Archive

Most people expect to suffer a degree of decline as they age. Noel Coward said it's "foolish to think that one can ever slam the door in the face of age. Much wiser to be polite and gracious and ask him to lunch in advance". True, there is no point in

Those of you who are struggling to lose weight will understand exactly what I mean when I say you have a love-hate relationship with food. Your attraction to it is so strong you can't do without it and, at the same time, when you do over-indulge, you

It takes five years of training to become a fully-qualified pharmacist so there is clearly much more to the job than dishing out paracetomol and plasters. In fact, they can offer essential advice, information and support about a wide range of minor illnesses

As a sweeping generalisation, we seek pleasure and avoid pain. In other words, we tend to make life choices that will bring us satisfaction and we don't knowingly put ourselves in danger. Each of us defines pain and pleasure differently but that doesn't

"I would like to develop my shoulders a little to get a more toned look without too much bulk. Any tips?" - Ms Donnelly, Storrington We need to focus in on your deltoids, especially the side deltoids. To work these, which will add shoulder width and give

Imagine a situation where there were no national standards.Where, for instance, no one agreed about the weight of a kilo. You could have Lewes insisting it was 1,000 grammes, while Manchester defined it as 1,200, or vice versa. Unthinkable. But there

Today, I'd like to share a personal insight with you. Many of you will know what I'm talking about. For this, I need to remind you that for many years I was a yo-yo dieter - I was good at dieting and just as good at bingeing. I'd lose 30lbs then put 35lbs

It will be all change at Lewes District Council on May 1 with almost half the sitting councillors standing down. The Liberal Democrats have been firmly in control since 1991 but are being pushed hard by the Conservatives in an area where Labour have found

Elections in Adur are always interesting, with nobody quite sure who will hold the balance of power after the ballot papers have been counted. In recent years it has swung from the Liberal Democrats to no overall control and currently to the Conservatives

A campaign has been launched to raise awareness about the little-known condition cluster headache. Every two years or so, Tom Nash's life becomes a living nightmare. Over a period of about six weeks, the 29-year-old develops excruciatingly-painful headaches

The neem tree is a tropical evergreen, related to mahogany. You can tell this tree has a bit of class. In India, neem has been used for more than 4,000 years as a medicine and as a health and beauty aid. The astonishing healing qualities of its seeds,

Sarah Payne placed a tiny milk tooth under her pillow on the evening before she was kidnapped and murdered. It was meant for the tooth fairy. Instead, detectives came to take it. They used DNA extracted from the root to obtain a genetic profile of the

When a child is suffering from severe eczema, parents often have to treat them with steroid creams. One woman decided to look for something different. Bedtime used to be a painful and stressful experience for Natalie Balmond and her daughter Lula. The

Erupting volcanoes are an impressive but deadly force. Apart from blasting out tonnes of ash, rock and lava, volcanoes release clouds of poisonous gases into the atmosphere. One of the most dangerous is hydrogen fluoride. It promotes acid rain and attaches

Salt used to be a prized commodity, especially in hot and humid climates where people sweat a lot and have higher requirement. In India, nearly a century ago, people were forced to pay high prices for the mineral they could easily have collected themselves

Do I have the true secret of weight loss? Yes and no. I have but you probably won't want to hear it because it's not what you're hoping for. I'm going to ask you to stop seeking the big secret and ask you to pay attention to a smaller secret that you

Is it just me or has the world gone completely mad? We hear of parents having genetically modified, designer babies. One with a talent for strumming the balalaika perhaps, or one with multicoloured stripes who blends in beautifully with the furniture.

Giving blood is a way of life for Mark Allwright. He has recently donated his 200th pint of blood and has encouraged his wife and children to become donors as well. Mr Allwright, from Worthing, is carrying on the traditions passed down to him from his

Ever tried a Liquid Purple Dream or a Sweet Neon Doom? If not, you simply haven't lived. Frothy fruit and vegetable concoctions with elaborate names are becoming increasingly popular as we seek healthy alternatives to canned fizzy drinks and sugary fruit

I'd like to recommend the following attitude to life: "Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly at first". That may surprise you but it is very relevant to dieting. It's at about this time of the year - a few weeks into a new year - that so many people

Our eating habits have always been inextricably linked to the state of our health. Take bread, which used to be regarded as the staff of life. About 9,000 years ago in the Middle East, Stone Age man began mixing wild grains with water into thick paste

Evil Roy Whiting was told to rot in hell after he was jailed for life for kidnapping and murdering Sarah Payne. As Whiting was led to the cells, Sarah's grandfather leaned towards him and shouted: "I hope you rot in hell." The 42-year-old painter and

Hundreds of people across Sussex have been able to give up smoking with the help of special smoking cessation services. The schemes use a combination of one-toone help, group support and information to encourage people to kick the habit. IT may be nearly

In recent articles, I have been covering prevention and managementof osteoporosis, which you may know as brittle-bone condition. This week, I have included a set of exercises that can be used individually or as agroup of exercises in a circuit format.

In 1989, Professor Murray Vimy from the University of Calgary in Canada studied the effects of mercury fillings on sheep. His research team used radioactively-labelled mercury for ease of tracking and found substantial quantities of the element in all

Take a moment to look at your fingernails. Are they brittle and do they peel easily? Are they so thin you are inclined to bite them? Perhaps they grow very slowly, are opaquely white or splattered with white dots. Any one of these symptoms could indicate

The next time you eat a grapefruit, treat it with added respect. I bet you didn't know that the extract from its seeds, pulp and inner rind form a potent antimicrobial which cleans and disinfects virtually everything. Grapefruit seed extract was discovered

The Government today continued to resist calls to give the public access to a paedophiles' register after the Sarah Payne case. Home Office minister Keith Bradley insisted the move would drive offenders underground. The renewed calls for the register

It's January. Here we go again. For how many years now has losing weight been on your list of New Year resolutions? Every year, I expect the process goes something like this: You successfully lose weight for a few days, even a few weeks and then, suddenly

I'm often asked whether it's better to tell friends and family that you're trying to lose weight or not to tell them. On one hand, if you tell them, they may help you. They may not put the dish of nuts right under your nose or offer to clear the dishes

According to the results of the recent census, Worthing has the highest proportion of people aged 85 and over in England. There are also high elderly populations in Eastbourne, parts of Brighton and Hove and throughout the county. This means there is

Despite all the resolutions, do you lose out in the power struggle with the wrong kind of food? Our bodies are made from molecules derived from what we eat so, of course, we need food. But why is it that when I reach for an apple, I choose chocolate instead

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) has finally been given disease status in government report this month. It is a great vindication for sufferers of ME (also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) who have been consistently ridiculed and labelled hypochondriacs

National Chip Week will soon be upon us, providing kids with ample excuse to drag their parents into every known junk-food outlet. However, the potato itself, minus excess salt and fat, is a most useful and nutritious vegetable worthy of a closer look

Roy Whiting was today found guilty of the abduction and murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne and sentenced to life. The 42-year-old killer, who had a previous child sex conviction, was told by trial judge Mr Justice Richard Curtis that he was "every parent's

Many people suffer from stiff and painful joints but are unhappy about taking too many painkillers to treat it. There is nothing worse than aches and pains that refuse to go away no matter what treatments are tried. More and more people are turning to

Symbolically, the New Year signifies a renewal life, hence our desire for regeneration and celebration. Modern-day festivities encourage unbridled drinking and eating and are geared less towards restoring health and sanity. By sampling some healthy New

As you read this, the festive season should be progressing well with the alcohol flowing and food available in abundance. Many of you may have forgotten about those extra calories or it may be that your subconscious is nagging you into feeling guilty

A happy childhood is the best present parents can give a child, but that depends on more than any one or even two individuals. As social animals, we thrive on the whole "busyness" of being, learning and sharing with others. This is even more true of three

Now is the time to start your Christmas prepar-ations in earnest. Tell everyone their Christmas cards must have been lost in the post and don't even think about hunting for presents until the day before the event. It is pointless getting worried in advance

I have decided the survival of the fittest is not a very fair concept. Whoever dreamt that one up should try surviving in the human gut. I am one of around 400 species of tiny microorganisms living inside the human gastro-intestinal tract. In healthy

Many people struggling to lose weight say: "I'm just not motivated, I can't do it." Today, I'd like to muse with you on this issue of motivation. What is it? How can you acquire some? The American motivation guru Anthony Robbins suggests we are all motivated

Hassocks is definitely the place to be. A few weeks ago, went to an open morning at Hassocks Health Centre. It was organised by the local Patient Participation Group, charitable organisation which encourages health education, held in a GP's surgery. The

Research has shown 60 per cent of people in the UK find elements of Christmas stressful or depressing. The Mental Health Foundation has launched a top ten countdown to avoid stress at Christmas. It aims to put relaxation at the top of everyone's Christmas

I blame Marco Polo for importing fireworks from the Far East. The Chinese invented fireworks by filling bamboo shoots with gunpowder and exploding them in the New Year to ward off evil spirits. Judging by the number of fireworks let off this year, we

Increasingly, complementary approaches are being incorporated into orthodox medicine. The success of using both at the same time was recently brought home when Kate and her husband came to see me with fertility problems. They had tried unsuccessfully

Light relief this week with another quiz to catch you out. No prizes for guessing the most sensible answer. 1. Apart from cranberries, which berries help to prevent cystitis? a) Eric Clapton and The Travelling Wilburys. b) Blueberries. c) Beri-beri. 2

How does one get happy? Is happiness an event, an occasional fleeting blip, an illusion? Does wealth or celebrity status contribute to feeling joyful rather than the absence of pain or loneliness? Perhaps it's a matter of saving souls or scoring goals

Hurray for good old Christopher Columbus, who discovered and introduced us to a variety of curious fruit and vegetables. In 1493, Columbus stumbled upon a spiky-looking plant on the tropical island of Guadeloupe. One of his crew described it as being

"My child can count up to 20 and write her name and she's only three." Does this sound familiar? But for all you competitive parents, there are many more important lessons to be learned in the early years. Just as children learn to crawl before they can

Designer labels do nothing for me, unfortunately. I have yet to discover how wearing a particular brand name can make me a better person. In fact, considering the prices of designer gear, I hope to pass this little foible on to my offspring before they

Seeing is not necessarily believing in Camelford in Cornwall. Twenty tons of aluminium sulphate were accidentally tipped into the wrong tank in 1988, contaminating the water supply. When people complained of green hair, joint pain, sickness and memory

Sir Steven Redgrave is our greatest Olympic hero and I am amazed to see him sharing his glory with Walkers crisps in their latest promotional blitz. After years of living on a shoestring, athletes deserve to cash in. But as the most bankable of them all

It may be summer time but staying away from junk food isnt easy. Fast food outlets specialise in catering for eyes, nose and taste buds. Therein lies the fastest route to your wallet. Fast food does not cater for your future well-being, say an hour after

Over the past few years, I have enjoyed many a fine mackerel caught by a generous neighbour who fishes along the Sussex coast. Fish is good for us, we have known it since the Seventies when scientists discovered Eskimos had a far lower rate of heart disease

The inventors of the Self-Controlled Energo Neuro Adaptice Regulation (Scenar) originally created it to treat Russian astronauts in space. Scientists were asked to devise a way of treating health problems during space flights because, with urine being

An outbreak of meningitis in East Sussex last month led to thousands of people being given antibiotics as a protection against infection. However, health experts are urging people to keep calm and reminding them the number of cases reported every year

With overwork, redundancy and the current economic downturn exposing employees to unhealthy levels of stress, many people are turning to drugs and alcohol as a means of escape. Up to 14 million working days are lost annually because of alcohol-related

Back pain is normally associated with growing older but according to one physiotherapists the problem is no longer confined to adults. Physiotherapists say a combination of today's couch-potato lifestyles and the stresses and strains of going to school

More and more children are developing back complaints more normally experienced by adults in middle age. Experts are urging parents to take action now to avoid long-term problems. Holly Carron is not yet ten years old but already she is suffering from

Clients often ask whether their intake of calcium is adequate. Their concern is justified since calcium losses are associated with osteoporosis in one-in-three women and one-in-12 men. Other symptoms include muscle cramps, insomnia, tremors or spasms,

The Liberal Democrats retained control in Eastbourne but saw their majority cut to just one seat as the Tories capitalised on this year's huge council tax rise. Having lost a seat in Old Town to Tory challenger Ian Lucas, the balance of power is now on

The only constant in life is change and Sally Goodwin has experienced many over the past few years. When she left her job as communications manager at the Body Shop three years ago, following voluntary redundancy, it was clear some major changes were

Corneal graft operations have revolutionised the lives of many people with eye problems but more could be helped if more donors came forward. Staff at a major donor centre in Sussex are trying to raise awareness of the need for further help. Margaret

Training the right way is not always easy. It can be hard to make a start then maintain or increase the amount of training you do. Another, equally hard, area to consider is how you are training. This week I have included some important dos and don'ts

Conservatives kept their grip in the heart of Rother District Council, winning 13 of the 18 seats in Bexhill. It was as-you-were for the sedate seaside town, which has seen slight ward changes since the last district council election in 1999, as Conservative

Skin cancer is on the increase in the UK. Our health reporter Siobhan Ryan takes a look at state-of-the-art equipment being used to detect and treat new cases. There are more than 2,400 new cases of melanoma in men and more than 3,300 new cases in women

Strip, gyrate and lose weight all at the same time. It sounds more like a scene from a movie than an aerobics workout. But cardio striptease is fast becoming the trendiest way to keep fit. Jennifer Aniston has taken up the hobby and has signed up for

Most parents can generally guess by a baby's gurgle, laugh or tone of cry whether their nappy needs changing or whether they are thirsty. But Sasha Felix from Brighton has taken this a step further by organising a series of special classes which combine

When Dinah Morgan, Sarah Dennis and Pat Eynon decided to set up clinics specialising in homeopathy and yoga, they had one overriding aim. Their aim was to keep the cost of the sessions as low as possible so people who would not normally be able to afford

After two weeks of watching Wimbledon and a month of World Cup football, it is no surprise people are being inspired to get fit. Long summer days and the prospect of holidays on the horizon are also making people think about losing weight before relaxing

For many people, the idea of a trip to the dentist stirs up disturbing images of drills and fillings. But preventative steps can make the visit less of a traumatic experience. THE message being sent out by dental nurses and dentists in Sussex is: Start

Now June has arrived, a lot of people's thoughts will be turning to getting fit and healthy for the long summer days. For those who want to cover up as little as possible and sun themselves on the beach, it is time to get in a little exercise and watch

A new test is being piloted in Sussex which can check a child's hearing at just ten days old. Little Oscar Kirkman-Horne is only a month old but his parents already know his hearing is fine. Ordinarily, they would have had to wait until he was eight months

Alexandra Schunemann says she may be able to ease modern stress-related problems by using ancient therapy techniques. Many people are now turning to alternative forms of therapy to help them cope with the stresses and strains of daily life. One practice

Dewi Richards knows first hand the pain and difficulty involved in recovering from a broken back. The keen sportsman was involved in a motorbike accident several years ago and was told by doctors he would never be able to exercise properly again. Mr Richards

Move over cholesterol, you have had your moment of fame. Since the early 20th Century, cholesterol has taken the rap for causing heart disease and strokes. Nowadays, most people assume that as long as they keep their cholesterol levels down, there is

There is a lot of pride in producing the best plants and flowers possible and turning your garden into contender for the local Town or Village-In-Bloom competition. But experts say there are plenty of health benefits as well. Mention the word fitness

With at least another three months before the height of summer, there is still time to shed the extra pounds that have built up over the winter. Experts helping people to lose weight say it is not enough just to suddenly stop eating things that are bad

Parkinson's disease afflicts tens of thousands of people in the UK. It is no respecter of age and, at present, there is no cure. It has had its share of celebrity sufferers: former boxer Muhammad Ali is a sufferer and Canadian actor Michael J Fox has

I wish I had been genetically modified. A bit of Claudia Schiffer here and a bit of Jennifer Lopez there would be ideal. Vain perhaps, but it's only natural to want a perfect body and it's only human to want to eat perfect food such as potatoes with built-in

Imagine yourself in the position of Alice in Wonderland; reduced in size so all the everyday objects tables, chairs, cup - boards and most of all, people suddenly loom over you in a vast and frightening world. That's the experience of every little three

Vitamin C came in for another media bashing last week amid claims that high doses of the vitamin could increase the risk of cancer. Poor old vitamin C - allegations are constantly being made by medical science and sensationalised by the Press. Yet we

If you're a working parent, as I am, you probably get swamped by feelings of irrational guilt. Should you be with your child rather than earning a crust? Is your child missing out because you're not there at the school gates? Do they feel cornered into

Greens are fighting hard to win the new seat of Hanover and Elm Grove but they have a big problem. How do they out-green Labour councillor Joyce Edmond-Smith, who chairs the Sustainability Commission, rides a bike and has solar panels on her Hanover house

Young political enthusiasts are rubbing their eyes with wonder as veteran campaigner Brian Fitch takes up every issue and goes to every doorstep in this large, new ward. Coun Fitch has moved over from Hollingbury ward now he lives in Hove. He has been

Quality is a word that has been hijacked by the marketing industry - to the point where the only meaning we can safely attribute to it is one of vague approval on the part of the company selling us something. But quality, as it impinges on our children

And now for another Party Political Broadcast on behalf of the D.I.N.N.E.R. Party ... Don't know who to vote for? The D.I.N.N.E.R.(Dishy Ingredients, No Nagging, Eat to Repair) Party is here to give you straight- forward, no-nonsense answers and pull

If Hans Christian Andersen had not been dyslexic, he may never have created the tale of The Ugly Duckling. It is a classic story of the outsider 's struggle for acceptance, of an individual who doesn't quite fit in try as he might. Similar setbacks are

I have fallen in love with the concept of downsizing! Trade your Merc in for a Mini and think of the savings in terms of petrol and pollution. Trade your mobile phone for a notepad and enjoy the mystery and suspense of waiting for snail mail. Swap your

Officially, the number of obese people has more than doubled in a decade and is on the increase. 17 per cent of males and 20 percent of females in the UK are obese and 50 per cent are overweight, subjecting themselves to huge health risks including heart

Political rivals have joined forces to combat a council's rates demand which could financially cripple a cricket club. Hove Labour parliamentary hopeful Ivor Caplin has teamed up with Tory Geoffrey Theobald to secure full rate relief for Brighton and

Major improvements to public transport and a clear strategy on the roads are being demanded by candidates for Sussex seats. David Lepper, who is defending his Brighton Pavilion seat for Labour, does not drive and so travels everywhere using public transport

William Hague did his best to avoid Brighton and Hove's acute traffic congestion when he arrived in the city for last night's headline Tory rally. The Tory leader flew in by helicopter to Roedean and his three-car motorcade, complete with security, spin

Home Office minister Lord Bassam yesterday praised Hove's high-profile policing initiative. He said it was one of the things the Government had been pleased to see. The former leader of Brighton Council said: "It is true we have had a lot of success with

Former Prime Minister John Major made his first foray into the Conservative election campaign in Sussex with an attack on Labour's "spin and deceit". He said Labour's "swollen majority" had made it intolerant of criticism and he accused John Prescott

Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory and painful bowel condition. Sufferers tend to go through periods of remission in which there are no symptoms and relapses in which symptoms flare up. The symptoms of Crohn's Disease vary according to whether

Frequent migraine attacks have made Geraldine van Buren's life a misery. The debilitating condition, which she has suffered for many years, has caused her to lose jobs and miss out on family get-togethers. She has also had to stop eating certain foods

The elections in Worthing this year are generally regarded as a skirmish before the major campaign scheduled for next spring. On May 1, only one third of the council seats are up for grabs and the Liberal Democrats are confident of holding on to their

Isobella Thomas's family is one of 2,000 families who say their lives have been ruined by the MMR vaccine. Her sons Michael, nine, and Terry, seven, developed signs of autism and suffered bowel problems after being inoculated as toddlers. Mrs Thomas,

When it comes to fighting the flab, Gaynor Rose is a real success story. She recently managed to lose more than five stones to reach a target weight of 10st 3lb after attending a slimming club in Portslade. Months of healthy and careful eating mean she

As the the internet and email continues to be a daily part of people's lives, another idea has been developed which may help the health of many. The phrases email and ecommerce are well known but, now, Steven Lee, from Hove, has come up with the idea

Interest-free loans would be made available under a Tory government for businesses hit by disasters such as foot-and-mouth, shadow cabinet member Peter Ainsworth pledged. Mr Ainsworth criticised the Government's response to the epidemic, saying it led

English literature student and parttime model Alice Friedl has been having pains in her joints since she was ten years old. She was subsequently diagnosed with having rheumatoid arthritis. Now 27, she uses wheelchair but has not let the condition ruin

Tammy Cottingham has a passion for books but has been unable to read for the past two years. Since being diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) in 1998, she been unable to pick up her favourites for fear of the pain she might suffer. She said:

For John McKenna, becoming a doctor was never going to just be about prescribing basic pharmaceutical medicines. After first training as a scientist, he worked in Africa for four years. Following his subsequent medical degree, he was eager to learn about

Russians open another bottle of vodka and start again, the Chinese eat oats and peaches and the Scots swear by Irn-Bru. But by far the majority of people across the globe rely on a cup of coffee and the "plink-plink fizz" of products such as Alka Seltzer

1.4 million people in England suffer from angina, 300,000 have heart attacks and more than 110,000 die as a result of heart problems every year. Several organisations in Sussex exist to help people reduce the risk of developing heart disease and another

Hundreds of people in Sussex suffer from the misery of sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis which, in some cases, can be difficult to control. Martin James, from Eastbourne, suffered chronic asthma and very sensitive skin when he was a child. He eventually

Sarah Saunders (not her real name) was devastated when her brother died during an asthma attack nearly a year ago. Miss Saunders, from Brighton, had suffered from asthma herself for nearly 30 years and was desperate for help. She approached her doctor

Kathy Chapman believes it is important people open their minds to alternative therapy. A growing number of residents across the county are becoming increasingly aware of words such as homeopathy, feng shui, reiki and reflexology but are not 100 per cent

This week, you may be delighted to hear that you won't be regaled with what to eat and what not to eat. Hey, let's all relax, take a step back and chill out. Perhaps we are getting a tad obsessive we shop to drop, work-out to burn out and compete to defeat

Chiropractor Paula Moore is great believer in prevention being better than cure. But the nature of her job means most of the people she sees are already suffering problems and need help. She is now working to try and encourage people to have regular checks

Rose Hill rarely suffered morning sickness, passed all her ante-natal checks and was looking forward to becoming a new mum. In a check-up, little more than three weeks before her due date, Rose's GP sent her home, happy with her progress. Within a few

Early on a cold morning, the last thing most people want to do is go out for a run. But this is exactly what health and fitness experts are suggesting to help people stave off the effects of the approaching winter. One of the options is to enlist the

Paul and Val Lynch say they have the p e r f e c t way o f helping people beat their anxieties, phobias and guilt. They both practice the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), described as a psychological version of acupressure, without the needles. It incorporates

One of the most irritating problems for parents as the new school year kicks off is the appearance of head lice in their offspring. The main difficulty with a condition such as head lice is that, in most cases, by the time a parent notices their child

Thirty years ago, smoking was seen as a social thing to do and there weren't many places where it was frowned upon to light up. But information about the health risks involved, not just for the smoker but for the people immediately around them, has led

At the age of 39, Sharon Charlton found herself able to see clearly for the first time in her life. Born with eyesight problems, Mrs Charlton, from Selsey, had to wait until the cataracts on both her eyes had fully developed before she was able to have

Mention maths to most adults, and the chances are they'll smile and say, "Not one of my strengths." And the really alarming thing about that sort of defeatism, particularly if it's a parent speaking, is that it fosters the idea that maths is boring and

Not for one moment do I imagine that life is easy for our kids. Just consider the stress of being driven to school when you'd far rather walk, or having to put up with politically correct parenting and endless bewildering choices. Do I take up hula hoop

A vicar who lost faith in New Labour is to stand against the party in Crawley's local elections. The Reverend Malcolm Liles will face a tough battle in Southgate ward, which is a Labour stronghold. Indeed, anyone not flying the red flag in Crawley faces

It sounds obvious and straightforward but, for many in Sussex, eating healthily to keep well is not being done. There are several reasons for this, including lack of time and financial constraints. But there is plenty now being done to help people change

"I don't know what to do. I'm bored." The inevitable consequence of a school holiday, perhaps, but for a parent this refrain is almost the kiss of death. For working parents, who have to prise unwilling children out of bed when they are in holiday mood

Tories in Eastbourne will be looking to restore some dignity after the Liberal Democrats wrested control from them in a shock win last year. With the Lib Dems holding a slender majority of three, the Conservatives see their former stronghold as a top

As you move through life, savouring its sweetness as well as rolling with the punches, do you ever wonder what is the purpose of life itself? When you are rewarded in life for your efforts with financial returns, a prestigious post or praise from your

A recent clinical study looked at the damaging effect of fizzy drinks on the bones of teenage girls. Dr Claire McGartland and her team observed that among secondary school children "a high consumption of fizzy drinks by girls during adolescence may lead

The environment and atmosphere certainly has an effect on how we feel and how our bodies function. Earlier this week, we were still basking in the summer sun. But with the sudden change to clouds and rain, our inner temperature control may have got confused

Many men, women and children suffer from aching leg syndrome, which can disturb sleep and make you feel tired and weak. I have seen a number of runners, sportsmen and people whose occupation involves standing for long periods of time suffer from the condition

Do you remember the first day you started school? I remember it well: The pain of feeling totally alone and the humiliation that comes from being observed crying. Well, times have changed now in that most children have learnt to broaden their horizon

Latter-day historians will tell you that I, Cleopatra, am no oil painting. And what do they expect from a mother of four with a busy career? It's hard enough fending off challenges to my throne and overseeing lazy Nubian slaves without having to be a

Menopause can be a distressing time for some women while others sail through it. In many cultures, women regard it as a natural process to which the mind and body gradually adapt. As oestrogen and progesterone are the active female hormones which affect

Why are we miserable? The key factor we all have as human beings is love for others. Most of us are carers of one sort or another and, as the burden becomes heavier, we crumble under the pressure. This is because we do not recharge our own spiritual batteries

The Conservatives have run Wealden for the past three decades and it would be a shock if they lost control. But they are being pushed hard by the Liberal Democrats, who are benefiting from the anti-war vote and this year's council tax rises. There is

The teenage years require direction and support from caring adults. I see many young people who are suffering from anorexia, depression or have been victims of abuse and I wonder where the values of our modern society are leading us. Our children are

In this day and age, with the many pressures and demands of society, a happy balance of our mind, emotions and senses is difficult to maintain. Many young people, in particular, seem to be under enormous pressure and there are high expectations of them

Recent reports in the media reveal that some four million people suffer from alcohol dependence and 4,000 people die of alcohol-related deaths in the UK every year. Throughout the world and since time immemorial, alcohol has held a special position in

Continuing the theme from last week, let us look at some more rejuvenating herbs everyone can use regularly. Lord Charaka says herbs from the country in which you are born will be in greater in harmony with your body and may work better for you although

Flaxseed (also called linseed) is one of the oldest cultivated plants on the planet and extremely versatile. Linen woven from the fibrous stalks of flax have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and at sites in Switzerland dating back to 4000 BC. Its

In the Vedic Hindu civilisation, which flourished on the banks of the Indus valley 5,000 years ago, the scholars and the people detoxed and rejuvenated the whole being. They took care of mind, body and spirit - in order to live more than 100 years and

Living under the constant mental, physical and emotional pressures of life today coupled with pollution is causing disease in more people at an earlier age. An increasing number of men in their early 40s are suffering from stress-related heart disease

Rother is the eastern point of Sussex and includes much of the countryside one associates with the county's picture postcard image. Elections are fought quietly in towns and villages without the passion of big city campaigns. But the electors care fiercely

This week we are continuing with the theme of personality types and patterns of behaviour. When dealing with a stressful or demanding situation, we become more vulnerable to other minor or major irritations. Problems tend not to come one at a time: When

With the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, the Government has warned against travel to Toronto, Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangdong and Shanxi. The Department of Health and the Foreign Office issued new warnings after the World Health Organisation

Spring is in the air, the sun is shining and the pollen from grass and flowers of trees are being wafted on the breeze. But while the warmer weather and sunshine cheers everyone up, it also brings tears to the eyes of those who suffer from hay fever.

Since 1980, the number of obese adults and children has doubled in UK. I believe obesity is a result of an imbalanced body, mind and spirit. A number of factors are influential - dietary habits, exercise, mental state, emotional turmoil and spiritual

Last week, I promised I would tell you how to lower your cholesterol naturally. Recently, two of my patients have succeeded in reducing their cholesterol levels by natural means. A 32-year-old woman whose cholesterol was around 7mmols, which is quite

Father and son candidates, the Raving Loonies and a change in boundaries are all ingredients in what could be one of Mid Sussex's most exciting council elections. Unlike councils such as Crawley, which has been Labour since it became a borough in 1974

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the largest killer in UK, according to the latest statistics published by the British Heart Foundation. It accounts for around 125,000 deaths a year; approximately one-in-four deaths in men and one-in-six deaths in women

Shirodhara is an ayurvedic treatment which has become fashionable among therapists in the UK and the West. It is a soothing and appealing therapy in which warm oil or other medicated fluid is allowed to flow on the forehead from a certain height. This

Picture Linford Christie in his glory days at the start of a race, totally focused on winning. Poised at the starting point, he was in another world, one in which there was no alternative but to succeed. Any parent will tell you that sort of self-belief

After the cold, depressing winter months, one way to boost your mood and stimulate your energy is to attend the Good Health Show at Birmingham NEC next month. I was invited to give lectures and demonstrations on holistic health and ayurvedic medicine

Labour Party bosses could moor a huge cruise liner in the sea off Brighton to house delegates at this year's conference. Up to 25,000 delegates are expected to flood into the city for the annual event but there are fears there might not be enough room

Christmas is a time to rejoice and let the festive mood heal you. Often, when we are tense and stressed,we forget to rejoice and celebrate our achievements. Most importantly, we forget the immense power of the human body, mind and spirit. Look at the

Asthma is a condition in which the tubes carrying air in and out of the lungs go into spasm and cause distress and great difficulty with breathing. For many years, inhalers containing bronchodilator medicines such as salbutamol have saved many lives.

"Body, mind and spirit is the tripod of life," says Charak in his ancient Ayurvedic medicine text. We need to nurture and nourish each component of our being if we wish to keep a happy, healthy balance of energy and fitness. One common example is back

Our desired assets in old age are lucid brain function, memory, alertness of mind, healthy use of muscles and joints and a healthy heart and lungs. Is it not worth looking after them from a young age? Dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease are

For nearly nine months, Catherine Harwood's pulse beat to the rhythm of her baby daughter's tiny heart. She felt every move her daughter made and did everything she could to nurture her little body inside. Catherine fell in love with the baby girl's perfectly-formed

Recent trends suggest that even people as young as 20 are worried about ageing and, therefore, the use of anti-ageing creams and beauty treatments is on the increase. Everyone wants to look and feel young right into old age and carry on enjoying the things

Antidepressants are gaining bad press at the moment because of the undesirable side effects they cause. One of my patients brought me a list of side effects she had suffered, including sweats, bad dreams, a fuzzy head and a difficulty with making decisions

As Wimbledon draws to a close this weekend, tennis courts mostly abandoned for much of the year fill up. Those inspired by the game want to get in to shape for the summer. But any type of exercise, especially if you are not used to it, can lead to injuries

Let me tell you, the quickest route to a girl's heart is through her stomach! Forget looks, fame and fortune, a man has to be able to cook. Or willing to go out at strange hours to buy chocolate, the ultimate in sugar replacement therapy. Easter is my

Anti-capitalism protesters are planning a major demonstration on the first day of this year's Labour Party conference in Brighton. Organisers claim they expect 10,000 demonstrators and say they have not ruled out "direct action" on the day. A similar

The upward trend in stress-related conditions such as depression, anxiety, worry and nervous breakdown among our young and middle-aged population is very worrying. A recent report in the media stated that there was a rise in suicide rates among young

We are what we eat. In recent years, I have seen a growing trend in patient awareness regarding diet. In the past, people used to believe diet did not matter. Now, an increasing number of patients ask me what they should eat for certain conditions. For

The skin disease psoriasis is not contagious, yet it feels like the social equivalent of leprosy. It is a common disorder characterised by unsightly, red, scaly patches produced by a pile-up of skin cells that have replicated too quickly. Little is known

Spices have been used in traditional Indian cooking from ancient times, both to stimulate the senses and for their medicinal value. Ayurveda says a bland diet will not stimulate the mind while eating tasty food can disperse your depression and motivate

Who doesn't want to live a long, happy and healthy life? There is so much to enjoy and experience on this physical plane of life on earth. Caraka, the ancient Ayurvedic physician wrote that the span of life is variable in different ages of time (called

Labour MPs have given the thumbs down to staying in a floating palace moored off Brighton during their party conference. There is also now a question mark as to whether the vessel, MV Shearwater, will appear and be used as off shore accommodation during

Woodingdean has been Tory for most of the time since it was split from the unwieldy old Warren ward, which used to contain much of Whitehawk as well. But Labour has been represented too over the years, notably by former councillor Joan Moorhouse. The

Recent research claims frequent bathing can lead to increased incidences of asthma in babies and young children. From my own experience, I believe we are also seeing more skin problems such as eczema in babies and children. The need to survive requires

Cayeene pepper and chillies, dried ripe fruits of Capsicum Minimum, are a native of South America, Africa and India. Capsicum contains a pungent crystalline principle called Capsaicin, which has been recently introduced in modern medicine as a pain-relieving

Where is the benefit to our quality of life? This statement, written by Richard White, editor of Southern Business Times, struck me as I opened the page. Nowadays, human values are measured in the value of the stock market and family values on the size

The philosophy of ayurveda states that, at any given time, human behaviour reflects and depends on the state of our mind. Ayurveda categorises the state of our minds into three energy types or gunas. Satva guna is the state of purity and clarity of thought

Siobhan Ryan speaks to a woman who is using an old technique to help solve a modern problem. The number of people who spend a lot of their leisure time sitting in front of a computer playing games or surfing the Internet has rapidly increased in the last

"Gratitude, respect and pride is what the jubilee means to me." These were the powerful words said by the Queen in her Golden Jubilee speech. The whole nation and many people round the world celebrated the Queen's 50 years of reign and joined in the pomp

BBC Southern Counties Radio programme about children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) highlighted the serious problem such children and their families have with schooling. Children can be labelled as disruptive and non-achievers by heads, teachers

With ten per cent of Britain's population regular sufferers and the NHS spending £45m annually on laxatives, I am sure constipation demands serious consideration. The Victorians blamed it for most problems, including sexually deviant behaviour. Constant

The Tories should face no trouble in gaining control of the new suburban ward of Withdean. They are fielding their experienced team of three councillors, who currently represent the smaller Westdene ward. Pat Drake is one of the safest pairs of political

Why does there seem to be a growing interest among people from all walks of life in spiritual healing and Ayurvedic herbs? The answer is simple. We have allowed our fantasies of modern life to drag us into a highly-demanding workaholic and aspirational

Aromatherapy is one of the most pleasant therapies which can help in a number of ways in one's daily life. In its pure definition, aromatherapy relates to the use of various types of aroma to influence certain areas of the brain in order to produce various

Colitis is a serious bowel problem which can cause diarrhoea, stomach pains or cramps, bleeding and the passage of slime from the rectum. People often lose a lot of weight due to vitamin, protein and other nutritional deficiencies. An acute flare-up with

Doctor, do you think I have candida? asked 26-year-old Mary when she came to see me. She had been suffering bloating, bowel upsets, food intolerances and a general feeling of tiredness for two years. She also suffered from recurrent vaginal thrush. The

Thousands of people in the UK are forced to radically change their lifestyles and behaviour to cope with the fact they have a stammer. But having the problem does not always mean people have to restrict their lives. Siobhan Ryan speaks to a woman who

The BBC's Your NHS day on Wednesday sparked a great debate about poor funding and the enormous demands placed on hospital services, GPs, nurses and all primary-care teams. We need more doctors and nurses, more hospital beds and adequate care for the elderly

Socialist Alliance activists are delivering 6,000 leaflets encouraging people to attend a protest during the Labour Party conference in Brighton on September 30. The protest has been called by the Socialist Alliance, the Green Party and Globalise Resistance

Our bodies and minds are heavily laden with toxins due to bad diets and eating habits, negative feelings and aggressive actions. Non-organic methods of farming have ruined the nutritional quality of much of our food. Our mental toxins come from ego, greed

Several people have inquired about ayurvedic foods following the recent Radio 4 programme on ayurveda. Indian curries have now become a part of British culture and ayurvedic foods are just around the corner in the natural health market. Few people realise

As the temperature of the atmosphere falls, the cold air we breathe has a direct effect on our nasal passages, sinuses and lungs. The body reacts by producing more catarrh and congestion and causes spasm and contraction of the tubules the lungs, resulting

Every New Year brings with it new hope, a new ambition, a new vision for another achievement in life. Perhaps it the curiosity of what the future holds in store for us that becomes the inspiration for new resolution each year. But what is it that makes

Travelling in India is always a fascinating, eye-opening experience. The noisy activities of an affluent, modern society which lives in harmony with traditional India in a symbiosis that baffles logic, is overwhelming. The magnificent bungalows, cars

It was good to see practitioners and doctors receiving healing from spiritual healers and shiatsu practitioners. At our conference on Integrated Medicine In Primary Care at the Post Graduate Medical Centre in Brighton, last Saturday. The aim of the conference

Stress can hit people at any age and is affecting a growing number of people in Sussex. Siobhan Ryan looks at how people's lifestyles affect their health and what they are trying to do to relax After a long and stressful day, most people will try to unwind

The Labour party said today it had no plans to cancel its party conference in Brighton. Party officials were responding to speculation the event would be abandoned in the wake of the US terror attacks. Downing Street also insisted the conference, which

The training of doctors in modern medicine gives them a solid foundation. This makes them unique in their understanding of the structure and functions of the human body. Doctors learn to treat their patients with medicines or surgery. The treatment of

Westbourne is the only urban seafront ward which has not been represented by Labour councillors. It is not that different from neighbouring wards in its composition so one reason for Tory success must be the rapport between residents and their councillors

"I retired after 27 years of service as a senior cardiologist because I wanted to do something about the nutrition of children in America,". said Dr Harvey Zarren, talking to our group of doctors and therapists. The noble work of this eminent cardiologist

As summer finally begins to kick in and the shorts and T-shirts come out; there are many people looking at themselves in the mirror and deciding to get into shape but who don't have the necessary willpower to get going. Siobhan Ryan looks at one option

Brighton and Hove is one of the few major councils which has strong representation from four parties. The Greens are determined to keep it that way, which is why so much effort is being put into the St Peter's and North Laine ward. Seven years ago in

A Royal Navy destroyer could be stationed off Brighton as security is stepped up for the Labour Party conference. The ship, armed with surface-to-air missiles, could be called in if defence chiefs believe an attack on the Brighton Centre is likely. As

Look at South Portslade and you are normally looking at a safe Labour seat but this time there is a complicating factor. His name is Steve Collier, a sitting councillor, who left the Labour Party in September last year. Councillor Collier is standing

Prime Minister Tony Blair is considering cutting short next week's Labour Party conference in Brighton. Mr Blair's official spokesman today said there were strong arguments for and against the event going ahead in the wake of the atrocities in the US.

The City of Brighton and Hove probably has the largest number of complementary therapists in the country. That poses a number of problems Which therapist should you see for treatment of your condition? Who will advise you as to which therapy is suitable

Two of Brighton's most intractable problems are big issues in the new ward of Rottingdean Coastal. It stretches from Saltdean to the fringes of East Brighton, taking in Rottingdean and Ovingdean. There has been great controversy over the possible use

The use of herbs and vitamins to boost health and offer an alternative treatment for illness has always been popular and is continuing to rise. More and more herbal treatment are becoming available. Siobhan Ryan looks at the growing popularity of natural

Relaxing after my first American experience of a most exciting baseball match I found myself reading the book Just A Moment. Relaxing after my first American experience of a most exciting baseball match at the famous Fenway Park; Boston I found myself

City council leader Ken Bodfish, who lives opposite Queen's Park itself, will be among those aiming to stay on the authority after the election. Normally he would be accompanied by near neighbour Jackie Lythell but she is retiring after many years' service

Massive security measures are in place to protect the Labour Party conference from the dual threats of international terrorism and anarchist demonstrators. In a police operation codenamed Operation Otter a security cordon was thrown around the Brighton

Basking in the glorious sun on the beach in Florida with clear skies and temperatures soaring to 91 degrees is what we all desire as a fantastic holiday experience. Hundreds of holiday-makers from Britain will soon be heading off for sunny destinations

An MP was taken to hospital following a penalty box clash in a charity football match. Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, goalkeeper for the politicians' side, was concussed in the game at Withdean Stadium yesterday. Before kick-off, journalists were

Owning a pet can be bad for your health if you are allergic to fur, leaving you with the choice of struggling against ill-health or being forced to get rid of the animal. Siobhan Ryan speaks to one couple who have managed to achieve the best of both worlds

Patcham is one of those suburban seats which has always seemed safe for the Conservatives in Brighton and Hove. With boundary alterations, it has been greatly extended but should still be a safe bet for the party. The husband-and-wife team of Geoffrey

Chancellor Gordon Brown says the Government will hold to its public spending plans despite economic turmoil following the US terrorist strikes. In his keynote conference speech, Mr Brown confirmed that funds worth more than 88 million US dollars (£61

It was a night of ups and downs for the two main parties in the Lewes district but the overall political landscape remained unchanged. With ward boundary changes slashing the number of seats available and almost half the sitting candidates stepping down

Hundreds of people throughout Sussex are suffering from long-term niggling injuries that are not life threatening but severely curtail their quality of life. Siobhan Ryan speaks to one such person about the operation that helped to change his life. For

Backing the opposition Northern Alliance in Afghanistan would be "a grave mistake", MEP Glenys Kinnock has warned. Mrs Kinnock, wife of former Labour leader Neil, issued the warning at a fringe meeting at the party's annual conference in Brighton. Mrs

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw today promised to use "every weapon" - military, diplomatic, economic and political - to defeat terrorism. In a keynote speech to Labour's Brighton conference, Mr Straw it was a "delusion" to believe those behind the terrorist

Many people spend hours looking in the mirror worrying about frown or laughter lines appearing on their face. The usual reaction is to use face creams in a bid to get rid of them but there is a simpler and more effective solution available. Siobhan Ryan

While we are all concerned about the health of the nation, the very frontline soldiers who uphold the National Health Service are often forgotten in modern times. Doctors themselves forget that they are carers, therapists, counsellors. I believe that,

'What I hate most about being single again after 3 years is shopping. Instead of the dulex shopping trolley model, I am back to carrying the sad, single basket. Panic sets in. Everyone will know that I am single. I hide and scurry through the aisles keeping

People assume that the brittle bone disease osteoporosis only affects elderly people. But signs can show as early as in one's 20s. Siobhan Ryan looks at how tests for the condition are carried out and how people can stop it from developing further. Osteoporosis

Binge-drinking among young ladies, and among young people generally, has escalated, reported a recent television documentary. The idea of a good time these days, is to drink 20 units of alcohol in a night out, smoke, perhaps have drugs, dance away to

With Easter having arrived and spring in the air, a sense of good feeling seems to have crept in, alleviating stress, worry and regrets. This is the time to re-visit the spirituality within us. What does Easter mean to you? How can it relate to your good

'What I hate most about being single again after 3 years is shopping. Instead of the dulex shopping trolley model, I am back to carrying the sad, single basket. Panic sets in. Everyone will know that I am single. I hide and scurry through the aisles keeping

A vicar who quit Labour over the war with Iraq cost the party a seat by standing against them in Crawley's local elections. It was no surprise that Labour kept its strong grip on the town last night. But there were also red faces in the Labour camp when

Labour lost control of Brighton and Hove City Council in a night of high drama at the Brighton Centre. When all the votes were counted they were a tantalising four seats away from a majority on the new 54-seat council. The state of the parties is now

Irregular, heavy, painful or multiple periods are not uncommon in women in England. In India, many young and old women in semi-rural and urban areas prefer to treat any problems of uterine bleeding naturally with Ayurvedic medicine and Yoga. Teenagers

Spring still seems to be a long way off as people try and shake off the winter blues. Siobhan Ryan looks at how therapies such as acupuncture and shiatsu can help them stop feeling flat, burnt out and run down. At the moment there are many people who

Natural skin beauty can be affected by exposure to weather, pollution, direct sunlight, chemical sprays and repeated washing with soap and detergents. The vitality and suppleness of the skin depends on its ability to retain oil and moisture and over-exposure

The ancient Yogis lay great emphasis on the central role which proper breathing plays in our health. We all know that we cannot live without breathing. Our breathing and circulation of blood in the body are intimately connected and interactive. You will

People recovering from major heart surgery are usually advised to watch their diet and not to overdo things but the benefits of support from others can be limited. Siobhan Ryan speaks to a man who has had surgery and now spends his time helping others

Tories in Arun retained their grip on power as the leaders of the three main opposition parties were toppled in a night of high drama. The Conservatives tightened their grip and stood firm but there was chaos all around. Lib Dem leader John Richards,

One of the most common complaints I hear these days is: "Doctor, I cannot sleep. Can you give me something to help me sleep". Over recent years,the use of tranquillisers has shot up as doctors may not have anything else to offer. It is not easy to live

As the opening decade of the 21st century unfolds, the ancient heart of Tarring finds itself in a bit of a mess. Tarring High Street, with timber-framed homes dating back to medieval times, is clogged with parked cars. Glebe Road, linking Rectory Road

Diabetes Mellitus is a result of malfunction of the pancreas an organ in the stomach which produces insulin. Insulin controls the sugar level and its utilisation in the body. To understand why this happens and why diet is so important, knowledge of the

The Conservatives are celebrating in Adur after snatching four seats from their rivals. Three of the gains were made at the expense of Labour and one of the council's five Independent seats also fell to the Tories. The biggest blow of the night was the

Home Secretary David Blunkett today unveiled plans to jail extremists who stir up religious hatred. The measures come amid concern about attacks on members of the UK's Muslim community following the suicide attacks on the US. But they will also help the

With many celebrities and royalties going for Ayurvedic therapy and treatment, there is an increasing awareness and interest in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic medicine dates back to around 2500BC. The University of Taxilla in Northern India was the first university

Thousands of people in Sussex are affected by ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Siobhan Ryan speaks to an organisation that is dedicated to providing support for sufferers and raising awareness of the condition. About 900 adults and children in the county

Many of you may have watched and heard actress Tracey Shaw; who spoke on TV about her agonising experience with anorexia or eating disorder - and more importantly how she got over it. We also saw how young girls of school age are affected by the body

A new Department of Health report says that 24 per cent of women in the country will be obese by 2005. Siobhan Ryan speaks to a woman who is about to hold regular counselling and support sessions to help people lose weight. It's the start of another New

Children have never had it this good. Anything a child could ever want has been extensively researched and catered for. So why are many children not "performing" as well as adults expect them to? Learning disorders such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia

Cholesterol is a type of fat in he body. It deposits itself with other tissue on to he inner lining of our blood vessels and clogs them up, causing heart disease, angina, high blood pressure and stroke. Diet, stress and lack of exercise are the main causes

A woman aged 52 came to see me for a holistic opinion after having suffered from stomach pains for more than a year. She had some heart burn, but her main pain was in the lower stomach. After medical investigations, she had been told she had diverticulitis

The man accused of killing eight-year-old Sarah Payne appeared in the dock at Lewes Crown Court today. Mechanic Roy Whiting, 41, formerly of St Augustine Road, Littlehampton, is charged with kidnapping Sarah from a country lane in July last year. Whiting

A new jury in the Sarah Payne murder case was today sworn in, hours after the trial was halted and the first jury discharged. The hearing was stopped at 11.10am, a day and a half into the prosecution opening of the case against the defendant Roy Whiting

Sarah Payne's family today relived the last moments of their daughter's life, for the second time. Prosecution barrister Timothy Langdale QC outlined details of the kidnap and murder of the eight-year-old schoolgirl to a new jury. Sarah's father, Michael

Many of you may have watched the documentary on the television where Fredie Starr, the comedian, and other people talked about their depression. It was commented that 18 million prescriptions for antidepressants are written every year and that the rate

A single blonde hair from Sarah Payne's head proves Roy Whiting was her killer, a court heard. The hair was found on a red sweatshirt seized from Whiting's Fiat Ducato van when he was arrested the day after eight-year-old Sarah disappeared on July 1 last

This is the man accused of kidnapping eight-year-old Sarah Payne from a Sussex field and murdering her. Mr Justice Curtis made a ruling at Lewes Crown Court allowing the media to show the image of Roy Whiting, 42, formerly of St Augustine Road, Littlehampton