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By Gavin Neate, CEO and Founder of Neatebox Limited
(Creators of the WelcoMe App)
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Whether you are a family member, friend, carer or practitioner you will have heard these words or indeed witnessed any number of variations on this theme on a far too regular basis. For some reason the person you have approached finds it nearly impossible to recognise the disabled person you are with as capable of communicating for themselves or even hearing what they are saying, no matter what their apparent disability.
Even when faced with the facts i.e. your disabled friend has asked a question, handed over a card for payment and actively made eye contact, the staff members brain has short circuited and they have ignored your friend and then focussed on you for any interaction or ongoing conversation.
I don’t know about you but when this happened to me and my friends it made me mad. I was frustrated and the red mist came down which made me shoot back sharply at the staff member with, “it’s not me that’s buying it, it’s my friend” whilst gesticulating towards the person I am with.
It’s easy to get angry and feel like the staff member or business is wholly to blame here and of course if they haven’t had training or ignored the training then they are but in that moment of anger, perhaps if, in some small way we can help them learn by embarrassing them then perhaps it’s all worth it..
..but it isn’t. In fact, in this situation no one wins. The staff member doesn’t win as in the moment, as they realise their mistake, they more than likely want the ground to open up and swallow them and might even do their best to avoid any interaction with disabled people in the future. Your friend doesn’t win as they are reminded that society finds it hard to see them as an equal and they have once again found themselves to be the centre of negative attention and you don’t win as all you have ever wanted is for your friend to have an independent life and for others to see them as you do and of course on top of this your frustration ensures that this interaction is the topic of conversation for the next 30 minutes.
As a Mobility Instructor with Guide Dogs for the Blind my job was to observe how my disabled clients interacted with staff from a distance. Yes, initially I was on their shoulder and found myself in many situations like the one above but towards the end of the training and with experience I would remove myself from the situation by distance or by just looking the other way at the moment of any interaction. It forced the staff member to focus on my client and also enabled my client to take control of the situation. Yes, sometimes we needed to discuss what might happen before we walked through the door but this practice was empowering for my client who was then in a position to support the staff member to learn best practice “on the job” from a real subject matter expert.. them.
Of course, this wasn’t fool proof. Some staff members just don’t get it and will discriminate consciously and unconsciously whether being provided with “training” from the expert in front of them or not and this is what led me to come up with WelcoMe
However, my top tip, is when you know or feel that this type of situation is likely to happen, have a plan. Talk about it before you arrive and work out how best to avoid the situation or deal with it once it has happened. With this plan in place whilst we wait for all staff everywhere to get with the program perhaps all three parties can walk away without it ruining the rest of the day.
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MIranda Robertson, Editor of The West Dorset Magazine
Featured Deep Oscillation Therapy in Health Pages with the catchy title of "I'm picking up good vibrations" .... we love that Miranda!
Read article here or download by clicking image below..
Thanks MIranda - you did a great job!
Mary and Julie
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The survey is ongoing and your feedback, be it patient or practitioner is very valuable to us. If you haven't had chance to view the newsletters yet then the link is below to see all six of them. A link to the survey is also below... Thanking you in advance. Mary, PhysioPod, and Gaynor, LWO Community.
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We were delighted that Nick Littlehales accepted our invitation to write for this months newsmagazine. He has helped some of the world’s biggest stars in international sports to achieve the best possible sleep in order to help them achieve peak performance on the world stage.
Over to you Nick....
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Nick Littlehales
Elite Sport Sleep Recovery Coach
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"It really should not come as any surprise, with centuries, decades, and generations of no sleep education, that we still adopt a human mantra of ‘take it for granted’. As a result, how well we sleep, recover is not even today, by many considered a performance criteria.
It’s time to develop a more proactive understanding of sleep the underrated health pillar. Debunk it, redefine it and adopt practical, achievable steps to fully reveal this natural human mental and physical recovery process 24/7.
Sleep influences everything from mood, motivation, decision making and resilience, understanding our optimum 24/7 approach should be the key health pillar priority.
Research has and continues to reveal that sleep deprivation has a major impact on mental fitness and wellbeing. Actual or perceived low impact levels of recovery will affect how well our brain can process information, our emotional response to required tasks, mood, motivation, ability to learn new skills, decision making, reaction times, awareness, alertness, stamina, and relationships.
As we roll through the key sleep stages in cycles, our brain can catch up, [regenerate- rejuvenate] prioritise and file all the information both positive and negative, that we have been exposed to during the day. If our brains are not able to reveal the key sleep quality stages in cycles, while we are in a perceived sleep state, then ongoing mental functioning decreases nearly twice as fast as physical performance.
As a result, although we may feel or able to shift to physically functional the following day, it's likely that we won’t be able to recall everything that we learned the previous day and may struggle to make effective decisions. We feel an increased perception of effort, fatigue kicks in quicker, our mood and motivation become imbalanced.
Redefining your everyday recovery approach, starts with understanding that as humans we should be synchronised with the Circadian Rhythms. This sunrise sunset, daylight, diminished light, dark and temperature shift process, is key to optimising human functionality.
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A circadian rhythm is a 24-hour internal cycle managed by our body clock deep within the brain. Regulating our internal systems such as sleeping, eating patterns, hormone production, mood, and motivation.
If we combine this, with the knowledge that pre-electric light illuminating our homes, streets and lives, humans adopted a multiphasic sleep wake cycle, not just one nocturnal block (Monophasic). And that we all have a Chronotype which is your genetic sleeping characteristic - An AMer lark morning or PMer night owl evening person.
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These three out of seven Key Sleep Recovery Indicators known as KSRI’s part of the proven R90 Technique form the basis of a redefined 24/7 approach to optimise mental and physical activity developing more sustainable levels of mental and physical recovery.
R90 Technique: Recovery in 90-minute Cycles. Ninety minutes is in principle the length of time it takes a person under clinical conditions to go through the key recovery stages and phases.
If you think of sleep in cycles per week, not hours per night, very quickly one or two disrupted nights out of seven have less impact on your overall approach. Taking the pressure off an all-or-nothing 8 hours per night focus.
A key first step would be to Identify your most consistent everyday wake time [start your daytime] and break your 24 hours up into sixteen 90-minute time periods.
Focus on your first 90 minutes Post Sleep Period after wake, grab plenty of short 2/5-minute distractive vacant mindspace breaks every 90 minutes, allocate a 30/20-minute midday/late afternoon nap…Or as I refer to it in elite sport a CRP Controlled Recovery Period. Vacant mindspace, me time, my moments and take the pressure off your 24/7.
Ideally the target is to achieve five ninety minute cycles [7.5 hours] nocturnally combined with as many micro CRP’s and one 20/30 minute CRP as required. Planning to achieve 35 cycles in any seven day period. And as importantly, being more aware of how much sleep recovery you are targeting when, why and how.
In a recent study published in the European Journal of Sports Science, researchers found that elite athletes were able to take daytime naps and not suffer any adverse effects on their nocturnal sleep. This kind of nap is known as ‘appetitive’ – taken not to compensate for sleep loss, but from an appetite to sleep owing to training induced fatigue. Participants had their level of tiredness measured before their naps, and how long they took to get to sleep was recorded. The scientists found that, of the participants, elite athletes drifted off faster and did not need to be feeling tired to nap.
Recovery is a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week commitment, and through using the daylight hours in addition to your nocturnal approach you will be able to give your mind and body the opportunity to continually reboot while dealing with the demands of modern life.
HRV (Heart Rate Variability) Many know about this important factor and most track it in the endeavour to optimise performance and overall health and wellbeing. Another as important success factor is Human Recovery Variabilities.
Remember your ability to sleep, reveal more consistent, sustainable levels of recovery is all about the rolling 24/7 circadian rhythms of our day, in particular exposure to light at the right times in the four phases of every day. Key to own personal performance as well as protecting yourself is creating as much rhythm, pattern, and harmony in your 24/7
No Worries: Worrying about sleep is its greatest disrupter, creating a more defined approach can be your personal performance Game Changer"
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In this TEDX Talks in Newcastle, Nick discusses his work and how he helps some of the world’s biggest stars in international sports achieve the best possible sleep to help them achieve peak performance on the world stage.
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On 29th March NICE has issued interventional procedures guidance on the use of liposuction for the treatment of chronic lipoedema.
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"The independent committee has called for more research to ensure this procedure is safe enough and effective enough for use on the NHS.
Lipoedema is more prevalent in women and very rarely affects men. It is characterised by an abnormal, usually symmetrical, accumulation of fat in the legs, hips, buttocks, and occasionally arms. It is a separate condition to obesity and lymphoedema.
The cause of lipoedema is unknown, but hormonal changes, weight gain and genetics are thought to be involved. The size and shape of legs, and the resultant mobility issues and pain, can have a profoundly negative effect on quality of life, and physical and mental health.
The interventional procedures advisory committee reviewed evidence from several sources, including eight before-and-after studies. The committee was informed that several different liposuction techniques are used and that they may have different safety and efficacy profiles.
From the evidence presented, the committee believed that the evidence on the safety of the procedure is inadequate and also raises concerns of major adverse events such as fluid imbalance, fat embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and toxicity from local anaesthetic agents. The evidence on the efficacy of the procedure is also inadequate, based mainly on retrospective studies with methodological limitations.
However, evidence from a randomised controlled trial currently taking place in Germany could provide better evidence in support of the use of liposuction for the treatment of chronic lipoedema.
NICE will review its guidance upon the publication of evidence from the German trial.
Jeanette Kusel, interim director of MedTech and digital at NICE, said: “The committee’s focus is to ensure that procedures are safe enough and work well enough to be used by surgeons in the NHS. On this occasion the published evidence is not strong enough which is why they have called for further research.
“We know many people with this painful and debilitating condition will be disappointed by this decision. Patient groups have actively engaged with this topic throughout the appraisal process and put forward a strong case for a positive recommendation because there are very few treatment options.
“We would like to make a more positive recommendation, but we cannot compromise on safety. The committee hopes that a randomised controlled trial currently taking place in Germany will provide them with the high-quality evidence they need. Once the study has reported its findings, we will review our guidance.”
NICE interventional procedures guidance applies to the whole of the United Kingdom."
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A huge welcome to Shirley Marriott
PhD BSc(Hons) B. Med. Sci MLDUK
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We asked Shirley:
How did you hear about DEEP OSCILLATION®?
What prompted you to buy?
I first came across Deep Oscillation when looking at lymphoedema articles. Reading around the subject and finding out how much benefit PhysioPod was helping individuals who had the treatment. Leading me to the PhysioPod website, where I learnt that the applications were numerous, and it could be used for so many different situations that aren’t related to lymphoedema.
Seeing the potential for the use of this machine within my therapies I contacted PhysioPod and after finding out the cost of the machines I decided to go with the PhysioPod Pro.
How do you find dealing with PhysioPod® UK Limited?
Dealing with both Mary and Julie has been simple and free from hassle. They have been thorough in answering any questions and quick to get back to me. Dealing with PhysioPod UK Limited is easy and fuss free.
Thank you so much Shirley!! Lovely to have you on #TeamPhysioPod
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PLEASE PRESS IMAGE TO
PLAY VIDEO FOLKS
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"What a difference a year makes as online activities increased the awareness of lymphoedema not just in the UK but around the world.
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I can remember a time, not so long ago when a “Call to Action” to reach patients, the public, clinicians, politicians, policy makers and health care providers would have fallen on deaf ears. Months and years of hard work by organisations to raise awareness often not taken seriously.
The power of social media and the events of the last two years has given patient associations, patient advocates and patient support groups who are mostly volunteers, the ability to accelerate campaigns and information sharing. This has given rise to a stronger patient voice for those of us who live with lymphoedema.
This year L-W-O Community and Mary Fickling of PhysioPod UK Ltd chose as our contribution to highlight Lymphoedema from Top to Toe. We had expert authors who wrote about their specialist lymphoedema topics including:
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Christine Talbot on Head and Neck Lymphoedema
Kate Barr on the Importance of Oral Hygiene
Sue Hansard on Breast/Axilla/Chest Wall
Jane Wigg provided a video on general tips for Arm & General Lymphoedema
Dr Rhian Noble-Jones provided tips on Genital Oedema
Catherine Groom wrote selfcare tips for Lymphoedema of the Leg
Mary and I are very grateful to all the above who shared their expertise and knowledge with our campaign. We shared patient stories highlighting the difficulties patients face. In addition, we included testimonials on the success of Deep Oscillation from both patient and healthcare professionals.
I wrote about the non-medical challenges that included the difficulty of buying clothes, footwear, and underwear. This year we included more #memberengagement from L-W-O Support Group. Mary designed and produced informative videos and some of our videos came with voiceovers as we are both becoming increasingly aware of the need for better accessibility.
Last year’s campaign was extremely successful but at times pulling it together was very stressful. This year we were both much more organised, with discussions throughout 2021 and from January 5th 2022 we started collating all the information we had gathered. We have had extremely positive feedback from right across the globe and both Mary and I appreciate the encouragement and support we have been given. ...
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by Dean Attwood
Mindset and Performance Coach
and Anxiety Expert
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In this article I want to focus on your morning and night time routines, however not the up at 5am have a protein shake and an hour of yoga… oooooh no
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I’m going to get you really excited and talk about Theta and your brain.
Wow bet that got you all onto the edge of your seats. Ha
Theta Brain is very important in processing information, making memories and emotional experiences and encoding NEW memories into thoughts. One of the major times they can kick in is just before you go to sleep and the first few minutes after you wake up – hence the importance of a great language routine.
So, as we have been talking about language, we must look at the process
of our self-talk when our mind is reprogramming itself and reinforcing memories and events.
Theta is linked with memory, emotions and the limbic brain. The limbic brain is a set of structures in the brain which deal with emotions and memory, it is involved in our behavioural and emotional responses including disorders of mood, anxiety, depression, PTSD and substance abuse etc. It is especially linked when it comes to behaviours and our ‘need’ for survival.
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Between the ages of 0-7 we are in our programming years, most of the time at this age our brains fluctuate between Alpha and Theta brainwave cycles, the same as when we meditate or go into hypnosis. These are the years that take, shape and form our beliefs about ourselves and the world. From our mapping system to our attachment style, to our reaction to the world and our place in it. They will show up in our behaviours, our achievements, our goals, how we choose friends, partners, the list goes on.
Example; Adults whose parents cared for their safety needs by providing food and shelter but neglected their emotional needs are more likely to develop an Anxious-Avoidant Attachment Style.
During different stages of your life, how many times have you adopted a survival strategy and language to compliment it? How often have you kept it running in the background and continued to use it, maybe even abuse it?
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How does your morning start?
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Paola Yanez Chandia thanks Maria del Rosario Pineda
on instagram, 21st March 2022.
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"We have to continue researching on the different treatments that can be performed on patients with advanced stage lymphoedema, thanks to virtuality we can chat with colleagues from around the world and share experiences to achieve the best for our patients.
➡️ Thanks to my colleague @mariadelrosario.pineda for all her advice on how to use Deep oscillation and for sharing her years of experience using this new technology in Latin America, but which in Europe has been used for more than 25 years. We look for the best for our patients 👐"
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Recently, a young family member has been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). A condition which Julie and I had never heard of before. This post including video and infographic created with facts from the FND Action Group is to raise awareness of this condition. Functional Neurological Disorder (FND):
FND describes neurological symptoms like limb weakness, tremor, numbness or blackouts, related to the movement and sensation parts of the nervous system…..
- Caused by a PROBLEM with the FUNCTIONING of the nervous system
- A “software” issue of the brain, not the hardware (as in stroke or MS)
- With positive diagnostic features typical of FND
- Causes day to day difficulties for the person who experiences them
Watch the video below to learn more....
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From @lymphie.fit
"Deep oscillation therapy ✨ my #1 daily treatment for the past 7 yrs. It’s battery powered and uses electrostatic impulses at various frequencies to gently oscillate your tissue layers. It feels like a very light vibration but the results are amazing. It helps with my pain and swelling faster and more effectively than any other treatment I have (and I’ve tried a lot). You can do the treatment on yourself using a handle or if you have someone to help you can switch out a cord and connect them with a sticky pad. They wear gloves and the treatment will then come from their hands. My therapists do MLD and buzzy on my leg at the same time - I think that this machine is an important part of lymphie future and I hope that it will be accessible to more people soon. ❤️"⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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INSTAGRAM NEWS FROM
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Nicki Eyre FRSA, my colleague on LinkedIn was honoured to have been invited to contribute to this important documentary on BBC Radio 4 - Dirty Work, which was broadcast on Tuesday 29 March and hosted by Matthew Taylor, himself a victim of bullying.
"Despite improvements in workplace culture, bullying at work appears as rife today as it was 20 years ago. Matthew Taylor asks why, and seeks answers to this often hidden problem."
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Presenter: Matthew Taylor:
"Over the past 20 years, our workplaces have changed for the better. The MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter have brought harassment and discriminatory actions to the fore, and our workplaces have generally become less tolerant of bad behaviour. But there’s another highly damaging aspect of workplace culture that often goes unchecked - workplace bullying. As members of the UK political class come under fire for bullying their staff, Matthew Taylor is putting bullying in the spotlight. Matthew Taylor is the Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, author of the Taylor Review into Modern Workplace Practices, and has spent many years thinking about creating safer environments for the future of our workforce. Despite his extensive grounding in tackling workplace culture, when he fell victim to poor treatment at work, it took him a long time to realise that what he was experiencing was bullying. Anxiety, self-doubt and isolation meant that he never did anything about it at the time, but it set him on a path of thinking about this prevalent and hidden issue. The pandemic has given many of us a chance to consider what we want from our working lives, and the so-called “Great Resignation” has brought new demands on employers to provide positive, meaningful working environments for their employees. Given the big shifts that are happening in employment, Matthew brings new perspectives and solutions to the table which are aiming to ensure that the future of work is better than the environments many of us work in today. Is bullying an inevitable part of a stressful and high-pressure work environment or is the fundamental way many workplaces are organised and managed a breeding ground for bullying? Matthew examines how work culture and the law could radically change to help prevent it.
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In reading our campaign survey feedback, it was apparent that those living with Lymphoedema would very much like to see what is available in terms of compression so that they can discuss options with their Lymphoedema Therapist at their reviews.
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So I was delighted to see this new strand on the LSN YOUTUBE channel, where the face behind the garment manufacturers introduce themselves ..... Thanks to LSN - Great initiative - as always... - I look forward to sharing the rest of the episodes..
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Newly acquired DEEP OSCILLATION® to be used in early general healing of sporting and occupational conditions and also Fibromyalgia, Fracture healing (post traumatic), Pre and Post General Surgery
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