Recent Health
Articles:
Doctors are beginning to get on top of Parkinson’s
With no cure, Parkinson’s is one of the feared problems associated with ageing; but treatment is improving all the time.
Morphine, heroine and opioids
It is totally amazing what ancient civilisations discovered so many years ago. Who was the very first person to discover that if you scrape off an unripe poppy seed pod, put little cuts in it, then collect the white gum that oozes out and dry it, you can obtain opium which can be used as a medicine and also for pleasure.
Greater understanding of cognitive decline
A new study, just published in Nature Medicine, indicates that the human brain can produce new cells even as we get a lot older. This is in contrast to many beliefs that humans are given a finite number of brain cells which decline as we age.
Shingles vaccinations are now being offered to older people
Shingles is a bit like gout, a disease we have heard of but something that often isn’t taken very seriously...until one has it oneself. We may be carrying the shingles virus without knowing it.
Bribing doctors to give a specific diagnosis
The idea of paying doctors additional money to make a specific diagnosis is back in the news again.
Get in the flow with Tai Chi
This gentle Chinese martial art is now being practised by millions across the world.
Was an alcohol free January worth it?
Dry January is over, but no doubt there will be other ideas for giving up alcohol before the next big event, MacMillan’s Cancer’s “Go Sober for October”, kicks in. But how worthwhile is all this abstinence?
Medicinal cannabis is set for a new high
Trials are currently underway to test cannabis-based drugs for other conditions including cancer pain, glaucoma and epilepsy in children.
That first conversation about dementia
Having a conversation with a loved one about dementia can be difficult but the CEO of Shift8, a social enterprise organisation that is introducing a Dutch dementia care innovation into the UK, provided Laterlife with some advice.
Increased risk of heart attacks at Christmas
This is not what we want to hear in the fun and busy lead up to Christmas...but evidently for anyone at risk of heart problems, this is the most dangerous time of year.
Can shopping be addictive?
For some of us, Christmas is an especially dangerous time. When we come home laden with parcels, someone might well joke we are shopaholics...but actually this is a medical condition that should not be treated lightly.
Visiting the doctor may not be the best idea this winter
Sometimes, when we feel we have a problem and take ourselves off to see our doctor or even the local A&E department, would we in fact have been better in treating the problem ourselves?
Food allergies need to be taken seriously
It is estimated that over 2 million people in the UK have been officially diagnosed with a food allergy and there may well be many more taking their own precautions against problems they have identified with eating certain foods.
Keeping track of your health
Today there is a range of excellent online tools to assist you choose the best treatment.
Are you fit to drive?
We need to consider our own driving as we get older, but also that of any elderly relatives. Ensuring medically fitness to drive is a responsibility everyone should take seriously whatever their age.
Cellulitis is an infection that needs immediate treatment
Many people believe cellulitis is something to do with weight and obesity but in fact cellulitis is a potentially dangerous infection.
As we age, how much protein do we really need?
Ensuring adequate levels of protein is easier for meat eaters than vegans and vegetarians
Enough to make you smile
It seems the act of smiling can make us happier and healthier too.
One in 20 may be suffering from fibromyalgia
A new report shows acupuncture may help alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Don’t let insect bites spoil your summer
The UK is home to a large range of biting insects including a growing number of mosquitoes
Compression socks need to fit properly to do any good
Compression socks are a great idea for long flights, but a general fit is not good enough.
Keep an eye on your wee
Most of us will remember to water our favourite plants in hot summer weather...but how many of us remember to water ourselves as well?
Medication delivered to your front door
Prescriptions are going electronic: Now you can get your medication delivered directly to your front door.
Plants’ reproductive systems cause summer havoc
Hay fever is caused by an allergy to pollen and it is incredibly common, probably affecting about one in five people in the UK. Men and women are equally affected.
Your blood group can affect your health
Blood types and how they affect our general health are a big new area of study, and recent research at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital indicates that blood type O can be a potential risk factor for haemorrhage.
Plants’ reproductive systems cause summer havoc
Hay fever is caused by an allergy to pollen and it is incredibly common, probably affecting about one in five people in the UK. Men and women are equally affected.
Eat your way to good skin
A healthy diet can help combat the appearance of lines and blemishes.
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