Health and well being
feel fitter and live longer Wellbeing is about how individuals feel about themselves, feeling healthy, happy and welloff. Having a good self concept gives an individual a feeling of wellbeing. Health and wellbeing is made up of four factors: physical, i
Bliss
Cheryl Brown runs Bliss, her own beauty and massage business in Campbeltown. She offers a regular and personal service in people’s homes or care homes. She said: ‘People who have poor mobility or poor eyesight can feel isolated so I can provide a listening ear to people who need to talk to someone while making them feel and look beautiful.’
Cheryl is also fully qualified in treating people undergoing cancer treatment.
Kintyre Link Club Most people will feel lonely at some point in their lives. It’s a deeply personal experience that in most cases will thankfully pass, but for a growing number of people, particularly those in later life, loneliness can define them and have a significant impact on their wellbeing.
Set up in 1999, the Kintyre Link Club is a mental health club run by members, for members, with the main aim being to promote the welfare of those who suffer or have suffered from mental ill health. It is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm.
Tracy Chambers, the co-ordinator, says the Link Club is a safe place to come and meet other people on an equal basis, learn and share new skills, become more active, gain work experience, be involved in interesting and stimulating activities and the local community and build up confidence, self-esteem and independence.
Arthritis Care Scotland
Sharon McPherson, Development officer from invites you to join your local Health Walking Group in Campbeltown. Stepping out is run in partnership with Paths for All by Arthritis Care Scotland. “All walks are accessible, low level and reflect individual pace, they are suitable for everyone”. They are Volunteer led by a trained leader to show you the way. Walking has been described by Health professional as the perfect exercise and has many benefits. Why not come and join your local group? Stepping out could be perfect for you if you like getting outdoors, meeting new people so why not give Arthritis Care or Jackie a call and get involved.
Cancer Support Scotland
Cancer Support Scotland provides free emotional and practical advice to anyone affected by cancer and improving physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
‘Our therapies include talking (counselling), chiropody, deep tissue massage, reiki, reflexology (including facial reflexology), Indian head massage, stress management and aromatherapy,’ said Madelaine Alexander, operations and service manager. ‘Our complementary therapy service is aimed at reducing the pain and discomfort caused by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy and alleviating the stress and anxiety of loved ones. Our fully-qualified therapists will tailor a therapy plan to suit each patient’s individual needs based on their medical history. Just call us and we will help.’
Happy By the Sea
Jackie Fulton, a local complementary therapist runs “Happy By the Sea” a mobile service offering Reiki, Reflexology and Indian Head Massage throughout Kintyre. (Therapist for Cancer
Support Scotland also) She also takes Tai Chi classes. She says of Tai Chi “that it combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements. Originally developed as a martial art in 13th-century China, tai chi is today practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise.
Jackie says that studies have shown that tai chi can help anyone to reduce stress, improve posture, balance and general mobility, and increase muscle strength particularly in the legs. In older people this improved strength and balance can build confidence help to reduce falls. She says that it is commonly performed as a low-impact exercise, which means it won’t put much pressure on your bones and joints. Most people should be able to do it. Apart from that it’s great fun!”
Slimming World
Rhona Galbraith is consultant for Slimming World in Lochilphead and Campbeltown. She says that it is paramount that she provides warmth, understanding, encouragement and friendship.
Rhona said: ‘Every week we share recipes and stay-on-track tips and inspire each other to succeed. There’s no better feeling.’
Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a skill for self-development teaching you to change long-standing habits that cause unnecessary tension in everything you do.
Whatever your age or ability, the technique can help boost your performance in any activity and relieve the pain and stress caused by postural habits, like slouching or rounded shoulders.
Ilia Daoussi said: ‘The Alexander Technique can improve the quality of everything you do. In our busy lives we waste energy with too much tension and effort.
‘With the Alexander Technique you learn to let go of tension, take pressure off yourself and rediscover balance of mind and body. With an increased awareness you can be better balanced and coordinated, move lightly and effortlessly, be alert and focused, breathe and speak more easily and become calm and confident.
‘Whatever your reasons for having lessons, the Alexander Technique works with the whole person. It is a truly holistic approach to bring you back to a harmonious state of being.’ To find a qualified teacher visit www.alexandertechnique.co.uk.
Solas Health
Complementary therapies are increasingly recognised as effective paths to feeling balanced, joyful and healthy.
The whole-body approach means that your therapist is likely to look beyond your symptoms and view your health as a complete system.
Anna Jane, from Solas Health, said: ‘We are a group of people each with our own story of healing and learning and we wish to share those experiences and techniques. Our members are an incredible range of complementary practitioners from the Kintyre peninsula, through Mid-Argyll and up to Lorn.’