The Latest Buzz - February 2011
December was whiter than any I can remember and it presented some great opportunities in disguise. Perhaps the most significant of mine was the experience of deep gratitude that I felt for my mate, He is 70 years old but very strong, with great driving experience, a four wheel drive and a heart of gold. Also my wonderful staff and my own wisdom in employing enough staff who lived close enough to walk to our shop. Our customers too were very appreciative of us opening and very understanding when deliveries were delayed.
I was very grateful to the Genki Haramaki for introducing a wonderful product this winter. Many staff enjoyed wearing it and it made a great talking point with customers and added to our sales. I was very grateful that most of the disruptive weather was over by the holidays. If you have not yet seen 'The Haramaki', do take a look in our store to learn more of its benefits and see the many choices of colour. This quality cotton garment is not just for keeping warm in winter. It is reported to offer comfort, warmth and support to vital organs and promotes health, vitality and energy. Users speak of it bringing relief and comfort in many states of compromised well being.
Financially the last few months have presented the opportunity to question how and why to ways of doing things. I trust this is strengthening us. It prompted me to have a few discount days at the end of December. This helped the cash flow and gave customers a chance to beat the vat and January price increases. Many of our customers shop with us because of our ability to give product information. We give practical and sensible health advice by having highly qualified natural health practitioners in store. We also place orders for customers for foods, drinks, natural remedies and other health and beauty products which are not easily obtainable elsewhere.
Now in February we have moved into the Chinese year of the Rabbit, a more tranquil year than the year of the Tiger. A great year for us to celebrate our 20th anniversary
Saturday 2nd April is the anniversary of the opening of Especially Health. A time for celebration and for me to ask: 'Is our current approach to trading enough to secure our place in the high street for another 20 years?' Are our customers getting what they are looking for and how can we encourage new customers? You can help me answer these questions by sending your comments and ideas to the shop, or by email to wendy.kent@especiallyhealth.co.uk
Saturday 2nd April will be a day of promotion, offers, tastings and discounts at Especially Health. Book it in your diary and watch out for more news soon.
What products do you like and why?
I would like to feature in each Buzz a few customer recommendations for products and how to use them. To start the ball rolling this month I am sharing some of the recommendations of some of my most regular and loyal customers, my staff. Here are some of their favourites.
Robin regularly buys Meridian's Organic peanut Butter, 'Really good and NO Palm oil' also Organic Strawberry Jam, 'It's just sweetened with fruit juice- no added sugar- and quite delicious.'
Tiphany loves the 'divine taste' of Carley's Raw Rain forest Nut Butter, 'it's my luxury treat on Oatcakes.' She also buys 'Carob coated 9 bars' as a healthy snack.
Caroline buys Organic No salt Rice Cakes she says they are: 'really Moorish especially with slice bananas & honey.'
Helena regularly buys Artisan Spelt Bread and snack packs. 'I find it more satisfying than any other bread I've tried'. Concerned to build and maintain health. Helena also buys 'Osteoplus' formulated by Dr Marylyn Glenville 'because its affordable and I trust Marylyn's expertise.'
Karen (bookkeeper) loves Megafood Unstress "It does exactly what it says on the tin for me, thank you."
If you would like to submit a recommendation to be featured in a future Buzz please send in on paper or by email to wendy.kent@especially health.co.uk. I will send you a voucher for 5% discount of your next shop.
This month we have a few special offers on some of our very popular lines
Rabenorst Beetroot Juice, a very popular juice since the discovery of the benefit experienced in reducing high blood pressure. Was £3.61 NOW £2.99.
Rabenhorst Wheatgrass Cocktail, was £4.42 NOW £3.99. It is a very pleasant juice with some of the benefits of fresh wheatgrass at a fraction of the cost, time and commitment of the fresh product. We do also stock powdered grass juices, frozen shots of fresh wheatgrass juice, grass growing kits, masticating juicers and can order ready to juice part or full grown trays of grass. Please ask if you are interested in any of these.
Gluten free pasta is our speciality and these Vegetable spirals are very popular. A simple gluten and wheat free pasta, delicious and easy to cook. It tastes good enough to serve to all the family. £ 1.99 NOW £1.49
Ricola Herb drops are very popular just now so we have put them on offer. For over 20 years these herb drops have served to bring relief to cough sufferers and this time you can benefit from a little relief on the cost.£1.38 NOW £1.28
New products
V-Pure is a source of the omega fatty acids EPA & DHA Found in particular algae. Vegans and vegetarians wishingto supplement these Omega fatty acids have previously onlyhad the option of using plant oils and trusting their body toefficiently make these fatty acids from their pre-cursorsfound in the plant oils. These vegan capsules are nowon our shelves alongside our other omega supplements.
We often introduce new herb teas and a recent addition is already proving popular, we will do our best to keep it in stock. It is Sweet Chili, Mexican spice by Yogi Teas which combines the treasures of the orient with the tradition of Mexico in combining chocolate with spices and chili. A unique delicious infusion designed to make your heart sing and your feet dance. It can be served as it is or with additional sweetening and cream/milk of your choice. Yogi Tea describes it as a tea to make your heart sing and your feet dance. It is apparently liked by some as a coffee substitute.
Coming soon, a NEW classic Dandelion Instant Coffee from Symingtons. The great OLD TASTE of the original recipe that many of you have been missing and seeking. in a 100g pot for just £2.69 for you to taste and hopefully approve. It is in new blue packaging because it does contain lactose and the colour difference will help to distinguish it from the lactose free variety.
The Mineral salt Seagreens capsules, culinary ingredient and condiment have been popular lines with customers who recognize the value of sea minerals found in seaweeds. NOW a product that offers the additional benefits of quality seaweed sustainably harvested in the Outer Hebrides in a 50/50 mix with certified unrefined Cornish sea salt. What a delicious way to cut your salt intake by half. 100g glass jar with shaker top.
Therapies, Talks & More
Tuesday 1st March Discussion evening about 'spirit' with Freda Duncan & Wendy Kent 7.30 pm in the shop. Cost £5.00
Many practitioners of alternative medicine treat clients holistically, which means with consideration of body, mind and spirit. You are welcome to come along and participate in this discussion. Our first meeting in November had an attendance of 12 people and was quite stimulating. This meeting is an opportunity to discuss questions such as:- 'Is there a God'? and 'Can we talk/have a conversation with God'? If you would like to attend please book now as space is limited.
Peter Collins ALLERGY, VITAMIN DEFICIENCY & HEALTH SCREENING
(Fri 5th, Sat 6th, Tues 9th, Fri 19th & Sat 20th of November)
Many chronic symptoms of ill health and even the inability to lose weight can be the result of over sensitivity to food or environmental factors. Adjusting diet can greatly relieve symptoms. Over consumption or prolonged exposure to a substance, and nutritional deficiencies, can all lead to sensitivities? Peter is experienced in testing for allergies and deficiencies and can advise people on overcoming their sensitivity and correcting deficiencies. He can also test for signs of dysfunction, congestion and insufficiency of organs and the endocrine system, enabling you to take preventative steps before drugs are needed. Please ask for a leaflet explaining the various tests. Book Now: 01732 741181.
Pascale Atkinson will again be offering REFLEXOLOGY, REIKI or INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE Make time for yourself and take this opportunity of a twenty minutes taster session to discover or rediscover one of these therapies and decide for yourself whether they could enhance your well-being.
Monday 28th February 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Just £10. BOOK NOW on 01732 741181
Gilly Casson SPINE CHECKS Friday.18th March
Take time for a 15 minute spine-check and consultation to help you discover whether you have any structural misalignments that may be helped by treatment. It can be beneficial for everyone (including children) to have a check-up every now and then to detect unnecessary strain on the joints that could develop into future problems. For just £5.00 learn from Gilly a qualified osteomyologist with 13 years experience if you could be helped with her gentle adjustments together with soft tissue techniques including CranioSacral and massage therapy.
Regular Health Consultations are available with
Wendy Kent. B.A. Dip. DT. Dip. H.F.R.
In these sessions I can help you discover a food and lifestyle plan that will provide the energy and nutrients that you need. Would you like to maximise your potential; reach and maintain your goal weight; overcome a chronic health problem; or prevent degenerative disease? I have over 20 years of experience covering a wide variety of alternative health care. I studied diet and nutrition for many years gaining a diploma in dietary therapy. I also trained in the Bates method of improving the eyesight. I got rid of my own glasses and I could help you improve your eyesight. I have also trained in Tai Chi and Chi Kung and the stress management tool of Symbol therapy, using these to help myself and clients. Currently I am studying the Australian Bush Flower essences also helpful tools for use in dealing with emotional upheavals. I like sharing my knowledge and experience and helping others devise their own plan for improving their health and energy. I also give talks about Natural Health Care, Juicing, Sprouting, Raw and Living food demos by arrangement individually or for local groups. For details call 01732 458540 or e-mail wendy.kent@especiallyhealth.co.uk
Our in-house Medical Herbalist Anita Graham BSc (Hons) MNIMH Can help you handle Acute Infections and chronic health problems with WESTERN HERBAL MEDICINE. Anita has a BSc(Hons) Degree in Herbal Medicine and has run the Aquitaine Apothecary on the ground floor of Especially Health for the past eight years which continues to be a great success. Anita and her dispensary staff offer herbal advice over the counter, and have many herbal remedies and formulations on offer. For more chronic and complicated ailments, full consultations are recommended for a tailor-made treatment. The dispensary is OPEN Tuesday to Friday 9.00am to 2.30pm and Saturday 9.00am to 2.00pm. It is CLOSED on Mondays. For more information and/or to book an appointment to see the herbalist, Anita Graham or David Caudwell, visit the dispensary or call 01732 749789. Initial consultations (1 hour) are £42 and follow-ups are £25.
Anne-France Rix (Nutritional Therapist BSc) is Therapy Manager, at Especially Health and has over 10 years experience of advising in-store about a wide variety of health matters. Having completed a 'Nutritional Medicine ' BSc Degree she is fully insured to practice as a Nutritional Therapist. She offers 20 minute 'taster ' sessions for just £10, or a 2 session package of 100 mins total consultation for £88. You receive personalised diet and supplement prescriptions, and printed info sheets with lots of practical advice, to take home. Appointments are available Mon. to Sat. including some early evenings. Drop in and pick up a brochure or have a quick chat with Anne-France about how she can help, or call 01732 741181.
Tiphany Underwood BSc. Nutri. Med. Works in the shop each Wednesday and provides NUTRITIONAL CONSULTATIONS. Tiphany trained with Dr Lawrence Plaskett 's college which very much teaches its students to view each client holistically as an individual and recommend a diet and nutritional supplements to meet the individual 's need. To respect the wonderful healing power of the individual 's own body, and teach clients how to modify that diet and other lifestyle factors to increase the body 's energy for living and healing. To book an appointment with Tiphany speak to her at the shop on 01732 749780/741181.
Rebecca Edwards BA ND. NATUROPATHIC CONSULTATIONS Rebecca qualified in Naturopathy in Australia and is currently lecturing at The College of Naturopathy in London and Bristol. Rebecca uses Iridology, and tongue and nail diagnosis. She recommends nutritional supplements, Homoeopathy, Herbal medicine, and advises on diet and lifestyle. Having studied Pharmacology she is able to take into account any prescribed medication. Initial appointments last 1½ hours at £80 (children 1 hour at £65). Subsequent consults last 45-60mins at £50 (children 30 mins at £45).Now living in Bristol we are pleased that Rebecca is still offering consultations here one Tuesday each month. Next visits are 22nd Feb & 22nd March.
HONOURING THE SPACE BETWEEN US
Friday Feb. 18th at 7.30 pm At: 'The Friends Meeting House' Hollybush Lane Sevenoaks Book your FREE PLACE on 08450 640040
If you want to improve the quality of your relationships with life in all its forms, from the most fleeting to the most intimate you may find joining Simon Ranger 's 'Honouring the Space' meetings inspiring and helpful. The way we communicate with ourselves and others has a great effect on our success, happiness and health. Meetings have been found by many to be healing, revealing, moving, important and supportive. An opportunity to experience what our relationship to other human beings really means.