Health Matters for information and discussion  on health and

wellbeing related issues locally, nationally and internationally.

The programme is repeated on Thursday evenings from 11pm

with Christina Strang, Ann-Marie Stanford and Elaine Godley

 

We are putting together a series of interviews about the  Penny Brohn Cancer Care Centre in Pill, Bristol to talk about the bristol Approach. 
 

The Swindon Therapy Centre
What a gem, we should shout from the rooftops how great the place and the people are.
WHY...... well listen in  Contact SW 481700


What do you know about Huntingdon's disease, well we are going to the people who have the condition their carers and the doctors doing research.  Learn with us.

16th August
One of our earliest interviews was with a wonderful support group called ABC or Affected By Cancer Swindon and it was delightful to talk with Fred Bassett Vice Chair who gave us an update and tlked about why he set up the men only group contact Beryl  01793 528636 or Fred 01793 533373.
Jan Is a Chartered Physiotherapist who was helping lovely Audrey at the Swindon Therapy Centre and they talked us through the session.

Marie To,a retired midwife from Swindon is going to Burkina Faso in Africa to fact find out exactly why their maternal death rate is 100 times higher than here leaving many many orphans who are often rejected by the family.
Then the plan is to see how they can be helped.To support Marie or find out how she is doing Tel 01793 512297 or contact  Pastor Tom Price  discovery-church/swindon.co.uk
 i2nd August
CEO of Swindon Carers Diane Finch came to visit with Marcus who is carer for his Dad Vince who raised many issues regarding safetly socialising and disability. diane.finch@prtc-swindon.org  Tel 01793 531133
19th July 2010
Chris Geiger who was given just 3 months to live .....19 years ago!  Chris told us his story of how his life was changed and the ongoing impact of how his lifestyle and diet are so important to ongoing wellness www.chrisgeiger.co.uk

Geraline Segesser talking about carers and volunteers at Swindon hospital.  Phone her on 01793 401475 for more details of how you can volunteer

12th July 2010

Jan De Vries talking about menopause and how we can help ourselves through a 'low stress' diet - start the day with a bowl of porridge and avoid chocolate (amongst other things of course)! www.jandevrieshealth.co.uk


Fiona Burns a cancer survivor explaining how she coped with a series of tumours and sarcoma and is enjoying recovery - a true picture of health.  Her website www.naturalworx.com explains more.

Geraline Segesser talking about carers and volunteer week at Swindon hospital.  Phone her on 01793 401475 for more details of how you can volunteer



5th July 2010

Mark Fuller the Station Manager at Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service told us how to be the perfect BBQ hosts in our gardens this summer and keep our guests save. He ran us through many useful safety tips.
 
Jenny Talkington from Swindon Reflexology (www.swindonreflexology.co.uk) talked to us about her amazing new book called Emotional Reflexology which is available on Amazon or direct from Jenny on 01793 840764.

Rhiannon Jones and Mally Henry from the Swindon and Wiltshire Alcohol and Drug Service explained about the Brief Alcohol Intervention Clinic which has been set up to guide people on sensible consumption levels.  They can be contacted on 01793 695405 Referrals come via GPs and other partners such as the police although anyone can self refer themselves at no charge.

14th June 2010
WOW Gillian Gill was diagnosed with inoperable cancer that had spred from her ovary to her liver nad with hypnotherapy, dietary changes and meditation among other things but with no medical intervention her cancer has gone, yes gone. She is writing a book and setting up a charity Gills Gift. We will give more details as we get them.
Elder Abuse happens to people in this country in the thousands.  If you need help or advice ring 0808 808 8141
and seek help from Daniel Plake.
We met Heidi Mabbott Carer Liason Team Volunteer co-ordinator as part of our series on volunteering At GWH




7th June2010 
Joanna Ridley Carers Development Manager at GWH talked about Volunteer week at GWH. If this is something that interests youTel.01793 401474.
Dr Toledano spoke about the worldwide Cosmos Study into health and mobile phone use. Its a 20yr study but she has promised to give an update in 5yrs time.Sue Rhodes Specialist Nurse talked about  DVT or deep vein thrombosis taked.
17th May 2010
Tom Trevorton Event Director of the Allergy and Gluten Free Show summed up our series and gave details of what is available at the show on 21-23rd May
Dr Weis enlightened us about Integrative Medicine  and Jane Sen Independant  Dietry Advisor gave us another recipe for health with the Yum Yum factor www.healthcreation.co.uk
10th May 2010 .
Guest Dr Adam Fox  Consultant Paediatric  Clinical Lead and Specialist in Allergy at Guy and St Thomas Hospital London spoke about his work and you can meet him at the allergy and Gluten free forum.
  Nyree Kinsbury who is contact for the Western Lupus Group kept us all up to date with ,World Lupus Day  contact lupusfest@tiscali.co.uk

3rd May 2010
FIRST AID courses contact01380 728362
Lucille Leader is Nutritional Director of The London Pain Relief and Nutritional Support Clinic based at Highgate Hospital in London. Lucille has a special interest in biochemical aspects of nutritional support for patients with chronic illness particularly Parkinsons, Inflamatory bowel disease and M.S. Among her books are Parkinsons Disease the way forward, available on Denor Press.
Erica Evans is Lead Nurse on the Allergy Uk helpline and talked about Asthma contact 0800 121 6244
26th April 10
Swindon Samaritans are having a recruitment drive, what would be expected of you if you did volunteer?  Tara is the one to ask and we will do just that on 26th April <jo@samaritans.org>
meet the Samaritans on fri 30th April at 5-6 Curtis Street 6.30-8pm Tel 01793 537373
 David Reading in the first of a series about Allergy will be talking about Anaphylaxis the most extreme form of allergy david.reading@foodallergy-support.com Tel. 01252 345538
FACTOR 50.  Founder Gill Nuttall  joined us on 26th April.The Factor 50 Fundraising Group was born in the Autumn of 2007.  They aim to raise awareness of the dangers of over exposure to the sun, the use of sunbeds and also raise funds for research and clinical trials for Malignant Melanoma www.factor50.org.uk
19th April10
Philip Powell Head of Commissioning for Learning Disabilities  will be a speaker  at a forum on 23rd April at Steeple Ashton Village Hall from 10-3. This is for carers of adults with Asperger's Syndrome for details 01249 444110.
Jacky Wray Magager of Swindon Therapy Centre kept us up  to date with the wonderful developments at the new site. Swindon has really supported Jacky with the move and another opportunityMS Awareness Week – 26 April – 2 May 2010
Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis
is delighted to open its doors for a special "Pamper Health & Well Being Day" as part of MS Awareness Week on Friday 30 April. It takes place at the new MS Centre in Westmead Drive and starts at 10.00 am finishing at 2.00 pm
12th April10
Dr Chris Steele  Talked about a new only lifestyle check called midlife check.  Its confidential and fun and when you enter your details will direct you to any help you may need.www.nhs.uk/nhshealthcheck
Francis Burrows from B-eat talked about the 21yrs this charity has spent supporting those with eating disorders, their families and raising awareness of eating disorders.B-eat Helpline 0845 634 1414help@b-eat.co.uk

 5th April10
This week we heard the second part of our interview with Jane Lovett as she taught Christina and Ann-Marie more about reading and writing Braille. 
29th March10
Have you heard of DRESSABILITY we were delighted to meet Sian Barrie from this charity who with expert tailoring will alter your cothing in such a way to make them easier to put on and take off but keeping the appearance you would have if you had no problems dressing.  We are impressed and hope to visit Sian son to meet the rest of the team and the story behind each item.
Jane Lovett believes that all blind people should have the benefit of learning to read and write in Braille.  Jane has been blind since the age of two and in this the first of 3 interviews gives Christina and Ann-Marie a lesson.
22nd March 10
Jodie Clark from the Drugs and Homeless Initiative came to give an update on the anthrax in heroin situation and tell us how the suppor they offer is taylor made to each and every individual they help. Contact on 01793 717177 or drop in to the centre in Maxwell st from 11-12. Rory Bremner and Dr Alf Troughton spoke about the new £1.2 million scanner at GWHand Jane Thomas Chair of the Homeopathic Soc stood up for the future of Homeopathy.

15th March 10
Happy 2nd Birthdat Swindon 105.5 This week we talked about the importance of diet when you are poorly, including going through or recovering from cancer treatment. Jane Sen Independant Dietry Advisor has recipies she will give us in coming weeks, contact Jane at  www.healthcreation.co.uk
Chris Valters from Swindon Osteoporosis Soc has lots to offer anyone affected by the condition. 01793 721882 swindonosteoporosis@googlemail.com Irene Adams from Laepra Health In Action completed the programme with the last of her interviews as the archivist for Lepra.  
1st March 10
Recently a woman in Bristol was told to get off a bus as breast feeding her 6wk old baby was causing offence. Elena Rossi from Breastmates came to comment on that and tell us how Breastmates support women who wish to breastfeed, contact 01793 871024.
We continue with our series on the work of Lepra health in action this time with Irene was is the archivist for the organisation.
Homeopathy is available on the NHS but is under attack , what is the future for this form of treatment.  We have the latest from Jane Thomas

22nd Feb 10
Do you have an ALLERGY , most of us do?  Lindsay McManus  from Allergy Uk can help people sufering with eczema, asthma, skin irritations etc contact 01322-619898 for advice and support.
Phillip Weeks continues with medicines in our kitchen.
Richard Woodfield, General Manager of Herbal Policy with the MHRA. From April 2011 customers buying herbal medicinal products over the counter should look for the PL or THR number on the packaging.  A patient information sheet should also be enclosed stating side affects, uses and dosage.  www.mhra.gov.uk
Swindon PCT has set up health checks for people between ages of 40-74.  List of venues and dates are:
5 March - Park South Community Centre
12 March - Savernake Community Centre, Savernake Street
19 March - Park South Community Centre
27 March -Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus

15th Feb 10
 Anthrax has been cut into heroin and caused the death of 9 people in Scotland and one person in England. We spoke with Dr Brian McClosky Director of the Health Protection Agency 
We also continued with our interviews with Professor Stafford Lightman talking about Thyroid problems and Terry Vassey CEO of Lepra Health in Action lepra@leprahealthinaction.org talked about how they help the people that mny turn away from
8th Feb 10
 Myasthenia Gravis  is an autoimmune conditions affecting voluntary muscles. If this condition affect you or yours contact ritagoldthorpe@mga-charity.org  Rita is from the Myasthenia Gravis Association  and told us about the help and advice they offer.

Following our interview with Thyroid Uk we met with Professor Stafford Lightman at Bristol University who  kindly gave us an expert opinion on hypothyroidism and understanding your blood tests.

1st Feb 10
Janice Adams sang the praises Kola her hearing dog/companion info@hearingdogs.org.uk Tel 01844 348 100 to find out how they can help you too.

25th Jan 10
MIke Buss  is extraoardary, he has just beaten the world record for running on a treadmill for 7 days, he has taken on  over 30 world records and beaten them raising money for Help for Heroes.
We want just a fraction of the will and determination of this awe inspiring yet so down to earth man. Learn about fitness, mental and physical from the man most qualified to know. activelifeuk@hotmail.com  www.mike-bus.com www.justgiving.com/mikes-worldrecords.com 07791545550

19th Jan 10
Thyroid blood tests, what do they mean? and does everyone agree on what is normal? We hear again from LynnMynott of Thyroid UK.lyn.mynott@thyroiduk.org
Suzanne Duthie talks about being the author of Acupuncture An Aid To Differential Diagnosis, and of her role as Strategic Development Director of London College of traditional Oriental Medicine

11th Jan 10
If you have THYROID DISEASE you just take a tablet till your blood levels are normal and you feel fine. right?? Wrong!  You can feel rotten  even when bloods indicate you are ok and feel great when blood results say you are ill.   We talk to  Lyn Mynott CEO &  founder of Thyroid UK and again next week contactwww.thyroiduk.org
Kit Hammond Stapely gives workshops in laughter. It is proven that laughter is the best medicine  as it reduces cortisol levels in the blood. It helped Kit outlive those who told her she would not have long to live.  contact www.laughternetwork.co.uk  and www.miraclesdohappen.org.uk

MENINGITIS, do you know the signs, and would you jnow what to do?  David Light is the Community Development Co-ordinator  for the Meningitis Trust.Contact 0800 0281828 for the free helpline or 0845 1204766 to speak to David.

RAYNAUD'S DOG SLED CHALLENGE   Anne Mawdsley, Founder and Chief Executive of the Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Association, will be driving a team of husky dogs across the lakes and forests of Finland on 16th & 17th February 2010. The event is a particularly courageous challenge as Anne has severe Raynaud’s but wants to highlight the problems which people experience in cold weather. Anne’s sponsorship page is: www.justgiving.com/rsadogsledFor a free information pack, which includes details of recommended products, Raynaud's information and a Handy Hints on Keeping Warm leaflet, call freephone 0800 917 2494 or visit www.raynauds.org.uk

4th Jan 10
Affected by Cancer a Swindon Based charity have receved funding from  Macmillan cancer support to hold meetings on thursday evenings for men who are affected by cancer in any way, they do not have  to have the condition themselves.
Contact Fred Bassett on abcswindon@yahoo.co.uk  or Tel 01793 533373

21st Dec 09
Sarah Gall followered the Margaret Hill's diet and found that the drug free way to live without ARTHRITIS works. She has written a  helpful booklet  of her experienceand she will send a copy for £3.00.
Conact Sarah on www.arthritisrecovery.co.uk  or Tel 01706 344429.

14th Dec 09
We've all heard of the FAST campaign run by the governement to raise awareness of a STROKE and what it can do.  But what is it like to have the condition and where can you go for support in Swindon? Ivor and Jean from the Stroke Association can help  Tel 01793 529693 or email linandivor@ntlworld.com
If you have a baby with DOWNS SYNDROME is Manager of Community Based Teams and Hospital Teams as well as Prospect at home teams and spoke about the way the hopice and Hospital work together to give end of life care.  LAND FILL sites  are neccessary because we live in a throwaway society> We visited Hills at Compton Bassett.Mister for Health Gillian Merron visited Swindon and we had an exclusive interview with her after she attended a M.E.N.D meeting at Greendown School West

30th Nov
Swindon.We talked with Mr Nathan Coombs FRCS  Consultant breast surgeon at Great Western Hosp to learn more about BREAST CANCER and reconstructive surgery.Visit www.SeeMyRisk.com  to determine your risk of developing breast cancer 
1st Dec is World AIDS Day and we welcomed Joshua Hall  who is the Terrence Higgins Trust spokesperson for the south west.
Terrence Higgins Trust have offices in  Percy Street Swindon and can be contacted on 01793 554825 or www.tht.org.uk. The Genito Urinary clinic of Gt Western Hosp Tel is 01793 604038

23rd Nov 09
Maggie Wallace  is Exec Chair  & Policy Director CNHC  of the Complimentary & Natural healthcare Council  a regulatory body which is supported by the Dept of Health and the Prince's Foundation to regulate complementary therapists.  Currently this is a real "hot potato"  and there are immense moves happening.  www.cnhc.org.uk  info@cnhc.org.uk  Tel 0203 178 2199
Celia Gunn lived among the Canadian Native Indians for some time, wrote a book about her experiences and spoke to us about the natural remedies used by the Native Americans.A film is being made about her book A Twist in Coyotes Tale. Look out for the  film called Bringing Back The Bones due foe release  on 23rd April 2010. www.earthskywalk.com


16 Nov
Dr Rosy Daniel of HEALTH CREATIONS in Bath worked alongside Prof Karol Sikora the well known Holistic Oncologist in London before moving to Bristol and working at the then Bristol Cancer Care Centre later to become known as Penny Brohn Cancer Care.  She is now running her own organisation involved in mentoring and helping people with all types of illness, but specialising in cancer care.  Christina attended her 1-day seminar on Friday 20 Nov at Bailbrook House in Bath enq@healthcreation.co.uk

Jan de Vries is a well known figure in the Naturopathic world, after training in pharmacology he met Dr Alfred Vogel and underwent a transformation going on to train in acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy in Switzerland and China; later moving to Scotland and setting up a very successful practice.  Since that time he has also found the time to write 50 books on health.  His latest is Emotional Healing and is available to purchase from his website: www.jandevrieshealth.co.uk
Chonette Taylor from the CLL Support Association came to talk about CHRONIC LYMPHATIC LEUKAEMIA, her fight with it, about her stem cell transplant and how the support association she helped set up in 2005 is working.  All the unpaid volunteers are all CLL patients and is dedicated to supporting other patients and their carers with CLL.  CLL is a unique problem and the volunteers will endeavour to help with general information and provide guidance.  They can be reached on freephone 0800-977 4396 or via their website www.cllsupport.org.uk
Chonette also talked about the Haematology & Oncology United Group in Swindon or HUG which is based at the GWH in the Osprey Unit on the 3rd Floor.  They hold regular meetings where patients, relatives and friends can gather and receive information.

9 Nov 09
Elaine has recently undergone  successful ' TRAM FLAP' reconstructive surgery for breast cancer  She looks and feels great, listen to her story and how she is using her experience to help others. Elaine is writing a book about her breast cancer journey and has promised to join us again when her book is on the market. 
Jane Lovett has been BLIND since she was affected by measles at the age of two.  She has three children and a full working and social life.Jane joined us with her guide dog  Pru who has truly enhanced her life. We will be meeting Jane again soon to do a follow up interview.

2 Nov 09
Dr Tom Gilhooly is Gp  from Glasgow who has many years of experience working with those with addictions who has also trained in nutrition. He spoke about the contreversial topic of cholesterol and statins, or should we be talking about Omega 3 and Omega 6.
Its World STROKE Week, what is a stroke and what can modern medial care offer. Dr Bikash Dewan is Consultant Stroke Physician At GWH and spoke with us between his busy clinics to talk to us. 

26 October
Philip Weeks, Master HERBALIST talked to us about home remedies to use from your kitchen to treat the symptoms of colds and flu - ginger, green tea, garlic, turmeric. Anything to make you sweat the bugs away.  www.philipweeks.org
Peter Kent is a Health Ambassador Coordinator - Health Ambassadors encourage, motivate, inform and support you in your efforts to be healthy.  Contact 078248 68437.  Email: pkent@swindon.gov.uk 
Julian Richards is an archaeologist and talked about what you can learn about health from ancient bones!!
 
19 October
Alan Fletcher, SWINDON GUIDE DOGS Chairman can be reached on 01793-827589.  If you want to join the group then give him a call.

12th October
Wow. Dr Andrew Tressider is a GP from Chard who whilst working in the NHS has seen the benefits and understands the background to suggesting that patients may benefit frim BACH FLOWER REMEDIES  for emotional pain.  One in five prescriptions in the NHS are given for mental health concerns so he has something else to offer www.drandrew.co.uk.
Sonia Nightingale is a Chartered Physiotherapist and gives us all the info on what ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS actually is and why physio is so essential.

Patrick Holford Author, Nutritionist  and Manager of the Brain Bio Centre in London began this first of two interviews giving the low down on Vitamins, in mega doses and how they help us fight off the flu. Much needed as winter is approaching www.patrickholford.com 

5th October
Ankylosing Spondylitis hurts and limits your movements. It cant be cured but it can be managed but how? who can help? and where can you find a group of great people just like you?
Today we begin our series of interviews about Ankylosing Spondylitis.  The almost unprounceable form of arthritis.
Dogs that can detect hypoglycaemia and alert the person. We speak to Kimberley who is diabetic herself and trains dogs to support the diabetic owner and possibly save their life. 

28 September - We were intrigued by HEALTH TALK Online when we spoke to Sue Ziebland some weeks ago and re-visited this informational online forum for health.  Sue has requested help from anyone wishing to take part in research which involves talking about your health and how you felt during treatment.  For information on this go to www.healthtalkonline.org .  Oxford University is also looking for a researcher to work in the Health Talk Online office and anyone interested should check out their website.
Finally after a year of trying, Health Matters managed to interview Dr William McCrae, Consultant Cardiologist at GWH about red wine, heart problems and cholesterol.  If you want to find out more re-listen again on Thursday 1 October at 11pm. 

21st September 09 Dr Sarah Jarvis writes for Good Housekeeping Mag and has worked on The Jeremy Kyle Show. She Has strong opinions on the vaccine given to girls for protection from the HPV as well as other aspects of health.  Mara Raneiri Davey gave us an update on mens sexual health we had another strong opinion regarding gay men giving blood. 

14th September 09
If Henry V111 had worn  disposable nappies they would still be with us now!!!!! REAL NAPPIES anyone
Well we were impressed by the nappies that dont cost the earth. Gary Lamont  from the Wilts Wildlife Trust is a man on a mission and if you dont fancy leaving nappies to rot for 500 yrs then ring 01380 725670 Ext 236 or email nappies@wiltshirewildlife.org
Lindsay Scott is Director of Ops at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership and they want YOU to have the oppoetunity to be involved by becoming a Trust details on www.awp.nhs.uk 08006949990 or foundationtrustinfo@awp.nhs.uk 01249 468377
Lead Obstetrician at Great Western Hospital Dr Harini Narayan has made first of its kind changes to the way maternity care is given. Still more to come on future programmes.

7th September 09
There are great changes to the way ANTE NATAL CARE  is being delivered at Great Western hospital. It's radical, it's innovative and pioneered by Dr Harini Narayan. Interested in pregnancy issues? dont miss this. 
Ian Ralph is a Hypnotherapist learn about how Hypnodieting may be the key to your weight loss or check out changeforthebetter  

31 August 09
Continuing the interview with Lorraine Perretta of the Brain Bio Centre in Richmond, London talking about nutrition and MENTAL HEALTH care. Also continuing the interview at Gloucester House, Highworth run by the Salvation Army it is an Addictions rehabilition centre. Ann-Marie did a tour of Gloucester House with David Day, the manager of the centre.
The first in a series of interviews with Dr Harini Narayan, Senior Consultant Obstetrician at GWH about the innovative system she has engendered in obstetrics putting the patient first.  All other hospitals in the area are watching the outcomes of the re-shuffle with keen interest.
Cancer Care Landmark Seminar Series is taking place on 3/4 Sept and 10/11 Oct at The Centre for Nutrition Education & Lifestyle management in Wokingham, Berkshire.
If you wish to attend either or all the days then phone 0118 979 8686 or email info@cnelm.co.uk
Centre in Highworth we had the first in a series of interviews about the sensitive valuable work that is ongoing at this Salvation Army centre.
Continuing with our series of interviews with Lorraine Perretta from the Brain Bio Centre in London where they help people with mental health problems using nitrition.

17th August 09
Our last interview with Janet Harper,Care and Support Manager at STANTON LODGE. This week we were shown around the flat of a lovely lady called Iris.
Emily Edwards is the Operations Manager for the Drugs and Homeless Initative who care and really make a difference.Contact her on 08009704830.
Harry Massey of Nutrienergetics spoke about his film.find out more on thelivingmatrixmovie.com 
Our first interview with Lorraine Perretta Senior Nitrutionist at the Brain Biocentre, a great start.
Last but not least Matt Gushco spokesman from the American Embassy.
 
10 August 09
- Rosanna Preston from CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Association) has a mission to educate the public about this condition and after attending thh annual conference  spoke with Ann-Marie and Christina in the studio.This condtion affects 1:700 people.   If you wish to set up a local group or would like more information then contact the Association on
020 7833 4883  Info@clapa.com 
Also in the studio was MaraRanieri Davey from Wilts & Swindon Mens Sexual Health Service letting us know that the service is attending the Gay Pride event in Swindon over the weekend. In conjunction with Swindon PCT  they offer free clamydia screening to 16-24 year olds and advice on a whole range of issues affecting the health of men.

3 August 09 
- Debbie from the Pregnancy Crisis Service explained how they offer pregnancy and post-abortion support.
Steve James a Mental Health Practitioner spoke to Ann-Marie and Christina about the workshops the AWMHP is running to help people deal with the Credit Crunch.

27 July 09
Dr Roger Bullock, Consultant in charge of the Dementia Centre in Swindon gave us up to date information on his latest research; and Jolyon Livingston an osteopath from the Cricklade Osteopathic Health Practice will be talking about regulation, and osteopathy in today's world. www.osteojo.co.uk

20 July 09
 Mr & Mrs Graham came into the studio to talk about their lives dealing with Alzheimers.

July 09 
Helen Jackson from Gynae C gave us an update on the latest news from Cancer Self Help Groups.  Helen's contact details are www.gynaec.co.uk We also met Lynda Hughes from the Forget Me Not Centre, a place that people under the age of 65 with Alzheimers can attend to meet others and learn something new.  The Forget Me Not Centre is the only one of its type in England and with vacancies at present can be reached on 436775. 
Ann-Marie talked about having given up smoking with the help of Ian Ralph a hypnotherapist.  His contact details are info@changeforthebetter.org.uk
6 July - Jackie Wray from the Swindon Therapy Centre dropped into to see Ann-Marie and Christina to update us on what is happening with their move to the new premises and the work they are doing.  They need to raise more money and are looking for volunteers to help with making tea or just helping people visiting the centre.  Contact details - 01793-481700

29 June 09
Ann-Marie visited Stanton Lodge in Kingsdown, Stratton to talk with Janet Harper about the support they give to Alzheimers sufferers and their family. Contact details for Stanton Lodge is 01793-836923. We also spoke with Anita Wallace, the CEO of the Lymphodaema Society about this support group and how lymphodaema manifests in people. 0207-351 4480

22 June 09 
Sue from the Swindon ME Support Group came into the studio to talk about the problems with Myalgic Encephalopathy or ME as it is commonly known.  We  also continued the interview with Kyle Davies a Chartered Psychologist talking about Mickle Therapy and how they help people with ME/CFS.

15 June 09
Lesley Hitchman is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist based at GWH helping people with diabetes.  Ann-Marie spoke to Lesley about how she can help people suffering with diabetes cope with stress.   If anyone wishes to speak to Lesley they should ask their Diabetes Specialist Nurse to refer them if they have diabetes; or alternatively ask for a referral from their GP for stress management help.
We continued the interview with Mary Trenfield a Psych-K Therapist. www.joyofliving.org.uk   Psych-K is psychological kinesiology and is a method of tapping into the subconscious using muscle testing.  By tapping into the subconscious using Psych-K one can alter the thought pattern and bring about a new method of dealing with life.  Mary gave Christina a therapy treatment using Psych-K. 

8 June 09
Health Matters invited Anne Tottingham a Wiltshire based homeopath www.homeopath-reiki.co.uk to talk to us about training in homeopathy and how it can help in an everyday way.  We also interviewed Tamara Ashcroft, an acupuncturist working out of Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury about the new published guidelines on treatment of low back pain.  Acupuncture, spinal manipulation (osteopathy, chiropractic etc) and exercise are the new "gold standards" for treatment of low back pain. 
Health Matters had a statement from Swindon PCT about the new guidelines wherein they said they would be looking into the commissioning of new services to work alongside the current services.    Christina was told this would be in place within the next 3 months.  Health Matters will be following this with great interest.

1 June 09
 Dr Hazel O'Dowd, clinical lead at Frenchay Hospital and with specialist knowledge of ME spoke to us of the symptoms and difficulties of having ME/CFS.  The phone number for anyone seeking advice is 0845-1232390.
Giving a different perspective on ME was Kyle Davies, a Chartered Psychologist and Mickle therapist helping people cope with this disease. 
Also on the programme Christina talked with Mary Trenfield a Psych-K therapist. 
25th May