Tag: health

Olympian And Author Join Runners In Upcoming Sunderland Marathon

By on 5th April 2016in In & Around

Former Olympian Steve Cram and author Terry Deary joined runners gearing up for the Sunderland City 10k and Half Marathon…

Steve’s company, Events of the North, is organising the races on May 1, which are both sponsored by development company Siglion.

A 5K run was held on the beach at Seaburn, led by Steve and Terry, the author of the Horrible Histories books, with running clubs and members of the public training for the Sunderland races. It was one of a number of Start Me Up for Sunderland training sessions being organised around the city, in the lead up to the events.

Steve said: “The seafront section in both the half marathon and 10K routes is always very popular with runners and spectators alike, and we love being able to showcase that Sunderland is a city by the sea. “This year’s Start Me Up For Sunderland sessions have all been really successful and this was no exception, thanks in no small part to the contributions of Siglion and Terry.”

John Seager, chief executive of Siglion, said: “The training session was really well attended.

“It was a great opportunity for people who have perhaps never run at Seaburn to take advantage of the wonderful stretch of beach and seafront location.

“There was the added bonus of training with Steve Cram and Terry Deary, who is from Seaburn, and is supporting our plans to put the area back on the map as a major leisure destination for the North East.

“Sunderland is a fantastic city by the sea and we’re lucky to have a location like Seaburn, which can attract people into Sunderland.

“Our proposals for Seaburn are very much geared towards turning the area back into a great destination for local people and visitors alike.”

To find out more about the two runs visit www.sunderlandcity10k.com.

Abbey Leisure Centre Celebrates 25 Years

By on 9th March 2016in Lifestyle

It’s 25 not out for one County Durham sports facility, as Abbey Leisure Centre in Durham marked a quarter of a century…

The centre, built by the former City of Durham Council, transferred to Durham County Council in 2009 and is used by around 3,500 people each month.

Stephen Verde, the longest standing member of the centre’s gym, was invited along to help staff mark the special occasion, on Monday 22 February.

Stephen, a 60 year old retired social worker from Waldridge near Chester-le-Street, joined with his wife Penny 20 years ago.

Stephen tries to go every day, often with his daughter Sarah Taylor who is also a member.

He said: “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since I became a member, I went to a birthday party at the centre with my wife and we both joined.

“The equipment has certainly improved over those years! I continue to go most days so I have a good rapport with the staff who all know me.”

Nigel Dodds, the county council’s strategic manager for culture and sport, said: “It’s fantastic that Stephen has stayed with us and been such a loyal member.

“Well done to all of the staff at Abbey who work really hard to make it such a much-loved and well-used facility.”

The site is one of ten leisure centres run by the county council.

Whether it’s fitness, sport, or family fun that inspires your visit, Abbey Leisure Centre has a great range of activities on offer including a gym, exercise classes and loads of activities for children to enjoy.

The centre’s sports hall and courts are also available to hire for badminton, basketball, football, squash or table tennis.

Durham Confirmed To Feature In Major Cycling Event

By on 2nd March 2016in Entertainment

Organisers of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series cycling event have confirmed that Durham City will feature in this year’s race calendar…

The event, now in its eighth year, will take place at 10 different venues between Thursday 12th May and Thursday 9th June.

The series will see six top British professional cycling teams, and possibly some local guest teams, competing in the challenging town and city centre races, which begin in the Isle of Man and end in Portsmouth.

Organisers SweetSpot have confirmed that the Durham circuit, with its tough cobbles and climbs, will feature in round six of the series on Tuesday 31st May.

Last year’s event brought a significant boost to the local economy, with spectators spending an estimated £281,310 during the event.

In total the race attracted 12,500 spectators, and a report commissioned by SweetSpot showed that 82 per cent were from outside of Durham, and that 17 per cent of those visitors booked overnight stays in the city.

The report showed that groups who stayed overnight spent an average of £107 during the event, and those who visited just for the day spent an average of £52.

Cllr Maria Plews, Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning at Durham County Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the Pearl Izumu Tour Series to the streets of Durham.

“This will be the seventh consecutive year that Durham has hosted the event, which offers an exhilarating experience for both cyclists and spectators, as well as bringing a welcome boost to the local economy.”

The Pearl Izumi Tour Series is unique in world cycling, focussing on a team concept that see’s Britain’s professional cycling teams competing to be the fastest in an action packed, one-hour circuit race.

Highlights of every round are screened on ITV4 and available on demand via the ITV Player.

County Durham Leisure Centres Hold Sport Relief Fundraiser

By on 27th February 2016in Lifestyle

Council fitness coaches are inviting families to spin, swim and sprint in aid of Sport Relief…

As part of their continuing efforts to improve the health of people in County Durham, staff at Freeman’s Quay and Riverside leisure centres have organised fundraising fitness events this March.

Cllr Maria Plews, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to visit our Durham and Chester-le-Street leisure centres, use some of the fabulous facilities we have, and support a great cause.”

A 24 hour ‘spinathon’ will take place at Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre from 8pm on Thursday 17th March until 8pm on Friday 18th March.

Members of the public can book themselves in for a 30 minute slot – or longer if they feel up to the challenge – on one of the centre’s 13 spin bikes between 6.30am and 10.30pm.

Staff – including coaches Aiden McDaid, Steven Gardiner and Sam Renwick – will then continue the trial through the night.

With cyclists busy on the bikes, coaches Laura Gwynne, Claire Fothergill, Chloe Heslop and Carol Shaw will invite swimmers to take part in an hour long ‘aquathon’ on Friday 18th March.

From 9.45am to 10.45am visitors to the Freeman’s Quay pool will be able to dance along to everything from Abba to Glee, and the Beatles.

Meanwhile, at Riverside Leisure Complex, schoolchildren and sports club members will be encouraged to walk, jog or run a mile on its running track between 9am and 3pm.

The track will also be open from noon to 1.30pm for any member of the public who would like to take part.

All the events are free, but donations to Sport Relief will be requested.

Yarm Health Clinic Expands Following Major Rebrand

By on 24th February 2016in Local Biz

A leading health clinic has expanded its services and team following a major rebrand…

HealthHub Clinics, formerly known as Yarm Osteopaths and Physiotherapy Clinic, consists of 13 associate practitioners, who are experts in delivering first class health services and treatments.

Based on Yarm High Street, the clinic has built up an outstanding reputation as one of the North East’s leading providers for musculo-skeletal pain reduction and maintenance programmes.

Following the rebrand, which has also seen the clinic invest in a new website, HealthHub Clinics now offers a full range of physical, mental and social wellbeing services including Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi, Nutrition and Naturopathy, Counselling, Mindfulness and Mediation, among others.

Established in 2000, the clinic has treated over 6000 patients across the Tees Valley and beyond, and it was a change of focus on wellbeing and demand for its services which led to the rebrand.

Osteopath Julian Crossley said: “Since we started 16 years ago, we have been known for our musculo-skeletal services, such as osteopathy and physiotherapy, and have built up a fantastic reputation for our work in these areas.

“However, over recent years there has been a huge increase in other health related therapies and wellbeing, which we are developing and expanding.

“We realised that now, more than ever, was the perfect time for us to add to what we already offer.”

The leadership team and its associates chose the name HealthHub Clinics as they believe it explains perfectly – yet simply – what clients can expect from the clinic.

Julian continued: “We decided on the name HealthHub Clinics as it encompasses all the various treatments and wellbeing services that are trending with people and current health awareness.

“We wanted to make sure that while the new brand made people aware of the extra services we now offer, they realise they will still receive the same excellent standards they have since we first opened.”

2016 looks set to continue a year of growth in both services and staff appointments for HealthHub Clinics, as the next few months will see the clinic welcome to its team, some of the region’s most reputable figures in the fields of health and wellbeing.

To find out more about HealthHub Clinics, visit www.healthhubclinics.co.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Mum Braves Freezing Sea For Charity Fundraiser

By on 23rd February 2016in Have Your Say

A mum whose son died for forty minutes after a cardiac arrest is getting ready to battle the freezing cold sea to raise money for the charity that kept her by her son’s hospital bedside over 60 miles away from home…

 

Elizabeth Bruin, 29, from Berwick-Upon-Tweed, will be swimming in the North Sea on 20th February to raise money for The Sick Children’s Trust.

Four years ago, the charity gave Elizabeth and husband Paul, 35, free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation so they could be with their seven-year-old son, Lewis, when he was rushed to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Lewis, now 11, was a very healthy and active boy before he had a sudden cardiac arrest. He had a complex heart defect which caused his heart to beat abnormally fast, resulting in a heart attack at home, where he was then resuscitated for forty minutes. Once stabilised at his local hospital, Lewis was rushed to Newcastle’s specialist children’s hospital. Elizabeth and Paul were given a ‘Home from Home’ for four days at The Sick Children’s Trust’s Crawford House before their son was transferred to Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, for keyhole surgery.

Elizabeth, who volunteers for the British Heart Foundation, says: “I couldn’t get my head around what was happening. Lewis had been absolutely fine – we thought he just had a sickness bug. When I got the call from my Mum and Paul to say an ambulance was on its way, I couldn’t believe it.

“During this hell, we were fortunate enough to stay at Crawford House. When we went to Freeman Hospital there was no accommodation available for us, as the new ‘Home from Home’ Scott House hadn’t been completed, which made us appreciate just how much The Sick Children’s Trust helped. It was the worst time of our lives – we had no idea whether he would pull through or not, so being just a minutes’ walk away from his bedside and having a direct telephone to the ward was so valuable.

“The Sick Children’s Trust provided us with a ‘Home from Home’ for four days – it was crucial that we could stay together as a family and be there for one another. Because of their wonderful support, we’d like to thank them by raising some funds to help other families with sick children.”

Lewis, who attends Scouts every week, and is the ‘happiest he’s ever been’, will be supporting his Mum on the day.

Crawford House Manager, Gail Stonley, says: “After all these years, it’s wonderful to hear this news from Elizabeth, and we’re so pleased that Lewis is doing extremely well. Elizabeth’s event will do wonders to support families whose children are seriously ill at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, but it will also help raise local awareness of the charity in Berwick-Upon-Tweed. It’s vital that families know that this service is available to them, as a ‘Home from Home’ helps make things just that little bit easier.”

To find out more about The Sick Children’s Trust, please visit www.sickchildrenstrust.org.

Winner Of Gym Membership Heads From Couch To 5k

By on 23rd February 2016in Lifestyle

A hairdresser is hoping to go from her couch to running 5k after winning free use of Newton Aycliffe’s newly refurbished leisure centre…

 

Sophia Langan, 27, entered Durham County Council’s New Year fitness contest, with the prize being three months free membership for her and a friend.

Now, with husband Anthony, 36, she has visited her town’s freshly re-opened facility to start a journey to fitness she hopes will inspire others.

Sophia, from Newton Aycliffe, said: “I entered the competition when I decided I needed to do more exercise and get myself fit.

“In the past I’ve had severe back problems and haven’t been able to run, but now they are fixed, with my husband, I’m aiming for the NHS recommended ‘Couch to 5k’.

“I’m very excited to have won this competition, as it will really get us in the exercise groove for the long term.

“I’m hoping to increase my core strength and fitness levels, and the goal for us both is, by the end of the trial, to be able to run 5k with ease.”

Sophia and Anthony, an IT trainer for the NHS, visited the centre earlier this week for their gym inductions, and over the coming weeks the council will be tracking their progress in an effort to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Councillor Maria Plews, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “The council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all its residents and their families.

“This is a great opportunity for Sophia and Anthony to make a real change to their lives, and I hope others will follow their lead and make the most of the fantastic facilities we have at our council-run leisure centres.”

For more information about gym memberships at Durham County Council leisure centres, visit www.durham.gov.uk.

Claire Hickey: One More For The Road?

By on 19th February 2016in Have Your Say

Claire Hickey struggled with alcoholism, smoking, loss and depression. This is her story…

Once upon a time, I would use this phrase all the time: “One more glass of wine wouldn’t hurt… would it?”

But then I’d find myself waking up on the sofa in the middle of the night, freezing cold, unsure where I was. It just became the norm.

I would get up in the morning, drop my two young girls at breakfast club and childminders, then work a full day as a teaching assistant. Later, I’d pick them up at teatime, get them home, fed and quickly to bed, and then it – once again – it was wine o’clock.

After the breakdown of my marriage in 2013, I thought I was doing alright. I was holding down a full time job, I had childcare for my two younger children, and my two older children had stayed with their dad, a 40 minute drive away. I would see them as often as I could, but I found myself coasting through the day until… wine o’clock.

This was okay though, wasn’t it? Everyone enjoys a glass of wine at the end of a hard day, don’t they? I didn’t have a problem…

In January 2015, my Great Aunty Norah – the matriarch of our family – was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and after a short battle she passed away in late February. My drinking accelerated, and now thing were beginning to spiral.

I was signed off work, and my doctor diagnosed depression. Along with anti-depressants, my wine became my way of coping. It made me feel better.

Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months, and time became one long, drunken haze. But I was still okay, wasn’t I?

One day, I found myself hiding wine in the cupboard. Another day, I asked a friend if she could bring me some more, because I had none in. I was drinking a bottle before 7.30, and topping it off with 20+ cigarettes a day. What on Earth was I doing?

I began to pile on weight. I had no energy, and I became snappy with my two young girls. I hardly saw my boys at all. I was staying up late, waking up early, taking hungover naps between school runs… I was a mess.

I had to change.

I had been sent leaflets for giving up smoking, which was something I had done sine I was 15 years old. I had stopped during my four pregnancies, but had always started again. This time I wanted to stop for good, so I made an appointment at my doctor’s surgery and began a 12 week programme.

Then, I thought if I’m quitting the fags… why not the booze too?

I ditched the wine and the takeaways, swapping it for healthy food. I joined a gym, and the wight began to slip away. In June, my brother signed me up for the Darlington Park Run, a free 5km timed event that took place every Saturday morning. I stepped up my treadmill training, and began to enjoy working up a sweat. I felt like I was doing something really good.

 

On the 20th June 2015, at 9 o’clock, I arrived at South Park. Lo and behold, I completed three laps of the park in a respectable 33 minutes. What a feeling when I crossed that finish line!

Running became a passion. I continued with my Stop Smoking programme, I stayed off the wine, and I lost 3 stone in weight, dropping from a size 18 to a size 10. Nothing happened overnight, but I enjoyed the journey. My running went from strength to strength, and in August I completed the Darlington 10km. Somehow, I even completed the Great north Run in September!

I had found a new addiction.

Today, it’s nearly a year since we lost Aunty Norah, but what a year it’s been. Who would have thought that after her death, I would be able to turn my life around. I often think that it was her way of helping me. It was the push I needed to sort myself out.

I was determined not to slip back to my old ways. For the sake of my own mental health, and for my children, I decided that I would have to give up the job that I loved. It would give me the opportunity to focus on keeping fit and healthy. It was a big decision, but I now continue to run, and I’ve since completed my first half marathon in just over 2 hours. My aim is to complete four half marathons and even more 10km runs before I turn 40.

I love encouraging other people to go down to the park on a Saturday morning and have a go at the run. Sometimes it’s just the first step they might need.

And when I feel like I need a ciggie and a class of wine? I think about how far I’ve come, and how great I feel now. The craving soon passes.

I still have bad days when I feel down, but I’ve surrounded myself with beautiful friends and family, and I’ve ditched all of the negativity that was in my life. I love life again, and my confidence is at an all time high. Throughout my journey, I’ve met some truly remarkable people, and I’m proud to have started my very own running group for ladies. #TheseGirlsCanRun.

Who knows? Maybe running can change their lives too.

These days – whether it’s a mile or ten miles – my motto is #ThisGirlCan. If I can, any girl can.

So one more for the road? No thanks. I’d rather go for a run.

Claire Hickey

Top Dentist Warns White Teeth Obsession Suggests Body Dysmorphia

By on 15th February 2016in Lifestyle

One of the UK’s top cosmetic dentists has warned that the obsession for white teeth can be an indicator of a form of body dysmorphia…

A preoccupation with the colour of teeth is commonly recognised as a symptom of BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder), a psychological condition where sufferers are fixated about certain aspects of their appearance.

And Dr Ken Harris, of Riveredge Cosmetic Dentistry, which has surgeries in both Sunderland and Newcastle, warns that those desperate for bright white teeth should steer clear of using home treatments or the excessive use of whitening toothpastes which can leave them with severe dental problems.

“Whitening toothpastes do not work,” said Dr Harris.

“They clean off surface stains, but do not touch ugly deep staining, and they are also very abrasive so can wear the enamel off teeth, causing significant damage.”

Dr Harris added that people obsessed with having perfect white teeth often use abrasive pastes and brush aggressively, which can lead to damage.

“No amount of tooth brushing can whiten teeth,” he said.

The abrasive nature of toothpaste is measured by RDA – Relative Dentine Abrasivity – and in 2012 the British Dental Journal said that toothpastes with an RDA of more than 100 were considered abrasive and could damage teeth and gums.

A number of popular whitening toothpastes on the market have an RDA in excess of 100 so are leaving people in danger of potentially damaging their teeth.

Dr Harris said that many people also try to use a variety of substances ranging from lemons to strawberries in the belief their teeth will get whiter.

“None of these processes work,” he said.

“The best way to get a proper and safe whitening treatment is to see a dentist, not attempt it on your own.

“A dentist will also give proper advice on what is suitable and what isn’t, rather than people buying treatments off the internet which simply won’t work, and may even be harmful.”

Dr Harris added that teeth get more yellow with age, and trying to combat this with excessive brushing or whitening toothpaste will, again, just not work.

“The dentine beneath our enamel becomes tougher and more dense over the years, and, as such, it gradually becomes darker in colour,” he said.

“Dentine is the part of the tooth beneath the outer enamel layer of teeth, and therefore can not be reached by toothpaste or brushing.

“The only way to whiten teeth is to get the bleach to soak through the enamel into the deeper dentine where it will do its job.”

Multi-award winner Dr Harris is respected across the globe for his expansive knowledge on cosmetic dentistry, and he regularly teaches around the world.

He is one of only two Fellows of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (BACD) which involves him teaching other dentists around the UK. He is a full member of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (BAAD), and regularly teaches USA dentists at the world-renowned Kois Center programme in Seattle.

He regularly travels to North America and Canada, delivering lectures on aesthetic dentistry to practitioners in New York, Vancouver, San Francisco, Orange County, Fresno and San Diego in his role as the Clinical Director for California Centre for Advanced Dental Studies.

His award-winning team also provides general dentistry. For further information, visit www.riveredge.co.uk.

Kevin Keegan Officially Opens Ramside Spa

By on 6th February 2016in Local Biz

One of the North East’s leading venues welcomed Kevin Keegan to mark the official opening of its new state-of-the-art spa…

The former football manager, player and Newcastle United legend unveiled a special plaque at Ramside Hall Hotel’s multi-million pound Spa at Ramside, as part of an official opening ceremony yesterday.

“I’ve been a frequent visitor to Ramside Hall over the years, and it just gets better and better,” said Kevin.

“The spa is absolutely amazing, as good as any I’ve seen anywhere in the world.”

The Spa at Ramside, near Durham, includes a hydrotherapy pool, an outdoor vitality pool, five heat experiences and a 25m swimming pool, along with a balcony infinity pool, which overlooks the hotel grounds.

“We’re absolutely delighted and honoured that Kevin Keegan agreed to officially open our new Spa,” said John Adamson, owner of Ramside Hall Hotel.

“The facilities that our spa offers really are among the best in the region, so it’s great to be able to mark the hotel’s newest addition with the help of such a regional icon.”

The £8m spa is part of Ramside Hall Hotel’s recent £16m extension, which also included a second golf course and a new wing of bedrooms.

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