BASG

Bedford Allergy Support Group

In partnership with BE HEALTHY Bedford Healthy Living Initiative

Newsletter—No 8 Winter 2007

‘It is not enough for a great nation to have added new years to life.
Our objective must be to add new life to those years.’
J.F. Kennedy

Stop Press – News from BASG

The Bedford Healthy Living Initiative funding, which we have been using for the last five years, will end in
March. After careful consideration, and due to time/financial constraints, we have decide to:
1. Have two meetings per year with a speaker. One will be the AGM.
2. Produce one newsletter a year in the winter, which will be available from libraries or on the website.
We will not have funds to post them.
We will of course still be available for information and support as needed, and will welcome your
suggestions.

Thank You and Good Luck

Malcolm Fairbrother (pharmacist from Janssen’s on Ampthill Rd, Bedford), has retired to Cornwall.
We would like to thank him for all his help and advice throughout the years.

Congratulations, and good wishes for the future.

One of our founder members, Val Saunders, was married last September. It was a wonderful day, and we all
want to wish Val and Brian well for the future! Be happy, healthy, and have fun!
Hayfever. Extracted from The Guardian 12 December 2006

Trials of a new vaccine pill, to protect against the effects of grass pollen, are proving to be very successful. The
new pill called ‘Grazax’ , dissolves under the tongue, needs to be taken eight weeks before the season’s start.
This treatment has been developed from a monthly vaccination, which also was found to be successful. These
are both available from the GP to those who cannot be treated successfully with other treatments.
Comment: This is very similar to the vaccines that Dr Jean Monro uses at Breakspear. Homoeopathic treatment, is also very effective for
some people, ask at Janssens Chemist Ampthill Rd

Stress-Allergy Link Uncovered

A new study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden confirms that there are important links between mental
stress and the complex physical inflammation reactions characteristic of allergies. The study was conducted with
two groups of students, (22 hay-fever/asthma sufferers, and 19 healthy students), observed under relaxed study
conditions and again when studying for major exams. In both groups, T cells appeared to increase in response to
mental stress (these cells are central to the immune system). Also in the allergic group, the blood concentrations
of inflammatory cytokines had changed in a pattern associated with a reaction in the students. This was not seen
in the healthy group. Extracted from CAM Sept 2006: Clinical & Experimental Allergy 2006, 36(8): 982-92
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BASG Telephone Numbers/Contacts

Franca Garrick, 51 Rowallan Drive, Bedford, MK41 8AS 01234 360941
Cynthia Bagchi, 39 Bushmead Ave., Bedford, MK40 3QW 01234 354499 Email: cynthiabagchi@hotmail.com
Website: www.bedfordallergy.co.uk
BASG extracts information from various sources. It accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the material published or any
advice given, although it is all checked carefully.
We suggest that members check with their GP before altering or starting a new treatment

Food for Thought Organic Diets Lower Children's Dietary

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Exposure to Common Agriculture
Pesticides
A study led by an Emory University researcher
concludes that an organic diet given to children
provides a "dramatic and immediate protective
effect" against exposures to two pesticides that are
commonly used in U.S. agricultural production.
Organophosphorus pesticide residues are still
routinely detected in food items that are
commonly consumed by young children. The
study was funded by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency.
The full article is available at: ehp.niehs.nih.gov/
docs/2005/8418/abstract.html Advanced Nutrition
& Self-Help Resources: www.health-diets.net/
downloads
Adventure Gourmet Cookery School
Has run a special 1-day course for food
intolerance at the Wyndham Centre, Letchworth.
The school has an ongoing program of courses.
Details. Greenfield Farm, Ickwell, Beds.
Tel: 01767 627101
Allergy Show London 2007
15-17th June Olympia, London. Over 100
exhibitors are listed so far.
More Info: www.allergyshow.co.uk
DVDs- Asthma Arthritis and Diabetes
These are packed with information on current
research, treatments etc with input from experts in
the fields of allergy, environmental, and
nutritional medicine. Dr Jean Monro, Dr John
Mansfield, and Professor Dame Julia Polak, are
among the long list of contributors.
Tel: 0800 078 7080; www.healthdvds.com
Homoeopathic Pharmacy
Remedies and advice available at:
‘Ainsworths’, 38 New Cavendish St, London,
W1M 7LH. Tel: 0120 7935 5330
Gluten-Free Chips?
A lawsuit against McDonalds highlights the fact
that some chips/wedges/hash brownies may
contain wheat. If you are a sufferer please be sure
that all food sources are free from gluten!
Book
‘The Diet Doctors-Inside and Out’ by Drs Wendy
Denning and Vicky Edgson. ISBN 009191050-1
Picture guide to reveal what skin, nails, tongue,
eyes, and hair reveal about your well-being.
Useful information web addresses
www.kidsaware.co.uk Near Bedford, sells clothes and accessories for allergic families
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Simple tests to check for food sensitivities, lack of
essential minerals or a struggling digestive
system.
Herbal Remedy
Sutherlandia has been used for several hundred
years in South Africa as a traditional herbal
remedy. It is described as having anti-oxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties, and also appears to
be anti-bacterial, anti- fungal, and anti-viral. It is
also said to reduce anxiety. The Dove Clinic for
Integrated Medicine reports its use in their
summer 2006 newsletter, and is particularly
interested by its use as an anti-inflammatory for
rheumatoid arthritis. Tel 01962 718000 or search
the web for links to this herb.
Reproductive health
In May 2006, Greenpeace released a report
entitled, "Fragile: Our Reproductive Health and
Chemical Exposure" which contains information
about how household chemicals could be
seriously harming people's reproductive health.
The study claims sperm counts have fallen 50%
in 50 years and that the rates of infertility and
testicular cancer have doubled in 40 years. The
study also states that "infertility may now affect
15-20% of couples in industrialized countries
compared to 7-8% in the early 1960s."
Extracted from Breakspear Bulletin 11. To
view/download this report, visit:
www.greenpeace.org
ME again
About 25% of the 200,000 people suffering from
ME in the UK, will remain long-term ill and
severely disabled. These are people from all walks
of life and may well end up isolated and
housebound by their illness. The 25% group offer
support, advice and contacts for those affected.
Tel 01292 318611; www.25megroup.org
The Pioneer Group
This support group is for anybody living with a
long-term illness or condition. It aims to
encourage a more positive, confident, and active
lifestyle and runs meetings and trips. Tel: Lesley
Hutchings 01234 317351
www.wddty.com What doctors don’t tell you, easy to use; Tel: 0800 146054
www.targetpublishing.com CAM magazine publishers; Tel 01279 816300
www.healthy.net Lots of information on all health-related topics
www.telegraph.co.uk/health Search for keywords, related health stories available
www.foodsmatter.com Magazine for food sensitivity problems; Tel: 020 7722 2866
www.vitacare.co.uk Goat based product for toddlers and young children; Tel:0800 328 5826
www.tropicaloileurope.com Organic virgin coconut oil; Tel 00353 1 287 3216 (International)
www.ibsnetwork.org.uk Information about Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and its effect on life at work;
Tel: 0114 272 3253
The importance of Vitamin D

With our busy and largely indoor modern
lifestyles, it is likely that many of us are not
getting sufficient sun exposure during the winter
months and this is almost certainly a national
problem. Furthermore, with all the news about
sun damage and skin cancer, it may be that many
of us are taking extra care not to be in the sun. In
fact, by avoiding sunshine we may be doing
ourselves a disservice, as we need it to make
vitamin D. The importance of vitamin D cannot
be too strongly stressed. It is essential for
regulating calcium and phosphate absorption and
metabolism. These actions form and maintain
healthy bones.
Vitamin D is also essential to maintain a healthy
immune system and regulates cell growth and
differentiation. Therefore vitamin D is important for
all aspects of good health and protects against
osteoporosis, bone fracture, cancer, hypertension,
hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes, heart disease,
multiple sclerosis and susceptibility to infections.
Vitamin D is made in our skin as well as coming
from our diet. 80% of the body's vitamin D comes
from the action of UVB (sun’s rays) on the
cholesterol in our skin. Vitamin D from the diet
comes from only a few foods including fish oils
and eggs. The highest amount comes from herring,
sardines, pilchards and rainbow trout. The
requirement for vitamin D increases with age.
People aged 19 - 50 require 5 mcg, which is equal
to 200 international units (iu), per day. For those
aged 51 to 70, 10 mcg or 400 iu, is recommended
daily while for those over age 70, 15 mcg, which is
600 iu, is recommended
2.8 mcg for women. In contrast, if a person gets 15
minutes of sunshine, this is equivalent to 10,000 iu
of vitamin D! This can be stored and used over the
winter months. The prevalence of vitamin D
deficiency has increased in the UK and today is a
significant public health problem. Those particularly
at risk are babies and toddlers who have been
exclusively breast-fed. (Although breast milk is a
perfect baby's nutrition, it has only a little vitamin
D).
People with dark skin living in this country are also
at higher risk of deficiency as they have less UVB
penetrating the skin. People with vitamin D
insufficiency can be asymptomatic or may present
with the insidious onset of non-specific
musculoskeletal aches. Muscle weakness occurs and
can be marked and is most noticeable in the thighs.
There can also be generalized bone pain or local
bone tenderness. Those with osteoporosis or
osteomalacia will be prone to fractures.
Many studies show a link between low vitamin D
and colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and
ovarian cancer. There is also a link between lack of
sunshine and vitamin D and seasonal affective
disorder (SAD). The Journal of the American
Medical Association confirmed that vitamin D
supplements reduce the risk of falling in older
people, and also prevents hip and non-vertebral
fractures when compared with taking only calcium.
The safe current recommendation for supplement
is to have up to 1,000 iu per day.
Extracted from Breakspear Bulletin 11

A survey of nutrition in adults showed that the mean

daily intake from food is only 3.7mcg for men and
Vitamins
Don’t forget that our food sources are often short of vitamins and minerals. Supplements can be the answer,
particularly if you are suffering long-term illness or seeking optimum health.

News from PCT

Podiatry, Continence and Wheelchair Services
Referral to these services is by contact with GP, district nurse, health visitor, or other health professional e.g.
physiotherapist or with Social services. Also contact the child’s school, for wheelchair/continence service.
More information from: PALS Patients Advice and Liaison Service - 01525 636882.

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 BASG Meetings for 2007
Meetings and talks take a lot of organisation. Please publicise, come along and bring a friend.

Tuesday AGM followed by 7.30pm

27th March ‘Acupuncture as a modality in Physiotherapy’
Ashia Jamal - Physiotherapist Talk at
8.00pm
Venue: Harowden Room, Bunyan Meeting Free Church, Mill Street,
Bedford
(free street parking)

Monday ‘Food Allergy and Intolerance' (demonstration of test) 2 - 4 pm

9th July Sue Bedford

Venue - Central Library, Harpur Square, Bedford.

Tuesday You are invited to join Cynthia in the Harrowden Room, Bunyan Meeting Between
17th July Free Church, Mill Street, Bedford for 12 noon
One hour of silent prayer for World Peace. (or pray wherever you may and
be) 1pm
This is a global event for more information see www.firethegrid.com.

HELPLINE

ME Support Group Mrs Carolyn Morris Long Term Illness Kate Parsons 01234 351150
01234 403664 ( 1 1 a m - 8 p m ) Alzheimer’s Society 01234 327380
bedsmesupport@aol.com Breast Cancer Support Adriana 01234 214455
ME in Children/Young people Support Group Endometriosis 01234 303066
01908 373300 Anaphylactic Allergic Children Kate Frost
MS Group Mrs Valerie Woods 01234 325781 01525 633410
Parents Asthma Support Group Breakspear Hospital 01442 266244
Cathy Smith 01234 795740 Mercury-free & Metal-free dentistry:
Autism Bedfordshire Linda Bulled Drs G&L Munro-Hall
01234 350704 01234 826722, 07050 611333
autismbeds@ btconnect.com. National Groups
Autism & Aspergers Beds. Action Against Allergy 02088 922711
Dorothy McDowell 07958 030068 British Allergy Foundation 02083 038525
ADD&ADHD Support Monica Harris Hyperactive Children Society
01908 676779 Sally Bunday 01243 551313
Dyslexia Association 01582 752444 Buteyko Asthma Control 0800 138573
Arthritis Care Mrs Jeanette Hayes www.liveandbreathe.info
01582 862345 Multiple Chemical Sensitivity 01704 547418
Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Richard Driscoll www.mcsinternational.org
01727 844296 NHS Direct 0845 46 47
Lupus UK Paula Gosling 01234 505222 Pesticides PAN UK 02072748895
Stroke Support John Farmer 01525 717181 GM Food www.gmpublicdebate.org.uk
Cancer Research Mrs Sue Butler 01234 354183 British Homeopathic Association 02075 667800
Eating Disorders Claire Beeken 01582 457474 www.trusthomeopathy.org

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