“You have choice. You are the master of your attitude. Choose the positive, the constructive. Optimism is a faith that leads to success” – Bruce Lee I recently had the pleasure of working with one of the most remarkable patients. For Serena*, knee surgery had been a long time coming. However, until recently, it had […]
mental health
THE GUT, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
I would love to give some time to the gut this week. Its simple name understates its powers! In essence, the gut is a tube that runs from mouth to anus. It is just ONE cell layer thick. That is all that protects our bodies from the outside world and toxins. A healthy gut should […]
Thank you, Ruby
Earlier on in my medical career, I worked on an Elderly Care ward. Ruby was one of our patients. She had the most beautiful luminescent skin, hazel eyes, naturally curly eyelashes flecked with white, and cheek bones to die for. There was a grace and poise to her. Her legs were fixed in a flexed […]
Night and Day
When we were hunter gatherers, we would rise at dawn and be outdoors. We would bed down at sunset or just after. After sundown our only light source was fire. While society has changed vastly since then, our bodies have not, and the importance of having a day/night pattern is still paramount for our mental […]
Get Your Brain Into Dancing!
Boosting your brain and protecting your memory does not have to be hard work. I am all about making things easy and achievable and here is a perfect example: Dancing is a wonderful boost for mental health! Dancing gets your brain in gear – it requires memory, organisation, coordination, judgement. It lays down new pathways […]
Serotonin – The Feel-good Hormone
There are several “feel good” chemicals in the body: serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. Today we look at serotonin – the original “happy hormone”. It is essential for mood, digestion, sleep, brain function and circadian rhythm. Now, here is the interesting bit…most of your serotonin is made in your gut, and your gut bacteria contribute […]