2023 update
Its been a while since I have updated the blog posts, something I started when I was trying to manage the effects of covid on the business ! 2023, and and update on our plans for the Podiatry business. Training, training, training ! We will be offering nail bracing from next week. This is a conservative treatment when clients do not want to undertake nail surgery, but only suitable for those nails that are not infected. We will also be looking into some dermal filler training towards the end of 2023, more on this soon 🙂 The clinic is continuing to open the same as last year, Monday evenings, Tuesday and Wednesdays. Saturdays will continue to run with Dilan. To try and maintain the prices as low as possible, I would appreciate any reviews on google or Facebook. This helps to keep advertising costs low, the clinic as busy as possible. Thanks for all of your support over the past four years, and cannot wait to see what 2023 holds 🙂
Covid-19, how I have utilised my expertise (and also painted my kitchen!)
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 [...]
No gain, before pain !
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 [...]
Throw back to the Oscars
https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/healthsciences/2017/03/01/joanna-woollard-wins-clinician-of-the-year-award-at-the-oscars/
Throw back to 2016
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… our biggest friend and worst enemy !
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.