In the Pink for October and Beyond

It’s already half term, and you know what that means, don’t you? Within seconds of the kids heading back to school, we’ll be starting Christmas. Seriously. They’ll start practising their carol concerts and doing Christmassy crafts. Yep. Glue and glitter EVERYWHERE.

Take Care and Prepare

Still, it pays to be prepared – and not just with your shopping (though I can offer some beautifully presented gift vouchers or packages tailored perfectly to the recipient…). It also makes sense to book your treatments in advance. We all know how busy November and December are, and we know you’ll want to look – and more importantly, FEEL – your best for the festivities. Why not book a course of treatments? That way, you’ll know you’re in, AND there’s added value. You may also need to tweak your skincare routine. The cold winter air can be incredibly drying, and heated houses add a double whammy, so keep hydrated with a good moisturiser. Don’t make the mistake of skipping SPF, though – if it’s daylight, you need one. Not negotiable. Why not book in for a peel? Peels can really brighten your skin, and duller weather means sensitivity is less likely.

We spoke last month about seasonal low mood, and it’s well worth a recap as there’s so much you can do to help, so take a read here. Even if you’re not badly affected, there’s no doubt that it’s harder to feel bright and motivated throughout the winter months, and that’s where self-care is really important.

What is Self-Care?

Self-care means taking deliberate actions to preserve or improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s a holistic approach to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Self-care is essential for managing stress, preventing burnout, and promoting overall health and happiness. It is NOT just about taking a bubble bath or booking a massage (though they’re always a pleasant treat). Here are some key aspects of self-care:

Physical Self-Care:

• Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet, avoiding too much processed or sugary food, and staying hydrated are crucial for physical well-being.
• Exercise: Move your body! Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of certain conditions.
• Sleep: Getting enough quality sleep is vital for physical and mental health.
• Hygiene: Practicing good personal hygiene, like regular showers and dental care, is part of self-care, as is caring for your skin and being aware of bodily changes.

Mental Self-Care:

• Meditation and Mindfulness: These practices help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase self-awareness. Practices such as yoga can encompass both mental and physical self-care.
• Hobbies and Interests: Engaging in enjoyable activities can help relax your mind and provide a sense of purpose. So much the better if these are sporty, creative, or social.
• Learning: Continuously expanding your knowledge can boost self-esteem and mental well-being. Reading and doing puzzles can help keep your brain active.

Emotional Self-Care:

• Emotional Expression: Talking about your feelings with friends or a therapist can help you process and manage emotions.
• Setting Boundaries: Establishing healthy boundaries in relationships and at work is vital to avoid emotional exhaustion.
• Self-compassion: Be kind and forgiving to yourself, especially when life’s tough.
• Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

You only get one body, and you’ll need to use it for a heck of a lot longer than, say, an expensive car – so look after it. Look after yourself and value yourself, both personally and professionally. What do you do to relax? How do you take care of yourself? Self-care is not a one-size-fits-all concept or a mere buzzword. It’s important to identify what works best for you. Remember that self-care is not selfish; taking care of yourself is necessary to be able to care for others effectively. It’s a proactive step toward a healthier, better life.

Proactive Prevention

We’re now well into this month’s Paint the Town Pink campaign, raising awareness of and funds for Prevent Breast Cancer. as mentioned last month, we’re doing our bit in clinic:

We’ll be donating £5 for EVERY treatment booked with Lynsey, plus we – and the clinic – will be adorned in pink. Furthermore, I’ll do 100 skips daily in October for cancer research. We also have a skincare sin bin, whereby for each product donated, we’ll give £5 to Prevent Breast Cancer AND give the patient £5 to use on new skincare in clinic!

The skipping is going well, and we’re enjoying supporting other local events and initiatives. Above all, always remember to CHECK YOUR BREASTS. Attend your mammogram when you’re invited. Mammograms can detect lumps 2 or 3 years before a woman or her primary care provider can feel them, and research has shown a 25 per cent reduction in deaths from breast cancer among women who regularly screen. Get to know what’s ‘your’ normal, so you’ll notice any changes. These steps could literally save your life.

As part of our Phlebotomy Clinic, we can also help with all manner of health screening, including some cancer screening, genotyping, and genetic screening. We also offer mole screening. This can help put your mind at ease – or help expedite a referral for investigation and treatment. Whatever your concerns, contact us and we’ll do everything we can to help – or to direct you to another professional who can.

You’re Invited: Our Winter Wellness Event

Don’t miss our winter wellness event from 2 pm until 4 pm on Sunday, 19th November, at Ladybridge Connect. Yes, we can be serious when discussing wellness or health conditions, and we deal with often worrying medical issues, but this event will be a lovely informal meet-up. Jump at the chance to improve your wellness and look after your skin. There’ll be the opportunity to try products and raise your skin concerns with us – and maybe even get a head start on the Christmas shopping. We will be joined by:

• Experts from Alumier MD
• Hannah Gregan from Mindmap Mentality to discuss mindset and mental wellbeing.
• Me, Amy, to talk about the importance of nutritional support, supplementation and the benefits of medical aesthetics.
• Lyndsay to advise on all at-home and in-clinic skin care.
• Dilecta and Rose Rain Studio

Book now, as spaces are limited. Reserve your ticket here. No doubt there’ll be plenty of fizz and the odd mince pie, too – because there’s another very valid self-care point: a little bit of what you fancy does you good!