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Laterlife Healthwise - 33               Dec 2002

 

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HelenFrankstest.jpg (10805 bytes)Lasercare - Treatments for Broken Veins, Blemish & Birthmark Removal, Lines and Wrinkles, Botox, Collagen, Tattoo removal, Cosmetic surgery and moreHealthwise is a regular column written especially for laterlife.com members and visitors by Helen Franks, journalist and author. Welcome to healthwise 33.

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.

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

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


Visit our Product section too: Health and Beauty in laterlife where we have selected a small range of Health stores where you can buy products online. Between them they cover the spectrum of traditional and alternative health products and therapies that you might be interested in.


 

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Improving eyesight

The health supplement Lutein is now recognised as a major protection against Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which is the number one cause of blindness in the ageing population.  Studies show that lutein can reverse the nutritional deficiencies thought to be a major cause of AMD. 

Over the past 4 years, doctors in the US have described improved vision in patients using a Lutein spray for 2-6 months, and now EyeSight Action UK has been set up to spread the message further. The organisation has funded a book called ’10 Steps to your Natural Eye Health’, price £9.95.  For details check their website: www.eyesight.nu.

 

Stress through the ages

Older people have more stress-free days than younger ones. This is mainly because we learn to brush off  frustrations and realise that getting upset is not worth the hassle. 

The good news comes from the University of Arizona in Tucson, where psychologist David Almeida tracked 1,000 adults aged 25-74 for eight consecutive days and found that 8% of young adults reported one stress-free day compared to 12% of 40-59 year olds and 19% of  those 60-plus.

Naturally, the stress-triggers are different with age. Young people worry about relationships, mid-lifers have many family demands, and for the 60-plus it’s health problems.

 

Natural coenzyme could help slow down Parkinson’s disease

According to a new study, coenzyme Q10, an over-the-counter antioxidant, may have an effect on the nerve cell death that characterises Parkinson's. American researchers say Q10 may stop the nerve cell death that characterises the neurological illness and which causes tremor, muscle rigidity and movement problems.

Current drug treatment is able to relieve symptoms but cannot slow down the progression of the disease, which is why this new study is viewed as a possible breakthrough in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

In the recent study, conducted at the University of California-San Diego, 80 people who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s but had not yet received treatment, were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: 300 mg, 600 mg, 1,200 mg of coenzyme Q10 or placebo, an identical yet inactive remedy.

The coenzyme Q10 therapy produced positive results, showing increased benefits with increased dosage. Those on the highest daily doses had 44 % less decline in mental function, movement and ability to perform daily living tasks than the placebo group. The patients experienced a slower decline in all areas, including mental and motor skills.

Further research is required, but the researchers are very optimistic. They suggest that two or three Bio Quinone Q10 100 mg capsules would be expected to provide an effective dose. Meanwhile, discuss the issue with your doctor before embarking on a regime of coenzyme Q10.   


Eat yourself slim

Based on the recipes and menus that will feature in Rosemary Conley's television series, of the same name, this book has suggestions for those who want to enjoy fine food and control their weight, or lose some weight at the same time.

 

The natural beauty & bath book

This book gives you 70 recipes for beauty and bath products that you can make yourself, using ingredients you will find at your local grocery and health food shops. Pamper yourself from head to toe with these natural formulas:

6 weeks to super health

Whether you are looking to lose weight, get healthy or get out of a rut, this eminently readable, well-designed, informative and authoritative guide is guaranteed to have a permanent effect on your lifestyle.

Tai Chi

This book explains: what Tai Chi is; how to use Tai Chi for health and healing; the best way to train in Tai Chi. This book is an ideal guide for anyone who wants to understand the fundamental ideas and practices of this ancient martial art.

Stop smoking

   
This new edition of the bestseller aims to help the reader use the "Easy way" method to eliminate the psychological reasons for smoking, handle withdrawal symptoms, avoid temptation situations, and stay a non-smoker! 

  

Do you suffer from Syndrome X?

If you are one of those unfortunate people who just cannot lose weight even though you eat a low-fat diet, you may be suffering from Syndrome X. This condition is the result of a diet high in hidden sugar and refined carbohydrates, and it can be a major health hazard, leading to raised blood pressure, high blood sugar levels and obesity.

People eating a low-fat diet often bulk out their food intake with pasta, pizza, rice,  cereals and sweet or other starchy foods. This diet can lead to too much sugar in the blood, which in turn leads to the over production of the hormone insulin. High insulin levels trigger the storage of excess sugar in fat cells which result in dificult-to-shift fat rolls especially around the waist.

Eventually, with increasing weight, the person becomes insulin resistant. The body stops responding to the high levels of insulin in the blood, and the effect of this is tirednesss and sugar cravings. That’s what’s called Syndrome X.

Is this you or someone you know? If so, spread the word, because you need a major change in eating habits.  Refined carbs like white bread, rice, even potatoes, some cereals and sweet foods break down quickly in the intestine and cause those blood sugar levels to rise, just when you need the opposite to happen.

Wholemeal bread, green veg and most fruits help reverse insulin resistance.  They have what biochemists call a low glycemic index, and help people lose weight even when they eat a high protein and moderately low fat diet.  Some biochemists also believe that to give a kick-start to the change in eating habits, it helps to take a supplement of vitamins and antioxidants, at least for a short while.

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The X-Vite diet plan and supplement has, they say, helped many Syndrome X sufferers to regain a stable metabolism. The supplement is in  capsule form, costing £29.95 for 120 capsules. Call 0870 240 4858 for stockist details and look at the website www.biovite.co.uk to find out more about suitable foods.

 

A teaspoon of honey

Remember when honey was claimed to be of great nutritional value by health freaks, though the medical profession dismissed it as rubbish? Well guess who’s wrong.  

Blood tests have revealed that ounce for ounce honey provides the same amount of antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. And now evidence is mounting for the idea that honey stops hardening of the arteries and some kinds may even protect teeth.

 

And a nice cup of tea

Green tea, while not everybody’s idea of a nice cuppa, has some newly discovered qualities. Rub it on your gums and it can work wonders against gingivitis, say Chinese researchers.

Results were confirmed when a few drops of green tea were added to a lab dish brimming with streptococcus bugs, known to cause gingivitis.  Within 5 minutes, the bugs had stopped multiplying.

Make green tea by pouring hot water over the leaves, wait for it to cool, then apply to teeth and gums with a toothbrush. Maybe a spoonful of honey could help too…

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

In edition 32:-   

The future is here

News about a weight loss supplement called CLA. 

 

Melatonin and ageing

It`s a well known remedy for jet lag, but can it really help us live longer?

 

Arthritis remedy may help spines

Research shows Glucosamine sulphate may prevent shrinkage of the spine

 

Keeping up the walking

20 minutes brisk walking each day will reduce risks of cardiovascular disease by 30% for post menopausal women

 

Don`t slip up in the shower

An innovative product for those prone to dropping the soap in the shower

 

The longevity x-factor

Is this why the Japanese are living longer?

 

Prostrate cancer latest

A new approach to the treatment of prostrate cancer

 

 

 


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.

 

 

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.  


Visit our Product section too: Health and Beauty in laterlife where we have selected a small range of Health stores where you can buy products online. Between them they cover the spectrum of traditional and alternative health products and therapies that you might be interested in.

For more information on Health and Health related matters visit our Health section

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