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People in shun sex for sleep!
CHARTERED physiotherapists have discovered why Britain lags back in 9th place in the world when it comes to sex or lack of it! Research out today shows we're shunning sex in favour of some serious shut-eye. And if that isn't bad enough, the way we sleep could be one reason for our back pain, 68% of us are struck down with back problems each year.
The study reveals that people in North West England are now typically spending 7 hours asleep. And nearly 75% choose to sleep on their side. But chartered physiotherapists warn that our favourite sleeping position may be causing us pain. With hot, sticky and restless nights on the way, physios are concerned that people's bad sleeping postures are leading to discomfort and pain.
New figures released by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) show 54% of respondents say they sleep 7 or more hours every night in their preferred position. 73% of people in the North West report sleeping on their left or right side, or in the foetus position. While this is a popular sleeping posture, physios advise that failing to take adequate precautions can leave people at risk of sleep-depriving musculo-skeletal problems like neck, back and hip pain.
Sammy Margo, leading UK physiotherapist and physio to the stars says:-
"The sleep posture we choose can make the difference between waking up feeling refreshed or exhausted. With the onset of warm nights leading to tossing and turning in the struggle to get comfortable, the chances of falling asleep in a bad position greatly increases. How we support ourselves in bed is key to warding off physical discomfort. If you sleep on your side and have a soft mattress or an hourglass figure, you need to support the natural curves of your spine. Make sure you are not sinking into the bed or placing unnecessary pressure to the
hip."
Sleeping on the side is not the only posture prone to problems. Steps should also be taken when sleeping on the front or back. Sammy says:-
"Too many or too little pillows causing your neck to tilt forward or back can lead to an asymmetrical strain, as can over-arching your back when lying on it with your legs straight. It's all about where you place your pillows to take the pressure off your neck, back and
hips."
Liverpool parents needn't splash the cash to entertain the kids
WHILE kids are counting down to the end of term, parents are adding up the cost of beating holiday boredom. With the average family planning at least 8 day trips to keep their kids amused, parents are reeling at the thought of spending an extra £464 this summer.
Yet a survey of pre-teens across the North West, including Liverpool, by Telewest Broadband, reveals parents needn't fret 92% of kids can find holiday heaven doing the simpler things in life. When quizzed on summer fun, firm favourites with 8-11 years olds, included riding bikes, swimming and going to the park with friends. Expensive family outings such as trips to theme parks don't even get a look in. And don't be surprised to find active kids rummaging amongst the roses. 55% said they were looking forward to getting their hands dirty by helping mum and dad out in the garden.
If the British weather spoils play, parents can still keep their hands out of their pockets. Kids rate playing computer games, watching TV and making things such as cards and toy models, as their top 3 indoor activities, with over half looking forward to cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
Summer holidays are also a perfect time for youngsters to catch up with distant friends, and 46% of Liverpool children will be swapping gossip and news with pen pals. Their favourite means of communicating is via easy-to-use technology including email, 21%, and phone calls or texts, 34%.
Philip Snalune, director of product management and marketing at Telewest Broadband, said:-
"Parents shouldn't feel pressurised into spending money to ensure their children are enjoying themselves because, as our survey shows, kids are experts in finding ways to have fun without having to break the bank. It's no surprise that watching TV and playing on the computer
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tops the bill for kid's entertainment. Technology provides a wealth of benefits for the whole family which is why we aim to offer our customers a bundle of broadband, digital TV and telephone services at a great price."
The survey also reveals what a dream day out would be if money was no object. Meeting a celebrity such as Prince William and Britney Spears took the top spot followed by swimming with dolphins and visiting a chocolate factory.
ROOFTOP GENERATION TO GIVE POWER - AND CASH - TO THE PEOPLE
MANY UK households could one day be self-sufficient in energy needs and routinely make money by selling surplus electricity from home generators such as solar panels and micro-wind turbines. This is among the possibilities raised by Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks as the Department of Trade and Industry asks for views on the development of "micro-generation" of low-carbon energy by homes, businesses and public buildings.
Launching the consultation in a speech to the Renewable Power Association's annual conference in London today, Mr Wicks will say:- "Power generation has traditionally been about giant stations supplying whole cities, but the future may show that small is big. Some generation will move closer to home - giving individuals and small communities the chance to contribute directly to the UK's long-term environmental and energy goals. There could also come a day when many people will receive a cheque alongside their energy bill."
The DTI is developing a cross-Government strategy for the development of micro-generation, including micro-hydro, micro-wind, solar power, fuel cells, micro-combined heat and power, and ground and air source heat pumps. Just how much can be done will depend on the costs and how they compare with other technologies. Proposals are also outlined today for a grant scheme that could see a series of flagship low-carbon buildings over the next six years.
Malcolm Wicks will tell the RPA conference:- "Many people are keen to do their bit to help cut climate-changing emissions. They have the potential to make a big difference - nearly half of all UK carbon dioxide emissions come from buildings. This consultation will give people the chance to share their views on how we can best promote the development and uptake of micro-generation, and make it easier for people to adopt these technologies in their own neighbourhood. It's all about looking to the future but acting now."
Renewable Power Association Chief Executive Philip Wolfe said:- "At a time when some may be tempted to focus on 'big solutions to big problems', the DTI is to be congratulated for drawing attention to the significant contribution that micro-renewables can make to delivering the Government's overall energy efficiency and renewable energy targets. RPA member companies are at the forefront of the rapidly growing UK market for technologies that can literally put a power station on your own roof or in your own building. We are looking forward to working with DTI and other Departments to help deliver a successful long-term micro-generation strategy with all of the environmental, investment, innovation, export and job creation benefits that this will bring to the UK."
Green Alliance Director Guy Thompson said:- "Microgeneration could play a huge role in tackling climate change and meeting our future energy needs. Not only is it low or zero carbon but it engages people in the solutions to climate change. We therefore welcome today's publication of the government's microgeneration strategy as an indication of its commitment to the development of these technologies."
The launch of this consultation, together with last week's launch of the Carbon Abatement Technologies Strategy and the Hydrogen Strategy, is just part of the ongoing programme of work to implement the Energy White Paper and achieve the Government's goal of reliable, sustainable energy for all, delivered through competitive markets.
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