A holiday to make you more beautiful

For those of you who like to think ahead, why not start planning now for a ‘detox’ holiday in 2009! I recommend adventure travel on an African safari with plenty of opportunity for exercise in unpolluted fresh air, and lots of relaxation in between walks in the bush and game drives. It’s good for the body and good for the soul – the ideal rejuvenation. I find that Zambia offers a lot of choice for tourists, and because it’s not that well-known you’re never crowded out. There’s even beach if you want it – this is the edge of Lake Bangweulu in the Eastern Central area of Zambia….

Alternative Water?

Today thankfully Anglian Water lifted its ban on drinking unboiled tap water for all customers in Northamptonshire affected by the inconvenience caused by cryptosporidium in the water supply. Tap water in that area is officially clear of the bug. But it has again raised concerns in people’s minds about the quality of tap water. At the same time those of us who buy bottled water are being labelled as ‘eco-criminals’. Water is heavy and large quantities of fuel are used to transport it, and also to make the packaging. So I have a proposal. We have alternative therapy, alternative education, alternative music ……  Why not alternative water? America is often two steps ahead of us trend-wise. So what’s happening on the other side of the pond? In Los Angeles apparently everybody fills up on tap water and orders it in restaurants. In Chicago there’s a tax on mineral water. In New York the mayor has called on citizens to boycott bottles. Are we lagging behind in this country? What’s the problem? I believe the problem is that people don’t want to risk drinking tap water. And despite the famous Panorama water testing experiment, I for one do not like the tap water taste. What is my alternative water? It’s simple really. It’s tap water treated at point-of-use, in the kitchen or in the workplace. No environmental issue. No taste issue. No health issue (it kills the cryptsporidium bug outright). Just good clean eco-friendly delicious Alternative Water! Hmmmmmm I love it! 

Julia Rosamund Brown

Technorati Tags: Alternative Water,drinking water,Daily Telegraph,kitchen water treatment system,drinking water filter,UV water treatment,Anglian Water,clean water,cryptosporidiosis,cryptosporidium,Health,Northampton,pure water,tap water alert,water crisis,water treatment

More Water Features

Preliminary data indicates that the Cryptosporidium oocysts found at the Pitsford Water Treatment Works near Northampton are a type which results in low infectivity to man and the risk is therefore significantly reduced.  That’s a relief to everyone. However it does not help us feel less vulnerable, less exposed to potentially harmful living ‘things’ that could show up in our tap water, apparently at any time.

What a pity we have to drink the stuff at all! But we do. The jury has been out for a while on how much. But according to an article published today in a Special Report distributed by the Daily Telegraph, drinking 8 – 10 glasses of water a day can make an enormous difference to our health. It quotes Pamela Taylor, chief executive of industry lobbyist organisation Water UK, as saying that we now have the clearest evidence that water is a really powerful health drink. And this is especially true for older people. In fact, according to Baroness Greengross, founder of Action on Elder Abuse, not introducing minimum standards of hydration in hospitals and care homes could be seen as neglect. Apparently the thirst sensation decreases as you get older and so it’s good to remind elderly people of their hydration needs.

For details of the water treatment system I recommend, do get in touch. With one of these state-of-the-art purifiers installed in your kitchen you can confidently drink plenty of great-tasting water and you’ll be encouraging your family to experience the health benefit!

 

Julia Rosamund Brown

Technorati Tags: drinking water,elderly,Baroness Greengross,Daily Telegraph,Pamela Taylor,Water UK,kitchen water treatment system,drinking water filter,UV water treatment,drugs in drinking water,phthalates,leaching into bottled water,Anglian Water,clean water,cryptosporidiosis,cryptosporidium,Health,Northampton,pure water,tap water alert,water crisis,water treatment

Northampton Tap Water Crisis – the aftermath

Yesterday Anglian Water announced that it would lift the ‘boil notice’ for 60 per cent or more of the 108,000 homes affected, by the end of this week. The company has identified the source of the cryptosporidium protozoa found at the Pitsford treatment plant and are now ensuring that traces of the bug are removed from the water already in the distribution network. I understand the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) will be carrying out an investigation. 

By coincidence the same DWI recently commissioned some research by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. It revealed that pharmaceuticals are finding their way into our water supply despite extensive purification treatments used by water companies like Anglian Water. Trace levels of bleomycin, a cancer chemotherapy drug, and diazepam, a sedative, were found during tests on drinking water. Andrew Johnson, the scientist who led the study, said: “There is not evidence to show that drinking water treatment removes all these drugs, so while we are not wanting to alarm people, it would be foolish to assume there is no risk.”

A separate study by environmental scientists has also warned that toxic chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer patients are being washed into Britain’s rivers.And in America a vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million people, a recent Associated Press investigation has shown.

Meanwhile the plastic bottle mountain in the Northampton area is expected to grow (see picture). Not too green….

All this makes me even more sure than I already was that the domestic water treatment system we supply is the best solution to the drinking water issues we are now facing. Email us or give us a call on 01733 242756 to place your order.

 

Julia Rosamund Brown

P.S If you think you’re safe buying bottled water, you may have to think again! Natural Resources Defense Council, an American environmental action group, have found that chemicals called phthalates, which are known to disrupt testosterone and other hormones, can leach into bottled water over time. One study found that water that had been stored for 10 weeks in plastic and in glass bottles contained phthalates, suggesting that the chemicals could be coming from the plastic cap or liner. Although there are regulatory standards limiting phthalates in tap water, there are no legal limits for phthalates in bottled water — the bottled water industry waged a successful campaign opposing the USA’s FDA proposal to set a legal limit for these chemicals.

Technorati Tags: drinking water,kitchen water treatment system,drinking water filter,UV water treatment,drugs in drinking water,phthalates,leaching into bottled water,Anglian Water,clean water,cryptosporidiosis,cryptosporidium,Health,Northampton,pure water,tap water alert,water crisis,water treatment

Northampton Tap Water Crisis – UV treatment clears the bug!

Latest news on what’s happening in the Northampton area of the UK, currently dealing with a ban on the use of tap water for drinking. The ban is a result of the discovery of cryptosporidium parasites in the water at the Pitsford reservoir nearby. Interestingly Anglian Water are installing ultra-violet treatment to kill the bug. As I mentioned in my previous blog, the kitchen water treatment system I supply uses a combination of carbon block filter and UV lamp. The UV light destroys parasites such as cryptosporidium. So by installing our system (a simple process) you can get back to normal within a couple of weeks and never have to worry again about these kind of bugs getting into your water. Find out more or phone 01733242756 to order.

Unfortunately it is still going to take weeks rather than days, in all probability, before things get back to normal. Meanwhile Anglian Water delivered 69,000 bottles of water over the weekend to vulnerable customers including hospitals, nursing homes and some schools. And the Co-operative has delivered a massive 75,000 litres of bottled water to Northamptonshire to help meet demand during the water crisis. Customers will be restricted to 10 litres each until the crisis has been resolved.

The most common question being asked is ‘Can I use the dishwasher?’ The answer apparently is yes, if you put it on a hot wash. The second most asked question has been about hand-washing dishes. Anglian Water have advised people to wash the dishes as normal then douse them with boiling water as they stand on the drainer.

Julia Rosamund Brown

Technorati Tags: clean water,health,pure water,water treatment,Northampton,cryptosporidium,cryptosporidiosis,water crisis,tap water alert,Anglian Water

Northampton Tap Water Crisis and our on-counter Water Treatment System

Now that it’s summer everyone should be drinking more water than usual to replace water lost in perspiration. Not a good time for Anglian Water scientists to discover cryptosporidium in the public water supply during a routine test at Pitsford Water Treatment Works this Tuesday. To their credit they quickly announced the problem and are working hard to resolve the issue. But it may take weeks to sort it out. Anglian Water have urged the 250,000 or so affected people in Northampton, Daventry and the west of the county to boil all their drinking water rather than panic buy bottled water at the shops. Dozens of schools sent pupils home on Wednesday. But Anglian Water has promised to deliver bottled supplies to them so they should be re-opening. Anglian Water has not yet found out how the cryptosporidium parasite got into the water supply. Read more here:-

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/Water-crisis-clockwatch-How-the.4220470.jp

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/water-crisis/Tap-water-alert-Anglian-Water.4221771.jp

Cryptosporidium parasites do not often get into the public water supply in the UK. But when it happens it can be devastating to those whose homes are affected. Just last year in June there was another such incident affecting an estimated 15,040 people in North Walsham, Norfolk for 11 days. Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite (a tiny organism) that causes an infection called cryptosporidiosis. The most common symptom is watery diarrhoea, which can range from mild to severe. Cryptosporidiosis is most common in children aged between 1 and 5 years, but it can affect anyone. People with weak immune systems are likely to be most seriously affected. There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis. Most people with a healthy immune system will recover within one month. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. That of course is a problem if the water supply has caused the infection in the first place. Thankfully so far there have been no reported cases of cryptosporidiosis in the Northampton area.

There was concern in 2005 about the increase in cases of human cryptosporidiosis in England and Wales that had been reported to the Health Protection Agency. It is not unusual for there to be a rise in the number of reported human cases during autumn. But in 2005 it was higher than usual and this led to the setting up of several outbreak control teams in parts of South England and North Wales. Cryptosporidium is found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with infected human or animal faeces. Transmission may occur through animal-to-human or human-to-human contact, by consuming contaminated water or food, or by swimming in contaminated water (for example in lakes or rivers). In 2005 precautionary advice to boil water was given to consumers.

I’ve already blogged about the importance of drinking clean water for your health and general well being (Water is life…). What’s really interesting is that the water treatment system we recommend and supply has not only a carbon block filter but also ultraviolet lamp technology. And ultraviolet light destroys the Cryptosporidium parasite! So if you’re in one of the affected areas in Northamptonshire, we can help you get through this difficult time by supplying you with a simply-installed system that will protect you from Cryptosporidium. You won’t have to boil your water! Get the details or browse our website.

Let’s hope and pray this crisis is quickly resolved, with no cryptosporidiosis outbreak.

Julia Rosamund Brown

Technorati Tags: clean water,health,pure water,water treatment,Northampton,cryptosporidium,cryptosporidiosis,water crisis,tap water alert,Anglian Water

HOW TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT your health

If you recognise that vibrant health means looking your best and reducing the risk of illness, you may need a CRASH COURSE on how to achieve optimal health and vitality. It needn’t be complicated. In fact you could make a good start by taking just 4 simple steps to make it happen. Can you cope with that?  Great! Here we go…

STEP 1 – DRINK WATER – How hard is that? Pure water is one of the simplest remedies you could offer your body because it improves your health, your fitness, and even how you look. See my earlier blog on this – ‘Water is Life. So better read on…’. I’m happy to recommend the brilliant point-of-use kitchen counter system that I use. It converts ordinary tap water into great tasting quality water – just check our website for more information.

STEP 2 – OUT WITH THE TRASH – Sort out your nutrient intake by reducing fatty, sugary fast foods and eating more fresh and whole foods. Macro and micronutrients are the raw materials your body needs to give you abounding energy. Feed your body with the right stuff. Nutrients can work alone but each does depend on others to be most effective. Quality carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. You know what’s good for you. Just do it!

STEP 3 – TAKE SUPPLEMENTS – Find a good brand of food supplements, made from organically grown food concentrates if at all possible. If you don’t know where to look, do get in touch to find out about the brand we recommend.  Although we may make every effort to eat a balanced diet, science shows that nowadays, despite the best possible efforts, we can’t always get everything our bodies need from food alone, unless it is completely balanced – no refined foods, no takeaway, no excess sugars. Unfortunately these days our food tends to be overly processed, hormone-pumped, artificially coloured, full of enhanced flavours, high in sugar and very low in fibre. So supplementing with the right vitamins and minerals is a key component of achieving optimal health.

STEP 4 – EXERCISE – groan!!!!!! But actually it makes you feel GOOD! Exercise and improved fitness will perk up your mood, combat chronic diseases, strengthen your heart and lungs, manage your weight, promote better sleep and even improve your sex life. So it’s worth it. I go for walks and use a Billy Blank’s Tae Bo video as it’s easy (kind of), quick, I can do it whenever I can fit it in and I don’t have to spend time and money going to the gym.

That’s D for DRINK WATER

O for OUT WITH THE TRASH

T for TAKE SUPPLEMENTS

E for EXERCISE

DOTE – dote on yourself a bit and feel great this summer!

Julia Rosamund Brown

Technorati Tags: how to,lifestyle,organic vitamins and minerals,online fitness course,fast loss weight,dietary mineral supplements,weight loss,nutrition during pregnancy,and supplements vitamin,weight loss shakes,food eating,supplements vitamin,pure spring water,multi vitamin supplements,drinking water filter,pregnancy nutrition,weight loss calculator,health supplements,christmas food,simply supplements,food,nutrition,fitness,good food guide,weight loss diets,weight loss products,water treatment,cookware,vitamins and minerals,take away food,vitamins,lose weight,vitamins minerals,health and fitness,bodybuilding supplements,supplements,lose weight fast,vitamin supplements,herbal supplements,vitamins direct,nutritional supplements,supplement,good food,weight loss diet,exercise,how to lose weight,food recipes,minerals,dietary supplements,organic food,home fitness,pure water,vitamin,health fitness,food and drink,wellbeing,bottled water,drinking water,mineral

A definition of lifestyle

I just checked for blogs about lifestyle and they’re a real mixture. It got me thinking about what the term ‘lifestyle’ really means. For me it’s about living life in style. So that includes being healthy, wealthy and wise. Looking after your body, mind and spirit. That kind of thing. Is there anyone out there who thinks the same as me??

The idea of this lifestyle blog is to share with the world ideas on:-

1. how to make the most of your looks with the right products and knowhow

2. how to be healthy and full of energy without the need to stuff yourself with medication

3. how to share and enhance the lives of those around you

4. how to run your home efficiently and hygienically

5. how to choose energy-saving and healthy kitchenware and food products.

Isn’t that creating lifestyle? (Or perhaps there another term that everyone uses except me?)

Next blog post will be on skin care – making the most of your looks.

Julia Brown

Water is life. So better read on…

Are you fed up with all the talk about tap v. bottled water? Perhaps you don’t even drink the stuff. Lots of people don’t. They get their daily water intake from coffees, teas, cokes….. So do you really need your 8 glasses a day? What’s so interesting about water anyway? 

The unfortunate reality is that our bodies need a regular intake of good quality water in order to function normally and, not least, to make us look good. Coffees and teas, it has to be said, are not good sources of water as the body has to deal with the other stuff and so cannot utilise the water properly.

Fact #1  To look and feel our best, we need to drink good quality water every day.

So how much do we need? Studies have shown that drinking lots of water helps the body to clear salt and urea. On average the body uses between 1 – 1.5 litres of water daily and more in high temperatures and when exercising. This should be replaced by drinking the equivalent amount of water.

Fact #2   We need to replace the water the body looses.      That’s 1 – 1.5 litres of water per day.

Now that’s all well and good. But it brings us to the controversial issue of what water we should drink – council tap water, filtered tap water, water sold in plastic bottles, water sold in glass bottles…… 

There is a on-going campaign to encourage the public to use tap water rather than bottled water. This campaign aims to discourage people from buying expensive and environmentally-damaging bottled water. The problem is that the bottles are thrown away and take 450 years to break down. And every bottle represents 100g of greenhouse gas emissions in its production. 

But the problem is that tap water doesn’t taste so good! apbGLOBAL recommends you pass the tap water through a high-quality water treatment system first. Just ask us!