Posts tagged “Health”

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Do you ever think about your "internal flora and fauna"?

Posted on 6th June 2018 at 07:30

Having recently spent a chunk of time loading old blog posts on to the new website (!), we noticed how often the importance of our “internal flora and fauna” was mentioned. So we thought it was about time they featured in a post of their own and here we are.

It’s such an English way of describing something that most people would prefer not to discuss (!) but, before we go any further, let’s quickly explain what it means.

The human body – in common with that of other animals, including insects – also provides a home to a huge number of microorganisms. While this may not initially sound like a good thing, it has many benefits for both sides.

The promise of the Pill, has freedom come at a price?

Posted on 23rd May 2018 at 07:30

We recently came across a fascinating article from The Economist magazine – it was published in December 1999, so we’re a little behind the times (!) – discussing the one invention that defined the 20th century. The link is below if you’re intrigued and the good news is it’s a short article (!).

https://www.economist.com/node/347484

Much to our surprise it wasn’t one of the usual great discoveries. Radar, powered flight, plastic, nuclear materials, radio or television. Nor the often cited antibiotics. However, that’s heading in the right direction. Instead it was the female contraceptive pill – or as it’s more usually known, the Pill.

Have you ever thought about indoor air pollution?

Posted on 9th May 2018 at 07:30

In recent years there’s been a much greater awareness of pollution, particularly of the air we breathe and its impact on our health. It’s even been estimated that over 90% of the world’s population breathe in polluted air. Not only does this affect their day to day lives but also plays a part in a huge number of deaths each year. While those with Heart and Lung problems are more likely to be affected, poor quality air impacts on the body as a whole, particularly the functioning of the major organs.

Interestingly, when air pollution is mentioned, people invariably think about outdoor air pollution. And all the usual culprits. Cars, buses, planes, factories and farming. Rarely is indoor air pollution mentioned, even though this is where most people spend the majority of their time; whether at home or at work. And don’t forget the time spent travelling in the car, bus or train which also counts as being “indoors.”

Why do we sneeze?

Posted on 25th April 2018 at 07:30

It’s been a while since one of those – not as easy to answer as you’d think – questions (!), which the younger members of the family love to ask us. And, with this time of year also marking the start of the Hayfever season, it seemed like the perfect time to write about it.

So what are we talking about this week? Sneezing. Or, if you’d like to get technical, sternutation which comes from the Latin word “sternuo” meaning to “sneeze, splutter or crackle.”

While the sound may be the same, different nationalities have very different ways of describing a sneeze. In the UK and America it’s “achoo”; in France it’s “atchoum”; “Hakashun” in Japan and “Ha-ching” in the Philippines.

The Diabetes epidemic

Posted on 11th April 2018 at 07:30

Turn the clock back a couple of decades and Diabetes was rarely heard of. And, if it was, only in older people who also tended to be overweight and sedentary. Hence the risk factors being summed up as being “fair, fat and over 40” (!).

Type II Diabetes, also known as “Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes”, was rarely seen in those under the age of 40 and could usually be controlled by diet. Or, occasionally, medication such as Metformin.

Come back to the present day and the picture has changed out of all recognition. Figures released in 2016 estimated that, in the UK alone, 137,000 new cases were reported by Doctors during the previous year in addition to the 1.5 million of the previous decade. Let’s just repeat those figures. 137,000 new cases in a single year. 1.5 million new cases in the previous decade.

The many myths about back pain

Posted on 28th March 2018 at 07:45

It’s now estimated that 8 out of 10 adults will experience back problems at some time during their lives. This is borne out by our experience, with David having treated more people with back – or neck – problems than anything else.

Given this, it’s not surprising that there are so many conflicting pieces of advice about what causes back pain and, more importantly, how to relieve it. Sadly, many of these fall into the “Old Wives tales” category – or myths if you prefer (!) – and only prolong the problem, rather than helping speed it on its way.

So, this week, we’re going to put those we hear most often under the spotlight and see if they’re really true.

Although it may not feel like it, Spring is here

Posted on 21st March 2018 at 07:30

With the Spring Equinox yesterday and the clocks going forward to Summer on Sunday, we have two important signs this week that Spring has arrived. And, even better, Summer is just around the corner!

To our ancestors, as well as anyone with strong links to the land and natural world, it’s an important time of year. The farming and gardening year are both well underway, with the promise of things to come.

Are you still feeling the chill from the "Beast from the East"?!?

Posted on 7th March 2018 at 07:30

The snow may have melted but the “Beast of the East” is still making itself felt. And we’re not talking about yet more potholes on the roads (!), a few dented cars or some local shops playing catch up after the snow disrupted their supplies. Or the floods that so often follow heavy snow.

Instead we’re thinking about things from a much more personal level and how the cold weather affects each of us, albeit to varying degrees (no pun intended!). And, much more importantly, how it continues to do so for a while after it’s gone.

If this seems a strange thing to say, bear with us, it’ll all become clear in a minute.

Is vaping really the healthy alternative to smoking?

Posted on 21st February 2018 at 07:30

We’ve recently been away for a few days and were amazed to see a huge sign in a shop window. It proudly proclaimed “Smoking is dangerous. Vaping is the healthy and safe alternative.” We should quickly add that this wasn’t in the UK but, even so, we were still surprised to see vaping being marketed in such a blatant way.

Interestingly, conversations with smokers have confirmed that this is their understanding of vaping and explains why so many are now making the switch. The question is whether it’s true?

Who's afraid of the bogeyman?

Posted on 7th February 2018 at 07:30

With the Flu season now in full swing, accompanied by near hysterical reporting in the press about it being “the worst ever”, it really is time for reality check. Not to mention a dose of that seemingly rarest of all commodities, common sense.

In recent years, the Flu season seems to have started earlier and earlier. Hardly has the summer begun here in the UK, when stories start appearing in the press about the forthcoming Flu season. How new strains are appearing in the Far East / Australia / fill in the blank. That they’re all heading for the UK. And it’s going to be the worst season ever. The picture painted is of Flu rampaging its way round the world, a sinister figure with evil intent bent on worldwide domination. A bogeyman for adults.

It’s enough to make you want to retreat to the safety of your bed, pull the duvet over your head and stay there until it’s all over.

But is this really the case?

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