Well, its still not over; but thank-goodness we didn't know the extend of lockdown 11 weeks ago ! Owning a small business has sent its own challenges which we can all share once we are allowed to embrace each other again. I am not ashamed to say, it has been an extremely difficult time to watch my small thriving business close its doors, although necessary it was completely heartbreaking. But, what can we do during a time of crisis- help, help and more help ! I quickly figured out my strengths and where I could be of assistance. I volunteered to be a part of the Nightingale Education Faculty, helping to get all of the documents checked, verified ready for the opening of the hospital. Walking around the Excel, with a GP who I used to work alongside in Greenwich my very first job is a day I will never ever forget. The sheer size of the hospital was extreme. It made me extremely nervous and grateful for all of those health care professionals who were willing to put themselves on the front line, risking their lives to save ours. I then joined the volunteer group in Brentwood, to help those who could not shop for themselves. I am used to working alongside the vulnerable, and with my enhanced CRB check I knew I could be relied upon. This was rewarding, although- shopping for other people is really hard ! I made the decision early during this crisis to remain [...]

After a regular appointment with my sports therapist, who I see to try and prevent any soft tissue or overuse injuries I have become reflective about the importance of preventative foot health. Pain, is the usual reason for booking an appointment. Pain alerts us to 'something being wrong with my foot', and persistent pain is usually a marker, that 'something' is not getting better. It is well documented that for medium or high risk diabetic patients, that a regular appointment with a Podiatrist can prevent a serious health issue, infection, ulceration from occurring. Podiatrist, being the professional of choice, due to the vigorous training you can be confident that they will have the knowledge you require to prevent those serious foot problems, and the network of professionals to refer to if you do present with a serious concern. However, for those of us not diabetic- is preventative Podiatry a good choice for our health? Should we have appointments regularly, without that pain marker. After 11 years post graduate experience, I have become a strong advocate for the term 'Prevention is better than cure'. Not just for foot health, but in all realms of life. Focusing back to Podiatry, preventative Podiatry may be able to help you. After all, we are only provided with one set of feet. They are our only free method of transport, and once we are in pain with our feet, quite frankly not only can they loose us days at work and stop us socialising it [...]

https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/healthsciences/2017/03/01/joanna-woollard-wins-clinician-of-the-year-award-at-the-oscars/    

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e_yoT9oaRM Throw back to an interview I completed for the University of East London back in 2016.

Google... it is the answer to all questions, and even has a catch phrase 'Google it.' Now, when should we 'google it' and when should we seek the advise of the professional. With regards to health my advise as a professional is to never use the oracle of google. Health is extremely specific to every individual, and although your symptoms may match that of another google warrior- you could have a completely different pathology. At undergraduate level, we are taught about 'differential diagnosis'- in very basic terms taught not to jump to conclusions. The patient may be presenting with symptoms that match one particular condition, but what else could it be? We are taught to rule out all other options with specific examinations and assessments. In an exam setting we are then questioned in detail- why the diagnosis is correct and specifically why the differential diagnosis' is not. Google- cannot perform this skill. You will match yourself to the condition you think you have, and then in equal measures panic or ignore a potential serious pathology. You may spend 6-12 months following advise from the general public situated on google, potential incorrect advise. Your condition could worsen. At all times, if concerned seek the advise of a health professional. Remember, a Podiatrist has a minimum of 3 years of academic training on the day they are qualified. If you decide to attend my foot clinic, you will benefit from 10 years post graduate experience.

Leading a healthy lifestyle, cooking from scratch whilst participating in a twice daily exercise class has become the new added pressure to the 21st century. Alongside this we are all encouraged to have a full body MOT, twice yearly dental check (don't forget the scale and polish) annual eye check, smear test. The list is endless ! Although all of these checks are for your own good it can feel a little overwhelming particularly if you have recently been diagnosed with Diabetes- and there is now another check to add to the list ! Very few things in life are free, so congratulations ! Today is your day ! Here is some FREE advise about the Diabetic foot check- and why all practitioners involved with Diabetes are crazy about its importance. The foot check- can be completed in under 5 minutes- (with a little experience, and the right equipment). But without doubt, can put you in the right direction to save your limb ! 5 minutes to save you limb... Seems a good deal right? It is non invasive and can categorise your risk of future foot related problems. As a minimum you only need to attend once per year (more often if your risk is a little higher). If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation and categorised as high risk, this risk can be managed appropriately and in the right setting. So, unfortunately- yes, this is another test, MOT, assessment ! But it could be the single [...]