Articles

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 […]

The diagnosis of ‘inflammatory bowel disease’, or IBD, is among medicine’s many umbrella terms. It hovers over a range of inflammatory conditions of the bowel, although two in particular – ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease – are the most common. In the gut, some degree of inflammation is necessary and desirable. Inflammatory cells in […]

Going bald is one of the first signs of physical decay that men experience. Hair loss can strike as young as 18, and almost all men will be balding by age 70. Typically, it starts with a loss of hair at the crown and temples. These bare patches gradually spread, eventually laying waste to most […]

An amazing four out of five adults will experience significant low-back pain at some time during their life. The most common reason, say experts, is work-related back injuries, but activities at home and at play can also result in back pain. Here are some simple, effective ways to keep the strain from turning into pain. […]

Nobody wants to go around smelling like a compost heap (or be around someone who does), but what price do you pay for keeping shower-fresh all day long? This old question was recently resurrected when UK researchers highlighted the potential risks associated with the preservatives parahydroxybenzoic acids, or parabens, in deodorants. Parabens are used in […]