Bulletins

We often underestimate the importance of our hormones when it comes to our health and well-being. We also forget that what we put in our mouths really does have an impact on our bodies hormonal balance. Often unless we have a particular issue with fertility or PMS we don't really give hormones a second thought! Yet these impact on our metabolism, our mood, appetite, skin, sex drive and overall health. What are hormones, exactly? Hormones are special chemical messengers in the body that are created in the endocrine glands. They are secreted into the blood, which transports them to organs [...]

If you’re pregnant you’re probably thinking about what your labour and delivery will be like – from easing any pain with drugs like epidurals or more natural methods such as a birthing pool. Or maybe this all sounds like a foreign language to you! There is one birthing technique that has nothing to do with drugs, and enthusiasts even say that labour doesn’t have to be painful at all. This is called Hypnobirthing Hypnobirthing techniques using breathing and relaxation methods to help your mind and body. You can help your body relax and go through the natural process of giving [...]

Bonding refers to the special attachment that forms between a mother and father and their new baby. That bond is what sends parents rushing into their newborn's room in the middle of the night at the slightest whimper. It's also what makes parents want to instinctively care for and nurture their child. Sometimes, the bond is immediate -- parents fall in love the instant they set eyes on their little "bundle of joy". But other times, even if you've dreamed about meeting your baby for your entire pregnancy, after hours of labour you might just look at your newborn and [...]

The symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) can be very debilitating. These may include short term memory problems, being unable to concentrate, joint pain and stiffness, headaches, IBS, food intolerances and exhaustion. Anybody suffering from a chronic illness needs to pay attention to their diet, but approximately two thirds of CFS / ME sufferers already have gastro intestinal problems, such as heartburn, constipation, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, bloating and nausea. To find an appropriate diet is not easy as what suits some sufferers will not suit others, but some basic rules to follow are: Listen to [...]

Dear patients and friends of The Maris Practice, Five years ago, having moved to Portsmouth, I was very happy to hand over The Maris torch into Claire MacDonald’s caring and competent hands. The practice has gone from strength to strength in those years and it is - as I intended - very much part of the health of our community. Now is a time for further change, and by February 2018, I will only be making occasional visits from Portsmouth to The Maris to consult, and to meet with my treasured colleagues. I have already developed a Paediatric practice on [...]