Good Health Matters

January 2025

Embracing the New Year!

The new year comes with the promise of a fresh start – now is the time to think about implementing all the changes we want to see in our lives. But resolutions are much easier to make than to stick to! In this month’s newsletter, we have some tips for maintaining your good intentions beyond the first few weeks.

The team at GHC is back in the full flow of treating patients after the seasonal break. Our goal for the 2025 is simply to continue improving the ways we can help and support you. We’re ready to help you stay fit and well in the coming year!

Aches and pains in cold weather

Have you ever found that cold, damp weather accentuates your aches and pains? Our patients often tell us that their aches feel worse at this time of year. In fact, 75% of people with chronic pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, believe that weather conditions affect their pain. But how accurate is this phenomenon?

A recent extensive study at the University of Manchester, called ‘Cloudy With a Chance of Pain’, examined data from over 13,000 people with chronic pain. The participants, based in every part of the country, recorded their pain levels each day via a smartphone app. GPS information from the smartphones then allowed researchers to match this data with local weather conditions.

Over the course of a year, more than 5.1 million pain ratings were tracked. The findings showed that certain conditions link to higher pain levels:

Greater relative humidity

Low atmospheric pressure

Higher wind speeds

Pain wasn’t influenced by rainfall. Low temperatures didn’t show a clear link, although colder days that were also windy and damp did mean more pain.

Of course, cold, wet and windy days might also mean people feel lower in mood and take less exercise – both of which could affect their pain perception. But the participants rated their mood and activity levels along with their pain, and these factors were not enough to explain the size of the link between weather and pain.

So, there does seem to be some truth behind this commonly held belief. Despite a number of theories about exactly how meteorological conditions influence arthritic pain – such as the idea that lower temperatures cause an increase in the ‘stickiness’ of synovial fluid, the natural lubrication inside joints – there is, as yet, no clear explanation.

Although the science can’t tell us all the answers yet, the important thing is people’s experience of pain, and what they can do about it. If your aches synchronise with the barometer, here are some ideas to help.

1. Compression gloves. Gentle compression supports painful joints while the gloves provide some insulating warmth.
2. Electric blankets. Create a comforting zone of warmth in your bed or chair with a heated blanket.
3. Capsaicin rub. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chilli peppers their kick, can provide pain relief for joints in the form of a topical lotion or gel.
4. Warm bath. Heat and moisture are a good combination for pain, so indulge in a warm soak, whether in a bath, steam room or hot tub.
5. Self-massage is a quick and effective way to ease tension around sore joints, improving circulation and flexibility. Take time to learn the correct techniques, or, even better, book with a qualified therapist – Harriet and Juliet are ready to help.

                                             

 [Book with Harriet]                                               [Book with Juliet]

If you feel the weather in your bones, then, you can be assured that you’re not alone, and there is good evidence that the phenomenon is real. Our team are on hand to offer advice and guidance in finding solutions for your pain – try booking today and discover how we can help you.

Love for Good Health Centre

We love nothing more than helping our many clients reach their wellness goals. It’s a joy and a privilege to be part of each journey towards ideal health. And we love to get great feedback, too! Here are a handful of our latest reviews – thank you to everyone who takes the time to share their experience.

I first came to the clinic in 1999 to see Ami and would never think to go anywhere else for my holistic health care. I had a life changing health diagnosis at age 26 and have had the most incredible regular treatments ever since (now 35!). The support, positivity and healing I receive from all the staff is exceptional. I have seen many of the practitioners at the Good Health Centre for treatments for multiple sclerosis and other ailments over the years and the dedication to my health from all has been transformative. I can’t thank everyone at the Good Health Centre enough, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without your support. Thank you!

–Grace, Jan 2025

Absolutely brilliant, I saw Simon and he answered all my questions I was concerned about. Made me feel so comfortable and has given me exercises to help at home. Such a lovely place the receptionists are so welcoming and lovely too.

–Natasha, Dec 2024

I received a very professional assessment and treatment from Seb who very clearly explained what he did and why which I really appreciated.

–Richard, Dec 2024

The Wellness Edit

Building good habits

Did you know that the average New Year’s resolution lasts for only 18 days? Make a success of your plans with our top tips on how to get your new habits to stick.

1. Add instant gratification. Bad habits are much easier to form than good ones – and that’s often because they come with an immediate feel-good hit, rather than a delayed benefit (think a bar of chocolate vs. an exercise session). Find a way to add an instant reward to your good habit. Try listening to a favourite podcast only when you run, for example, or lighting a preferred scented candle when doing your admin.
2. Keep some flexibility. Consistency is key with forming new habits, but don’t be too strict with yourself. Permit some flexibility with your planning so you don’t feel you’ve failed if you need to postpone, for instance. Delayed action is better than no action.
3. Remove obstacles. If something already feels difficult, even small extra steps can mean the difference between doing it and not. Remove these little blocks to make the path to your habit as smooth as possible. If you want to run first thing in the morning, lay out your gear the night before and have your trainers by the door, so you don’t have to go searching.
4. Habit stack. New habits can simply fall from our minds, no matter how good our intentions. Instead of trying to remember your new action alone, connect it to something you already do regularly. If you’re aiming to take a vitamin supplement, for instance, keep it by the kettle or coffee machine so making your morning cup acts as a reminder.

We hope these tips help you grow your good intentions throughout the year. Stick with it, and by the spring, you’ll find your resolutions have become habits.

 

Making the best of winter produce

Seasonal produce is ideal for boosting vitamins and fibre and supporting your gut microbiome. Try this version of the hearty Italian soup, ribollita – you can swap in whichever green, leafy vegetables you have to hand.

                                                                        Ribollita

2 tbps olive oil      One stick of celery, diced      One carrot, diced      One onion, finely chopped      2 tbsps chopped fresh herbs, such        as rosemary or thyme      Two cloves of garlic, chopped      A small pinch of chilli flakes      500ml of chicken or vegetable               stock      One tin of chopped tomatoes      One tin of beans (try haricot,                 cannellini or borlotti)      A chunk of Parmesan rind      Two handfuls of roughly                         chopped greens      Two slices of stale bread, torn               into chunks

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion, celery and carrot with the herbs and a pinch of salt. Fry gently without browning for about 8–10 minutes, then add the garlic and chilli flakes and cook for a further two minutes. Add the stock and tomatoes to the pan and bring to a simmer. Now add the beans and Parmesan rind. Cook gently for ten minutes. Throw the greens and bread into the pan. Give it a stir and cook for a further 3–4 minutes, until the greens are tender and the bread soft. Pull out the remains of the Parmesan rind before ladling into bowls.

Clinic Opening Times

We offer appointments from 8am to 7pm or 7:30pm on weekdays, except Tuesday when we open late till 9pm. And on Saturdays we’re here from 9am to 3pm. Here is a handy reminder of our opening hours:

MONDAY	8am to 7pm
TUESDAY	8am to 9pm
WEDNESDAY	8am to 7pm
THURSDAY	8am to 7:30pm
FRIDAY	8am to 7pm
SATURDAY	9am to 3pm
SUNDAY	CLOSED

With very best wishes from all the team at Good Health Centre. We look forward to welcoming you to ease pain and improve health in 2025!

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**Good Health Centre: enhancing good health and vitality in Yorkshire for over 30 years**