Corporate Scene
Ian Iceton, Director, HR Operations at Skanska UK, writes about trying Central Health new stress belt
Ian Iceton, Director,
HR Operations,
Skanska UK
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"I was intrigued when I read about this new workplace stress management service in an issue of Human Resources. With a staff of over 5,000 in the UK, and about 400 at our head office in Maple Cross, I am always keen to explore new schemes to ensure the wellbeing of our employees."
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So I jumped at the opportunity to test the belt and check first hand how it works. I consider myself fitter than average, as my main hobby is training for triathlons every week, and I do not feel particularly stressed in spite of the demands of my job - so I thought I'd sail through the test!
I met senior physiotherapist Simon Shepard, one Thursday morning in the office and he fitted me with what resembled a conventional heart monitor. The main difference is that the belt, fitted with a microchip, recorded stress levels, physical activity and recovery for the next 72 hours. I was asked to record a diary of key activities during of the test - this was the most strenuous part as the device is so unobtrusive that after a few moments I had completely forgotten it was there; you can conduct all your usual activities whilst wearing it including swimming.
I was impressed when I met Simon again a few days later as he came armed with a number of reports, totally personalised to my circumstances - not just based on generic measurements of height, weight, BMI…. The report headings included stress, lifestyle, physical workload, training effect - I was particularly keen to check the effectiveness of my triathlon training programme - and even weight management.
I was amazed by what the reports highlighted. The Thursday and Friday at the office presented the usual end-of-week challenges, with many meetings and a predictable set of issues to tackle. I was therefore surprised to see a noticeable peak in the stress chart on Thursday evening, followed by poor recovery through the night, in spite of having a vigorous swim to clear the day. My iPod did however run out of battery that night - so I was perhaps missing the soothing effect of the music!
By contrast, my run on Friday night led to better sleep recovery and the lie-in I indulged in on Saturday morning was clearly showing.
Simon assured me that stress is not all bad; what's important is how to cope with it and what strategies are in place to deal with it - he mentioned that Central Health can devise programmes for individuals or companies. The test certainly threw vastly different recovery levels in my case. I would definitely want to use the monitor again and I am sure a number of my colleagues, perhaps those who are not as fit, would find it interesting and beneficial to their health and performance."
Contact Natasha Price to discuss our Corporate Packages. |
News
Natasha Price
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Natasha on TV
Physiotherapist Natasha Price, joint Managing Director of Central Health, appeared on the recent BBC1 series Saints and Scroungers, giving an authoritative point of view on the physical abilities of various people claiming benefits.
Excerpts of the programmes can be seen at www.central-health.com
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AEGON Team Tennis
National Open Finals
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National Tennis
This year again Claire Morrell and Gemma Newell supplied the medical, physiotherapy cover for the British Junior Tennis Nationals held in Bournemouth last August.
Gemma was also at the AEGON Team Tennis National Open Finals.
Scott Meiklejohn, Schools Competition Administrator at The Lawn Tennis Association expressed his appreciation: “Thank you for your work and help over the weekend. We think your efforts helped the competition run smoothly and I believe the players enjoy your presence at the event.”
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Amanda Thomson
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Honorary contract with the Royal Brompton hospital.
Amanda Thomson, Lead Respiratory Physiotherapist and Inpatient Physiotherapy Manager at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, has been offered an honorary contract at the Royal Brompton hospital, which has a reputation of being one of the leading respiratory hospitals in the world and where a lot of research is performed.
Amanda completed an MSc placement there 2 years ago and is delighted to be back. This allows her to maintain/continue to develop her clinical skills and spend time with the experts in her field, thus keeping up to date with developments in the management of medial respiratory patients.
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Corli Steyn
Clarissa Gifford
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New services at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth
Hand Therapy - This service provides rehabilitation and splinting for all wrist and hand conditions. For information and referrals contact Occupational Therapist Corli Steyn
Lymphoedema Therapy - Occupational Therapist Clarissa Gifford is particularly skilled in this area. If anyone has a patient who they think may benefit then please contact her.
The Occupational Therapy team at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth can be contacted on 020 7806 4010. |
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The Team
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New people
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Eric Clarke
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Welcome to:
Eric Clarke - former Australian Olympic Team Physiotherapist (Beijing 2008), who joined Central Health in Chancery Lane in August. Eric specialises in knee, ankle and hip injuries. sports injuries and rehabilitation, post surgical rehabilitation. Biomechanics and acupuncture (member AACP) |
Faye Peck
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Faye Peck - based at the hospital of St John & St Elizabeth since October 2009. Faye specialises in musculoskeletal - spinal and peripheral, sports injuries and post operative rehabilitation, acupuncture and manipulation.
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Olivia Lewis
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Olivia Lewis - our new Chancery Lane receptionist. Olivia has just completed A Levels at 6th form college which included English, I.C.T and General Studies |
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Team Building - Krypton Factor |
Krypton Factor
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The whole Central Health Team went away to a Team building weekend on 24/25th October. The Krypton Factor challenge took place at Wotton House in Surrey. The Red team, consisting of Gemma Newell, Brendon Zeman, Martin van Heerden, Gary Viljoen, Amanda Thomson and Corli Steyn - were the winners, beating the Blue team on the final obstacle course!! |
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Wedding 'Belles' |
Elaine and Dominic
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Elaine Byrne
Dominic and Elaine got married on the 31st August 2009 in Castle Durrow, Laois, Ireland. They headed off to South Africa on honeymoon the following day a little exhausted but having had a fantastic day. |
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Baby News |
Juliet Joy
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Martin and Annelie van Heerden became the proud parents of Juliet Joy on 24 August 2009. As the midwife was late Martin had to deliver the baby at home - a very special moment! |
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Ski Fitness Circuits |
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Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6pm - 7pm
Charterhouse Street EC1
£120 for 8 sessions
Early bird discount - £100 for first 10 people who book quoting the Newsletter
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Call us on 020 7404 6343 or email to book |
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