Prevention- The flu vaccine

Much of the illness and death caused by the influenza virus can be prevented by the annual influenza vaccination. Many individuals still do not have the knowledge or understand the importance or how to get the vaccine and also because at times, stocks can run out of the vaccine. There have been many miss-understandings of the vaccine in the public eye. The vaccine is given each year by an injection. People who are at high risk of getting the influenza virus are strongly recommended to get annual vaccination. These groups of people include:

� Aged over 65

� Chronic respiratory disease

� Chronic heart disease

� Chronic kidney disease

� Chronic liver disease

� Diabetes

� Chronic neurological disease

� Immunosuppression illness

High risk groups also include those working in public sector areas or those in contact with a number of different groups of people, for example : health care workers, those living in close proximity to others, gym environments, air conditioned areas or working.

The vaccine needs to be given each year, this is due to the clever fact that the virus changes continually by mutating. Therefore, each year, the vaccine changes according to the most up to date virus that is present. Also, once a person receives the vaccine, the effectiveness of the vaccine, reduces over time in an individual.

The vaccine should be taken around September of each year and it takes approximately 2 weeks for the beneficially effects of the vaccine to develop.

Sune Connell, a qualified nutritional therapist, Metabolic Balance coach and professional chef, infuses her knowledge of nutritional therapy with a gourmet approach to health and well-being.

Call 020 7079 2141 to book an appointment

Sune is a qualified Metabolic Balance Coach click here to find out more

An initial consultation with Sune is an opportunity to explore particular health areas of concern. A full case history is derived through a diet and lifestyle analysis and possible functional testing. From this, Sune is able to design a customised health-program that may include changes in diet and a supplement regime where appropriate.

As a trained chef, Sune has over 10 years experience working in professional kitchens. Recognising the power of food to improve overall well-being, she elected to study at the British College of Nutrition and Health where she qualified as a nutritional therapist. Drawing on these experiences, she has developed a unique approach to nutritional therapy that combines a scientific approach to health with a gourmet approach to food.

Nutritional therapy provides individual prescriptions for diet and lifestyle in order to alleviate and prevent ailments and promote optimal health. It can help achieve goals:

Sustained fat loss
Increased energy
Improved concentration
Radiant skin (eczema, acne, psoriasis)
Improving hormone balance (PMS, PCOS)
Manage stress and stress related symptoms
Prevent type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity
Eliminate bloating and other digestive problems

Frequently, the concept of healthy eating is associated with obscure ingredients and self-denial. Sune promotes a balanced diet and lifestyle, making allowances for simple pleasures and coaching clients how to make healthy, easy decisions in their diet.

As health and indeed taste are very personal matters, Sune works closely with her clients (and their families) to develop programmes that take into account personal preference, budget and dietary restrictions. She has worked with a number of Kosher and vegetarian clients and professionals from all walks of life. This customised approach can include consultations, guided shopping trips, in-house cooking lessons and even private chef services.