If you are using an online healthcare provider based in the UK you can take confidence from the fact that these online clinics are regulated and inspected in exactly the same way as any other healthcare provider – including the NHS. Any website operating a medical service in the UK must have license from the Care Quality Commission. The CQC, as it is known, will inspect a medical provider on a regular basis to ensure that standards are being met and maintained. If a website is not appropriately licensed then you would be wise not to use them. You can access the Care Quality Commission’s database of clinics here.

We have used a couple of online clinics to assess the standard of service provided so that you we can present examples of excellent providers of online healthcare. The first website that we tested was Private Doctor Direct. The website is licensed with the Care Quality Commission and we have to say we were very impressed with the service that we received. The website is very easy to navigate with all of the conditions that they treat set out in a way that is simple to navigate and refine. The consultation was dealt with very swiftly and we were given the name of the doctor who reviewed our consultation along with his GMC reference number. This part of the process was very reassuring. The prices appeared to be pretty competitive when compared with other websites. We placed an order and it arrived the next day with a clear set of instructions.

The other website that we decided to try was called Online Clinic. This website had a nice look and feel and it is properly licensed. The only problem with it is that they will only prescribe for patients that are already registered with them.  While this is a nice and secure level of safety, it is not going to be convenient for everyone but we can see that it is a great service for those patients already registered with this clinic. If you are already registered then they have allocated patients with a unique login and the service then works in a very similar way to Private Doctor Direct. You login, choose your treatment and the doctor then issues a prescription direct to the pharmacy for next day delivery. You can also collect the treatment from their premises in Harley Street if you so wish but you have to do that the day after you place your order.

Both of the websites that we reviewed seemed extremely professional and we have no real criticisms. The one area where we think that they can improve is if they worked with a wider variety of pharmacists so that you could access a click and collect service. This would also be a good way of supporting your local high street pharmacy.

The first report comes from a case that was reported about a week ago regarding a 15-month-old toddler that had been infected with the H5N1 virus. The boy, who was from the Phnom Penh district in Cambodia, presented with a fever, diarrhoea and lethargy and was admitted to hospital where his diagnosis was made. Although the virus is known for being particularly aggressive, the boy’s condition turned stable once he had been treated with Tamiflu. While it is unfortunate that the toddler was infected, it is not the first time this has happened. In fact, the toddler was the 18^th human to be infected by the virus this year.

Given that researchers have long known about the nature of the H5N1 virus in terms of how it leads to quick worsening of symptoms, and that a fair amount of cases had been reported, one would assume that this would have led to a lot of research. However, rather than resulting in deeper research projects, this knowledge has led to overly cautious measures. A perfect example of that comes from a recent study, which is the second report we consider in this article.

The study, which was published in Journal of Clinical Investigation, was a trial looking into the efficacy of a recently developed vaccine against H5N1. As previous researchers had highlighted that researching a virus that could potentially cause a pandemic and led to security concerns, the researchers of the current study used a synthetic version of the virus. The researchers gave the vaccine to four patients, and took blood samples, which were used to take out antibodies thought to interact with H5N1 viruses. They then tested whether these antibodies would successfully target the synthetic version of the virus. The key findings indicated that the vaccination appeared to affect how the synthetic virus was binding between mutations, so that it blocked the process required for the virus to be transferable between mammals. Based on this the researchers confirmed the importance of studying viruses by using synthetic viruses, and of the potential to develop a H5N1 vaccination for humans.

While the security concerns are understandable, it is still debatable whether a synthetic virus would be of any use, as it could almost be seen as a ‘middle man’. If the synthetic virus is similar to the real virus, then expensive and time-consuming research has to be conducted to establish this. If it is not comparable, then the research and development of vaccinations will prove useless. If it is comparable, then what is to say that the same risks do not apply for the synthetic virus as they would for the original virus. Either way, time and money is lost addressing concerns created from politics rather than addressing research.

We recommend this website for influenza news - http://www.magnetic-health.co.uk/home/mutant-influenza-virus-developed/

• Live the autumn: whether you like it or not, the season is here so you might as well enjoy it. Even if you are not a big fan of days getting shorter and colder, there are so many things you can enjoy in the fall: from the changing colour of the leaves in the tree, to the fresh breezes to the smell of the new crisp air. Find what motivates you the most and schedule in a trip or two to an outdoor place you can fall in love with.
• Start something new: we are never too old to learn something new. So many new things start in the fall apart from school: take advantage of the time, find out what your neighbourhood can offer and sign up for exercise classes, dancing classes or any other activity that keeps you moving!
• If not…hobbies, hobbies, hobbies: remember to give yourself proper breaks throughout the month so schedule in your favourite activities. If classes are not for you, remember that there are always other activities you can do. For example, if you like photography but do not want to commit to lessons, take a long walk and take this time to shoot beautiful sceneries. If you like to play the piano, opt for playing it somewhere public rather than at home: this might not apply to all the UK but in London, for example, there is a piano inside the station of St. Pancras that can be played by anyone. Lastly, another thing you might like to do to relax is to get away. So if you like to travel, organise a day-trip in a place close to home that you have not seen yet and start wondering around. All these activities will help you keep busy without spending too much or committing to a class.
• Go back to the gym: if you are a gym person, start again the routine that you might have stopped whilst on holiday. This is the time to get organised again and a steady visit to the gym, along with a new routine, can help!
• Motivate yourself: the end of summer and the beginning of autumn can be a daunting period. Try to find short-term goals (they could be birthdays, holidays, fun activities with friends, etc…) that would keep you going and happy to continue to live healthily. If it is hard for you to find something to be motivated about, try setting up your own motivational goals: maybe buy a new pair of trainers when you reach a particular goal or reward yourself with a hot bath or a nice haircut. Remember to make the goals achievable, neither too easy or too hard, and at the right time, neither too close to one another nor too spread out. You could also motivate yourself by doing something nice to another person. Whatever it is, there is always something to be looking forward to so do not despair.
• Eat well: About.com has a list of wonderful low-fat dishes, using ingredients that are in season, that you will almost certainly enjoy making. The three foods listed as autumn foods are: pumpkin, apples and pecans. These are also foods that are not too expensive, and can be prepared in a wide variety of ways.

Take the time to enjoy the taste and feel of autumn without hibernating! You can find more tips on Webmd.com.

A diet comprising proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins and minerals ensures your body receives the nutrition it needs for a healthy and active life. Maintaining the proper body weight is achieved by keeping a balance between your food intake and energy (calories) used. Being either overweight or underweight is unhealthy and makes it difficult to achieve an appropriate level of fitness. Being overweight places extra strain on body processes and on the joints. Many serious diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and back and joint problems are associated with being overweight or obese. On the other hand, lack of energy, fatigue and loss of muscle tone are characteristics of an underweight person.

Exercise

Frequently undertaken with the aim of weight loss, exercise should be viewed as an all-round health and fitness enhancer. Your level of fitness is reflected by your heart and lung functioning, muscle strength, flexibility, and body structure. Lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle, usually lead to weight gain. They are also associated with an increased risk of serious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes, which may be prevented by taking regular exercise. Moreover, problems with muscles and joints that are part of the natural ageing process, such as arthritis, osteoporosis (loss of bone) and muscle wasting, can be delayed by strengthening exercises.

Physical exercise works the muscles to help us attain a healthy body shape and improve our physical performance. Importantly, exercise strengthens the heart muscle, enabling it to pump blood more efficiently. While exercise may be difficult at first, causing breathlessness, aches and fatigue, your body soon gets used to it. Both exercising and daily activities become easier as your physical health and fitness improve. The benefits of exercise are reflected not only in your physique but in your mental functioning. Physical activity stimulates chemicals in the brain, which ‘lift’ the mood and reduce stress levels and, in turn, may work to increase your ability and motivation to do more exercise.

What should I do?

The key to good health and fitness is to maintain a healthy weight. A healthy diet is achieved through eating sensibly; it does not necessarily have to exclude those ‘guilty’ foods, provided they are eaten in moderation and you are taking regular exercise. Physical activity should be part of your lifestyle whatever your age, and is easily incorporated into a daily routine (e.g. taking the stairs not the lift; getting off the bus a stop earlier, etc.) or as part of your social life (e.g. walking with a friend, going to a gym).

Before embarking on a health and fitness programme or dieting, it is advisable to consult your doctor particularly if you have any illnesses or problems with your health. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of action. If you cannot get to see your own doctor then there are doctors online. we recommend The Online Clinic in the UK as they have a great reputation and they are properly licensed so you know that they are to be trusted. Here is their weight loss programme page - http://www.theonlineclinic.co.uk/weight-loss-program.asp

Here are some tips that can help you understand what the best workout might be for you:

• When do you want to work out? Whether you are a shift worker or you are in the office from 9 to 5 Monday to Friday, you have to set up some time during the week for your workouts. Improvised workouts are great, but they should only really be an addition to your scheduled workouts. This is because if you plan, you are more likely to do it even if you don’t feel like it.

• Do you like company? Answering this question will help you narrow down the different things you can do for you workouts. For example, if working out with someone motivates you or you do not mind having company, you should consider team workouts like doing sports or even just running together. If working out with someone gives you the chills and you’d rather not share your sweat, at least you know to skip the salsa-dancing or the zumba class.

• What do you like to do? Whether it’s dancing, being outdoors or doing cardio in the gym, consider doing something you truly enjoy. Life is too short to spend your workout time doing something you do not enjoy. There must be something you like, as there are countless possibilities. If you like being indoors with company, consider gym classes. In the summer time swimming, hiking or taking long walks might also be put into your workout routine. Know what you want out of it (i.e. lose weight, just stay healthy or work out some particular muscles) and go for it. If your aims do not fit with what you enjoy, compromise by alternating exercises you enjoy to exercises that help you achieve your goal.

• What CAN you do? Unfortunately for different reasons we all have types of exercise we can do and types of exercises we cannot do. This could be due to injuries or any other medical condition. For example, if you have heart disease, it might be best to consult your doctor before scheduling your exercise routine. This is because you might need to monitor your exercise very carefully. For more information on this you can read this article.

• What’s convenient? We all want to be superheroes and aim to go to the best workout place ever –whether that is a park we really like, or a gym we adore. However, let’s face it: we are constrained by our home and work locations. Instead of aiming to go to the faraway marvellous place and then ending up cancelling for different reasons, find a place that is nearer your house. You’ll be able to stick to your workout plan more easily and you will go more regularly as the lazy person inside you will not be able to stop you from going so close.

• And….change! Or not. Whatever you choose, stick to it. However, do so until you are bored of it. Stick to your workout for at least two weeks and then if you get bored of it after that, switch to something else. If you then like your second workout much more and you want to keep it going for a while, do so. As long as you keep yourself interested, you work out regularly and you feel good, nothing should stop you from changing your workout around or keeping it the same.

• Proteins: to help our bodies repair and grow tissues
• Carbohydrates: the main source of energy
• Vitamins: to help the body function at its fullest capacity
• We also need fats, occasionally, for energy and for protection and safety of the body.

Any weight-loss diet should include all of these, if the diet wants to be a long-term, healthy commitment rather than a sharp, short-term weight-loss method.

Keeping the balance right is very important. There are many diets and each different diet has slightly different ratios between the foods. One diet worth considering (and eventually tweaking) is the Mediterranean diet. The pyramid shows the ratios that this diet suggests. Feel free to read more information on the Mediterranean diet if you are interested or you want to try it out.

The Mediterranean diet is a great strong base for a healthy diet: however, it is important to keep in mind two main things.

1. That exercise is of the utmost importance when following any type of diet
2. That carbohydrates can and should be reduced if you want to lose weight and your exercise is low to moderate.

Having considered these two elements then, it is recommended to change the ratio of carbs and veggies to 1:1. Otherwise, veggies might also be the primary component of the diet and carbs could be cut down a bit.

To finish off with carbs: it is important to consider which type of carbs you are consuming. In fact, grains and wholemeal bread is much healthier than white bread and if you are thinking of losing weight safely, you might want to consider these as alternatives to your normal loaf of white bread (either permanently or temporarily).

Do not forget to write down what you eat, especially when beginning a new diet: you might think you are having crisps rarely but maybe you are actually consuming a packet every other day. Crisps are a particularly easy food to pack and have without being fully conscious. Try to substitute them with carrots, or any other veggies. You might struggle at first, but in a few days you might notice the difference already.

Finally, remember: it is important to keep in mind that change does not happen overnight. If you keep on changing a small thing regarding your diet every week, you will gradually get in the habit of eating healthily. Balance is everything: if you have a bigger meal than normal one day, don’t despair and try to make up for it by cutting down the next day. Oh, and most importantly: don’t forget to drink water. Drinking loads is essential to keep your metabolism going!

But what is a health and fitness plan?

Anything that improves your physical and mental health can be considered to be part of a health and fitness plan. From exercising to eating properly to sleeping enough hours, many things in your daily life can contribute to making you feel better, as these things affect your overall health.

There is nothing wrong with browsing through general health and fitness tips to get inspired or get some advice: however, you should ultimately create a personalised plan. There are certain elements and factors that you might want to consider when you create such plan, tailored to your needs and wants. Here we consider some of them:

• Age: A younger individual (i.e. children and teenagers) should move much more than adults or an elderly person. It is known that a person’s fitness declines with age, especially once reaching the age of 45. Hence, age is an important factor to consider when planning on creating a personalised fitness plan.

• Time: How much free time do you have? This is an important point that will help you establish whether you are really going to be able to do the workout routine you saw in the magazine just the other day. If the routine is 45 minutes, but you do not feel like you can take the time off all at once, then consider a few shorter routine, or break the one you found into pieces. Note: be careful before you break your routine into pieces, as it might be a 45-minute workout for a reason. For example, it might be a routine aimed at increasing resistance, and it would obviously not achieve the goal if you break it into parts.

• Physical condition: If you are not feeling well for the moment or have a temporary or permanent physical condition, you should tailor your fitness routine accordingly. The problems you might experience can be ranging from having the cold to having a back problem. If you want to start a fitness and health routine properly, you have to take into account the limits that your body can reach. If you are not sure about what those are, ask your doctor.

• Mental condition: Again, whether your state of mind is stress-related or you have a diagnosed mental condition, you should take that into account when creating your perfect health and fitness routine. Self-help books, taking a few days off work or seeing an old friend can all affect positively your overall health and you should give these factors some consideration.

Have we forgotten anything? Remember your own health and fitness plan will not be perfect straight after you create it. Tailoring it to your needs is an on-going process and when you change lifestyle, you might have to tweak it again. The important thing is that you give yourself time to plan it because, if you do, you’ll benefit from taking care of your own health.