Tuesday 3 September 2024
A ghostly investigation
Sometimes we take time off from blogging about food, drink and Christmas gifting ideas.
This is a part of what we do in our leisure time.
Saturday 31 August 2024
Understanding Gastroparesis: Raising Awareness During Gastroparesis Awareness Month
What is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a condition that disrupts the normal motility of the stomach muscles. Under normal circumstances, strong muscular contractions propel food through the digestive tract. However, in individuals with gastroparesis, these contractions are weakened or dysfunctional, causing food to remain in the stomach longer than it should. This delay in gastric emptying can lead to a host of symptoms, including:
Nausea and vomiting: Patients often experience persistent nausea, leading to frequent vomiting, which can be debilitating.
Bloating and fullness: Even after consuming a small amount of food, patients may feel uncomfortably full or bloated.
Abdominal pain: The sensation of pain or discomfort in the stomach is common, contributing to the overall distress.
Malnutrition: Due to difficulties in eating and retaining nutrients, individuals with gastroparesis are at risk of malnutrition and unintended weight loss.
Fluctuating blood sugar levels: Particularly in those with diabetes, delayed gastric emptying can cause erratic blood sugar levels, complicating management.
The Importance of Awareness
Gastroparesis Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate the public and healthcare professionals about this challenging condition. Despite its prevalence, gastroparesis is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, leading to delays in treatment and unnecessary suffering.
One of the key challenges faced by those with gastroparesis is the lack of a cure. Current treatments focus primarily on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life. These may include dietary modifications, medications to stimulate stomach motility, and in severe cases, surgical interventions.
Supporting Those with Gastroparesis
Living with gastroparesis can be isolating, as the symptoms often interfere with daily activities and social interactions. Raising awareness can foster greater understanding and support for those affected. Here are some ways to contribute:
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the condition and share this knowledge with friends, family, and your community. Understanding the challenges faced by those with gastroparesis can lead to more compassionate and supportive environments.
Advocate for Better Treatment Options: Support research and advocacy efforts aimed at finding more effective treatments and ultimately a cure. Joining patient advocacy groups or supporting relevant charities can make a difference.
Encourage Early Diagnosis: Gastroparesis can be difficult to diagnose due to its overlapping symptoms with other gastrointestinal disorders. Encouraging people to seek medical advice for persistent digestive issues can lead to earlier diagnosis and better management.
Support Affected Individuals: Whether it’s offering a listening ear, helping with meal preparation, or being flexible with social plans, small gestures of support can greatly improve the day-to-day lives of those living with gastroparesis.
Gastroparesis Awareness Month is not just about understanding a medical condition; it’s about recognising the daily battles faced by those living with it. By increasing awareness and fostering a supportive community, we can help improve the lives of individuals with gastroparesis and contribute to the ongoing search for better treatments and, hopefully, a cure.
Let’s use this month to make a difference by spreading knowledge, offering support, and advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. Together, we can create a world where living with gastroparesis is more manageable and less isolating.
There's a friend of this blog Ellie Dyson who suffers from gastroparesis and who is appealing for help to raise funds for an operation that, it is hoped, can help her. Please donate what you can.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/gastric-pacemaker-to-help-me-live-my-life
Wednesday 28 August 2024
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Introducing the Latest Addition to Palace Culture's Award-Winning Range: Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze
This new 120g offering joins an already impressive line-up of award-winning plant-based cheezes, including the much-loved Kimcheeze and the distinctive Mouldy Goaty, each available at Waitrose stores nationwide from 15th August. Priced at £5.95, these delicious cheezes are a must-try for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
A Symphony of Flavours: Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze
The new Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze is a testament to Palace Culture’s commitment to creating bold, gourmet flavours using only the finest plant-based ingredients.
This creamy, spreadable cheeze combines the delicate, aromatic taste of chives with the subtle sweetness of shallots, resulting in a perfectly balanced flavour profile. Whether spread on crackers, used as a dip, or incorporated into your favourite recipes, this cheeze offers a rich and satisfying experience that rivals traditional dairy products.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Award-Winning Range
Palace Culture has consistently set the standard for high-quality, artisanal plant-based cheezes, and the Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze is no exception. Joining the ranks of the Kimcheeze, with its unique blend of fermented kimchi and creamy cheeze, and the Mouldy Goaty, known for its tangy, goat’s cheese-inspired flavour, this new addition is sure to become a firm favourite among fans of the brand.
Kimcheeze (120g): A delightful fusion of spicy, tangy kimchi with smooth, creamy cheeze, offering an umami-packed punch that elevates any dish.
Mouldy Goaty (120g): This plant-based cheeze captures the essence of traditional goat’s cheese, with a mould-ripened rind and a distinctive, earthy flavour.
Each cheeze in the range is handcrafted with care, using sustainable, ethically sourced ingredients, ensuring that you can indulge in these gourmet delights with a clear conscience.
Available Nationwide at Waitrose
Starting 15th August, the full range of Palace Culture’s plant-based cheezes, including the new Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze, will be available at Waitrose stores across the UK. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply looking to reduce your dairy intake, these cheezes offer an unparalleled taste experience that doesn’t compromise on quality or flavour.
At an RRP of £5.95 for 120g, these cheezes are an affordable luxury that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Perfect for creating a sophisticated cheeseboard, enhancing your favourite recipes, or simply enjoying as a snack, Palace Culture’s cheezes are a versatile and delicious addition to any kitchen.
Palace Culture continues to lead the way in the plant-based food revolution, and the new Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze is a worthy addition to their award-winning range. With its rich, creamy texture and delightful blend of flavours, this cheeze is set to become a staple for plant-based food lovers everywhere.
So, whether you’re planning a cosy night in, hosting a dinner party, or simply looking for a tasty treat, be sure to pick up a pack (or two) of Palace Culture’s latest creation from your local Waitrose. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Sunday 25 August 2024
Championing Fairness: Wetherspoon's Tim Martin's Campaign for VAT Equality
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But beyond his business acumen and the success of his pubs, Martin has become a leading advocate for a cause that resonates with many within the hospitality sector: the campaign to equalise VAT between pubs, restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets.
In a country where pubs are more than just places to grab a pint—they are community hubs, social gathering points, and a cherished part of British culture—the importance of ensuring their survival cannot be overstated.
Yet, the current VAT system places pubs and restaurants at a significant disadvantage compared to supermarkets. While pubs are charged a 20% VAT rate on food and drink sales, supermarkets pay no VAT on food. At all.
This discrepancy is not only unfair, but it also undermines the viability of the pub industry, particularly in a post-pandemic world where businesses are still fighting and struggling to recover.
Tim Martin’s campaign seeks to address this imbalance by calling for the equalisation of VAT rates across all food and drink sales, regardless of where they are sold. His argument is simple yet compelling: if pubs, restaurants, and hotels were to pay the same VAT rate as supermarkets, they would be on a level playing field, making it easier for them to compete and thrive. This change would not only benefit the hospitality sector but would also be a boon for consumers and the broader economy.
One of the strongest points in Martin’s favour is the potential impact on job creation. Pubs and restaurants are significant employers, especially of young people, and VAT equality would enable these businesses to hire more staff, invest in their premises, and contribute more to the local economy.
In contrast, supermarkets, which operate with far fewer employees relative to their turnover, would not experience the same level of job creation. By pushing for VAT equality, Martin is advocating for a policy that supports employment and economic growth, particularly in communities where pubs are a vital source of jobs and social cohesion.
Martin's pubs also contribute to the profitability of smaller independent brewers with their twice-yearly real ale festivals and other initiatives including local collaborations, etc.
Moreover, Martin’s campaign highlights a broader issue of fairness. The current VAT system seems to favour large supermarkets, many of which are owned by multinational corporations with vast resources, over small and medium-sized businesses that are often family-owned and deeply embedded in their local communities.
This disparity in tax treatment not only skews competition but also risks eroding the unique character of British high streets, which are increasingly dominated by chain stores and supermarkets at the expense of independent pubs and restaurants.
Tim Martin has faced his share of criticism, particularly for his outspoken views on other matters, but his campaign for VAT equality is one that deserves widespread support.
It is a fight for fairness, for the preservation of British pubs, and for a more balanced and equitable tax system that does not disproportionately burden one sector over another.
By levelling the playing field, we can ensure that pubs, restaurants, and hotels remain vibrant parts of our communities, contributing to the social fabric and economic well-being of the nation.
In conclusion, Tim Martin’s campaign to equalise VAT between pubs, restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets is not just about business; it’s about fairness, community, and the future of the British high street.
His efforts deserve recognition and support from all who value the role that pubs play in our society. Let us hope that policymakers take heed of his call and move towards a more equitable VAT system that supports the continued success of our cherished pubs and restaurants.