Got
a cold sore?
A staggering 12
million people in the UK are known to suffer from them.
Up to 90% of the adult population carry the virus without necessarily exhibiting
symptoms. Almost 50% of sufferers do
not treat the condition, though it can cause distress and embarrassment.
They will,
perhaps, make use of the newly formed Cold Sore Information Bureau, set up by a panel of
healthcare experts. CSIB has a phoneline (0845 603 0052 chargeable at normal rate) on
which callers can request a copy of a fact-filled booklet on cold sores. They can also ask for a medical professional to
call them back and advise on individual problems.
Or the booklet is
available by writing to the CSIB c/o Harvard House, Summerhouse Lane, Harmondsworth UB7
OAW. The panel emphasises that cold sores can
be treated effectively at any stage of their development and exposure to any kind of
extreme weather condition is a main trigger factor.
Brittle bones -
men get them too
A drug long-used for women to slow down osteoporosis, or brittle
bones and increase bone density, is now being prescribed for men. Fosomax, generic name
alendronate, is the first drug to be given to men for whom until recently no treatment was
available.
One in 12 men in
the 50-plus age group is affected by osteoporosis in the UK. And the chance of dying through complications
following a hip fracture is nearly three times as high as it is in women. Hip fractures in
men are rising.
Signs of the
condition include episodes of back pain combined with height loss, and fractures resulting
from a fall from normal height or from a slight movement - when fixing a seat belt for
instance. Men on regular steroids,
anti-convulsive drugs or certain other drugs if taken for a long time, are especially
vulnerable, as are those who have a family history of osteoporosis, are underweight, take
little exercise, suffer from alcohol abuse.
Prostate cancer
treatment, surgery, strokes, Parkinson’s disease can all have an effect on bone
density. Anyone who thinks a check for
osteo-porosis would be a good idea should see
the GP and ask for a scan to check bone status.
The National
Osteoporosis Society has a website for further information:
www.nos.org.uk
and if you wish to put a personal query to them, email to:
info@nos.org.uk
and they will get back with professional advice.
Not getting the nutrients
For a long time it has been assumed that ageing leads to nutrient
malabsorption. Even a balanced diet may not
deliver essential vitamins and minerals to the body because the ageing system fails to
absorb them.
However studies
have recently revealed that elderly men and women who fail to absorb nutrients properly
may do so because of disease, and not primarily because of their age. One of the main
factors, probably affecting 20-40% of the elderly population, is low acid production due
to gastric problems such as ulcers.
Nutrients affected
by low acid conditions in the stomach include folic acid, vitamin B 12, calcium, iron and
beta carotene. Other factors such as impaired metabolism can also influence the way
nutrients are taken up.
This doesn’t
mean that the rest of us should not take multivitamins and mineral supplements, but
let’s hope the new research will alert doctors to any hidden problems and will give
appropriate nutritional advice where needed.
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Accurate,
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 Is it
me or is it hot in here? should be compulsory reading. Not just for women
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understand why women are so complex at this time
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Crucial questions about cancer
It’s
well-known than cancer care is patchy, with some hospitals having much better records on
waiting time, treatment and communication skills than others. A new report NHS Cancer Care in England and Wales
offers some defence against this inequality by compiling some essential questions.
To the GP:
-
How
quickly will I be seen?
-
Are you referring me as urgent or
non-urgent?
-
What
are the tests for?
-
How
many will I need?
-
Who
will give me the results and when?
-
Is
the doctor I will see a recognised cancer specialist?
To
the Consultant
-
What
will the treatment be and how long will it take?
-
Will
there be side effects and what can I do about them?
-
Is
my surgeon a sub-specialist for my form of cancer
-
Is
this important for my type of cancer?
-
Will
my treatment be discussed by a multi-disciplinary team?
-
Does
this team include cancer nurses as well as doctors?
-
Who
should I contact if I am worried about my diagnosis?
-
What
are the treatment guidelines for my care?
A pencil and pad
at the least is required to make the most of these questions, and at best a tape recorder. Otherwise, answers have a habit of slipping out of
the memory after such loaded encounters.
Signs of a stroke
A
stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is disrupted, most often when
an artery becomes blocked. The brain cells
are then deprived of oxygen and other nutrients, causing some to become damaged, others to
die.
Results may be temporary or permanent disability, or they may be
fatal.
It’s
important to recognise the signs and seek medical attention fast, probably through calling
999 for an ambulance.
Signs are:
-
Sudden
numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body - drooping face, arm or leg,
dribbling mouth.
-
Sudden
difficulty in speaking or understanding speech.
-
Sudden
blurring or loss of vision, particularly in one eye.
Possibly
accompanied by dizziness, confusion, unsteadiness, severe headache.
To reduce risk,
have blood pressure checked regularly, don’t smoke, take regular exercise, avoid too
much alcohol, cut down on salty and fatty foods, eats lots of fruit and veg.
For more
information contact the Stroke Association- www.stroke.org.uk
or write for
printed booklets to the Stroke Association, Stroke House, Whitecross Street, London EC1Y
8JJ.
If in any doubt about any of
the information covered in healthwise articles and it's relevance for you, consult your
GP.
In edition
21:-
Update on cold cures
No cure
yet, but remedies that can relieve symptoms and shorten the duration
A potato peps up sex life?
Laterlife
merely passes on news of this latest over-the-counter formula
Heartbooster
New
information on `statins` the drugs that lower cholesterol levels
Asthma, inhaled steroids and
osteoporosis
There is a
link between these three and it`s not good news
More on asthma treatments
A new
treatment that will be welcomed by many
Index to all previous
Healthwise editions
For books on Health visit the Amazon
Family and Health Section.
Don't forget if you buy books or videos from Amazon by linking from
laterlife, you generate money for Charity.
Jenergy
Jenni Rivett's guide to fitness, aimed solely at women, is a winner.
 The Complete Book of Men`s Health
This
constructive guide provides information on health-related topics, exercise, diet, and
personal grooming.
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