Articles

While travellers often worry about serious diseases such as hepatitis, cholera and malaria, studies show that the risk of catching a virulent disease during a one-month stay in a developing country is remarkably small – around 0.4 per cent for viral hepatitis and 0.03 per cent for typhoid fever (J Infect Dis, 1987; 156: 84-91; […]

Vitamin E has had a slippery ride since its discovery in 1922, when it was hailed as a virtual cure-all. Our bodies can’t make vitamin E; we have to obtain it from either food or supplements. Soya and wheatgerm oils are concentrated natural sources, and it’s also plentiful in nuts and grains, so deficiency is […]

Moderate exposure to the sun has many benefits. Perhaps the most important of all is synthesis of vitamin D, a hormone-like substance that helps boost immunity and protect bone. Nearly 75 per cent of the body’s vitamin-D supply comes from exposure to the sun – and sunscreens can drastically lower the body’s production of this […]

It is not inevitable that sun exposure will lead to photo-ageing (dry, wrinkled skin), or even to skin cancer. Nevertheless, the sun is now officially the enemy – against which sun creams are our weapons of choice. By Pat Thomas   It is not inevitable that sun exposure will lead to photo-ageing (dry, wrinkled skin), […]

A pain in the neck is surprisingly common. At any given point in time, nearly 13 per cent of us will be walking around with a sore neck and, over a lifetime, around 50 per cent of us will experience chronic neck pain. The problem often gets better by itself – a good thing, as […]

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) refers to the slow deterioration of the cells in the macula, a tiny yellowish area near the centre of the retina, which contains light-sensitive cells that send visual signals to the brain. Sharp, clear, ‘straight ahead’ or central vision – used mostly for reading, writing, driving and identifying faces – is […]

Whether you regularly use a stick, solid or spray antiperspirant/deodorant, the chances are that it contains a cocktail of chemicals that can lead to mental decline, migraine, and breast cancer. By Pat Thomas Through clever marketing Lynx antiperspirant/deodorant promises much more than dry, sweet smelling pits. On the long-held advertising premise that you can sell […]

Tooth decay and gum disease are widespread throughout the Western world in spite of the availability of high-tech toothbrushes, and ‘scientifically proven’ toothpastes and mouthwashes. Brushing incorrectly or not often enough is one cause, but poor dental health is also a matter of lifestyle. The end result isn’t just bad teeth. Dental problems are linked […]

Our fascination with magnetic healing has a long history. As with all forms of energy medicine, there are significant divides between those who are convinced that magnets can heal and those who believe it ‘s hokum. Results of studies (both positive and negative), commercial endorsements from sportsmen and women who believe magnets give them an […]

Given the link with fluctuating hormone levels and the possible underlying genetic influences, many doctors believe there is no way to prevent acne. This means that most are practising disease control rather than prevention, often with powerful antibiotics, steroids or other anti-inflammatory medications. Yet, despite the advertising hype, few – if any – commercial skin […]