Toddlers and Obesity  Latest research suggests that tots who sleep for less thna 12 hours a day are more than twice as likely to be overweight/obese by the time they are 3 years old. The study also found that toddlers who watched TV for more than 2 hours a day were further at risk. Parents are being urged to remove TVs from children's bedrooms to help improve their child's sleeping patterns and lower health risks associated with being overweight or obese .

Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers urged to adopt a vegan diet according to a Swedish study in order to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. By cutting out gluten this will help avoid cardiovascular problems. However, further research is required on the ascertaining the effects on this disease from adopting a vegan diet.

Breast Cancer and overweight/obesity link Latest research in the US suggests that tumours in the breast grow more aggressively in those patients with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of more than 25, in clinical terms those who are categorised as overweight and BMI of more than 30 is categorised as obese.

Energy Saving light bulbs according to latest research have an adverse health impact on those people who suffer from ezcema or migraine, and there is even suggestion that they could cause skin cancer. This is said to be because these bulbs produce a more intense light than the older type of light bulb according to Professor Hawk (British Skin Foundation).  Being green may not necessarily mean being healthy.

Broccoli another boost for its "Superfood" status. The compund sulphoraphane deemed to be cancer fighting offers new hope to those suffering from an inherited skin disease EBS, which cuases the skin to become thin and fragile resulting in fliud filled blisters. This compund is also found in brussel sprouts.  An unrelated study has found that the love for healthy foods begins in the womb.  Food flavours are transmitted to your child through amniotic fluid and also breast milk, those mums who love green veg and other healthy foods find that their children will also learn to like broccoli, brussles sprouts etc.

Chocolate, sex and a good laugh is all that your brain needs, its the secret to a healthy mind. The chemicals that are produced when you enjoy these lifestyle choices are all good for your  brainpower. Further advice is to avoid: watching soap operas, mixing people who moan and whinge, and consuming a low-fat diet . Learn more  by reading the book "Teach Yourself: Training Your Brain" (by Terry Horne). 

Chips and Crisps - Latest research shows that women who eat 'cooked fats' on a daily basis are doubling their chances of risk of ovarian cancer. The study points to acrylamides, a chemical produced when you fry, grill or roast a number of foods. It is difficult to avoid these, however, it is recommended that you eat a varied and balanced diet including raw fruit and vegetables, and also to avoid overcooking when frying, roasting and baking particularly with carbohydrates.

New tough line to curb cancer have been proposed by the new 5-year cancer startegy on behalf of the Government.  Tighter restrictions and possible banning of tanning salons, especially for usage by under-18s, and the banning of all cigeratte vending machines has been proposed. This follows the fact that survival rates in the UK fall way behind those in the US and in most of Europe.

Early Pregnancy - Mums-to-be have been advised by experts to avoid the hot sun. For the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, babies can be afftected by high temperatures. Mums are extra sensitive to heat and temperature extremes. They've been advised to stay out of the hot sun, keep well hydrated and wear loose clothing.

Breast Cancer - latest reports provide hope for sufferers. Using Herceptin in combination with chemotherapy before surgery found that many malignant tumours disappeared, 43% of cases the tumours were completely eradicated and in other cases there were notable reduction in tumour size (compared to cases where only chemotherapy was used).  Also in other trials, women in the early stages of breast cancer, it was found that shorter courses of radiation therapy was required, as a direct result Herceptin use.

Just say NO! Latest research shows that erectile dysfunction drug Viagra has an adverse effect on sperm functionality, thereby linking it to male fertility problems.  Scientists in Belfast state that use of this drug can lead to premature changes in the spermatozoa, thereby affecting its ability to penetratet the egg's membrane.

Folic Acid could reduce strokes according to a latest study by American Scientists. In the States and Canada Folic acid has been added to flour for almost 10 years, the resutls show a sharp decline in the nubmerof strokes. On a cautionary note the researchers stated that  these findings did not demonstrate casue and effect, therefore further studies are being carried out.

Chocolate another reason for chocoholics to cheer. Yale researchers have concluded that dark chocolate improves blood vessel functionality, though they suggested we exercise a little restraint, as their results were based on a small study and are looking to conduct larger studies to confirm these results.

Glass half full - as you get older. Latest studies show that as you get older your outlook becomes more positive. Its the young who have the glass half full attitude on how they process information.

Blueberries - another study found that Pterostilbene (a compund found in blueberries) could prevent the development of tumours in the colon. The berry already enjoys "superfood" status thanks to its cholesterol lowering abilities and protection against Alzheimer's and other nuerodegenrative diseases.

Miscarriage: Women who are underweight, prior to becoming pregnant are 72 times more likely to miscarry in the first trimester than women who are 'normal' in weight. The latest research findings also reported that taking vitamin supplements, (folic acid or iron) during early pregnancy cut the risk of miscarriage by about 50 %, as well as eating fresh fruit and vegetables daily or on most days and for chocolate lovers music to your ears: eating chocolate was associated with decreased risk of miscarriage!

Dark Chocolate can reduce the risk of heart attacks according to American Scientists.  As with an aspirin, the biomechanical effect of the chemical in cocoa reduces platelet clumping (this can be fatal should a clot form, which could block a blood vessel, often resulting in a heart attack).  But before you reach for your 'healthy' choccy snack, keep in mind that researchers are trying to ascertain how much do you need to eat and how often, are these effects long lasting etc.  Don't forget the fat and sugar content either!

Man Flu- It's official, a study carried out by Cardiff University shows that men claim to suffer more from colds than women!! They take more time off and buy more over-the-counter medications when suffering from the cold, often believe it to be flu and remain in bed, whereas women soldier on.

Tumeric- an ingredient found in curries is being highlighted as the key to preventing rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Tumeric extract containing curcumin, appears to prevent the protein (NF-KB) which controls when the genes are switched on or off from being activated.  NF-KB when activated binds to genes and causes the inflammatory proteins that attacks the joints

Cola- Drinking too much cola (regular and diet cola) has been linked to lower bone mineral density in women, according to latest research by American scientists.  Women can reduce their risk of developing Osteoporosis (brittle bones) by cutting down on cola.  The study highlighted phosphoric acid as the key factor, (not found in other fizzy drinks, only in cola).  Interestingly, the results for the men in the study showed no such impact.

Mandarins: cuts risk of liver disease, insulin resistance and hardened arteries (atherosclerosis) according to latest research from Japan. The health effects of carotenoids, the compound that that gives the fruit its orange colour, was found to be the key factor behind these results.  However, they have stated that more research is required to further substantiate these findings.

A new cervical vaccine given to girls, who are not yet sexually active, could protect them against infection from the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer, according to a latest research from a leading pharmaceutical company. The vaccine could mean that deaths caused by cervical cancer are cut by up to 75%.  New reports state that this new vaccine could be made availabe in private clinics in the UK for £180 within weeks.  At present it is not known whether this would be offered on the NHS. Update: First UK vaccine given in a private clinic

Asthma attacks: Latest research in the UK reveals that over 90% of sufferers said a cold or the flu triggered a severe asthma attack.  It found that asthma sufferers had lower levels of antiviral proteins, interferon, naturally produced by the body's immune system, compared to non-sufferers. They concluded that lower levels of this protein was strongly linked to the severity of an asthma attack, they are now investigating the possibility of increasing these levels of proteins in asthma inhalers.

Loose weight with a curry and a cuppa! Dutch scientists believe the herbs and spices in curries and herbal teas have properties which boost the body's metabolism, as well as making you feel fuller quicker. They highlighted that the following combination of: black pepper, tumeric, coriander, cumin, chilli, ginger and onion gave the best results. On a cautionary note, the increased metabolism was more prevalent in the rat study than the one for human beings- Darn!

Childhood depression- alarming reports show that children as young as 8 years are being prescribed Prozac. The anti-depressant has been linked with increased risk of suicide and diabetes; as  well as having a number of side-effects: stomach problems, stunted growth, headaches, being violent, drug dependency.  What is clear is that childhood depression in the UK is rising; the toll of a fast-paced lifestyle is making its mark on our children. What are the alternatives? Good diet and nutrition, love, psychological support and holistic care and well-being.  Please read more on boosting the body's natural production of serotonin (Facial reflexology), if you would like to discuss your child's needs with us, please contact us for more information.

Ginger kills Ovarian cancer cells according to the latest research from Michigan University in the US, and also prevents them from building up resistance to cancer treatment, all without any side effects! Research findings are in the early stages, though and further studies are being conducted.

It's Hot:  Red hot chillies are linked to shrinking tumours and killing prostate cancer cells in the latest studies by the University of California.  Capsaicin, which causes the burning sensation on the tongue, was found, not only to shrink tumours but also reduce the spread of cancerous cells.  The UK Prostate Charity welcomed the news, but, advised against men increasing their intake of red hot chillies, by highlighting the links to stomach cancer, particularly in Mexico and India.

Eczema - Scientists at Dundee University believe they've identified the mutant gene responsible for eczema (and other skins conditions).  The protein filaggrin, was found to be lacking in those who suffer, as their skin fails to provide an effective outer barrier; by allowing moisture to escape and foreign substances can find a way in.  Currently, it is the symptoms that are treated, however, with these findings it may now be possible to treat the cause.  This could mean a future where eczema is eliminated!  Fantastic news for the UK's 5 million sufferers.   (Did you know, we've helped many sufferers manage their condition?  Why not contact us if you too would like to join them?)

Coffee- Just say NO!  Latest research by the University of Toronto states that there may be a link between coffee and heart attacks. Why? If you carry gene variant *1F, you are unlikely to process caffeine as quickly as those who do not carry it, therefore those people are up to 60%  more likely to have a heart attack, if they drink more than three coffees a day.  Who carries this gene variant?  That's not so clear from the studies, but it is estimated that up to 1/3 of Caucasians do.  Strangely, the study also showed that those people carrying the gene variant *1A actually benefitted from drinking coffee, but the study emphasised that this result was not as robust.   What should you do? If you really must, simply drink coffee in moderation no more than 2 a day. 
Coffee- or just say maybe?! A different study by American researchers have found that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of developing the liver disease alcoholic cirrhosis; for those who drink one cup a day.  The researchers added a cautionary note stating that doctors should not prescribe coffee to prevent alcoholic cirrhosis, adding that " we should keep in mind that coffee might represent only one of a number of potential cirrhosis risk modulators"  Watch this space......

Obesity: Over 700,000 children in the UK are clinically obese according to latest studies.  This means that they are at risk from diabetes, heart problems (i.e. high blood pressure and high cholesterol),  and liver failure. There is evidence that more (obese) children now suffer from conditions that would normally affect adults in later life, as a result of their sedentary lifestyle.  Don't allow your family to be caught up in these statistics:  For tips on addressing your child's weight problems please visit: address your health- weight loss

Gluten intolerance risk can be cut up to 52%, according to a study by MCU Hospital in the UK, if babies are regularly breast-fed.  Breast feeding during the introduction of gluten (wheat, barley, rye) in an infant's diet and continued breast feeding were found to decrease the risk of developing coeliac disease.  On a cautionary note, the study adds that it was not clear whether breast feeding delays the onset of symptoms or if it provides permanent protection against this condition.
Facial Reflexology

Bird Flu/ Avian Influenza All the facts you need to know, without the hype: follow this link

Debt problems?  Financial worries can impact your physical and emotional well being (anxiety, sleeping patterns, feelings of guilt, keeping secrets from your partner: how much you owe etc).  We live in a society of mass-consumerism, and it is all too easy to take out loans/ credit cards.  Do you ignore you bills and bank statements when they arrive: out of sight out of mind? Is this you? Take a positive step to control your debt: Call the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (Registered Charity) who are there to help you. Call: 0800 138 1111 (Freefone from all UK landlines). 

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