Ferndown Business Network

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Tag: Peter Stockwell-Jones

Self-care isn’t selfish: Tips to lift your Mood

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We’ve seen a distinct change in the weather this week which implies that spring is on the way and we’re hoping that the longer days and warmer weather will begin to lift your spirits as we move out of a very long winter! That said, we know that the continued uncertainty of the coming months is having a toll of most of us, so we wanted to offer some practical advice for ensuring you’re taking care of your mental health. 

Focus on what you can control 

Part of why we’re feeling so uneasy at the moment is that there’s far too much in the air that we have no way of controlling. Whether it’s when we’ll get to see friends and family again, when that wedding will be able to happen or when we’ll get to travel the world again, focusing on what we can’t control will only leave us anxious.  

Make a conscious effort to put your mind towards what you can control: set a daily routine that feels good; set a to-do list that feels plausible so that it’s easy to check it off and feel accomplished; commit to exercising once per day; do a thorough spring clean (one room at a time if the whole house feels like too much of a task); check in with friends and family for chat. 

Practise gratitude 

Whether you voice your gratitude out loud or jot it down in a journal at the end of every day, the simple act of giving thanks even for the smallest things will shift your mindset. Don’t let the bad parts of your day make you feel bitter, instead celebrate the good every time it happens. Eventually you’ll start to notice the good much more and realise that life’s still great. 

Breathe 

We had a great session with Forever ambassador Kristina Rihanoff the other week to discuss the benefits of breathing and meditation. Even if you’re unable to commit half an hour to a full meditation or yoga session there are few who can’t commit to five minutes of breathing mindfully each day, and even this simple thing can do wonders for your mental health. 

Simply take yourself to a quiet part of your house (even if it’s just your bathroom!), set a timer for five minutes and get comfortable. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four seconds, hold for another four, breathe out for another four and hold for four more. Repeat until the timer runs out. Try to focus on the rhythm of your breathing and the beating of your heart. Take a few moments to wriggle your fingers and toes. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the here and now. All of this can really bring a sense of calm to your mind that’ll help you tackle the rest of your day head on. 

Nourish your body 

Taking good care of your body can really help to lift your mood. While it may be all too easy to default to comfort food when things feel a little doom and gloom, you’ll actually feel all the better for eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water and getting a good amount of exercise each day. Not sure where to start? 

  • When Forever tackled the C9 in January they created lots of healthy 600 calorie meals that are perfect whether you’re on the C9 or not. You can find sixteen of them righthere. 
  • We recently released a Flavours of Forever video detailing how to make pancakes with Forever Lite Ultra, aloe & avocado on toast featuring Aloe Vera Gel and healthy Rocky Road bites with Forever Bee Honey for when you need a pick-me-up.

All products are available from Peter Stockwell-Jones (M: 07947 695785 E: peter@wessex-aloe.com) or via his online shop at www.wessex-aloe.com

by Ferndown Business Network member Peter Stockwell-Jones (Wessex Aloe)

How to support your IMMUNE SYSTEM in these difficult times.

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If you’re vulnerable to coughs & colds, infections, even flu or worse (Covid-19), you need to do everything you can to boost your immune system – the body’s natural ‘defence army’.

In addition to the lymphocytes (white cells) in our blood, the correct balance of gut bacteria plays a very significant role too – and you can do something about this.  The following advice won’t guarantee that you will never catch one of the bugs that go around, but it will help make your immune system ‘fighting fit’ and better able to mitigate symptoms if you do catch something. So, what should you consider taking:

Forever Aloe Vera Gel Drink.  
Aloe is great for skin and is an ideal pre-biotic digestive aid, but it’s also an immune system modulator.  Available in 3 flavours: – Natural (Code 715), Berry Nectar (Code 734) and Peaches (Code 777). £22.94 per litre carton.  Recommended daily dose is 60 to 100ml and take all year round for wide-ranging health benefits.

Forever Active Pro-B.
Blends six strains of friendly bacteria to quickly help counter balance too many ‘unfriendly’ ones.  The capsules do not require refrigeration, are allergen free and suitable for vegetarians.  Code 610.  £35.71 for 30 capsules.  Recommended daily dose is one capsule, but only for one month.

Forever Immublend.  
This synergistic blend of nutrients is high in Vitamin C, D and zinc, all of which contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Code 355. £18.19 for 60 tablets.  Recommended daily dose is 2 tablets.

And don’t forget personal hygiene – you can’t go wrong using Forever Aloe Hand Soap, a gentle but effective liquid formula of Aloe with fruit extracts to leave your skin clean, soft & hydrated.  Code 523. £14.83 for 473ml pump dispenser.

And for sanitizing your hands, there’s nothing better than Forever Instant Hand Cleanser.  Powerful & refreshing, this cleanser will keep the whole family protected wherever the adventure leads.  This citrus-scented aloe-based hand cleanser is ideal in all circumstances. Code 003. £12.85 for 250ml bottle.

All these products are available from Ferndown Business Network member Peter Stockwell-Jones M: 07947 685785 E: peter@wessex-aloe.com or via his online shop at www.wessex-aloe.com

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  

Ways to take more care of your eyes

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When you consider the fact that you only have one pair of eyes your entire life and that poor vision can make it harder to read, drive and many other things we take for granted on a day-to-day basis, it becomes apparent just how important it is to take care of your eye health.  

Whether you’re blessed with perfect vision or already wear glasses or contact lenses on a daily basis, why not put a few things into practice to minimise the pressure you’re putting on your eyes? Ferndown Business Network member ‘Dr Peter’ of Wessex Aloe would recommend: 

Visit an eye care specialist regularly 

It’s important to ensure you get your eyes checked regularly by an optometrist to test for visual impairment and ensure you have good overall eye health. Your vision can deteriorate over time. Therefore, even if you had perfect vision at an appointment ten years ago, you shouldn’t assume that you still do; regular eye tests are recommended. Having no prescription when you need one, or the wrong prescription (for example, continuing to use a pair of glasses you were prescribed three years ago that are no longer right for you) can really damage your eyes.  

Furthermore, if your optician finds that you need a prescriptive lens, you should ensure that you’re wearing your glasses or contact lenses whenever you need them to prevent eye strain and further damage. Finally, it’s important to remember to take your contact lenses out every night and to follow the appropriate cleaning instructions, in order to reduce the risk of drying your eyes out or getting an infection.  

Remove your make-up every day 

We’re often told that removing make-up is important to let our skin and pores breathe, but it’s equally important to get rid of eye make-up, such as eye liner and mascara, to prevent irritation, eye infections or styes. You can use a product like our Sonya Refreshing Gel Cleanser (Code 605) to gently melt away make-up in a way that doesn’t tug or pull on the delicate skin around your eyes.  

While we’re on the topic of make-up, never share your eye make-up with others! Doing so puts you at risk of sharing bacteria and infections.  

Wear UV protection sunglasses 

We all know how important it is to protect our skin by ensuring our sunscreen has both UVA and UVB protection, e.g. Aloe Sunscreen (Code 617), but have you ever considered the UV protection in your sunglasses? A cheap pair may seem like a bargain, but they often don’t do the trick when it comes to eye protection. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the sunshine, it’s especially important to make sure your glasses are blocking 99 to 100% of all harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes.  

Get plenty of sleep 

Ah, there’s nothing quite like a good sleep to help your body rest and repair itself. There are some things that your morning cup of coffee just won’t fix and they are the health issues that can often come hand-in-hand with a consistent lack of sleep. This is true for keeping your eyes healthy, too. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you may find that you struggle with dry, irritated and itchy eyes, and you’ll be tempted to rub at them. This in turn usually contributes to more bacteria entering the eyes and puts you at a higher risk of infection. It’s important to aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night for optimum all-round health and to avoid those side-effects.  

Limit your screen time 

Grandma’s warnings about getting square eyes from sitting in front of the TV all day may not be literal, but she certainly had a point; staring at a screen all day can be really bad for your eye health, and in this digital day and age we’re often staring at them for upwards of ten hours a day!  

While it’s advisable to limit your screen time, we know that work obligations as well as the draw of smart phones and TV streaming services can sometimes make it difficult, so it’s important to put a few protective barriers in place. For example, you could implement the 20/20/20 rule at your computer while you’re working. Every twenty minutes, look away from your computer and focus on something at least twenty feet away for a minimum of twenty seconds to help refocus your eyes.  

You can also minimise harmful blue light by changing your desktop or mobile phone screens to take on a more sepia tone, or by purchasing a pair of blue light minimising glasses. It may also be worth making it an aim to limit your television viewing time to give your eyes a rest in the evening or to put your phone away several hours before bedtime – something that will help with your sleep quality, too.  

Taking the right vitamins 

We all know the benefits of eating a well-balanced diet with regards to our fitness and weight, but did you know that there are also lots of foods that contain eye-supporting nutrients?  

Some of the nutrients that are really key to eye health include vitamin A, zinc and copper. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids which are pigments found in plants and in your retina. They’re often found in greater amounts in leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, kale and spinach, which is where you’ll also find high quantities of copper. Zinc helps to protect cells from oxidative stress and is often found in eggs, dairy products and meat, but for the vegans among us, legumes and seeds can be a good source too.  

You can also supplement a well-balanced diet with our new Forever iVision (Code 624)which contains the antioxidant vitamins C and E to protect cells from oxidative stress, as well as beta carotene from vitamin A and zinc which contribute to the maintenance of normal vision. 

Happy gazing! Don’t forget that these products are available via ’Dr Peter’s’ online shop (www.wessex-aloe.com) or by calling him on 07947 685785. 

Winter Skincare Routine for Men

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Men should never shy away from daily skincare, as like women, their skin is susceptible to age spots, blemishes and uneven skin tone that deserves to be kept under control especially during the winter when temperatures drop.  Your skin’s health should be considered just as important as your health in other areas, so put aside any reservations you have about skincare and complete this winter skincare routine on a regular basis to avoid rough and dry winter skin. 

CLEANSING

Many men start their skincare regime off badly by choosing to wash their face with a bar of soap.  Although this removes unwanted dirt and oil from your face, it can be very harsh and drying on the skin.  A great cleanser should not contain harsh chemicals or detergents that strip away essential moisture. 

Ferndown Business Network member ‘Dr Peter’ has two different cleansers – Infinite Hydrating Cleanser (Code 554) and Sonya Refreshing Gel Cleanser (Code 605) – both are excellent cleansing solutions for men, and the decision on the one you use should be determined by your skin type (dry, oily or combination) and whether you have ageing skin.  Once you’ve chosen which skincare collection you’re going to follow, it’s time to start using the products daily so that you instil a habit.  Always start with the cleanser, cleansing morning and evening, then follow through with the rest of the products.

EXFOLIATING

The next step after cleansing is to exfoliate the skin.  This will remove dead skin cells to make sure your moisturiser is penetrating your skin and working as effectively as possible.  Aim to do this two to three times a week with Forever’s Smoothing Exfoliator (Code 559).  This gentle exfoliator uses natural jojoba beads and bamboo powder to remove dead skin cells without harming the skin and added lemon essential oils which work as a rich moisturiser to hydrate the new skin beneath the surface.

MOISTURISING

Once you have removed dead skin cells, you need to add moisture back into your skin.  Gentleman’s Pride (Code 070) is a great moisturiser to use each morning as it doubles up as an aftershave balm that’s extremely soothing on freshly shaven and sensitive skin.  Feel the icy exhilaration of this unique blend of lubricants and moisturisers combined with pure, stabilised Aloe Vera gel.  With conditioning agents like camomile and rosemary, this popular aftershave will leave behind a fresh and clean masculine fragrance that’ll last all day long.

Ideally you should aim to moisturise twice a day after cleansing but obviously an aftershave balm isn’t the best moisturiser just before bed.  Instead we’d recommend you give Infinite Firming Serum (Code 555) a go.  With powerful natural ingredients and our patented aloe, this cutting edge and rich moisturiser will make your skin feel smooth and firm, and your complexion appear visibly younger.

Whatever products you choose, consistency is key.  Establishing a regular routine for the winter months is necessary for long term skin health so try to stick to your skincare schedule daily for noticeable results that last the test of time.

Don’t forget that these products are available via ’Dr Peter’s’ online shop (www.wessex-aloe.com) or by calling him on 07947 685785.

‘Dr Peter’ recommends …. “Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!”

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This time of year is hard on your skin, but help is at hand from Ferndown Business Network member ‘Dr Peter’!

Have you noticed that in autumn, almost as soon as you’ve switched on your central heating, your skin becomes unhappy and thirsty, to say the least?

If you, or anyone else in your household has problematically dry skin, you should review your everyday ‘bathroom products’ as these can actually be contributing to the problem. ‘Dr Peter’ recommends the following action:

1. Don’t use biological washing detergent or fabric conditioner. These usually irritate sensitive skin. Try Aloe MPD (Code 307), an environmentally friendly, biodegradable, all-purpose detergent that effectively lifts grime and cuts through grease to remove stains. Its versatile cleaning power can tackle your laundry, floors, bathrooms, tiles, carpets, windows and dishes! This highly concentrated formula only takes a few drops to get many jobs done, so you don’t need a cupboard full of other cleaning products. Incredible value for money long-term.

2. Here are 3 of ‘Dr Peter’s’ moisturising recommendations:

Aloe Lotion (Code 062) This finely-textured moisturiser helps to condition your face & body and contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, collagen & elastin to keep the skin smooth and supple. This softening lotion also includes apricot kernel oil which locks in moisture and creates a lightweight barrier on the skin. Contains lanolin.

Aloe Moisturising Lotion (Code 063) A thick, velvety moisturising cream containing nourishing aloe, jojoba oil, collagen & elastin to leave skin feeling soft & supple. This lotion moisturises your face, hands and body whilst maintaining the skin’s natural pH balance. Its easy-to-absorb formula also makes it a great base for makeup application. Does not contain lanolin.

Aloe Propolis Creme (Code 051) A rich, creamy blend of aloe vera, bee propolis and camomile that helps maintain healthy, beautiful skin tone and texture. Its moisturising and conditioning properties make for an excellent everyday moisturiser and helps to soothe irritation. Particular suitable for those with eczema, psoriasis & dermatitis. Contains lanolin.

Don’t forget that these products are available via ’Dr Peter’s’ online shop (www.wessex-aloe.com) or by calling him on 07947 685785.

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