Asthma
and apple-eaters
Research
from Nottingham University suggests that people with breathing difficulties who eat more than 5 apples a week perform better in lung
function tests than those who don’t. There’s
a similar benefit for tomato-eaters, but they only have to eat up their tomatoes every
other day.
The National Asthma Campaign suggests that the magic ingredients in apples
and tomatoes are those old, familiar antioxidants, known for their immune-boosting
properties - which probably means that other fruits and veg might help too.
Asthma sufferers can keep up to date
on treatments and new approaches to the
condition by getting on to their website: www.asthma.org.uk.
Vision on
The
evidence is growing on the potential benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin to help eyesight in
later life. These antioxidants (again) appear
to protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
As the name suggests, this condition is part of nature’s not-so-great deal for
the older population.
Lutein and zeaxanthin may offer protection from dye damage due to sun
exposure, may improve vision in people with cataracts and may halt the progress of AMD,
though no one is suggesting a cure.
Though more research needs to be done
to confirm these benefits, you can buy lutein and zeaxanthin at health food stores, so if
eye problems associated with age run in the family, a supplement might be a worthwhile investment.
National
Impotence Day
Tactful
or not, February 14th has been chosen to highlight sexual problems by the
Sexual Dysfunction Association. The organisation is campaigning for unrestricted
treatment for impotence on the NHS, and it publishes a useful newsletter and several
factsheets - see http://www.sda.uk.net/.
While on the internet, get further information on
erectile dysfunction from a site called www.EDHealth.org. It is
intended mainly for men who have not sought medical advice or treatment and also offers
latest news and research and links to other
organisations.
And something for the not-too-distant future: a
version of Viagra for women, known as the ‘pink pill’ is being developed. Reports suggest that it
works wonders by increasing blood supply to the genital area. Most research about women and sexual problems
concentrates on the psycho-sexual aspect, but evidence is beginning to emerge on the
importance of blood supply, especially in older women.
 365 ways to energize mind, body and soul
Before readers
reach for that next cup of coffee, they should reach for this fun and useful book by
natural health and beauty guru Stephanie Tourles
 Age-proof your body
Accurate,
understandable information on aging and nutrition
 Is it
me or is it hot in here? should be compulsory reading. Not just for women
needing help and advice on the complexities of the menopause, but also for men trying to
understand why women are so complex at this time
 A Woman`s
"Diagnose it Yourself" Guide to Health
Think there's more to life than hanging around in waiting rooms reading
old copies of Hello? Then try this book
 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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Supplements
make sense
There
have been many studies showing that older people benefit from taking vitamin and mineral
supplements. Latest research findings add to the evidence
that nutritional deficiencies increase with age and supplements boost the immune system
and improve overall health.
One study from the Memorial University of Newfoundland concluded that
moderate amounts of 18 vitamins, minerals and trace elements worked for 86 elderly people
by improving short-term memory, cognitive abilities and general health.
Another piece of research showed that
low levels of folate and B12 in older people increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the over 65 age group is least likely to
discuss dietary supplements with doctors and may be missing out.
There are many brands of supplements available in chemists and health food
shops, but if you want to go for a ‘green’ one, you might be interested in
products from a company that’s growing trees for the environment.
One of the leading suppliers of
vitamin supplements, Solgar, will be planting around 1700 native trees in the UK this year
to help combat greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide. It
uses recyclable bottles, no Styrofoam cushioning and cotton wool from sustainable sources. So if you want to be greener than green, look out
for the range of over 350 Solgar products.
Ironing out a
cough
A
dry cough that won’t go away is one of the most often reported side effects of taking
ACE inhibitor drugs, used for high blood pressure and heart failure.But a simple remedy
has been found for this irritating complication.
A month on a morning daily tablet of 256 mg ferrous sulphate, an
iron-containing supplement, significantly reduced dry coughing in a group of patients. A group given a placebo pill showed no similar
improvement.
The report was published in the
British Medical Journal, and it indicates that an iron supplement is the ideal treatment
for a dry cough due to ACE drugs. Whether it
would work for non-users is not known. But you
could try - though it might be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor first.
A list of
embarrassing problems
We’ve
all got our own, very private list of body or mind issues we’d rather keep to
ourselves, thank you very much, but a survey of 1000 men and women commissioned by
Canesten, makers of anti-fungal medicines, suggests that embarrassment could be very bad
for our health.
Those questioned said that there were some conditions that would be too
uncomfortable to talk about to their doctor about, and this might prevent them seeking
help.
Fungal infections, genital thrush,
ringworm, itching in the groin, armpits, anus were some of the embarrassing problems
mentioned. If you want to find out more, log on
to:- www.embarrassingproblems.co.uk
where Dr Margaret Stearn will put you wise.
If in any doubt
about any of the information covered in healthwise articles and it's relevance for you,
consult your GP.
In edition
22:-
Got a cold sore
A staggering 12 million people in the UK are known to suffer from them...
Brittle bones- men get
them too
One in 12 men in the 50-plus age group is affected by osteoporosis in the
UK....
Not getting
the nutrients
For a long time it has been assumed that ageing leads to nutrient
malabsorption, however studies have recently revealed.....
Crucial
questions about cancer
It`s well known that cancer care is patchy - questions you should be asking
Signs of a stroke
It is important to recognise the signs of a stroke and seek medical
attention fast..
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.
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