Do you feel stress is negatively impacting your physical and mental wellbeing?

Many situations can cause a stress response in the body. Changes at work, illness, accidents, problems with relationships, family, money or housing can all cause stress. Even seemingly small daily hassles like someone pushing in a queue can make us feel stressed. What links all these situations is that we’re unable to predict and control what is happening to us, and so our body goes into a state of increased alertness. And these events can happen all the time - triggering the body’s stress response over and over again.

When the stress response becomes prolonged (chronic), it has a very different effect to the short bursts that enhance the body’s abilities. In many cases, the system controlling the stress response is no longer able to return to its normal state. Attention, memory, and the way we deal with emotions are negatively impacted. This long-term stress can contribute to both physical and mental illness through effects on the heart, immune and metabolic functions, and hormones acting on the brain.

Some of the emotional and behavioural symptoms of stress overlap with those of mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. This can make it hard to distinguish where one begins and the other ends, or which came first. Someone who is stressed may feel worried, down, unable to concentrate or make decisions, irritable and angry.

DBC Health Retreats release tension and recharge with a healthy plant based diet, fresh juices, hiking, pilates and plenty of rest.

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When we are mentally healthy, we enjoy our life and environment, and the people in it. We can be creative, learn, try new things, and take risks. We are better able to cope with difficult times in our personal and professional lives.

Poor mental health makes us more vulnerable to certain physical health problems, such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Nurturing our mental health can also help prevent the development of mental illnesses. Good mental health helps us have a more positive outlook and enjoy our lives more.

When you do physical activity your brain releases endorphins which help to lift your mood and also give you energy. Regular exercise can also help you to sleep better and feel more at one with yourself.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.

It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.

Many of us have experienced burnout and its debilitating effects on the mind and body.

Support Self care in your life by attending a 4 night Retreat DBC Health Retreats nurture your body mind and soul

Recharge, Rest and Reset

Burnout reduces productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give. The negative effects of burnout spill over into every area of life—including your home, work, and social life.

Join us 26-30 April in the warm Canary Island sun

#burnout #burnoutprevention #stressmanagement #stressrelief #hr #csr #csrinitiative

Self Care Retreat 26-30th April

Nourish your Body Mind & Soul woth oprional wine!

Do as much or as little as you wish, plenty of relaxation in the sun. The most affordable retreat.

£580 - Shared room

£780 - Private room

Bring a friend £1000 for 2.

Please read.

Lobular Breast Cancer. Check your breasts.

This week we met with an incredible brace lady Susan who is stage 4 Lobular Breast Cancer.

This cancer can go undetected when having a mammogram. Susan had a mammogram which came back clear, but she had a small spot at the side of her breast, so returned to her GP when this spot changed, unfortunately for Susan it was too late. A second mammogram 6 months later also came back clear but she insisted they check this spot, which confirmed her worst fears.

Lobular Breast Cancer (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)

Lobular breast cancer (also called invasive lobular carcinoma) is breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing gland, or lobules, of your breast and has spread into surrounding breast tissue. It can be cured if caught early. Left untreated, lobular breast cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes, and then to other areas of your body.

What is lobular breast cancer?

Lobular breast cancer (also called invasive lobular carcinoma, or ILC) is breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing gland, or lobules, of your breast and has spread into surrounding breast tissue. It accounts for about 10% to 15% of all breast cancers and is the second most common type of breast cancer. Left untreated, lobular breast cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes, and then to other areas of your body.

What’s the difference between invasive lobular breast cancer and invasive ductal carcinoma?

Invasive lobular breast cancer tends to grow in a single-file pattern of cells. Invasive ductal carcinoma typically forms a mass or lump.

Who’s affected by lobular breast cancer?

Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) who are age 55 and older are most likely to develop invasive lobular carcinoma.

What are lobular breast carcinoma symptoms?

Unlike other breast cancer types, lobular breast cancer doesn’t form lumps in your breast tissue or under your arm. Instead, it may cause the following symptoms:

• Hard or thickened area inside of your breast or underarm.

• Your nipple is inverted

• Dimpling, dent or puckering skin on a part of your breast.

• Changes in breast size or shape.

• A feeling of warmth or redness.

• Nipple discharge

• An area of swelling or fullness in your breast.

• A lump near your armpit.

  Talk to a healthcare provider any time you notice a change in your breasts.

What causes lobular breast cancer?

Experts know that ILC occurs when cells in your breast develop mutations in their DNA. But they aren’t exactly sure what causes those mutations to occur. There are factors that could increase your risk for invasive lobular carcinoma, including:

• Age. Most people who are diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma are over the age of 55.

• Sex. Women and people AFAB are more likely to develop ILC.

• Hormone therapy. Women and people AFAB who use hormone therapy after menopause may have an increased risk of invasive lobular carcinoma.

• Genetic factors. Certain inherited genes could play a role in whether or not you get breast cancer. A rare condition called hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome can increase your risk for both invasive lobular carcinoma and stomach cancer.

How does invasive lobular carcinoma spread?

The term “invasive” means the cancer started in the lobules or ducts of your breast, but spread to surrounding breast tissue. Eventually, the cancer can also spread to lymph nodes, organs and other areas throughout your body.

How do healthcare providers diagnose lobular breast cancer?

Healthcare providers may do the following tests to diagnose this condition:

• Mammogram. This test is a low-dose X-ray that detects abnormalities in your breast tissue.

• Ultrasound. This imaging test uses sound waves to capture pictures of your breast tissue. Ultrasound may be used as a standalone test or in combination with mammography.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your healthcare provider may request an MRI, which uses radio waves and magnets to take detailed pictures inside of your body.

• Biopsy. In order to confirm the cancer is present, your healthcare provider may take a small sample of breast tissue and send it to a pathology lab for analysis.

What are the stages of invasive lobular carcinoma?

Healthcare providers use cancer staging systems to plan treatment. Invasive lobular carcinoma is divided into four stages. Staging is based on several factors, including the size of the tumor, where it’s located and how far it has spread:

• Stage 1: The tumor is up to 2 centimeters (cm) across and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage 2: At this stage, the tumor may be about 2 cm across and the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Or the tumor has grown up to 5 cm across and the cancer hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage 3: The cancer may have spread to lymph nodes, but hasn’t spread to distant sites like other organs in your body. In some cases, the cancer may have spread into your chest wall.

• Stage 4: The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. The cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes or organs, which may include your liver, lungs, bone or brain. Stage 4 is also referred to as metastatic breast cancer.

• When should I see my healthcare provider?

  You should schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider any time you notice sudden or unusual changes in your breasts. Your healthcare provider can perform tests to determine if you have breast cancer.

  If you’re already undergoing treatment for ILC, call your healthcare provider if you develop any worrisome symptoms, such as chest pain, confusion, chills, high fever, shortness of breath (dyspnea)bone pain or abdominal pain.

Millions of Christians all over the world will be marking the start of an important period of time on 22 February 2023 - the festival of Lent.

That is because it is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in Western Christian churches.

DBC Health Retreats

Maybe a little abstinence will do me some good.

By mid-February, our New Year's resolutions are ancient history. Along comes Ash Wednesday and, well, it's like a reprieve. We get a second chance to discipline some weakness or form a new habit. Another opportunity to improve our flagging self-respect!

During Lent, many people decide to give something up that they love - perhaps chocolate, sweets or even using social media.

Others might decide to take up something, like helping out more with chores at home or making an effort to do nice things for their family and friends.

So let’s be kind and better people.

1. Smile and be positive

2. Acknowledge other people

3. Be a good listener

4. Be courteous, polite and helpful

5. Smile

6. Practice empathy

7. Never speak ill of others when they aren't around.

8. Be humble

9. Be sincere

10. Offer forgiveness

#lent

#benice #selfdiscipline #bekind

Improve your health from inside, out!

Avoid ultra processed foods.

The microbiome consists of TRILLIONS of living microbes inside your gut. These little mood elevators work around the clock producing happy-chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. Making sure that you have a diverse and thriving microbiome can help not only with your mental health, but can prevent things like the urge to over-eat, and can help regulate your digestive system.

1. Make sure to eat your vegetables!

2. Cut out sugar and avoid processed foods

3. Probiotics are great for your gut

4. Avoid Antibiotics

5. Stock up on dietary sources of prebiotics

6. Fermented Foods are gut-friendly

7. Try to cut back on the red meat

8. Get enough sleep

9. Exercise

10. Make time for you!

#microbiomes #guthealth #dbchealthretreat #sandydonnelly #improveyourhealth

Give the Gift of Health this Valentines.

Canary Isle Health Retreat

Pilates & Hiking coupled with a delicious plant based diet and plenty of rest in the sun.

Only £780 Single room

£580 Shared twin room

Or bring a friend £1000 for 2!

Flights excluded but cheap £60

Deposit £250 secure your place.

Suitable for all levels, do as much or as little as you wish.

Afternoons free to chill.

#valentinesgift #valentinesday #giftofhealth #canaryislandsretreat #dbchealthretreat #sandydonnelly #boutiqueretreats #pilatesretreat #hikingretreat #girlsweekend #retreatyourself

Aubergine Steak

Pre fry/roast steaks

Mix

Peanut butter

Soy sauce

Chilli

Lime

Coat steaks and roast until crisp

Only 80kcals

Serve with sweet potato fries

#auberginesteak #healthyrecipes #healthretreat #lowcalorie #boutiqueretreat

Day 2 DBC Health Retreat Canary Isles

Woke up to hot water & lemon 🍋 and a ginger shot!

Pilates stretch and core strength

Breakfast Cranberry, apple and ginger fresh juice

Ladies prepped for 2 hour coastal walk along Costa Teguise promenade, cloudy weather today but a lovely long walk and chats along the coast, after 2 hours and 10,000 steps we returned to our villa, ready for lunch.

Quinoa Mediterranean salad followed by my energy balls.

Afternoon the ladies chilled around the pool while I rustled up some healthy granola.

Hiit session at 5.30pm and Ab blast.

Dinner tonight was my favourite, minestrone soup followed by soy, ginger Aubergine steaks and sweet potato fries yummy

Herbal teas and meditation before bed.

#thisishowweretreat #dbchealthretreat #boutiqueretreat #sandydonnelly #mentalhealthsupport #detoxretreat #canaryislandretreat #sunnyretreat #costatequise #lanzaroteretreats