Sunningdale Osteopathic Clinic "My Blog" RSShttp://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/My thoughts on osteopathy and healthcare gleaned from research and media storiesen-GB2012-02-13T20:19:54ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)A Very Interesting Study On Blood Pressure Measurement ..http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2012/1/30/a-very-interesting-study-on-blood-pressure-measurement.htmlMichael Smith2012-01-30T18:02:54Zhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16739682

And why measuring both arms is a good idea …

]]>Vitamin D Becomes Mainstream ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2012/1/25/vitamin-d-becomes-mainstream.htmlMichael Smith2012-01-25T08:32:25Zvitamin dIf even the Government’s Chief Medical Advisor is broadcasting concerns then …

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jan/24/vitamin-d-awareness-doctors?newsfeed=true

]]>More Benefits From Fish Oil - for Nerves?http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2012/1/16/more-benefits-from-fish-oil-for-nerves.htmlMichael Smith2012-01-16T15:09:25ZsupplementsThe usefulness of omega 3 fatty acids extends to helping nerve injury too …

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103856.htm

]]>Opioids and Chronic Painhttp://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2012/1/16/opioids-and-chronic-pain.htmlMichael Smith2012-01-16T14:27:06ZpainkillersAn interesting piece of research about how opioids (a class of analgesics) may in some cases help prevent chronic pain …

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113204933.htm

(note, opioids are NOT anti-inflammatories)

]]>Congratulations Bracknell!http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2012/1/12/congratulations-bracknell.htmlMichael Smith2012-01-12T10:16:56ZBracknell sometimes gets a bad press, but not according to this article …

http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/news/s/2106120_bracknell_rated_one_of_the_best_places_to_live_and_work

]]>Whiplash Claims Becoming Harder ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2012/1/12/whiplash-claims-becoming-harder.htmlMichael Smith2012-01-12T08:05:39ZwhiplashThe whole whiplash ‘industry’ may be about to shrink …

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16510793

]]>Aspirin Caution Advised ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2012/1/10/aspirin-caution-advised.htmlMichael Smith2012-01-10T10:44:33ZnsaidsIt seems that those people who take aspirin ‘just in case’ as a preventative against cardiac disease (even when they have no history of such) ought to be aware that the definite benefits of doing this may be outweighed by the higher incidence of ‘bleeds’ caused by the aspirin.

See this artlcle …

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9001965/Aspirin-benefits-are-overstated-researchers-warn.html

Note that those people with a HISTORY of heart disease still will probably benefit overall from the aspirin - discuss with your doctor if any concerns …

]]>Camberley Revamp In The Offing ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/12/22/camberley-revamp-in-the-offing.htmlMichael Smith2011-12-22T10:49:25ZLooks like moves are afoot for Camberley Town Centre to get another (much needed?) facelift …

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2105237_council_to_start_planning_again_for_camberley_revamp

]]>Gene Link Between Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/12/10/gene-link-between-vitamin-d-and-multiple-sclerosis.htmlMichael Smith2011-12-10T08:19:34Zvitamin dThe mechanism that links a tendency for, in some people, low levels of vitamin d to lead to the development of MS is now being unravelled.

See this …

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16086004

]]>Being Fit Is Probably More Important Than Losing Weight?http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/12/7/being-fit-is-probably-more-important-than-losing-weight.htmlMichael Smith2011-12-07T08:39:31Zexercise obesityResearchers have speculated for some time now that the gains from fitness increases (in terms of lowering cardiovascular risk, lower diabetes risk etc.) may be greater than the gains from reducing weight (i.e. losing fat). See this …

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165120.htm

]]>Bracknell Sports Initiative Dec 7th 2011 With Sir Steve Redgrave ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/12/1/bracknell-sports-initiative-dec-7th-2011-with-sir-steve-redg.htmlMichael Smith2011-12-01T09:57:21ZSir Steve (whose wife is an osteopath by the way) is backing this great sports initiative in Bracknell - please go!

http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/news/s/2104288_sir_steve_backs_sports_workshop

]]>Possible Privatisation of Heatherwood Hospital In Ascot ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/11/24/possible-privatisation-of-heatherwood-hospital-in-ascot.htmlMichael Smith2011-11-24T10:15:17ZLooks like some developments afoot regarding Heatherwood …

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-15838658

]]>Englefield Green - New Students ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/11/24/englefield-green-new-students.htmlMichael Smith2011-11-24T10:11:40ZAs this article shows, the old Brunel campus in Englefield Green may now go ahead and get the redevelopment that has been planned for some time, turning into accommodation for new students at the Royal Holloway …

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2103785_green_light_for_500plus_student_rooms_at_brunel_site

]]>Epidural Steroid Injections For Lumbar Disc Herniations ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/11/23/epidural-steroid-injections-for-lumbar-disc-herniations.htmlMichael Smith2011-11-23T19:09:31Zlow back surgeryDoes the steroid (a potent anti-inflammatory) contained in a lumbar injection (an injection to relieve pain from a bulging disc causing back pain) actually add value above and beyond the local anaesthetic also contained in the injection?

Possibly not according to the following report …

http://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/blog/SpineBlog/pages/post.aspx?PostID=134

]]>Big Link Between Exercise And Sleep ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/11/23/big-link-between-exercise-and-sleep.htmlMichael Smith2011-11-23T18:48:44Zexercise sleepIf you want to get good sleep, don’t skimp on the exercise … and exercise will help you feel less sleepy during the day too!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122143354.htm

]]>Staines Name Change ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/11/17/staines-name-change.htmlMichael Smith2011-11-17T10:26:56ZStaines will become Staines-Upon-Thames at some point … sounds better to me!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2062318/Will-Staines-Upon-Thames-Massive-Ali-Gs-home-town-votes-change-restore-dignity.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

]]>Mind Affecting Body?http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/11/15/mind-affecting-body.htmlMichael Smith2011-11-15T12:58:03ZarthritisIf you needed any more convincing that the mind, acting unconsciously, can affect the body, then this report should help.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/nov/14/mirror-therapy-reduces-pain-arthritis

Interesting that even if the patient ‘knows’ this is an illusion, it seems to help pain and stiffness!

]]>Bracknell Swimathon ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/11/10/bracknell-swimathon.htmlMichael Smith2011-11-10T09:47:35Zhttp://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/ascot/articles/2011/11/05/55084-a-splashing-idea/ is a good event for those wanting to raise fitness levels and help charity.

There is no doubt that regular swimming especially front crawl or backstroke will help develop a strong spine.

]]>Nuts!http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/11/4/nuts.htmlMichael Smith2011-11-04T13:04:25Zdiabetes dieting obesityEating more nuts every day (walnuts, hazelnuts and so on) is an excellent way to control your appetite and help pre-diabetes states …

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102125348.htm

]]>Shoulder Injections - Less Same as More?http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/10/27/shoulder-injections-less-same-as-more.htmlMichael Smith2011-10-27T16:25:18ZsurgeryA little bit of steroid into a painful shoulder joint might be just as good as a lot!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027083039.htm

]]>Virginia Water Pavilion?http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/10/27/virginia-water-pavilion.htmlMichael Smith2011-10-27T16:11:17ZWalking around the lake, an excellent 4 mile distance, is great for your spine and your peace of mind. Looks like there might be a new pavilion at some point …

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2101474_virginia_water_pavilion_granted_approval

]]>Traffic on the A30 between Camberley and Bagshot ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/10/27/traffic-on-the-a30-between-camberley-and-bagshot.htmlMichael Smith2011-10-27T16:09:23ZTraffic along the A30 is always a little hit and miss - the level crossing at Sunningdale can cause tailbacks both sides, especially if there is a ‘double train’ (from both directions) when the wait can be almost as long as 10 minutes.

But the recent new traffic lights outside Notcutts Garden Centre in Bagshot (see this artlcle …

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2100794_a30_gridlock_caused_by_faulty_traffic_lights

are also adding to the problems for patients coming from Camberley and other areas west of Bagshot.

]]>Bracknell and Swinley Forest ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/10/13/bracknell-and-swinley-forest.htmlMichael Smith2011-10-13T09:48:14ZCongratulations to all those who came out and helped in the efforts to restore the woodland lost to fire last year.

http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/news/s/2101204_joining_together_to_help_replant_swinley_forest

Great way of keeping fit!

]]>Central Heating And Obesity ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/10/13/central-heating-and-obesity.htmlMichael Smith2011-10-13T08:56:10Zexercise obesityhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112807.htm

This study shows why we want to increase the amount of brown fat and reduce the amount of white fat in our bodies.

Brown fat is far more metabolicly active and consumes a lot more calories.

If you turn down the central heating by a degree or two this winter then, as well as saving money, you will probably lose a few pounds (in weight).

After all - chickens that sit around in sheds all day doing nothing have only white fat - a true outdoor reared and active bird would have far more of the ‘dark meat’!

]]>Sleep and Obesity ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/9/30/sleep-and-obesity.htmlMichael Smith2011-09-30T14:06:08Zobesity sleepScientists have known for some time that being overweight causes poor sleep (through snoring, apnoea etc.) but are now finding the links that show that poor sleep causes obesity!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930052216.htm

]]>Sleep and Study ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/9/28/sleep-and-study.htmlMichael Smith2011-09-28T15:23:42ZsleepMore and more obvious that the fundamentals requirements of a healthy mind and body are:

Sleeping well
Breathing well
Exercising well
Eating only as much as you need
Eating the right type of food
Drinking adequate water
Working with a goal in mind
Being part of a good group

I’m going to think about this list quite a lot …

In the meantime, check out this link on sleep - how important it is for students!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927124653.htm

]]>Bracknell Ice-Hockey ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/9/22/bracknell-ice-hockey.htmlMichael Smith2011-09-22T09:40:16ZJust saw this …

http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/sport/ice_hockey/s/2099925_bracknell_bees_win_berkshire_cycles_cup

Can’t help thinking that ice-hockey ought to be really dangerous, but I don’t see too many patients suffering from injuries doing this particular sport!

]]>Staines Cycling Challenge ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/9/22/staines-cycling-challenge.htmlMichael Smith2011-09-22T09:34:47ZWell done to this company and these guys for this achievement …

http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/news/24663-scottish-gas-staff-tackle-840-mile-cycle-for-childrens-cancer-charity/

Providing you don’t fall off (!) cycling is a very good form of all round exercise. But I would point out that, unlike walking, cycling - all other things being equal - will not make the spine itself stronger.

For this you need to do other things …

]]>Skin Colour Differences in Vitamin D Requirements ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/9/21/skin-colour-differences-in-vitamin-d-requirements.htmlMichael Smith2011-09-21T13:25:37Zvitamin dThis article …

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920100100.htm

is quite interesting. It shows how a darker skin can make it far harder to get the benefit of the sun’s rays to produce vitamin D.

Reminds me of an interesting article I read which argued that the darker skin of original early humans living in east-central African may have been an evolutionary adaption to down regulate the production of vitamin D but, as early humans migrated north-east towards colder, more northern latitudes, they may have re-adapted to a lighter skin with less melanin so as to eke out more benefit from the smaller amount of daily sunlight!

]]>Staines Company Milestone ...http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/my-blog/2011/9/21/staines-company-milestone.htmlMichael Smith2011-09-21T13:22:16ZexerciseCongratulations to this pharmaceutical company in Staines …

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/astellas-employees-walk-500-million-steps-to-reach-corporate-health-milestone-128866473.html

for sponsoring such an employee walking milestone. Walking is such a fantastic and (nearly) risk free way to get gradual but significant health benefits.

See my article below for why …

http://www.sunningdaleosteopaths.co.uk/articles/2009/8/1/is-walking-good-for-me.html

]]>