< Previous40 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HEALTH & FITNESS people struggling to find the will, break the habits of a lifetime or assume they need to make a big investment to get started. Time for a change. What springs to mind on seeing the word exercise? Chances are it’s running. This most quintessential of exercises comes with a whole host of physical and mental health benefits from improving cardiovascular fitness and strengthening muscles, to building strong bones. It can also alleviate anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression and help you sleep better, among myriad other benefits backed by science. One of the ways in which people start off with good intentions with running is thinking they can leap off the sofa, run like mad and then wonder why they feel like death warmed up afterwards. There’s plenty of benefits but running needs to be incrementally introduced. For anyone over forty looking to take up running, those suffering from a chronic illness or those that haven’t exercised for a long time, it’s important to consult your doctor before embarking on any running programme. There are plenty of other there’s certain preparations to be made. As with any exercise, people assume that there’s a lot of gear to buy. With some exercises, that’s certainly the case, but running is affordable for almost every budget and it all starts with the right pair of shoes. It’s easy to be influenced by sales pitches or fall for fancy features and feel you need to spend a lot but, honestly, you don’t. Researchers have found that the most important feature of any running shoe is comfort, so find a pair in your price range that are comfortable, give them a quick test in store and see if they’re right for you. If you want more guidance than that, look out for a flexible shock-absorbing sole, but always prioritise comfort. It’s also worth wearing the socks you intend to run in to try on any prospective shoe. When it comes to clothes, stick to lose cotton and dress your upper body in layers that can be easily removed if needed. Women are advised to invest in a sports bra as this will provide much more comfort and support than a normal bra. Once the footwear and clothing are taken care of, you might be tempted by the multitude of running gadgets, apps and wearables. If not, don’t let this deter you from your goals or trick you into thinking you need any fancy technology together or look for one online. Should you decide to look at apps, there are dozens available – many of which are free – which can offer encouragement and support. Most smartphones also come with a whole host of health features if you’re so inclined, measuring steps, calories burnt and run time. As we’ve already touched on, running from the get-go is counter-productive and will likely lead you to giving up before the week is out. You’ll need to get used to setting aside the time and your body will need to adjust. It’s advised to start with a brisk walk of about thirty minutes per session, allowing around six weeks to build up regular running. Aim to increase jogging time each session, alternating between walking and jogging and try and get out for three times a week. Most runners agree that the ‘run- walk’ method is the best way to get started. This could be walking for a minute, running for a minute, walking for a few minutes, running for a few minutes. Alternatively, you could try three or four minutes of running followed by a minute of walking. However you decide to break things down, the key is not to overdo it and gradually increase the amount of time you’re jogging or running until you don’t even feel the need to walk. Taking the 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:20 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 41 © Shutterstock /lzf means equipping yourself with a water bottle. To minimise the risk of overtraining and injury, allow at least two complete rest days a week. During these off days you could instead consider low impact activities such as swimming or yoga. While a healthy diet is paramount, you should avoid eating directly before going for a run. Planning and scheduling are also important, not only so you and your family know where you’re going, but also to avoid peak times where traffic is at its highest. This is particularly prudent for those with asthma but breathing exhaust fumes is dangerous for anyone. If possible, stick to flat grassy areas, but if that’s not an option in your area, sticking to these off- peak times such as the evening is advised. One of the most important things – and indeed the biggest hurdles – with running is establishing the habit. We’re all guilty of making promises to ourselves to do more exercise, but now is the time to make good on those promises. As outlined in this article, getting started might be the hardest part but it’s also the simplest. Once you’ve begun, it’s just a matter of keeping it up. To that end, there’s motivation everywhere – from keeping a running journal, utilising apps, running with a friend, or joining a club. Just take that first step and the next one and the one after that. first step 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:21 Page 242 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY ST HUGH’S HOSPITAL Q&A Who will operate on me? This may sound like an obvious one, but it’s not uncommon for prospective patients to be unaware of who will be in control of their treatment. I agree with the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), which recommends that you only visit a licensed surgeon who can offer a thorough consultation without pressuring you into having surgery. At St Hugh’s Hospital, we understand that it takes time to properly determine whether a procedure is right for you, as it is a big commitment – both personally and financially. You should weigh up the pros and cons and if your surgeon doesn’t afford you the opportunity to be thorough in your decision, simply walk away. It’s also important to ensure your surgeon is properly qualified for the job. Like BAPRAS, we recommend only visiting a plastic or other speciality surgeon who is listed on the GMC Specialist Register. What are the potential risks and complications? It’s important to know that there are risks associated with any medical procedure – especially those that involve anaesthetic – and cosmetic ones are no exception. When you have a consultation, you should be wary of any surgeon who shies away from talking about the risks or potential complications for each procedure. All good surgeons dedicate time to cover any questions or worries you may have during your initial consultation, which is simply part of the procedure at St Hugh’s Hospital. What is your complication / re- operation rate? With any medical procedure, transparency is key. And when it comes to cosmetics, it’s vital to visit a surgeon who takes the time to explain how they measure patient outcomes and how many of their patients require further corrective surgery after the main procedure. We truly believe that no stone should be left unturned, which can not only ensure you feel comfortable and well equipped before your procedure but can also minimise the risks associated with it. Q&A Sarah Grantham St Hugh’s Hospital Cosmetic Sister Thinking about cosmetic surgery? We spoke to Sarah Grantham, Cosmetic Sister at St Hugh’s Hospital, who outlined some questions you should ask during your initial consultation to get the most out of it and prevent any unnecessary risk. 42-43.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:22 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 43 What results can I expect and how long will they last for? Enhancing your physical appearance through cosmetic surgery isn’t always a one-stop shop; it involves commitment and upkeep. I’d always recommend that you only visit a surgeon who can provide a full and realistic picture of the follow ups needed and further costs likely to maintain the desired effect. A vital element of my role is to ensure patients are left well-equipped and know how to maintain the effects once the surgery is done; wraparound care is an important part of the deal when receiving treatment at St Hugh’s Hospital. What aftercare do you provide? The relationship you have with your surgeon and your hospital shouldn’t end once the procedure is over; it’s advisable to find out how you’ll be looked after following your surgery, including what you are entitled to and how your hospital can offer it. This enables you to monitor your procedure once it is done, while having a reliable platform for advice and aftercare should any problems arise. This is something we really value at St Hugh’s Hospital. When the choice is careful and considered, having cosmetic surgery can change your quality of life for the better and reveal a more confident version of yourself. Ensuring that you are well informed and that your surgeon properly answers any questions you may have before committing to a procedure is vital. Our dedicated cosmetics team are here to ensure you feel safe, comfortable and satisfied both before and after your procedure, helping you to become a more confident version of yourself. We now offer non-surgical treatment of fine lines and wrinkles and are now hosting monthly clinics, during which people can undergo a full consultation and receive treatment. To find out more about the cosmetic treatments offered at St Hugh’s Hospital, visit www.hmtsthughs.org/cosmetics or call 01472 251100 42-43.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:22 Page 244 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING Shallot, Cherry Tomato & Mascarpone Pizza Spring food We’ve endured Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis and can hopefully look forward to warmer weather. Here are some recipes to help brighten up those March days. Perfect for a supper with friends, easy and quick to make; the shallots can be prepared ahead of time and everything simply thrown together at the last minute. Serves: 2 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10-15 minutes You’ll need: 12 shallots, peeled and halved 1 tbsp olive oil 1 ready-made pizza base or use flatbreads 100g mascarpone cheese 12 cherry tomatoes, halved 25g Godminster cheddar cheese, grated Rocket leaves, to serve What to do: Pre heat oven 200°C/ 180°C fan/ Gas 6. Place the shallots in a frying pan, add the olive oil and cook gently until softened and beginning to brown, approx 10-15 mins, cool a little. Spread the pizza base with the mascarpone cheese, top with the shallots, cherry tomatoes and the grated cheese. Cook for 10-15 minutes until golden and melting, serve straight from the oven sprinkled with rocket. Recipe courtesy of www.ukshallot.com 44-46.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2020 10:04 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 45 FOOD & DINING Greek Feta and griddled pitta salad Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 2 - 3 minutes Serves: 4 You’ll need: 3 tomatoes, cut into wedges 1 ⁄ 2 cucumber, diced 50g pitted black olives, halved 1⁄ 2 x 25g pack mint 200g pack feta, broken into chunks 4 whole little gem lettuces, leaves separated 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil Juice of 1⁄ 2 lemon 4 pitta breads What to do: Toss the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, half the mint leaves, the feta and the little gem in a large serving bowl. Whisk the oil with the lemon juice, finely chop the remaining mint leaves and add to the dressing, season. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well. Serve with warm pittas. Recipe provided by: LeafySalad Tel: 01522 528708 enquiries@pyewipe.co.uk www.pyewipe.co.uk The Pyewipe, Saxilby Road, Lincoln LN1 2BG The Pyewipe COME AND JOIN US FOR SUNDAY 22 ND MARCH 3 courses - £24.95 STARTERS (v) Roasted Vine Tomato & Red Pepper Soup - (gf) Chicken Liver Pate with Red Onion Marmalade & Melba Toast (v) Creamy Garlic Mushrooms Nestled on Toast Pan Fried Smoked Mackerel, Celeriac & Horseradish Slaw & Rocket Salad (gf) (v) Pear, Chicory & Walnut Salad with a Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing (gf) MAINS Roast Topside of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding Served with Roast & Creamed Potatoes in Rich Roast Gravy Pan Seared Pork Cutlet & Dauphinoise Potatoes, Apple & Apricot Compote with Rosemary Sauce (gf) Oven Roasted Chicken Supreme, Oyster Mushroom & Broad Bean Fricassee with Spring Onion Mash (gf) Pan Fried Sea Bass, Pea Puree, Boulangère Potatoes with a lemon Butter Velouté & Caper Popcorn (gf) Roasted Butternut Squash, Beetroot & Red Onion Wellington, with an Oven Roasted Pepper Coulis & Buttered New Potatoes All Served with Seasonal Vegetables DESSERTS Eton Mess (gf) Chocolate Brownie with a Dark Chocolate Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream Chocolate & Raspberry Roulade with Vanilla Ice Cream (gf) Lemon Cheesecake with a Sponge Base Served with Lemon Curd & Chantilly Cream (gf) Duo of Cheese & Biscuits with Pickles & Chutney CHILDREN UNDER 11 - 2 COURSES - £11.00 MAINS Roast Topside of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding Served with Roast & Creamed Potatoes in Rich Roast Gravy Roast Chicken with Yorkshire Pudding Served with Roast & Creamed Potatoes in Rich Roast Gravy Penne Pasta in a Tomato Sauce Battered Fish Goujons with Chunky Chips DESSERTS Chocolate Brownie with Chocolate Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream Ice Cream Sundae with Chocolate Sauce Eton Mess Two Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream 5 Menu 5 5 5 55 55 55 55 55 44-46.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2020 10:04 Page 2Picture your venue The George Hotel 1 Boston Road, Spilsby, PE23 5HB Tel: 01790 752528 Web: www.spilsby.info/georgehotel The George Hotel guarantees a warm welcome and the perfect pub environment. Karaoke is on every Saturday night, and with live music held once a month and a large function room (available free of charge for parties), the George Hotel is the perfect venue for entertaining. The accommodation boasts eight letting bedrooms with TV, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. To promote your services call Angie Cooper on 01472 310302 or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk The China Royal Restaurant 6 Bridge Streets, Brigg, DN20 8LN Tel: 01652 650688 (reservations)/654762 (takeaway) Web: www.chinaroyal.co.uk The intimate, warm surroundings of the China Royal are ideal for the most romantic dinner or the largest banquet. Serving the best in Chinese cuisine, it has five stars on the doors, and is open throughout all Bank Holidays. Bookings now being taken for Mother’s Day and Easter. 46 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING Cod and watercress parcels Serves: 2 Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes You’ll need: 250g cod (or other sustainable white fish) 85g (1 bag) watercress 2 cloves of garlic, peeled 1 green chilli, chopped 2 slices of Parma ham 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 150g brown rice 1 small red onion, diced 50g sundried tomatoes, chopped 50g black olives, stoned and chopped Black pepper Cod is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins B12 and B6 and niacin – all extremely good for assisting the heart and blood vessels. This added to the phytochemicals in the watercress mean you get a tasty meal that’s incredibly good for your heart. By serving on a bed of brown rice this meal provides plenty of energy to boot. What to do: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C Fan) Take the cod and pile a quarter of the watercress along the top of the two fillets (reserving the rest for later) along with the chilli and garlic. Carefully wrap the cod and its topping in the slices of Parma ham. Place on a baking tray and sprinkle with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cod is cooked through. Bring 360ml of water to the boil. Add the brown rice, stir and leave to simmer for 15- 20 mins until the water is all absorbed and the rice cooked. Add the onion, tomato and olives to a hot pan and lightly sauté. Once the rice is cooked, add to the pan and mix together, adding pepper to taste. Spoon some of the brown rice mixture onto a plate. Place the remaining watercress on top. Remove the cod from the oven and place on top. This recipe was provided by: www.watercress.co.uk The Blue Bell Inn 1 Main Road, Belchford, Horncastle, LN9 6LQ Tel: 01507 533 602 Web: www.bluebellbelchford.co.uk The Blue Bell Inn is a pub/restaurant situated on the Viking Way between Horncastle and Louth. It has an excellent reputation for fine food, good wine and friendly service. It offers an a la carte menu and fresh local ingredients. Now open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday 11.30am to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 11pm, Sunday noon to 10.30pm. 44-46.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2020 10:04 Page 3O n entering The Cross Keys, you’ll first be struck by the welcoming and attentive staff and secondly by the open airy décor that somehow manages to be both traditional and modern. Although we visited on a Monday evening, which is now steak night, my dining partner and I were treated to some exquisite dishes from the spring menu. For starters, I was presented with a Lincolnshire poacher souffle which blended well with the accompanying tomato salsa. The addition of the striking charcoal bread added texture and completed this light start to the meal. My partner, meanwhile, was handed the scallops, pan-fried to perfection and beautifully presented on their own shell. Served alongside cauliflower cous cous, a piquant aioli and garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds for texture and a taste counterpoint, this is scallops like you’ve never had them before. My main was a chowder comprising a poached piece of salmon, roasted purple potatoes, sweetcorn and a soft-boiled egg on the side. It was a decadent dish, rich with cream and butter and full of flavour without ever being overpowering. The whole dish was livened up with the tender sweetcorn and the herb garnish. My partner was treated to pan seared corn-fed chicken breast served with courgetti (that’s courgette spaghetti), squash fondant, a pea, shallot and spinach fricassee and the crowning glory of honeycomb. I’ll assume that most of our readers have never tried honeycomb with chicken before, but it’s a combination you’ll want to come back for repeatedly. The sweetness brings out new dimensions of the chicken with depths of taste you’ll never have imagined before. It’s a dish that showcases the genius of head chef and co-owner Stephanie Barker. I knew I was going to enjoy dessert even before that first taste. It was rhubarb and ginger, but not as we know it. This was no mere sponge or crumble, but a celebration of these ingredients. A light ginger sponge was scattered across the plate, accompanied by rhubarb textures and a gingerbread man. It was sweet and refreshing, nostalgic and modern, and brought my delightful meal to an end. The same was true for my partner with his textures of honey. The Cross Keys has secured a supply of local honey and here Stephanie celebrates the taste and versatility of the ingredient. There was a perfect parfait, a delicious sponge, crunchy honeycomb and orange crisps. Judging by my partner’s response, Stephanie is onto something special. The Cross Keys continue to push the limits of what a village pub restaurant can be with bold adventurous food exploring texture, taste and presentation. The spring menu boasts yet more inventive dishes reinventing classics or offering flavour combinations that will soon become favourites. The Cross Keys Grasby Over the last couple of years, The Cross Keys in Grasby has positioned itself as culinary hotspot, not only creating a community hub for the local area, but also offering bold, adventurous food. We stopped in to sample the newly launched spring menu. To book a table for yourself, visit www.crosskeys-grasby.co.uk, email info@crosskeys-grasby.co.uk, or call 01652 628247. FOOD & DINING LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 47 47.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2020 10:07 Page 1ORDER FORM Yes, I would like to subscribe to Lincolnshire Today magazine for the next 12 months, with the first 3 issues only being £1. Personal Details: First name: Last Name: Address: Town: County: Post Code: Tel: Mobile: Email: Payment by DEBIT/CREDIT card Name as it appears on card: Type of card: Mastercard / Visa / Visa Debit / Other Card Number: Card Verification number (3 digits on signature strip) : Expiry Date: Amount Authorised: Cheque enclosed YES / NO Please post this form back to: Subscriptions, Lincolnshire Today Magazine, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby. N.E. 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A gift Subscription is the perfect present that lasts all year round! 48.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2020 10:08 Page 1T he most common wish is for a person to continue living in their home as they move into their old age, with as few changes to their lifestyle as possible. People want to continue being independent, and can often feel embarrassed at any changes they feel they have to make for their own convenience. While certain conditions are going to require more specific care, such as those suffering with dementia, it’s still possible to maintain independence and live in your own home. What must often happen is a period of adapting the home, and yourself, to Something else to consider should be a way of answering the door in case of visitors. Whether it’s family, a visiting carer, or a door-to-door salesperson, constantly being forced to get up and make one’s way to the door can easily wear a person out. Intercom systems, particularly if you can have some form of remote entry lock in place, can enable a person to at least determine who is calling before having to get up. Trusted family can let themselves in, as can a care-worker, but an intercom can save effort when it comes to unsolicited or unwanted guests. Bathing can be another difficult task as a person gets older. Getting into and out of a bath can be an inconvenient enough task whatever your age, and the matter is only made worse if the floor is wet or slippery. But for a person with more brittle bones and slower reflexes, even Home or care? © Shutterstock Photographee.eu Many feel that old age begets a lack of independence, but that’s not always the case – if you keep certain things in mind. Home or care? LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 49 CARING accommodate your needs – as well as what needs you might have later on. Simple tasks can become more difficult as time goes on, and taking steps to make them easier sooner, rather than later, can prevent not only potential injury but keep mental health strong by empowering a person to look after themselves. It’s important therefore to catalogue each task that might become more difficult with age, and what steps one can take to fix them. Perhaps the most obvious problem is that of staircases, particularly if they are used commonly. Thankfully when it comes to traversing the staircase, there is always the clear option of a stairlift to fall back on. These can be relatively inexpensive to have installed, but will often require bringing in a professional to look at your house beforehand, no two sets of stairs are the same after all, and the task really needs to be done safely. 50 Á 49-51.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2020 10:11 Page 1Next >