Click the above logo to read some good tips aimed at helping you reduce stress in your life. A large amount of worldwide research has shown that even low levels of stress and anxiety can reduce the efficiency of the immune system. This can make you more prone to infections and promote problems like arthritis and cardiovascular illness.

“In life, there’s always a solution to a problem,” says Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health expert at the University of Lancaster. “Not taking control of the situation and doing nothing will only make your problems worse.”

He says the keys to good stress management are building emotional strength, being in control of your situation, having a good social network and adopting a positive outlook.

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Since the June meeting, the Hospital have purchased a number of nebulisers themselves, so our original plan to buy 10 of these has been updated. We now plan to buy a Suction machine and limit the nebulisers to just two. The suction machines cost £700.00 each.

Our close contacts with the Royal Stoke and County Hospitals ensure that we only purchase equipment that is in short supply, and is therefore going to be put to good use immediately.

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Our July meeting was attended by twelve members, who enjoyed an interesting and informative presentation by Liz Bevins of Penny Brohn. Liz is Macmillan Penny Brohn Living Well Services Co-ordinator and looks after a Macmillan funded project in Staffordshire.

Penny Brohn, herself a cancer patient, started the ball rolling in 1980 with a vision that healthy eating can promote better outcomes and improved health whatever the diagnosis. Over a number of years, her philosophy grew to encompass diet, activity and social aspects and  became known as the ‘Bristol Whole Life Approach’.

This approach helps people make small, manageable changes to improve their overall quality of life. These changes nurture a healthier immune system – the key to fighting cancer in all its forms and stages.

After 35 years of helping people in this way, the method is well proven so why not get in touch? The number is 0303 3000 118 and is open Monday to Friday between 9.30 and 17.00. Penny Brohn make no charges to access their services or to attend one of the regular courses. These are known as ‘Living Well’ courses and more will be scheduled for September this year. Click on the logo above to be directed to the website, where up-to-the-minute information is published, along with a wealth of helpful articles and links.

Many thanks to Liz for an inspiring evening!

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