< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HEALTH & FITNESS A ctivity level generally refers to the hours spent engaging in significant physical activity each week. Although not an exact science, this metric offers a useful way to gauge the amount of movement in your daily routine and its potential impact on your health. These categories provide a framework for understanding and discussing the role of physical fitness in your life. Determining your activity level can put your daily movements into perspective, as research suggests we are more likely to over-estimate our activity levels. Experts typically categorise lifestyles into four categories: Sedentary, lightly active, moderately active, and very active. Understanding what you can do to progress to the next level can help to form the basis of an exercise plan. The following descriptions of each standard level should help you identify which best describes your lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle involves up to two hours of physical activity a week. Individuals in this category usually get their movement from daily tasks and chores. People with desk jobs often fall into this category unless they intentionally incorporate additional movement into their routine. In this case, physical activity is limited to the demands of everyday life without any deliberate exertion beyond those tasks. Those who are lightly active engage in approximately three hours of physical activity per week. This level may include integrating short 52 Á The link between physical activity and overall quality of life is well-documented, with researchers consistently identifying regular movement as one of the most effective ways to enhance one’s wellbeing. Understanding where you fall on the spectrum of activity levels can serve as a vital first step toward improving your fitness and, consequently, your quality of life. © stock.adobe.com/VulpEssential Health Assessment at Lincoln Hospital Our Essential Health Assessment includes a heart health risk assessment and lifestyle advice from a specially trained nurse. Take charge of your health and well-being. Schedule your Essential Health Assessment today for £234.50 Lincoln Hospital, Nettleham Rd, Lincoln, LN2 1QU Essential Health Assessments Call 0808 2714 794 or scan the QR code Please quote ‘Lincolnshire Today’ circlehealthgroup.co.uk/hospitals/the-lincoln-hospital/health-screening52 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HEALTH & FITNESS walks into their daily schedule or quick workouts most days. Individuals whose jobs require them to be on their feet for most of the day may also fall into this category without needing additional exercise. Moderately active individuals spend three to four hours a week on physical activity. This category includes those who engage in intense labour at their jobs, have scheduled workouts throughout the week, or participate in consistent cardio activities like jogging. For these individuals, physical activity is a significant part of their daily routine, going beyond merely necessary movements. The most active category, very active, encompasses individuals who partake in five or more hours of strenuous activity per week. These people will typically workout on most days or intentionally incorporate long walks or runs into their daily routine. They might also have jobs that require significant physical exertion, which they supplement with additional workouts or cardio sessions. One of the most noticeable impacts of physical activity is on sleep quality. Many people struggle to fall asleep because they do not feel sufficiently tired, often due to limited movement during the day. Conversely, a day filled with adequate physical activity can lead to a satisfying feeling of tiredness, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy a restful night. Maintaining a healthy cycle of energy and fatigue through regular movement is fundamental to achieving good sleep quality. Physical activity also plays a crucial role in digestive health. Core exercises and cardiovascular activities can help alleviate issues like indigestion and bloating by increasing gastric mobility. Working your abdominal and back muscles can lead to greater regularity and improved digestion. Many people practice yoga for this reason, as its twists and movements are particularly beneficial for regulating intestinal function. With increased physical activity also comes an increased risk of injury. Recovery from injuries and the effects of strenuous activities is another area where physical activity proves beneficial. Individuals with higher fitness levels often experience quicker recovery times. For instance, muscles that are strong, flexible, and accustomed to exertion tend to heal faster from injuries than those that are underdeveloped or stiff. Similarly, moderately, and very active individuals often find that illnesses have a less severe impact on their bodies, thanks to their enhanced immune responses. Beyond physical benefits, regular activity has a profound impact on mental health. The rush of energy and the release of endorphins following a workout contribute to a positive mood and overall mental clarity. Consistent physical activity has been shown to improve brain chemistry, enhancing mood and cognitive function. Additionally, the process of setting, tracking, and achieving fitness goals can be highly gratifying, offering a LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 53 HEALTH & FITNESS sense of accomplishment and motivation. When all of these benefits coincide, they can contribute to a longer lifespan. Good sleep, improved digestion, robust mental health, and efficient recovery allow us to take advantage of life’s opportunities. Furthermore, cardiovascular health, which is greatly enhanced by regular exercise, plays a critical role in longevity, particularly as individuals age. As with all health- related decisions, it is essential to consult a trusted medical professional when assessing your activity level and its impact on your health. A doctor can provide personalized guidance on which activities may be best suited to your needs and help you address any pain or health concerns that arise from changes in your routine. By doing so, you can ensure that your journey toward better fitness is both safe and effective. In conclusion, understanding and actively managing your activity level can lead to significant improvements in your overall quality of life. From enhancing sleep quality and digestion to boosting mental health, the benefits of regular physical activity are vast. Moving from one activity level to another only requires minor adjustments in daily life. For example, try walking while talking on the phone, or lifting weights during your favourite tv show. Challenge yourself to make these small changes, with the goal of 20 minutes of activity per day and you will feel the benefits in a month! © stock.adobe.com/ulza Tips for choosing the best sunglasses Sunglasses are more than fashion accessories they are important tools to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays, the radiation energy produced by the sun. These including UVA and especially UVB, which can damage the eye. Over time, that damage can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye conditions. Always wear sunglasses which carry the CE quality mark. This is important even if you are wearing contact lenses with a UV filter, because the sunglasses will help protect the skin around your eyes, as well as the eye itself. It is especially important for children to wear sunglasses because their pupils are bigger than adults’, making the risk of sun damage much higher. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, check that the lenses include a UV filter, for everyday protection. When looking for sunglasses, don’t be fooled into thinking the darker the lens, the safer they are for your eyes. Only sunglasses with 100% UV protection provide the safety you need. Polarized lenses reduce glare, but don’t block UV rays. Check to make sure they also provide maximum UV protection. Sunglasses should have the largest lenses possible to protect your eyes from sun damage. Choose sunglasses that sit closer to the eye and wrap around the sides of your face, blocking out more light. Also consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat for more protection. If you are worried about the level of UV protection in your sunglasses at Holland & James, we can test your sunglasses to check the level of protection. Fancy a new pair? We have a wide selection of this season’s sunglasses and great lens options to choose from if you want to add your prescription. Call in or make an appointment to find out how we can help you. Charlie Holland and Neil James For more information visit hollandjames.co.uk, call 01652 408200 or pop into the store in Brigg to speak with Charlie or Neil directly. 54 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING Raspberry Lemonade You’ll need: * 8 lemons * 200g caster sugar * 140g raspberry * Ice * Extra lemon and raspberries for garnish if desired - or a little flag What to do: * Pare the zest from the lemons with a peeler, removing as little white pith as possible - cut away any pith you can from the strips. * Juice the lemons and mix the juice, zest, sugar and raspberries with 1.2 litres of boiling water. * Let cool, then sieve, pressing through juice with the back of a spoon. Add sugar to taste and chill in jugs. To serve, add a few lemon slices, raspberries and lots of ice. © stock.adobe.com/valentinamaslova Consider making this for those scorching hot days. It’s quick, simple, and a great way to teach young ones that you can make your own fresh food and drink rather than relying on store- bought ones filled with preservatives. You can save it in a thermos to keep it nice and cool. Summer is here. While the barbecue is perhaps the most recognised way to eat this month, we won’t belittle you by teaching you how to slap meat on a grill. Instead, here are some great options you can cook at home and save for later - ideal for taking out to a barbecue or even on a day out with the family. FOOD & DINING LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55 Pork Pies You’ll need: * Butter * 600g shortcrust pastry, bought or homemade * Flour * 85g dried white breadcrumb * 400g good quality sausages (about 6) * 200g smoked bacon lardon * 1/4 tsp each ground mace, ground pepper and dried sage * 1 egg, beaten with a fork * few pinches sesame seeds What to do: * Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Line each hole of a 12-hole muffin tin with a thin strip of baking parchment across the middle that’s long enough so the ends stick out a centimetre or two - use a dab of butter to stick in place. * Roll out two thirds of the pastry on a lightly floured surface and stamp out small circles of roughly 12cm x 12 cm. Press a circle into each hole in the tin to line and form the base and sides of the pie. You may need to cut off any excess later, but better more to be safe now than to realise you haven’t made enough later. * Sprinkle 1 tsp of breadcrumbs into the base of each pie. Tip the rest of the crumbs into a mixing bowl. Squeeze in the sausage meat, discarding the skins, along with the bacon lardon, pepper, sage and just a little bit of salt. * Mix thoroughly with your hands until the breadcrumbs have disappeared, then divide the mixture between the holes, packing in firmly and shaping to a dome in the middle. * Roll out the remaining pastry and stamp out 12 x 7cm circles. Brush with a little egg and add a top to each pie, egg-side down to stick, carefully pressing pastry edges together to seal. Brush with more egg (don’t throw away leftovers) and sprinkle with sesame seeds. * Bake for 30 mins until golden then carefully remove the pies from the tin, using the parchment ends to help you lift them out. Sit on a parchment lined baking tray, brush round the sides with more egg and put back in the oven for 8 mins. * Leave to cool and enjoy. © stock.adobe.com/lucielang A perfect summer snack food, especially if you want to seal them up and take them out. Click’em Inn Swinhope, Nr Binbrook, Market Rasen, LN8 6BS Tel: 01472 398253 Web: www.clickem-inn.co.uk The Click’em Inn is a family-owned freehouse, established for over 30 years in its current incarnation. Steeped in history, the inn is open 6 days a week, Tuesday- Sunday, offering a wide choice of drinks, including six real ales available at any time, with a regularly changing selection of personally recommended guest ales. The Kitchen is open Tuesday-Sunday for evening dining, plus lunchtimes Friday-Sunday. The menu varies from day-to-day with the chef’s specials, alongside regular meals. 56 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Makes 22 cookies You’ll need: * 120g butter * 200g coconut sugar * 1 egg * 1 egg yolk * 250g Self Raising Flour * 250g milk chocolate roughly chopped * 130g crunch rich roast Meridian peanut butter What to do: 1. Heat the oven to 170C. Melt the butter and set aside to cool for a moment. In a large bowl, stir together the sugar and butter, until combined. Add the egg and yolk and continue to mix. 2. Fold in the flour and when combined fold in 3/4 of the chocolate. Briefly stir through 3/4 of the peanut butter, leaving swirls visible. 3. Use a tbsp measure to scoop dollops of mixture onto 2 or 3 non-stick baking sheets, making sure you leave plenty of room for them to expand when they cook. 4. Poke a clean finger into each cookie to make a well in the centre and drizzle in a little of the remaining peanut butter. Then dot a few pieces of the remaining chocolate over the top of each. 5. If you’re just cooking half now, put the other half of the cookies into a freezer container and freeze. 6. Bake the remaining biscuits for 15 mins until they are cooked at the edges but still soft in the middle. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a baking rack. Keep them in an airtight tin. When you want to cook the remaining cookies, put the frozen scoops onto an oven tray and cook in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until, like the first batch, they are cooked at the edges but still soft in the middle. Recipe provided by: www.meridianfoods.co.uk The St James Hotel St James Square, Grimsby, DN31 1XZ Tel: 01472 359 771 Web: www.corushotels.com/st-james-hotel/ A warm welcome and affordable accommodation await you opposite the historic St James Square in Grimsby. Our friendly staff will make you feel at home from the moment you arrive, whether you’re visiting for business or a leisure trip to nearby Cleethorpes or the Lincolnshire Wolds. © stock.adobe.com/nata_vkusidey Chunky Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookies Another great option if you want to make something at home to take out later. These make a great addition or dessert option to take to a barbecue. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57 Woolliss & Son Butchers –– AWARD-WINNING LINCOLNSHIRE BUTCHERS –– LOOKING FOR A TOP QUALITY BUTCHERS IN LINCOLNSHIRE? Look no further, we have a proven track record when it comes to providing top quality cuts of meat and home made pastries at a competitive price. We are proud of our locally sourced produce and our 5 star hygiene rating. 29-31 Mercer Row, Louth LN11 9JG. T: 01507 603230 E: orders@woolliss-butchers.co.uk W: woolliss-butchers.co.uk T M£2.95 M StfStamford Visiting d bibi Family gardens Homesa s d CitCaistor Cosy b WWWLINCWWW.LINC OLNSHIRETOOLNSHIRETO ODAYNODAYN BLM www.blmgroup.co.uk Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free delivery Call 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341 1st 3 £1 Looking for a great gift idea? More than just a hotel Located in the leafy victorian surroundings of Peoples Park in Grimsby, but only a short stroll from the centre of our busy town and historic docks, Millfields is perfectly placed for visitors to North East Lincolnshire. With 27 well appointed Bedrooms, a Restaurant with A la Carte menu and a Bar offering a range of Draught Beers, Wireless Internet Access and Free Onsite Car Parking, Millfields is the perfect place to stay all year round. More than just a hotel 53 Bargate, Grimsby, N. E. Lincs. DN34 5AD T: 01472 356068 E: info@millfieldshotel.co.uk W: www.millfieldshotel.co.uk58 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY EDUCATION Don’t stop for the holidays Learning continues even after the schools close for summer, and these are some of the most pivotal moments in a person’s development. A s the summer holidays begin and kids of all ages are let out of school, they’re bound to be full of energy and curiosity, and that’s why it’s best to continue their learning process even in these times off. There’s a loud movement currently where teachers and schools are being criticised for not teaching students “real life skills” and “common sense”. Traditionally, these have never been the duty of schools to teach in the first place. Academic subjects such as mathematics, English, science and history are the responsibility of schools, with a focus on educating them as to the way the world and our country works. The purpose is to provide them enough of a foundation that they can choose what they want to be in life and then work towards that, be it through university, an apprenticeship or joining the workforce. When schools have to teach so many subjects, balancing so many students and their various needs, they can’t afford to spend time teaching classes on common sense, nor can they teach every student how to budget household bills or check a car’s engine oil. These are skills that have always been left to the parents, and skills that are going untaught because of a tendency for many to leave parenting and education – and the entertainment of children – to iPhones and the internet. Every parent knows the struggle of budgeting for food, and every parent knows how hard it is to make a weekly shop affordable. These are prime opportunities to show children what challenges might await them and how you get around them. They are chances to teach by example, to challenge their minds, and to give them some of those much needed life skills. This is the “wisdom of your elders” that everyone speaks about whenever children are told to respect the older generation. As a species, we’ve survived as far as we have by passing down lessons from parents to children. Schools are a relatively recent invention in terms of human history. In the summer weeks this is especially true, as children will have a lot more free time and will be entering a new school year, potentially even a whole new school, come September. As they age academically, it’s important to ask if they are maturing at the same rate and what can be done to help them. A school year ends with academic exams, but all that really means is that your children are smarter when it comes to academic subjects. That’s why schools encourage after-school activities like sports, clubs, hobbies, passions and more. These are opportunities for children to interact with others and learn valuable life skills like proper communication, problem solving, negotiation, and general social skills – things that schools cannot teach. That’s why, for this summer and future ones, it’s important to make sure children get out the house, get away from computers, and get involved with something. It can be learning a martial art, picking up a hobby, or even attending some workshops or camps around the county. There are always places that open during the summer that offer experiences that are both educational and fun. In the north of Lincolnshire there’s the Festival of the Sea on the 22nd of June and the Armed Forces weekend on the 28th. Further south is Natureland Seal Sanctuary, the International Bomber Command Centre and more. And if you live close to or want to visit the city of Lincoln itself then there’s the Lincolnshire Show, or the Here Be Dragons! Lincolnshire Quest taking place LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 59 EDUCATION An academic route for the ambitious at Queen Ethelburga’s College (QE) QE College is known globally for its consistently high-ranking league table positions, placing 2nd nationally for A Level Results in the Sunday Times Parent Power 2023, with 98.8% A*- B grades achieved. One of two senior schools for Years 10-13 at QE, the College offers an academic pathway tailored towards aspirational careers and competitive next steps where students get hands-on experience in their passions, compete nationally in competitions, undergo research projects, and become independent learners who can communicate their ideas with confidence. Undertaking QE’s academic pathway supports students to develop key skills and knowledge within specific fields of interest. Students choose from an extensive range of academic pursuits within the Stretch and Challenge programme including psychology, law, debate, medicine and veterinary, linguistics, esports, journalism, young leaders, economics, tycoon in schools and the student investor challenge. Academic pathway students receive an assigned UCAS Mentor along with access to a team of expert career advisors who assist them with university applications, interview preparation and technique, entrance exams, finding work experience, writing personal statements and choosing the right course. Those applying for competitive university places receive a high level of extra support within the Early Applicant Programme. QE recognises that the university market can be highly competitive and so encourages students to set themselves apart from their peers by participating in an extra-curricular offering of over 100 activities. Many students also undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) where they present on a topic of interest to them. QE offers a broad itinerary of workshops and lectures on life skills from coping with exam stress to managing finances at university. There are also seminars delivered by professionals and changemakers. One of the most effective initiatives is The QE Study Toolkit which prepares students for lifelong learning through teaching the most effective methods for study and revision. For more information on QE’s Academic Pathway, visit www.qe.org or email admissions@qe.org for a private tour. at the Lincoln Castle – even a Grand Medieval Joust for kids to come watch. Events like these are taking place all over Lincolnshire and offer both a chance to distract and entertain, but also to teach. Not only do these events teach history and culture, but they teach children to respect other people and the county around them, and they also teach them that there’s more entertaining things to do than sit in their bedroom locked on TikTok watching people promote conspiracy theories. Theatre houses, plays, pantomimes, shows – they all stretch the imagination and give children things to think about, and can be loved by all ages. There are shows younger children will love and events that older teenagers or even those about to go to university will appreciate. © stock.adobe.com/BalanceFormCreative © stock.adobe.com/UladzimirNext >