Health

Staying Fit

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:56:00 GMT

It's time to put down that pie and strap on the runners.

Here are a few helpful pointers on how to stretch those legs, trim that tum, bulk those biceps and reforge that six-pack.

Netball

Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans have set the world standard in netball so it comes as no surprise the London netball leagues are full of us.

Cricket

Don the whites and spend a day smacking leather on willow. A fitting code to get stuck into while in Old Blighty. Like most sports we play, the Poms came up with it, shipped it off to the colonies, and now we more or less give them a good thumping at their own game. For a quick and exciting version that lasts about two hours join a Last Man Stands cricket league.

Capoeira

The Afro-Brazilian blend of martial arts, sport and dance can be spotted on grassy knolls at most summer festivals. For those wanting to give it a go, a number of Latin American Capoeira clubs and groups offer classes all over London.

Touch rugby

This non-contact code emphasises speed, agility and quick ball-handling skills, and all you need is a half-decent pair of trainers to get started. Leagues, such as In2Touch and London Touch Rugby offer men's, women's and mixed competitions, midweek touch is a favourite for those looking for an after-work blow-out, followed by a pint or two.

Tennis

Come Wimbledon fortnight, half the city will be running amok in London's parks, dressed in white with racket in hand. Now's the time to up your game (and learn how to score). Find local courts on your council's website or check out London Tennis, which has information on classes and leagues.

Aussie Rules

For all you AFL nuts pining for the smooth touch of a Sherrin, the West London Wildcats is the one-stop shop for all your football needs.

The NHS

admin — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:29:00 GMT

The NHS (National Health Service) employs more than 1.3 million people, can help you give up smoking and even look after you if you fall down the stairs while running for the tube. Oh, and did we mention it’s free?

What is it?

The NHS was set up in 1948 and is now the largest organisation in Europe. At its heart is the idea of free and affordable healthcare for all. It’s where you go if you need to see a GP. It’s responsible for running those handy (and free) sexual health clinics and even administers the hospitals, ambulances and specialists too. Dentists and ophthalmologists are even part of the NHS.

How do I get access?

First things first, you need to find a local NHS doctor and register. Doctors’ consultations are free. Alternatively, use an NHS walk-in centre. Medicine must be paid for, but the contraceptive pill is free. Dentists can also be NHS- registered, but you will need to pay a percentage of the cost of your treatment as only the basics are covered by the NHS.

But I’m not a British citizen, can I use it too?

Anyone living and working in Britain can register and use the services of the NHS.

Heathrow Jab

admin — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:13:00 GMT

If you're not yet familiar with the term Heathrow Injection, you soon will be. It's the extra layer of fat travellers seem to pick up when visiting London thanks to excessive drinking and fry-ups, and lack of exercise.

The good news is there are a few ways you can stop the weight gain and keep fit and healthy.

Cut down on alcohol

Increase in alcohol consumption is one of the main reasons for weight gain in London, so go easy on those Snakebites.

A drink or two after work is fine, but after six pints every night for a month (remember, they're a good deal bigger than your average schooner), don't be surprised if you need to dig another notch in your belt.

All alcoholic beverages contain calories:

Glass of wine - 100-150 calories
Pint of Guinness - 170 calories
Pint of premium lager - 350 calories

Plus alcohol has an aperitif effect which stimulates your appetite and makes it harder to say no

Watch what you eat

Frozen dinners: They might be convenient but are expensive and don't contain many vegetables. If you have to have them, make some extra vegetables or salad.
Takeaways: Try to avoid them on a regular basis but they don't have to be unhealthy. For example, opt for boiled rice, not fried, or if going for Indian, opt for a tomato-based sauce (or no sauce at all) rather than a creamy one.
Home-cooking: Cooking your own meal doesn't necessarily mean it will be lower in calories, fat or salt but it does mean that you can control what, and how much, certain ingredients go in, and the serving size.
Snacking: Instead of snacking on crisps and chocolate try fruit or nuts. Buying a small bag of apples on Monday and making yourself finish them by end of the week is a great way of getting in the swing of things.
Learn to cook three or four healthy meals.
Limit your portion sizes at meal times.

Exercise regularly

You don't need to join a sports team or a gym to lose weight or stay healthy.

Take up running
Commute by bike
Do sit-ups and push-ups at home
Get off the tube or bus a few stops early

Register with a doctor

admin — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:59:00 GMT

To find a doctor in the UK is not difficult, but there is certain procedures that you will need to adhere to.

Don't wait until you get sick to register with a doctor in the UK.

Private treatment tends to be exorbitant, so chances are you’ll be using the National Health Service (NHS).

You'll have to register with a doctor, before making an appointment.

Registering with a doctor:

Find a doctor in your local area then ring to see if they are accepting new patients.
Once you register you might be asked to come in for a free health check.
Doctors’ consultations are free in the UK — as is the contraception pill.
If you fall ill and you haven't registered with a doctor, you can use an NHS walk-in centre. Medicine needs to be paid for, but pregnancy tests, the contraceptive pill, condoms, and other forms of contraception are free.
Dentists can also be NHS-registered, but you will need to pay for anything cosmetic as a private patient.