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Healthwise 79       October 2006

Helen Franks  

Healthwise is a regular column written especially for laterlife.com members and visitors by Helen Franks, journalist and author. Welcome to healthwise 79.  

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


 

Helen Franks

Helen has specialised in writing about health and ageing and is a member of the Guild of Health Writers. She has written for a variety of newspapers and magazines including the Guardian, Times, Observer, Woman, Family Circle, Vogue and Choice.  

Helen has also written several books including Getting Older Slowly Your Guide to Successful Ageing and Bone Boosters co-authored with Diana Moran of TV Green Goddess fame. 

Don't forget to take a look at Helen's separate talkback page too.



Further advice on prevention of Alzheimer’s

Following on from findings about exercising three times a week to avoid Alzheimer’s disease, new research from the American Journal of Medicine reveals that another protection is to drink at least three glasses of fruit or vegetable juices a week. This, researchers say, reduces risk of Alzheimer’s by a dramatic 76%.

The trial in Japan and the US followed almost 2000 volunteers over 10 years, with results as above. The reason for the protection could be that juices contain polyphenols, powerful antioxidants, that might curtail biological deterioration in the brain.



And then there is curry

Curcumin, the chemical found in the curry spice turmeric, could both boost brain power and help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease, says the American Journal of Epidemiology.

A study tested the brain power of more than 1000 Asian people aged between 60 and 93, using a standard test called the Mini Mental State Examination. Those who ate curry even just once every six months had better results than those who said they "never or rarely" ate it.

Previous research has suggested that curcumin inhibits the build-up of the harmful protein deposits called amyloid plaques that occur in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Curcumin is also reputed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that are still being investigated.

 



The Bristol Approach

The Bristol Cancer Help Centre has transformed attitudes to cancer, providing a combination of emotional, physical and spiritual support for people with cancer and those supporting them. Relaxation, meditation, imagery, nutritional advice, along with residential courses are provided by this unique service.

There’s a new starter pack containing a DVD on The Bristol Approach to Living with Cancer and a new CD, An Introduction to Self HelpTechniques, plus free healthy eating guidelines and advice on supplements. Price is ?12.50 plus ?2.50 for postage and packing.

Go to the helpline, which is open weekdays from 9.30am – 5pm, or email for a 24-hour service at: helpline@bristolcancerhelp.org . The website is: www.bristolcancerhelp.org .

 



Protection for prostate cancer

New research undertaken by scientists at the University of California has shown that drinking pomegranate juice daily can affect the blood levels of PSA – a protein produced by prostate cancer growth -- which could help slow down the development of prostate cancer, extending the life expectancy of many cancer sufferers

Consuming just one glass of pomegranate juice a day was found to significantly slow the rate at which PSA levels increased, with the doubling time extended from an average of 15 months to 54 months.

If you don’t want the hassle of dealing with pomegranate seeds, a new supplement from Canadian-based company AOR could provide a solution. Each capsule of AOR Pomegranate, delivers 150mg of ellargic acid, a compound derived from pomegranate as well as from raspberries, strawberries and blueberries.

Early studies seem to indicate that ellargic acid acts as a “scavenger”, binding with potentially harmful chemicals in the body and rendering them inactive. Each pot of AOR Pomegranate contains 90 (one month supply) and retails at ?14.25, and is available in the UK from independent health food stores (tel: 0800 169 1231 ) or on-line from various sites.




Highly stressed? Don’t worry about it

Highly stressed, driven people (known as ‘type A’ personalities) can breathe easy. They won’t shorten their lives by being hyper, as previously thought, says a ten-year study in the Public Library of Science.

A team followed over 6000 closely-related people to investigate any links between personality and health. Early results reveal that heightis 80% genetic, cholesterol around 40%, and behaviour traits 20%. And type A characteristics, said to contribute to heart disease, strokes, cancer? No links noted.

 



Websites of interest

Info on 5 fruit and veg a day: www.5aday.nhs.uk
Free meditation download: www.meditainment.com/bodysoul 
Everything you want to know about arthritis: www.arthritiscare.org.uk
…and asthma: www.asthma.org.uk
 


Nutricentre Discount for laterlife visitors 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

In edition 78:-   

Taking exercise can cut Alzheimer's & dementia

Light exercise three times a week helps say scientists

Ginkgo Biloba & alzheimer's

Studies suggest some benefits

You need veg for your eyes

Eating certain vegetables can guard against AMD

NICE approves psoriasis treatments

Backing given for two biological treatments.

New complementary treatment for psoriasis

Exorex helps control this condition

Fish oils and exercise

Taking fish oils along with exercise has benefits

New rheumatoid arthritis drug

has been licensed for certain adults

Websites of interest

Some useful health websites

 

 

 


 

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Amazon book - Maximise memoryMaximise 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.        

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