Laterlife Healthwise - 8
Nov 2000

   

Do GPs and pharmacists use herbal medicines?

Many people assume, from bitter experience, that it doesn't do to ask a GP or pharmacist about a herbal medicine, because the chances are you'll know more about it than he or she does. And you risk getting a dismissive response into the bargain.
But a new survey from the herbal manufacturer Lanes suggests that times are changing. The survey polled 200 GPs and 100 pharmacists and asked them if they used herbal medicines themselves or for their families. And the surprising answer was that one-third of GPs said yes, as well as over two-thirds of pharmacists.
Around 69% of GPs and 95% of pharmacists said they wanted more information on products and their ingredients, thus showing open minds (and in the case of pharmacists a quest for better sales techniques). Meanwhile, the survey also showed that very few people ask their GPs or pharmacists for advice on herbal medicines (4.8% and 7.9%).
This is not a good state of affairs. Herbal remedies can be powerful; they may cause side effects and can interact badly with some conventional medicines. So be brave and put your GP in the picture. You may get a better response than you think.

Don't give up on the blood pressure pills

Four out of ten deaths due to stroke could be avoided, claims the Stroke Association, if people diagnosed with high blood pressure kept on taking their medicine. An analysis over six months of stroke sufferers and patients who remained well, revealed that a person is seven times more likely to suffer a stroke if the condition is uncontrolled. Even seven missed days of medicine over a six-month period puts patients at increased risk.
Some patients stop taking their pills because they don't seem to work or cause side effects. But there are many varieties and alternatives. Half of all UK patients diagnosed with high blood pressure don't receive adequate treatment. And many more people are walking around unaware and undiagnosed because the condition is often symptom-free.
Causes are unknown in most cases. In a minority, the cause may be kidney abnormality, hormonal disorder or an inherited predisposition. Smoking, high salt intake, little physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption and possibly stress are risk factors.
When was the last time you had a blood pressure check? If you haven't had one fairly recently, maybe this is a good reminder. If you want to know more about high blood pressure, look up the Stroke Association website: www.stroke.org.uk.

Time for the flu jab

You think you don't need it? You think it will give you flu? You're not even sure that your GP thinks it's worth the effort? According to Age Concern, you are not alone. Almost half of people entitled to a free flu jab don't take up the offer for fear of side effects, lack of their GP's encouragement or because they think it's a waste of time.
Flu, however, is a killer of older people, which is why the Government hopes to entice everyone over 65 to get a jab this autumn, as well as younger people who are vulnerable because of a chest condition or other illness. And just for the record, you can't get flu from the vaccine, though you can experience a sore arm and possibly some wooziness for a day or two.

Look Good, Feel Great with Diana Moran

Diana Moran demonstrates how to keep fit using a series of simple routines

More Exercise Beats Arthritis (Video and booklet)

Part of a series designed to demystify healthcare, this pocket-sized guide looks at hormone replacement therapy. Each section includes questions and answers. The main points are signposted by John Cleese.

For books on Health visit the Amazon Family and Health Section.

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10 steps to energy

Tapping into high levels of energy through what you eat, think, feel, how you move and relate to your life

Getting better after breast cancer

October has been delegated breast cancer awareness month, so look out for lots of news stories in the media. laterlife offers information on two nutritional supplements to help speed recovery.

A Swiss herbal yeast tonic appears to alleviate side effects of radiation therapy according to a trial among 177 cancer patients. Compared to a control group, patients taking Bio-Strath herbal yeast elixir maintained or gained weight and did not suffer from a decrease in haemoglobin levels.
The control group, as often expected when on a course of radiation therapy, lost weight and had decreased haemoglobin levels, an effect that creates weakness and nausea. The Bio-Strath elixir contains herbal yeast mixed with honey, malt and orange which doesn't sound that potent, but it does appear to help. Available from chemists and healthstores, price £10.75 for 16-day supply,
The anti-ageing supplement Quinone Q 10 is well-known for boosting the immmune system and aiding energy levels. There are also reports suggesting that it is helpful in restoring energy and well-being in women after treatment for breast cancer. Again, it is widely available, sold under several brand names.

Happiness is a regular work-out

It's true - you don't see depressed-looking people at the gym, though it could be that they're too exhausted to feel anything. (Just joking.) Scientists from North Carolina are saying that regular exercise is better than drugs at beating depression. They recommend three, brisk, half-hour sessions a week to do the trick.
The pronouncement follows a study of middle-aged patients with serious depression. Those who exercised over a six-month-period did significantly better than those who didn't. Patients who combined exercise with drug treatment were also more likely to become depressed again than those who only took exercise.
PS Regular jogging and other vigorous exercise help prolong life and reduce risk of impotence in middle-aged men according to research from Massachusetts, Boston and Belfast. Note that word 'vigorous' - we're not talking golf or casual stroll or even a spot of light gardening.
The Belfast report (for some reason based on a survey of middle-aged Welshmen) showed that such breathless activities as running, hiking - on Welsh hills presumably - and heavy gardening several times a week definitely ward off heart disease.

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

Previous articles in the healthwise series

Edition 7
Bad scene for coffee lovers I don't want to put you off your favourite drink - but...........

But coffee can also be good for you

Tea drinkers should definitely go for it

Things you might not know about garlic

Flattening the tum - an impossible aim?

plus excuse number 7 in the series of excuses for not exercising

Index to all previous Healthwise editions

Living Well : Taking Care of Your Health in the Middle and Later Years

The Relate Guide to Loving in Later Life
This constructive guide to sex, loving and relationships for the 50-80s age group suggests that life - and loving sex - begin at 50+.

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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