South Downs Osteopathy

Spring has sprung, the sun is shining and many of us are keen to get out and about and improve our health after a less active winter. In the April/May issue of Inside Magazine I talk about preparing ourselves to get back into a healthier lifestyle safely.

With lots going on in Brighton over the coming months, the magazine is also packed with useful information about what's happening in and around the city. You can pick up a free copy from one of the many distributors throughout Brighton, Hove and Worthing, read online via Inside Magazine's website, or via the embedded copy, below.

It's the Brighton Half Marathon this weekend, Sunday 22nd February, and the Brighton Marathon is not far behind, on Sunday 16th April. So, for the current issue of Inside Magazine, my health column looks at how a strong, flexible back is crucial for an efficient running style and give some tips on improving low back flexibility.

You can read the article in the embedded copy of the magazine below, via the Inside Magazine website or you can pick up a copy at various outlets throughout Brighton, Hove and Worthing.

Want some tips on leg stretches to combat those post-run aches? Read my previous blog post, which offers advice on combating stiff, achy legs.

In the current issue of Inside Magazine, I discuss the importance of sleep for our general health, and the recent discovery that essential brain cleaning processes take place during sleep that cannot be carried out effectively when we are awake. There are also a few suggestions to help you sleep better. If you haven't picked up your free copy of Inside Magazine yet, you can read online or via the embedded copy, below.

As a rule of thumb, we should aim for around 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Regularly sleeping for anything less than 6 hours a night (or more than 9 hours a night) has been associated with reduced life expectancy. But don't worry if you find it hard to get your quota of sleep in one go - napping in the day can be good for you too (just 10 minutes can give you a much-needed boost in energy and alertness)!

The April/May 2014 issue of Inside Magazine is out now - look out for your free copy in various locations throughout Brighton & Hove and Worthing, or read online via the Inside Magazine website or the embedded copy, below!

There's plenty of interesting content in this issue, including a look at the Foodies' Festival and top picks from the Brighton Fringe. 

My health column focusses on a daily exercise that most of us can do to some degree, which can improve health and fitness, reduce stress, make us sleep better, slow ageing, make us happier and extend our life expectancy - not to mention giving us a break from the daily grind and encouraging us to explore our surroundings. I am talking about walking!

So, once you've read about the benefits, why not put your best foot forward and go for a walk?

The Feb/Mar 2014 issue of Inside Magazine is out now. As always, you can pick up your free copy at various locations in Brighton, Hove and Worthing.

This month is National Heart Month, with British Heart Foundation's Ramp Up The Red fundraising day on Friday 7th. My column in this issue discussed how the heart works, things that can go wrong and what you can do to keep your heart healthy. 

To read a copy of the magazine online, click here or view the embedded copy, below. 

If you live in Henfield, why not book yourself a free heart health check with me tomorrow? Donations to British Heart Foundation gratefully received! You can find me at the db Foot Clinic, on the corner of Brick Lane and Coopers Way. Call 01273 493467 to book your place.

Have you seen the Dec/Jan 2013/14 issue of Inside Magazine yet? It is packed with Christmas gift ideas and things to do over the festive season.

In the Health section, I answer a letter from a very special reader who suffers with terrible back ache at this time of year…

You can pick up your free copy of the magazine at various locations throughout Brighton & Hove and Worthing, or why not read the embedded copy, below.

Have you read the October/November 2013 issue of Inside Magazine? In my Health and Wellbeing column I discuss some simple ways to give your immune system a helpful boost in readiness for the cold and flu season. It could make all the difference in protecting you from germs over the winter months!

If you haven't yet picked up your copy of Inside Magazine, it is available for free at many stockists throughout Brighton, Hove and Worthing; or you can view the embedded copy, below.

Have you picked up the August/September 2013 issue of Inside Magazine yet? In this issue I discuss hay fever, why it has affected so many people this year and what can be done to combat the symptoms.

Free copies of Inside Magazine are available at stockists throughout Brighton & Hove and also Worthing or you can read an online version via the Inside Magazine website or the embedded copy below.

It was the Brighton Marathon yesterday and I was one of the many hundreds of volunteers involved! I was working in the medical tent at the finish line and heard stories from the runners I treated, ranging from the elation of an experienced runner setting a personal best to the disappointment of not completing the run due to injury or exhaustion. Regardless, it was very apparent that everyone had pushed themselves to the absolute limit and given it their all, so they should feel very proud of that fact!

The atmosphere at the finish line was amazing. The crowd cheered everyone and everything on, from the cavalcade of motorbikes, scooters and classic Minis that crossed the line ahead of the runners; to the elite athletes; to the very last person that crossed the line. The volunteers were working hard retrieving runners' kit bags and giving out space blankets, drinks and snacks to the runners as they crossed the line. 

In the medical tent, there were various medical professionals including doctors, nurses, St John's Ambulance, podiatrists, physiotherapists and myself. It was a great team atmosphere and an excellent opportunity to work directly alongside other healthcare professionals to give the best possible care to the runners that came in. I worked particularly closely with Jodie, Amy and Jane, the team of physiotherapists from Body Rehab Studios, who made me feel a welcome addition to their team, so a special thank you to them! The most common complaint I dealt with yesterday was leg cramps which, although stubborn, seemed to respond well to treatment and hopefully meant those runners were able to enjoy their post-marathon celebrations a little more. There were also plenty of sore backs, knees and feet to deal with, as well as some more serious strains and sprains that needed attention, so it was a very busy (but very enjoyable) day.

A huge congratulations to all who took part at the Brighton Marathon yesterday! 


Did you take part? If your muscles are feeling rather stiff and achy after your efforts, some gentle stretching will help to relax them. Have a look at my previous blog post for advice on safe, effective stretching.

For race results and a summary of the day in general, visit http://www.brightonmarathon.co.uk/raceday/

The April/May 2013 issue of the excellent Inside Magazine is available now for free, throughout Brighton and Hove.

In this issue I address a question about stretching, from someone training for the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 14th April. If you are training for the marathon, or a keen runner generally, it is likely you already have your own stretching regime to maintain flexibility and combat those post-training muscle aches. But do you know the secret to performing those stretches effectively? Why not pick up a copy of Inside Magazine and check out my article on page 30? Alternatively, you can view an online version on the Inside Magazine website or via the embedded copy, below.