November is the month when many celebrate the season of Thanksgiving….a good reason to reflect on the positive things in life: our relationships; our freedom; and our health. Now is a time more than ever not only to count our blessings but to make our blessings count.

I am particularly grateful for every single member of our fabulous team who help us create a wonderful welcoming environment for all our lovely patients.  I am looking forward to introducing you to some new members of our medical team so watch this space!  Meanwhile, we hear this month from Nurse Consultant Diane O Hara on vitamin treatments and our Nutritional expert Marie Dandie on how to balance blood sugar levels especially as we hurtle towards the Christmas Holiday season.

I personally love the darker nights, the twinkly lights and the chance to run some fun charity events around the Studios and I very much hope to see you there this year

On Tuesday 2nd December we are excited to announce the welcome return of Shehbaz Khan from The House of Frankincense in Notting Hill, London. 

He will be treating us to a magical evening of all things Frankincense, .from the history to the health benefits.  He will take us on another journey through the ages sampling different grades of Frankincense incorporating some lovely meditations. This event is always a sell-out so do click on the link below if you would like to join us.

On Wednesday 3rd December we are pleased to hold our annual charity Christmas Fayre which starts at 4pm. This year proceeds will go to Homeless Project Scotland

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Shebahz will be there with his carefully graded medicinal frankincense along with Siaban, Ermana and  Awesome Hugs with their lovingly crafted skincare products, Bethlehem Baubles from a peace project in the Middle East, beautiful scarves from Emma Greenhill, Art from EmmaJoWebster, Christmas foliage arrangements from LotsPotsPlants and friends and much more.  It will all be washed down with festive nibbles and drinks with live music.

We shall of course round off the evening with some carol singing - one of my favourite nights of the year.  Bring your Christmas list and your best singing voice and come and join us!

Immune Boosting Vitamin Infusions

One of the things I get asked all the time is to explain the difference between an intravenous vitamin infusion and a vitamin injection.

These are both very effective ways to ensure the body has a good supply of the vitamins it needs in order to assist the optimal functioning of the body.

When we give an infusion a pouch containing the vitamins is suspended next to you and while you sit relaxing with a cup of tea the vitamins are gently absorbed into your bloodstream.  You can bring a friend listen to music or watch an episode of your favourite TV show.

Injections, usually Vitamin D and B12 are given in a much smaller undiluted amount straight into the muscle which passes it into the bloodstream.  This usually takes under 15 minutes and can be given in the arm, thigh or buttock.

I find the app MyCircadian really helpful.  It measures UVB rays in your location and until the spring, here in Glasgow there are zero and even then they have to break through the clouds to get to our skin.  It is these rays which convert cholesterol in the body to Vitamin D which is a crucial for healthy functioning of the immune system.

Benefits of IV Vitamin Therapy

IV vitamin therapy can offer benefits like instant hydration, rapid recovery from jet lag and illness, improved energy, and a boosted immune system by delivering vitamins directly into the blood stream. This method bypasses the digestive system, allowing for nearly 100% absorption and immediate results compared to oral supplements. Potential uses include hangover relief, athletic performance enhancement, and support for those with absorption issues.

There are some great benefits to having IV Vitamin therapy. Here at Westbourne Medical Studios we can personalise your IV infusion based on the symptoms you may be experiencing such as tiredness, lacking energy, re-hydration, immune boost, enhancing recovery, cleansing your immune system while supporting your cardiovascular health.

Our medical specialists share with you the latest research and insights.

Simple changes to improve our diet.

It is World Diabetes Day on November 14th and this month we are looking at how we at Westbourne can help you manage this condition.

We recognise that everyone is different and no one diet suits everyone with Diabetes but the key is in the management of blood glucose levels.

The easiest way to do this is to incorporate plenty of fibre into your diet which helps the body to break food down at a more even pace preventing the swings of blood sugar that happen with unrefined carbohydrates like white rice, white bread and sugar.

Grains like buckwheat, barley, brown rice, and whole oats.  Pulses like chickpeas, beans and lentils and eating whole fruit and vegetables instead of juices all help to maximise fibre.

Reducing salt, having at least two portions of oily fish every week, eating nuts instead of crisps and grilling meat instead of frying are great swaps.

If you are making changes like these and eating and exercising regularly you should find you stop craving sugar.

One of the best swaps you can make would be to switch canned or alcoholic drinks for water.  Start with one day a week and see the difference it makes.

Marie Dandie is our Nutritional Consultant

Westbourne sees prevention and early diagnosis as a key factor in maintaining optimum health.  We believe taking a proactive approach to health, with an annual medical including blood measurements and top to toe examination and throughout the year being able to deal quickly with issues that arise provides peace of mind and confidence.

We look at the whole person from a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual perspective; Our package includes face to face appointments with our medical team and holistic treatments.

This package includes a comprehensive medical examination including blood screenings, a combination of GP and nurse appointments in person and over the phone, holistic treatment, yoga classes and exclusive events.

We have a limited number of these plans available but you can also purchase vouchers for your friends and family.

Find out more at the Christmas Fayre and in the December Newsletter

On Thursday 27th November, 7-8.15pm why not join us for our monthly Sound Medicine Workshop

Dr V will take you through a guided meditation using singing bowls, gongs and chimes.  As you feel increasingly calmer you start to explore your body's response to sound.  The vibrations and sounds at these sessions can help induce a state of deep relaxation and well-being.

No need to bring anything except yourself - we have mats, cushions, chairs and blankets so you are comfortable.

Wednesday Drop-in Meditations

Escape the hustle and bustle with Dr. Veronica's guided meditation sessions every Wednesday from 12.30 - 1pm.  Join us for a moment of tranquility and rejuvenation as we embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Thursday Rejuvenating Yoga

Join us every Thursday evening at the new time of 6-7pm for rejuvenating yoga sessions with Jen. Dive into relaxation and mindfulness as Jen guides you through poses in our serene studio setting.  All levels are welcome!

Every Tuesday/Wednesday - Nurse Consultant IV Vitamin Therapy - book

Every Wednesday 12.30 - 1pm - Lunchtime Meditation

Every Thursday 6-7pm yoga

Thursday 27th November - Medicine you hear Sound Workshop with Dr V

Tuesday 2nd December 7.15pm - Frankincense evening

Wednesday 3rd December 4pm - Annual Christmas Fayre

Tuesday 23rd December 5-6pm Carol Singing

Roasted Stuffed Pumpkin

My veggie box is full of delicious, brightly coloured squashes at this time of year.  They have a habit of adorning the worktop for weeks on end but this week I’ve set to preparing my favourite pumpkin dish so I can take a photo and share it in this newsletter.  It is the PERFECT November dish!  Looks awesome, tastes awesome and is full of wonderful fibre, colours and flavours for your body.

When I get home from a long day in my surgery this recipe is perfect, I chop up whatever I have to hand, this takes about half an hour to make and is smart enough for a dinner party and cosy enough to grab a bowl and sit down by the fire.