A Sherborne clinic which offers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy hosted a coffee morning to help a Dorset cancer charity.

SUPPORTERS – left to right – Jazmine White Charity manager of the DCCF, Emma Rhys Thomas, , Steve Thornton, Co- owner of Oxygen Wellbeing, Nick Ackland, Meryl Ponsford, DCCF Trustee and Juliet Thornton, Co- owner of Oxygen Wellbeing.

 

Oxygen Wellbeing at West Down Farm in Corton Denham, reached out to help after learning of the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation’s (DCCF) wish to help more people in the north of the county.

Oxygen Wellbeing is owned by Juliet and Steve Thornton from Wincanton.

Steve is a retired Metropolitan Firearms Officer and the couple set up the business largely because of Steve’s ongoing work with people from Blue light and military backgrounds who suffer from Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – or HBOT – sees users breathe 95 per cent oxygen within a pressurised hyperbaric chamber. The drug-free therapy helps the body heal from injury or surgery as well as relieves pain and reduces inflammation in conditions such as Arthritis, Long Covid and Multiple Sclerosis. Well known among professional sports clubs and high profile celebrities; this is now available in the West Country for anyone looking to repair or enhance their general health.

Juliet explained: “We are privileged to be helping some local cancer patients, so, when we heard that the DCCF was trying to publicise its work in and around Sherborne we were keen to help.”

The DCCF helps Dorset people and their families who are experiencing financial hardship because of a cancer diagnosis.

The charity’s non-refundable grants are used by recipients to pay for costs such as travel to and from their hospital treatment, household costs, childcare and respite breaks.

Funded entirely by supporters and events, since 2010 the DCCF has given over £663,000 to 760 individuals and organisations.

Oxygen Wellbeing’s DCCF Coffee Morning raised over £135.00.

Steve said: “We were blessed with great weather and great company and as well as raising funds for the charity, Jaz and Meryl were able to share valuable information about the charity to our visitors. We also had a raffle which was kindly supported with some great prizes from local businesses.”

Jazmine White, charity manager for the DCCF said: “We were delighted when Juliet and Steve offered to raise money and awareness for the charity.

“The DCCF is making a real difference to the lives of people with cancer in the east of the county and we would like to help people from all over Dorset, including Sherborne and its surrounding areas.

“We know there are many people who would benefit from our help, and perhaps would also like to fundraise for us. So, please get in touch.”

The DCCF can be contacted via phone: 07593 890879, via email at: hello@dccf.co.uk or online at: www.dccf.co.uk.

Oxygen Wellbeing can be contacted on 01962 34996, or hello@ox

 

Having seen yet another story regarding a former professional footballer Gordon McQueen now struggling with Dementia linked to his playing career, added to other high profile stories from other elite sports players.

Gordon Mcqueen

Steve Thompson

Muhammad Ali

The knee jerk reaction is to ban heading the ball in football, tackles above the waist in Rugby, numerous restrictions in Boxing especially around the wearing of head guards in the amateur competitions.

These measures not only make the sport more sterile, but increasingly more difficult to enforce.

What if there was another way to prevent head injuries?

Prevention

Research has shown that measures taken to precondition the brain, prevents serious head injuries in the same way conditioning training for the body helps to prevent injuries on the pitch on in the ring.

Utilising the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy pre season as part of the conditioning programme could provide vital protection.

Obviously, the other benefits of HBOT if used as part of the conditioning programme will see increased endurance, improved performance, faster decision making with greater cognitive behaviour to list just a few.

Preconditioning the brain with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy before Stroke/TBI to reduce damage

Management

Following any head injury or suspected head injury sustained during playing/training, having a consistent response by way of having a minimum HBOT protocol. Would effectively manage and repair any damage caused.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for persistent Post Concussion

Repair

Regardless of how old the injury is or whether it is showing signs of Dementia, there is still good solid evidence that HBOT can help to repair the damage caused.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Sports related TBI

Oxygen Wellbeing

We would like to propose the following structured approach to not only preventing Head Injuries, but also management and repair of potential and existing head injuries.

Preconditioning – 5 x 60min sessions

Management – 10/40 x 60min sessions dependant on severity of injury

Repair – 40 x 60min sessions

 

Accessibility

Owing to the Chambers we use, it is possible to provide on-site at any training venue or in the relaxing environment of our clinics.

Chambers

We use chambers provided by Henshaw, one of the leading Hyperbaric Chamber suppliers in the U.K.

All of our chambers operate at Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen pressure and do not use pure oxygen, making them extremely safe to use.

These chambers are easy to use and are in regular use in clients homes, evidenced by the purchases made by Premiership footballers.

We are extremely keen to provide an alternative and protection for those involved in contact sport and would welcome having the opportunity to demonstrate the fantastic benefits HBOT provides.

Please get in touch and help us to make a difference.

 

We are delighted to be supporting local businessman Ray Holder who is running the London Marathon in memory of his mother Kathy who sadly passed away 20 years ago from MS.

Ray owner of Robert Neave Ltd  is currently well into his long distant running training program and starting to feel the impact of continuous pounding of the local roads.

HBOT is helping improve his endurance, performance and speed up recovery times. Already after a few sessions, Ray has noticed an improvement in his performance with a noticeable diminishing of pins and needles during his longer runs. In addition and slightly unrelated to his marathon training, his eyesight has improved and no longer requires his reading glasses!

Oxygen Wellbeing are proud to sponsor Ray in his training and recovery.

It would be fantastic if we could help Ray smash through his fundraising target.

Just Giving Page

 

The road to recovery for Ironman 70.3 World Champion…

Lucy Charles-Barclay was at the top of her triathlon career until she discovered she had a stress fracture of the hip in April 2022 and was told by specialists that she should write off the rest of the 2022 season.

A stress fracture in the hip is a serious injury, and although Lucy’s was on the ‘better’ side of her hip (had the stress fracture been on the outside of her femoral head, she would most likely have needed surgery to fix it), she didn’t know what the road to recovery would look like and how long it would take.

She was looking at potentially having to write off what was set to be the most successful year of her career.

It was a difficult time for Lucy – she felt like the rug had been pulled from under her. But she had to focus on her recovery and thankfully, she had a great team around her who supported her on every step of her journey.

Watch Lucy’s Video

She was determined to come back from her injury, and her ultimate goal was to come back stronger – not just in terms of fixing the injury, but a stronger athlete all around. To help her achieve this, she had an extensive recovery plan, including rest, nutrition, training, therapies and rehabilitation.

One of the therapies Lucy used to support her recovery was the Henshaw Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chamber, which she was using twice a day for an hour a time.

Lucy said, “Henshaw Hyperbarics have helped me to take my training and recovery to a whole new level. I started using the Henshaw Deep Oxygen Therapy chamber at the end of April 2022 to help with the recovery of a stress fracture that had been diagnosed in March. At the time specialists had told me to write off the race season and focus on 2023.”

“With the help of Henshaw Hyperbarics and the recovery protocol they outlined, my recovery from injury was astonishing.”

“Not only that but once I was back training my fitness came back faster than expected, I put this down to my increased recovery between sessions using the chamber. I went on to race in four major championships in the 2022 season, winning a World title in my comeback race in Slovakia and a silver medal at the Ironman World Championships.”

What an amazing come back from Lucy!

Find out how Oxygen Wellbeing can help you with your own Sporting goals.

Book Now 

 

 

 

Without having any idea what it was, I began to suffer with a wide range of symptoms from the age of about 44. I felt constantly exhausted, low in mood and lacking in motivation to do anything about it. In fact, during a particularly busy work period I remember feeling like I was dying! Standing in the shower after yet another sweaty and restless night I can remember thinking this is all too much; I couldn’t see how I was going to cope with the working week ahead, and yet I was too frightened to go to the Dr, because I had convinced myself I had some incurable disease or that I was going mad and nothing could be done to help me! The word menopause was rarely used back then, and all I knew was that it was something to do with hot sweats, and ‘old ladies’ whose periods were stopping.

Fast forward a very challenging decade, seeing numerous Drs for a variety of different physical and mental health issues. I tried a variety of HRT combinations but I was still struggling with some extreme symptoms, so I eventually paid for an online consultation with a Menopause trained specialist – this was the best thing I did! The first thing they gave me was a long list of the possible peri and menopause symptoms – I ticked almost all of them! This was an eye opener, joined the dots and explained many of the physical and emotional issues I had struggled with for years!  The consultation also provided a letter for my own GP with some clear guidance on recommended care, and gave me the confidence to quote the NICE guidelines about a patient’s right to being part of the decision making with HRT, and the ongoing support and medication I needed.

This began a much better period of support and eventually I found a GP with some recent training, and after a long wait I saw an NHS Specialist who was also incredibly helpful. This year I have become more settled with a Estradot patch and Mirena coil. I do still struggle with fatigue, low moods and some aches and pains with arthritis in fingers and joints, but the debilitating anxiety, suicidal thoughts and depression has thank fully passed and all my physical symptoms are so much better.

For so many women, the ‘Peri’ section of Menopause can be like a confusing rollercoaster ride, with symptoms coming and going with unpredictable force. Add this to the general stresses of life with careers, kids, husbands, and running a home and it’s no surprise so many women find the 40-50’s pretty hard to navigate. The substantial numbers of women whose marriages breakdown at this stage of life are becoming better known thanks to surveys conducted by several Menopause campaign groups. Added to this, there is relatively new research showing the huge number of women who can no longer function and hold down careers and jobs on which so many rely. At my age I never expected to become an activist, but I am appalled at the lack of research, funding, knowledge and support offered to 50% of the population who go through this complicated and deeply personal stage in life. Last year I attended a rally in London, and I speak to men and women everywhere I go, to share evidence based knowledge and eradicate the taboo! I will continue to make sure my daughters generation don’t have to suffer in silence like my grandmothers and to an extent my mother’s generation!

Having done some research into Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy with a friend who has MS, I began to think it might have some benefits for me too. The human body is cleverly designed to self-heal over time, and this therapy is able to assist and speed up our own repair system. There is plenty of evidence to show that adding oxygen (under pressure) helps with inflammation, relieves pain and helps both cogitative clarity and tissue repair. The added benefit of faster repair of damaged skin cells and helping lessen the effects of aging skin made it a no brainer for me! I have begun a series of one hour sessions to see how they can supplement my HRT and improve symptoms that I and many women experience during the peri-menopause and menopause, and post menopause issues, and decided to blog the journey.

So How Have I got On?

Well, I am now on ‘dive’ 24 and although due to work commitments, I haven’t been able to do these in a strict “5 on – 2 off” daily protocol, but I can honestly say I am already feeling so much better! My ability to cope with stress has been the most significant indicator, my anxiety and sleep have improved and I can even see an improvement in the plumpness of the skin on my face! My clarity of thought has returned and I am feeling more in control of myself and my life than I have for many years! I have a few other physical issues such as psoriasis – and even this has been less angry and inflamed over the last month. Longer term, I am hoping there will be further improvement in my arthritis, knees and ankles and one day I may even be able to jog again!

Taking over an hour to lay in the chamber is certainly a commitment, and of course it has a substantial financial bearing. However, ‘cost v. good health’ is a persuasive consideration.

For me, this newfound ‘Me’ time has become invaluable to my mental health and as the physical improvements are ongoing; I have no doubt that using a mild Hyperbaric Chamber has improved my menopause symptoms significantly. I am enjoying the time to listen to podcasts, to enjoy music, to do some meditation and sometimes simply switch off and do nothing! For those who are concerned about potential claustrophobia, I can honestly say there is more room in this chamber than I had in my old mini! You can sit up, lie down, move about with ease. I always take a bottle of water, a book or music and of course pillows and a blanket for a good snooze! The ear popping during the initial pressurisation is the same as in the take-off or landing phase of a flight in a plane, and I soon got used to it. Other than that, there have been no side effects at all, and I feel safer in my HBOT cocoon than in a sauna or (back in the day) on a sun bed!

I plan to continue to monitor the effects and note any changes and developments.

As far as I know, there are yet to be any published studies conducted on mHBOT & the Menopause, however I will do another post when I have reached 40 sessions and let you know of any further improvements to both my physical and mental wellbeing.

If you would like to chat to me, or come and look at the clinic please don’t hesitate to make contact.

Josh Staunton using HBOT

CLUB NEWS | Staunton spends time with Oxygen Wellbeing

Long Covid

Long Covid

 

Long Covid

A recent survey conducted by Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed that there were almost 2 million people with long COVID symptoms (defined as reporting symptoms more than four weeks after the infection).

IFS research revealed that 1 in 10 sufferers who were in employment had to stop work owing to the condition. It is estimated that around 110,000 workers are missing from work at any one time as a result of long COVID, working zero hours at all and on sick leave.

The cost is an eye watering £1.5 billion in lost earnings per year!

On average, those who stop work as a result of long COVID, are losing £1100 per month, with some workers still unable to work 3 months after the infection. In the vast majority of cases, the effects have reduced enough for them to return to work after 6 months.

Common Symptoms

• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of smell
• Muscle aches

Other symptoms associated with long covid

• Brain fog
• Chest pain or tightness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness
• Pins and needles
• Joint pain
• Depression and anxiety
• Tinnitus, earaches
• Feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches, loss of appetite
• High temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes to sense of smell or taste
• Rashes

Treatment and Support

GP’s will run a few tests to confirm long COVID, which might include:

• Blood tests
• Checking Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
• Chest x-ray
• Measuring oxygen levels

The NHS run an online programme to support you in recovering from COVID, which your GP can refer you to. Healthcare Professionals provide advice and will help to set up you specific Recovery Programme.

Oxygen Wellbeing Long Covid Recovery Programme

Based on recent research and evidence, following one of our bespoke Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Protocols, it has been shown help reduce recovery time.

Whilst HBOT is not a cure for COVID, it will help to reduce the long term symptoms of Long Covid.

Recent research around COVID-19

One Long Covid sufferer who completed a HBOT Recovery Programme, was so impressed with the results, he now runs his own HBOT Business in Northern Ireland.

Read the full article

So if you are struggling with the impact of Long Covid, contact Oxygen Wellbeing to arrange a free consultation.

Trojan Wellbeing Bootcamp

Our TV Screens are being inundated with Christmas Adverts and that fear/excitement (both release the same hormones in the body interestingly) begins of what to get someone who has everything!

Or do they?

Whilst our thoughts turn to the latest gadget or Fashion Accessory, are we giving any thought to actually improving our life.

What if you could buy something that is known to provide:

  • Healthy Ageing
  • Relieve Pain and Inflammation
  • Improve Brain Health
  • Reduce time taken to Recover from injury.
  • Improve Performance
  • Increase Stamina
  • Post-Surgery Recovery

Now combine that with a bespoke Physical Fitness Programme and Mental Health awareness inputs over an intensive 5 day programme, throw in a bit of Peer Support which is one of the most effective therapies available.

Lets just say if Carlsberg did Bootcamps…..

Oxygen Wellbeing in conjunction with a Major National Hotel Chain are excited to offer for 2023, a 5 day intensive Mental and Physical Fitness Bootcamp, designed to kickstart your road to recovery.

Accommodation –

  • Standard Double Room
  • Extra Comfy Bed
  • Drench Shower
  • Wi-Fi
  • Sky TV
  • Tea & Coffee

Fitness Facilities

  • Extensive Gym with latest kit
  • Heated indoor swimming pool
  • Whirlpool, Steam Room & Sauna
  • Fitness Classes
  • Spin Studio

On-Site Restaurant

  • Steaks – Burgers
  • Big Screen – Live Sport
  • Take away service available

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber

  • 4 ATA operating pressure, ideal for sports applications
  • Triple zip system for strength and durability
  • 4 Transparent viewing windows
  • Chamber protection cover
  • Spacious seated model
  • Emergency valve to depressurise at speed
  • Easy to operate with internal pressure gauge
  • Oxygen delivery under pressure via face mask or optional headset
  • Recline seat for more comfort

Bootcamp Overview

Day 1 –

  • Introduction to Course and other Participants
  • Introduction to HBOT
  • Fitness Screening – How stressed are you?
  • Physical Fitness Programme consultation
  • First 60 minute Session of HBOT
  • Gym Session 1
  • Use of Health Club facilities – Sauna/Steam Room/Whirlpool/Indoor Heated swimming Pool

Day 2 –

  • HBOT Sessions 2 & 3 (min 4 hour break between sessions)
  • Gym Session 2
  • Individual Coaching session
  • Group meeting
  • Use of Health Club Facilities

Day 3 –

  • HBOT Sessions 4 & 5
  • Gym Session 3
  • Mental Health Awareness input
  • Group Meeting
  • Halfway Progress check
  • Use of Health Club Facilities

Day 4 –

  • HBOT Sessions 6 & 7
  • Gym Session 4
  • Group Meeting
  • Individual Coaching session

Day 5 –

  • HBOT Sessions 8 & 9
  • Gym Session 5
  • Group Debrief
  • Individual Progress check
  • Use of Health Club Facilities

Day 6 – Checkout

  • Final session of HBOT Session 10

Whilst we appreciate not everyone will respond the same to the course, it is difficult to dispute the overwhelming evidence which highlights the benefits of mental and physical fitness activities.

This Bootcamp is specifically designed to encompass all the various strategies which have shown to provide fantastic results.

For more details on how to book a space on this fantastic programme, please click on the link.

Learn More

Here’s to a very healthy 2023.

Stroke

What is a Stroke?

A Stroke occurs when the blood supply is cut to a part of the Brain caused by a blood clot or bleeding in the brain and can be extremely serious if not treated in hospital as soon as possible.

Strokes can happen to anyone at any time.

3 Different types of Stroke

 

  • Ischaemic – Blood vessels are blocked by a clot or have become too restricted to allow blood to get through. The lack of oxygen to that part of the brain will result in the cells dying. This is common in over 80% of Strokes.
  • Haemorrhagic – Blood vessels burst, causing a bleed on the brain.
  • Subarachnoid Haemorrhage – localised bleeding usually due to a burst aneurysm, which is a weakness in the blood vessel wall.

 

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

 

Often referred to as a mini-stroke, caused by a temporary disruption to the blood supply to part of the brain. Individuals tend to make a quick recovery, although it does increase the risk of a stroke in the future.

Known Causes of a Stroke

 

High Blood Pressure is one of the biggest contributing factors, along with high cholesterol, diabetes, cigarette smoking and atrial fibrillation. Previous Strokes and TIA’s are in the high risk category.

What are the signs and symptoms?

 

  • FACE – has the face dropped to one side, can the person smile?
  • ARMS – can the person raise their arms?
  • SPEECH – Is there speech slurred or incoherent, can they understand you?
  • TIME – dial 999 immediately, it is essential to obtain medical assistance as soon as possible.

 

Treating a Stroke

 

In the vast majority of cases, treatment will be with medication designed to prevent and dissolve blood clots, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Surgery may be required to remove blood clots, treat brain swelling and prevent further bleeding in the brain.

Recovering from a Stroke

 

People often experience long term problems caused by the injury to the brain and rehabilitation could be a long process, before they recover their independence. In some cases, they may never recover fully and will require ongoing support.

Preventing a Stroke

 

Reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels by:

  1. Eating well
  2. Physical exercise
  3. Moderate Alcohol intake
  4. Quit Smoking

These measures are particularly important if you have experienced a Stroke or TIA previously.

Stroke and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

 

The principles behind HBOT, is to increase the Oxygen absorption in the body, by oxygenating plasma and tissues.

The benefits of having oxygenated plasma, is that it is capable of accessing restricted areas of the brain, which red bloods cells cannot access. This in turn delivers oxygen to those areas which otherwise would be starved of oxygen.

HBOT is commonly used by a number of medical facilities in the USA, which specialise in the treatment and prevention of Strokes.

Preconditioning the brain with Hyperbaric oxygen Therapy, especially for those in the high risk category, has shown some very good results in the prevention of Strokes.

HBOT helps to reduce high blood sugar levels, one of the main risk factors for diabetes and causes of Strokes. A recent study of 52 diabetic patients who had experienced a stroke within 30 days. All received a course of HBOT treatments and there was significant improvements in their blood sugar levels.

Long term Stroke patients were also seen to improve following a HBOT protocol of 40 dives.

Case study 1.

  • 60 year old male (14 month old stroke) – severe non-fluent aphasia/dyslexia/dysgraphia/right upper limb spastic paralysis/right lower limb paresis/post stroke depression
  • Results – Aphasia and speech improvement/right lower limb paresis improved with better gait and stance/right upper limb decrease in spasticity. Overall mood improved with increased positivity and social life engagement.

Case Study 2.

  • 68 yr old male (5 yr old stroke) – dysarthia/unsteady wide gait/dysphagia
  • Results – marked improvement in language fluency, ataxia and dysphagia showed signs of improvement.

Case Study 3.

  • 48 yr old male (15 year old stroke) – Recurrent Seizures/dysarthia/upper left limb paralysis/lower left limb paresis/lack of coordination in right limbs.
  • Results – Speech fluency improved/lower left limb paresis improved along with walking autonomy. Right limb coordination improved. No sign of improvement with left upper limb.

Case Study 4.

  • 34 yr old male (17 month old stroke) – non fluent aphasia/complete spastic hemiplegia of right upper limb with spastic hypertonia/partial paresis of right inferior limb/right hemilateral hypoaesthesia.
  • Results – Good improvement in speech/walking, no marked improved with upper limb paralysis.

In summary, recent studies have identified that longer consistent HBOT treatments have shown improvements can be made to long term stroke sufferers and help to prevent strokes for those in the high risk categories.

For more information book a consultation to see how Oxygen Wellbeing can assist you.