Team Fine Fettle/News

Well its been a bit of a long time since I blogged.  I had intended to download our newsletter that was finished a few weeks ago but the system wouldn't let me so no more excuses and here is some of our news....

Fine Fettle have been nominated for a "Customer Service" award in the Leatherhead Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.  We are delighted to be taking part again in the Leatherhead Chamber Awards and would love to do better than runner-up which we achieved in the Business Personality (me!!) and the Business Awards in 2011. My patients love to tell me I "almost" have a personality!!  However, not a bad outcome considering we were only just a year old but coming from a competitive background coming 2nd (even if it was twice) is just not close enough!!  So this year we would like to "win" something BUT we need your votes.  If you would like to cast a vote please go to:

• www.leatherheadawards.com 
• click "vote now"
• Enter your details and then tick the box next to Fine Fettle's entry (under the customer service catagory)

The closing date is May 1st 2012 but please get your votes in now!!  

GROUP CLASSES - Book now for classes after Easter break

Our group classes are proving very popular and next term starting the week of the 16th of April we will be running:

Pilates - Tuesday   1.15pm to 2.15pm and 2.15pm to 3.15pm

             Thursday  7pm - 8pm

Classes are filling up fast so please register you interest asap to guarantee a place on the next terms classes.

Our group classes are small groups only with a maximum of 10 clients attending (we like to keep it to 8).  This allows the instructor to carefully monitor the group and ensure that the right level is being given to each individual.  Our instructors are fantastic and everyone that goes just love Gail and Cheryl.  

IBS SUPPORT CENTRE

Fine Fettle's new IBS support centre offers a multi-disciplinary approach including nutrition, Osteopathy, Hypnotherapy and Massage to support diagnosed sufferers.  Free drop in clinic to chat to a practitioner on Monday bi weekly.  Call reception to find out more 01372 458984

TEAM FINE FETTLE OUT DOOR EVENTS

Well its that time of year again where the therapists at Fine Fettle head out to provide after care support for runners.  Last Sunday saw us at the Surrey Spitfire event run by the brilliant team at Events to Live from Ashtead.  The Spitfire is an event which lets a lot of runners who are training for one of the many marathons that are coming up in the next 6-8 weeks go the 20 mile distance.  

Luckily despite the forecast the weather held and the majority of the runners achieved their training goals of 20 miles.  

Fine Fettle donate all the takings from the charity events we do to the race charity which on this occasion was the  RAF rehabilitation centre at Headley Court in Leatherhead.  Team Fine Fettle raised over £330 for the charity - thank you to all the runners who donated money for their massage after the event.

Funniest part of our day was when the announcer said that runners could go to the "Massage Parlour" .  Not quite our ethos at Fine Fettle but it worked we saw a lot of runners!!

Its our 2nd Birthday!!

This is me on the 6th of April 2010 on our very first day of opening and on the 6th of April this year we will be two years old.

Time flies when you having fun and I have to honestly say I love my job and I work with some fantastic people.  I have also met some great people through work from patients, locals to business associates/friends.

During the two years the other practitioners have built up good patient lists at Fine Fettle and this has given me the chance to take up a part time position of Academic Vice Principal at the Irish College of Osteopathic Medicine which involves a few visits to Dublin per month and some time away from Fine Fettle working on undergraduate level teaching prep every week.  I am still able to treat patients 4 days a week and do my "reception" duties one day a week so I'm still heavily steering the business but nice to get back to my other expertise of lecturing and running undergraduate Osteopathic courses.  Variety is the spice of life and it does keep my knowledge of Osteopathy very current.

Other things I have got involved with over the last two years are the Leatherhead Chamber of Commerce where I am now a Director on the board and just recently I was asked to become a committee member for the Bookham Traders Association which I have accepted.  So I actually don't take the advice that I give to my patients, I work very hard, have very little time off to rest but I DO LOVE MY JOB...how many people can say that?

Thanks to everyone who has supported Fine Fettle over the last two years and we are looking forward to many more and hopefully meeting even more of you.

Helen

NEW YEAR, NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS AND NEW EVENTS AT FINE FETTLE

NEW SMALL GROUP CLASSES ARE COMING TO FINE FETTLE


PILATES CLASSES
Small group classes, starting 3rd January 2012, Tuesday 1-2pm and Thursday 7-8pm.  6 week course for £60

TEENAGER FITNESS CLASSES
Group class , with emphasis on how to train safely, for 15-18 year olds, starting 3rd January 2012, Tuesday 5-6pm. 6 week course for £45.

BACK IN ACTION - CHRONIC BACK PAIN CLASSES/REHABILITATION
Rehabilitation circuit class, set up for sufferers of chronic back pain, starting Saturday 7th January 2012. Led by chartered physiotherapist.  Gentle sessions, with focus on reduction of pain and recovery. Saturday 10-11am 6 week course £60.

HYDROTHERAPY
Small group class, led by chartered physiotherapist in local pool.  Ideal for injury recovery or low impact exercise.  Starts Tuesday 10th of January 10.15 - 10.45.

ALL CLASSES MUST BE PREBOOKED.  LOCAL LOCATIONS FOR CLASSES NEAR TO FINE FETTLE.


IBS SUPPORT CLINIC
Combination of nutrition, physical therapy and guided relaxation over a period of 4 weeks.  FIRST 10 PEOPLE TO BOOK IN FOR THE IBS SUPPORT PROGRAMME BY THE END OF JANUARY 2012 WILL RECEIVE THE FULL PROGRAMME HALF PRICE!



For further information or booking see www.finefettle.org or email info@finefettle.org or call 01372 458984


MAKE 2012 YOUR YEAR FOR HEALTH AND FITNESS

Merry Christmas from all at Fine Fettle and hoping you all remain in "fine fettle" for 2012.

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS - Know your own numbers!!

  18th August 2011




Fine Fettle Multi-healthcare IN Bookham OFFERS FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS DURING KNOW YOUR NUMBERS! WEEK



Fine Fettle will be warning the general public that ‘Ignorance isn’t always bliss’ as it urges everyone to get their free blood pressure check during this year’s Know your Numbers! Week (12-18 September).



Fine Fettle Multi-healthcare in Bookham, Surrey is among over 1,500 official ‘Pressure Stations’ taking part in the nation’s biggest blood pressure testing event run by UK charity the Blood Pressure Association.



A shocking 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure and a third of them have no idea as it has no symptoms. That’s around 5 million people whose lives are actually at risk because they don’t know their numbers.



Research from the Blood Pressure Association has revealed that almost three quarters of adults do not know their own blood pressure numbers. High blood pressure nearly always has no symptoms and for many people is ‘out of sight and out of mind’, but its effects can be devastating. It’s the UK’s biggest silent killer, being responsible for 60% of strokes and 40% of heart attacks. If it is detected though, it can be successfully managed.



Fine Fettle and the Blood Pressure Association are warning that ‘Ignorance really isn’t always bliss’. Adults should know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height and weight and the only way to find out what they are is to have a blood pressure check. A quick, painless test can mean the difference between life and death or serious disability.



Fine Fettle will be offering free blood pressure checks at:

Fine Fettle Multi-healthcare, Rayleigh House, 32 High Street, Bookham, Surrey on Monday 12th September – 0900-1700

Thursday 15th September – 0900 - 1300

Friday 16th September – 1400-1800



Paul Newman, Chief Executive of the Blood Pressure Association, says,



“We are delighted Fine Fettle Multi-healthcare is taking part in Know your Numbers! Week 2011. Every organisation that takes part helps to emphasise the importance of knowing your blood pressure numbers and by offering the free checks could really be saving lives.”



“During this year’s campaign, we’re stressing the fact that ‘Ignorance isn’t always bliss’. High blood pressure is a dangerous condition when not managed and we hope everyone will take advantage of the free blood pressure checks to lower their risk of stroke and heart attack.”



To find out more about the campaign visit the Know your Numbers! website at www.bpassoc.org.uk/kyn



If you have a question about high blood pressure and would like to speak to someone over the phone, call the Blood Pressure Association’s Information Line on 0845 241 0989.





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Notes to Editors:



• For more information on Know your Numbers! Week, call 020 8772 4980/4997/4992, or email kyn@bpassoc.org.uk



• To contact the Blood Pressure Association Press Office, call Claire McLoughlin on 020 8772 4992 or email bpacomms@yahoo.co.uk



• For further information on Fine Fettle Multi-healthcare to arrange for your reporter to have their blood pressure checked, or for a photo or interview, please contact Helen Bullen at Fine Fettle Multi-healthcare on/at 01372 458984 or info@finefettle.org



• The Blood Pressure Association is the UK’s leading blood pressure charity working to lower the nation’s blood pressure. The charity provides information and support for people with high blood pressure and raises awareness to prevent the condition. For more information visit the charity’s main website at www.bpassoc.org.uk, or call 020 8772 4994.



• Fine Fettle Multi-healthcare provides a wide variety of complementary treatments all on one site. Our aim is to provide a one-stop centre where clients can choose or seek advice on a particular therapy for any condition or need. Fine Fettle offers a variety of therapies including: Osteopathy, Sports Massage, Acupuncture, Pilates, Personal Training, Therapeutic Massage, Hypnotherapy, Reflexology, Nutrition, Homeopathy and Counselling.



Facts about blood pressure from UK charity the Blood Pressure Association:



• One in three adults in the UK – 16 million – has high blood pressure. A third of these (5 million) don’t know they have the condition.

• High blood pressure has no obvious signs or symptoms. The only way to find out if you have the condition is to have a blood pressure check.

• Untreated high blood pressure is the major risk factor for stroke and heart attack. It is also a risk factor for heart and kidney disease and vascular dementia.

• A healthy blood pressure is a level of 120/80mmHg or less. If readings are consistently at or above 140/90mmHg, high blood pressure is diagnosed, and action should be taken to lower it.

• You can lower your blood pressure by having a healthier lifestyle, and, if necessary, by taking medication as directed by your doctor.



The Blood Pressure Association’s ‘Top five tips for a healthy blood pressure’:



1. Cut down on salt – don’t add it when cooking or at the table and check food labels to make sure you don’t eat more than 6g a day.

2. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day

3. Watch your weight – try to reach the right weight for your height.

4. Exercise regularly – that doesn’t have to mean the gym, how about a regular lunchtime walk? 30 minutes five times a week is ideal, but if you are unsure about taking up exercise and how much, ask your GP..

5. Drink alcohol in moderation – no more than 3-4 units a day for men and no more than 2-3 units for women (a pint of normal strength beer = 2 units, a medium glass of wine = 2 units).

Less Heel Strike

Well its 4 months now since I started "experimenting" with forefoot running.  As mentioned in my last blog this is report is not in any way a scientific research piece.  Rather an average runner trying to understand the mechanics behind this new "craze"

So for 4 months I have been running in my Mizuno trainers which have less built up support and firstly I have to say I love them.  I find them really comfortable which was a surprise if I am honest after years of built up "comfy" looking trainers.  Trying to run on my forefoot has however proved a little more tricky as I can't naturally land that far forward when I run and when tired my left foot starts to do it own thing!!  I think my speed is too slow for forefoot, so early on I decided to consider my running as "less heel strike" instead.  My stride has shortened and I keep my feet underneath me rather than throwing my feet forward ahead of me and breaking my forward momentum.  I have found hills less difficult (nearly wrote much easier there!!) as I feel the shorter stride with feet under the body makes me fall forward increasing my forward momentum.  I also find that up hills I really concentrate on my running form so this distracts me from the pain (nearly wrote enjoyment there!!)

So I am a convert, perhaps not to forefoot running in the pure form but I know that the compression forces that used to be put through my knees have lessened and I have actually found running easier.

My next challenge is the Badger Half Marathon and to date I have gone up to 9 miles in preparation.  I still have 10 weeks so I will gradually train with my own " Less heel strike" foot pattern.  Perhaps I will knock off half an hour......realistically I dont intend for a fast (for me) run but rather a pain free run.

Bring on the hills.

Will update you all on my training log soon.

Any stories of your experiences of forefoot please share!

Fine Fettle Massage Therapist Walks for Charity

One of our massage therapists has been busy of late, using legs instead of hands - to get over the finishing line of the MoonWalk London. 13 miles through the streets of London, during the night of 14th May to the early hours of May 15th, raising money and awareness for breast cancer. Caroline seen here with Katie Adderley and Vanessa Legg, after setting a leisurely pace, sightseeing on the way and indulging in the occasional nutritional midnight snack.

Caroline (centre of picture) is looking forward now to next initiative of encouraging women golfers, from golf clubs of the surrounding areas, to look after their bodies, as much as their golf equipment, during the busiest and most demanding part of the golfing calendar - the summer. And obviously not forgetting the men, with gift vouchers available for treatments, especially with Father's Day and all those summer birthdays on the horizon.

Contact Caroline at Fine Fettle on 01373 458984 for information or to book a treatment.

Princess Alice Hospice Virgin London Marathon

For the past 3 years, Usha Christmas has supported the Princess Alice Hospice at the London Marathon; attending their pre-race meetings and providing on the day post event massage to the runners.

Congratulations to all those 17 wonderful individuals who generously raised £37k for the Princess Alice Hospice by running the Virgin London Marathon 2011.

Usha Christmas (MSST) is a fully insured Sports Therapy Practitioner and a registered member of the Society of Sports Therapists (SST).

To book in for treatment with Usha call Fine Fettle on 01372 458984

Fine Fettle succeeds in local business awards....

We are really proud to announce that Fine Fettle MHC was the Runner Up in the local Chamber of Commerce Business awards.  We are also delighted to announce that Helen Bullen (founder of Fine Fettle) was awarded Runner Up in the Business Personality Award.

All in all a fantastic achievement for the team at Fine Fettle and a perfect way to celebrate our 1st Anniversary of our opening.  We were competing against 70 other well established businesses for the awards so absolutely delighted in the final result. 

Helen being still very competitive from her Volleyball days...is now champing at the bit to get the first prize next year!!  Second was never an option in her sporting days and nothing has changed.

 Pictured are Helen from "Fine Fettle" (Left) and Nicky from "Run to Live" (Right) with their "personality awards"!! Nicky was a worthy winner of the award and we both very glad its official that we have personalities!!

Please feel free to pop in and meet both Helen and the therapists at Fine Fettle on our 1st Anniversary celebrations on Tuesday 26th April from 11-3pm.  We would love to meet you and everyone gets a money off voucher that attends on the day.