Biz Buzz is a programme dedicated to issues surrounding business on Marlow fm – the UK’s newest community radio station.
Hosted by me, Jean Wolfe, usually on a Friday we interview interesting local business people in Marlow Bucks and the surrounding area.
Carol Hill of the health food shop Healthy Stuff in Liston Court off Marlow High Street was my guest. Her view on the health of the nation is that a lot of people are stressed and worried – partly due to the uncertain economic situation. This situation is bad whether you are an employee or run your own business.
Carol’s tips for supporting health and combating stress.
1. Breathe. When we get stressed we tend to breathe in a more shallow way which does no good. Slow down, breathe more deeply from the abdomen which helps to get oxygen round the body, and to combat all the stress . This is a simple way to fight the continous state of alertness which can be so damaging.
2. Take exercise. It doesn’t have to be in a dance class or gym, simply getting out and walking in the open air is good for all aspects of your life: mind body and spirit. Gentle exercise may be better than something very strenuous.
3. Carol’s third tip could sound controversial. It is to be outside in the sunshine until your skin feels warm. Carol said that there has been a lot of research demonstrating that lack of sunshine (either from an indoor life or being permanently swathed in suncream) inhibits the production of Vitamin D which is leading to a large number of diseases. The best source of Vitamin D is through sunlight. Obviously it is important not to burn, – particularly for fair-skinned people – but a short time in the mid-day sun has tremendous benefits.
Ian Souch was my other guest. As an acupuncturist and Tai Chi teacher he agreed with Carol’s top tips and also added that it is important to be happy. As someone who is committed to a holistic view of health, he realises the health benefits of having outside interests. He is a professional magician, has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and will be performing at the Camden Fringe later in August. Ian has always been facinated by magic and is a member of the Magic Circle. For the first time we had magic in the studio! He used a blend of showmanship and keen perception to tell Carol what colour she had chosen from a coloured cube he happened to have in his pocket. Yes, we were amazed and could not work out how he did it.
There was a lot of laughter in the studio which is probably the best health benefit of all!