No, I haven’t escaped.

The last month has been spent patiently waiting to start my new job. I suppose it’s important that criminal record/background checks are thorough but it still seems to be taking an amazingly long time to come to completion. Perhaps they think I’m a terrorist.

I’ve been floating about between Blackburn and Newcastle in nomadic style.

Golf has hopefully taken a turn for the better. I’m hoping to be swinging it well in time for the new season.

I love my iPhone.

Music has taken a bit of a back seat. I haven’t written anything new but spent a little time learning ‘Witchita Lineman’ for the sheer hell of it.

Gavin Burns hasn’t been available of late so I’ve been toying with the idea of putting a couple of acoustic numbers down, just in order to get a bit of feedback and to give me something to focus on. The new AlConway.com header image contains a few of the lyrics so I suppose that’s a start.

I still want an analogue synth. Weird noises should be listed amidst my hobbies.

I hope you’re enjoying the new look. If you haven’t seen the forums yet, I’d have a browse. That’s where I spout most of my nonsense. Suggestions are always welcome.

It’s only 7 weeks til Christmas.

Punch all your friends and family, it’ll make it exceedingly cheap and bring a new meaning to the phrase ‘credit crunch’.

Keep warm by setting yourself on fire.

AC

1.Give Up Smoking

In 2006, The British Journal of Ophthalmology presented a study1 showing that smoking TREBLES the risk of late stage Macular Degeneration and that even passive smoking DOUBLES the risk. Even at the age of 90 you can significantly reduce your risk of macular problems by giving up.

2.Eat A Diet Rich In..

These Foods
Asparagus
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Carrots
Eggs
Garden Peas
Kale
Peppers (especially orange and yellow)
Romaine Lettuce
Spinach.

These Nutrients
Beta Carotene (Non Smokers Only2)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
Selenium
Lutein
Zeaxanthin

These have all been shown to have a positive effect in slowing the effect of macular damage.

3.Consider a vitamin supplement

If dietary modification is not an option, there are some commercial supplements available containing the above ingredients. Leading brands are ICaps, Ocuvite Preservision and Visionace. Please consult your GP before commencing any supplement program.

4.Attend Regular Eye Examinations

Having your eyes assessed regularly is the only way to ensure the health of your eyes. About 4%/year of non treatable Dry ARMD converts to Wet ARMD for which medical intervention can help. Your Optician may be able to detect early changes which do not elicit symptoms.

5.Test Yourself!

Ask your Optician for instructions on how to use an Amsler grid to monitor changes in your central vision.

(more…)

Here is a picture of one of these in an eye

and here is what they do.

I shall report back on their success/failure.

I’m sure I’d get far more concentration from most of my patients if I had a chart like these two. It’s also possible that issuing these to the general public would promote activities that are rumoured to exaggerate short-sightedness.

How many of you are screwing your eyes up at this?

..Could be time to visit your Optometrist

I’ve had a letter waiting at the post office for me for about a week, imagine my surprise when I discovered it was an A3 version of:

My work has just installed a wireless network so I’m going to be around here a whole lot more than I have been in the last month or two. I’m also going to do some research into some fun gadgets for the forum.

Afterburn has been phenomenal so far, I’m regularly laid out flat after the workouts and although I haven’t seen the scale plunging I can definitely tell my muscle mass has gone up and my body fat has gone down. Phase 2 starts on the 1st of September.

I’m about a third of the way through the latest 52DC and on schedule to meet my goals.

I’m going to do the Great North Run in September 2008.

I’ve already enlisted a couple of work colleagues to join me in my quest.

The idea is to get a bit fitter between now and then, raise some money for a worthwhile charity (to be decided amongst the alconway.com participants) and have an almighty piss-up on the night of the run (as Newcastle-Upon-Tyne will undoubtedly be jumping with runners).

There’s a post on the forums for those who’re up for it to sign up to if they wish to participate/ask questions.

Go on, I dare you.