A Harrogate pilates instructor will embark on a personal mission later this month to strike back at the cancer that saw her husband rushed to A&E, fighting for his life. 

Eugenie Keogh will hold a marathon 18-hour pilates session on Zoom from her studio at North Rigton, to raise awareness of the symptoms of leukaemia, a cancer of the blood which kills around 13 people every day in the UK. 

“The early diagnosis of leukaemia remains elusive because the symptoms are often overlooked, and the disease only diagnosed when a person ends up at A&E department struggling for life,” she said.

Eugenie’s husband Stephen was rushed to Harrogate A&E last summer with a combination of classic leukaemia symptoms: shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, a skin rash, an ulcerated mouth, frequent nose bleeds and night sweats. The couple were left “completely traumatised” when the aggressive blood cancer Acute Myloid Leukaemia (AML) was diagnosed.

In the weeks before, Stephen had sought medical help about individual symptoms, but these had not been linked or resulted in a blood test.

Eugenie said: “This resulted in a late diagnosis for Stephen, which is why I am supporting the campaign to raise awareness among GPs about blood cancer symptoms. The earlier the disease is spotted, the better the chance of effective treatment, prognosis and quality of life.”

Stephen has responded well to the treatment regime for AML and is now awaiting a bone marrow stem-cell transplant. 

“This is the only chance for me to achieve complete remission and hopefully a cure,” he said.

Eugenie Keogh is a qualified APPI instructor and operates one-to-one and Zoom online classes from her Body & Soul Pilates studio in North Rigton near Harrogate.

As well as raising awareness, Eugenie’s pilates marathon on Zoom on January 29 will also raise funds for Leukaemia UK, a charity that works to fund innovative research and support those affected by leukaemia blood cancers. Well-wishers can support her campaign at her Just Giving page.

Anyone making a donation will also be invited to keep Eugenie company by logging on at any time for any of the pilates sessions, which will start on the hour every hour from 6am, with the last session ending at midnight.

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There’s been a rise in demand for cosmetic dental treatments from teeth whitening to full smile makeovers according to Harrogate dentists who specialise in the field. Treatments such as veneers and composite bonding are at much higher levels than 18 months ago.

Now we are venturing out again and social calendars are filling up, people are looking to fix the things that have always bothered them, like crooked smiles or stained teeth.

Constant Zoom video calls during the pandemic also caused the ‘mirror effect’ meaning there’s no escaping hours looking at your dental imperfections.

Dr Shoreh Ghasmi, from The Harrogate Clinic

Dr Shoreh Ghasmi, who runs The Harrogate Clinic, on Prospect Crescent, said:

“I think everybody now wants to do something nice for their smile. Before they didn’t care that much.

“Many people stayed at home during the pandemic and have been using Zoom and I think it makes them aware of their smile and the state of their teeth. I have many patients now who have said they think they look awful on Zoom and don’t want to smile.

“Also when people have stayed at home, their partners have seen them much more and have noticed their teeth, so that’s another reason they are wanting to improve them.

“One of the crucial things is people are removing their masks and they are seeing much more of their smiles. Where as before when everybody had masks, people got used to their teeth. Now half of their face isn’t under a mask all of a sudden.”

Dr Jatinder ‘Sonny’ Sagoo, clinical director of Clover House dental practice, on Skipton Road, said he had also noticed a significant increase in elective treatments in the wake of the pandemic, as well as treatments to secure and maintain dental health.

He said:

“The two have to go hand-in-hand for long term successful outcomes. Although patients do come in asking for specific treatments we find it best to have a detailed conversation of the outcome they desire and then working out the best way of achieving it. Sometimes simple interventions can make a remarkable difference. With modern dentistry we increasingly make use of digital technologies to help plan, visualise and deliver results.

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Dr Sagoo also said people have money to spend after a year of lockdown:

He said:

“In addition the inability to make other discretionary spending, such as holidays and eating out, probably means there is a higher level of disposable income available. Costs of treatments can now be easily spread over several months, making treatment more affordable from monthly cash flow.

“Dental treatments have also become really accessible and easier to tolerate, for example clear and invisible braces that straighten teeth without anyone knowing about the treatment.

“I definitely agree Zoom is a factor. In normal circumstances you can’t see your own smile, so it’s easier to ignore it if there’s something that’s not right.

“When you see your smile on the monitor – now often in high res – it can be a prompt. People generally want to present themselves in the best possible light and with Zoom the only bit of the person you normally see is their face and smile.”

Dr Jatinder ‘Sonny’ Sagoo, from Clover House dental practice

There has also been a notable increase in the number of adults getting braces in a bid for straighter teeth, said Dr Sagoo.

He said:

“In the noughties there was a marked trend in instant smile makeovers using ceramic veneers and crowns. If teeth were not straight they could be disguised to look straight.

“Whilst this gave instant results, there were long term consequences such as damage to enamel and dentine and also eventually the ceramics needed replacing.

“With the advent of clear aligner and invisible brace systems, it became easier and more acceptable to move crowded teeth so they were straight.

“If you couple this with tooth whitening to lift the colour and cosmetic bonding to make subtle refinements, it became easier to get great results and keep the natural tooth perfectly intact.

“The “Align, Bleach, Bond” method is much more conservative in its approach and therefore better for long term dental health.”

Successful teeth whitening and cosmetic recontouring at Clover House dental practice

An example of composite bonding at Clover House dental practice

Whitening and composite bonding at The Harrogate Clinic

An example of dental aesthetic treatment at The Harrogate Clinic

Businesses and local authorities in Harrogate need to communicate better on the future of the town centre, a retail expert said today.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce invited Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association, to talk at a zoom meeting about the challenges facing Harrogate high street.

Mr Goodacre, who lived in Harrogate for 15 years until 2013, said engagement with local authorities, congestion around the town centre and the need for a combined vision were the key challenges facing the town. He said:

“Independent retail is so important for town centres. I would call out to all local authorities to work with local businesses on their vision.”

Harrogate business owners William Woods and Lucy Gardiner both expressed anger at what they described as a lack of communication between businesses and the county and borough councils.

Mr Goodacre said he “shared their frustration”, adding:

“It’s about engagement: are businesses being engaged by the local authorities? Do they share a vision? I don’t understand the lack of communication because all the practices out there are very clear that it can’t be done in isolation. There has to be collaboration.

“It’s wrong, you’ve got to engage with businesses. Business just want to be involved and listened to.”

Some businesses are particularly concerned that their views haven’t been heard by local authorities promoting the Station Gateway project, which aims to improve cycling and pedestrian access to the town centre.

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Future of the high street

The need for a diverse high street was also discussed at the meeting.

Mr Goodacre said Harrogate’s range of retailers would help it stand out and encourage tourists to return after lockdown.

Looking further ahead, Mr Goodacre said trends towards online shopping, working from home and more leisure facilities on high streets mean Harrogate town centre will look very different in 10 years time.

He said:

“Harrogate has pockets of place like Cold Bath Road and Kings Road with their own identities. That diversity really works.

Eighteen chamber members attended the meeting, which was chaired by David Simister, chief executive of the chamber.

Personally, I wasn’t sure on the idea of ‘virtual workouts’ to start with… the thought of my dog licking my face whilst trying to hold downward dog and only having myself for motivation with my comfy sofa in view made me uncertain.

There is also something really energising about going into an upbeat studio with loud music and someone yelling at me to drop my hips or hold that plank, whilst everyone around me is also going through the same pain!

However, what lockdown has created is a whole new generation of ‘virtual’ fitness classes that I think are absolutely here to stay.

Youtube workout videos are nothing new, and there is an element of convenience as you can just do them as in when you please. However, there is something more motivating about virtual classes being live. At a time when socialising is pretty limited, I find zoom classes are a safe way to stay connected with other people and are actually really productive. Also if you are self-isolating it’s a fab way to motivate yourself to get up off the sofa, get those positive endorphins moving and see some other humans!

Whether you’re looking for a full-body blast or seeking that zen feeling, there’s something for everyone… and they are all Harrogate based, so if you do want to do a mix between zoom and in person, you can- restrictions permitting of course..

Here’s a few of the classes that I have tried and tested and would definitely recommend.

The best for… variety: 

• StrongStems:  Ran by Georgia Southby from Harrogate:

I say: If you’re looking to work up a sweat before the weekend, Georgia’s Friday morning HIT class is the way to go! She is so motivating and you really feel like she’s right there with you. The class focuses on your full body and is a real morning blast… She is also a nutritionist and offers amazing advice on her Instagram page!

She says: The classes are a perfect fit for busy homeworkers, anyone stuck inside or not wanting to venture out to gyms, someone needing a boost of something different! A breath of fresh air to the way you workout (time will never pass so quickly!). It is a great way to get your fitness fix from the comfort of your own home without breaking the bank!

How the classes work: All classes are streamed live online via Zoom. The most you need is a mat, pillow, x2 tins of beans and space to move. You can see the schedule for live classes on the website, which rolls 4-5weeks in advance. StrongStems offers a huge variety from sweaty HIIT sessions to Legs, Bums & Tums, BoxFit, Full Body Weights, Circuits, Core Control, Mobility and Strength & Tone… so you won’t get bored!

Prices:

• Flexi Pass: You can pay as you go for £3 per class- (even up to 5 mins before) just pick your class go through to checkout and the link will be sent via email.
• UNLIMITED LIVE FITNESS PASS: £10.50 for all live exercise sessions for the week. Select class pass into your basket along with all the classes you want to make as part of your pass.
• FITNESS & WELLNESS PASS: £15 for the week. This includes all exercise sessions, cooking classes, wellness workshops, & also on demand service which is where you can request and access pre-recorded live workouts.

The best for… Mood and flexibility:

• FLO WITH ZO: Ran by Harrogate based yoga teacher, Zoe Ellmore:

I say: I love Zoe’s vinyasa flow zoom classes… You finish the hour smiling and her positive energy stays with you all day!  Zoe focuses on poses to strengthen your whole body and improve your flexibility on your way to a well-earned savasana. It’s open to all levels (you don’t have to touch your toes). Her love for yoga shines through in her teaching and she is really easy to follow… especially for me as I am no yoga expert.  She also posts a lot of clips on her Instagram page and youtube channel which are great if you’re looking for a quick session.

She says:  ‘A great benefit during this current time is the boost yoga has on your immune system. When you contract and stretch muscles, move organs around, and come in and out of yoga postures, you increase the drainage of lymphatic system, helping to fight infection! And finally, yoga helps to reduce stress and improve mental health by reducing our cortisol levels.’

How the classes work: You can browse and book the zoom classes through the website. All you need is a mat and positive vibes! If you can’t make the live times of the classes, recordings are available which can be done anytime up to 5 days after the class.

 The best for… Self care:

• Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing: Ran by Anne-Marie is the founder of the Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing.

What I thought: Anne Marie has over 30 years of experience and this definitely shines through in her classes. I have tried her ‘seven spiritual laws of yoga’ class which was so relaxing! Anne focuses on the holistic approach and gets you to really concentrate on yourself. I learnt so much about breath retention, dharma and even how to sleep better. I totally let go from the outside world during the classes.

She says: We find our older students or those who are needing to self-isolate particularly enjoy the zoom and the live option as it enables them to catch up and chat to their friends if they are not able to join us in the studio so it is the next best option to coming live as some of them live on their own so it’s really valuable for the social interaction.

How the classes work: Live classes are taught via Zoom and you can also access pre-recorded Youtube classes. You have 1-2 weeks to complete the class in your own time. They offer are a variety of yoga and pilates, Face yoga and meditation classes, as well as some clinical and restorative classes. They are recommended by medical specialists and are suitable for all ages and abilities. Each class is structured to meet individual needs with numbers limited to 10 people per class, which gives each individual the extra attention needed for a safe and effective workout.

Prices: One class is £9 or you can book a block of 10 for £75 which can be used on any zoom or catch up class.

If you have anything lifestyle related that you would like me to cover please get in touch- ami@thestrayferret.co.uk.