Ferndown Business Network

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Tag: Dorset

Help support your body’s defence system

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Your immune system is very important. It recognises every cell of your body and helps to fight infection and illness. The immune system can be divided up into two parts: innate response and acquired response. The innate response is the part that decides whether something is friend or foe, and if it decides on foe, it tries to flush out the invader.

Maintaining a healthy immune system is really important in keeping us all healthy, and the best method for supporting it is through regular exercise and eating a healthy diet to ensure your body is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Certain vitamins and minerals contribute to the normal function of the immune system, including copper, folate, iron, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc. Some will be more helpful here than others, but that’s why a balanced diet is the best option here, as you’ll get a bit of everything.

Support your healthy lifestyle

We believe that good health begins with good nutrition. The cleansing and purifying nature of Forever’s Aloe gel drinks make them the perfect addition for anyone looking to give their diet a little something extra, and their range of nutritional supplements incorporates nature’s most beneficial vitamins and minerals to help you to promote a healthy lifestyle and support your body’s defences.

Forever Aloe Vera Drinking Gel is as close to the real thing as you can get, boasting 99.7% inner leaf aloe gel, lovingly extracted by hand so that you can experience the true power of nature. Aloe is great for skin, the immune system and it’s an ideal digestive aid, and now this purifying gel also contains vitamin C, which also contributes to the normal function of the immune system. The drinking gels are also available in a variety of flavours so there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Taking vitamin C daily has long been associated with good health, but the human body doesn’t naturally store the vitamin meaning it must be consumed via food, drink and supplements. Forever’s Absorbent-C is bonded with oat bran, a highly soluble fibre, for gradual absorption, and provides 100% of the UK’s RDA of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Forever Immublend also helps to support a healthy lifestyle, and is high in vitamins C, D and zinc; which all contribute to the normal function of the immune system.

Men and women require different nutrients and vitamins in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and Forever’s Vitolize for Men, and for Women are designed with those needs in mind. Forever’s Vitolize for Women is high in vitamins D, E, C, B6, B12, folic acid and iron, and Vitolize for Men is high in vitamins D, E, C, B6 and zinc, all of which contribute to the normal function of the immune system. And to make sure your children are getting all the nutrients they need each day, give them Forever Kids. These fun, delicious, chewable multi-vitamins provide children with the nutrients needed each day, including vitamin A, C, D and B12, calcium, iron and zinc. They contain no aspartame, no artificial colours or preservatives, and adults will love them too! Forever Kids is high in vitamins A, D, C, B6 and B12, as well as folic acid and zinc, which all contribute to the normal function of the immune system.

BUY NOW at http://www.wessex-aloe.com or call Ferndown Business Network member ‘Dr’ Peter on 07947 685785

Changes to cancer support during the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic

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We’ve announced a number of immediate changes to our support services in response to the coronavirus pandemic. We’re working hard to introduce new services so we can continue to be there for as many people as we can who need support. 

With immediate effect:

  • Our four support centres in Chandler’s Ford, Bournemouth, Hythe (Waterside) and Newport, Isle of Wight, will close for drop ins on Friday 20 March
  • All support groups have been paused, including MENTalk and the Sing for Life choirs
  • Patient transport on our Daisy Buses for people arriving from the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands for hospital treatment at Southampton General Hospital and Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, will keep running with increased precautions

We’ve set up a Facebook group for anyone who needs support. You can request to join here. We’re also in the process of introducing online and telephone support for anyone living with cancer. This will include videos and helpful advice, online streaming of classes and meditation and telephone counselling. We’ll release more information as soon as these services become available. 

We’ve also halved the price of our ‘This Is Me’ journal which has been designed to help you find a way through cancer that works for you personally. Copies are now £7.50 and can be ordered here. 

Cait Allen, our CEO, says:

 

If you have cancer you might be particularly worried about how coronavirus affects you. The most important thing is to follow the advice of your healthcare team. Because people with cancer may be at a higher risk of infection, we’re going to be constantly reviewing and evolving our services to protect the people who rely on us for support, whilst still being there for them as much as we can. It’s understandable that if you’ve got cancer you might be feeling particularly anxious at this time and we’re going to be introducing a number of new things in the coming days and weeks to ensure as many people as possible continue to get help. 

Regular updates will be on our website. 

Please follow official Government and NHS sites for the latest official advice about coronavirus.  

Soften your hands when washing them

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Repeated handwashing can take a toll on your skin if your chosen soap uses harsh surfactants and strips your hands of moisture.

Thankfully, Forever has found a way to actually soften your hands while washing them.  Formulated from 100% stabilized Aloe Vera gel and natural cleansers, the gentle formula in Forever’s ALOE HAND SOAP (Code 523 Price £14.83) cleans your hands whilst also leaving them feeling soft and hydrated.

Aloe hand soap
Aloe hand soap

BUY NOW at http://www.wessex-aloe.com or call Ferndown Business Network member ‘Dr’ Peter on 07947 685785

Protect your inheritance for future generations.

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Protecting your inheritance for future generations is commonly referred to as ‘Bloodline Planning’.   Ensuring that your assets reach your children, grandchildren and other relatives, rather than other people.

Assets distributed to beneficiaries absolutely can be lost

When your assets are distributed to beneficiaries “absolutely”. They receive cash, property or other assets as a direct lump sum payment, so much of it can be lost. Your assets are then considered to be part of the beneficiary’s estate. Being at risk from any future divorce settlements, creditors and taxation.

Use Trusts to benefit your relatives

The use of Trusts can ensure that your children and grandchildren are able to benefit completely from the inheritance you want them to receive.  At the same time protect the family home and other assets from being lost to the costs of Long Term Care.

To find out more about Bloodline Planning please contact Ferndown Business Network David Booth at DB Consultancy on 07949 021118. Email david@dmsuk.info or let’s speak via FaceTime or Skype: theoxfordwillco_1

Why Is Gut Health so Important?

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Many of us consider our gut to be simply an automated food processing system that, at best, does little more than digest our food and at worst, is the source of discomfort and illness. But have you ever considered that your intestine is your largest organ? Its average length is greater than the width of a tennis court and its surface area is approximately 200 times the surface area of your skin. So why is our gut health so important? There is increasing emerging evidence that the size and complexity of our gut plays a vital role in more than just nutrient absorption; it’s also connected to our immune system, mental health and general wellbeing. 

Nutrient absorption – we are what we absorb, not just what we eat  

Taking the food we eat and processing it so that we can absorb and utilise the nutrients is the most obvious role of our gut. Having been broken down by the acidic stomach, the majority of nutrient absorption takes place in our small intestine, but this absorption varies between 10-90% depending upon the health of our intestine.  

Three ways to increase nutrient absorption:  

  • Drink a glass of water 30 minutes before each meal. This will prime the digestive system
  • Chew your food for longer. This will boost the digestion process and food will taste better
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol whilst eating 

The gut-brain axis – your gut instinct  

Our gut contains a network of neurones equivalent in complexity and size to the brain of a cat, and we all know how intelligent cats are! This neural-network, known as the ‘Enteric Nervous System’, not only controls digestion but it also connects directly to our brainstem to provide two-way communication with the unconscious part of our inbuilt master computer. One of the key messengers in this network is serotonin. In the brain, this messenger is well known for producing feelings of positive wellbeing and happiness, yet approximately 90% of the body’s serotonin is made in the digestive tract.  

This ‘second brain’ in our gut determines not just our digestive health, but it also affects our mood and even the way we think and therefore behave. Maybe our ‘gut instinct’ has a more rational basis than we previously realised!  

The immune system – battling the bugs  

The immune system is our body’s natural defence force. Ready, armed and willing to attack any foreign invaders, the immune cells are housed in our lymphoid tissue. Examples include our lymph nodes and spleen, but 70% of lymphoid is in our intestine which makes it the body’s largest immune organ.  

Our micro-biome – the good, the bad and the ugly  

We now understand that our gut factory is not fully automated, it actually houses a huge workforce! Bacteria are often considered the bad boys of biology causing infection, disease and illness, and whilst for some bacterial strains this is true, there are many other bacterial strains that are vitally important for us to survive. They co-habit in our bodies, living and working in our large intestine – the micro-biome.  

There are over 40 trillion bacteria in our gut, making up 1-3% of our body weight and in fact, there is more bacterial genetic material in our gut than there are human genes in our body! These good bacteria support our immune, gut-brain axis and digestive system in many ways, including producing enzymes, vitamins and hormones we cannot make, and enhancing the absorption of certain minerals. Ensuring we cultivate our good gut bacteria, encouraging their growth and productivity is essential to our overall health and wellbeing.  

Three steps to boost your micro-biome: 

  • Exercise regularly 
  • Vary your diet with lots of nutrient dense vegetables and berries 
  • Avoid refined sugar and processed food. 

Making the right choices on a daily basis to promote good gut health will not only improve your digestive health but it will also support your immune system and mental health. Optimal intestinal health truly is the key to good general wellbeing. 

Further information can be obtained from Ferndown Business Network member ‘Dr’ Peter on 07947 685785 or peter@wessex-aloe.com  or via his website www.wessex-aloe.com  

Move It May 2020 for Wessex Cancer Trust

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Choose your distance and get sponsored to run, cycle or swim for Ferndown Business Network member Wessex Cancer Trust this May!

Whether you choose to tackle 5km or 500km, it’s all about getting active and moving more in May. It’s completely up to you how you decide to move it! So whether you’re a dancing queen or tai chi makes you happy, there are loads of ways to get moving and raise money for local families affected by cancer.

Raising just £100 could pay for a month’s supply of the products needed to provide the complementary therapies that we offer in our Cancer Support Centres. Raising £400 could fund a 10 session one to one support package, tailored to the individual, to help manage the emotional impact of cancer.

Sign up to make a difference to families affected by cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight!

Find out more at: https://www.wessexcancer.org.uk/Event/move-it-may-2020

Have you made a Will yet?

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People put off making a Will for a variety of reasons, either believing that those they would wish to inherit will automatically do so, or because they don’t think it is relevant to them at this particular time.

Life can change immediately

The reality is that life can change immediately, with no warning.  The result being you put off making a Will until it’s too late, creating a complicated situation for the people left behind.  It could mean that some or all of your inheritance either goes to the wrong person or to the state.

Everyone needs a Will

Everyone needs to make a Will, in particular anyone with dependants. Anyone who owns a property or has any type of asset which you would wish relatives, friends or charities to benefit from should also make a Will.

Plan what will happen to your estate

Making a Will enables you to plan exactly what will happen to your property (estate) following your demise. This ensures that those you would like to benefit actually do so in accordance with your wishes and at the same time avoiding any disputes between relatives.

Get some advice

For help and advice on creating a Will please contact Ferndown Business Network David Booth at DB Consultancy on 07949 021118. Email david@dmsuk.info or let’s speak via FaceTime or Skype: theoxfordwillco_1

Have you calculated your staffs’ holiday entitlement properly?

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The first month of 2020 has almost been and gone ….are you all sorted with your staffs’ holiday entitlements for the year?

Here’s some advice and guidance from Ferndown Business Network member, Just Ask Juli

When staff primarily worked Monday – Friday 9am-5pm it was all very straight forward; now however with more and more people working over the weekends, on part time contracts or working compressed working weeks things have gotten a bit more complicated.

It’s our legal requirement as employers to make sure that all our staff receive their statuary minimum holiday entitlement and to make sure that bank holidays are calculated in a fair and consistent manner. Be very careful if your team are primarily part time and you just give them the day off when a bank holiday occurs; you may well be giving more holiday than they are entitled to (which makes you a great boss) or more importantly you may not be giving enough (which makes you an illegal boss)!

So some tips if your work force works differing hours:-

• when calculating holiday entitlement switch from “days” to “ hours”

• make sure its very clear in their contracts as to whether their holiday entitlement includes or excludes bank holidays (note there is a legal minimum that must be observed)

• show clearly on their holiday forms how you’ve calculated their entitlement. Its often useful to show the bank holiday entitlement as a separate figure

• and finally .. remember this year a standard Monday bank holiday has been moved to a Friday so a different calculation may be necessary for some of your team

The HMRC website gives lots of help and useful tools https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights

Need some help? Just Ask Juli!

Supporting Wessex Cancer Trust

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Ferndown Business Network is delighted to announce that it has supported FBN Member Wessex Cancer Trust by making a donation of £1000 as part of the Wessex Cancer Trust crisis appeal. 

Wessex Cancer Trust believes that there should be help and support available to everyone living with cancer, when and where they need it.  Every year around 23,000 people are diagnosed with cancer within the Wessex region. A diagnosis can be a shock and have a huge impact on an entire family. Wessex Cancer Trust helps and supports anyone affected by cancer regardless of age, gender or type of cancer.  

Maria Tidy from Wessex Cancer said: “ I’d like to say a massive thank you to Ferndown Business Network for their donation to Wessex Cancer Trust Crisis Appeal. We really are truly grateful for your help and support.”

Richard Morris, Ferndown Business Network Chairman and owner of Signs Express Bournemouth said: “We are delighted to continually support Wessex Cancer Trust.  Wessex Cancer Trust and specifically Maria Tidy from the charity is a major reason FBN is so successful.   As such we are always looking for new ways to support the charity and its fundraising initiatives including our recently announced new donation of £1 per member per month.”

The next time FBN will be supporting Wessex Cancer Trust is at their big fundraising event at Castlepoint on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th January.  Wessex Cancer Trust needs to raise £600,000 by the end of January 2020 or they risk losing their support centres. So they are asking you to save your £1 coins over the next couple of weeks and bring them to Castlepoint Shopping Park on Saturday 25th or Sunday 26th January to add to their  “Line of Gold”.  If they can fill the line from Asda to Sainsburys in one day they could raise £22,500 and they are going to try to do it twice.

For more information about Wessex Cancer Trust please contact Maria Tidy on 07471 217693 or visit www.wessexcancer.org.uk

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