Workout Wednesdays: Combating Stress the Healthy Way

Yes, it’s that time of term again: weeks eight through eleven seem to be the hotbed of essays, presentations, performances, dissertation deadlines, library all-nighters, and a host of related anxieties.  After hours pouring through textbooks and JSTOR, those packs of custard cremes, cans of energy drinks, and (my personal favourite) baskets of Ram cheesy chips sound incredibly enticing.  It might seem that such feel-good treats and sedentary study are the only ways to survive the madness, but all the caffeine, sugar, and fried food are not the ideal fuels to keep your brain and emotions in top form.  Below are some healthy, fun ideas to keep you sane and stress-free so you conquer course work whilst enjoying life!

1. Exercise!

Image Credit: NOAA’s National Ocean Service

This might be seem odd at first but science supports this one.  Several research studies have proven that exercise boosts levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine – ‘feel good’ brain chemicals which naturally reduce stress.  It repairs neurons in the areas of the brain typically attacked by anxiety and also those associated with learning, helping you concentrate on those assignments without the panic.  These combine to increase productivity and relaxation simultaneously – two things which often seem lacking in the chaos of presentations, essays, and other academic terrors.  The great news is that you can reap these benefits with as little as twenty minutes of physical activity a day – a small commitment for such fantastic stress-busting benefits!

2. Healthy fats!

Fat gets a bad reputation in some health circles, but your neural connections benefit greatly from the omega-3s and unsaturated stuff (poly- and mono-) found in nuts (especially walnuts), linseed, oily fish, coconut, olives, and avocados.  Much publicity has been given to their cholesterol-lowering, heart-protecting qualities, but these fats are also fantastic at boosting mental power.  Studies have shown that eating a diet high in healthy fats greatly improves memory and mood.  Research even points to omega-3 and unsaturated fats reducing the risk and symptoms of more extreme brain conditions, including depression, dementia, and ADHD.  While you can also take ‘fish oils’ and other omega-3 supplements, your body does not absorb the nutrients from them as fully as it does from whole food sources.

3. Fruits and vegetables!

An obvious but oft-overlooked one in the madness of student life and the convenience of processed foods.  Since both fruits and vegetables of all kinds are packed with a high ratio of vitamins, minerals, and fibre to their relatively low caloric load, they are indispensable for a healthy diet.  And healthy eating boosts energy, keeps blood sugar stable (preventing mood swings), and helps you function at your peak.  A general guideline for choosing fruits and vegetables is colour: the brighter, the more full of phytonutrients.  Studies have shown that these aid brain function by protecting and repairing neurons, thus improving focus, memory, and the ability to keep that pile of course work in perspective.

4. Sleep!

Image Credit: zeevveez

It’s hard to sleep when there are so many deadlines looming!  It feels that every hour you do not spend in ‘productivity’ is an hour wasted.  The benefits of sleep, however, are certainly greater than any ‘lost’ study time.  Research has shown that sleeping seven to nine hours every night – the recommended guidelines for young adults – have higher energy, better immune systems, slimmer waistlines, better moods, improved memory, and higher abilities to concentrate.  So put down those books and head to bed an hour early – in addition to being well-rested and ready to tackle that assignment, you will be doing your health and happiness a favour!

5. Schedule some ‘do-nothing’ time!

Scientific research has proven that the human brain can only concentrate fully for roughly forty-five minutes to an hour at a single stretch, so break up your study time with five to fifteen minutes of relaxation.  Get up, move around, dance, do jumping jacks and press-ups, give yourself ten minutes on your favourite social networking site, watch YouTube videos of cute kitties, take a walk along your street, run to Co-op for sustenance, put on your favourite band and sing along… the list is endless!  Just make sure that you do cap the ‘fun’ at an acceptable time limit so the work isn’t entirely neglected.  Additionally, never underestimate the value of having a night in with no studying allowed.  An evening spent with a nourishing dinner, a hot drink, and a favourite film (or book, game, or entertainment of choice) can be the perfect way to recharge you for further academic and social pursuits!

Have you got any tips for healthy stress-busting? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

Carmen Paddock

Workout Wednesdays: Weight Training – Not Just for Bodybuilders

Resident fitness guru Carmen Paddock lets weight training sceptics know that it isn’t all that bad…

A common fitness misconception is that weight training should only be practised by those looking to built muscle, bulk up, or compete in sports that require such a physique.  Another is that weights are just for the guys.  Not true!  Weight training – be it with free weights, weight training machines, body weight resistance exercises, or a combination – entails a host of health and cosmetic benefits for athletes of all disciplines, as well as the casual exerciser.  Additionally, studies have proved that exercises performed with low resistance, which is usually defined by a weight that can be lifted for 12-20 repetitions, do not increase bulk; quite the contrary, they can enhance a toned, slender appearance!  Here are five reasons why including weight training in your fitness routine may be a good idea.

Image Credit: Your Mildura Lifestyle

 

1. Boost metabolism

It takes more calories to maintain a pound of muscle than it does to maintain a pound of fat.  Therefore, the new taught muscle fibres created by weight training require more fuel.  Studies have even shown that the body’s metabolic rate – the rate at which calories are burned – remains raised for up to two days after a weight training session, making such exercises perfect for those looking to lose weight (or for an excuse to eat more).

 

2. Increase bone density

Resistance training, such as using free weights, machines, or body weight, has been proven by researchers to benefit more than muscles.  It also strengthens bones by increasing their density, lessening the change of fractures, osteoporosis, and other related injuries and ailments.  Just ensure to get enough calcium to help this strengthening process!

 

3. Tone muscles

This one is obvious: by engaging in resistance training, muscle fibres become stronger, thicker, and more taught, even when no noticeable bulk is created.  The result: firm arms, abs, and legs that make those long hours in the gym completely worth the effort.

 

4. Burn fat

Cardio exercise is often touted as the best way to burn calories, and while it is true that forms of cardio (such as running, aerobics, and sports like football) do burn more calories per minute than any other exercise, both muscle and fat are targeted.  Lifting weights and/or engaging in resistance training, however, focus on strengthening muscles, meaning that fuel burned comes from fat.  Some studies have even pointed to weight training targeting the visceral fat which surrounds organs and which can, if unchecked, lead to high blood pressure and diabetes.  Toned muscles and health increase as flab decreases! Even better – while cardio burns fat during exercise, lifting weights leads to fat burning even afterwards!

 

5. Improve stamina and coordination

Although aerobic exercise is the obvious way to improve stamina performance, weight training actually enhances the effects of cardio and endurance activity; strengthening the muscles makes them take longer to fatigue.  Additionally, weight training rarely works one muscle in isolation; therefore, it improves coordination, helping muscles work together seamlessly and making movements more powerful.

 

It is recommended to engage in weight training two to four times a week, and never extensively working the same muscle group two days in a row.  If general fitness and toning is what you want, start out with a weight that you can lift for 12-20 repetitions; it should be difficult but not straining.

 

Image Credit: Maximus_W

More resources:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/juliewilcox/2012/05/31/health-benefits-weightlifting/

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/6-benefits-of-weight-training-and-no-it-wont-cause-you-to-bulk-up.html#b

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strength-training/HQ01710

 

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Carmen Paddock

Workout Wednesdays: Lighten Your Lunch!

Looking to make your homemade dishes both healthy and delicious?  Here are some ingredient substitutions, lighter recipe choices, and tips that can cut calories whilst keeping your meals flavourful.

Ingredient Swaps:

Image Credit: jeffreyw

1.Substitute Greek yoghurt / fromage frais for mayonnaise in ‘mayo’ salads (tuna, chicken, egg), dips, and coleslaw.

This swap replaces a lot of the fat with protein and calcium – good for your metabolism as well as bone and muscle health.  Once you add in the main salad ingredients and seasonings, the difference in taste is barely noticeable.

Alternately, make a non-mayo based salad by using salsa, tomato sauce, or a mustard-yoghurt combination.  You can also bulk out tuna, chicken, or egg mayo by adding vegetables such as chopped celery, carrots, or peppers.

 

image Credit: rexipe

2.  Substitute chicken, beans, or a combination for beef in chili, soups, bolognese, and the like.

Chicken is lower in saturated fat and calories than beef, and when ground, seasoned, and swimming in broth or sauces the difference is negligible.

Alternately, you opt for veg-friendly beans; not only are you saving calories (and money), you are adding fibre and nutrients as well without sacrificing protein.

 

3.  Substitute applesauce or other fruit purée for oils in baked goods.

You do not want to replace more than three-quarters of the total fat in your recipe, but even with one-quarter oil and three-quarters applesauce, you are drastically cutting calories and increasing nutrients from fruit.  That’s totally towards your five-a-day!

Alternately, melted low fat dairy-based margarine can be used to replace all the oil; it replicates the fat’s purpose in the recipe while still lightening it.

 

4.  Substitute broth for oil when sautéing vegetables

Image Credit: Augapfel

A few tablespoons in the bottom of the pan works, just as with oil.  You do have to pay a bit more attention to prevent sticking, but the broth keeps them moist and flavourful whilst reducing total fat.

Alternately, steaming and poaching are fat-free ways to cook vegetables.  Steaming can even be done in the microwave; put fresh or frozen vegetables in a bowl, cover with a plate or lid, and microwave on full power.  Three minutes and two minutes (stirring in between) is typically good for fresh, while frozen typically take a minute or two longer on each side.

 

Other tips and tricks:

Salad dressings – swap an oil and vinegar-based dressing for a cream-based one.  The flavour definitely is not the same, but you’ll save about 70 calories per tablespoon.

Low-fat dairy – milk, yoghurt, and cheese can be replaced by their low-fat or nonfat counterparts to fill pretty much any recipe, sandwich, or snacking.  Cheese, however, tends to lose some of its creaminess and melt poorly when it’s not full-fat, so you can do a half-and-half combination to maximise flavour and versatility whilst still saving calories.

Sandwich bread – as a general rule, you want to avoid white bread products.  Wholemeal loafs are higher in fibre and nutrients, filling you up and keeping you healthy.  Additionally, bagels tend to be extremely calorically dense, while English muffins and wraps are lower-calorie options.

One common calorie-cutting swap is substituting egg whites for a whole egg.  I personally do not recommend this because you lose a lot of health-boosting nutrients – including iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins A, E, and D (one of the only foods to contain it) – and you’re merely ‘saving’ 50 calories.

Carmen Paddock

Workout Wednesdays: Choosing an Exercise Class

Carmen Paddock gives us the run down of many of the fitness classes available for you to try…

One of the scariest things about starting at a new fitness centre, or joining a gym in the first place, is the great range of exercise classes on offer. It does not help that intense or unfamiliar sounding titles make these classes seem incredibly intimidating, which could not be further from the truth! This breakdown of common gym classes makes it evident that all abilities, preferences, and training goals are catered for, so there is no reason to be scared off from trying a new programme!

Aerobics

The goal of this class is to elevate your heart rate and keep it there for 30-60 minutes, making it ideal for those wishing to improve cardiovascular fitness and/or lose weight. Aside from a warm up and a cool down, it is not typical for you to stop moving for the entire time! These are definitely difficult, but the movements allow for variation in intensity, thus making it flexible for all stamina levels and certainly open for complete gym novices!

Image Credit: nrg_4

Zumba

Calling all dance lovers! This class is based in hip-hop and Latin dance moves combined with short sections of aerobics, all choreographed to fun dance songs. Classes usually run from 45-60 minutes with a warm up, a cool down, and very short breaks between each choreographed number. No dance experience? No problem! The moves repeat themselves, and there are variations for all levels of dance ability and fitness. It is a great way to have a fantastic time whilst getting fit!

Anything with ‘Pump’, ‘Sculpt’, or ‘Conditioning’ in its title

These classes typically focus on toning muscles, sometimes targeting certain areas of the body and using other equipment – for instance bars, dumbbells, balls, straps, steps, mats, or a combination thereof – to challenge you in different ways. ‘Pump’ classes almost always involve some form of weights. Although there is a wide variety of class types within this heading, you may want to check one of these out if you are looking to improve muscle tone or strengthen a certain muscle group.

LBT – ‘Legs, Bums and Tums’

This toning class falls under the category above and is exactly what is says in the title: leg and abdominal work combine to offer a full sculpting workout targeting the lower half.

Pilates

Image Credit: Melbourne Osteopathy Sports Injury Centre

Developed in the early 20th century by the dancer-turned-fitness specialist Joseph Pilates, this is a conditioning routine which builds flexibility, stamina, balance, and strength whilst focusing on correct alignment and posture. It is most popular among dancers and casual exercisers but practised by athletes of all disciplines as well. It is a low-impact, full-body workout which can be modified for all levels.

 

 

 

Yoga

This practice originated in ancient India as part of a physical, mental, and spiritual system aiming to improve wellness and find inner peace. There are several different ‘schools’ but three common ones you will encounter are hatha, vinyasa, and power: hatha or holistic yoga is gentle, easy, and focused on stretching and rehabilitating muscles; vinyasa yoga, varying from moderate to more difficult, focuses on breath and building stamina; and power yoga is an intense strength and flexibility session typically recommended for more advanced yogis. More detailed information about these and other schools can be found online, along with lots of advice, tips, and encouragement for newcomers. Yoga might sound intimidating, but every pose has variations tailoring it to every experience level. Since research has proved that yoga improves both sports performance and overall wellness, there is no reason not to give it a try!

 

Image Credit: Go Interactive Wellness

 

Spinning

This is essentially a cycling race in an exercise studio. An instructor calls out instructions on cycle resistance level and pedalling speed as high-energy music keeps you energised and motivated. As the difficulty and tempo varies throughout, this is an excellent (and certainly challenging) workout for leg strength and cardiovascular fitness, cycling enthusiasts, and those who often get bored by the monotony of gym equipment. As with all classes, you take this at your own pace, making it suitable for novices and gym rats alike.

Carmen Paddock

The View From Behind The Bar: Do You Drink Too Much?

James Crouch gives a word of warning from the other side of the bar

When you find yourself slowly waking up at lunchtime, with a crinkled wine -stained shirt and a small army marching through your cranial cavity, you start to wonder “what on earth happened to me last night?” Over the next few hours you find embarrassing Facebook photos, texts you don’t remember sending and disgruntled housemates who only got a few hours sleep because of your inability to use door keys in the conventional manner. If most of the above applies to you, you drink too much.

Photo Credit – The Telegraph

Before the shock horror in reply to that statement breaks out amongst the student readership, remember that not exactly every morning is like this. Feeling groggy the morning after is usual, but feeling like you need a half-day to re-enter the human race and pin down your worrying 90 minute meander between Mega Kebab and Mount Pleasant is not.

It’s an important distinction between being drunk, and being smashed like a piñata. To not know why you have a bruise, who you spoke to, where you went, or what you threw up on is really so dangerous and terrifying when you think about it sober. I quite frankly am amazed that my only injuries from four years in Exeter amount to a burn mark on my hand and some slight scar tissue on my elbow – from when I used it to break a fall and, unsuccessfully, save my chips.

I know most who know me will say I’m the pot calling the kettle black, but I know whereof I speak. No one sets out to get “crunk” really, because when we all say that, we do so forgetting something crucial. We say it not just forgetting what that stage feels like, we actually forget that stage exists. We mean: get so drunk we don’t have a care in the world. We don’t mean: get so drunk that the link between you and reality becomes drowned by eight sambucca shots and a Jaegerbomb chaser.

Although, I’m still guilty, I think everyone who gets seriously trolleyed (as in, needs to be carried out in a trolley) on a regular basis should probably keep a drinks diary, so they try and guesstimate what their limit is. The top benefit being it’ll save you money, we all know that the black hole your memory was sucked into happens to also be repository for your missing cash as well.

Alternatively, if financial renuneration doesn’t quite grab you, think of all the near misses you had with cars  whilst crossing Sidwell Street, the countless dodgy men you’ve probably almost been mugged by but somehow got away unscathed, or (for me) that time I ended up in the park at the end of Priory Road almost in tears at three in the morning completely lost. Embarrassing, mostly because I live not two minutes from where I was standing. But seriously: get drunk, have a great time, because you’re never going to have a better place to do it. But if this article is testament to more nights out than not for you, then just think about safety a little bit, because the last thing you want to do is not be able to drink another day

 James Crouch

Lifestyle Editors remind you to drink responsibly 

Summer Incoming… Time To Get In Shape?

Ioana Minulescu considers getting in shape for the term ahead, sticking to it and making it more appealling…

Summer is on its way, so it’s the perfect time to get in shape right?

Well, this is not the only reason and probably not the most important reason for exercising, but it can help motivate us do so.

Exercising regularly, sleeping enough, and eating right are important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, for feeling good on the inside, and consequently improving our body shape.

I know that sometimes it’s hard to get yourself to exercise, so try these few things to get you started and make working out more pleasant:

Image Credit: Soccersstore

1) Create a good playlist with fun songs that motivate you, or if you’re out of ideas you can always find some online.

2) Meet a friend. If you ask a friend to join, you might be more likely to go for many reasons; you will feel more obligated, you will have someone to talk to, or you will just want your friend to think you’re not that lazy!

3) Try out new things. If you go to the gym regularly, change your workout routine; be creative with your exercises. Or how about trying some new fitness classes? If you don’t know yet where to start with your fitness, take advantage of the many sport societies on campus and see what you enjoy doing.

If you don’t like the idea of going to the gym, there are many other ways to be active while at university, especially in a town like Exeter. As the weather is getting better, why not go for a half hour jog every morning? A great way to start your day, making you feel much better after, with the stress going away for the day. If this doesn’t appeal to you, then, a better way of exercising could be swimming with your friends. If you think you don’t have enough time for this, you can ride a bike to class, or simply walk wherever you go, in case you are used to taking the bus.

Eating healthily is extremely important; it contributes to the way you feel and decreases the likelihood of many conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes, just to name a couple.

During the exam period, or if you generally find yourself under stress, you might tend to snack a lot, and mainly on things like crisps, chocolate, or cookies. These might make you feel good for the moment, but when your sugar levels fall back down, you will need to snack again. Alternatively, you can try some of these healthier, but still yummy-tasting snacks:

1) Nut & dried fruit mix. Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals, lower bad cholesterol, and boost brain activity. Brazilian nuts boost the activity of antioxidants, and also help lower bad cholesterol due to their monounsaturated fats content. The magnesium in cashew nuts protects against muscle spasms, headaches, and soreness. Finally, cranberries are termed as a superfood and have loads of antioxidants, help prevent heart disease, and help improve memory while relieving stress.

2) Fruit smoothies. Fruits contain many vitamins, fibres, and antioxidants. These can be a great replacement for fizzy drinks.

3) Dark chocolate. If you love chocolate like I do, try to switch white or milk chocolate for dark. It improves blood flow, helps control blood sugar level, can help improve cognitive function, and stimulates the release of endorphins (which make you happier).

4) Granola bars. There are a variety of these out there to choose from, but try to avoid the ones with too much sugar, or candy ingredients.

Don’t forget that eating right and exercising make you feel better on the inside, and this will show on the outside as well. Good luck with your exams and training!

Ioana Minulescu

How To… Motivate Yourself To Get Fit!

Summer’s just around the corner and as unlikely as it sounds exam period is the perfect time to get that beach ready bod you’ve been dreaming of. Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you cut back on those family size packs of haribos, simply add a little exercise! Not only is it a great break from revision, it helps to improve your concentration and gives you a lovely boost of endorphins that make you an all-round happier person. Perfect!

 

Photo Credit – http://www.asap-fitness.com

Step 1 – How do I begin?

So, you’ve decided to get fit, (well done, we’re proud!) but it’s one thing telling yourself you’re going to go for a jog every morning and another actually getting yourself out of your cosy bed at 8am in to do so.

To start with, you need to decide why you’re doing it.Whether you want to fit into your favorite pair of jeans again, run a marathon, impress the girls in Timepiece with your guns, or simply to not feel out of breath walking up cardiac hill, set yourself a goal. It doesn’t need to big, in fact it’s better to start off small – something you know you can realistically achieve. You might want to lose 2 stone or run 20k, but you need to set yourself smaller manageable targets along the way!

Once you have found one, you need constant reminders of it. One great way to do this is to get on the internet and print off pictures of your fitness role model.  It doesn’t really matter whether it’s Megan Fox in a teeny tiny bikini or Usain Bolt crossing that finish line, as long as it really inspires you. Print them off and stick them EVERYWHERE (next to your alarm is a great one) – you’ll find they really do work.

Next, tell all your friends and family, shout it from the rooftops! According to research the most important factor in getting fit and keeping it up is having a strong support base. If you can, find a fitness buddy; it’s so much easier motivating yourself to go the gym with a friend and it’s much more enjoyable. Also it’s always nice knowing someone else is sharing your pain (and gain of course!).

 

Step 2 – Choosing your sport

Hopefully by now you are a little more motivated, so the next step is to decide on the sport that’s going to get you fit.  Conventional sports such as running and football may not be everyone’s cup of tea but there really is something out there for everyone.

Try different fitness classes, have a trial at your local gym or join that sports society you’ve always liked the sound of but been too lazy to try, until you find the right one for you. You never know you may end up making a whole new bunch of friends, not to mention possibly finding out you’re great at a sport you’d never even heard of!

But if this all sounds like too much commitment (or money) for you then you could simply go for a jog around your local park or buy a workout DVD. If cardio doesn’t tempt you, or you just love to volunteer, you could also give back to the community; join The Cinnamon Trust and walk dogs for the elderly!

Photo Credit – http://www.intomobile.com

 Step 3 – Keeping it up!

Here comes the tricky part, how do you maintain the motivation a month in when exams are over?

When summer starts and all you want to do is celebrate with your friends and top up your tan? The best way is keep track of your progress. Download a fitness app (Nike do great ones) or just make yourself a chart and invest in some gold stars! Make sure you that every time you reach one of your targets you reward yourself; buy yourself those gig tickets you’ve been wanting or treat yourself when you’re next out shopping– you deserve it! Just remember the most important thing is to have fun and feel good!

 

Iona Swannell

 

 

 

What To Do In The Gym… Where To Start?

So you have made a decision – you are going to get fit. There you go, that’s it. Hard part over, right? Well…

Sorry to say it, but there is more hard work to come. BUT, willpower is the most important thing, so you are already half way there! So what now? You have the willpower, but what comes next? Where do you start? Well, you have so many choices; it’s really up to you. In this article however, I am going to be looking at the staple of many people’s fitness plans: The gym.

Many people consider there to be two main goals when you go to the gym: losing body fat and gaining muscle. As a general rule, both require two very different training methods…

Image Credit: sciencedaily.com

Losing Body Fat

This is something most people focus on first and foremost. Essentially what you have to do here is burn more calories than you eat. Cardiovascular exercise is generally considered to be the way to go to burn calories, and if you’re looking to lose weight, it’s a good way to go! However, something to remember about cardio work is that you only burn calories whilst you are exercising. In order to burn more, and not spend all day on a treadmill, keep reading…

Gaining Muscle

As I’m sure you guessed, this starts with the opposite – to gain weight, you have to eat more than you burn (not just anything though, which will be covered later). This is to give your body what it needs to build an impressive physique through your training. And what training should be the focus? Resistance training, without a shadow of a doubt. The more force your muscles have to exert, the more they will strengthen and grow. But take it slow – do not rush things with too much weight too quickly, because you will likely cause an injury. Find the weight for each exercise that is difficult, but doable. Then increase the weight gradually as you go; if you’re still lifting the same weight for the same number of weights in a year’s time, chances are you won’t look too different from when you started.

Now I appreciate that I have completely separated the two. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to do one at the time – it is simply more common. You may find it easier to swap things around, do things together – whatever suits you. It is well known that muscle burns more calories than any other part of your body, so the more muscle you have, the more you’ll burn in a day, and the faster your body fat will drop. The problem with this? If you have a lot of fat covering your muscle, then when you build muscle, it’s going to make you look bigger for a length of time, until the top layer is shifted. Not for everyone, so it is up to you to decide.

Something else to consider is your nutrition, which is VERY important. Look forward to articles on that coming soon…

Ben Gilbert, Online Lifestyle Editor

A Decision Long Overdue

Meg Lawrence looks at the recent decision to allow same-sex couples to qualify for IVF treatment on the NHS and asks if this development should have happened sooner?

Here is a question: how do you judge someone’s potential to be a good parent?

A modern family: what defines a good parent? Picture credits: Romulo Fotos

According to some it’s simple; if they are a heterosexual, young couple, they tick all the boxes, but this is obviously an oversimplification of parenting. And clearly the latest NSPCC statistics are being ignored – as every ten days in England and Wales one child is killed at the hands of their parent. In almost two thirds of the 55+ cases of children killed at the hands of another person, the parent is the principal suspect.

But it is not the callous, cruel individuals who abuse their position of trust that many prioritise when they think of who should be prevented from parenting. It’s same sex couples and older parents.

The debate about who should qualify for IVF treatment isn’t anything new. But it’s about time we looked at the statistics and stopped judging people for an apparent – but unproven – inability to be good parents.

IVF treatment should have been available to same-sex couples on the NHS the moment it was available to heterosexual couples. Unfortunately, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have only just allowed same-sex couples to qualify for the treatment on the NHS- a move that should have been taken years ago. Along with homosexual couples, women aged between 40 and 42 will also be eligible to receive the treatment, which usually costs between £3,000 and £8,000 a cycle.

NICE Chief Executive Sir Andrew Dillion stated that, ‘thanks to a number of medical advances over the years, many fertility problems can be treated effectively. It is because of these new advances that we have been able to update our guideline on fertility.’ This statement clearly applies to the availability of new treatments for older women, but does not explain why same-sex couples have been denied the treatment until now.

Treatment usually costs between £3,000 and £8, 000 a cycle. Picture credits: moyix

The process of IVF doesn’t change because of the patient’s sexual orientation- this shouldn’t even be a factor that comes into consideration when deciding whether a person can have children or not. Far more important is the love, support and care they will give to the child, and any person, gay or straight, should have access to any treatment that may heighten their chance of having a baby.

Dr Clare Searle said in a recent interview that the altered IVF guidelines are ‘not a response to social change’ but about taking advantage of clinical effectiveness. This point lacks any credibility- sexual orientation has no impact on how a person responds to treatment. As long as IVF has been available, it should have been available for couples of any orientation.

Clearly, social change has had an impact on these improved guidelines. The recent adaptation of gay marriage laws, allowing same-sex couples to marry in a church, has made society more aware of its still backward approach to homosexuality. Ideally, these developments will gradually lead to a more open-minded society, where points like these aren’t issues to be debated, but accepted ways of life.

The availability of IVF treatment for same-sex couples isn’t as controversial an issue as the legislation of gay marriage, because the church doesn’t have the ground to argue against it. If the NHS were a religious organisation, I’m sure they would’ve protested about the availability of the treatment for gay couples. This is so wrong. Frankly, I find it terrifying that an institution followed by so many can express such bigoted, discriminatory, small-minded opinions. I just hope people following the church feel they can make their own minds up about such important issues.

The idea that anyone could be against same-sex couples being helped in the process of having children is appalling. Parenting isn’t about sex. A person’s ability to be a good parent is in no way affected by their sexuality. A successful parent is caring, nurturing and giving. If a single mother or father can raise a child successfully, why can’t two mothers or two fathers do the same?

Many people argue that same-sex couples don’t provide the influence of the opposite sex in their child’s life. Other relatives and family friends can easily compensate for this, and parents adapt to fulfill any of their child’s needs. There were 22,331 children in the UK on child protection registers in 2011- perhaps we need to focus on the issues of parents who don’t deserve their roles, rather than those who don’t even get a chance to try.

Sir Andrew Dillon said that including same-sex couples in the IVF NHS guidelines for the first time ‘reflects the right thing to do.’ Hopefully this is one more step towards the complete eradication of homophobia. For now, it opens up opportunities for homosexual people that should have been available a long time ago.

How To…Be Beautiful and Studious

How to… Be Beautiful and Studious

 

It’s THAT time in term where you spend all your waking hours either in the library or tired after being in the library. You become increasingly worn down, and start caring less and less what you look like in the morning. Washing clothes is becoming more infrequent, it’s a good day if you moisturise once, and your mascara is worryingly gloopy but it’s so close to the end of term you don’t want to buy a new one. If you’re honest with yourself, you’ve become a quite laid-back about showering too. As your fairy godmother I have taken it upon myself to give you some tips about how to look beautiful with extremely little effort.

1. Paint your nails whilst typing.

Beautiful – Paint a clear bottom coat of nail varnish, preferably one that nourishes your nails, and then a layer of colour. Type for an hour. Paint a second coat and a shiny top coat on. Pale nails, barely there but immaculately manicured, is very Spring/Summer 2013. Voila, you’re on trend and no one will notice when it chips.

Studious – You’re not allowed to leave your computer until your nails are dry. Challenge yourself to not watch an episode of Mr Selfridge, and redraft the essay you’ve written but haven’t edited yet. See, the beauty world and academic world aren’t two stratospheres apart after all.

 

2. Treat yourself to a trip to thebeauty salon.

Beautiful– Getting your eyelashes tinted gives your eyes va-va-voom, without putting mascara on every day which can weaken your lashes. It gives your beauty regime a break without compromising on looks.

Studious – If you’ve been cooped in your house for the last three days, treat yourself to a spontaneous trip to town for a bite to eat and a treat. Whilst you’re there, head to a beauty salon or department store and get your eyelashes tinted. It’s the same price as mascara, but you won’t have to apply mascara each morning for the rest of term. Time savvy.

3. Shiny hair. It’s a hair salon fact that your lifestyle directly impacts your hair. Is your hair getting greasier as term rolls on? Were you really good with your diet in January, but now new years resolution is a long-forgotten and distant memory as your chocolate treats are becoming hourly rather than daily? Then start eating healthier…

Beautiful – By consistently upping your intake of vitamins, especially H or B7 and can be found in egg yolk and peanuts, you ensure that your body will stay healthy throughout term. Eating avocadoes and oily fish such as mackerel and salmon also puts some gloss in your locks.

Studious – When your body is eating the right food and having a right balance of nutrients your brain will work harder and longer. We trick ourselves into thinking that malteasers are a better snack than raisins and nut and seed mixes, but we both know that we’re deluding ourselves.

 

4. Dress any outfit up.

Beautiful and bookish –. Sling a blazer over any comfortable clothing, excluding sports gear, and it will immediately look studious. It may be habit to wear an old hoodie to the library, but wearing a blazer gives your relaxed outfit structure without sacrificing comfort. And when you look like a student, the work ethic will just fall into place.

“Every little helps”

By Emily-Rose Rolfe

Pictures by Emily