Positive Health Online

Child Development

by Simon Ranger, Founder Seagreens Ltd and the Seaweed Health Foundation

Highly processed foods with salt, sugar and fat are ubiquitous and most dangerous in their appeal to children. ‘Dietary scores for unhealthy items in wealthy countries remain among the worst in the world’.[1] Maternal junk food is particularly insidious as it ‘causes changes in reward-processing in the offspring brain, such that children grow to prefer foods high in fat and sucrose’.[2]

https://seagreens.shop/

The effects of dietary imbalance are also well documented. Nutrient gaps and deficiencies affect children’s learning, health and longer-term predisposition to obesity.[3] Trials on a high fat diet show concentration and speed of recall deteriorated. [4] The daily intake of micronutrients which cannot be manufactured or readily stored by the body is deficient in large swathes of the population through poor soils and eating which is habitual or restricted by preference or special needs. Replacing rare vitamins like B12 and K, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAS) with a good balance of the Omegas, ALA and DHL, and all the mineral trace elements like copper, iodine, selenium and zinc is as crucial as excluding harmful foods.  Iodine is vital for normal foetal growth and child brain development. [2] Even borderline maternal iodine deficiency during pregnancy has an irreversible impact during the first 9 years of childhood educational outcomes. Autism in children may be 4 times more likely if a mother has low thyroid function during pregnancy.[5] In the UK, 66% of women and over 75% of 14-year-old schoolgirls tested,[6] 82% of pregnant women. [1] 52% of 25-year-old students,[3] and 49% of babies[7] were found to have insufficient dietary iodine.

Antioxidants, phlorotannins and polyphenols are needed for detoxification and “cellular signaling pathways that mediate inflammatory processes in the brain”.[8] Seagreens® nutrition products are easy to use and of most value for their complete inclusion of all these micronutrients – non-allergenic nutrient profiles provided at www.seagreens.co.uk/nutrition. A gram of Seagreens (a quarter of a teaspoon), in one form or another, sprinkled on food or in capsules, is sufficient on a daily basis, more according to age, up to a daily intake of 2 - 4 grams for mature adults and nutritional therapy. Add specific foods or supplements where deficiency continues after 3 months.

Seagreens information links:

1. Related article by Dr Jane Jamieson
2. Iodine Sufficiency booklet
3. Seagreens® Iodine Lite+ everyday nutrition product for children

References

1. Bath SC and Rayman MP. A review of the iodine status of UK pregnant women and its implications for the offspring. Environmental Geochemistry & Health. 2015;37(4):619-29.
2. Bath SC, Steer CD, Golding J, Emmett P & Rayman MP. Effect of inadequate iodine status in UK pregnant women on cognitive functions in their children: results from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). The Lancet. 2013;382(9889):331-7.
3. Combet E, Ma ZF, Cousins F, Thompson B & Lean ME. Low-level seaweed supplementation improves iodine status in iodine-insufficient women. British Journal of Nutrition. 2014;112(5):753-61.
4. Cornish L, Critchley A & Mouritsen O. Consumption of seaweeds and the human brain. Journal of Applied Phycology. 2017;29(5):2377-98.
5. Roman GC, Ghassabian A, Bongers-Schokking JJ, Jaddoe VW, Hofman A, de Rijke YB, et al. Association of gestational maternal hypothyroxinemia and increased autism risk. Annals of Neurology. 2013;74(5):733-42.
6. Vanderpump, M.P., Lazarus, J.H., Smyth, P.P., Laurberg, P., Holder, R.L., Boelaert, K., et al. Iodine status of UK schoolgirls: a cross-sectional survey. The Lancet, 2011; 377 (9782): 2007-12.
7. Rockell JE, Green TJ, Skeaff CM, Whiting SJ, Taylor RW, Williams SM, et al. Season and ethnicity are determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in New Zealand children aged 5-14 years. Journal of Nutrition. 2005;135(11):2602-8.
8. Simopoulos AP. The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2002; 56(8):365-79.

Further Information

Please contact Seagreens on Tel: +44 (0)1444 400403; post@seagreens.co.uk   https://seagreens.shop/

Balens: Specialist Insurance for Complementary and Alternative Health Therapists

From first client to flourishing practice, Balens helps you to protect your business, so you can stay focused on care, not administration.

https://www.balens.co.uk/

Working in complementary and alternative therapy is deeply rewarding, but it can also be complex. Client expectations have shifted, regulatory guidance evolves and the professional landscape now spans in-person, online as well as hybrid care. The right insurance is no longer simply a tick-box exercise; it’s an essential element of your practice that evidences your commitment to customer care.

For over 30 years, Balens has supported a range of health and wellbeing practitioners, from massage therapists and acupuncturists to nutritionists, coaches and multi-therapy clinics to find specialist insurance cover designed around the realities of practice.

What Makes Balens Different?

• Our specialist focus: As specialist insurance brokers for the health and wellbeing sector for over 30 years, we understand modalities, treatment plans, scope of practice and how small differences in technique or wording can change your risk. And as a result, we can help you to get the right insurance cover in place;
• Tailored cover: We can offer cover for 3,500+ activities, therapies and techniques. We review and add eligible new treatments as the field evolves, so you can feel comfortable that as your practice grows, your insurance cover does too;
• Up to £6m Professional, Public, and Product Liability cover; for treatment-related claims, allegations of negligence and incidents involving your clients or the public;
• Cover for teaching and workshops: Teaching and training is covered as standard as long as you’re not issuing any certification or accreditation – though if you need to, we can help there too, just give us a call;
• Claims support that cares: If something goes wrong, you’re not alone. Our experienced Claims Team can help you navigate the claims process clearly and calmly;
• Contents, equipment and business protection: If you’re renting a room, running a multi-therapist practice or simply need cover for your equipment, we can help with that too;
• Cover for students and newly qualified practitioners: Accessible entry-level cover with the support you need as you grow in your new profession;
• Online cover available: Cover can be provided for work you carry out online.

Getting Started is Simple

Simply visit www.balens.co.uk/individuals/complementary-alternative-therapists/  and get started with your quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

I work both in-person and online. Am I covered?

We can arrange cover for many forms of remote and online work. We’ll clarify any jurisdictional considerations and help you set up safe, clear processes.

I’m adding a new modality. What should I do?

Let us know about your training and what you’re aiming to add to your practice. We’ll confirm cover options and share any risk considerations, including consent and documentation updates.

I run workshops and retreats. Can you help?

Absolutely. We can look at attendee numbers, activities at the event, venues and examine any relevant liabilities.

I’m a student, can I get cover?

Yes. Student cover is available for many disciplines during supervised practice. We’ll outline any conditions and how you can transition to full cover once you’ve qualified.

Note: This article is general information, not personal advice. Cover is subject to terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Please review policy documents and discuss your specific needs with us.

Further Information

To find out more about Balens or how we can support you or your business, please visit www.balens.co.uk . You can also contact our friendly team on 01684 893 006 or email info@balens.co.uk  .

Balens are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 305787. Balens is a trading name of Balens Ltd. Registered in England and Wales under No. 04931050. Registered office: Rossington’s Business Park, West Carr Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, DN22 7SW. Balens Ltd is part of the PIB Group.

Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries 5^th Edition

by Sandra J. Shultz and Tamara C. Valovich McLeod

Published by Human Kinetics. 2025. Paperback/Digital. £106/£79. ISBN: 9781718228313.

Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries, Fifth Edition With HKPropel Access, guides athletic trainers and health care professionals through the examination and diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries, both on and off the field. Integrating updates from the fifth edition of the Athletic Training Educational Competencies, the text addresses several areas of clinical practice that students must master to pass the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. The text also includes a significantly expanded online video library that now contains more than 240 video clips that clearly demonstrate evaluation techniques so that students can see first-hand how to perform each assessment.

https://www.human-kinetics.co.uk/9781718228313/examination-of-musculoskeletal-injuries/

From introductory skills for injury examination to specific techniques to be used for examining each region of the body, Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries will teach students to obtain an accurate injury history from the patient, inspect the injury and related areas, palpate both bone and soft tissues, assess motion control and function, and examine neurological and cardiorespiratory status. The text includes special tests that are used to assess different structures and to rule out or diagnose injuries for that region. Strategies are offered for examinations that occur immediately after an injury as well as those that are seen later in a clinical setting. Full-colour photos and medical artwork clarify testing techniques and enhance knowledge of body structures. Updates in this fifth edition include the following:

• An extensive video library with more than 190 new videos, for a total of 243 videos showcasing range of motion, muscle testing, and special test techniques;
• The addition of 35 new special tests and injury-specific examinations: instructions; photos and videos demonstrating how to perform them; and sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios to help drive a clinician’s choice in test and support the clinician’s diagnosis;
• A new exploration of the latest concussion examination techniques, including the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT), with a video that allows readers to observe and practice the SCAT;
• A section on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for each body region; a quick reference table features the most recommended PROMs and information on what they help assess.

In addition to video, other related online tools that support student learning are delivered through HKPropel. Checklists, tables, and forms assist in the examination of range of motion, strength, and neurological function. New case studies help students understand the clinical application of examination techniques. Lab activities and key term flash cards help students engage with the content. Key concepts, review questions, and critical thinking questions foster better understanding and retention, while chapter quizzes can be assigned by instructors to assess student comprehension.

Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries, Fifth Edition, is an essential resource for examining and differentiating the pathologies encountered in musculoskeletal systems. It will prepare athletic training students for certification and guide any clinician or therapist in diagnosing musculoskeletal injuries.

Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is included with all new print books.

About the Authors

Sandra J. Shultz PhD ATC FNAK FNAP is a professor and chair in the department of kinesiology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she serves as Co-Director of the Applied Neuromechanics Research Laboratory and as director of the Center for Women’s Health and Wellness. As a researcher, Shultz focuses on the study of risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injury in female athletes and has received grant funding from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Research and Education Foundation, the National Football League Medical Charities, and the National Institutes of Health. She is the primary author of the NFHS’s Sports Medicine Handbook and the NATA’s Appropriate Medical Care for Intercollegiate Athletics. She has served as a senior associate editor for the Journal of Athletic Training and currently serves as an editorial board member for Sports Health.

Shultz is a certified athletic trainer and member of NATA, where she has a long history of leadership and service. Shultz was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 2015. Her awards from the NATA and NATA Foundation include the Dr. Freddie & Mrs. Hilda Pang Fu New Investigator Award, the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, the Sayers “Bud” Miller Distinguished Educator Award, and the Medal for Distinguished Athletic Training Research. Shultz is a fellow of the NATA, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK).

Tamara C. Valovich McLeod PhD ATC FNATA FNAK FNAP is a professor and director of the athletic training department at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona, where she serves as the John P. Wood, DO., Endowed Chair for Sports Medicine. McLeod was the founding director of the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network at AT. Still University. As a researcher, McLeod has focused on the pediatric athlete with respect to sport-related concussions. She serves as an associate editor of the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation and a senior editor of the Journal of Athletic Training. McLeod is a certified athletic trainer and fellow of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), where she has a long history of leadership and service. She is a contributing author for the NATA position statements on the management of sport-related concussions and the lead author on the NATA position statement on the prevention of pediatric overuse injuries. In 2016 McLeod was honoured by NATA with the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, and she received the Medal for Distinguished Athletic Training Research from the NATA Foundation in 2023. McLeod is heavily involved in professional service with the Arizona Interscholastic Association; the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee; and the Brain Injury Association of Arizona. In 2019, she received the National Achievement Award for Athletic Training from the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) Society.

Further Information

Available to purchase at Human Kinetics Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

Beyond the Brain 2025 ONLINE – SMN - The Extended Nature of Reality

Friday 7 November to Sunday 9 November

Do Our Minds Reach Beyond Our Brains?

Dr Rupert Sheldrake joins an extraordinary line-up of speakers including Dr Raymond Moody, Anita Moorjani, Prof Donald Hoffman, Dr Sam Parnia, Birdie Jaworski, Prof Marjorie Woollacott and many more!

Together they will present new frontiers of consciousness research - from near-death experiences and after-death communications to trans-dimensional mapping, synaesthesia, and the extended mind.

By attending this three-day online conference you’ll gain a vital overview of how leading-edge research is expanding our understanding of consciousness, beyond the brain.

https://beyondthebrain.org/

Find Out More and Book My Ticket

https://beyondthebrain.org/

Conference Programme

https://beyondthebrain.org/programme/

Book My Ticket

https://beyondthebrain.org/

All Bookings Will Receive A Link To View The Recordings

https://beyondthebrain.org/

In the coming weeks we will be sharing more exclusive content from our speakers and presenters, so watch out for more updates very soon

Come and join us for this milestone conference, the 30th anniversary of Beyond the Brain, dedicated to Dr Peter Fenwick. We very much look forward to seeing you there!

David Lorimer

Programme Director and Global Ambassador, Scientific and Medical Network

Editor, Paradigm Explorer

Media Contact and Further Information

"Scientific and Medical Network" < events@scimednet.org  > 

Mycology Research Laboratories Ltd – Recent Research Compilation

Since 2016, Mycology Research Laboratories Ltd has been collaborating with researchers at the University of Catania and Messina conducting preclinical and clinical studies on how MRL mushroom nutrition can improve the quality of life of those with neurodegenerative conditions.

This collaboration extends to Portugal, with the following contribution by Helena Rodriguez (Universidade Católica Portuguesa/Porto) presented at the XXII EURO FOOD CHEM meeting June 11-13 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia the following presentation.

Neuroprotective Effects of Mushroom Biomass: Impact of Serum-Available and Gut Microbiota Metabolites in Caenorhabditis elegans Models of Alzheimer’s Disease

 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7377701346340220928/

While most research studies focus on the polysaccharide extracts of mushroom-fruiting bodies1,2, this study investigates the neuroprotective potential of mushroom biomass (MB) from Trametes versicolor, Hericium erinaceus, and Pleurotus ostreatus considering the possible synergistic effects of different macromolecules found both in the mycelium and fruiting bodies.

The neuroprotective potential of serum-available fractions and key gut microbiota-derived metabolites was evaluated in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans models of Alzheimer’s disease by analyzing chemotactic behavior and paralysis onset.

Chemosensory responses in strains exhibiting neuronal tau and amyloid toxicity (BR5270 and CL2355) were improved after treatment with serum-available fractions and gut microbiota metabolites, namely, gamma-aminobutyric acid and butyric acid.

Additionally, paralysis onset was delayed in the CL4176 strain, exhibiting amyloid toxicity in muscles. These findings suggest that mushroom biomass confers in vivo protective effects against Tau neurotoxicity and Amyloid toxicity in neurons and muscles.

Please find English presentation attached for your review. Linked In       -Link

A practitioner PowerPoint presentation on the neuroprotective properties of MRL products is available to practitioners registered on the MRL-UK site                          (https://www.mycologyresearch.com/user/register ) and the MRL-USA site (https://www.mrlusa.com/practitioners).

Further Information 

For more information, please contact info@mycologyresearch.com or contact one of our distributors in your Country

Inside the Rise of Ayurveda – Amrita Ma Devi

Ayurveda, once a fringe wellness practice, is now rocketing into the mainstream. Anchored by serious consumer demand and shifting attitudes toward holistic health Charles and Camilla, Meghan and a raft of A list celebrities are invested. Globally, the Ayurveda market is projected to surge from US $14.4 billion in 2023 to nearly US $77 billion by 2030, growing at a blistering annual rate of 27.2%. People are searching for more meaning and balance in their life, so they are looking to ancient cultures like India for wisdom and holistic remedies that have been proven for over 5,000 years. The popularity of yoga and meditation practices has also given rise to an interest in Ayurvedic wellness and beauty.

Ayurvedic expert Amrita Ma Devi is helping individuals all over the UK and the world to understand their bodies and minds and get their health on track. Gimmick free. 

[Insert YouTube Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq0129b4Fpc ]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq0129b4Fpc

Hyperlink to: https://www.ayurvedaanytime.com/

Ayurveda on the Rise: 68% of UK Adults Seek Holistic Health Practices

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic health and wellness, is rapidly gaining popularity in the UK. Recent data reveals that 68% of adults now prioritise natural and holistic approaches to their wellbeing, while 74% have reported feeling unable to cope at least once in the past year. Against this backdrop, Ayurveda offers an effective, time-tested solution to stress, burnout, and chronic health challenges.

This growing interest in Ayurveda is reflected in travel trends, with a notable rise in demand for authentic experiences in Kerala, the home of Ayurveda. Domestic travel within India to Kerala has reached record highs, and according to 2023 data from Kayak, bookings from the UK to India have grown by 29%, surpassing pre-pandemic rates. There has also been a significant increase in flights from the US to India. For many, the appeal of visiting one of the most spiritual places in the world and immersing themselves in ancient wellness traditions is clear.

Amrita Ma Devi, a UK-based Ayurvedic practitioner and educator, is helping individuals bring the principles of Ayurveda into their daily lives. 

“People are looking for deeper connections and authentic solutions to their health challenges,” says Amrita. “Ayurveda offers exactly that. Its personalised approach addresses the root cause of imbalance and empowers individuals to make small, meaningful changes that have a profound impact on their lives.”

As interest in Ayurveda continues to grow, it is becoming a defining element of modern wellness, appealing to those searching for both inner balance and a connection to ancient wisdom. For journalists exploring this trend, the UK’s rising adoption of Ayurvedic practices, combined with increased travel to India’s spiritual hubs, offers a timely and meaningful narrative for readers seeking holistic health solutions.

Amrita has launched her Sacred Vitality Course that introduces people to tailored Ayurvedic practices that focus on creating balance across the mind, body, and spirit. Designed for modern lifestyles, the course translates Ayurveda’s 5,000-year-old wisdom into practical tools for managing stress, improving energy, and fostering long-term wellbeing.

Further Information

For further information and to book the Sacred Vitality Course, please visit  - https://www.ayurvedaanytime.com

Adaptogenic Apothecary Triumphs at Nourish Awards Winning ‘Best Women’s Health Supplement’ Category with Unanimous Judge Approval

Adaptogenic Apothecary is proud to announce its landmark victory at the prestigious Nourish Awards, receiving 100% of the judge votes to secure the top position in the ‘Best Women’s Health Supplement’ category for its exceptional peri/menopause product ‘Freedom’. This rare unanimous decision is a testament not only to the innovative formulation of Adaptogenic Apothecary’s supplement, but also to the brand’s dedication to excellence.

The Gold Standard in Women’s Health

The Nourish Awards are renowned for their rigorous approach and integrity, recognized as the gold standard for natural and health-focused products in the UK wellness industry. As one of the most respected honours, the awards are celebrated for their independent expert panels, strict ingredient standards, and a transparent judging process that sets benchmarks for quality and efficacy in the health sector.

https://adaptogenicapothecary.com/

Adaptogenic Apothecary captured the award for its commitment to pure, effective, and high-quality ingredients. The judges highlighted key reasons for the win:

• Pure ingredients: Every component is carefully sourced, devoid of fillers, bulking agents, artificial colours, or additives, ensuring uncompromised quality;
• Efficacy: The formula includes clinically studied adaptogens, medicinal mushrooms, and targeted botanicals specifically selected for supporting all aspects of women’s health, including hormonal balance, cognitive function, and overall vitality;
• High quality: The brand’s purist approach delivers blends that are hand-crafted in small batches, prioritising organic, sustainably sourced botanicals, and independent testing for potency and safety.

Sara Rooney, Medical Herbalist and Formulator at Adaptogenic Apothecary, commented:

 “Our guiding principle is a refusal to compromise. This award - chosen by a unanimous panel of 40 judges - proves that when you put pure, effective, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients first, the results are recognised at the highest level. We are honoured that the Nourish Awards have endorsed our vision for women’s wellness.”

‘Freedom’ is the companies ground-breaking supplement formulated to ease symptoms of the peri/menopause. Created as a natural support for women who don’t have regular cycles anymore and/or taking HRT, the pill or have a coil, going through the perimenopausal transition and/or are in menopause, ‘Freedom’ has been created to support female vitality in midlife and beyond.

About Adaptogenic Apothecary

Adaptogenic Apothecary is an award-winning British wellness brand founded by sisters Jodie and Paris Welton, inspired by their personal journeys through perimenopause and hormonal changes. When both began experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, brain fog, and mood swings in their forties, they turned to traditional plant-based medicine and discovered the power of adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms. Frustrated by complicated supplement routines, they partnered with Medical Herbalist & hormone health specialist Sara Rooney to create targeted, easy-to-use blends that support both women’s and men’s health throughout life’s phases. Their flagship product, Harmony, was the world’s first supplement specifically designed to support the four phases of the menstrual cycle, and their range now includes solutions for menopause, vitality, cognitive health, sleep, stress and healthy aging. Each formula is carefully crafted using organic, ethically sourced botanicals, adaptogens, clinically proven Affron®, and medicinal mushrooms, blending ancestral wisdom with modern science. Adaptogenic Apothecary’s small, all-female team hand-blends every powder on the south coast of England, maintaining a deep connection to nature and a commitment to sustainability. Their mission is to empower people worldwide to achieve optimal wellbeing through all life phases using the healing power of plants.

Media Contact and further Information

Amanda Vaughan  <amanda@connectedpr.com>

Please visit Adaptogenic Apothecary