Healthwise     January 2009     

Healthwise is a regular column written especially for laterlife.com members and visitors. Welcome to healthwise 106.

For previous articles in the healthwise series visit 'more healthwise'    

NEWS AND VIEWS

MIRACLE MOUTHWASH

Last month we reported on the clever scientists at Leeds Dental Institute who have created a new system to help teeth regrow and repair holes naturally.

The same researchers have now issued details of a new mouthwash they have formulated that kills the bacteria that causes plaque. The mouthwash uses a molecule that is absorbed by the bacteria. It then has to be activated by a bright light shone into the mouth; this destroys the bug from within.

There is no risk to the patient if the mouthwash is swallowed as the molecule is safe and is already in use in the food industry.

The method is called photo dynamic therapy and has been developed from cancer treatment.

Professor Jennifer Kirkham, research director at the Leeds Dental Institute, said the same method could also be used to treat gum disease which is a major cause of tooth loss.

TOP TEN TIPS FOR KEEPING HEALTHY

Age Concern has issued some tips for people who want to “add years to life and life to years”. Their tips to keep you feeling happy and healthy include: 

• Read a book or two - helps with relaxation and sleep.
• Play cards and do crosswords - keeps the brain active.
• Sleep long and get up late - late risers have faster brains and lower stress levels.
• Go out into the fresh air as often as you can.  Vitamin D‚ which is important for bones‚ teeth and happiness is boosted by sunlight (but keep the sunscreen on).
• Walk and keep physically active - it's good for the heart and lungs
• Sing - the breathing control needed from singing is good for combating stress
• Drink at least 6 to 8 cups of liquid a day - preferably water and fruit juices - to give the body a chance to deal with all the toxins we consume on a daily basis.
• Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day - this will make you enjoy better health and vitality which in turn can make life more enjoyable.
• Keep your home safe and free from hazards (floor surfaces‚ trailing flexes)‚  wear properly fitting slippers and increase the level of lighting everywhere - this will help you avoid slips‚ trips and broken hips.

CHOCOLATE CAN BE GOOD FOR YOU

Sales of chocolate with up to 70% cocoa content have been rising as more information comes to light on the health benefits of certain ingredients in chocolate. There have been some key research papers printed including results of information indicating beneficial implications from cocoa and chocolate flavanoids on cardiovascular health.

We don't normally recommend specific products, but now there is a new chocolate product on the market that is appealing because it claims to provide an extraordinarily high level of flavanol antioxidants - the manufacturers claim that eating a 70g bar of this chocolate will provide the same level of antioxidants as 7lb of Brussel sprouts!

The product is called Choxi+ - a name derived from CHocolate and antiOXIdant. While it tastes like a normal nice chocolate, it has been designed to contain an exceptionally high level of antioxidants, levels that are claimed to have been authorised by independent scientific laboratories.

Choxi+ bars and other chocolate with high cocoa levels are available from Boots and some Tesco stores.

RAPID TREATMENT SAVES STROKE VICTIMS

New guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence could help to save thousands of stroke victims from death or serious disability.

The publication recommends that stroke patients receive a brain scan within one hour of being admitted to hospital and that patients who have suffered a small stroke (often a warning sign that a severe stroke is imminent) should receive a brain scan within 24 hours of diagnosis. Other recommendations include faster treatment and at least 45 minutes of rehabilitation a day to speed recovery. It was also reported that only one in 20 patients who could benefit from clot-busting drugs currently receive them.

Stokes are the third biggest killer in Britain and thousands of people also suffer serious disability as a result of a stroke. Improvements are already underway; stroke patients spending time in a specialised stroke unit has increased from 36% in 2001 to 62% today.

If in any doubt about any of the information covered in healthwise articles and it's relevance for you, consult your GP.

IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION

New find for Alzheimer's

It has been found that a drug that prevents epileptic seizures could also give hope to Alzheimer’s disease sufferers.

Website Warning

A group which aims to promote good science, has given a warning about some  of the information being given out on websites.

Goodbye Dentist!

Scientists have created a solution that can be used to repair holes naturally without the need for drilling and filling.

More tests for Blood Clots

In the future all hospital patients in England will be screened for the risk of potentially fatal blood clots.

The complete family health guide

Essential medical reference that's a must for every home. Published in association with the BMA, it includes comprehensive coverage of every important aspect of health and medicine, as well as user-friendly charts for at-a-glance information and easy reference. Also lists the best medical websites...

Maximise your memory

This work provides detailed instructions, illustrations and sample exercises that show the reader how to build a system of personalized frameworks for storing and recalling information on demand.