Cool Things Collection

Category: Health and Beauty

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking

By now everyone is aware of just how damaging smoking is. It has been proven to negatively affect health, especially the lungs and heart. No matter how long you have been a smoker for, quitting will bring benefits to your and your body. If you’ve ever felt like there’s no point in quitting because you started really young or have been a long-term smoker, then you need to reconsider by reading our reasons below.

You will save money

Smoking is a very expensive so when you quit you’ll suddenly have a lot more cash to spend on other things. Try saving the cost a cigarette pack each time you want to buy one in a jar or a separate account – you’ll be amazed how fast the amount will grow. Pledge to treat yourself to something nice once you surpass a 3, 6, or 12 months mark and start enjoying life again. Consider that the average smoker has 13 cigarettes a day, which works out as 364 cigarettes a month. That’s £141 a month and £1,696 a year that you could spend elsewhere.

Your sense of taste and smell will sharpen

Smoking dulls the senses and after quitting you’ll slowly start to realise that you can smell and taste your food much better than before. Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and learning just how delicious things can be will be quite a treat. Book a meal at your favourite restaurant a few weeks or months after your last cigarette and see if you can taste the difference.

Your skin will be rejuvenated

It’s no secret that smoking has a negative impact on your skin but it’s not permanent. Even a few weeks without cigarettes will give your skin a brighter appearance, bringing a healthy glow back. If you’re spending a lot on skincare but still smoking, then you’ll never see the results you truly desire. No cream can counteract the damaging effects of inhaling burning toxins on a daily basis.

You will stop harming your health

The day you stop smoking is the day that you’ll start doing your body a favour, putting a stop to the damage that cigarettes smoke is causing to your health. Just a few weeks sans smoking will see your breathing and fitness levels improve and you may find that you enjoy physical activity more, which will only make you healthier. You will improve your lifespan and make planning for the future a less scary reality.

If you want to quit smoking, then remember that you’re not alone. There are numerous resources available to help you do it. You can also start to reduce the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes by transitioning to e-cigarettes in the meantime and start breaking your habit before you’re ready to transition to a smoke free life.

30 October 2018
3 Things You Should Know Before You Get an FUE Hair Transplant

Deciding to opt for hair transplant surgery is a major decision, and it’s important to get all the facts before you decide which type of hair transplant surgery is right for you. Here are three things you should know before you get a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant.

You’re Far from Alone in Being a Candidate

If you’re worried about being in the minority of those who need a FUE hair transplant, know that you’re far from alone. Almost two in five British men lose part or all of their hair. FUE hair transplants are increasingly common as a solution to the problem of hair loss.

There is one word of warning, though – if you’re losing your hair, you may be tempted to rush out to get a hair transplant. However, if you’re early in the process, or under the age of 30, this may not be wise. The sooner you have a hair transplant done, the greater the risk that you will need a second or third procedure later. While FUE allows you to have another session shortly after a recent one has healed, you don’t want to rush it and end up having repeat sessions. Consult with a professional to identify the right time for a hair transplant.

Why FUE Is Better than FUT

There are a number of reasons why Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE, hair transplants are preferred over Follicular Unit Transplant, or FUT. Patients prefer FUE because it involves less pain and bleeding; it is minimally invasive. Stem cell FUE makes donor hair harvesting faster and easier than it used to be, so modern FUE is more comfortable than the procedure was even ten years ago.

There are other points in favour of FUE over FUT, as well. For one, there will be no linear scar; it creates the most natural looking hairline. It can also be used on tight scalps. FUE is the only option if you have a limited supply of “donor” hair.

However, you should always consult with one or more hair transplant experts, because FUE may not be the best option for you. You may have personal risk factors that mean you’re not a candidate for FUE. In other cases, you may need to address the root cause of your hair loss such as the possibility that you have an autoimmune disorder before you can have the procedure done.

The Importance of After-Care and Preparation

The end result will mostly depend on the doctor’s quality of work, but that can be impacted by preparation before the procedure and after-care. Always discuss pre-op and post-op care with your doctor. Take the time to learn the long list of things you have to avoid after the hair transplant so that you do not undo the surgeon’s work. Also, make sure you can abide by the recovery period so you don’t rush back to normal activities too soon and have the same adverse impact.

Another matter to discuss are the possible side effects of the procedure. Common side effects include bleeding, swelling, and numbness in the treated area. If you know what to expect, you will be able to tell the difference between normal and abnormal side effects.

FUE is one of the most popular and best overall hair transplant procedures, but it isn’t right for everyone. Take the time to do your research and ask plenty of questions of medical experts before you make a decision.

13 September 2018
Beat the January Blues: 5 Ways to Boost Your Mood
It’s not uncommon for people to experience a low mood occasionally, especially in the month of January. After all, January includes the most depressing day of the year, Blue Monday on Monday 15th January. So we thought we’d try and help out by providing five simple ways to improve your mood in January and beyond.
1. Play with a Dog
According to a University of Missouri study, non-pet owners can improve their mood by simply playing with a dog for a few minutes each day. It is believed that playing with a pooch will cause a rise in the blood levels within serotonin and oxytocin, which are two mood-elevating brain chemicals. So, pet your neighbour’s dog for a couple of minutes, pop into your local pet store, visit a friend with a canine, or volunteer at an animal shelter. Who could resist puppy therapy?
1. Have a Little Fun
Immerse yourself into the present moment by having a little fun. Put all your worries and stress to one side to simply enjoy a little well-earned downtime. For example, you can socialise with friends and enjoy a day of laughter and chatting, become lost in a novel, play friends on the Playstation or Xbox. Set a little time aside for fun, which will give you something to look forward to each day.
1. Enjoy a Cup of Coffee or Two
Do you enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the morning? Well, you might be happy to learn that it can help to elevate your mood. Dr Cumella from the Remuda Ranch Treatment Centre in Arizona found regular caffeine intake can reduce the risk of depression by 50%. So, if you want to keep depression symptoms at bay, treat yourself to a cup or two of joe each morning.
1. Start Smiling and Laughing
You might not be in the mood or laugh to smile, but the act itself could make you feel happy. According to research from Dr Cumella, the physiology of smiling can make people feel happier, while laughing can stimulate serotonin (a feel-good hormone) production. So, give yourself a reason to smile and laugh by watching a funny movie or video, or simply fake a smile until you feel better.
1. Walk Regularly During Winter
The dark winter months can often make people feel more depressed than usual, as people often do not experience much natural sunlight when travelling to and from work. It is, therefore, important to go for regular walks during winter to experience more daylight and embrace physical exercise, which can naturally boost your mood. Walking for ten minutes per day will give you a few small doses of sunlight during the winter months. So, go for a walk on your lunch break or embrace the cold weather for ten minutes during the weekend. You will feel better for it.

Have you got any top tips to improve your mood? Share your advice by posting a comment below.
19 January 2018
Stressed? Here are Some Coping Mechanisms for Millennials
Millennials are the first generation of digital natives with their access to information and global reach being unprecedented. From a human perspective, this means they’re the first generation that allows us to gauge the impact constant exposure to tech combined with the modern lifestyle can have on us, and the results are in. When looking at the mental health of the millennial generation, there is a sharp rise in anxiety and depression. It would be unfair to blame all of this on being digital natives. Many social and cultural factors contribute:
- A crippling abundance of choice
- Less stable family units
- The high instance of geographical relocation
Regardless of the reasons, it’s clear the problem is very real. So, what can millennials do to help them survive in the real world?

Ways Millennials can relax

Music

Music has long been considered a staple food of the soul. New research suggests it may be even more fundamental than we realised. The average person will spend 13 years of their life listening to music. It has been proven to improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and can even help to prevent back pain. When it comes to mental health, music is equally important. It can reduce feelings of depression by as much as 25%, while ICU units have started to use music to reduce anxiety amongst patients.

‘Roxanne’ – Riza Nugraha via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

As well as this long list of benefits, incorporating more music into your daily routine is also enjoyable. We all have our favourite songs, artists, or genres but variety appears to be the key to maximising the effect. Mozart might be your ideal companion as bedtime approaches but even aggressive heavy metal has been proven to elevate your mood by helping you to process anger.

Exercise

The physical benefits of exercise are well documented but it’s also an amazing tool to help fight depression and anxiety. If you spend a lot of time at a desk or in front of a gaming console, then the benefits are even greater. Increasing your blood flow and getting your heart pumping will elevate your mood. When you combine this effect with the increase in feel-good endorphins in your brain, it’s not hard to see why sitting less and moving more is so beneficial. Even small changes can have an impact. Take the stairs instead of the lift, walk or cycle instead of catching the bus, or park your car a bit further from your destination. There are many ways we can incorporate exercise into our daily routine without an expensive gym membership or the need to become fitness obsessed.

Meditation

Our senses are permanently bombarded with stimuli, whether from our smartphones, computers, or just the noise and stress associated with living in a city. Creating some quiet time to let your senses and brain have a rest is crucial.

‘Meditate’ – Caleb Roenigk via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Many people are put off meditating because they think it’s too difficult or they won’t be able to stop their mind from whirring. The best way to get started is not to stop thinking but to focus so intensely on a single thing (this could be your breath, a flame, or even a mantra) until all the other thoughts fall away. Intently focusing on a single thing provides a rest to a brain usually trying to process 360 degrees of stimuli.

Whether you use rock music, meditation, or exercise, incorporating things you love into your daily routine is an important way to be kind to yourself and your brain.
29 November 2017
How to Keep Your Joints Safe Before and After Exercise

Exercise is great. It lessens the likelihood of obesity, can reduce the chance of you getting other health conditions (along with helping certain pre-existing ones), and can be a wonder for your social life. However, just as with most things in life, there are risks. Some forms of exercise, notably those with high impact on the joints such as running, can have a detrimental effect. All this taken into consideration, there are ways to keep your joints safe when exercising, and solutions on how to cope when the damage is already done.

Warm Up

Warming up is integral to getting a good work out, whether you’re looking out for your joints particularly or not. Not only does it help increase blood flow to your muscles, it also loosens up and can protect your joints. By the synovial fluid, which is present within many of your body’s joints, becoming thinner and therefore more absorbable by the articular cartilage during the warm up, you get a form of shock absorber for your body. Without warming up, the impact will be harsher on your joints.

Wear the Correct Equipment

Certain equipment can help reduce joint damage when exercising. Spending a little extra on a pair of workout trainers can control the impact that is placed onto your joints – by getting shoes that absorb some of the impact, less stress is put onto your joints. Although there is little evidence proving the positives of wearing braces during exercise, if your joints are already damaged then it can give you extra support when working out.

Know Your Body

The old adage may well be ‘no pain, no gain’, but this is definitely not the case when it comes to your joints. Know the difference between the various types of pain – if you’re getting a sharp pain in your knee then it’s time to stop, warm down, and stop. Continuing to push your joints beyond their limit is detrimental to your wellbeing. Try to take note of which forms of exercises cause this and try something less strenuous and high impact. There are many different sports and exercises out there that can be beneficial to your joints, such as swimming – your joints don’t have to stop you from doing any exercise.

What if it Already Hurts?

If your joints are under strain when exercising already, make sure you get yourself an appointment with your GP. It could be a result of wear and tear (potentially osteoarthritis), along with other forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid, or cartilage damage – getting it checked out is vital. If damage has been done, there are solutions. Along with physiotherapy there are other ways to help, such as knee arthroscopy treatment. This is effectively keyhole surgery to see what the issue may be, and they can even fix a torn cartilage. Although you might not get back to exercising right away, you’ll be on the right track – just make sure to always check with a specialist before making any changes to your exercise routine.

28 June 2017
6 of the best ways to stick to a summer detox

It can be frustrating to get to June and wonder why your body is not detoxifying as quickly as you expected it to. But do not lose hope. Here are 6 means of sticking to your detox to gain the figure you have always dreamed of.

1. Water is your best friend

Not only is water the perfect means of keeping your skin soft, glowing and fresh, but it provides several benefits for your weight and detox. By indulging in water-based beverages, including fruit flavoured water brands, you can help your kidneys flush out any toxins and keep your body hydrated.

2. Workout as much as you can

While a boot camp can provide the support, facilities and environment needed for a sweat detox, do not be afraid to ask a friend to go for a run.

But if you do wish to try out a harder exercise regime, be sure not to overwork your body and remain fully hydrated. An unhealthy body will not detox as quickly if it is tired and lacking in essential nutrients.

3. Declutter the Junk

Indulging in junk food can provide some brief moments of mental happiness, but it will not be of any benefit to your insides. Cut down on the snacking and feel your body liberate itself of sugars and fats. Asking a friend to join you in cutting away your sugary pleasures may also aid you to stick to your detox plans.

4. Liquid Diets

You may want to try out a creative approach to detoxing your body. Smoothies are fun to make and can create a creative alternative to a fat dominated diet. Liquid diets can be easily secured by blending in different foods with low-fat yoghurts and fruity contents. Try to gain a healthy balance of vitamins and nutrients from products like vegetables, fruit, nuts and, for the more experimental sorts, plant like products, such as seaweed.

5. Spice things up

With spices like ginger, cinnamon and turmeric, your body will increase its natural satiation point. Consider either adding them to your healthy meals or even to your fruit smoothies. When combined with gentle exercise and healthy diet, your body will be detoxing in no time. Try adding these combinations with specific fruits, such as nutmeg with apple, cumin with cucumber, or even turmeric with mango.

6. Try some Charcoal

A brand new method of detoxing, charcoal brand powder can be found in any supplement store and can neutralise any toxins or poisons before they can either harm the body, be absorbed or become fat. Combine it with lemon juice, and you can even create some lovely black lemonade for you and your friends. There is more chance of succeeding at a task if it is done with friends in a group. Try and turn this into a garden party or a fun picnic to be enjoyed with your closest, and most health conscious, colleagues.

13 June 2017
What Treatments Are Currently Available For Hair Loss?

A lot of people will tell you that in most cases, hair loss treatments don’t really work and is something that cannot be prevented – it’s nature! And for the most part, they’re right. Some people will for a variety of reasons always be more prone to hair loss than others – many cases being both severe and unstoppable. But at the same time, a much larger proportion of hair loss cases can be treated surprisingly effectively in a number of ways. In fact, the only cases of hair loss that are 100% hopeless are those where the affected individual doesn’t at least try the options available to them. So with this in mind, what follows is a brief rundown of just a few of the most effective treatment options for hair loss:

Nutrition

Ok, so admittedly it’s not a treatment option in the conventional sense, but it’s nonetheless critically important to highlight the role played by nutrition. Diet alone isn’t going to prevent hair loss and thinning, but a poor diet nonetheless increases the likelihood of hair loss exponentially.

Healthy hair for life begins with a healthy body – Vitamin B being of particularly high value. Protein-packed foods like chicken, fish, eggs, and pork, as well as leafy greens such as spinach are all on your side in this particular battle. For an extra boost, you might consider adding rosemary oil for hair amazon to your routine for improved scalp health and hair growth.

Hair Replacement Surgery

Perhaps the single most effective option of all is that of going nuclear…booking yourself in for hair replacement surgery. This is a process that entails healthy hair follicles from other parts of the head being relocated by way of transplantation. It can be a little on the painful and expensive side, though it usually guarantees the kinds of results that nothing else comes close to. However, invasive surgery is not the only way to get your hair back. Many people prefer to avoid the pain and high costs of a surgical procedure altogether. Modern non-surgical Hair Replacement systems offer a realistic alternative that looks completely natural. These custom systems are designed to match your existing hair color and texture perfectly. They let you live an active lifestyle with complete confidence.

Approved Medication

If you’re looking for an approved medication that actually works, look no further than Propecia. This unique medication has been clinically proven to halt hair loss in its tracks in up to 90% of cases. In addition, 66% of those using the drug reported that their hair had actually begun growing back while using the treatment. There are thousands of weird and wonderful remedies and treatments out there for hair loss and regrowth – this is one of the very few that actually work.

Here is one of the most popular Propecia videos (there are lots of them!) on YouTube of a man showing results of hair regrowth using Propecia (over time).

Laser Treatment

Laser light therapy is a subject of much debate. On one side of the coin, you can pick up highly advanced devices that are safe and simple enough to use at home and can make a real difference in terms of preventing hair loss. On the other side, it’s not a treatment option that can realistically result in the growth of new hair. Still, it can be a great option when combined with others.

Guava Leaves

Last but not least, the use of guava leaves for hair loss prevention deserves an honourable mention, simply for being about the most bizarre option out there. The process involves taking a bunch of leaves, soaking them a while and summarily using the gunk to treat your hair and scalp. Rich in Vitamin B and other key nutrients, it gives your hair and scalp a sizeable dose of the good stuff it needs. Evidence seems to suggest it can be effective in reducing hair loss and prompting regrowth. But even if it doesn’t, chances are your hair and scalp will still come out healthier as a result.

Hiding It

A classic solution is the good old comb-over, simple and can be effective..if it’s not windy! Blow drying your hair also works well and to prevent the wind revealing your bald patch, fix hair in place with a little hair spray – not too much or else it will look like a helmet!

Spray On are popular with the likes of Mane Hair Thickening Spray are made of tiny coloured fibres that allow you to kind of paint over your patch. Several A-list celebrities have been photographed with pates looking suspiciously “augmented” in this fashion. Here’s a little video of this spray:

Volumising hair fibres – products like Nanogen, TecTrich and Viviscal Hair Thickening Fibres can work if it’s a relatively small patch. You basically sprinkle the products on like salt and the fibres miraculously fill out any gaps. Word of warning: you need to get the colour just right or it’ll be obvious!

Or don’t hide it and embrace your hair loss and go for a shorter cut and more textured look.

If all else fails, shave it all off 🙂

Read on:

BBC Good Food – What to eat for healthy hair

WebMD – Hair Transplants – What to Expect

Livestrong – Does Laser Hair Restoration Work?

Lifehack – 15 Health Benefits of Guava Leaves That You Shouldn’t Miss

Telegraph – How to disguise a bald spot

28 March 2017
Got Low Self-Esteem? You’re Not Alone & You Can Beat It

More people than you may think suffer from low self-esteem. And these issues are worse for your health than most people seem to believe. That’s why it’s important that we investigate these sorts of issues, no matter how uncomfortable it can be. Quite often, the people who feel the most uncomfortable when it comes to talking about the issue are the precise people who would benefit most from talking about it!

You may think that it would be pretty clear when someone is dealing with severe problems with their self-esteem. But this isn’t always the case. In fact, it’s rarely all that obvious that someone has a problem with their self-esteem. There are people out there who seem to be confident in many scenarios. But beneath this more confident and brash surface is someone who may have deep-seated problems when it comes to the way in which they view themselves.

Is a problem with self-esteem really that big an issue?

Absolutely. You may think that self-esteem problems can only ever be superficial in nature, but this is wrong. Self-esteem has less to do with how others think of a person and how that person sees themselves. They may think they’re stupid, or clumsy, or annoying to be around, or unattractive, or unfunny. Even when the evidence (such as it may be) makes it clear that they’re not these things, it can be hard to get them to snap out of this negative thinking. It’s linked to high levels of stress and depression – and you should know by now how dangerous those are.

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Figure out when you can change – and what you can’t

There are loads of problems that may be affecting your self-esteem. But not all of them should be having this effect. Such problems usually relate to expectations that friends, family, lovers, or even society at large places on you.

When this happens, adjusting how you see the problem can do a lot of good.

The fact is that there are a lot of things that you can’t really change. And when these things affect your self-esteem, it’s often the result of what you think others think of you. That’s why it’s important that you recognise what areas you can’t change – if you can’t change them, then your goal is to stop dwelling on them.

Of course, you shouldn’t fall into the trap of believing you can’t change things that, in reality, you can change. Let’s say your low self-esteem stems from a lack of mathematical skills. Many believe that people are just born good at math. While it’s true that some seem to have a natural way with numbers, good mathematical thinking can actually be taught. This is an example of something you can change.

Exercise is always good

Maybe you’ve heard it many times before: exercise more! Seriously, more exercise can do a lot of good for your self-esteem. I’m not saying that you should be lifting weights and doing crunches (which are dangerous, by the way) until you gave a hundred pounds of muscle and can attract anyone you please. It’s much simpler than that.

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Just getting up and out of the house and going for a run on a frequent basis can make you feel a lot more confident about your health. And while you may have heard otherwise, losing weight can also help your self-esteem if that’s the area that’s bothering you. (A worrying amount of people out there try to convince others not to lose weight, and that it’s society that needs to change its attitude. But it doesn’t work that way!) Read more about exercise and self-esteem over at http://www.livestrong.com.

Upgrading your style

Sometimes, giving your style a reboot can also be a great way of boosting your self-esteem. A new haircut is a simple suggestion, but this also has the highest chance of going wrong! So for now you should consider sticking to clothes and accessories. The way you feel about yourself can be improved dramatically if you’re leaving the house and seeing people when you’ve sharpened your style a bit. Look at Pinterest to get some sharp fashion inspiration, and consider looking at some cool urban jewellery.

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A new skill

One of the best things you can do to improve your self-esteem? Spend some time trying to learn something new. The benefits of learning new things throughout your life really are tremendous. There’s always something new to learn, so you’re never really out of options! Having new skills and knowledge can help boost your general confidence even if you have other negative triggers!

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There are websites out there like udemy.com that can help you achieve more than just new knowledge; you can actually gain usable credentials in new skillsets. You could consider learning guitar, or a new language (this one is very good for self-esteem!), or even something that will alter your career path. Computer science skills can be attained online – you just need to have the time and the will to take the steps forward you need.

Be aware of the people around you

If you’re hanging around with negative people, do you know what will happen? You probably do because you’ve no doubt heard this one before: negativity spreads.You could easily ‘catch; someone’s negative attitude, especially if that attitude is often directed towards you. A cruel cycle can occur, here: such behaviour can contribute to low self-esteem. And it’s precisely that low self-esteem that then causes a person to continue hanging out with people who aren’t very nice to them.

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Put focus into hanging out with the more positive people you know. If a supposed friend is being negative about you, then they’re probably not a great friend. You could try talking to them about it – maybe they’re just fooling around and don’t realise how hard it’s hitting you. But if the behaviour continues, consider finding other friends.

16 March 2017
Make Money From Your Fitness Workouts

Fitness is a worthy pursuit at the best of times. If you consider yourself a fitness fanatic, why not take it to the next level by turning it into a career? You’d get to pursue what you love, and have the satisfaction of helping other people, too! We’re going to take a look at a few of the fitness business pursuits you may want to consider.

OPENING A GYM

If you have money behind you, opening a gym could be the right choice. If you’ve never been able to find a gym that suits, make it yourself! As with any business, you’ll need an original angle to make you stand out. Think about what could make your gym different to others. Would you have equipment that isn’t available elsewhere? Would you offer classes with a difference? If you’re going down this route, consider the space you’re going to use for your business. Do some research on units available and decide which would be best.

BECOME A PERSONAL TRAINER

Why not study to become a personal trainer? That way, you could use your fitness knowledge to help other people. Research courses and qualifications you would need to turn this dream into reality. The good thing about being a personal trainer is that you can get started with little expense. You can also be as flexible as you need. Though some personal trainers work through gyms, most work on a freelance basis. If you’ve always dreamt of working for yourself, this could be the way to do it. Take a look at personal trainers already established in your area to see if there’s room for you out there!

WRITE A FITNESS BLOG

Blogs are an ever growing business. All you need to make it work is patience and an original angle. The good news is, you already have your angle in fitness. You could write reviews of fitness equipment, or share you sports routines online. Again, research related blogs out there and see what you could do differently. The good news about taking this route is that you can make money from something you already do for fun. You won’t have to change your behaviour. All you’ll need to do is learn how to share your fitness tips with your audience.

MAKE FITNESS VIDEOS

With sites like Youtube, making videos is becoming increasingly popular. Why not get the most out of that by turning your hand to some fitness videos? You’ll be doing the same thing as a personal trainer, but you won’t need the qualifications to go with it. You’ll also be able to work from the comfort of your home. Don’t worry about buying expensive filming equipment to start with. Leave that for when you start making money! At first, even a basic camera can provide all you need. People are more likely to subscribe to someone with personality. Try to bring personal touches to your videos. Incorporate that into some fantastic fitness tips to ensure you’re onto a winner!

31 December 2016
Ageing in men – act fast to stop time in its tracks

It’s not only women who have to fight the signs of ageing. Us men are as vulnerable as anyone. While women are more susceptible to looking old once they go grey, we’re more susceptible to balding. Starting early is the best way to fight the years. Don’t wait until your hair falls out to do something about it. Acting as soon as the first signs appear, and sometimes before then, is the best way to stop these problems! Get to grips with the anti-ageing options available and make the most of them before it’s too late!

WRINKLES?

Wrinkles are one of the major signs of age. Even the freshest of faces will fall victim to crinkles and creases at some point. So, what can you do to lessen the damage? Moisturising will work wonders for the hydration of your skin and help hold the wrinkles at bay. A man who moisturises won’t be laughed at by his mates when they’re all wrinkled, and he’s still fresh faced! If lines are already beginning to show, take the time to research the market. There are plenty of products that fill out wrinkles to decrease their appearance. There’s a magic cream for every eventuality.

HAIR LOSS?

Hair loss can be a major problem. If your father or grandfather are bald, there’s a chance you will be down the line too. If baldness isn’t something you could embrace, there are steps you can take. Keep an eye on your hair. Look out for any bald patches that may be lurking. If you’ve started to notice patches missing, take action before it’s too late. Finasteride tablets for hair loss are a fantastic option for the balding male. These pills prevent or even reverse hair loss. They work by removing the effects of hormones on your hair follicles.

GREYING?

Grey hair is another sure sign of age. If you don’t fancy rocking the silver fox look, there are things you can do. There are hair colouring products available that specifically target grey hairs. These can be great if you don’t want people to know you’ve started dying. Their target specific abilities mean that you get a more natural finish. After all, you don’t want everyone to know that you’re trying to cover a problem! You could always embrace the grey if colouring doesn’t work for you. Wearing your age with confidence can be a good look.

EXPANDING WAISTLINE?

With age, often comes weight. You may have been skinny your whole life, but as the age piles on the pounds will too. It’s a fact that the majority of older males have a larger belly. That’s just the way it goes, I’m afraid. Metabolism slows down as we age, and so do we. If you’ve noticed your waistline expanding, why not try changing your diet? Eating healthier foods will help in your fight against the weight. It may also be worth cutting out a little alcohol too. We’ve all heard of the expression ‘beer belly’, haven’t we?

10 November 2016
Cool Gadgets To Boost Your Sport Routines

A lot of people don’t really feel the need to introduce technology to their exercise routine. After all, there are many out there who like to exercise in order to get away from all this technology! They’re sick of sitting around on their computers or smartphones. They’ve seen enough websites and YouTube videos for the day. They just want to get out there and get their blood pumping. Why introduce gadgets to the equation? But gadgets can definitely give your exercise routine a boost. Here are some great examples.

Underwater Music

Music is one of the greatest additions to exercise I can think of. There are certainly plenty of technophobes out there who still want to use an mp3 player when they’re going out for a run. It helps you keep motivated. It keeps things fun. It can give you that extra push if you decide to keep going until the end of the track. But swimmers aren’t too lucky in this regard. After all, your music device and earphones can’t exactly join you in the depths. Right? Well, there are now special goggles that allow you to listen to music as you exercise in the water called Finis Neptune. Cool!

Robot Assistance

So you’ve tired out all your usual exercise buddies. Or maybe they’re just too busy to help you out. Or maybe you don’t even have any exercise buddies because everyone around you is a little lazy. But you need to train, and you need some help doing it. What are you to do? Well, you an actually get the assistance of a robot for several sports. Table tennis robots are one of the best examples. After all, sometimes practicing against a wall simply isn’t enough!

Smart Ball

The Internet of Things is pretty cool, right? That’s the technology that’s allowing everyday objects to connect to your devices. (Usually in order to record cool information!) It’s beginning to find itself in more and more objects all the time. Well, now you can get it in a soccer ball. You can get a “smart ball” that’s Bluetooth-enabled and works with an app on your smartphone. It’s a training device that allows you to follow certain tutorials, improve your strikes and spins, and record personal bests. An undeniably amazing idea for soccer enthusiasts.

Ultimate Exercise Bike

There are loads of people out there who are looking for a good exercise bike. Well, if you’re looking for one that will wow everyone around you, then look no further. You can get exercise bikes that are absolutely loaded with technology. There’s one that comes connected to a 21.5” HD touch screen and includes awesome WiFi capabilities. The screen can be used to record your progress and set yourself tasks. It can also be used for entertainment purposes if you’re feeling like the exercise itself is a little too boring for you.

Fitness bracelet

Okay, so maybe you’ve already heard of fitness bracelets such as FitBit and have dismissed them already. But seriously, these things can be so useful. They’re not only useful for recording exercise information. They can monitor your vitals throughout the day, which can help you get even more crucial info for tweaking your routine.

21 October 2016
Grey Hair Ages Women TWICE as Fast as Men

You only need to take a look at a few iconic figures of stage and screen to note a clearly unfair imbalance. Matt Le Blanc, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and so on – there’s something about a hint of grey hair that makes so many men look so much better. It’s not a case of grey hair not ageing these guys as badly as it might, it’s actually a case of making them even more dashing and handsome than they were before!

Unfortunately, it seems the same cannot be said for women. Not that grey hair doesn’t suit some women quite beautifully, but when it comes to perceived age…well, let’s just say women tend to draw the short straw in most instances.

According to a new survey from Crown Clinic, going grey ages women a full TWICE as fast as men. The UK’s largest and most reputable hair transplant clinic carried out a survey of more than 1,000 people, in order to find out exactly how the nation thinks about and deal with grey hair. The results weren’t exactly surprising, though were a little disappointing nonetheless. At least, for women…anyway.

When pulling the data collected together, it turned out that while a modest covering of grey hair adds around three perceived years to the age of the average man, it takes a full six-year toll on women. On the plus side, women do appear to have at least one very slight advantage over men in the grey hair department. While the average man will start to find grey hairs around the age of the 33, women generally don’t start greying until the age of 34.

But what’s interesting is the fact that there is still no conclusive explanation for the reason why women tend to begin noticing grey hairs a little later in life than men. Some put it down to the fact that more women dye their hair on a regular basis than men, meaning that in many instances they may have begun going grey without even realising it. And of course, it’s hardly uncommon to simply continue dyeing on a pretty constant basis and remain in denial about the whole thing!

“More than 60 per cent of us will have some grey hair by the age of 40. For women it is the most important factor, which probably explains why so many choose to disguise their greyness with dye,” Shahmalak says.

Of course, these days there’s an extraordinary array of temporary and permanent products and treatments to play with, when it comes to effectively covering grey hair. There are also plenty of so-called ‘wonder’ treatments and theories doing the rounds, with regards to stopping hair from turning grey in the first place.

Which are of course for the most part complete and utter nonsense.

Unfortunately, there’s not a great deal that can be done to halt or even slow the greying process naturally, given the fact that the primary cause is largely out of our control.

“Genetics is the main cause,” explains hair transplant surgeon Mr Asim Shahmalak of Crown Clinic.

“If your parents went grey early, the chances are that you will, too. This is a far more important reason than environmental factors. The younger you start going grey, the quicker you’re likely to go from having a full head of coloured hair to being grey all over.”

Of course, living a healthy lifestyle and remaining as stress-free as possible can give you the best possible shot at holding onto your healthy and youthful locks as long as possible. If all else fails however, just give the experts a call for a chat about the most effective and convincing cover-up available!

19 October 2016
Award winning Optic cycling helmet has genius drop-down visor

Cycling here in the UK is statistically safer than gardening but there are

22,000 cyclist casualties in England every year.

Anything that can potentially help cycling to be safer here in the UK is a great thing. We featured the collar airbag last year and this year we want to showcase an award winning concept cycling helmet called optic from UK based DCA Design which was winner of this year’s Red Dot “Best of the Best” concept award in the mobility category. This amazing cycling integrates a cool drop-down visor into a bike helmet giving cyclists even more necessary information to make decisions quickly and safely. More than a shield for the eyes, the visor integrates information from front and rear cameras offering up a 360-degree view to the user. There’s also additional navigation tools and journey statistics. Altogether, making the Optic cycling helmet unlike any other helmet available to buy today.

Images courtesy of DCA Design

The coolest feature apart from the drop-down optical display is the rear camera which captures a full 180 degree vantage which minimises cyclists’ largest blind stop allowing eyes to be focussed to the road ahead. Obstacles are laid out before riders while the bigger picture map remains easily accessible. There are also plenty of cycling statistic tools out there right now, but none that integrate distance, speed and heart rate into such an extensive road monitoring system. Flash memory data storage and a BlueTooth card allow all information to be recorded—either for analysis or reviewing any potential incidents that happened along the way.

Should wearing a cycling helmet be law?

Cycling is statistically safer than gardening and yet it doesn’t feel like it when you’re cycling next to a lorry or car that gets too close at a busy junction. Should the UK make wearing a helmet whilst cycling compulsory? this topic has been hotly debated and UK cyclists are currently not required to wear a helmet whilst cycling. This list details countries when it is illegal to ride a bike without a helmet. There tons of research you can read online about the advantages and disadvantages of making cycling helmets compulsory such as Bike helmet laws ‘do not prevent head injuries’ but one thing is for certain – cycling helmets alone aren’t going to help make cycling safer.

Chris Boardman talks about this here on britishcycling.org.uk and the reasons why he didn’t wear a helmet on a BBC breakfast show. He draws attention to this video below from the Netherlands for an insight into why helmets aren’t the answer to keeping people on bikes safe. This video if from Utrecht in the Netherlands where helmet use is less than 0.5% and who have an incredible safety record and some of the lowest casualty rate of anywhere in the world.

However countries that have tried to bring in compulsory helmet laws such as Australia and New Zealand have actually seen a 30% to 50% drop in the number of people cycling!

Given that the health benefits of cycling outweigh the risks by around 20:1 (one recent study put it at 77:1), it can be shown that only a very small reduction in cycle use is needed for helmet promotion (let alone helmet laws) to shorten more lives than helmets themselves could possibly save, regardless of how effective helmets might be. When less than 2% of people in the UK cycle regularly, bringing in a law that would actually put more people off would be a serious step back.

Law changes won’t fix the problem of cycling safety here in the UK and it sounds like it would only make things worse, but the Optic helmet from DCA Design is absolutely a step in the right direction by using technology to help cyclists make decisions quickly and safely.

4 October 2016
3 Adrenaline-Pumping Extreme Sports You Can Try For Yourself

Looking for a little more adrenaline in your life? Try some extreme sports! Many people think extreme sports are reserved for the pros. But really anyone can become a thrill seeker. Even extreme sports are full of friendly, welcoming people who are willing to teach their passion to the beginners. Extreme sports can vary massively. They can be done on land, up in the mountains or in the water. These can be some of the most fun and thrilling sports to try out. Here’s three extreme sports you should consider getting involved in.

Motocross

Motocross, or MX for short, can be enjoyed in many ways. It is one of the most popular extreme sports. It involves off-road bikes made specifically for the purpose of riding on enclosed dirt tracks. Motocross events are held all over the world, attracting many fans who love the high level of skill and fast-paced action of the sport.

The first step to getting involved is to get a bike designed for motocross. Motocross bikes, sometimes referred to as dirt bikes, are not the same as motorbikes. Dirt bikes come in many different varieties, so you will want one that is designed for riding on motocross tracks. Going to a dedicated motocross bike store can be a good way to buy. However, you could also consider buying a used dirt bike.

You will also need some specialised motocross equipment, most importantly a helmet. You can check out POA Racing for motocross helmets. A well-fitted helmet is the most important equipment for riding motocross, as it will protect your head from any impacts or injuries. Gloves and motocross boots are also considered essentials, as they protect the weaker areas of your body.

There are some motocross schools to teach you the basics of riding. However, some people prefer to simply head down to a local motocross track and try it out for themselves. Other motocross riders will be happy to give you tips and teach you techniques.

Joining a motocross club can be the best way to get started. Motocross clubs will give you access to great tracks and coaching for beginners. You can also meet people who share your interest and will be happy to show you the ropes. Check out AMCA to find a local motocross club.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing can be incredibly exciting. Nothing beats the thrill of scaling huge mountains all over the world, using nothing but your body. And, of course, some protective equipment.

Rock climbing is very physically demanding and requires a lot of skill. Because of this, it is recommended you get coaching before even considering going out on a climb by yourself. Indoor climbing walls can be found at many leisure centres and activity parks. You can also find outdoor climbing skills courses to equip you for pure rock climbing.

There are different kinds of rock climbing you can get into. Bouldering involves scaling small rock formations, such as boulders. These rocks are usually close to the ground, so equipment isn’t necessary and the dangers aren’t as high.

Traditional climbing involves at least two people. One person holds the rope while the other climbs. The first climber usually places protective bolts in the mountain which the second climber removes as they climb up after.

Solo climbing is the most extreme, which involves using your own equipment and traversing a rock surface all by yourself. This is only for experts, so ensure you learn all about the equipment and technique before going on a solo climb.

There are many health benefits of rock climbing. It provides a good workout by using all parts of your body. Figuring out how to make your way up a mountain can also be a good mental training exercise. It has also been shown to improve self-esteem, and can even help manage a fear of heights!

This is one of the most rewarding extreme sports to get involved in, so check out local climbing walls to get started.

Surfing

Surfing is one of the most popular extreme sports…surfing is even going to be an Olympic sport soon! It can be a great activity to get involved in if you’re visiting the beach this summer, but many people enjoy surfing all year round.

Surfing is one of the most popular extreme sports. It can be a great activity to get involved in if you’re visiting the beach this summer, but many people enjoy surfing all year round.

Surfing involves using a board to ride waves in the water. Depending on the kind of board you use, and the strength of the waves, this can be very easy or very difficult. Surfing is primarily done in the ocean, but there are forms of lake and river surfing that can offer an alternative way to ride the waves.

Bodyboarding, sometimes known as Boogie Boarding, is a simple form of surfing. It involves lying flat on your belly on a small, rectangular board. This lets you ride the waves without having to worry about technique and balance.

Most adrenaline junkies opt to use a surfboard. Surfboards come in shortboard and longboard varieties. Longboards are generally more stable and easier to learn on, so many beginners go with these. Shortboards are harder to use, but being smaller and lighter enables surfers to be more mobile and pull off some impressive tricks.

The most extreme form is tow-in surfing, or big-wave surfing. This involves the surfer being towed by a boat in order to hit waves with much more speed and momentum. This is the most challenging and dangerous form of surfing, so usually reserved for the pros.

Surfing doesn’t require as much equipment as many other extreme sports. Usually all you’ll need other than your surfboard is a wetsuit to protect you from harsh waves and keep your body at a good temperature. Boots, gloves and hoods are also available. These can be useful for keeping warm if you’re surfing in the winter.

If you want to get started in surfing, you can usually find local surf lessons, providing you’re near the water. If you want to surf on holiday, check out some of the Top 10 Surf Schools worldwide. Surfing can be made even more exciting if you learn in an exotic location!

11 August 2016
Death clock works out what age are you likely to die

Every now and then I ponder that terrifying concept of death and all the mystery that surrounds it, when will it happen, how will it happen and what will happen after? It’s all very scary and I got to thinking whether or not I would like to know when my time is up. Part of me thinks that I would like it and that it would make me change my lifestyle, turning me in to some kind of super human. I think realistically though; the changes would probably last a couple of days. Now, thanks to maths and science we can give it a good shot. It is based on lifestyle choices and where you live and all those kind of things.

It seems a bit like sci-fi, that I know when I’m going to die and the world seems to be going that way more and more often. With hover-boards and x-ray glasses the planet is turning into something else, something scary but pretty cool. The death clock gives us a pretty good idea of when it’s all going to end but it doesn’t give me a definitive, 100% answer which is why I quite enjoy doing it. If it could tell me that I was going to get hit by a bus next week I’m not sure I’d fill in the questionnaire. Life, as we know, is unpredictable and I personally think that’s probably a good thing.

However, I suppose if you could find out the exact date of your death and be completely certain of it that could lead to some pretty wild adventures. No longer would you be afraid of getting involved with extreme sports, from gnarly snowboarding jumps, to bungee jumping, even to base jumping. It would eradicate all fear, until about a month before your due date. There would be pros and cons I guess and it will depend on what type of person you are on whether find out would be a good or a bad thing.

Ultimately, it’s pretty unnatural to be able to know when you die and in that sense some people will not be a fan of a death clock. But then I guess people said that an airplane would be unnatural and now we all use that, even driving could be considered a strange thing but it has become normal, day to day life. And maybe one day everyone knowing when the end of their life will be common, who knows?

What I have learnt from knowing when I am supposed to die is what areas I need to change in my life to make it last that little bit longer. All things that I have been told time and time again – eat healthier, exercise more, try and be positive, all these good things and I’ll make it to a later date, after all, every little helps.

21 July 2016