this bioactivity must be confirmed in vivo in the future,’ wrote lead author Concepcion Romero in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

The researchers state that previous studies have shown that green tea, cranberry juice and certain other natural foods inhibit the growth of H. pylori, the only bacteria that can survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and known to cause peptic ulcers and gastritis.

The new study, the first to look at the potential anti-H. pylori role of olive oil polyphenols, used laboratory experiments to demonstrate that under simulated conditions the healthful phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil remain stable in the acidic environment of the stomach for hours.

Indeed, the results show that, under the simulated conditions, over half of the polyphenols found in olive oil could diffuse into the aqueous (water) phase of the gastric juices. Moreover, these polyphenols were found to exert the greatest anti-H. pylori activity.

‘The results indicate that the secoiridoid aglycons are not hydrolysed in the acidic environment of the gastric juice,’ wrote Romero. ‘It has just been demonstrated that these secoiridoid aglycons, in particular the dialdehyde form of decarboxymethyl ligstroside aglycon, are the most powerful anti-H. pylori compounds of the olive oil.'

The olive oil extract's anti-bacterial effects were found to be dose-dependent, and only the weakest extract (one per cent) failed to exert a significant bactericidal activity.

‘In view of the low concentration required to exert bactericidal action against H. pylori by the dialdehydic form of decarboxymethyl ligstroside aglycon, it is promising to carry out studies in vivo with extra virgin olive oil to prevent and control peptic ulcers and gastric cancer caused by this bacteria,’ concluded the researchers.

The results of the study may keep consumer interest in olive oil high, following other studies linking the diet to lower incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and certain types of cancer.

Indeed, Mintel's Edible Oils report said that the UK olive oil market has been on fire since 2000, growing by 39 per cent to date in order to break through the £100m mark.

Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Volume 55, Pages 680-686
‘In vitro activity of olive oil polyphenols against Helicobacter pylori’
Authors: C. Romero, E. Medina, J. Vargas, M. Brenes, A. de Castro

Can Olive Leaves Help to Beat Cancer?

Suggestions on a Greek television chat show that consuming extract of olive leaves can lower cholesterol and fight cancer have led to the Greek health ministry calling for calm, and a row between two brothers over whether to give a third brother with cancer the extract ended with one stabbing the other to death.

The furore stemmed from discussions on Greek television about results of a small-scale study into the effects of the drink (made by boiling and blending the leaves) on mice with cancer that was conducted at the University of Athens.

The Government has given warning that there have been ‘no tests on the toxicity levels of olive extract and it is possible that it contains hazards’, and an eminent cardiologist, the former health minister Dimitris Kremastinos, is urging people not to listen to the ‘charlatans’ talking up the benefits of the plant because ‘chewing the leaves does nobody any good’.

Yet the olive-leaf market is booming, with patients prepared to pay up to £40 a kilo in health shops or stripping the leaves from the olive trees that line the streets of Athens.

Proponents of the olive-leaf theory argue that the claims amount to far more than a passing fad. Olive leaves have long been hailed by naturopaths as a tonic for ailments including the common cold, arthritis, eczema and asthma.

In the early 1900s researchers discovered a bitter phytochemical compound called oleuropein in the leaves of certain olive trees which proved to be partly responsible for the trees' powerful resistance to diseases. Since then the active compounds have been shown in small trials to possess antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties effective in the treatment of many conditions for which antibiotics and other conventional medications have been found to be ineffective.

Thirty years ago Italian researchers showed that oleuropein could be used to lower blood pressure in animals, and it has since been used widely by practitioners of herbal medicine to treat cardiovascular problems.

‘Their use is certainly not new,’ says Dr Anne Walker, a herbalist and researcher in human nutrition at the University of Reading school of food biosciences.

‘Olive-leaf tinctures, made by steeping the leaves in alcohol at room temperature, are often used by registered herbalists as a treatment for cardiovascular problems including lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol. There is also some evidence that they have an antidiabetic effect in susceptible people.’

Although they are by no means conclusive, the cancer claims are not, it seems, without foundation either. Last July the results of a trial carried out at the Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine Education and Research (ACCMER), a joint venture between Southern Cross University in New South Wales and the University of Queensland, were published. They suggested that olive-leaf extract in supplement form (as capsules or granules) could ward off some forms of the disease.

Dr Lesley Stevenson, the principal researcher from the Southern Cross natural products pharmacology unit, says that early laboratory tests seemed to indicate that the antioxidant-rich oil from the leaves ‘can destroy human breast and prostate cancer cells’. The researchers plan to carry out further investigations to find out exactly how lethal olive leaves are to cancer cells.

While the high levels of monounsaturated fats in olive oil (made from the crushed or pressed fruit) mean that it is good for the heart, the leaves of the plant have been shown to provide ten times more disease-fighting antioxidants.

Studies by ACCMER in 2005 found that olive leaves have five times the antioxidant capacity of vitamin C and almost double that of green tea or grapeseed extract. According to Dr Stevenson, her team also discovered that extract of olive leaf was more powerful at getting rid of damaging free radicals than such acclaimed antioxidants as grapeseed extract and vitamin E - and that furthermore it could help to fight some inflammatory conditions.

Cancer charities do not dismiss these findings but are understandably treating the olive-leaf research with some caution. ‘Studies into any potential anticancer properties of olive-leaf extract are at an extremely early stage,’ says Sue Green, a nurse with the charity Cancerbackup. ‘Many more years of research are needed to see if this will ever become an actual treatment for people with cancer.’

Dr Julie Sharp, of Cancer Research UK, says that ‘while a few small laboratory studies have suggested that extracts from olive leaves might have anticancer properties, there is still not enough evidence to confirm these observations’.

But that evidence could become more convincing as the results of new studies emerge. Clinical trials at the New York University school of medicine found the natural extract to be effective against HIV without being toxic to uninfected cells, and further investigations are planned.

Meanwhile, those seeking the health tonic who don't wish to make their own tea from the pale-green leaves can opt to take olive-leaf extract as a supplement or a liquid (both are available from health stores or online).

Manufacturers such as Olive Leaf Australia recommend taking a teaspoonful of the liquid three times a day with food, adding that it can also be applied topically to help to heal wounds.

Cosmetics manufacturers are also beginning to add olive-leaf extract to their products on the premise that it has antibacterial properties and helps to soothe the skin. The Johnson's Baby Natural range contains it, as does Simply Organic hair and scalp wash.

Others remain steadfastly sceptical about the leaves' beneficial effects. ‘The anticancer claims appear to be based on the fact that the leaves are high in antioxidants - and the best way to boost your intake of these compounds is through ordinary fruit and vegetables,’ says Bridget Aisbitt, a nutrition scientist with the British Nutrition Foundation. ‘If your diet is sufficiently varied you don't need to resort to nutritional fads, which are sometimes as harmful as they are helpful.’

Insurance Coverage for Integrative Treatments in the USA

Americans spend $48 billion every year on complementary, alternative or holistic medicine. With the alternative health sector surging, insurers are starting to notice the fact that holistic treatments are cheaper than surgery, a lifetime of prescription refills or Western-style occupational therapy.

As a result of personal experience and about 20 years in the insurance business, Steve Gorman, founder of Alternative Health Insurance Services, which helps clients find group insurance plans that cover holistic medicine, believes that alternative therapies are cost effective. ‘If you can prevent somebody from getting a major illness, even if it costs a little more on the front end… that would save tons and tons of money, rather than waiting until someone has a disease and then treating it.’

Insurers, in other words, are starting to catch up with their policy holders, who are already spending out of pocket to hire their own acupuncturists, naturopaths, rolfers, energy workers, herbalists and the like. But unfortunately, the big corporate carriers are making up ground slowly. In fact, so are smaller carriers. Gorman’s company is one of the few - if not the only one - of its kind.

As with their emphasis on ‘preventative medicine’ in the 1990s, insurers are wading in slowly when left to their own devices (except in the case of Washington State, but more on that later). A 2002 study at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that a dearth of information about holistic medicine’s clinical efficacy has kept insurers from incorporating it faster.

Insurers and doctors alike have long been skeptical about the benefits of alternative therapies because the treatments - from massage to Chinese herbs - have not undergone the rigorous scientific testing to which conventional practices are subject, or at least not through the same respected (often corporate) channels.

The inroads alt medicine has made with insurers can be traced back to 1991, when Congress appropriated a modest $2 million to the National Institutes of Health to study alternative medicine, laying the groundwork for what is now the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Part of NCCAM’s mission is to fund scientific studies that contribute to the growing body of ‘official’ scientific information.

Today, anywhere from one-third to almost half of expenditures for alternative medicine are out of pocket, but it’s a statistic, skewed by chiropractic’s mainstreaming, that would otherwise be much higher.

Michele Hangee-Bauer, office manager at SOMA Acupuncture and Natural Health Clinic in San Francisco, deals directly with all of the insurance paperwork that comes into the clinic. She says that mostly partial benefits are available on some from Blue Cross of California, United Health Care, Great West Guardian, Aetna, Cigna and Gallagher Bassett. Sometimes she gathers information from the client, then calls up the insurance company and asks about coverage; other times, clients ask her to sign claims they’ve already submitted to their insurance companies.

The preponderance of health administrators and holistic practitioners think that insurance coverage will continue to grow. Insurers, says Dr. Hal Richart, the public relations chair for the Illinois Chiropractic Society, are going to have to figure out how to effectively service the aging baby boom generation. As they age, he asserts, this influential generation is going to demand more musculoskeletal services—and that growing demand will help change the medical insurance terrain.

Normalising the relationship between alternative and conventional medical practitioners and conducting scientific studies about the efficacy of alternative-complementary medicine will contribute to wider acceptance by insurance companies and regular benefits for plan members. Meanwhile, check with employers and their insurance providers to find out what integrative treatments, if any, are part of a particular group or individual plan—and if you don’t see the treatments you want, ask for them. Milan Polak, co-creator of Learn2Heal, an LA-based organisation providing affordable holistic medicine services to underserved communities, says this last step is the key.

‘It’s a simple issue of supply and demand,’ Polak explains. ‘You shouldn’t blindly accept whatever prescription your physician doles out; you should ask for holistic care every time you visit—just as you should request that alternative modalities be covered by your insurance provider. And if you are denied, make it known that you’ll seek a doctor or provider who will service your request. The more of us who raise our collective voices in support of these services, the more likely we are to change healthcare.’


Web: http://wholelifetimes.com

Flaxseed Oil Shown to Reduce Blood Pressure

A recent study indicates that diet fortified with flaxseed oil, which is rich in plant omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), may significantly lower blood pressure.

The study, conducted by researchers from Harokopio University and Laiko Hospital in Athens, Greece, and published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that subjects on a diet fortified with flaxseed oil experienced reduced blood pressure by as much as 6 percent.

The researchers tested a group of 59 middle-aged males with high blood-lipid concentrations, the average age of whom was 53 years. The men were divided into two groups at random and placed on two different diets.

The first study group was assigned a diet fortified with 8 grams per day of omega-3, ALA-rich flaxseed oil.

The second group was placed on a diet fortified with omega-6, linoleic acid-rich safflower oil.

‘Our results indicate that increased ALA intake can bring about a significant decrease in SBP (systolic blood pressure) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) by approximately 5 mmHg or three to 6 percent,’ said researchers.

According to researchers, the group of men prescribed the omega-6, linoleic acid-fortified diet experienced no significant decrease in blood pressure.

The study's lead author, George Paschos, was quick to point out that the reasons behind the effectiveness of ALA in lowering blood pressure are unclear.

Additionally, the study's authors point out that the 8 grams of flaxseed oil supplied by the study per day is not readily available to consumers in everyday foods.

‘However, several products like cooking oil, margarine, salad dressing and mayonnaise fortified with ALA can be produced by the industry, and inclusion of these foods in the diet has been shown to substantially increase dietary ALA intake to levels exceeding those used in the present study,’ said Paschos.
‘Hence we believe our results could be applicable in practice.’

Dairylea Cuts Salt and Fat in Kids' Snacks

Dairylea snacks aimed at children have been made healthier, according to its manufacturer.

Kraft, which owns the brand, is cutting fat and saturated fat in Dairylea Lunchables by around one third.

The salt content of the lunchtime snack is being reduced by around 9 per cent.

The changes come after other Dairylea products came under fire from health campaigners who complained about their high salt content.

Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash) previously said Dairylea light cheese slices were 'saltier than the Atlantic' and urged shoppers to boycott them.

Kraft said its reformulated Dairylea Lunchables contained no artificial colours or flavours, no trans fats, and had 113 per cent more fibre than previously.

The firm said in a statement: 'New recipe Dairylea Lunchables is one example of how Kraft Foods is working with consumers to help them make healthy choices more easily.'

Cash nutritionist Jo Butten welcomed Kraft's salt reductions but added: ‘We note that Kraft have compared their products with homemade sandwiches but if parents want to provide their children with a lower salt and (lower) saturated fat lunch, why not give them a chicken sandwich without cheese which we calculate would contain around 0.64g salt - around a third of the salt content of the Ham 'n' Cheese Sub Lunchable.'

Robinsons Squash - Artificial Colours and Flavours Taken Out

All artificial colours and flavours are to be removed from Robinsons squash drinks.

Soft drinks firm Britvic which owns the brand, said it would be the first squash manufacturer to make the change.

The additive-free Robinsons fruit squash, fruit and barley, high juice and barley water launch in July.

They will contain more natural ingredients to replace the artificial flavours and colours.

Britvic announced the launch of a new £7.5 million production line which means it can make drinks without preservatives.

Spokesman Julian Mears said: ‘There is a massive consumer move towards health and well-being and and also towards naturalness. People want to consume more natural ingredients and have less artificial ingredients.’

Britvic is also launching three new preservative-free juice ranges this year under the Robinsons brand.

These are smooth juice, fruit shoot 100% juice, and the really wild drinks co. which is designed to appeal to teenagers.

World Federation Annual Conference - Tokyo 2007

Registrar for Sports Therapy UK, Tim Paine has recently returned from the World Federation of Athletic Trainers and Therapists Annual Conference in Tokyo, where he was invited to present to delegates from around the world.

Tim presented research gathered in collaboration with colleague Peter Sheard at the University of Bedfordshire where both help deliver tuition on the Sports Therapy BSc programme. Their research examines various aspects of PNF stretching techniques which has influenced changes in the application to help optimise the benefits.

To read the full report and photos of the conference, please go to journal articles under News at the website http://www.sportstherapyuk.com.

Prevent Stress Setbacks

Stress has a way of creeping back into your life and making you miserable. These simple stress management strategies can help you keep stress at bay.

Stress doesn't have the upper hand anymore. What a feeling!
Perhaps you've mastered new time management techniques. Or you've learned to control your anger under pressure. Or maybe you've figured out how to problem-solve your cares away. But all the work is not behind you. To keep stress under control for good, you'll need to make a commitment to using the techniques you've learned.

Strategies for preventing setbacks
Stress is more likely to rear its ugly head again if you're not taking care of yourself. So put yourself first. Remember these strategies to stay on course:

* Simplify your life. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day, find a way to leave some things out. Ask yourself what really needs to be done, what can wait - and what can be dropped entirely. It's OK to say no.

* Manage your time wisely. Update your to-do list every day - both at work and at home. Delegate what you can, and break large projects into manageable chunks. Tackle the rest one task at a time.

* Be prepared. Anticipate challenges. Whether it's preparing for a project at work, planning a family gathering or handling a sick child, being prepared can help you face stressful situations with confidence. Find a way to approach each task with humour. If necessary, set aside extra time to calm your frayed nerves.

* Exercise regularly. Consider exercise a break from the tension of daily life. Exercise can help keep depression and anxiety at bay, too.

* Eat smart. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can give you more energy - plus the fuel you need to keep stress under control. If you tend to nibble when you're stressed, don't let your emotions take over. Consider whether you're truly hungry before you have a snack. And don't be fooled by the jolt you may get from caffeine or sugar. It'll wear off quickly.

* Adjust your attitude. If you find yourself thinking, ‘This can't be done,’ snap back to attention. Think instead, ‘This will be tough. But we can make it work.’ Putting a positive spin on negative thoughts can help you work through stressful situations.

* Take a break. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, take some time to clear your mind. A few slow stretches or a quick stroll may renew your energy for the task at hand. Or take a mental vacation. Imagine yourself in a calm, relaxing place. Let your mind wander. Picture yourself accomplishing your task.

* Relax. Set aside time for yourself every day, even if it's only a few minutes. When you feel your muscles begin to tense, breathe deeply. Inhale to the count of six, pause for a second and then slowly exhale.

* Laugh. Humour is a great way to relieve stress. Laughter releases endorphins - natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude. Studies suggest laughter may lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and increase circulation as well.

* Let go. Take responsibility for your tasks, but don't worry about things you can't control.

Coping with setbacks
Feeling stressed is normal. And so are setbacks in dealing with stress. After all, behaviour change doesn't happen overnight. If you lapse into your old ways, don't give up. Focus on what you can do to gain control of the situation.

If techniques that were helpful at first seem to lose their effectiveness, try something else. If you're facing new stressors, reconsider the best way to approach the situation. Remember, stress is a part of life. How you respond is up to you.

Web: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Yoga: Minimise Stress, Maximise Flexibility and Even More

Besides relieving stress and improving your body's flexibility, yoga can help you manage health conditions and cope with disease. Explore yoga's benefits, risks and how to select a class.

Your kids are demanding the latest video game, your boss wants that report done yesterday, and your spouse wants to know what's for dinner. Stress is everywhere. If it's getting the best of you, you might want to make like a downward-facing dog or a cobra and try yoga. This series of postures - sometimes named for mammals, fish or reptiles - and controlled breathing exercises have become a popular means of stress reduction.

Though the practice of yoga has been around for thousands of years in India, its popularity in the United States has grown steadily only over the last 100 years or so. Today yoga classes teaching the art of breathing, meditation and posing are offered nearly everywhere from trendy health clubs in big cities to community education classes in small towns.

Yoga is part of the Hindu religion and a way of life. The ultimate goal of yoga is to reach complete peacefulness in your body and mind. While traditional yoga philosophy requires that students adhere to this mission through behavior, diet and meditation, chances are you aren't looking for a complete change in lifestyle but rather increased flexibility, relaxation or stress relief.

If that's the case, then like most people in the United States, you're interested in hatha yoga - a style of yoga designed to encourage a more flexible body and a calm mind.

Hatha yoga: The most popular form of yoga
Hatha yoga focuses on physical poses and controlled breathing. Several versions of hatha yoga exist. Which version you choose depends on your personal preferences. But all varieties of hatha yoga include two basic components - poses and breathing.

Poses
In a typical hatha yoga class, you may learn anywhere from 10 to 30 poses. More experienced yoga students might know many more, including more-advanced poses that require advanced stretching and twisting. Poses range from the seemingly easy, such as the corpse pose, which involves lying on the floor, completely relaxed, to the most difficult poses that take years of practice to master.

Remember that you don't have to do every pose your instructor demonstrates. If a pose is uncomfortable, or you can't hold it as long as the instructor requests, don't do it. Good instructors will understand. Spend time sitting quietly, breathing deeply until your instructor moves the class on to another pose that's more comfortable for you.

Breathing
Controlling your breathing is an important part of yoga. In yoga, breath signifies your vital energy. Yoga teaches that controlling your breathing can help you control your body and gain control of your mind.

You'll learn to control your breathing by paying attention to it. Your instructor might ask you to take deep, loud breaths as you concentrate on your breathing. Other breathing techniques involve paying attention to your breath as it moves into your body and fills your lungs, or alternately breathing through one nostril.

Yoga, stress relief and other health benefits
Yoga offers a good means of relaxation and stress relief. Its quiet, precise movements focus your mind less on your busy day and more on the moment as you move your body through poses that require balance and concentration.

Other health benefits of yoga include:
* Increased flexibility. As you learn and refine new poses- such as touching your toes - you'll find that each time you practice, you can reach a little farther. More range of motion means you'll be less likely to injure yourself in other physical activities.
* Management of chronic health conditions. The breathing and relaxation methods used in yoga might help you if you have asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, low back pain, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis of the knees or memory problems. Yoga can also be helpful when combined with other therapies for heart disease and high blood pressure. Yoga, when combined with a vegetarian diet, aerobic exercise and medication, has reduced cardiovascular disease rates and blood pressure levels.
* Weight loss. If you're overweight, yoga may help you make the healthy lifestyle changes necessary to drop those extra pounds.
* Balance. Yoga classes tailored for elderly adults can help them stay steady on their feet and avoid falls and hip fractures.
* Coping with cancer. People with cancer and their caregivers who practice yoga may improve their quality of life and sleep better at night.
* Alzheimer's caregiver stress and fatigue. Yoga practice may help family caregivers by boosting their mood and ability to cope and manage stress.

While you shouldn't expect yoga to cure you, it can help some health conditions when combined with treatment recommended by your doctor. And if you're perfectly healthy, yoga can be a good way to supplement your regular exercise routine.

Yoga risks
Yoga, overall, is considered safe if you're generally healthy. Some yoga positions can put significant strain on your lower back and on your joints. See your doctor first if you have any joint problems or a history of low back or neck pain. You might want to avoid certain yoga positions depending on your condition.

Also see your doctor before you begin a yoga class if you have any of the following conditions, as complications can arise:

* High blood pressure that's difficult to control
* A risk of blood clots
* Eye conditions, including glaucoma
* Osteoporosis

If you're pregnant or nursing, yoga is considered generally safe. But avoid any poses that put pressure on your uterus, such as those that require you to twist at the waist. Some yoga classes are specifically tailored for pregnant women. Check with your obstetrician if you have any questions whether yoga is right for you and your baby.

How to find a yoga class
If you've decided to try yoga, look around for classes in your area to see what's offered. You can also learn yoga from books and videos. However, individualised attention to your specific needs won't be available with these teach-yourself methods.

When you find a class that sounds interesting, call and ask questions to get an idea of what to expect, including:
* What are the instructor's qualifications? Where did that person learn yoga, and how long has he or she been teaching?
* Does the instructor have experience working with students with your needs or health concerns? If you have a sore knee or an aching shoulder, can the instructor help you find poses that won't aggravate your condition?
* Is the class suitable for beginners? Will it be easy enough to follow along if it's your first time?

Also find out what you need to bring to class. Some classes require you to bring a mat or towel to sit or stand on while doing poses. Other classes will provide this.

At the end of a yoga class, you should feel invigorated, yet calm. If this isn't the case, talk to your instructor. He or she might have suggestions for you. Otherwise there may be another yoga class better suited to your needs.

Complaints over Yoga Centres in Singapore Soar

Complaints against yoga and fitness centres in Singapore have soared with grouses including hard-sell tactics and poor service, a consumers watchdog group said on Monday.

The Consumers Association of Singapore received 40 complaints last year, compared with 24 in 2005, as yoga has become one of the top pastimes in the city-state.

Some customers of two chains, True Yoga and California Fitness, told The Straits Times that they had difficulty in terminating their contracts and getting their money back.

The cost of membership ranges from 100 to 300 Singapore dollars (64 to 193 US dollars) per month.

HJ Tang, 23, a law student, said she did not sign up with one centre after a free trial.

‘The staff were harassing me to sign a contract at every single opportunity,’ she was quoted as saying. ‘I felt really stressed.’

Others mentioned difficulties in terminating their contracts despite valid medical reasons.

The Consumers Association said a woman suffering from shoulder problems and diabetes signed a contract with a fitness centre after the staff assured her that the exercise would not aggravate her condition.

When it got worse, she failed to receive a refund, she said.

True Yoga told the newspaper that complaints formed 0.2 per cent of the 17,000 people who have taken membership packages over the past two years.
California Fitness also said complaints were low, given the many thousands of visitors at its four outlets each month.

FTC to Continue Policing Marketers, with Focus on Health Fraud

The Federal Trade Commission has said that it will continue to prioritise policing dietary supplement marketing practices, thereby sending out a warning to companies making exaggerated or unsubstantiated claims.

In its Fiscal Year 2008 Congressional Budget Justification summary, the federal authority highlighted health products, including dietary supplements, as a key area on which it will be keeping an eye. It also revealed a heavy investment in a consumer media campaign set to educate consumers to be critical.

This reassertion of FTC's position not only serves as a signal to would-be infringers that the agency will come after them, but also as an indicator for the responsible side of the dietary supplement industry that those who operate under due diligence will be in the clear.

‘The deceptive marketing of products that may affect consumer health and safety will continue to be an FTC priority,’ said the FTC in its budget request summary submitted to Congress on February 5th. ‘The FTC will focus on health care products, including dietary supplements.’

The authority rang in the New Year with a $25m-clamp-down on parties behind the deceptive marketing of four major weight-control supplements: Xenadrine EFX, CortiSlim, TrimSpa, and One-A-Day WeightSmart.

‘Consumer demand for such products is increasing, and fraudulent or deceptive claims about these products can pose risks to consumers' well-being,’
continues the summary. ‘Going forward, the FTC will continue its aggressive programme by focusing its law enforcement on violations that create the greatest risks to consumer health.’

The agency's budget requests for 2008 include a $2m media literacy initiative, designed to reach out to children and impact how they analyse advertising now and in their future. The understanding behind this, according to the government body, is that children now influence virtually everything their parents buy.

‘The goals of this initiative are to raise awareness of advertising and marketing messages; increase knowledge of how to skillfully read, analyse, and appreciate an advertisement; show the benefits of being an informed consumer; and help build partnerships to leverage agency resources and education messages.’

This plan relates to advertising of all products and not just supplements. However, FTC has highlighted food as an important player for youth-targeted advertising.

‘As part of the FTC's initiative to protect children, we request additional funds to support our Congressionally endorsed efforts to promote industry self regulation in the marketing of entertainment and food to children.’

Older Americans Not Discussing CAM Use with Doctors

In spite of the high use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among people age 50 or older, 69 percent of those who use CAM do not talk to their doctors about it, according to a new survey conducted by AARP and the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health. The survey examined conversations between patients and their physicians regarding CAM use.

CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. It includes such products and practices as herbal supplements, meditation, homeopathy, and acupuncture.

‘We know that people 50 and older tend to be high users of complementary and alternative medicine, but this study was the first to explore gaps in communications regarding the use of CAM between patients and their physicians,’ said Cheryl Matheis, AARP Director of Health Strategies.
‘Communication is important to ensure the wise use of all conventional and CAM therapies.’

Differences in communication practices across demographic groups were also found. Women were more likely than men to have discussed CAM use (26 percent versus 16 percent) and what types of therapies to use (70 percent versus 51 percent). In addition, people with incomes of $75,000 or more (31 percent) or $25,000 to $49,999 (25 percent) frequently discussed CAM use with doctors.

‘An open dialogue between consumers and their physicians is critical to ensuring safe and appropriate integrated care,’ said Margaret A. Chesney, Ph.D., NCCAM's Deputy Director. ‘As the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on CAM, NCCAM is especially committed to educating both consumers and health care providers about the importance of discussing the use of CAM and providing evidence-based information to help with health care decision-making.’

This telephone survey, administered to a nationally representative group of 1,559 people age 50 or older, revealed some reasons why doctor-patient dialogue is lacking. Respondents most often did not discuss their CAM use with doctors because the physicians never asked (42 percent); they did not know that they should (30 percent); or there was not enough time during the office visit (19 percent). Interestingly, men who had seen a doctor were more likely than women not to have discussed CAM because their doctors never asked (46 percent versus 38 percent).

Other highlights from the survey report include:

Dialogue Topics
* The topics most often discussed with doctors were the effectiveness of a CAM therapy (67 percent); what to use (64 percent); how a CAM therapy might interact with other medications or treatments received (60 percent); advice on whether to pursue a CAM therapy (60 percent); and safety of a CAM therapy (57 percent).

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication Use
* Nearly three-fourths of respondents said they take one or more prescription medications; in addition, 59 percent of respondents said they take one or more over-the-counter medications. Twenty percent of respondents reported taking more than five prescription medications.

* The high number of prescription and over-the-counter medications used by this group underscores the need for consumers and physicians to discuss all therapies, including CAM, to ensure safe, integrated care.

For a complete copy of the survey report, please visit:
http://www.aarp.org/research/health/prevention/cam_2007.html

Air Pollution Increases Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke, Study Says

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has discovered a significant correlation between the air pollution around a woman's home and her risk of heart disease.

While only women were studied, researchers believe that air pollution has the same effects on men. However, women are at greater risk for heart disease in general, because their arteries are narrower and thus more easily blocked.

Researchers in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study studied more than 65,000 women between the ages of 50 and 79 in 36 different U.S. cities for nine years. At the beginning of the study, none of the women had heart disease. At the end of the study, researchers compared the frequency of heart disease among participants in the different cities with information on local air quality. They found a substantial correlation between the density of particulate matter in the air and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease.

‘These soot particles ... are typically created by fossil-fuel combustion in vehicles and power plants,‘ said lead researcher Joel Kaufman of the University of Washington. ‘The tiny particles - and the air pollutant gases that travel along with them - cause harmful effects once they are breathed in.’

The average particulate levels varied by city, from four to nearly 20 micrograms per cubic meter of air. A 10 microgram increase in particulate concentration corresponded to a 76 percent greater chance of a woman dying from cardiovascular causes, including heart attacks and strokes.

‘This adds to the mounting evidence that air pollution should be taken seriously as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease,’ said Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director for the British Heart Foundation.

The study's authors also urged stricter standards on particulate emissions.
According to Pearson, the British Heart Foundation is funding research on how to minimise the harm from air pollution. ‘In the meantime,’ he said, ‘when localised air pollution is particularly high, people with ... coronary heart disease should avoid staying outside for long periods.’

Stop Smoking with Acupuncture

England will be a different place from 1st July 2007, when the smoking ban comes into effect. The new law will help the 72% of current smokers who want to give up, but many may not be aware that acupuncture is a great way to help you quit by reducing the problematic withdrawal symptoms of the addiction, making it easier to kick the habit for good.

With the obvious health risks of smoking, passive smoking and the financial strain of a 20-a-day habit costing at least £1,500 per year, it’s easy to see why giving up is so important. Acupuncture offers an effective, natural way to curb the cravings and stop smoking in time for the ban this summer.

Rachel Peckham, British Acupuncture Council member and NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) trainer explains how auricular (ear) acupuncture is used to help people stop smoking: 'A combination of five auricular points can aid smoking cessation by helping to reduce cravings, and promoting an increased sense of calm and relaxation. Press studs, gold plated beads or magnets can be placed on two of the points following the acupuncture, and left in between treatments to further enhance the effects.'

By alleviating energy blockages in the body acupuncture works to relieve stress, reduce cravings and strengthen energy and vitality, allowing the body to become more balanced and giving your will power a chance to succeed.

Acupuncture can help by:
Offering an effective treatment for stress which often causes people to reach for the cigarettes
Reducing withdrawal symptoms such as cravings
Increasing energy levels

Research
Research by HD Medbo et al (2001) was conducted on 45 healthy men and women who smoked 20 cigarettes per day. The group was randomly split into a test group in which acupuncture was applied to anti-smoking acupoints. A control group received acupuncture on points considered to have no effect on smoking cessation.
Before each treatment, after the last treatment, 8 months and 5 years after this study, each subject was questioned about his/her smoking habits. Blood samples were also taken to measure substances related to smoking.

Results
During treatment cigarette consumption fell from twenty to six cigarettes a day for the test group. During the following eight months their consumption rose to a total of eleven cigarettes a day with no increase after that period, showing a maintained reduction in smoking. This group also reported that cigarettes tasted worse after treatment and their desire to smoke fell. No effect was seen in the control group.

The test confirms that acupuncture treatment can help motivated smokers to reduce smoking or quit completely.

Some Hints & Tips from True Success Ltd

1. By far the most effective thing you can do right now before you have a practice or within your practice is to establish some very clear goals or aims for your practice. Without these goals and vision it is very difficult to know whether you are moving in the 'right' direction or wandering off the path. Make your goals Specific-Measurable-Achievable-Reasonable-Have a Timescale.

The trick here is to choose and be specific what you want to achieve in your life and your practice and beyond, and then let the universal energies choose the best way to present it to us. When you have these goals set, then you will feel more motivated, have chance meetings and coincidences in your daily life, or even discover your inner resources that can help you on your way. Decide what you want to do and where you want to be. World class athletes, business experts and spiritual teachers all say the same thing. So heed their advice, plant the seeds of your success firmly on the window-sill of your life, feed them and watch them grow.

2. The most important person you should get to know in your life to help you with your practice is the one most people tend to overlook. That person of course is YOU. Many unlearned individuals tend to look outside of themselves for the success. Learned individuals look inside of themselves for the answers and guidance they seek. Of course by all means use expertise and help to and assist and guide you, but always take time out every day from your practice to assess and ask yourself how you see, feel and think about what you are doing right now. Have a quiet time in your day and go inward to contemplate your worries, ideas and feelings. Never forget yourself, because no matter how much time, attention, care and knowledge you provide your valued clients, it is easy to forget yourself in the equation of things. After all it is yourself that is your business. Looking within every day is a sure way to identify the areas of your life which need attention, which in turn will reflect in your practice, the business which evolves and moves in the direction you desire.

3. When dealing with clients and patients in your practice always listen, watch and feel how you communicate with them, as you do with them. We all know rapport is key to establishing a good client practitioner working relationship. However, it goes much beyond this element. Very importantly to be successful with clients / patients and ultimately your practice is to use to apply the following: 1) Make them feel relaxed. 2) Make them feel approved of. 3) Allow them to feel accepted. 4) Give them attention- notice things about them and compliment them. 5) Make them feel needed. 6) Agree with them. Don't create conflict in addition to their problem. 7) Give help and knowledge to everyone you possibly can. 8) Do not hurt their feelings 9) Make them feel important and an individual. 10) Appreciate them for the loving human beings they really are. Show them though your wisdom, words, feelings that they are unique and never to be duplicated. Give them help where you can. Refer them out if you cannot. They will respect you for this decision. Give that little bit extra-if there's something you can do to improve the quality and experience people have when dealing with you- do it, however small.

4. What is the best way to promote your practice? The answer to this is simple-there is no best way! The most important means of marketing your business depends upon a number of factors and it is a combination of these that will give you your ideal strategy. For example, someone who has been in practice for some time and wants to increase their workload from say 15 hours a week to 25 hours per week is in a very different position than someone who has never even seen a 'real' client or patient yet.

It also depends on factors such as the type of treatment you offer, the format in which you offer it and, of course, how much money, if any, to spend on marketing. Therefore, the ideal strategy for your practice will be very specific to your situation.

So the advice here is to stop searching for the ultimate place to advertise and start thinking about an overall plan based upon what you are trying to achieve and the resources you have available to you right now.

5) How can you get clients/patients to come back for follow up appointments?
For a start let's assume that you are competent at whatever it is you do. You have trained, studied, and have practiced and are capable of applying what you know in a real situation, even if perhaps a little nervous at first, which is OK.

If you then find that patients and clients do not return for a follow-up appointments or wish to attend only sporadically then you first have to establish 'why?’ If someone were to ask you ‘Why should I come back for treatment next week, or every week, or whatever?’, can you give them a thorough and honest answer?

If they have a good reason for coming back they will, but sometimes you have to spell it out to them. Why would they benefit from a course of regular treatment? What advantage will they gain-even financially-by reserving a regular appointment?

Do they understand the process that is involved in a course of treatment and why this cannot be achieved with one off sessions when they feel like it? Remember that what is second nature to you may be Headline News to someone else. Assume they do not necessarily understand. Make sure you have told them!

It is usually far better to structure the treatment you offer so that clients/patients know what is expected of them before they embark on any treatment with you, rather than leave it up to chance and just hope that they'll turn up.

6. One of the key elements in making your practice successful is you the therapist / practitioner. No matter how well trained and educated you are if you do not enjoy what you are doing and giving to your clients / patients, then this will easily be picked up by them. If you treat each session as if they are individual and special and unique then they will feel wanted and appreciated.

The advice here is to utilise each session as if it is a work of art, as if what you are doing is a gift to the world, a valuable contribution to the world of complementary medicine and of course your client's life. It is YOUR chance, opportunity to make a difference to the clients / patients life. Be happy in your work and radiate out this true universal happiness to your clients and enjoy what you do every day. Success starts within you and your attitude, feelings, the way you look and communicate with your clients/ patients. Never under value the gift that you offer to your clients. Be seen and heard as a unique individual who can bring a smile to your clients face.

7. To be successful in your private practice it is absolutely vital that you are seen and heard by prospective and paying clients / patients. Effective and efficient communication plays a vital role here. Ensure that your sessions are a balance of communication between your clients and you. The art of listening to what they say is essential, understanding them even more so. It is sometimes uncanny how what your clients sometimes say and how they say it can strike a cord with you, almost as if that were you were thinking and saying it yourself. The truth here is that often you are listening to yourself! Building rapport is key in any session and this of course is a two way communication in body language and said words and how you say them. Ensure the client fully understands how you can help them, they fully understand the benefits of your well planned therapy sessions. The client needs to committed and believe and conceive the work you are offering. Only then will they feel confident to refer you on to others.

8. One of the most important aspects of getting clients to want to come and see you starts with that initial enquiry or your marketing materials. Always make that Vital Switch to your clients / patients perspective in this situation. What do we mean by this? Simply put- forget about what you do and what you know-just listen carefully first of all to what they say, answer their questions directly, not wandering of track with extra information that you feel you want to tell them. Tell them how YOU can help them in words they can understand. It is very easy for you as well trained and educated therapists to naturally want to communicate as much as you desire to clients. After all, that is what you are trained to do. However, too much information can have the opposite effect and put the client off. Establish a balanced of communication and you will be more successful and bring those clients to you.

9. One of the best ways of building a successful private practice is to obtain more personal referrals from your clients / patients. Obviously you can't force people to pass on your name and details to others but there are certain steps you can take to increase the likelihood. The first thing to realise is that you must generally satisfy two criteria: a) Your client/patient must feel you can provide a good service in whatever it is you do, and b) they must ‘like’ you in some way and feel comfortable in your hands. (This doesn't mean they have to become your best friend- simply that they feel comfortable with you as a professional and that anyone they refer to you will also feel the same).

Therefore, to increase the likelihood of personal referrals two basic steps you can take are:
a) make sure that you can do what you say you can with regards to the service you offer and, b) improve your personal communication skills so that you are aware of how your patient is generally feeling and can respond to you accordingly.

10. Often struggling practitioners see studying for more qualifications as the answer to their business problems, and will in their minds eye help them to be more successful in their practice. The argument goes that if you offer more disciplines, the more clients or patients you will attract. Sadly many fail to address that real problem and, disappointingly, their new qualification has little, if any, effect on their financial situation.
Make sure any further training you do is done in order to enhance your treatment rather than rescue your business- there is a real difference!

If you have a problem with your business, because that is effectively what YOU are, -such as lack of regular clients or patients, low income or irregular income, excessive cancellations and so on- then it is highly unlikely that further ‘technical' skills or qualifications will provide an instant solution. They may make you feel more equipped for a while, and hence more confident, but if the true cause of the old problems has not been resolved then the old situations will most likely re-occur.

If you have undergone a reasonable training course and achieved good competency then you most likely already have what you require to create a successful practice. So if something is not working, look elsewhere for a solution first of all. Develop the skills you already have and make them work for you first. Then consider further training and qualifications.

11) Many newly qualified practitioners have a perception that in order to gain clients / patients they need to spend large amounts money on advertising in one form or another. Well yes, if you are selling a product or brand then exposing your practice and services is important. There are many right and wrong ways of doing this. However, it is not necessary to always spend a lot of money on advertising. It is very useful to decide what market you want to target. You may want to specialise in stress management for example and so you need to develop a 'high footfall' to promote and develop this market area. One of the very best ways of making yourself and your services known costs nothing. We are talking about newspaper, magazines and publication articles. It is worth its weight in gold and will ensure a steady stream of enquiries and hopefully paying clients. A good idea is to search the news items everyday and identify a news item that you can then write an article on that has something interesting but different to demonstrate how what you offer can help people to make improvements in their health and lifestyle. Be inventive and find yourself a point of difference that will inevitably make all the difference.

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