Bgiles's articles RSS

How Does Dental Health Insurance Work?

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 03:48:00 +0000

// Dental Insurance Takes The Pain Out Of Tooth Ache Have you ever noticed how often you look at a person's teeth? You probably don’t even realise you are doing it, but try thinking of someone with bad teeth and there are bound to be a few that come to mind. Unfortunately, this is the way of the world. Everywhere we look we see airbrushed models with perfect white grins, but maintaining your teeth can be expensive. Even NHS dentists will charge a small fortune if they find something wrong during a check-up, but the consequences of ignoring the problem can be far worse: Rot spreads, chips can fracture and missing teeth will almost definitely be remembered by everyone you meet. Then there are the big expenditures, like emergency treatment. If you need this, chances are you are in such pain you can barely get through your day to day activities. In these situations not having work done isn’t really an option, but handing over your credit card can be incredibly painful as well. To help minimise the cost of treatment for these conditions, it is worth looking in to dental insurance. You may already be covered if your workplace has health benefits, but in the event that you are not there are a range of dental insurance out there to choose from. It is important that you choose the right one for you. Of course, one of the main factors in choosing dental insurance is cost. As with all insurance, the more you pay in monthly fees the more you are likely to get out of it. You will also need to check how much your potential provider will pay out for your treatment. Will they charge an excess? Or only cover a certain percentage of work done? Ideally, your treatment will immediately cover all routine treatment, like check-ups, scale and polish and x-rays, from the day you take out your policy. It should also cover emergency work, as this is likely to involve the highest cost for yourself if you do not have cover. You should also make sure that non-co... Read more

How To Achieve Laid Back Style

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:18:00 +0000

// If your usual look involves jeans and whatever t-shirt leaves your drawer first, autumn and winter are the seasons for you. With the cold creeping in it’s the best time to pile on the layers and beat the winter chill. The high street has a lot to offer a man who rocks laid back chic this autumn so it’s a great time to try out different trends.A cosy duffleLast year’s winter favourite was the smart trench and, whilst it will remain ever a wardrobe staple of the working man, this year has seen the arrival of a slightly more laid back winter coat. Duffle coats are all over the high street in a myriad of colours. A favourite shade this chilly season if wine red, the warm shade will reflect the passionate colour into your face and, unless you have a very bold wardrobe, will go with everything. If you are shorter, try to find a shorter, waist length duffle without oversized pockets so as not to drown yourself in fabric, whilst taller guys can opt for a snug full length version. Choose wooden toggle buttons where possible for a more expensive look and make sure it has a cosy hood. A good pair of jeans Most high street stores are packed full of jeans in all shapes and sizes, so it can be overwhelming trying to find the best fit to suit your shape. If you have broader, more muscular thighs and calves, opt for a straight leg jean in a dark colour. This will create the illusion of height and make your legs look more slender. For slim guys, a pair of skinny jeans will bring you bang up to date with recent trends. Choose a dark colour which you will be able to mix and match with your whole wardrobe and if you are daring enough to choose a coloured pair, wear with a neutral coloured t-shirt and a dark coloured cardigan to tone down the look. A hooded sweater Whether you opt for a cosy woollen warmer or a cotton style for layering, make sure you pack an extra layer in case it gets chilly. Men’s hoodies come in all shapes and sizes. Try one with a zip down the middle if... Read more

What To Look For When Choosing A Jacket This Season

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:07:00 +0000

// A fashion conundrum has always been how to stay warm whilst looking part of the fashion scene. Quilted jackets along with military-style coats are amongst the most-sought after items in this year’s autumn/winter fashion portfolio. Preferred fabrics for men’s coats this year are fur, quality wool, ‘smooth as silk’ leather and the omnipresent denim. It’s not important if the whole item is made wholly from these materials or if there just a decorative piece included in the design; many designers favour a combination of materials. Green, red and grey along with black are the trending colours and if the wearer is if feeling bold, step out in catwalk style, sporting a checked fabric.One doesn’t necessarily have to have a bike to go with their super-cool biker jacket. Buying a purpose-made jacket for bikers has a whole host of specifications; every little bit of padding counts towards saving skin in the unfortunate event of the rider parting company with their motorbike. One does not require the CE-approved armour that is usually found in authentic biker jackets when the wearer is just out for a stroll about the town. Avoid the very specific ‘race crouch’ cut; it would not be suitable in a casual piece of clothing.The iconic fashion house of Dior Homme presented a superb display of men's jackets in the Paris Men’s Fashion Week early in the new year. Their fall/winter 2012/13 collection included military-inspired coats and models walked the walk, completing the sharp look with bush-green caps and aviator sunglasses. This style may be a little intimidating for everyday wear. An ultra-smart, halfway point, however, may be to consider a single-breasted, woollen-blend funnel coat in charcoal grey. Quilted baseball jackets come in great colours; navy, blue chambray and burgundy. They are a versatile addition to wardrobes this winter, being both warm and trendy. Popular also are bomber jackets; teamed with a great pair of jeans, this look does not seem to date. Don... Read more

What To Wear On A First Date

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:52:00 +0000

// When it comes to first dates, the girls have got it covered. A quick trip to your friend’s house, a scavenge through their wardrobe and voila! The transformation is complete. But for you lovely gents, it’s not so simple. Far from the jeans and t-shirts lifestyle you know and love, you might have to take it up a notch to impress the object of your affection on your first night on the town together. Here’s our A-Z on dressing to impress. A trip to the cinemaThis is the perfect kind of date to wear something relaxed, casual and stylish. Opt for a pair or smart jeans and a tight fitting t-shirt, teamed with your favourite leather jacket and don’t forget to wear smart shoes. A pair or brogues or formal boots are in order just in case the night goes so well you end up out for drinks later. You don’t want to be limited to your choice of bar because you aren’t dressed smartly enough. And chances are, she will dress up a little, so be sure to amaze her with your chic outfit choice. An evening mealFirst of all, if the restaurant is her suggestion, look it up online. You might need to smarten up if it looks like a classy place. If you have broad shoulders, or a frame you are self-conscious about- opt for a simple shirt in a dark colour with smart jeans and proper shoes. For the more slender man, a skinny fit top will look great and is a nice change from your office attire. Skinny gents can pull off patterned shirts, so it’s a great opportunity to experiment with that shirt you haven’t been bold enough to buy yet. Avoid wearing a tie unless the restaurant is really up market, so you can loosen your top button if you are feeling uncomfortable as the evening goes on or after a big meal. Bowling This is the best kind of date if you are just getting to know each other, you can both bring along a few friends and head to your nearest bowling alley. But there’s only one worry on everyone’s mind, how do I make bowling shoes look chic? It’s no easy task, but this is a great ... Read more

Lanzarote – Destination Guide

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:22:00 +0000

// Lanzarote is a hugely popular choice for anyone looking for a cheap holiday abroad. The Spanish island is the most eastern of the collective Canary Islands and offers fantastic weather just a four-hour flight away.Lying off the coast of Africa it’s an ideal all-round destination suitable for everyone from families to couples and groups of young people. It offers both busy and quiet resorts and a range of accommodation to suit all budgets.Lanzarote originated from volcanic eruptions but don’t let that mislead you into thinking the island is entirely rough terrain. Along the coastlines you’ll find plenty of fantastic beaches including Famara on the north west coast and Papagayo in the south. Be sure to visit Timanfaya National Park to learn the history of Lanzarote’s volcanic beginnings.A favoured feature of all Lanzarote resorts is the keeping of traditional style and charm. Wander from the main strip in any of the island’s resorts and you’ll still find locals enjoying their Spanish island way of life amongst the sights and sounds of a more low-key lifestyle.Puerto Del Carmen is the liveliest of Lanzarote’s resorts – packed full of restaurants, shops and bars it’s a great choice for those wanting a busy atmosphere. You’ll find plenty to do including a choice of water sports, great beaches as well as the chance to explore the local history as the resort has evolved from a small fishing village.Whilst Puerto Del Carmen is located in the South of Lanzarote, for a more relaxing break opt for the quieter resort of Costa Teguise in the north of the island. It’s still just as modern, with plenty of amenities, but may be more suited to families looking for less of a party atmosphere.As you’d expect from an island, seafood is abundant on Lanzarote and deliciously fresh. Sample traditional baked fish or a Canarian fish stew alongside tapas dishes and local vegetables.Rain is rare on the island and due to its relatively flat terrain (unlike the other more mountainou... Read more

Ski Holiday Guide For Beginners

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:12:00 +0000

// The first thing to think about when you’ve decided you’re going on a skiing holiday, is where will you go? There are a few resorts that are particularly beginner-friendly: Les Arcs in France These slopes are great for beginners, who start on the nursery slopes above each of the resort's main villages. There are ski schools to get you going, progressing to the more advanced slopes when you’re ready, and it also has a free beginner's lift. The atmosphere and après-ski are fantastic. Poiana Brasov in Romania Poiana Brasov in Romania is a cost-effective option for those who want to try skiing for the first time. The two nursery areas are great and the ski instructors are on hand to help you learn. The local nightlife is lively and the location is certainly different - Dracula's castle is nearby! Deer Valley, Utah in the USA Consistently ranked among the top ski resorts in North America, Deer Valley in Utah was a venue site during 2002 Winter Olympics. With excellent facilities and patient instructors, you’ll be enjoying the scenery and skiing in no time. If you’re new to skiing, you’ll need to book some lessons. You should only need a few before you’re able to try some of the easier slopes at your resort. Most will provide instruction, either one-to-one or in groups, which can be loads of fun. A good teacher will leave you confident and able to master the basics. You can have snowboarding lessons if you fancy something different to the traditional skis. The essential ski clothes you’ll need include: a waterproof jacket, salopettes or snowboard (waterproof) trousers, gloves, socks, goggles/sunglasses and some thermals (or lots of thin, warm layers). You might be able to borrow some of these for your first trip.Before forking out to buy everything you need, consider hiring the equipment necessary, eg, skis/board, boots, poles, helmets. Most resorts let you rent them directly, and it means you can swap anything that’s not the right size, plus get some advice wh... Read more

How To Choose The Right Holiday Destination

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 09:53:00 +0000

// Choosing the right holiday for you will depend on many factors, so let’s go through them here. What do you want from your holiday? Are you looking for some sun? Try Croatia, a modern European-style destination with a Mediterranean vibe and plenty of activities to try. With over 1,000 islands lying off the coast of Croatia, you’ll even be able to soak up the rays from your own island!If you fancy a culture injection, consider Morocco. This exotic destination is the gateway to Africa, and blends ancient buildings and traditions with modern facilities. Sip a mint tea in a café and enjoy a spot of shopping before heading to a spa where you can relax with a massage. Bliss. If you’re going away as a family, consider Orlando, it’s got theme parks and attractions for little ones up to teenagers (and adults). If you’re going away as a couple then you might think about a romantic city break (Paris, Barcelona and Venice are wonderful) or a longer holiday to Egypt, or Tunisia. Other things you may want to consider are watersports and other activities. If you’re keen to on the go while on holiday then look for a destination that offers plenty to do, such as horseriding, climbing, kayaking, skiing, and walking. Travel times and distancesHow much time do you have for your holiday? If you have a week free, then a short-haul destination up to four hours away is probably your best bet, as you won’t want to spend two days travelling. Also look for resorts close to the airport to cut down on travel times. If you have two or three weeks, then long-haul destinations could be a great option for you. Consider Cancun in Mexico for white sandy beaches, the clearest blue sea you can imagine, and incredibly stylish resorts. What’s your budget? Will you prefer staying in a hotel or going self-catered? Often an all-inclusive deal works out as more cost-effective, as you’ve already paid for your meals. If you like to go with the flow and find a different restaurant to sample each even... Read more

The Many Benefits Of Physiotherapy

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:27:00 +0000

// The father of medicine, Hippocrates, was a keen advocate for techniques such as manual manipulation or massage, exercise and regular movement for alleviating many ailments. It was not until 1894 that such techniques became chartered as a profession within mainstream medicine, namely, Physiotherapy. Most people think of physiotherapy as a rehabilitation treatment for musculo-skeletal disorders and injuries. However, physiotherapy is increasingly recommended not just for MSD but also neuromuscular, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. It is true that musculo-skeletal disorders are one of the most common problems treated by physiotherapy, but the discipline is known to treat conditions such as asthma, incontinence and recovery from stroke. Physiotherapists can teach clients better breathing techniques, pelvic floor exercises, or recommend suitable exercise for rehabilitation after a stroke. Clients include athletes and children, those suffering recent injury or with long-term disabilities or rehabilitating. Increasingly, evidence demonstrates that early intervention can reduce the amount of time a person is off sick from work, and as such, employers are ever more aware of the benefits of such treatments within their Occupational Health packages.It is thought that great savings can be made in health care if physiotherapy is accessed sooner, and in many cases, this can happen as an outpatient instead of a hospital stay. In one study, 80% of respondents said that physiotherapy for their lower back pain significantly shortened their sickness absence by as much as six weeks, benefitting employer and employee.The aim of physio is to restore and promote movement through manipulation and exercise. The treatment is holistic, because it takes the whole person’s lifestyle into account; the therapist looks at the client’s overal... Read more

Glow With Confidence Inside And Out

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:20:00 +0000

// Most women and an increasing number of men place a significant amount of importance on their looks. The way you look is inextricably bound up with the way you feel about yourself. When you feel good about your looks, you feel more confident, and a confident person is always a more attractive person. It is essential to find and sustain your inner confidence and self-belief. The most beautiful people are those who celebrate their flaws and imperfections and make the most of them, naturally. Feeling old is one of the most commonly-sited reasons women give for decreased confidence in their looks. Hydrate your skin to reduce the appearance of lines on the face. Drinking lots of filtered water, and applying good hydrating moisturisers can make you look many years younger. Getting more sleep, spending less time sitting at the computer, and more time getting a little exercise will lend you an air of youthfulness. However, sometimes, extra help is needed.Staying natural whilst accentuating your best features and minimising your flaws is no longer a mysterious art reserved for celebrities and the fabulously wealthy. You might be keen to soften the lines around your eyes without recourse to surgical treatment, or reduce unsightly veins and blemishes without applying layers of foundation. These days, non-surgical treatments are available to help iron out those little nagging imperfections, to let your natural beauty glow from within.Nothing beats that groomed feeling of improving your looks without invasive procedures. Gentle, natural techniques can really boost your confidence whilst retaining your dignity. You can enhance your natural beauty without going under the knife or taking drastic measures. To give you a boost on special occasions, you might choose to give your skin a smoother appearance with wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers. Many women use these around special occasions like weddings, to feel their best on a special day. It is vital... Read more

When Should I Visit My Doctor?

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +0000

// Healthcare in the UK is among the best in the world, but one of the most frequent complaints directed at the National Health Service (NHS) is the difficulty of getting a GP appointment quickly. Unfortunately, the system’s greatest strength is also its main weakness: Free healthcare leads to overuse.In a Telegraph article earlier this year it was revealed that one in five GP appointments are unnecessary, with blocked noses and dandruff among the concerns raised with doctors. This amounted to 51 million appointments a year in England and Wales that could have been better used to tackle more serious complaints.This has various knock-on effects, as people struggle to get through on the phone to make an appointment. Meanwhile, Accident & Emergency departments are full of patients who would have been better off speaking to their family doctor.Yet one area of the NHS is underutilised, as many patients are unaware that their local pharmacy may be able to offer them the help they need without a doctor’s appointment or prescription. Pharmacists are highly trained medical professionals in their own right, and are able to offer all kinds of advice on the treatment of colds, mild skin conditions, allergies, stomach problems, emergency contraception and pregnancy tests.So what services does your doctor provide? Well, if your condition is more severe than the above, but not so urgent that you feel you should go to hospital, your GP is the first person you should speak to. It is also worth speaking to a doctor if you have a persistent condition that does not go away.Doctors are also able to write you a prescription, if you require specialist drugs that are unavailable over the counter. Unfortunately, you may also need to make an appointment for a repeat prescription if your doctor feels your condition may change.Your doctor can also refer you to a consultant if you have a problem that you both feel is particularly serious. As your first main point of contact with th... Read more