Thursday 10th January 2019 - walk, peabody, suit

Thurs 10th Jan - cold Izzwalkers

Posted 9:50pm

Still recovering from a nasty sore throat and raspy cough. It seems every time I try to get to the gym I have something pop up to knock me out!! 

But onwatds. I still organised today's walk on a cold morning. Seven of us managed to put up with the weather. I have reposted the walk on the local "Nextdoor" internet network, and have a couple of responses, so maybe we will get some new members next week.

Yesterday's meeting with Peabody Housing went very well.  We are completing a funding application. Hopefully we will be successful and be able to do some work with them. They appeared enthusiastic and could be the start of a great relationship.

Finally, on a small blog entry today, I have to thank Single Homeless Project who have referred me onto "Suited and Booted" - a charity that helps those on low income get a suit and clothing suitable for job interviews or meetings. I contacted SHP as we have big meetings coming up and I need to be professional looking.

Wednesday 9th January 2019 - meetings galore; need action

Posted 12:45pm

It's been a busy start to the New Year - and productive. I just need to rid myself of a naughty throat virus that makes me sound like James Earl Jones (deep and husky!)

Looking forward to several upcoming meetings - one of which is this afternoon, so there will probably be another entry later today. That is with Peabody Housing Association (ironically, my own HA). Discussing a possible grant, as well as opportunities of working with their employment team.

Friday we are hooking up with an organisation in Hackney, recommended by the Public Health Head of Service. Luke and Lazza met with them before Christmas, and we must have done something right.

Next week, we have two meetings organised around our Corporate approach, with our mentor Scott, as well as possible partners Mellow Parenting.  Lazza's throat virus has just delayed our starting approach by a couple of days, but we intend on starting that from tomorrow.

We have also followed up on our Haringey Wellbeing Service approach, following a terrific meeting with them before Christmas.

So, lots going on, as usual. Naturally, meetings are great, but we have had a lot in the past that have gone very well and then have peetered out to nothing.  This is a vital time for us to push for action.

Tuesday 8th January 2019 - keeping that growth mind-set mentality

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Martin Luther King, Jr

Posted 2:00pm

Our Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods business set-up is a fantastic practical example of staying positive, persevering and keeping that "challenge" mentality of a Growth Mind-set.

We have encountered brick walls constantly, but continue to climb them, reach the other side, and continue our journey. Even this year, we are already facing obstacles.

For funding, as discussed a lot recently, we feel an approach to the private sector, large Corporates, may be our best bet. We were going to start contacting Corporate (Social) Responsibility Managers this week. However, as usual an unforeseen event rears its ugly head in the form of a nasty cold virus, affecting throats, voices, and energy. But, it just means a small delay - which is good in one way to enable us to make sure paperwork is complete. And we can catch up. That's the attitude to take.

We also were looking to start daily videos online on our Youtube channel. Again, the husky voice, together with a raspy cough, has meant a delay on that too. It's funny, but a couple of years ago, without that positive vibe, it could have knocked us back a lot. Mentally we are all a lot stronger now, as we follow our own HMHB advice. There is no point in us advocating a growth mind-set, and then inwardly collapsing with a fixed mind-set outlook!

We are already a week into January, which is another pivotal month for us. It is important to focus and pinpoint our efforts.

Monday 7th January 2019 - Videos, New Blog, Newspaper

Posted 1:00pm

First Monday of the year.  The joy of Christmas and New Year is behind us, and now the solid work ethic for this year begins. And it is a crucial one for HMHB.

Our current money runs out at the end of April. We have website, insurance, software, and mobile monthly direct debits, so it is crucial we get something soon. That is one of our many priorities. Anbd we have not even mentioned salaries!!  The most important thing.

But we have already put in place several events - 2019 has been proactive.

Last Friday we had a long phone interview with the local paper. It will be interesting to see how that story pans out in the issue coming out this week. We want to get noticed, and hopefully find a little sponsorship. Art least to enable us to keep direct debits going this year.  We will also be forwarding this story onto more prominent sires - like BBC etc.

Last week we sat down with PT Dean (Zombie), and set a date to start filming more videos for our Youtube channel - fitness ones to replace those already there, as well as extra ones on fitness subjects. From today, Lazza will be filming daily videos to go on the site on lots of different subjects, and more news on these will follow later in the week. We feel an internet presence is crucial, and videos are a natural fit.

We will also be launching a new blog, with features on research, various videos we feel accompany what we are doing, bringing attention to routine, nutrition and fitness in an accessible way. More ne on this at the end of this week.

Proactive is the way - nothing happens if you just talk about it.

Friday 4th January 2019 - why HMHB says obesity is not a disease

Posted 2:15pm

These are the thoughts of HMHB on the topic of Obesity, which has come to the forefront of conversation in the media today as some want to label it a disease.

Anyone who has followed this blog, or other social media streams, will know that Lazza (me) has seen his weight fluctuate and yoyo for several years. So, I am coming ton this from a personal point of view. I am not labelled obese at the moment, but am definitely "overweight", but the reasons for this are varied.

We agree that there are some health issues that can contribute to weight gain. But overeating, with little exercise, which is the main cause of obesity, is a lifestyle choice. And we use the word "choice" correctly. Unless you are being force fed, and are tied into the place where you live, then it is your responsibility to what you eat and drink, and if you get outdoors and exercise.

Mental health issues, and physical health issues can be affected by disease, but "obesity" is a by product of your behaviour of how you react to these situations. Some people comfort themselves with drugs or drink, Others with food. I recognise this in myself sometimes.  But this is behavioiour that can easily be changed. We need to look at why people overeat, and treat that.

A lot comes down to self-confidence and esteem. Also, the "self-pity" and "blame"situations. A lot of "it's not fair" and "why me" is brought up. But it is not a disease. You cannot take pills to cure obesity. The medicine is your own choice to change your nutrition and exercise habits.

It's an easy thing to say "obesity is a disease". It removes the responsibility of the individual, and allows them to blame their conduct on an illness. No. Obesity is just a by product of whatever illness - be that physical, mental or emotional - that is making you behave with poor choices.

HMHB would argue with anyone who hides behind drugs, drink, food, risky behaviour, as a way to deal with the problems of life. I do not mean in a conflict way. We want to guide people to see life as a challenge, that situations can be solved in a different way, that is not detrimental to your health and well-being.

We realise others may have other views, and respect that. However, HMHB sees obesity as a result of poor choices and destructive behaviour. And I type that as someone who has used food to help numb situations in the past. Thanks

Thursday 3rd January 2019 - Local services - weight management

Posted 2:00pm

Although this is a bit of a personal entry, in reality it fits in with the HMHB ethos.

We are actively promoting a healthy lifestyle - which includes exercise, nutrition, routine and mindset. It is important that we, ourselves, demonstrate that to the people we are talking to. How are people meant to take us seriously if we do not appear to believe in our programmes.

I, Lazza, as people know, have had my own mental health issues, which is where the concept for healthy Minds, Healthy Bods emerged. Part of that has been my fluctuating weight. I would like to be around 76kgs. That is about 12 stone and fits in well with my height, as well as happy times in my life.

Five years ago I was 90kgs. Three years ago I got down to 74kgs. This morning I was 96.5kgs. It is time to stop the yoyoimng and be proactive and accountable. I take photographs for the business and I neglect to put some online as I am unhappy with how I look. That should be incentive enough.

I have therefore gone online and self-referred myself onto the "rebalance" weight management programme managed by my local NHS trust (Camden and Islington). I can lose the weight myself I know. I did it three year ago. But this time, for various reasons, it has not been easy, so I know being around others will help me. This also follows the HMHB values, around group exercise, getting outdoors and meeting people, setting targets, and encouragement of others.

The course is organised to build confidence, and allow you to take control of your lifestyle. Confidence is key. It includes a weekly programme of diet and nutrition advice (which I guess will be helpful as we move forward too), along with a range of group exercise classes. I am really looking forward to these.  And the great things is, at he end of the 12 weeks you can receive a further nine months of free support from coaches to help you stick to the new lifestyle.

Another reason for doing this is that we can promote this service to any of our service users, with inside knowledge of the benefits. I am sure I can start again losing the weight. I am targeting a loss of 22.5kgs over a year. This is around half a kg a week - or just 1lb a week. I can do it this time. I know I can. But it will also be testament to the growth mindset menttality.

Wednesday 2nd January 2019 - new year, new targets, new focus

Posted 6:30pm

Firstly, we hope everyone is viewing 2019 as a year of progress and hope. Yes, it is possible you are struggling with various issues. Most people, even those feeling mega happy, will still have situations that they have to overcome. However, please look at these as a challenge.

HMHB has a lot to face this year. If we do not get funding, probably within the first four to six months, we cannot see ourselves survive, which would be a dreadful shame, and would be really heart-breaking. So we have a lot to do in the next couple of months.

We are going to attack corporate funding - private sector can help us - sponsorship. With that in mind, we are just waiting for paperwork to be completed and agreed, and then we can blitz out.

We are updating the website - to include corporate, as well as a few exttra changes.

We are pushing to do a couple of programmes in Haringey, and a further couple in Hackney.

We are searching for press coverage.

We are looking to improve our online presence, especially with video.

This can be our year. But we need anyone who reads this to keep supporting us, and look out for anything that can help us.