#BoxHill Surrey

Yesterday was a stunning weather day. Very cold overnight - a heavy frost created with lots of ice formed on puddles and in ditches. What made it so picturesque was despite the very bright sun light - it remained cold and therefore the frost and ice was slow to disappear. Grass looked white for most of the day and with the sun light shining on it the landscape seemed to sparkle. There was also the gorgeous crunch and crack when you walked across it.

It was a great day for being up on Box Hill (highest point 735') - my first time. Box Hill is the summit of the North Downs in Surrey and is a prominent land mark. Most of it is National Trust land - and therefore well looked after and unspoilt. It is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The north and south-facing slopes support an area of chalk down land which forms a Special area of Conservation and included is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. (The chalk downs on the Isle of Wight are a continuation.)

There are many footpaths on, over and around Box Hill and being only 19 miles from London and in the prosperous "stock broker" belt it must get a lot of visitors - particularly in the summer. Yesterday for large parts of the day we hardly saw anyone. A 10 mile up and down walk (some very steep) on this day was very quiet and unspoilt and felt a special place to be.

One of the ways to the top of Box Hill is Zig Zag Road. This route was incorporated as part of the London 2012 Olympic Games long distance cycle race as the major hill climb. As a consequence it is very popular with lycra clad cyclists and while it was not apparent yesterday the "pelotons" offer quite a spectacle or inconvenience depending on your point of view. They do not interfere with the walkers of course!

There are some beautiful and scenic areas in the South East - and Box Hill is certainly one of them especially on such a brilliant winters day.

Here are some mob photos. They do not do the scenery justice - and cannot convey the contradictory feeling of bright sun and cold and the crispness and pristine feeling of the morning especially.

#juniordoctors their strike for us

It is a shitty society we live in. The good and the decent - the hardworkers - the diligent,  the carers, the concerned are so often misrepresented and abused by the strong, the selfish and the callous.

I am following the junior doctors dispute. It has been a vile day to behold. There has been so much bigotry, so much manipulative behaviour, so much ignorance on display. There has been so much shallow, sensationalist reporting. Generally our media serve us so badly. It is sickening and shaming.

Junior Doctors are exemplary people. They are some of the most skilled, hardest working and caring, decent young people in our society. They already work very hard - brutally hard in some instances and have tremendous responsibilities - often the ultimate responsibility. Some in our society are treating them like dirt. They are being forced to do even more when they already do so much.

Here are some of the lies and misrepresentation pedalled by Jeremy Hunt and the Government today to try to dupe the public and get them on the government side.

• Not all junior doctors came out on strike today. The reason - they were acting responsibly and offering agreed emergency cover to protect the public. Instead of acknowledging this Hunt has tried to imply there is a split in their ranks.
• Doctors do not understand how fair and good the Government offer is. They claim the BMA are misleading their own doctor members. The reality is these bright and intelligent young people fully understand what the government offer is and particularly its negative implications for patient safety and their careers.
• That doctors are politically motivated and want to bring down the government! (ridiculous) 
• Sandwell was a shocking and immoral attempt to undermine the doctors legal strike action by pretending there was an emergency and claiming doctors ignored it. The BMA and junior doctors would have been there like a shot if there was a real emergency. It is wicked to pretend they would not be and lie to the public.
• The reality. The level of cover of today was as least as strong as on bank holidays, Christmas and Prince Williams wedding!
• Melanie Philips (Daily Mail) for instance, argued doctors should never strike because their role is a vocation - they have chosen to serve us - and by striking (and therefore being irresponsible) they are betraying us. Her implication is doctors should accept whatever is thrown at them because they have chosen to "care". The reality is doctors are striking because they have a vocational motivation. They are trying to protect the long-term interests of the NHS and the strikes are the only chance it seems of getting the Government to listen to their honest concerns in the interests of us all. The cost was 1 in 10 non emergency operations cancelled for 1 day!)
• Hunt keeps saying he wants a 24/7 NHS. It exists. Doctors already work nights and weekends. One of the problems is Hunt wants to pay them less for doing it.
• The Government claim they will be reducing the maximum hours doctors will have to work. Doctors already work incredible hours. They believe the new contract means they will be forced to work even more. Lorry drivers have tacographs - doctors don't. Junior doctors do not trust (from experience) undertakings that they will not be forced to work dangerously long hours unless there is a system in place that will offer them genuine safeguards. The government wants to water down those safeguards by removing compensation payments. It seems obvious to me that if doctors are not going to be exploited then then the government should have no worries about paying compensation!!
• Hunt keeps saying he wants to talk. He keeps saying the strike is unnecessary. Infact his strategy  is to try to demonise the doctors as greedy, self interested and unreasonable. He is using megaphone tactics. He is imposing on not listening to. Doctors only want to protect the NHS. Driving doctors into the ground and underpaying them for what for everyone else would be anti social hours is stupid and unfair. 

I urge the public to look more deeply into this dispute and do not swallow everything being pedalled by the powerful - particularly Jeremy Hunt - a snake if ever there was one. His death rate at weekend statistics are highly disputed by professionals.

Today we spoke to some young doctors on the picket line and in the rain. It was the last place these hardworking selfless people wanted to be. They had so much dignity. They were so modest. They offer us so much. Many many people recognise it. Certainly all their colleagues do - including nurses, paramedics, ambulance staff, support staff. They all are behind the doctors in their struggle. It was moving. Shame on Jeremy Hunt. He is a wicked man (or more generously deeply misguided). If he genuinely wants a quality health service he needs to learn to work with and respect his colleagues. I think in reality he is motivated by dreadful personal and narrow party (Conservative Party) interest and will do or say anything to prevail.

PS if the public allow this shameful bullying and exploitation of these vocational young people they deserve the consequences  - mistakes, errors and resignations because what they are being asked to take on is just too much and the lifestyle sacrifices being forced on them just too big to accept, however much they care.

#Yoga

A couple of weeks ago I enrolled in a yoga class and had my first group lesson this morning.

Why did I join? Well I have always done a lot of impact and aerobic sport and continue to do so. In a life time of sport I have had no significant injuries - (touchwood) - and my knees despite the pounding they have taken have continued to hold up well.

However recently I damaged a knee ligament. The hospital advised a regime of rest with some careful movement - and for the first time for as long as I can remember my exercise activity had to take an enforced sideline. Quite quickly the sharp pain began to subside and I was able to cycle and swim but a lot of things I like to do were restricted.

The consequence of this was I began to stiffen up - particularly around my knees - and I suppose more than anything else this has to be a consequence of my age. I became aware that it would be a mistake to dive back into playing squash for instance and my body - (reflecting its age) probably now needs a bit more consideration - ha!

All joking aside I have been aware that you cannot take fitness for granted and how quickly you can get onto a downward slope if you have a setback. Certainly once you have had an injury and an enforced lay off - I think you are very likely to suffer further setbacks unless you take some particular care.

I have chosen yoga to help me - something that is low impact - and will help with suppleness, stretching and balance - all crucial things to be aware of in the ageing process.

I really enjoyed this mornings session. The teacher was gentle with us. It was not a strenuous class as apparently some can be. Some of the stretches and balances I could do ok - others  were more testing. However we used blocks to assist where necessary and the teacher placed great emphasis on the principle listening to what your body is telling you.

Half way through the session I thought - possibly this is too slow - too deliberate - but in the end I felt something quite positive. I am sure it was beneficial - and believe it or not - just after one gentle session I feel I am moving more freely. I also enjoyed the quiet and peace and an overlay of mysticism - although there was nothing pretentious in this.

I feel yoga is something that could very well have a place in my life (it is very contrasting) and I am looking forward to next week. I will report further developments. 

#Junior Doctors & the misrepresentation of them by Jeremy Hunt

It is undisputed that junior doctors already work very long hours including nightshifts and weekend work. They have tremendous responsibility. Many of them already feel they are undervalued, abused and even at breaking point. (the suicide rate for female Junior Doctors is currently twice the national average). I have no doubt these very bright, caring and diligent young people are totally sincere and certainly have a full grasp of the realities of the position they find themselves in. (Mr Hunt Junior Doctors are too bright to be hoodwinked by you and it shows your contempt for their intellect when you repeatedly claim their own professional organisation - the BMA are misrepresenting them and what you are trying to impose on them).

In effect what Jeremy Hunt is trying to force through is for junior doctors to do more out-of-hours shifts for less money and at the same time he wants to water down the protection that guards them from being required to work dangerous and immoral numbers of hours (which the junior Doctors consider is unsafe for patients in their care).

One Junior Doctor spokesperson used this analogy. "Currently there is a very thin layer of jam covering the piece of toast. Jeremy Hunt wants to spread the same amount of jam but make it cover two pieces of toast". The BMA and Junior Doctors are adamant that they cannot safely do more. Their maximum hours has to remain safeguarded by a system that has teeth. They also feel (and rightly so) that given that they are some of our brightest, most qualified and hard working young people that they are being undervalued and underpaid for what they do and the responsibilities they carry. Why should they do more for less when they already do so much. They are right in my view.

The Government have this wrong. They should be bolstering this group of people - not undermining them. I support their industrial action stance 100% and so should the public if they care about the future of the NHS.

The Government need to find savings elsewhere. If it was me in charge - one area I would be focusing on is the user public. Many abuse the system or take little or no responsibility in attempting to maintain good health. The public attitude to binge drinking has to change for instance. It is totally anti social and costs the NHS millions every week in picking up the pieces. It is wrong to attack the doctors and nurses that already trying so hard to maintain this vital but overwhelmed service.

#NewYear2 Alcohol abuse, Obesity & Smoking

This is the time of year that some people try to change their lifestyles. I have written this blog to try and help my fellow man and woman.

Not pulling punches -

If you drink too much alcohol over a sustained period amongst other things there is the real possibility of liver damage - Cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver does not function properly due to long-term damage. Typically, the disease comes on slowly over months or years. Early on, there are often no symptoms. As the disease worsens, a person may become tired, weak, itchy, have swelling in the lower legs, develop yellow skin, bruise easily, have fluid build up in the abdomen, or develop spider-like blood vessels on the skin. The fluid build-up in the abdomen may become spontaneously infected. Other complications include hepatic encephalopathy, bleeding from dilated veins in the esophagus or dilated stomach veins, and liver cancer. Hepatic encephalopathy results in confusion and possibly unconsciousness.

If you are long term obese it is likely that you will not have a full life. Amongst other things there is a very high chance you will develop type 2 diabetes. With type 2 diabetes comes many potential health risks including Diabetic Retinopathy -  a common complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the cells at the back of the eye (retina).

If you are a smoker compare life insurance premiums with some one of the same age and gender who is a non smoker. You will find the premium you will have to pay will be at least 5 times larger. Why - stating the obvious - through smoking you are much more likely to have serious illness or early death.

Look at the links below. They might reinforce your resolve - they should do!

LINK IF YOU DRINK TOO MUCH

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/Effectsofalcohol.aspx

  

LINK IF YOU ARE OBESE

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Obesity/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Diabetic Retinopathy - the back of the eye with sugar deposits - impairs sight and can can lead to blindness.

LINK FOR SMOKERS

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/smoking/Pages/Betterlives.aspx

#Japan impressions of - written in 1981

I have had a new toy for Christmas - a scanner. I was looking through an old documents box and came across a copy of a staff magazine. It carried an article I wrote almost 35 years ago! I could only photo scan it so the quality is poor - but I have decided to put it into my blog because it was a life changing experience for me. (to increase the text size press Ctrl +)

#NewYear resolutions or objectives - and it is good to have a plan.

We are on the cusp of a New Year - an invigorating optimistic time for many - for me.

I hesitate to go overboard with how I feel (and very important to touch wood like mad which I am) because so many in the world are not so fortunate and we should take nothing for granted. For instance many in the north of England and Scotland are currently flooded - homes and businesses lost. Many in the world are facing ill-health, hardship or hunger and cannot see how their lot will change in 2016. Of course many are threatened or affected by war - not of their making - and so desperately sad. So I hesitate.

However back to my original May 2014 opening blog and why I am writing a blog. I am sharing my personal thoughts so here goes!

I have done my early morning bike ride this morning. (I have done so just about every morning for the last several years). There were a few more new faces out jogging this morning. It was the same yesterday at our local sports club - new members. It is the time of year that people resolve to make changes in their lifestyle - to break bad habits - to try and lose weight - to get fitter - to drink less - to be more active - to be more healthy - to watch less TV - to be more thrifty - not to spend so much time on social media etc etc! What is on your list?

This is my thought. The problem with New Years resolutions - or even Monday Morning resolutions is they tend to be all or nothing. Their strength is you enter into an undertaking with yourself and maybe others. It is simple to say and understand. I have given up cigarettes or I am going to stop snacking between meals. The trouble is it is easy to falter and if you do what are you left with? I know someone that starts a diet every Monday morning. Typically something happens in his working week - lets say he is required to attend a business lunch - his diet goes out of the window. His mentality is then - ok I have blown my diet for this week - I might as well continue eating what I want for the remainder of the week and I will start my new diet next Monday! I am suggesting a better way is to dispense with "resolutions" and replace them with "objectives". My objective is - I am going to get fitter, I am going to lose weight, I am going to change my lifestyle. I see objectives as more flexible than absolutist resolutions. I see objectives as long-term and not necessarily lost if you stray off the resolution path. True they do not have the total defined and clear cut strength of a resolution but I think there is strength that comes from realism. Most people fail to see out their resolutions for ever. Too often we revert to type once the resolution has been conceded. With a committed objective - if you have a lapse or fail to run every day etc. you can say to yourself ok - but that does not mean I have lost my objective - all is not lost - I shall keep working towards my objective. I have written it before. Life style change particularly in the sense of getting and staying fit " is a marathon not a sprint". So I look at those New Year joggers and new members to our sports club. I see it every year. They will be out every day for the first week or two weeks or month. They are sprinting! But for the vast majority it leads to burn out. They have been unrealistically intense. They lose their resolve. They have gone too fast. A better more sustainable approach is to realise life style change is a marathon. Think in terms of your long-term objective. Progress might benefit from being slower, more realistic - more sustainable - this is my thought. Run 3 times per week not every day.

My other thought relates to planning your year ahead. This a great time of year. A new diary. A new cycle.

Some people resist structure in their life. They like to live every day as it comes. Maximum flexibility - minimum planning. That is fine - each to his own - but it doesn't work for me. I do two things this time of year in terms of planning for the forthcoming year.

The first is a make a list of objectives - things I would like to do or achieve in 2016. I then put against them a target start date and a target finish date. One might be paint the outside of the house or run a marathon - ha! I find this list helpful - particularly putting it into a time frame. However this list is only objectives. I do not beat myself up over it. It is a flexible working document. It is subject to change. Things will drop off the list - others will be added - but I find it practical, helpful and motivating.

The second thing I do is pencil or in some cases ink in dates in my diary of things I plan/want to do. This has two major benefits. I have found over the years that there is always reasons not to do things. Usually because there are conflicting time pressures. You want to go away - but it clashes with something else you or your family have arranged. It clashes with a work related event. People can't get the time off work because they have thought about it too late. By getting dates in the diary you avoid this. You keep your diary clear. You can say - sorry I cannot do that - I am on holiday etc. The other major benefit is I take pleasure in the planning. It gives you things to look forward to. It is more efficient as it allows you to prepare better - to do the google searches - to make good decisions. My diary for 2016 is already taking shape - and it is a very positive feeling.

May I round off by wishing you and your family a happy and successful New Year (in your own terms of course!)