Hi Folks,
I hope you are all well, and not too dissapointed with this early autumnal weather? I mean, where has all the lovely warm sunshine gone? I suppose we must be grateful. After all, we have had a pretty good summer this year, and at least it's more comfortable trying to sleep now!
I had a great day last Wednesday and really enjoyed my session on Allan Beswick's Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Manchester. It was only my second attempt in my role as a guest newspaper reviewer, but I'm really enjoying it and I'm learning some really useful skills.
For those of you who don't know me, I tend to talk in great detail about things, especially if I feel really passionate about the subject. I know this can be very boring to some and the radio show is teaching me to be much more succinct; a skill that I will find very useful, especially at work.
This week, I chose to review two stories about the atrocities in Northern Iraq, two health related stories; diabetes and obesity, one on the untimely death of Robin Williams and one story related to this years A-Level results.
If you would like to listen, you can access the programme on the link below. Hurry up though, because it is only there for another three days! If you scroll along the time line to 45 minutes and then again to 1 hour and 20 minutes, you'll catch me and Allan enjoying a jolly good natter. I really like that man. He is very funny and puts me at my ease very quickly. Here's hoping for many more sessions to come!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0245zxc
Sunday, 17 August 2014
Sunday, 22 June 2014
Battling for Bronze!
It's been such a mad few months recently, with no spare time at all. So I'm very relieved, on this lovely Sunday afternoon, to finally been able to update my blog.
With winning the bronze medal at The British Adult Championships in Sheffield last weekend, in the Class 2 over 47's at Pre-Bronze level, followed by winning the gold medal in the Spin, Spiral, Jump competition at my local rink the following day, I really did at some point think that perhaps I had taken on too much.
So by Wednesday, knowing that I would have to get up at 4.30 am to appear as a guest newspaper reviewer on Allan Beswick's BBC Radio Manchester Breakfast Show, I wondered where I would find the energy. I was more than grateful when my lovely husband offered to get up with me and drive me to Media City.
It was very exciting, sitting with my coffee, pouring over all the morning papers. I had to browse through and choose six stories to talk about on air; four serious and two light-hearted. I loved the experience of being on the radio, and Media City is amazing!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p020dbmv
If you would like to listen to my stint on the radio, here is the link above. Just play and scroll in around 45 minutes to 6.45 am and then again to 7.20 am.
Take care,
Love Cathx
Saturday, 10 May 2014
Four Minutes of Fame on BBC Radio Manchester!
Hi folks!
Well, what a mad busy week! This is the first chance I've had to blog about World Asthma Day, last Tuesday, 6th May-one of my most exciting days ever! I was very fortunate to have been invited by BBC Radio Manchester to go in and 'chat' with Alan Beswick on his breakfast slot about asthma, which happens to be my specialist interest within my role as a nurse practitioner. I wasn't given very much information about what to expect, only that we would be talking about asthma attacks (exacerbations). I have to say that it was the most terrifying yet exhilarating experience!
BBC Radio Manchester is located at Media City, Salford Quays. It completed about two years ago. Many TV and radio employees were re-located there from down south, which must have been a huge upheaval, especially for those with families. But what an asset to the Northwest and what a spectacular place, with it's state-of-the-art decor, pod-like seating areas and slick, highly professional staff.
I was greeted at main reception and given a visitor's badge (which I have kept as a precious souvenir) and in no time at all, I was being lead upstairs to sit with some scout leaders, who were to be on air before me. We could hear the live radio in the background, where Alan Beswick was saying, 'And shortly we will have Catherine Short, nurse practitioner and author of 'Asthma-the Essential Guide' with us to talk about asthma. That was when my nerves started to kick in.
I was reminded of when, at the age of twelve, our class was performing in our school play, which was 'The Blue Bird'. I only had one line, and when it was my turn to speak, I completely froze, unable to utter a word. The silence was deafening. Thankfully, my then best friend Karen Jewitt whispered my line to me and I was okay, but the feeling of pure shame has never quite left me. Would I do the same? Would I make a complete fool of myself ...again?
Before I had a chance to leg-it, I was ushered into Alan's studio, where he sat behind a shiny black and silver curved desk. He looked friendly enough and in a non-verbal kind of way, he led me through the whole adventure. I sat behind microphone two and was told to lean forward. I listened in silent anticipation, wondering which line the questions would take.
The travel news and weather were delivered and then suddenly, Alan started to read a headline from one of the daily newspapers, which was suggesting that more and more people were dying needlessly from asthma attacks, partly because of their complacency, but also due to lack of understanding or care from the health professionals. I hadn't expected that line of attack and my heart felt like it had suddenly leapt into the back of my throat.
Next, Alan introduced me and then fired one question after another in my direction. I almost came unstuck at the end, but managed to speak, without stuttering and gave a fairly decent viewpoint. In all, I was only on air for about four minutes, and despite my nerves, it was a truly amazing experience. In fact, I was sorry my four minutes of fame had ended!
I gave two free copies of each of my books to main reception (I give loads away as a marketing ploy) and went on my way. Imagine my total surprise when, an hour after getting home, I received a phone call from the BBC, saying that I had done really well, and would I like to try my hand at being a newspaper reviewer? I was flabbergasted to say the least. At first, I thought I was imagining it all but then, before I knew it, I had agreed! So, I'll be on BBC Radio Manchester on Alan Beswick's Breakfast Show (6am-9am) on Wednesday 18th June.
It just goes to show, none of us really know what is around the corner do we? I'll be sure to tell you more as time goes on. If you would like to listen to my radio stint, you can access it by going on BBC radio i-player and look for Tuesday 6th May, Alan Beswick's slot, then look at the 'episodes' and click the one called 'Scouting'. If you go on the time-line, almost to the end, around the 80% mark, you should be able to hear it.
Speak soon,
Cathx
Well, what a mad busy week! This is the first chance I've had to blog about World Asthma Day, last Tuesday, 6th May-one of my most exciting days ever! I was very fortunate to have been invited by BBC Radio Manchester to go in and 'chat' with Alan Beswick on his breakfast slot about asthma, which happens to be my specialist interest within my role as a nurse practitioner. I wasn't given very much information about what to expect, only that we would be talking about asthma attacks (exacerbations). I have to say that it was the most terrifying yet exhilarating experience!
BBC Radio Manchester is located at Media City, Salford Quays. It completed about two years ago. Many TV and radio employees were re-located there from down south, which must have been a huge upheaval, especially for those with families. But what an asset to the Northwest and what a spectacular place, with it's state-of-the-art decor, pod-like seating areas and slick, highly professional staff.
I was greeted at main reception and given a visitor's badge (which I have kept as a precious souvenir) and in no time at all, I was being lead upstairs to sit with some scout leaders, who were to be on air before me. We could hear the live radio in the background, where Alan Beswick was saying, 'And shortly we will have Catherine Short, nurse practitioner and author of 'Asthma-the Essential Guide' with us to talk about asthma. That was when my nerves started to kick in.
I was reminded of when, at the age of twelve, our class was performing in our school play, which was 'The Blue Bird'. I only had one line, and when it was my turn to speak, I completely froze, unable to utter a word. The silence was deafening. Thankfully, my then best friend Karen Jewitt whispered my line to me and I was okay, but the feeling of pure shame has never quite left me. Would I do the same? Would I make a complete fool of myself ...again?
Before I had a chance to leg-it, I was ushered into Alan's studio, where he sat behind a shiny black and silver curved desk. He looked friendly enough and in a non-verbal kind of way, he led me through the whole adventure. I sat behind microphone two and was told to lean forward. I listened in silent anticipation, wondering which line the questions would take.
The travel news and weather were delivered and then suddenly, Alan started to read a headline from one of the daily newspapers, which was suggesting that more and more people were dying needlessly from asthma attacks, partly because of their complacency, but also due to lack of understanding or care from the health professionals. I hadn't expected that line of attack and my heart felt like it had suddenly leapt into the back of my throat.
Next, Alan introduced me and then fired one question after another in my direction. I almost came unstuck at the end, but managed to speak, without stuttering and gave a fairly decent viewpoint. In all, I was only on air for about four minutes, and despite my nerves, it was a truly amazing experience. In fact, I was sorry my four minutes of fame had ended!
I gave two free copies of each of my books to main reception (I give loads away as a marketing ploy) and went on my way. Imagine my total surprise when, an hour after getting home, I received a phone call from the BBC, saying that I had done really well, and would I like to try my hand at being a newspaper reviewer? I was flabbergasted to say the least. At first, I thought I was imagining it all but then, before I knew it, I had agreed! So, I'll be on BBC Radio Manchester on Alan Beswick's Breakfast Show (6am-9am) on Wednesday 18th June.
It just goes to show, none of us really know what is around the corner do we? I'll be sure to tell you more as time goes on. If you would like to listen to my radio stint, you can access it by going on BBC radio i-player and look for Tuesday 6th May, Alan Beswick's slot, then look at the 'episodes' and click the one called 'Scouting'. If you go on the time-line, almost to the end, around the 80% mark, you should be able to hear it.
Speak soon,
Cathx
Friday, 2 May 2014
World Asthma Day Tuesday May 6th-Guest Speaker on BBC Radio Manchester.
Hi Folks!
Hope you are all well and that the spring pollens aren't playing havoc with your asthma! Joking aside, at this time of year, many more asthmatics than usual are affected. Thankfully, for most asthmatics, sympoms can be annoying, but for some, they can be life threatening.
So how can you tell when your asthma is poorly controlled?
The symptoms below should help you!
You are having an asthma attack if:-
Take care,
Cathx
Hope you are all well and that the spring pollens aren't playing havoc with your asthma! Joking aside, at this time of year, many more asthmatics than usual are affected. Thankfully, for most asthmatics, sympoms can be annoying, but for some, they can be life threatening.
So how can you tell when your asthma is poorly controlled?
The symptoms below should help you!
- Waking in the night coughing, wheezing or short of breath.
- A fall in your usual peak flow readings.
- Needing to use your reliever inhaler more than usual, and its effect not lasting very long.
- Waking earlier than normal and needing to use your reliever inhaler.
You are having an asthma attack if:-
- Your reliever inhaler does not relieve your symptoms.
- You are too breathless to eat or sleep.
- Your symptoms of cough, wheeze, breathlessness or tight chest are out of control.
- Take two puffs of your reliever inhaler which is usually blue.
- Sit quietly and try to control your breathing.
- If you do not feel any relief, take another two puffs of your inhaler every two minutes up until ten puffs have been taken.
- If you do not feel any improvement, call 999.
- If you have to wait for an ambulance for a while, you can repeat step 3 again to ease your breathing.
Take care,
Cathx
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Writing about Skating...
Hi Folks,
Since I last blogged, I've been working so hard on my 'New Year's Resolution' - that is, to NEVER diet again and it seems to be working well! I'm about the same size...I think, but I'm much happier, less controlling and generally much more at peace with myself.
Through dumping my forty-year-old diet mentality, I've learned such a lot about myself. It's such a relief not to worry about what I eat and I've stopped being concerned about how others judge me on my weight. I mean, who cares really? If that's truly what some people do, then let it be their preoccupation, not mine.
I'm happily busy enjoying life and practising my 'free' ice skating routine for my entry into 'The British Adult Championships', which will be held this June, at Sheffield. I'm entering as 'pre-bronze' level, in the 50 plus section.
Here is my video....but I must stress that the wonderful first skater is my coach and her interpretation of my programme at my level, not hers. She is such a brilliant skater and would be leaping and jumping all over the place but sadly, for my benefit, her wings were a bit clipped. The second skater is me, wearing half of my costume. The song is 'In the Mood', by Glen Miller.
I watched the film, 'The Glen Miller Story', at Christmas and this costume is a replica of what some of the characters were wearing in the movie, so thanks very much E-Bay.
It was such a great idea to film both of us, as I will be able to compare both routines and hopefully improve my timing and posture. I've still got such a lot or work to do but I really can't wait. I hope you enjoy my little skate :-)
Since I last blogged, I've been working so hard on my 'New Year's Resolution' - that is, to NEVER diet again and it seems to be working well! I'm about the same size...I think, but I'm much happier, less controlling and generally much more at peace with myself.
Through dumping my forty-year-old diet mentality, I've learned such a lot about myself. It's such a relief not to worry about what I eat and I've stopped being concerned about how others judge me on my weight. I mean, who cares really? If that's truly what some people do, then let it be their preoccupation, not mine.
I'm happily busy enjoying life and practising my 'free' ice skating routine for my entry into 'The British Adult Championships', which will be held this June, at Sheffield. I'm entering as 'pre-bronze' level, in the 50 plus section.
Here is my video....but I must stress that the wonderful first skater is my coach and her interpretation of my programme at my level, not hers. She is such a brilliant skater and would be leaping and jumping all over the place but sadly, for my benefit, her wings were a bit clipped. The second skater is me, wearing half of my costume. The song is 'In the Mood', by Glen Miller.
I watched the film, 'The Glen Miller Story', at Christmas and this costume is a replica of what some of the characters were wearing in the movie, so thanks very much E-Bay.
It was such a great idea to film both of us, as I will be able to compare both routines and hopefully improve my timing and posture. I've still got such a lot or work to do but I really can't wait. I hope you enjoy my little skate :-)
Saturday, 8 February 2014
Lose weight without dieting for good?
Hi folks,
Sorry for not blogging for so long. Actually, I feel really guilty. People are kind enough to visit my blog, but there's nothing new to read! Please accept my apology and I promise to do better in future. Anyway, moving on....
First of all, I'd like to wish you all a very belated 'Happy New Year'. Secondly, I wonder if you have made any New Years Resolutions and if you've actually managed to stick to them?
I don't know about you, but every year I put the same old pressure on myself and decide on January 1st that:-
So this year is going to be totally different. I've actually decided to never diet again! The secret scary place right at the back of my skull is worrying about how fat I'm going to get as a result, but the sensible part at the front of my head is reassuring me that, if I make this massive change:-
I am going to back my theory up with evidence and formulate it into some kind of self-help book format. If I am successful and my theory works, I will publish it as an ebook on Amazon. If I am not successful, I shall wipe the egg of my face, make an omelette and try a new approach.
I have another reason why I'm hoping for success -I'm entering the British Adult Championships (BAC) in figure skating at Sheffield Ice in the middle of June 2014. I'm entering at pre-bronze level, in the over 50's section. I will probably only do this once. It doesn't matter to me where I end up regarding my score, as the joy will be the taking part. I think at the age of 52, I'm really fortunate that my health still allows me to skate. I've met some truly amazing and inspirational people, including some of the Dancing On Ice stars.
I hope you will follow me on this exciting journey. Feel free to comment and share your own health and skating experiences.
love from Cathx
Sorry for not blogging for so long. Actually, I feel really guilty. People are kind enough to visit my blog, but there's nothing new to read! Please accept my apology and I promise to do better in future. Anyway, moving on....
First of all, I'd like to wish you all a very belated 'Happy New Year'. Secondly, I wonder if you have made any New Years Resolutions and if you've actually managed to stick to them?
I don't know about you, but every year I put the same old pressure on myself and decide on January 1st that:-
- This will be the weightloss year of the century for me!
- I will try and hide my crazy geeky personality, and gain more respect as a result!
- I will exercise and have the body of a twenty-year-old in about two months time!
So this year is going to be totally different. I've actually decided to never diet again! The secret scary place right at the back of my skull is worrying about how fat I'm going to get as a result, but the sensible part at the front of my head is reassuring me that, if I make this massive change:-
- I will stop worrying about food eventually and start to eat for all the right reasons, such as hunger.
- I will eat healthily because I want to live longer and healthier.
- I will stop being over concerned about what I look like or how others judge me!
I am going to back my theory up with evidence and formulate it into some kind of self-help book format. If I am successful and my theory works, I will publish it as an ebook on Amazon. If I am not successful, I shall wipe the egg of my face, make an omelette and try a new approach.
I have another reason why I'm hoping for success -I'm entering the British Adult Championships (BAC) in figure skating at Sheffield Ice in the middle of June 2014. I'm entering at pre-bronze level, in the over 50's section. I will probably only do this once. It doesn't matter to me where I end up regarding my score, as the joy will be the taking part. I think at the age of 52, I'm really fortunate that my health still allows me to skate. I've met some truly amazing and inspirational people, including some of the Dancing On Ice stars.
I hope you will follow me on this exciting journey. Feel free to comment and share your own health and skating experiences.
love from Cathx
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