Pregnancy Awareness Month

Thank you to all those who attended the 2013 FHT Annual Training Congress at the NEC…

A big thank you to all those members, friends and expert speakers who joined us at our 2013 Annual Training Congress, held at the NEC, Birmingham, on 19 May.

As always, it was lovely to meet so many members face-to-face – including several of our FHT Excellence Award winners – at what was a truly inspiring event. Initial feedback certainly indicates that our seminars and workshops were very well-received, and that members appreciated having some longer sessions in order to learn more in-depth knowledge and skills.

Our first all-day workshop held at an FHT Annual Congress was also a huge success, with 15 delegates completing a short Fascial Facial course with Ruth Duncan, from MFR UK. Members who completed this training and have insurance through the FHT will now be covered to practise what they learned on the day.

Thank you to all those who were able to stay and join us at our Social Hour at the end of the day, to enjoy some refreshments and nibbles and the opportunity to mingle with other members, FHT staff and Governing Council members. It was also lovely to be joined by Ruby Siah SK, Chief Accreditation Inspector, FHT Malaysia, who was presented with a glass plaque by FHT President, Jennifer Wayte, in recognition of her work in improving therapy training standards in Malaysia.

And finally, congratulations to Tracey Nixon, MFHT, who won a therapy coach – kindly donated by Affinity – which was raffled on the day to raise money towards the FHT President’s Project. Spearheaded by Jennifer Wayte and supported by Mel Cash and Bharti and Raj Vyas, the aim of this project is to provide holistic therapy training to people in underprivileged parts of India, helping to not only improve their prospects, but also the health and well-being of their community. Thank you to those who purchased tickets and contributed towards this very worthwhile cause.

If you did not have a chance to complete a feedback form on the day, please feel free to send in your comments by downloading and completing our Feedback Form and returning this to events@fht.org.uk

For those who were unable to join us on this occasion, we hope you’ll consider coming along next time, so that you can enjoy all of the wonderful opportunities a member-dedicated event like this has to offer.

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College of Medicine poster session

Open to you...

FHT member and professional massage therapist, Sue Lorrimer MFHT, has been elected by her peers to sit on the independent voluntary regulator’s, CNHC,  Profession Specific Board (PSB) for massage therapy. Sue, who practises in the North of England began her training in holistic therapies in 2003 and runs her own health promoting business serving clients which include Teesside University.  At the University Sue has been involved in a funded research project into Thai and Swedish massage and continues to write case studies and critical reviews in complementary healthcare. The FHT wishes Sue every success in her new role supporting the development of standards and professional practice in massage therapy.

FHT Governing Council member, Christine Fisk FFHT, is the lead expert on the PSB for Aromatherapy. Christine has been a member of Aromatherapy PSB since its inception 3 years ago however her promotion to the lead role will ensure that aromatherapy continues to move forward in terms of skill, competence and public safety.

Sue and Christine join FHT President, Jennifer Wayte FFHT, who has previously been the lead PSB member for Massage and who is now the current lead for Sports Therapy. Other FHT members who represent their disciplines on behalf of the industry are Herman Fenton MFHT for Sports Therapy, and Tanya Morgan FFHT, for Reflexology.

The FHT continues to be the only professional association that supports the CNHC for all voluntary regulated modalities. 

Image © 2012 Teeside University

Click here and here >> for more information

Long term conditions: developing global integrative and sustainable solutions

11-13 April 2013 @ Institute for Education, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AL

The 8th annual International Congress of Complementary Medicine Research - ICCMR 2013 - will focus on the global sustainability of healthcare for long term conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, psychological problems, neurodegenerative conditions and arthritis. Long term conditions are the major cause of mortality among adults in almost all countries; between 35 and 58 million deaths annually worldwide are due to these illnesses and their complications. In addition:

• 80% of medical consultations in industrialised countries are for long term conditions
• The spiralling cost of healthcare – particularly in developed economies – is a matter of pressing concern as economic growth continues to flat-line
• Conventional medicine has been extremely successful in many acute situations but sufferers of long term conditions often take multiple drugs and have a high prevalence of iatrogenic illness
• The carbon footprint of the pharmaceutical industry is substantial and many of its products are targeted at long term conditions
• The underexploited resources worldwide from within traditional/complementary/ integrated medicine may have the significant potential to address these issues. This agenda will seek to highlight and exploit effective treatments, sustainable in environmental and economic terms, and to mobilise all relevant medical resources and self-care approaches from diverse regions of the world.
  

The congress will promote discussion on the generalisability of self-care techniques such as yoga and Tai-chi. These traditional self-care methods will, with increasing research support, be relatively easy to generalise globally, despite their deep cultural roots in India and China.    

ICCMR 2013 will also consider the implications of the CAMbrella report and suggested European research and delivery strategy. This report is due for publication a few months before the conference and although mainly relevant for the EU, it will have worldwide implications.

Congress leaflet >>
Congress programme >>

Visit www.iccmr2013.org for more details and to book

Bowen Therapy is approved for Hong Kong’s public hospital system

Full details >>

More...

University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre is looking for volunteer complementary therapists to provide therapies at the Macmillan Support and Information Service, UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre, Huntley Street London WC1E 6DH.

Therapies include aromatherapy, massage, reflexology and reiki, and are available to cancer patients and carers at the Centre, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, cope better with illness and pain control, and also relieve some side effects of treatment.

For full details, please download the role description >>

To apply or for further information, please email laura.dowling@uclh.nhs.uk

Please note: while the FHT believes that volunteering often provides members with valuable clinical experience and training, we do believe that complementary therapists should be paid for their professional services.

Since its inauguration in 2010, the FHT has enjoyed a close working relationship with the College of Medicine, and its Chair, Dr Michael Dixon (pictured).

The College aims to unite patients, doctors, nurses and other health professionals; an alliance it believes will ‘combine scientific knowledge, clinical expertise and the patients’ own perspective, to redefine what good medicine means.’ In doing so, the College hopes to renew the traditional values of service, commitment and compassion, and create a more holistic, patient-centred, preventative approach to healthcare.

To read an FHT interview with the College’s Chair, Dr Michael Dixon, click here >>

A year’s free membership

The FHT has recently negotiated a year’s free membership of the College of Medicine* for all FHT members. Benefits of membership include access to College reports, and discounted courses and seminars, including the College’s 2013 Annual Conference and First Thursday Lectures.

To enjoy a year’s free membership, FHT members must apply before the 31 March, 2012.

For more information, click here >>

College of Medicine Annual Conference 2013

This year, the College’s annual conference will be held at the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Regent's Park, London on Tuesday, 11th June. The focus of the conference this year will be self-care, and confirmed speakers include Norman Lamb MP, Minister for Health; Professor Kay Riley, Chief Nurse, Barts Hospital; Richard Lane OBE, President of Diabetes UK; and Professor Sir Graeme Catto, President, College of Medicine.

Cost: £100 for College of Medicine members (non-members: £160).

For more information, click here >>

First Thursday Lectures

Throughout 2013, members of College of Medicine and the FHT can continue to enjoy a 40% discount off any of the College of Medicine's First Thursday Lectures, commencing this spring. These lectures take place on the first Thursday of each month, at various venues across London. Topics vary but each lecture focuses on cutting edge science and new approaches across healthcare, from links between insulin resistance and athletic performance, to the role of herbal medicine in orthodox health care.   

Cost:  £12 for College of Medicine members (non-members: £20).

For more information, click here >>

Entries for the Michael Pittilo Essay Award now open

The College recently announced details about its 2013 Michael Pittilo Essay Award, which is open to all UK students studying a healthcare subject at undergraduate level or above, including medicine, midwifery, nursing and voluntary or statutory regulated CAM therapies, and more.

The FHT is proud to have been part of the judging panel for this award since it was first launched in 2010.

The title for the 2013 award, in line with the College’s annual conference theme of self-care and greater opportunities for health, is:

Q. Who cares? With services overburdened by growing demand and restricted supply, what opportunities for health creation are there to improve the accessibility and sustainability of health services in the UK?

The winner will receive £500, have their essay published in International Therapist, and the opportunity to present at the College of Medicine’s annual conference on 11th June 2013.

Entries close at 6pm, Friday, 26th April, 2013

For more information, click here >>

To read the winning Michael Pittilo essays from 2010 to 2012, click here >>

*Please note that while the College of Medicine and FHT share many common values, the College offers different membership benefits to that of the FHT. The FHT’s primary objective as a professional association is to support and promote complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapists, through a range of services and products that are tailor-made to help you and your therapy practice.

The College of Medicine has announced details about its 2013 Michael Pittilo Essay Award, which is open to all UK students studying a healthcare subject at undergraduate level or above, including medicine, midwifery, nursing and voluntary* or statutory regulated CAM therapies, and more.

Now in its fourth year, the award is named after the late Professor Michael Pittilo, Vice Chancellor of Robert Gordon University. Professor Pittilo was a scientist, educationalist and champion of inter-professional education. He was also chairman of the regulatory working groups for herbal medicine and acupuncture.

The FHT is proud to have been part of the judging panel for this award since it was first launched in 2010.

The title for the 2013 award, in line with the College’s annual theme of self-care and greater opportunities for health, is:

Q. Who cares? With services overburdened by growing demand and restricted supply, what opportunities for health creation are there to improve the accessibility and sustainability of health services in the UK?

The winner will receive £500, have their essay published in International Therapist, and the opportunity to present at the College of Medicine’s annual conference on 11th June 2013.

Entries close at 6pm, Friday, 26th April, 2013

For more information, click here >>

*Complementary therapies currently under the voluntary regulation of the CNHC include Alexander technique teaching, aromatherapy, Bowen therapy, craniosacral therapy, healing, hypnotherapy, massage therapies, microsystems acupuncture, naturopathy, nutritional therapy, reflexology, reiki, shiatsu, sports and remedial therapy and yoga therapy.

We are pleased to announce that in 2013, the FHT will not be increasing its membership fees. The fee freeze over the past five years has been against a background of a troubled economy and rising inflation in the same period.

More than 2,000 Britons lack the confidence to challenge GPs and consultants

A recent poll of more than 2,000 Britons shows that many patients do not have the confidence to challenge the medical advice of GPs and consultants.

Following these results, the Patients Association has partnered with Bupa to provide guidelines for patients who feel that they are not satisfied and want their concerns to be addressed.

Dr Paul Zollinger-Read, Chief Medical Officer at Bupa, said:

“As a former GP, I know how little time each patient has with their doctor and that’s all the more reason to make the most of the time you do have.  It’s very important for people to feel empowered to ask questions, discuss alternative treatments and to fully understand the risks and benefits of a procedure.

“Our research shows those who are most in need of good health advice are the least confident during their appointments, so doctors must also prompt questions and encourage patients to speak up. Everyone benefits because patients who are involved in decisions about their care are much more likely to have a satisfactory result.”

Bupa press release and the Constructive Conversations patient booklet >>

Find out more about the Adult Entitlement to Learning scheme...

The Queen’s doctor takes a holistic approach to healthcare

Dr Tim Evans, Apothecary to Her Majesty and the Royal Household, is passionate about complementary therapies. He spoke to The Telegraph about his holistic approach to healthcare:

"He has had colonic hydrotherapy (“it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be”), raves about acupuncture (it has almost completely got rid of his hay fever) and thinks osteopathy is great. “But there’s not a lot of evidence behind homeopathy, which is a shame.”

He says he takes a “holistic approach” to things and goes in for “functional medicine, where we look at the patient, not the illness – it is about prevention, not cure. I have always been an integrated doctor, even when I didn’t realise it.”

Full article

Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

More info...

Research published in the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing looked at the use of complementary and alternative therapy among Lebanese patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, as well as the perceived efficacy and side effects of complementary and alternative therapy in the treatment of these diseases.

Therapies used included exercise, massage, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, herbal medicine and dietary supplements, with many reporting them beneficial.

Further details and research abstract >>

Crisis, a charity that supports single homeless people, is urging complementary therapists in the London area to volunteer their services over the festive season as part of Crisis at Christmas, which runs from Sunday 23 December to Sunday 30 December 2012.

Up to ten temporary centres will be set up in London by Crisis, providing vital companionship and hot meals for homeless and vulnerably housed people, as well as essential services such as health checks, housing advice, training and further education opportunities.

Crisis aims to provide a range of massage and well-being therapies to guests across all centres at Crisis at Christmas. This includes Swedish massage, shiatsu, Indian head massage and reflexology, to ensure guests receive a holistic approach to their health.

This is a popular service so Crisis needs a high number of people to volunteer so that as many guests as possible have the chance to feel relaxed and looked after this Christmas.

Shifts run from 10.30am to 6pm starting on Monday 24 December through to Saturday 29 December. Crisis asks that every volunteer signs up for a minimum of two shifts.

To apply or for further information

Online volunteer application forms and further information can be found on the Crisis website at www.crisis.org.uk  Alternatively, please call Crisis direct on 0300 636 1000.

Thinking of volunteering?

FHT Member, Caroline Mead, volunteered for Crisis at Christmas in 2010. To read about her experience, click here >>

If you take part in Crisis at Christmas this year, please be sure to send in a write up so that we can share your experience with other FHT members. Email Joanna Reeves, Deputy Editor, at jreeves@fht.org.uk

Volunteering opportunity with the Hammersmith and Fulham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service

A night to remember

The FHT is delighted to read that Dr Dixon, integrated health advocate and Chair of NHS Alliance and the College of Medicine, has been ranked 9th place in the ‘Top 50 most influential GPs’.

Full details on PulseToday >>

To read an FHT interview with Dr Dixon, click here >>

WorldSkills competitions

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World Reflexology Week - free resources for members!

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A three-year study by PhD researcher Jenny Jones, from the School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health, University of Stirling, and Professor Steve Leslie, a cardiologist from the Cardiac Unit at Raigmore Hospital, looked at the effects of reflexology in both healthy volunteers and patients with cardiac disease.

The results of this double-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT) showed that working the heart reflex on the feet had a small effect on heart function in healthy volunteers. No heart function change was detected when ‘non-heart’ reflexes or other areas of the feet were treated. While there was no change in the hearts of the cardiology patients, all subjects in this group found the treatment to be very relaxing, indicating that reflexology is a safe and useful relaxation tool for cardiac patients.

Jenny told the FHT, ‘Professor Leslie and I are very pleased to be able to provide some positive research in this area, as there is currently a lack of scientific evidence available on complementary therapies such as reflexology. We are very excited by these initial results which warrant further research.  Furthermore, as cardiac patients and doctors are unclear whether reflexology is safe, we can now confidently say that there is no major change in cardiac function in this patient group, although longer term effects need further study’.

The full research paper will be published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice and is available online at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S174438811200031X

Further information and related articles can also be found at: 

http://www.stir.ac.uk/2012/reflexology-affects-the-hearts-of-non-cardiology-patients/name-29428-en.html

http://www.heraldscotland.com/mobile/news/health/reflexology-treatment-affects-heart-functions.18146487?_=6b2bd402d209c54d3bac7cde5c365a6810c3d099
 
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-07-reflexology-affects-hearts-non-cardiology-patients.html
 
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9398070/Reflexology-improves-heart-efficiency-claim-researchers.html

The FHT was extremely disappointed when the Care Quality Commission (CQC) ceased to regulate the use of IPL and lasers for cosmetic purposes in England in October 2010. This effectively meant that overnight, therapists without appropriate training could offer IPL and laser-based cosmetic treatments to the public, posing numerous health and safety risks.

IPL and lasers are classed by the beauty therapy industry as advanced beauty therapy practices (Level 4). In 2010, national occupational standard (NOS) units in IPL and laser treatments, for the purposes of reducing hair growth and photo rejuvenation, were produced by Habia, the government-appointed sector skills body for beauty, hair, nails and spa therapies. (Please note that these units are currently under review.)

Click here to read the FHT's full statement >>

A new business start up programme has been launched following the award of £15 million of funding from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF), and a further £1 million from Barclays. The Ready for Business programme will be run by the National Enterprise Network and is specifically aimed at the transfer of public sector employees into the private sector. The scheme will provide a package of support including seminars, one-to-one advice, access to finance, business planning and ongoing mentoring.

More information about Ready for Business >>

A golden moment:

Office opening times

The office will close from Friday 6th July at 12.00pm to Monday 9th July at 12.00pm.

If you haven't booked your ticket for the event, don't worry - you can still come along!  Entry is free and there will be a limited number of tickets for lectures and workshops available to purchase from the booking desk at reception.

Directions and opening times for the event can be found by following the link below.

Full details >>

Free support service for social enterprises launched

For more information, click here

Inspire2Enterprise brochure

Members who run well-being projects within their community would be a perfect example of a social enterprise.  A 'social enterprise' in an organisation with a clear social mission, maximising profits for the continued wellbeing of its target market. Its social mission should be set out in governing documents, it should reinvest the majority of its profits, be accountable and transparent.   

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Watch the Royal College of Midwives' video on the threat to maternity services

A forty second animated video encouraging people to sign an e-petition calling for 5000 more midwives has been launched by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). The video is the latest move in the RCM’s Protect Maternity Services campaign.

The animation and voiceover highlight the rapidly rising birthrate and the lack of adequate numbers of midwives to cope with the demands being made on maternity services. Viewers of the animation can click straight through to the RCM’s e-petition, and buttons under the video enable it to be shared via Twitter and Facebook.

The e-petition calling for 5000 more midwives is one of the top ten most popular petitions with over 46,000 signatures so far. 100,000 signatures are needed by August 22nd 2012 to generate a parliamentary debate on the issue.

RCM Chief Executive, Cathy Warwick, said: “I hope that the animation will be shared by midwives and the public with colleagues, family and friends. We really need people to get behind this campaign and to sign our petition.

The Government know there is a problem and are committed to training more midwives, but what is needed are more midwifery jobs. It is pointless training more midwives if they cannot get employment.”

The animation can be viewed at http://protect.rcm.org.uk/RCM-video and a direct link to the e-petition is http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/13716

Healthsector.net

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Volunteers and charities to benefit from portable CRBs

Volunteers will only need a single criminal records bureau (CRB) check allowing them to work for multiple organisations, under new legislation passed earlier this month. Organisations will be able to check any new information recorded by the police since the CRB certificate was issued, and enhanced checks will only be required for certain roles requiring very close contact with children or vulnerable adults. In addition, the Cabinet Office has published a code of good practice for volunteers, and a set of guidelines for charities on how to run an event, written by the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

There is more on the new legislation at: http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/Policy_and_Politics/article/1132915/volunteers-single-portable-criminal-records-check-new-law/

The Treatment Experience Zone at Mind Body Soul, Olympia

Limited space available for independent therapists...

To celebrate their 10 year anniversary, the Mind Body Soul Exhibition at Olympia (28-30 September) has introduced a new element to this year’s event.

The Treatment Experience Zone is an area dedicated to independent therapists, where visitors can explore and experiment a wide range of holistic therapy taster sessions from Acupressure to Thai massage, to heal the mind, body and soul.

Stands measure 1.5m x 2m and cost £250 plus VAT (£292 plus VAT for a prime position). This offer is only available to independent therapists, with limited space available.

For more information, email lisa@primeimpact.co.uk or call 01787 224040.

The Queen uses homeopathy

"She is a firm believer in alternative remedies" More...

In today’s Daily Mail, correspondent Brian Hoey reports:

“For her extended foreign tours, the Queen’s luggage can weigh more than four tons — and that includes 60 vials of homeopathic medicines, carried in a special leather case, without which she won’t travel anywhere.

She is a firm believer in alternative remedies, preferring them to conventional medicine.

She has even  been known to treat one of her corgis homeopathically after the animal  cut its foot. She bathed the wound in a special ointment and the injured paw was healed within days. When she was asked why she used the treatment, she replied: ‘If it’s good enough for me, it should be good enough for my dogs.’

Packets of vitamins, cold cures and treatments for every sort of ailment  — from Montezuma’s Revenge to arthritis of the knees — are all packed.

There’s even a special little electro-magnetic gadget for massaging the aching shoulders or wrists of the woman who was once said to ‘shake hands for a living’.

As for never sneezing: if the Queen  has an outdoor engagement and is likely to be troubled by pollen, she takes a pre-emptive hay-fever antidote.

SO WHAT IS IN THAT HANDBAG?

though she carries her own handbag (which contains just a handkerchief, lipstick, a tiny mirror and a copy of the day’s programme), one of her ladies-in-waiting always has what is known as the ‘Brown Bag’.

This holds all the essentials she might need in an emergency: spare pairs of tights, gloves, those sweeteners and a moist, lavender-scented cloth in case of extreme heat.”

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2149647/So-does-Queen-sneeze-public-Mail-light-heated-look-Her-Majestys-little-secrets.html#ixzz1vroxexiT

Image source: NASA/Bill Ingalls

The FHT blog - 'Live from HQ'

Updated daily with hot off the press news, information and trends in the complementary, beauty and sports therapy industry. Recent posts include:

Jubilee celebrations have hit Neal's Yard Remedies...
Thyme heals all?...
Hot lips indeed!...
Real mink eyelashes are sweeping UK salons...
The UK's Longest Bike Ride 2012...
Osteoporosis and men...

Visit www.fht.org.uk/blog or to browse on your mobile, www.fht.org.uk/mobile

Feel free to share our posts on Facebook and Twitter by simply clicking the '+' share icon.

The UK's Longest Bike Ride 2012

Hair and beauty industry set to create 11,000 jobs in 2012

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The hair and beauty industry is set to generate 11,000 new jobs this year, according to a survey by Salon Services. The survey found that jobs in London could see the greatest growth with 32% of respondents saying they would create roles, equating to an estimated 2,298 new jobs.

The industry's growth has been driven by an increase in demand for male hair and beauty treatments over the past year, with 66% of those respondents offering male treatments reporting an increase in demand. The report found that 31% of male clients requested massages and 30% asked for hair removal, while nail and tanning treatments rose by 18% and 17% respectively.

Read more on this survey >>

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Complementary Medicine found to be one of the fastest growth businesses

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Less than five per cent of all small businesses play the biggest role in boosting the UK economy and account for two-thirds of all private-sector employment, according to a new report by Santander Corporate Banking. The highest concentrations were found in sectors such as Social Work (14.7 per cent), Complementary Medicine, such as homeopathy and physiotherapy, (11.4 per cent), and Architectural and Engineering activities (7.7 per cent).

More >>

Similar findings can be found here >>

CNHC voluntary register opens to Reiki practitioners

The voluntary regulator’s role is to independently protect the public and is the only voluntary regulator for complementary healthcare that was established with government support. Reiki is the 14th discipline to join the CNHC register since it opened in January 2009.

FHT members who are qualified Reiki practitioners and wish to be verified by the FHT can complete the online registration form (www.fht.org.uk/cnhc) and save the CNHC administration fee.

For more information visit www.fht.org.uk/voluntaryregulation

Do you run well-being projects within your community?

A new £1 million programme to provide training and funding for social enterprises has been launched by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE). The Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs programme aims to support 750 social enterprises over five years by providing training programmes and grants to help them start up or grow. Alastair Wilson, chief executive of the SSE, said: "To tackle the huge social and environmental challenges that we face today, we need to recruit inspirational people with entrepreneurial flair from our communities - and give them the best tools to succeed.

How does this apply to me?

Members who run well-being projects within their community would be a perfect example of a social enterprise.  A 'social enterprise' in an organisation with a clear social mission, maximising profits for the continued wellbeing of its target market. Its social mission should be set out in governing documents, it should reinvest the majority of its profits, be accountable and transparent. 

Click here for more information about the Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs programme 

For information about other ways of funding social enterprises, click here >> 

NHSBT and Facebook use the power of sharing to boost organ donation

Full details...

A new collaboration to help boost the number of people on the Organ Donor Register was announced today by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and Facebook.

Facebook’s new Timeline enables people to post key life events and milestones to their profile. From today, by clicking a new health and wellbeing button,  this can include their intention to become an organ donor - with the added benefit of sharing that information with friends and family.

NHSBT already uses social media to engage with wide audiences and people can register to be an organ donor on NHSBT’s Facebook page. The new initiative means people can log their support for organ donation on their Facebook Timeline and, if they wish, click through to NHSBT’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/organdonationuk to officially register.

People who use Facebook will not have officially registered their wishes unless they sign-up to the ODR. But even if they don’t actually register, they will still be sharing their views with friends and family which is a crucial part of organ donation.  Over 30 million people in the UK use Facebook.

NHSBT’s Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation, Sally Johnson, said:

“We need more people to sign up to the register and share their wishes with their friends and family, our job is to make that as quick and easy as possible. This is an exciting new way to use the power of social media to reach a huge audience and encourage people to think about it, act, and share that information.”

Evidence shows only 50% of those who wish to donate organs after death let their families know. Relatives who know about wishes to donate are 50% more likely to agree to donation.  Each time consent is given for organ donation, this can save or improve the lives of up to nine people.

Currently around 10,000 people need a transplant in the UK and three people die every day waiting. 

Facebook’s UK Director of Policy, Simon Milner, said:

“Small acts of kindness happen every day on Facebook but we hope that our partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant will use the power of friendship to save lives. More than 30 million people in the UK will be able to show on their Timeline that they are either on the organ donation register already, or can register with the NHS on their Facebook page in a few simple steps. We hope that as a result of this partnership, UK Facebook users will together be able to reduce the number of people who needlessly die waiting for an organ each year.”

Today’s announcement coincides with the launch of a similar venture in the United States of America.

Visit www.facebook.com/organdonationuk to officially register

FHT Member, Mary Atkinson, supports Tsunami survivors with Positive Touch for Children Programme

In February, we told you about Mary Atkinson’s incredible Positive Touch for Children Programme, in kindergartens and schools in Rikuzentakata, Iwate. This city was one of the hardest hit by the Tsunami in Japan, in March 2011.

Mary has just returned from Rikuzentakata with this very moving update >>

New film explains the importance of folic acid to any woman who can have a baby

As part of their campaign, Go Folic!, Shine aims to communicate the message that taking folic acid is essential in preventing birth defects such as spina bifida.

"Although many women would make an association between folic acid and pregnancy, the majority are unaware that it needs to be present at conception, ideally being taken three months before a baby starts to develop," explains Shine’s Chief Executive, Jackie Bland.

"The ‘I am a…’ film communicates this message clearly and effectively from a mother’s point of view and we hope it will be widely circulated and used by anyone concerned to prevent these disabilities occurring. By ensuring that folic acid is taken correctly by more women we really can save and change lives."

To watch the film >>

For more information on the Go Folic! campaign see: www.gofolic.co.uk

Therapy practitioner advertising update

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Sports Therapy announcement by Skills for Health

Skills for Health (SfH), the Sector Skills Council for Health, has announced its lead responsibility for developing the Sports Therapy National Occupational Standards (NOS). SfH has agreed with Skills Active, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure, Learning and Well-being, and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), that the Sports Therapy NOS will transfer to the Health sector.
 
NOS describe the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to undertake a particular task or job to a nationally recognised level of competence. They focus on what the person needs to be able to do, as well as what they must know and understand, to work effectively. They cover the key activities undertaken within the occupation in question, under all the circumstances the job holder is likely to encounter. 

FHT member discount for College of Medicine (CoM) workshops and conference

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For the third year running, the FHT is delighted to have been invited to join the panel of judges for the Michael Pittilo Student Essay Award 2012, organised by the College of Medicine (CoM). The winning essay, which this year will focus on strategies that can be used by health practitioners to encourage healthy ageing, will be published in International Therapist, and the winner will have the opportunity to address the CoM annual conference.

CoM annual conference: ‘Healthy Ageing: Radical New Solutions’
2-3 May 2012
At the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London

We are also pleased to advise FHT members that those wishing to attend the CoM annual conference and workshops can enjoy the same discount available to CoM members when booking. This year’s theme is ‘Healthy Ageing: Radical New Solutions’. The conference will feature 2009 Nobel Laureate Professor Elizabeth Blackburn, international expert on ageing and telomeres, as keynote speaker.

To see the programme with its array of high profile speakers, click here >>

Wednesday 2nd May

CoM will be running four practical workshops on (i) women's health; (ii) back pain and neuro-musculoskeletal conditions; (iii) anticipatory care; and (iv) herbal medicine. To read more about these workshops, click here >>>

Thursday 3rd May

The conference dinner on the Thursday offers opportunities for delegates to socialise and network. The CoM are expecting a VIP guest who will be delivering a major health policy speech.

To book your place, click here >> or download a paper booking by clicking here >>

When booking, quote ‘FHT’ to receive the same discount as CoM members

Launch of The M.E, CFS and Fibromyalgia Recovery Association

Inaugural lunch 
Monday 7th May at 12.30pm
Effingham Park Hotel, West Sussex

The M.E, CFS and Fibromyalgia Recovery Association is a social enterprise, formed to educate, inform and inspire those suffering or dealing with M.E, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

The Association has been founded by those who have personally experienced M.E but now feel fully recovered, along with those who have dedicated their working lives to helping others to recover.

Come along to their inaugural lunch, to:

• Meet international TV broadcaster Nicholas Owen who is hosting the event
• Meet VIPs who are leaders in M.E recovery
• Enjoy live entertainment with Rock Choir, as seen on TV
• Free goody bag
• Help raise funds to launch their much needed helpline
• Change the way M.E is perceived and presented

Only £50 per ticket!

Visit www.mecfra.org to book

Download the event leaflet >>
Read the press release >>

Could cabbage hold the key to preventing diseases? Take part in this study...

Scientists are investigating whether compounds found in cabbage could help prevent against diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Experts from the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health are calling for volunteers to take part in a study into the potential health benefits of different varieties of the vegetable.

Dr Wendy Russell, from the Rowett Institute, who is leading the project, said: "Our study will investigate compounds found in different species of cabbage produced in Scotland, with the aim of identifying which ones have a positive impact on health when we eat them.

"Volunteers taking part in the research will be required to eat quantities of kale, white and red cabbage, and we will monitor the affect eating these vegetables, has on their body over the course of a day.

"Building a clear picture of where the different compounds found in cabbage travel in the human body, and what they are converted into, will help us understand if any of these compounds could potentially help prevent against different types of cancers and cardiovascular diseases."

The study is one component of a wider project being conducted at the Rowett Institute looking at the potential health benefits of Scottish produce.

It is part of a major multidisciplinary research initiative funded by the Scottish Government to address issues such as climate change, land use and food security.

Dr Russell continued: "The overarching aim of our research is to not only improve Scotland's health but also boost the wealth of the nation.

"If we can identify compounds in foods produced in Scotland, such as cabbage, which have clear health benefits it would provide the evidence needed to encourage the public to choose these foods as part of their regular diet.

"It would also allow us to give strong agricultural advice on developing strains of these vegetables that are more prominent in these particular compounds, and to influence manufacturers of health-conscious ready meals to include these vegetables in the products they develop in the future."

Healthy, non-smokers from Aberdeen city and shire, between the ages of 18 and 55 are sought for the cabbage study, which will be based at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition of Health in Bucksburn.

Volunteers should not be taking any prescription medication, regular aspirin, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, antibiotics or nutritional supplements.

Those interested in taking part in the study should contact David Bremner on 01224738785 or by email at d.bremner@abdn.ac.uk

If you do take part, we would love to hear about it. Please email jrimell@fht.org.uk with any updates.

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Volunteer therapists required for a 39-bedroom homeless hostel in Kings Cross, Camden

Single Homelessness Project (SHP) provides innovative accommodation and support services to 3,500 of London’s most vulnerable people. It provides supported accommodation for homeless people facing social exclusion, giving the specialist support they need to find stability and move on in their lives. SHP’s approach to working with clients is based on their full involvement in support planning.

SHP is now seeking to complement the positive work undertaken with residents, with additional complementary therapies to aid their progression. The vacant positions are being sought at a 39-bedroom hostel in Kings Cross, Camden, known as Dennis Handfield House (DHH). DHH is part of the Camden Pathway. The service is for people with needs relating to continued drug and alcohol use, or/and people who are designated 'Multiple Exclusion' under the Camden Pathway.

The service aims to retain in accommodation those previously excluded from other hostels and stabilise their risky and harmful behaviours including addressing street activity and anti-social behaviour.

The service also aims to work in partnership with external agencies, including primary healthcare services and specialist services, such as needle exchange facilities. It strives to promote meaningful use of time and prepare clients to move on towards independence through the Camden Hostels Pathway.

SHP is hoping to recruit a variety of therapists to undertake regular sessions of therapy for clients to access. Therapies include: emotional freedom technique (EFT), acupuncture, reiki, shiatsu, reflexology, massage, aromatherapy, nutritional therapy, stone therapy and aoga. However, this is a new venture for the service and is open to suggestions of any therapy which may benefit residents.

If you are interested in this post please contact SHP for an application form at rlevell@shp.org.uk Alternatively, please go to www.shp.org.uk/jobs

CVs will not be accepted

SHP is IIP accredited and an equal opportunities employer.

Registered Office: 245 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8QY
Company Limited by Guarantee Number 1741926 Registered in England | Registered Charity Number 287779

While the FHT believes that volunteering often provides members with valuable clinical experience and training, we do believe that complementary therapists should be paid for their professional services.

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Music reduces anxiety, reports surgeons

"Playing music to patients while they go under the knife reduces their anxiety and may even aid healing, surgeons say.

Easy listening tracks and chart hits can have a calming effect on patients who are awake for surgery under local anaesthetic, a team at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford found.

Listening to the radio also helped.

Their small study, published in Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons, tracked the progress of 96 patients having minor surgery at the hospital."

Click here to read the full BBC article

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The Chancellor''s Budget 2012 – FHT Members’ Summary Report

This is a members-only item. 

Please login at the top-right of this page.

FHT enters international accreditation partnership in Malaysia

After 50 years in the UK, the FHT is taking its therapy training course accreditation to Malaysia with the intention of raising the quality standards of training outcomes and skill standards of professional therapists in complementary healthcare, holistic beauty and sports therapies. 

More >>

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Volunteer therapists needed to support charity walk in Wales

In May, FHT member Ed Robinson (pictured) will be supporting his good friend, Paul Ashley, as he embarks on a 200 mile coast to coast walk, from Conwy to Barry Island, in aid of Hope House Children’s Hospice (www.hopehouse.org.uk). Hope House provides care and support to terminally ill children and their families across Shropshire, Mid Wales, Cheshire and North Wales.

Starting his challenge on 8 May, Paul hopes to complete approximately 20 miles a day and is looking for massage/ sports massage volunteer therapists to support him during the course of his challenge. The role would include:

• after care, at the end of each day’s walk, and to aid recovery getting ready for the next day;
• to drive the support vehicle;
• to offer general assistance before, during and after each day’s walk.

All travel and living expenses will be met, including accommodation, and meals provided throughout the walk.

“Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newly qualified therapist, I believe this offers a great opportunity to either gain experience or give a little back to the community”, says Ed. “Plus there will be plenty of PR exposure. I would jump at the chance to support Paul for the entire period, however with a 6-week old baby, I don’t think my wife would appreciate it!

“I would be grateful if any of my fellow FHT members would consider this request and let me know whether you could help out, for part or all of the challenge.”

Volunteer members must be appropriately qualified and insured.

If you are interested in supporting Paul, please contact Ed direct:
M. 07525 212520
E. Ed@stretchmassage.com

To read a supporting letter from Hope House Children’s Hospice, click here >>

FHT Statement on the closure of university CAM courses

In recent years, British universities validating or running CAM degree courses have been subject to severe criticism from anti-CAM lobbyists, who believe that non-evidence based medicine should not be taught in state-funded institutions. 1 

This, coupled with funding issues, has resulted in an increasing number of universities dropping their CAM degrees, or no longer validating those run by local colleges.

FHT comment

The FHT is extremely concerned that universities offering and validating CAM degree courses are under attack from anti-CAM lobbyists, not least because a number of academics have recently stressed that this will potentially remove individuals from academic positions who have the ability to contribute to the evidence base that a number of CAM modalities are said to be lacking. 2 3   

It is important to note that one of the key driving forces behind the anti-CAM lobbying is a concern that patients may choose, or are being actively encouraged, to use ‘unproven’ CAM in place of conventional medical care.

The FHT represents professional therapists who offer complementary therapy services alongside – and not in place of - conventional medical care. If a client is under the care of a medical professional, such as a doctor or midwife, members of the FHT have a duty to obtain permission to treat the client before commencing with complementary therapy. Similarly, therapists are not qualified to diagnose medical conditions, and have a duty to refer clients to a medical professional to seek a diagnosis, where appropriate.

We would like to stress that the FHT in no way condones its members discouraging clients from seeking medical treatment. If the FHT were to receive a complaint against one of its members, claiming that the member had discouraged their client from seeking medical treatment, the FHT would carry out a full investigation.

1. The Telegraph (31 January, 2012) Complementary medicine courses in universities: how I beat the varsity quaks, by David Colquohoun
2. Moynihan R. Assaulting alternative medicine: worthwhile or witch hunt? BMJ 2012;344:e1075
3. Andrews G, Mackereth P. Age, sex, disease, ethnicity et al – Are complementary therapies reaching the parts? Complementary Therapises in Clinical Practice: 18 (2012) 2-3.

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Sports & Remedial regulator register to change its name

Following a review of this therapy register...

Announcement: 8 March 2012

Following a review of CNHC’s entry criteria in relation to the Sports & Remedial Therapy register, CNHC has agreed, in consultation with CNHC’s Sports & Remedial Therapy Profession Specific Board (PSB) and Massage Therapy PSB, that with effect from 19th March 2012 the Sports & Remedial Therapy register will be renamed as the Sports Therapy register.

This means that with effect from Monday 19th March 2012 the Sports Therapy register will be open to practitioners who have successfully undertaken a qualification in Sports Therapy which meets as a minimum, the National Occupational Standards (NOS) and core curriculum for Sports Therapy.

What this means for individuals already registered as Sports & Remedial Therapists

All existing CNHC registered Sports & Remedial Therapists will stay on the Sports Therapy register, as all have been verified as having completed training which meets the NOS and core curriculum for Sports Therapy.

Proposed way forward for Remedial Therapy

Members of the Sports & Remedial PSB will be developing an application to CNHC for Remedial Therapy to be considered for registration as a distinct discipline, using the ‘aspirant professions’ criteria published by CNHC. CNHC will advise registrants of any developments in due course.

The Sports & Remedial Therapy PSB will be renamed as the Sports Therapy PSB.

Practical information for CNHC registered Sports & Remedial Therapists Existing CNHC registered Sports & Remedial Therapists will remain on the register as Sports Therapists and will be displayed on the public register as Sports Therapists with effect from 19th March 2012. Current Sports & Remedial Therapy certificates will remain valid until renewal, at which time practitioners will be invited to renew under the title Sports Therapy.

Any practitioners with questions or concerns about the change to the Sports & Remedial Therapy register should email: info@cnhc.org.uk or call 020 3178 2199

FHT Chief Executive, John French, on Swindon 105.5

FHT Chief Executive, John French, joined presenters Christina Strang and Ann-Marie Stanford on Monday 5th March to discuss NHS integration of complementary healthcare. This interesting discussion was repeated on Thursday 8th March at 11pm.

Health Matters is a weekly show on Mondays at 1pm, with information and discussion on health and wellbeing, relating to issues locally, nationally and internationally. This programme is repeated on Thursday evenings at 11pm.

John French will be discussing the latest developments and standards in complementary therapies on a regular basis, raising awareness for our professional, qualified therapists and the therapies they practise.

Click here to listen to the show

Peterborough Local Support Group (LSG) enjoys Laughter Yoga

Peterborough LSG had its first meeting last Thursday at St B's Hall, Main Street, Yaxley. This included a session of Laughter Yoga, which increased endorphin levels of the 18 attendees, encouraging a general sense of happiness and well being.

Organiser Teresa Martin told the The Evening Telegraph: “It’s crazy and not like normal yoga.

"There’s a lot of marching around the room and pretending to be silly animals.

“At first you think it’s really weird, but then you start laughing and we were in hysterics by the end of the evening.

“Increasing your endorphins makes you feel better and it is not strenuous so it’s especially good for the elderly and disabled people.

“It was very popular and we are trying to get another one organised.”

The next meeting is arranged for Thursday 22nd March, from 7.30-9pm. For further information call Teresa on 01733 245614 or 07710 776902.

To find your Local Support Group, click here

Click here to read The Evening Telegraph news article

Starting your own business?  Not sure where to begin?

HMRC has just launched ‘Starting Your Own Business eLearning’, for those with questions on record keeping, tax, National Insurance and expenses.  The course guides you through everything you need to know about going self-employed, including useful tips from business owners who have been exactly where you are now.

You can work through the course in one go or dip in and out whenever it suits you best.

While the course features people starting up a business in the hair and beauty industry, the information is applicable to all complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapists.

For further details and to get started, click here >>

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New Chichester Local Support Group

Mary Atkinson, MFHT, has set up a new Local Support Group which will meet at St Michael's Hall in Summersdale Road, Chichester. Local Support Groups are a great way for therapists to meet, network and exhange ideas.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 4th April, costing just £5 for members and £7 for non-members.

For further details, visit www.maryatkinson.com or call Mary on 01243 779600. Alternatively, click here to find your Local Support Group.

The new Chichester group was also featured in the Chichester Observer on Tuesday 21st February. Read article >>

Channel 4 show debates alternative medicine in the NHS

‘Should alternative medicine be available on the NHS?’  More...

This statement is in response to the Channel 4 4thought.tv series, ‘Should alternative medicine be available on the NHS?’, being televised from 13th to 19th February, 2012 (Channel 4, 7.55 pm)

4thought.tv is a Channel 4 opinion show, which explores different moral and ethical issues each week, providing seven different points of views or perspectives in order to stimulate discussion.

This week (13th – 19th February, 2012), the theme being discussed is ‘Should alternative medicine be available on the NHS? (1)

The seven people giving a short film presentation on this topic are:

• Raymond Tallis –a hospital doctor for 35 years
• Andrea Giles – who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
• Leanna Broom – a qualified medical herbalist
• Sile Lane – who works for Sense About Science
• Steven Isserlis – a cellist whose wife died of cancer
• Professor David Peters – medical doctor and osteopath
• Martina Hinds – a Bowen technique therapist

All of the short films, which are less than two minutes long, can be viewed online at www.4thought.tv and if watching online, viewers can share their comments.

FHT Comment

The FHT welcomes discussions surrounding the use of complementary and alternative therapies within the NHS and is pleased that there is a balance of views being expressed in the short films televised as part of this 4thought.tv series. 

However, in light of some of the opinions expressed, the FHT would like to stress that:

• The FHT agrees that complementary therapies should be available on the NHS, providing that the therapists offering these services are qualified to national occupational standards in the relevant therapy; hold appropriate insurance cover; and belong to a professional association that has a respected Code of Ethics and Disciplinary Procedure, which members must abide by.
  
  
• While the FHT approves the use of complementary therapies alongside conventional medical care, to support people who live with a medical condition, it in no way condones members discouraging their clients from seeking or continuing with conventional medical care. 
  
  
• All FHT members must adhere to the FHT Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, (2) which states:

‘You [FHT members] should not be claiming to ‘cure’ or ‘heal’ medical ailments or to diagnose medical  conditions’ (Section 3.1);

If you [FHT members] have cause for concern regarding the health of your client you must refer them to see their GP to seek a diagnosis and medical advice’ (Section 5.5).

• The FHT is a professional association that promotes and protects the interests of complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapists. Members must hold appropriate insurance cover and qualifications that meet (or exceed) national occupational standards, and abide by a strict Code of Ethics and Professional Practice. These exacting standards in turn also help to protect the interests of the general public. While complementary therapists are not yet covered by statute, members of the public may wish to seek the services of a therapist who is registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, which is the official, independent voluntary regulator of complementary therapists. For more information about the CNHC, visit www.cnhc.org.uk
  
  
• While there are a number of challenges in terms of funding and conducting appropriate research into the effectiveness of complementary therapies, an increasing number of systematic reviews and peer-reviewed research papers have indicated that certain complementary therapies are safe and effective in supporting people with specific health conditions. (3,4) While more robust research is called for, with commitment from the growing band of academic clinicians and their university departments, it is hoped that more evidence base to support the use of complementary therapies will be available in the near future. The Black (5) report , published by The King's Fund (August 2009) is also likely to encourage more research.

For more information:
info@fht.org.uk
T. 023 8062 4376

1. http://www.4thought.tv/themes/should-alternative-medicine-be-available-on-the-nhs

5. Assessing complementary practice – building consensus on appropriate research methods, The King’s Fund (2009)  http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/complementary_meds.html

New Macmillan Cancer Centre seeks volunteer therapists

The UCH (University College Hospital) Macmillan Cancer Centre, due to open this spring, is a purpose-built facility that aims to put the needs of patients at the centre of cancer care.

They are currently seeking volunteer therapists who are qualified in aromatherapy, massage, reflexology or reiki to join their complementary therapy team, providing valuable support to cancer patients and their carers.

While the FHT believes that volunteering often provides members with valuable clinical experience and training, we do believe that complementary therapists should be paid for their processional services.

Those interested in volunteering must:

• Have a qualification in aromatherapy, massage, reflexology or reiki  that meets national occupational standards and/or core curricula (NOS) and have been practising that therapy for at least a year;
• For aromatherapy, massage and reflexology, be registered with the CNHC (which will also apply to reiki, when the CNHC opens its register to reiki practitioners);
• Have appropriate insurance cover; and
• Be willing to work half a day or one day per week/fortnight for a minimum period of one year
• Strong communication skills, adaptability and self-sufficiency are also a requirement, along with a willingness to undertake training.

All volunteers will receive ongoing support and guidance, including a full induction, regular reviews with the senior complementary therapist, debriefing and access to cancer-related learning resources.

For more information:

Please click here to read the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre Volunteer role description

Contact Naomi Neiland at cancer.centre@uclh.nhs.uk or tel. 0203 4477360

If you get involved…

Please let the FHT know if you are successfully recruited as a UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre Complementary Therapist Volunteer – we’d love to share your story and experience with other FHT members. Email Karen Young at kyoung@fht.org.uk

Eve Taylor, OBE, MFHT, featured in Daily Express

Manual Therapist Employment Survey 2012

Please take 5 minutes to complete this survey...

URGENT! Should universities teach alternative medicine (in Australia)?

The FHT has been asked by our colleagues in Australia to support the continuation of complementary therapies in Australian Universities. Australia is also coming under attack from detractors of complementary medicine and partaking in this poll will help counter those who are being encouraged by the detractors to vote ‘No’.  Please vote now before the poll closes on 8th February.

To vote click here >>

FHT Statement

Consumer watchdog Which? recently investigated the advice given by high street nutritional therapists and concluded that some of this advice could ‘seriously harm patients’ health’.

Which? researchers, posing as patients with a range of different health problems, attended 15 consultations with nutritional therapists. 

Full details and the FHT Statement >>

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New restrictions on hair-dye products

For manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers...

"Relevant to

UK manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers of finished hair-dye products or ingredients of hair-dye products

From 3 January 2012, new restrictions apply to certain substances that may be used as ingredients in hair-dye products.

A number of hair-dye substances will be added to the list of substances that cosmetic products can contain but only under certain restrictions.

One substance will - at the same time - be deleted from the list of substances that are provisionally allowed without restriction.

These changes are set out in detail in the Annex to Commission Directive 2011/59/EU, which amends the two lists in Annex III of Council Directive 76/768/EEC."

For full details and the Directive, click here >>

International Therapist needs you!

Calling all Members for a special feature we are writing about your membership journal...

Not only does the FHT celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, but in April you will receive Issue 100 of International Therapist! As part of a special feature we are writing about the journal, we would love to include some comments and quotes from our members. Maybe you:

• were inspired by a particular article;
• learnt something that changed the way you practice;
• have used articles in a unique way (e.g. photocopied A&P crosswords for your therapy students, or framed certain articles to display on your clinic wall); 
• have kept every issue since you joined the FHT, for reference; 
• have been a member for a number of years and watched the journal evolve and grow; or
• have a photo of you reading International Therapist in a really unusual or funny context.

Whatever your story or feedback, we’d love to hear you from, and if you have any photos to support your piece, these would also be greatly appreciated. (Where possible, please send high-resolution pictures, suitable for print.)

Please send your comments, however big or small, to kyoung@fht.org.uk

Funding for social enterprises in Bristol and London

Social enterprises and community organisations in London, Bristol and surrounding areas are being given the opportunity to win prize funds of £15,000, £30,000 or £50,000 by entering the Santander Social Enterprise Development Awards (SEDA). Bidders must demonstrate how they would use the prize money to develop one of three community benefits: improving social inclusion, supporting disadvantaged people or creating a greener environment. Winners will also receive mentoring support and business training, as well as working with the Community Foundation network to assess the social impact the prize fund will have on local communities.

Further details >>

The Office for National Statistics launches new consultation into national well-being measures

Are you happy with your health and relationships? These are two questions that will be used to consider the future of our nation.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has announced a consultation starting this November on how it can assess the UK's progress by more than just economic performance.

The ONS had been asked to make possible a comment made by David Cameron long before he became prime minister to find a new way of calculating the nations's performance other than our gross domestic product. In 2006, Mr Cameron told a conference: "It's time we admitted that there's more to life than money, and it's time we focused not just on GDP, but on GWB - general well-being."

For therapists, general well-being has long been the focus of our lives and our profession, now it seems that the coalition Government is considering a more holistic approach in gathering statistics. People’s satisfaction with life and other individual assessments of well-being are at the heart of measuring the nation’s well-being according to the ONS.

The consultation will explore key themes and headline indicators of national well-being, which they propose are vital in understanding how to measure the UK’s progress by more than just its economic performance. The Office for National Statistics has developed ten key themes, of which individual well-being is one, along with an initial set of measures following extensive feedback to the national debate launched in April 2010 - “what matters to you?”, as well as by studying further research.

The themes or “domains” and the initial measures will be used in discussions with interested groups and individuals to assess their potential as eventual indicators to measure the UK’s national well-being. These themes set to measure how we feel about our lives can be seen as positive movement, awakening the nation’s ability to reflect on its own well-being. Collecting these kinds of statistics will put the UK at the forefront of new thinking into how people and nations can measure themselves.

The set of domains are:

• Individual well-being

• Our relationships

• Health

• What we do

• Where we live

• Personal finance

• Education and skills

• Governance

• The economy

• The natural environment

The consultation will run for twelve weeks with the results to be published in Spring 2012.  There is a discussion paper and facilities for responding on the ONS website at http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/well-being/index.html

FHT responds to a recent Daily Mail article

This statement is in response to the article, ‘How a trip to the beauty salon could poison you’, by Claire Coleman, published by the Daily Mail on 3 November, 2011:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2056841/How-trip-beauty-salon-poison-you.html

The Daily Mail recently published an article that identified a number of severe health risks that could potentially be linked to different hair and beauty treatments, including fish pedicures, waxing and nail work.

In the FHT’s opinion, this article is both sensationalist and misleading, as the health risks stated for the beauty treatments featured are hypothetical, based on a single accident, or would be the result of poor practice.

Fish pedicures
The first treatment featured in the article was the fish pedicure, which it is stated ‘could spread potentially deadly diseases’, including ‘HIV or hepatitis’. This section of the article was based on information recently published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) , which states that ‘Based on the available evidence, the risk of infection with a BBV [blood borne virus] as a result of a fish pedicure is likely to be extremely low, however, it cannot be completely excluded’.

In an online response to the Daily Mail article, Roger Pebody from HIV/AIDS charity, NAS, writes: ‘There are no known cases of HIV infection due to the use of fish spas, or indeed any other water-borne route.’  

It is also important to note that the HPA states in its guidance that ‘the overall risk of infection is likely to be very low if appropriate standards of hygiene are adhered to.’

While the FHT does not accept fish pedicures for membership on ethical grounds, all professional therapists are taught that an open cut, wound or broken skin - which carries a higher risk of a cross-infection – is a contraindication to treatment, which is highlighted in the HPA guidance. It is reasonable to therefore assume that where good, hygienic practice is adhered to, the risk of cross-infection from ANY therapy treatment should be minimal.

Waxing treatments
The article then went on to look at potential health risks associated with waxing treatments. The case given for leg waxing involved the wax being spilled on a client during the course of the treatment, which ‘left the woman with an area of uneven pigmentation, which could require skin grafting’. It is important to note here that the cause of injury was accidental, and not linked to a standard waxing treatment.

It was also stated that ‘If not done properly, [bikini] waxing can remove the uppermost layers of the skin, leaving it susceptible to infections such as MRSA. This is particularly problematic when salons ‘double dip’, repeatedly using the same spatula in the same pot of wax, potentially transferring infections from the skin of one client to another.’

Any FHT member who is appropriately trained and adheres to the FHT Code of Ethics and Professional Practice would not ‘remove the uppermost layers of the skin’, nor would they ‘double-dip’, so once again these health risks are in fact hypothetical and based on poor practice - a ‘what if’ scenario. To put things in context, the Daily Mail could equally publish an article stating that a doctor ‘could’ pass HIV from one patient to another or cause bodily injury to a patient as a result of poor/unhygienic practice, or if an accident happened during treatment or a surgical procedure.

Nail work
The final beauty treatment featured in the Daily Mail’s article is the manicure, for which some therapists use a miniature UV lamp to speed up the curing/drying process of different nail products. While this section included a statement from a dermatologist, saying ‘UV is responsible for most skin cancers, but also ages the skin’, the article does not provide any real life cases, and the FHT is unaware of any evidence to suggest that the appropriate use of UV lamps for manicures causes skin cancer.

In conclusion, it is the FHT’s opinion that the article published in the Daily Mail was unbalanced and misleading, providing ‘worse case scenarios’ that are not at all typical of the beauty treatments featured when carried out by an appropriately qualified and professional therapist. The FHT has written to the editor of the Daily Mail and will make the response available to members in due course.
 

Statement released: 08/11/11

Some CAM therapies may offer pain relief

News from the Pain in Europe Conference...

At the recent Pain in Europe VII Congress (EFIC), Professor Edzard Ernst from Exeter, UK, noted that while few alternative pain therapies are supported by scientific evidence, some studies regarding acupuncture, acupressure, and aromatherapy have been shown to reduce pain. more  >>

Contacted by the GRCCT?

You need to be a member to view this article. click here >>

Are you claiming tax relief on your FHT Membership?

The government has tasked Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) with recovering more tax revenues owed to the state. According to Business Link, this will mean an increase in the number of tax enquiries into businesses.

In response to the government’s request, the HMRC will be focusing in particular on tax evasion, with task forces aimed at different sectors. These include (amongst others) businesses that have turnovers close to and just under the VAT registration threshold, and private tutors. However, no small business or sole trader is immune from enquiries by the tax authorities.

In addition, there will be substantially higher penalties for late tax returns, with daily penalties of £10 payable after the 31 January 2012. 

More information is available from Business Link – click here >>

FHT & AoR meet with ASA

On 11th August, the FHT and AoR met with representatives of both the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the CAP Copy Advice Team to discuss the current situation with advertising and the complementary therapies sector. We are pleased to inform members that we have achieved an agreement to work with the ASA to provide clarity and understanding. Further information will follow.

John French(FHT) and Tracey Smith(AoR)

Where are your pictures from?

The FHT has had a number of members get in touch, as they have unwittingly used copyright protected images and received demands for payment from the image owners.

Having the ability to download or ‘drag’ an image across from a website or other source does not mean that the image is royalty or copyright free, or that it can be reproduced without permission of the image owner.

Therapists using the services of a designer should ensure that relevant permissions and licences have been obtained, as liability for copyright infringement lies with the business owner and not the designer. The FHT recommends that any therapist commissioning a designer makes sure they see written evidence that the designer has paid for relevant image licences.

An affordable solution

It is possible to purchase some very reasonably priced therapy and health-related images from websites such as:

www.istockphoto.com
www.fotolia.com
www.shutterstock.co.uk
www.123rf.com

It is free to browse these websites before purchasing - simply type in relevant keywords, such as ‘reflexology’, ‘lavender’, ‘massage’, ‘woman running track’, to see what is available.

Additional information about sourcing pictures and illustrations can also be found in an article published in International Therapist (correct at time of publication: November 2008). To read this article, click here >>

If you have any further queries, please contact the FHT on 023 8062 4350 or info@fht.org.uk

FHT endorses new mole and skin check guidelines for therapists

The FHT is delighted to have endorsed and contributed to this new leaflet...

...launched in Parliament on 21 June by the Melanoma Taskforce and British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) as part of their campaign to improve awareness and early detection of skin cancer.

Aimed specifically at well-being, hair and beauty professionals, the guidelines have the support of MPs and high-profile celebrities and industry leaders, including actress and presenter Amanda Holden, Hollyoaks star Gemma Merna, TV and radio presenter Sarah Cawood, and celebrity make-up artists, Ruby Hammer and Millie Kendall (Ruby and Millie).

Killing more than 2,500 people in the UK every year, it is vital that skin cancers are detected and treated early, as swift diagnosis can help save lives. While professionals in the well-being, hair and beauty industries are not expected to diagnose skin cancers, they are uniquely placed to be able to notice changes in moles or suspicious lesions when working with clients.

Endorsed by nine leading industry bodies, including the FHT, the guidelines provide clear and simple information on how to spot the signs of skin cancer, and how professionals can encourage their clients to seek medical advice.

FHT Vice-president, Cheryl Cole, said: ‘I am delighted that the FHT was invited to endorse these guidelines. While we are all aware that complementary, beauty and sports therapists are not in a position to diagnose, having reliable information at our fingertips that will help us spot any potential skin problems is invaluable.’

To highlight the vital role that therapists can play, the guidelines include a short case study by Ray Vyse, MFHT, who noticed a mole gradually change on one of his regular massage clients. He encouraged the client to have it checked by her GP, who promptly diagnosed a malignant melanoma. The client had the mole removed and has fortunately had the ‘all clear’ at each of her follow-up appointments.

Siân James MP, Chair of the Melanoma Taskforce, said: ‘These guidelines represent a major step forward in raising awareness of the importance of early detection of skin cancer. It is something for which we have consistently campaigned. I am also pleased that we have been able to draw support from a wide range of celebrities. It makes a big difference if young people can relate to role models about being careful with their skin.’

A copy of the Mole and Skin Check Guidelines will be distributed to members in the July issue of International Therapist. Meantime, a copy can be downloaded from:

www.bad.org.uk/melanoma-taskforce

Cheques may get reprieve under pressure from campaigners

...after the Commons Treasury Committee told the payments industry that a suitable alternative must be in place first. MPs accused the UK Payments Council of a "colossal error of judgment" and "rank incompetence" in its handling of the proposed phase-out, which Financial Secretary Mark Hoban told the Committee had caused "a great deal of uncertainty and alarm across the country". Richard North, head of the UK Payments Council, said the industry would wait until 2016 before making a decision.

For further details >> and >>

Do you need some business advice?

The  Business Success Virtual Classroom.  More...

Gill Tree,  a sell out presenter at the FHT Training congress speaking on Business Success would like to offer FHT members a discount on a great online learning CPD module. The  Business Success Virtual Classroom which is offered as part of the FHT website’s CPD online section is now available at the special price of £39.95 (normally £62.50) with an additional 5% discount.  If you need to brush up on your business and marketing skills then act quickly as this offer is available only to the first 100 members.

To access >>

EU’s Traditional Herbal Products Directive in place

Santander plans £40 million pot for small business in the North West

FHT gives warning following Virgin Atlantic £300,000 court case payout

Following the recent compensation pay out by Virgin Atlantic to two former therapists who gave Shiatsu massages to airline passengers, the FHT warns customers and employers only to use qualified and approved practitioners when undergoing complementary therapy treatments.

In March 2011, two airline employees were awarded damages against Virgin Atlantic totalling £300,000 after they developed RSI while offering Shiatsu massages to passengers in the Heathrow airport departure lounge.

John French, CEO of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT), the UK’s largest professional body for complementary healthcare therapists, warns customers and employers of complementary therapists that the therapists involved were not members of the FHT and therefore may not have been suitable qualified to treat clients with Shiatsu to the required standards.

“All FHT Members are trained to at least the minimum standard of training defined by the therapy’s national occupational standards or core curriculum.  They are also required to hold full medical malpractice, public and products liability insurance and adhere to the professional body’s comprehensive Code of Ethics and Professional Practice. Shiatsu massage is a specialist treatment and is required to be carried out by fully trained practitioners to be safe for both the practitioner and client” he said.

“Unfortunately, in an non-statutory regulated profession there is no guarantee that a therapist is qualified, insured and professional so it is important that both the public and employers check to see if they are members of the FHT which guarantees training, competence and safety” he explained.

Shiatsu is a touch-based therapy that applies pressure to areas of the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting imbalances, and maintaining and promoting health. Shiatsu, a Japanese word that literally means finger pressure, derives its theoretical and practical roots from the ancient traditions of Oriental medicine. Shiatsu has been reported as helpful in relieving symptoms in many instances of conditions such as stress, tension, back-, neck- and shoulder pain and other chronic conditions.

HPC confirms regulation unlikely

The FHT has received a response from the HPC Director of Policy & Standards which confirms that this is highly unlikely following the recent announcement that the government considers ‘assured voluntary regulation’ to be a better way of improving quality. The Command Paper ‘Enabling Excellence’ indicates that in future statutory regulation will only be considered in exceptional cases where voluntary registers are not considered sufficient to manage the risk. The FHT believes that the HPC recommendation will be blocked by this change in government policy.

Sports Therapists are currently regulated by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) supported and funded by the Department of Health www.cnhc.org.uk

To read the HPC response to the FHT go to www.fht.org.uk/hpcresponse

To read the FHT’s letter to the HPC go to www.fht.org.uk/hpc

To read the full paper presented by the Secretary of State for Health go to www.fht.org.uk/enablingexcellence

More advertising mis-selling

A company called Authorised Publications is making unsolicited telephone calls to therapists selling advertising in a free magazine entitled Community Care Guide, to be distributed to local leisure centres, doctors surgeries and health centres.
 
While Authorised Publications may be a legitimate organisation the FHT is receiving calls from members who, having expressed an interest in their publications, are finding that they hear no more from the organisation until they are presented with an invoice. The members are not receiving a copy of the publication and when contacting the local leisure centres, doctors surgeries and health centres that should have been receiving the publication it transpires that they know nothing about it.

If you have been contacted by this organisation and are being told that you have a verbal contract with them and that you cannot cancel, please just end the call. Unless you have signed an agreement or contract you are not committed to anything.
 
The FHT advises its members not to enter into advertising with any of the following organisations.

Authorised Publications
CAS Media
Leisure Medical
lPL Media
MLP Media

The FHT strongly recommends that members do not agree to any advertising or marketing contract or agreement without first confirming the legitimacy of the organisation with the FHT.

FHT members can access some guidelines and a template letter to assist those who have already been contacted by companies and those who may be contacted in the future. Click here >>

If you have experienced mis-selling by advertising companies, please let us know so we can warn your professional colleagues.

Regulator opens register to Microsystems Acupuncture

No more statutory regulation!

...to move away from statutory regulation in preference for enhanced voluntary registers for healthcare professionals.

The Secretary of State plans to establish the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) as the national accrediting body for health professionals UK-wide who are currently not regulated by statute. Recommendations from the previous Government to regulate certain professions by statute through the Health Professions Council seem no longer likely to be taken forward. It is expected that the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), the voluntary regulator for complementary therapists, will seek accreditation by the CHRE to achieve protection of title for complementary therapists via this route. 

The FHT welcomes the Secretary recognising that a more flexible system is needed to enable employers of professional therapists to assure themselves that prospective employees have met adequate standards of training and competence and to enable individual members of the public who seek care directly from unregulated self-employed professionals to assure themselves about their standards. The FHT has always believed that professional therapists, who are not regulated in law, should be able to demonstrate, if they wish to, that they meet high standards through a voluntary register supported by their professional association.

This paper confirms that it is extremely unlikely that the Government will announce the introduction of statutory regulation of sports therapists in the UK which has been circulating within the industry over the past few months. While the FHT supports the protection of title for sports therapists we recommend that this should be enabled through voluntary regulation rather than statutory regulation.

To read the full paper presented by the Secretary of State for Health go to www.fht.org.uk/enablingexcellence

Inspired by the work you do?

You too can now introduce the highly acclaimed BVM system into your business.

The Bharti Vyas Method of Holistic Therapy (BVM) is a holistic therapy system, which envelopes therapies and gives each person the tools they need to control their specific health and well being. The system is unique, in that it is tailor made to each client’s needs.

This year, a select few will be able to qualify as practitioners of the Bharti Vyas Method with the support of the Federation of Holistic Therapists.

For full details and to book, visit www.fht.org.uk/bvm

2011 Budget

l The main rate of corporation tax will be reduced by 2% from 1 April, to 26%. The Budget promises a further reduction to 23% by 2014

l Plans to merge income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NIC) will be subject to a consultation this year. The Government says it believes such a change will "remove distortions, reduce burdens on business and improve fairness"

l Some 43 tax reliefs "whose rationale is no longer valid" will be abolished as part of measures to simplify the tax system

l Firms with fewer than ten staff will be exempt from all new domestic regulation for three years from 1 April

l The lifetime limit on capital gains qualifying for Entrepreneur's Relief will be doubled to £10 million - a move the Government hopes will make the UK "a more attractive location for entrepreneurs"

l Small Business Rate Relief will be extended until 1 October 2012

l A total of 21 new Enterprise Zones will be created, ten of which the Chancellor revealed will be located in the following Local Enterprise Partnerships: Birmingham and Solihull, Leeds, Liverpool, Greater Manchester, Tees Valley, North Eastern, West of England, the Black Country, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and Sheffield

l There will be 50,000 additional apprenticeship places over the next four years, a fifth of which will be advanced and higher apprenticeships set up by businesses with Government support

l New tax avoidance measures will be introduced which the Government hopes will recoup around £4 billion over the current Parliament, including proposals to tackle artificial tax avoidance schemes and disguised remuneration

l The VAT registration threshold will increase to £73,000 from £70,000. The deregistration threshold will also go up from £68,000 to £71,000

l The rate of income tax relief under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) will increase from 20% to 30% as part of measures designed to encourage investment in businesses with high-growth potential

l The SME rate for research and development (R&D) tax credits will increase to 200% from April this year, and 225% from April 2012, along with a simplification of the schemes

l The controversial IR35 tax rules for freelancers survived the Budget, as the Government said that abolishing it would be too costly. However, it has promised "clear improvements" in the way it is administered

l The VAT loophole allowing retailers to zero-rate goods such as DVDs by dispatching them from the Channel Islands will be tightened. The Low Value Consignment Relief (LVCR) threshold will be reduced from £18 to £15 from November 2011, and the Government will discuss with the European Commission measures "to limit the scope of the relief so that it can no longer be exploited for a purpose it was not intended for".

The full Budget report and associated notices are available from HM Treasury at:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/2011budget_documents.htm

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has a summary of the measures introduced by the Budget in terms of tax, National Insurance and VAT at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2011

Beware of advertising mis-selling

...selling advertising space on doctors’ appointment cards. The practices being experienced by members include;

l Pressure selling
l Not being told that they are entering a 2 year rolling contract
l Not being told that there is a 27 month notice period
l Being incorrectly told the local surgery has agreed to use the service
l Having to pay a deposit to secure space before you have seen the copy
l Not being shown artwork before going to print
l Being told that there will be only one professional therapist per leaflet/card
l Being told that pharmacy leaflets will be given out with every  prescription

The FHT advises its members not to enter into an advertising agreement or contract with companies selling pharmacy and surgery appointment card advertising unless you understand the following.

l How long is the contract/agreement?
l What are the cancellation terms of the contract?
l Are you able to check and approve the artwork?
l Do you have written confirmation that you will be the only professional therapists advertising on the leaflet/card?
l Have you confirmation from the local surgery/pharmacy that it has agreed to advertise your services?
l Is the 'local' surgery/pharmacy actually local?
l Can you pay by credit card so you can seek redress from the credit card provider for any provable breach of contract or misrepresentation by the supplier? 

Remember, once you have entered into a legally binding agreement/contract it is very difficult to be released from its terms and conditions without paying the full contract fee which in many cases can be up to 2 years in fees. If you are at all uncertain about the professionalism of the advertising company then play safe - do not entertain them!

The FHT advises its members not to enter into pharmacy and surgery appointment card advertising with CAS Media, Leisure Medical, lPL Media or MLP Media following complaints made by members.

The FHT strongly recommends that members do not agree to any advertising or marketing contract or agreement without first confirming the legitimacy of the organisation with the FHT.

FHT members can access some guidelines and a template letter to assist those who have already been contacted by companies and those who may be contacted in the future. Click here >>

If you have experienced mis-selling by advertising companies, please let us know so we can warn your professional colleagues.

New cancer strategy announced

Combined support in Scotland to lose weight and quit smoking

In January, the Scottish government teamed up with Scottish Slimmers so that dieters can access smoking cessation support at their weekly slimming classes.

In Scotland, a wide range of support is already available to those looking to stop smoking, from face-to-face or online services and DVDs, to nicotine replacement therapy and group classes.

Commenting on the initiative, Public Health Mininster, Shona Robinson, said: ‘This year we have teamed up with Scottish Slimmers to help people quit at the same time as they’re shedding pounds. This is particularly relevant as many people fear they’ll actually put on weight if they give up smoking, so might put off the decision to quit’.

Global report on substance misuse

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has just published the first ever global report that compares the availability and range of resources available to help prevent and treat substance use disorders.

Information was collected from 147 countries, representing 88 per cent of the world population.

Key findings of the report include:

• Alcohol use disorders are more prevalent than drug use disorders;
• Globally, 39 deaths per 100,000 members of the population are attributable to the use of alcohol (35/39) and illicit drugs (4/39);
• Generally, alcohol and drug use disorders are more common in males than females;
• Less than half the countries surveyed have a specific budget allocated to treatment;
• In the majority of countries, psychiatrists, GPs and addictologists/narcologists are the health professionals primarily responsible for the treatment of substance use disorders;
• Nearly 75 per cent of countries have nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) that focus on alcohol prevention, and 81 per cent that focus on drug use prevention;
• Ex- or recovering addicts provide formal care for people with substance use disorders in nearly 60 per cent of the countries that took part in the survey (most common in high-income countries).

A copy of the full report can be accessed from the WHO website – see URL below.

BMJ (www.bmj.com) and ‘The Atlas on Substance Use (2010): Resources for the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use Disorder’ (http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/Media/en/)

Parkinson’s awareness

Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2011 will take place from Monday 11 April to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease amongst health and social care professionals, and how the Parkinson's UK charity can support these professionals.

During the week, national and regional activities will run throughout the UK to promote the different ways that people can get involved, including research projects and campaigns to help improve the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s.

For more information, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk

Cherry juice and recovery from exercise

Health Protection Agency (HPA) to investigate fish pedicures

Campaign to end loneliness

Tackling the negative impact of loneliness in elderly people.

A group of four charities* is hoping to tackle the negative impact of loneliness in elderly people through the Campaign to End Loneliness. As well as raising awareness about loneliness, the campaign hopes to fill the gaps in current interventions, and bring individuals and organisations together in order to help end loneliness in older age.

Research over the past few decades has shown that an average of 10 per cent of older people feel ‘always’ or ‘severely’ lonely, and in some socioeconomic groups and ethnic groups, the prevalence of loneliness has been shown to be much higher.

Those who are divorced, recently widowed or living alone are also more likely to experience intense loneliness. Medical research has shown that there are links between loneliness and health issues such as depression, Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

Those who are elderly and feeling the effects of loneliness, or anyone wishing to help tackle this problem, can access more information from the Campaign to End Loneliness website www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk

*Age UK Oxfordshire, Counsel and Care, Independent Age and WRVS.

Icy game helps burn patients

A virtual reality computer game, set in an icy canyon, is helping burn patients to deal with pain when they are having hospital treatment.

It is believed that SnowWorld, developed in the United States, is particularly effective because it puts a ‘curtain between the patient and reality’. Although the brain still receives the same level of pain signals while the patient is playing the game, these do not register as the brain can only deal with so much information at any one time.

Advertising your therapies?

What the CAP Code means to members. We answer some common queries in a Question & Answer format.

Are you confused or concerned by stories you have heard on the grapevine about therapists who have been targeted about their advertising, websites or leaflets?

We have taken a look at why some therapists have been asked to amend their adverts and marketing communications, and answer some common queries in a Question & Answer format…

Download here >>>

Herbal medicine practitioners to be regulated

The Government is to create a new register for herbal medicine practitioners that will allow them to continue supplying unlicensed medicines after April this year, when an EU Directive had threatened to put many out of business. The Directive would have made it illegal for practitioners to supply unlicensed manufactured herbal and Chinese remedies. However, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that the Government wanted the public to continue to have access to these products.

Read more >>

To read Mr Lansley's ministerial statement >>

Probiotics relieve upset stomachs

Innovative treatment trial for hypertension

Lycopene and bone loss

A recent study compared the effects of lycopene supplements and tomato juice on chemical markers of bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Sixty women, aged between 50 and 60, who had been postmenopausal for at least a year, were randomly assigned to one of four groups - 15mg of lycopene from regular tomato juice; 35mg of lycopene from lycopene-rich tomato juice; 15mg lycopene supplement; and a placebo capsule with no lycopene.

The women took their assigned supplement twice a day for four months and had blood samples taken prior to the study, at two months and at four months. At the end of the study, the three lycopene supplementation groups showed reduced levels of
N-telopeptide in the blood (an increase in concentration indicates bone is being broken down), while the placebo group showed increased levels.

The researchers reported that the reduction in N-telopeptide was similar to that associated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. More research is needed to investigate whether lycopene has any effect on bone mineral density.

Source: Mackinnon ES et al. Supplementation with the antioxidant lycopene significantly decreases oxidative stress parameters and the bone resorption marker N-telopeptide of type I collagen in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis International. DOI: 10.1007/s00198-010-1308-0 (www.springerlink.com)

Sleep duration to live longer

Diets to maintain weight loss

Lifestyle risk factors for colorectal cancer

Exercise and the immune system