Ferndown Business Network

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Tag: Wessex Aloe

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

Keep your hands clean

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Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important things we can do to stop the spread of germs and stay healthy. On average, people wash their hands around eight times a day, and the Global Hygiene Council recommends even more, especially since handwashing can help to prevent the spread of germs.

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

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

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

Ways to boost your immune system

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No doubt you’ve heard countless times from your parents and medical professionals that your immune system is important. Even if it’s never been mentioned outright, it’s been inferred. We all generally have an idea of what the immune system does – it fights infections and illnesses for us – but we may not have an in-depth understanding of exactly how it works and what it’s doing for us day-to-day.  

How does the immune system actually work?  

Your immune system recognises every cell that makes up your body. If it finds anything it doesn’t recognise, it attacks it. Sometimes it can get this wrong and attack harmless pollen particles (causing hay fever) or donated blood or organs. However, in general your immune system will be pretty good at this.  

Your 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. If it decides on foe, it tries to flush out the invader and this is generally what makes you feel feverish or snotty. The acquired response acts when the invaders have been recognised. It identifies which cells in your body can kill the invaders and then sends them in, much like a SWAT team. There are lots of claims online that things like getting more sleep, taking supplements and drinking more water can help to improve your immune system, but often, robust evidence for these quick-fixes can be hard to find. So, what does work?  

A healthy lifestyle is your first line of defence  

The best method for maintaining a healthy immune system is to keep yourself healthy by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. A varied diet will ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs in order to stay healthy. 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.  

Regular exercise

Getting regular exercise is important for your immune system because it increases the activity of helpful immune cells in your body. Improving your circulation and getting your heart beating more sends these cells out to patrol the body, looking for potential problems. The NHS notes that adults between 19 and 64 require both aerobic and strength exercises. It also recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, in addition to separate strength exercises. Whilst both types of activity are important for general wellbeing, which is also important for your immune system, it’s the aerobic activity that will really get those immune cells moving about.  

Your microbiota is on your side  

I have mentioned in another blog that cultivating the good bacteria in your gut is essential to your overall health and wellbeing, but how does this relate to the immune system? Well, the microbiota in your gut can help to defend you from infection in more ways than one. For one thing, they take up space in your gut, so it’s difficult for disease-causing bugs to find anywhere to establish themselves. They also secrete toxic proteins that kill off potential infections, and, finally, they regulate the signals of our innate response (the one that flushes out invaders). Some scientists have suggested that the reason why you and your friend may react differently to the same infection is down to a difference in microbiota. One way to complement your microbiota is to take Forever Active Pro-B. It’s the perfect high-quality friendly bacteria supplement to assist with your diet and lifestyle goals (Code 610 Price £35.71). 

Vaccinations can help prevent problems  

We mentioned earlier that the acquired response identifies cells within the body that can attack and kill invaders, well, often this process can take a few days or longer to complete. Vaccines work by introducing your acquired response to harmless versions of the infection, so that your body produces antibodies and learns how to fight it. This way, if you ever come into contact with the disease again, your immune system knows how to fight it and acts a lot quicker.  

It’s clear that there’s no quick fix for boosting your immune system. The only real answer is to eat well, exercise regularly, look after your microbiome and make sure you have the correct vaccinations. Not so surprising when you think about it, is it? 

For further information, please contact Ferndown Business Network member ‘Dr’ Peter of Wessex Aloe on 07947 685785, peter@wessex-aloe.com  or 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  

FOREVER HAND SANITIZER with Aloe & Honey

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A handy disinfectant that can kill 99.99% of all germs, bacteria & viruses

Enriched with soothing Aloe and nourishing Honey, one squirt of this handy disinfectant can kill 99.99% of all germs, bacteria & viruses – reassuring to know if you’re networking and/or shaking hands & meeting with lots of people every day.

Forever Hand Sanitizer

Unlike other ‘Hand gels’ on the market which dry your skin

Forever Hand Sanitizer softens and moisturises hands as it cleans.  With a refreshing scent of lemon and lavender.  A must-have for your pocket and bag.  (Code 318  Price £3.63)

Available on-line

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

A treat for your lips

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Here’s one product we wanted to matchmake specifically with you – yes, YOU – because we think it’s bound to be love at first sight.  We’re talking, of course, about Aloe Lips – our rich and nourishing lip balm, great for protecting lips all-year round.  Why do we think it’s such be a good match, you ask?  Just take a look at its ingredients…  

Aloe Vera 

As with most of our products, the key ingredient in Aloe Lips is our own-grown Aloe Barbadensis Miller leaf extract.  Aloe has many properties which make it ideally placed in a lip balm.  As well as having a high water content, which makes it nice and moisturising to help soothe and soften lips, Aloe Vera is also naturally cooling, which can help to relieve painful chapped lips.  

Jojoba 

During the winter months, the cold can make our lips dry, cracked, sore and in desperate need of moisture.  In the summer, unprotected lips are at risk of sunburn, which dries out the skin and lips and can leave them peeling and flaky.  

The hydrating properties of jojoba can help to prevent skin flaking and help to deliver moisture, making Aloe Lips a treat come rain or shine.  

Wax 

Wax is often used in skin-softening treatments due to the way it helps to smooth.  It also works as a barrier between the skin and other contaminants.  Aloe Lips contains several different kinds of wax to provide maximum luxury, including beeswax – a natural skin protectant which soothes and hydrates without clogging pores.  

But you don’t need to take our word for it!  Good Housekeeping recently reviewed our Aloe Lips and it seems they share our love for this pocket-sized wonder!  Their expert testers loved the flavour and the fact that the condition of their lips “improved within two to three days”. 

Whether you’re off out, staying in and cuddling, or celebrating with your friends rather than a romantic partner, your lips could always use a little more love, so don’t forget to keep your Aloe Lips close by. (Code 022  Price £3.07) 

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

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. 

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