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Welcome
 Welcome to the ninth edition of our newsletter. We aim to give you health updates, bits of science and recent findings in the health field, news from our clinics, and offers - so please read on. |
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Intravenous Vitamin C and Cancer
Could a simple treatment with a common vitamin help treat cancer? A recent article in the Daily Mail looks at the use of large concentrations of vitamin C given intravenously (directly into the bloodstream). The treatment, used to support radiotherapy and chemotherapy, uses up to 75grams of vitamin C and is said to target certain cancer cells according to Dr Julian Kenyon of the Dove clinic in Winchester. An article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal assessed three cases of high dose Vitamin C given to terminal cancer patients which resulted in longer than expected survival rates. The authors of this study called for a major randomized controlled trial of the use of intravenous vitamin C in cancer patients. |
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Plastic water bottles - should we worry?
 Concerns have been raised about plastic water bottles, because they contain a chemical called Bisphenol A (BPA). This chemical is oestrogenic, meaning that it mimics the hormone oestrogen in the human body. It has been linked to liver damage, disruption of pancreatic cell function, thyroid hormone changes, and it can also promote obesity. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) looked at a nutrition survey of nearly 1500 adults in the US and found that higher urinary concentration of BPA was associated with 'avoidable morbidity' - in other words, earlier death which could be prevented - and that this higher level came from dietary sources. See the full article here. Norris Associates has negotiated a discount with the UK suppliers of stainless steel BPA free drinking bottles. Visit www.onegreenbottle.com and use the discount code 'goodlife' for a 10% reduction from the purchase price. In addition to reducing your exposure to BPA, not drinking water in plastic bottles is more environmentally friendly reducing our contribution to land fill and helping to protect sea life. |
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Exercise boosts knee function after surgery
According to a new study, exercising after knee replacement surgery helps the new knee to work nearly as well as that of a healthy adult. The research reveals that starting intensive strength exercise three to four weeks after surgery is critical in the treatment of severe knee osteoarthritis; contrary to conventional belief. The joint disease leaves its sufferers with persistent pain and limited function, resulting in an overall diminished quality of life. Knee replacement reduces the pain of osteoarthritis and improves function, but patients' mobility has tended to remain below that of healthy people of the same age. A study conducted at the University of Delaware looked at 200 patients who had undergone knee replacements. They were given six weeks of progressive strength training two or three times a week starting four weeks after surgery. Half of the group also received neuromuscular electrical stimulation. This group were compared to 41 patients who received conventional rehabilitation and home physical therapy. The study revealed that the group in the progressive strength-training program had significant improvement in quadriceps strength and functional performance. They also demonstrated substantially greater quadriceps strength and functional performance after 12 months than the group that underwent conventional rehabilitation. Read the full story here. |
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Chris Norris gains Doctorate
 Clinic director Chris Norris has been awarded a doctorate (PhD) by Staffordshire University after 5 years part time study, and is one of only a handful of physiotherapists to gain this higher qualification. Well done Dr Norris!! Physiotherapy is a first degree (BSc) qualification studied at universities throughout the UK. Many physios take a 2nd degree or 'masters' (MSc) in an area which becomes their specialty and Chris gained his MSc in Exercise Science over 15 years ago at Liverpool University. A PhD is a research degree most often taken by physiotherapists teaching at Universities. Chris decided to take the qualification as a clinician as he felt it was important for those who treat patients regularly to become involved in research. 'Very often research can appear quite distant from clinical practice because researchers may be laboratory based and no longer completely familiar with day to day patient treatment' he said. 'By linking with local universities I was able to produce research based both in the traditional laboratory setting but also within the real world clinical environment'. Some of the papers written as part of his PhD are available on the Norris Associates website. |
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If you suspect a stroke, act FAST!
About 150,000 people have a stroke in the UK each year; and about 300,000 are living with disability caused by a stroke. Only a hospital test can confirm a stroke for certain, but a simple test that we can all carry out if we suspect a stroke can help people get help quickly, limiting brain damage and improving their chances of survival. Getting someone to a hospital for a CT scan within three hours is vital. The FAST test was developed by leading stroke physicians, and is used by emergency services to help detect the condition:
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Drinking tea cuts stroke risk
 How about a nice cup of tea? It could be good for your health. By drinking three cups of tea (Indian or Chinese) your risk of a stroke is reduced by 21%, according to scientists at the University of California.It's thought this is because of antioxidants in both black and green tea; these are usually associated with fruit, vegetables and red wine, but more research is needed to find out exactly how this works. Read more. |
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1-1 Pilates available at Norris Associates Congleton Branch
Core stability exercises are often given as part of a back pain rehab programme at Norris Associates. When discharged, patients may be encouraged to join a local Pilates class to continue exercise which emphasizes spinal alignment. Clinic director Chris Norris was a co-developer of the Modern Pilates method with Cherry Baker, an internationally known exercise teacher. Now, Norris Associates has a Modern Pilates instructor in the clinic running 1-on-1 personal training in Pilates. Alison Farrell gained a CYQ level 3 matwork qualification with Modern Pilates in 2006. She teaches group classes at a number of venues including Congleton Leisure Centre and Congleton High School. After treatment however, closer supervision is required. For this reason Alison runs individual sessions with each patient attending for 4-5 sessions. They are then able to safely continue using the Pilates exercises at home or to join a class. For details of Modern Pilates instructors in other areas visit www.modernpilates.co.uk |
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Long working hours damage brain function
 Britain's culture of long working hours may be putting millions of workers at greater risk of dementia. Research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people in their early 50's who work more than 55 hours a week have poorer mental skills - including short-term memory and word-recall - than those who work less than 41 hours a week. 1 in 8 British workers puts in more than the European maximum of 48 hours a week. Read more here. |
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Physio Society calls for Action on RSI
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) affects over 200,00 people a year in the UK. Affected workers take an average of 13 days off work each year, and this costs businesses an estimated £300m a year in lost working time, sick pay and administration. The number of people affected has remained stable over the last six years, and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) believes that business and the government should do more to protect workers. For desk-based workers, Norris Associates recommends PostureMinder software. We can also provide training in manual handling; please contact us to see how we can help. Read more on the BBC site. |
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Norris Associates
We can be found in Congleton or Sale:
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