by Jessica Giljam-Brown
December 11, 2020
This decadent slice is a crowd pleaser! A crispy base covered with a smooth salted caramel then topped with a fruit and nut chocolate topping ticks all the boxes. Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and is a rich source of calcium, an essential mineral for healthy bones, normal muscle function and nerve signalling.
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by Jessica Giljam-Brown
December 11, 2020
Prawns are a summer classic, and they are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium and iodine. These nutrients are key for great thyroid function, healthy ovulation and progesterone production as well as immune function and healing. We suggest keeping prawns in the freezer to defrost for a quick dinner, although you are welcome to use fresh prawns when they are available.
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by Jessica Giljam-Brown
November 12, 2020
If exercise has an important part to play in your life then planning and using the time around your period to your advantage may be of interest to you. At different stages of the menstrual cycles, hormone levels vary which can impact our mood, body function and emotions. More and more, athletes are using menstrual cycle trackers to shape their training around the different peaks and pits in hormones leading to improved performance and a reduction of injuries.
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by Jessica Giljam-Brown
October 19, 2020
Long-term medications can produce a range of different side effects, including nausea, drowsiness, and weight gain. However, another side effect that often goes unnoticed: nutrient deficiencies. The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is notorious for this, and women often jump on it long-term without doing their research and not being aware of the potential risks and side effects.
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by Jessica Giljam Brown
August 20, 2020
Immune function is a hot topic at the moment for obvious reasons, but it really pains me when I see a load of miss information, sales pitches, and scaremongering online.
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by Jessica Giljam Brown
April 09, 2020
The past week has shaken-up the way we interact with those in our community. In New Zealand, social distancing has instated a two metre radius between us and those outside of our isolation ‘bubble’. Dr Sophie Muir is a Clinical Psychologist experienced in treating a range of psychological difficulties including anxiety, depression, anger, relationship difficulties, sexual identity, and low self-esteem. Read her top ways to feel comfortable engaging with the outside world while social distancing.
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by Jessica Giljam Brown
April 07, 2020
Lemons are plentiful over winter, so make use of them by making this slice. Lemons are well known for being rich in vitamin C, a vitamin that supports the immune system and is essential for warding off winter bugs. The combination of oats and coconut in this slice makes it filling and satisfying, providing a perfect mid-morning snack.
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by Jessica Giljam Brown
April 02, 2020
If you or someone you know experience an irregular, or non-existent period, you’re not alone. Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea is the scientific name to describe a loss of period caused by some form of stress that affects the hypothalamus of the brain. There are all sorts of different stresses that can cause Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, HA for short. The types of stress vary hugely woman to woman, some of which will be easier to identify than others.
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by Jessica Giljam Brown
April 01, 2020
Before we jump into understanding how unwanted hair loss occurs, we first need to appreciate the natural cycle in which a hair grows. There is a huge variety of normal hair growth amongst different women, and genetics. Hair grows almost everywhere on our bodies, apart from the soles of our feet, lips, palms of our hands, belly buttons, on scar tissue and some parts of the genitals.
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by Jessica Giljam Brown
March 05, 2020
How can couples stay strong, close, and affectionate throughout health struggles like endometriosis and dyspareunia? One way is to work on providing really responsive and tailored support. Here are 5 research-backed tips to help you do this well.
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by Jessica Giljam Brown
March 05, 2020
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is, unfortunately, a common condition that many women suffer from just before their period shows up. Although common, PMS is not normal and is not something you should have to suffer from.
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by Jessica Giljam Brown
February 25, 2020
Hi, I’m Caitlin and I’m a women’s, men’s and pelvic health physiotherapist. That’s a bit of a mouthful right? And you’re probably wondering what that actually means. My friends call me ‘The Vagina Physio’ so I created a blog and social media pages with that name to raise awareness about what pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you with.
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