September, the month for celebration

September has always been my favourite month.

Perhaps that is partly because it is my birthday month, but I also love everything about this time of year: the bales of hay, the beautiful Indian summer skies and, of course, the brambles appearing along the hedgerows.

Birthdays give us a lovely excuse to celebrate ourselves, our mothers who brought us into the world, and our amazing bodies, which quietly do so much for us every single day. But why wait for a birthday? Even when life is difficult, I think it is important to find something, however small, to celebrate.

Recently, I had a new bedroom and, for the first time, a brand new carpet. The first morning I got out of bed and put my bare feet onto that lovely, soft carpet, I stopped for a moment and thought, this feels wonderful! Such a small thing, but it made me smile.

It reminded me how much our thoughts shape the way we experience our day. We can so easily fall into familiar patterns of thinking, replaying the same worries and frustrations day after day. But if we start the morning by noticing one thing we are grateful for, or simply something that feels good, we are much more likely to notice those little moments throughout the day. We become more attuned to them, and our day can begin to feel different as a result.

That is something we practise here at Westbourne too. We love celebrating our patients, our community and, of course, every member of our wonderful team! We are incredibly fortunate to work alongside people who care so deeply about what they do and who bring so much warmth, knowledge and dedication to Westbourne every day.

So, this September, I am celebrating birthdays, brambles, new carpets, beautiful skies and all the little moments that remind us just how wonderful it is to be here.

With love and best wishes

Dr Veronica

Know Your Numbers: Why Checking Your Bloods Matters

I often encourage patients not to wait until they feel unwell before checking in on their health. A simple blood test can give us valuable information about what is happening inside your body and help identify areas that may need attention.

Blood tests can be used for routine health checks, investigating symptoms, supporting a diagnosis or monitoring an existing condition. They can also be an important part of understanding your health over time.

I know that having blood taken can feel daunting, so I always aim to make your appointment as calm and comfortable as possible. I’ll explain what’s happening, answer your questions and make sure you feel looked after.

Sometimes, understanding your health starts with knowing your numbers.

Our wonderful Yoga Teacher, Jen, has a new treatment available to book!

If you are carrying chronic tension, stress, or fatigue in the body, a Nervana Release session with Jen is exactly what you need.

Jen’s 90 minute one-to-one treatment combines breathwork, assisted stretching and therapeutic touch, including massage and pressure point work, to support nervous system regulation.

Find out more about Nervana Release for more information about what to expect during a treatment.

Wednesday 23rd September, 7–8.30pm

Join Dr Veronica for an evening of guided meditation using singing bowls, gongs and chimes.

Sound has been used in healing traditions for centuries. The vibrations created by these instruments interact gently with the body and nervous system, helping the mind settle and encouraging a state of deep relaxation.

During the session you will be guided into a calm meditative state while the sounds and frequencies unfold around you. Many people describe feeling a sense of spaciousness, clarity and calm afterwards.

There is nothing you need to bring with you. We provide mats, cushions, chairs and blankets so you can relax comfortably and enjoy the experience.

Apple and Bramble Crumble

Have you been bramble picking yet?

As the weather starts to cool, it’s a lovely excuse to get outside with the family, explore the outdoors and see what you can find. Freshly picked brambles, or blackberries, are perfect for this simple, healthier crumble, especially when paired with sweet, seasonal apples.

We love this served warm with a big dollop of coconut yoghurt.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh brambles, washed

• 2 apples, peeled or unpeeled and sliced

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tbsp cornflour

• ½ tsp cinnamon

For the crumble

• 1 cup rolled oats

•⅔ cup ground almonds or wholemeal flour

•⅓ cup chopped walnuts

•½ tsp ground cinnamon

•1 tsp vanilla extract

•¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter

• A pinch of salt

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the fruit: Place the brambles and sliced apples in a bowl. Add the lemon juice, maple syrup, cornflour and cinnamon, then gently mix together.
3. Make the crumble: Combine the oats, ground almonds or flour, walnuts, cinnamon and salt. Stir in the vanilla and melted coconut oil or butter until you have a crumbly mixture.
4. Assemble: Spoon the fruit into your baking dish and scatter the crumble topping evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden.
6. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Why are brambles good for you?

Brambles are naturally rich in fibre and provide vitamin C and other plant nutrients. Apples also contribute fibre, particularly when the skin is left on, making this a delicious way to enjoy a little more fruit.

A little time outside, a basket of brambles and something delicious to come home to. That's autumn sorted.

This month, we’re encouraging you to make a little time to celebrate yourself.

At Westbourne Medical Studios, we offer a range of options to support your wellbeing and help you enjoy some much-needed self-care. From relaxing massages and acupuncture to restorative facials and a range of holistic therapies, there’s something to suit how you want to feel.

Take some time for yourself, slow down and enjoy a moment of care that’s just for you. We’re here to help you feel refreshed, cared for and confident.

With love and best wishes

Dr Veronica McBurnie