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
Dear Martina, I am in my twenties and although healthy, have a sluggish circulation with advanced cellulite covering my thighs and bottom. I used to be overweight but now eat a balanced diet and exercise consistently every day. I am trying to get rid
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
When trying to give up smoking, there are several factors to take into account. It is not just about deciding one day not to have a cigarette, getting help and support as you battle the cravings can make all the difference. National Stop-Smoking Centres
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
As the days gradually get longer and the weather warmer, the traditional spring sounds are being drowned out by unseasonal sneezing and sniffing. The early arrival of hay fever each year is one of the unforeseen effects of global warming. This is because
So you've slipped up. Picture the scenario: You're on a diet, trying to lose weight slowly but surely, and all was going well until that moment when you just couldn't resist any longer. So you had one biscuit (or whatever is your downfall) and then another
"My 15-year-old son is a bit reluctant to shape up. He needs to get more active and lose a bit of weight. "How can I persuade him to do this, even though he hates sport at school?" - Mrs D Turner, Arundel Some kids are superfit and active with endless
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,
One of the key tools that helps people lose weight and keep it off for good is slow eating. You've probably heard it before but it's worth repeating because we forget to do it a lot of the time. The main purpose of slow eating is to help you to eat less
The fit ball is a great aid to developing your overall training regime in many ways. It will give you a real challenge in the gym or at home and help you to develop you balance, awareness in space, muscle co-ordination and core postural strength. It will
"Comfort eating" is a phrase (and activity) you may be quite familiar with. It is widespread and a common cause of being overweight. By definition, when we comfort eat we are not physically hungry. Instead, we are eating to bury our feelings and unmet
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
Recovering from the effects of a stroke can be a long and difficult process so practical support, medical help and advice is vital. It can take months to regain speech and some form of mobility, with each person affected in a different way. Brighton and
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
A few weeks ago, the Food Standards Agency announced it was no longer necessary to wash fruit and vegetables in order to remove pesticides when preparing them for small children. The Pesticide Residues Committee, however, has stated that at least 30 per
One of the funniest articles I ever read about dieting was written some years ago, yet I remember it to this day. I apologise for not being able to give credit to the writer because I don't remember who it was or even in which newspaper I saw it. Even
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 your day-to-day life, you are constantly making choices: What to wear, where to go (at least at weekends), what to do and, of course, what to buy. Say you want a new CD player. You may have a look at a consumer magazine, you may surf the internet,
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
Siobhan Ryan reports on efforts in Sussex to encourage more people to sign on to the national organ donor register. Earlier this year, Brighton and Hove City Council sent out special forms with its electoral roll forms to homes across the city. People
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
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
More people these days are opting to attend specially organised fireworks displays carried out under strict safety regulations on Bonfire Night. However, there are still those who prefer to have friends and family round for celebrations in their own back
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
The annual UK campaign to urge people to take advantage of an offer of a free flu jab has been launched with the help of former boxer Sir Henry Cooper. GP practices across Sussex will be spending the next couple of months vaccinating thousands of people
The most important piece of advice offered by Kirt Strasburg is to wear the right shoes. Badly-fitting shoes are the cause of the vast majority of problems he deals with at his Worthing-based clinic. He said: "One of the main concerns is the shoes some
Alcohol abuse has a devastating effect on the drinker, their friends, family and employers. Alcohol often plays an invisible role in crime, domestic and street violence, car accidents and fatal illness. For every person who dies of illicit drug use, ten
Thousands of people in Sussex are heading for the summer sunshine. Here we consider advice from experts on making your holiday safe. Whether you are planning to soak up the sun in Spain, go for a trek in the Himalayas or spend a week closer to home in
The number of people having their navels, eyebrows and other body parts pierced has soared in recent years. Once reserved for the young and rebellious, the practice has been adopted by trendy teens everywhere and even professionals are sporting studs
As you are training this week, think about how often, when and why you perform stretches. Flexibility training should not just be a minor part of your training, it should be well planned and thought through. As you may know or realise, you will become
Imagine suffering periodic spells of blindness, an intense throbbing in the head and overwhelming nausea on a regular basis. Shutting out the world to lie in darkness for up to three days might be the only solution. But for more than one in ten adults
A series of courses is being set up to help people achieve the right balance of work and play to improve their health and quality of life. The scene is an all too familiar one: A person works long hours in a busy and stressful job and when they get home
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
It is easy when you are relaxing on holiday - or even just enjoying the summer sun at home - to get carried away and overdo the booze. But the dangers of binge drinking can be severe. Even government drinking guidelines - two to three units a day for
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
About one in three women and one in 12 men over the age of 50 will develop osteoporosis. The condition can cause crippling problems but, for many people, the first time they find out something wrong is after they break bone. The National Osteoporosis
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
Our feet carry us the equivalent of five times round the Earth in an average lifetime. In return, we hide them away in shoes and forget about them - until problems develop. Feet problems affect more than a third of the population and when your feet hurt
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
Kim Galvin remembers the moment, ten years ago, when she thought she was coming down with flu. She had the classic symptoms - aching neck and shoulders and a throbbing headache - but within a few hours, she realised it was something far more serious.
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
When you think about it, the vast gathering in Parliament Square, the violence and the unlawful entry into the Commons was to defend the right to tear the living guts out of a fox. Maurice Packham -Staiton Road, Horsham
Whatever you think of the debacle of the security breach in the House of Commons, it is time to get realistic. In the Eighties, the miners were annihilated in Margaret Thatcher's personal crusade against the unions. Now, however, there are far worse threats
Was it lack of space or poor spelling that led the Countryside Alliance to burn the slogan "No Ban" into grass by the Long Man of Wilmington and at 13 other locatiions? The hunting fraternity use some ludicrous arguments in defence of their barbaric pastime
It is wrong for the Albion management to ask long-suffering supporters and your readers to put money into the club. Surely the previous directors, the authorities concerned and shareholders who profited by the sale of the club and its ground should be
How unfortunate you should publish Councillor Craig Turton's defence of Brighton and Hove City Council's "sustainable" transport strategy the same day you tell us that road works on the A23 will be suspended during the Labour Party conference. Why? So
East Dean and Friston is a small village of about 2,000 inhabitants in East Sussex with an elderly bias to the population. In late 2003 residents began to get frustrated by the apparent delays in getting broadband installed at the local exchange and so
A former teacher blamed the BBC when he was caught with thousands of pornographic images of children on his home computer. Peter Watts, 37, from Upper Dicker, near Eastbourne, was featured in a 2002 documentary on the rehabilitation of paedophiles after
Frail Gladys May will lose her home of ten years after a council voted to demolish it. The 84-year-old, who lives at Larchwood Care Centre in Waldron Avenue, Coldean, Brighton, will be out by Christmas. The process of moving long-term residents will begin
A hospital has launched a £3 million appeal to open a cancer unit. The unit at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester will be for the thousands of day patients who have to visit every week. A dedicated unit will bring all cancer services under one roof and
I concur with Mrs Davis about Dr Tate. He was doctor to both myself and my daughter, Barbara, for many years and would still be if I had not moved away. He was so kind and understanding and helped me through bad patches. I hope many more of his patients
A woman watched helplessly as her tiny Yorkshire terrier was savaged by a greyhound. Jackie Dillon described how two men let their dog off its leash and looked on as it killed her beloved Fergie. The alleged attack followed a similar incident thought
The killer of grandmother Marie Harding must be locked away for good, her family said. Mrs Hardings family, speaking for the first time since she was stabbed to death, said they had lost a loving, caring and devoted mum, wife and friend. Relatives including
I was at a friend's birthday party in 1993 when I collapsed with sudden adult death syndrome. If it hadn't been for two other guests, Dr Tate and another doctor, giving me CPR until the ambulance arrived, I would not have had an extra 11 years to enjoy
Britain's biggest housebuilder is taking the Government to court amid claims ministers have ruined plans for a new neighbourhood next to Gatwick. Developer Persimmon and Laing is to seek a judicial review because it says the Government's aviation White
Sussex Police chief Ken Jones today made a personal plea to protesters to stay away from next week's Labour Party conference. He said he has enough on his hands protecting the Government from terrorists. The Chief Constable aimed his plea at the pro-hunt
I am a single parent, working full time and have been forced to educate my 14-year-old daughter at home as well. This is because her school has not dealt with bullying problems. One attack on my daughter was so bad, she was left bleeding internally. Many
TV sports presenter Des Lynam has urged the people of Brighton and Hove to dig deep to keep the Albion afloat. A week on from the launch of the club's £2 million appeal, the broadcaster said it was unfair to expect chairman Dick Knight to shoulder the
Cash-strapped Brighton and Hove Albion have turned down a £60,000 windfall because the money comes from a company headed by hated former chairman Bill Archer. The Seagulls have rejected an invitation from the Football League to have Wickes Home Improvement
Consider the cost to local communities of the Government's policy to build houses in the South-East. The oldest building in Nutley (circa 14th Century) is to be surrounded by "executive style" homes via a planning application approved by Wealden District
Jack Pearce has tipped Eastbourne Borough to recover from their early season problems but hopes their revival does not start until after tonight's first-ever league meeting with Bognor. Borough are third form bottom in Conference south following Saturday's
Phil Smith has urged Crawley to make a flying start at Canvey Island tonight. The former Millwall goalkeeper says Reds start too slowly in away games and that is the reason for their poor form away from Broadfield Stadium. Crawley have lost three matches
Grasping developers are continuing their slow rape of Brighton and Hove. They are pressuring planning officers to support their intention to demolish and change the face of our residential areas by pulling down as many family homes as possible to be replaced
The race for track glory is over for another year for Eastbourne Eagles after they crashed to defeat at Ipswich last night. Eagles lost 55-39 in the first round of the Elite League play-offs. Ipswich are now away in the semi-finals to Wolverhampton, who
Albion manager Mark McGhee revealed today he has apologised to his players for their latest defeat. McGhee took the unusual step of calling them in on Sunday and giving them yesterday off following the 3-2 setback at home to Queens Park Rangers. McGhee
Ian Mellor today saluted Brian Clough as the man who made possible Albion's most famous goalscoring double act. Mellor revealed he only signed for the Seagulls because Clough was manager. The striker nicknamed 'Spider' went on to form a legendary partnership
Unashamedly inspired by the new-wave punk stylings of Devo, Japan's Polysics do synthesized pop-rock like no-one else around today. Frontman Hayashi, the brains behind the band, came up with their distinctive image and neu-new-wave sound, claiming that
Brighton-based electronic grungers Oom have already picked up a few celebrity fans for their distinctive and haunting sound. Public Enemy's Chuck D and Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja have both expressed admiration for Oom's blend of loops, beats, and
A folk singer in the more traditional mould, Laura Veirs' music is influenced by the wild landscape of Colorado where she grew up. Born next to the Rocky Mountains, Veirs spent her childhood in the company of starry skies, unlimited space and stormy weather
(Cert 12A, 100mins): Produced, directed and guinea-pigged by Morgan Spurlock We've all heard of suffering for your art but driving yourself to the brink of liver failure, borderline impotency and to such a state of bad health your doctors warn you could
(Cert 12A, 94mins): Starring Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate and David Koechner. Directed by Adam McKay The Seventies: Big hair, wild clothes and rampant sexism in the work place. Those were the glory years for Ron Burgundy (Ferrell), the award-winning
Julian Cope is a fascinating but frustrating character. He perturbs me because I can't work out exactly what he is. I know he used to be in a post-punk band caled the The Teardrop Explodes and I know he has written huge books about ancient archaeology
The last time I heard the word pipette was just before an explosion during a fifth-form chemistry lesson. But then Ros, Julia and Becki and their rotating band, The Cassettes, are a bit of a musical explosion, in the best possible way. Mix together a
With recent airplay on Juice and several headlining gigs over the summer, Carlo Sandblow are one of the most promising unsigned acts on the Brighton band circuit. Avoiding angsty self-introspection and muddy guitar sounds, theirs is an upbeat, ska-tinged-country-soul
Good old George Frideric Handel, he was born in Germany in 1685 and died in London in 1759, leaving an estate worth a fortune. In between he was lionised in his native country and in Italy, where he beat the Italians at their own game of Italian opera
Michael Frayn's play is a cerebral and, at times, poetic piece, an exploration of scientific responsibility which is based on a true story. In 1941 Werner Heisenberg, the pre-eminent nuclear scientist, left his native Germany to visit occupied Norway.
Has Brighton become blas to the charms of Fatboy Slim after being spoiled by the friendly neighbourhood superstar DJ for all these years? Tee-ed up by the familiar platter of Boutique's tech house, beats and rap, Norman Cook entered the fray enthusing
Do you imagine yourself to be a vision of blooming health during your pregnancy with a perfectly neat bump, radiant skin and glossy hair? Or do you fear growing ever larger and fatter with swollen ankles, expanding hips, frumpy clothes and rollercoaster
In an age of mobiles, computers, malls, automated telephones and congested roads, there is plenty for us to get angry about. According to the British Association of Anger Management, 65 per cent of office workers have experienced office rage, more than
It looks like pond water but a green algae is the superfood which is taking Brighton by storm. Since being featured in the book of the Channel 4 TV series You Are What You Eat, the food supplement spirulina is flying off the shelves in health food stores
Waking up to a breakfast of stodgy chocolate bars and salty crisps sounds like an unappetising way to start the day. But tucking into a bowl of cereal every morning could have the same effect on your body as feasting on a menu of junk food. Health experts
Most people's experiences of a needle have involved an injection and pain. But there is another kind of needle to benefit health and its use is more gentle and even relaxing. Acupuncture involves inserting needles into selected points on the body to help
To start its new season, Wick Theatre Company has set itself the ambitious challenge of performing two plays on alternate nights - the first being Shakespeare's sylvan comedy. The Forest of Arden is skillfully evoked with the play being performed in the
Hypnosis conjures up images of Paul McKenna and people believing they are rabbits or saying strange things spontaneously. But the tradition is more than just an entertainment gimmick- hypnotherapists use it to treat a range of problems from bad habits
Summer is approaching and for hay fever sufferers that can spell misery as the pollen count rises. More people suffer from hay fever than ever before. Last year 36 per cent of young people aged 12 to 14 were said to be affected compared with 12 per cent
Traditionally the stuff of life, bread has suffered a bit of a setback of late. With the low-carb Atkins diet all the rage and abstaining from wheat the most recent dietary fad, the best thing since sliced bread has become, for many, no bread at all.
After a hard day at work many of us think nothing of pouring ourselves a glass of our favourite tipple to unwind with. So what if the odd alcoholic drink to relax develops in to several and suddenly you find yourself frequently turning to the bottle to
Coffee has had a bad press but experts now say you can enjoy your favourite pick-me-up without feeling guilty. Dr Chiara Trombetti believes the benefits of the beverage could out-weigh the risks and, according to her research, the stronger the brew the
Cleoptra used it as a beauty treatment, opera singers soothe their throats with it and it is the favourite food of Winnie the Pooh. Bees have been producing honey for at least 150 million years and in the past 4,000 years humans have been basking in its
Many parents are unaware of simple first aid steps which could save their child's life after an accident at home, a survey has revealed. According to the Red Cross, in some cases parents are even administering treatment which could put their children
If you took a walk along Brighton beach last summer, you are sure to have passed at least one graceful poi dancer. Swinging his or her colourful, weighted ropes and creating wonderful, hypnotic patterns, this graceful art originated in New Zealand as
I expect quite a few of you put weight loss high on your New Year's resolution list. Some of you may have already fallen by the wayside while others may be doing well. But the diet doubters may still try to throw you off course. I'm sympathetic because
CST, a little-known form of alternative therapy, is beginning to become more popular but most people still have no idea what it is about. Cordula Hallensleben is a trained doctor but has always had an interest in alternative treatments such as acupuncture
Former soldier Lionel James will be seeing in the new year for the first time in more than seven years - thanks to his eye tooth. The retired soldier who travelled the world in his 22-year-career has never been able to see his youngest grandchild, Phoebe
It's that time of year again when people across Sussex are in the party spirit and out to have a good time. For many, that good time will include more than a few drinks before they fall into the back of a cab and go home. The most obvious way to avoid
The run-up to Christmas is often frenetic. All that planning, lists, shopping and errands. All you want to do, when you get the chance, is crash out. The last thing you may have the patience for is cooking or baking for Christmas with your children. It's
The Ashaninka Indians live in villages along river banks in the jungle regions of Peru. Living in harmony with their environment, they grow their crops in a way that respects the natural order of the Amazonian rainforest. The Ashaninka believe some plants
In 1618, a farmer on Epsom Common noticed his cows refused to drink from a certain well, even when the weather was hot and dry. The water had a bitter taste but the farmer found that it helped to heal the scratches on his skin. Taking the water from this
A lover's betrayal cannot be much more shocking and damaging than inflicting a terminal disease on a partner. Alex, 31, thought he was in a loving, trusting relationship until a routine medical check-up for a new job revealed he was HIV positive. He had
In 1978, Dr Peter Mitchell, a British scientist, was awarded the Nobel Prize for chemistry for his study of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It is a vitamin-like substance vital to life, improving a cell's ability to use oxygen, thereby making the production of
Germaine Newman believes she is taking control of her son Freddy's health by not giving him vaccinations. The natural health care practitioner made her decision before she even fell pregnant with Freddy, now five months old. Germaine, of Chichester Place
The water system was a useful invention - imagine if we had to transport the huge amount of water we use every day ourselves. We now rely on water companies to provide us with good water and the standard is generally high. However, there are powerful
A couple of weeks ago, free samples of the low calorie sweetener Splenda landed on thousands of doormats urging us to say "yes, yes, yes, yes" to more sweetness in our lives. Apart from hoping I'm sweet enough already, I know from experience that the
Gandhi once said: "Homeopathy cures a larger percentage of cases than any other method of treatment and is beyond doubt safer and more economical and a most complete medical science." Yehudi Menuhin considered homeopathy "the safest and more reliable
It's no great secret that allergies, mental health problems, infertility and obesity are reaching epidemic proportions. Where drug therapy is no longer seen as effective, gene therapy is often hailed as the next saviour. In fact, I'd like to order a complete
Hundreds of scientists from more than 40 countries are descending on Brighton and Hove for a congress this week, all with an interest in the health effects of dietary fats. While we're told to eat a low-fat diet, the congress will hear about the important
Children in particular are likely to want to emulate the heroics of players such as Jonny Wilkinson, who decided the World Cup final with a last-gasp drop-goal. Nigel Dudding, coach of Henley Rugby Club, says: "In the past, rugby has tended to be a private
Chinese herbal remedies have been getting a bad press recently but practitioners say their medicines are a safe and effective form of treatment. Sarah Hall and her husband Matthew were thrilled when their first son Alfie was born in 1997. They were keen
Thousands of people are given medicines in Sussex every week but how many know exactly what these pills and potions do and what they are for? The tablets to control your underactive thyroid are on repeat prescription every three months and you take them
You want to get fit for the summer and lose weight so you head for the gym. Once you get there, you are tempted by a dazzling display of "sports" drinks. Athletic and energetic images spring instantly to mind. Think Linford Christie and Daley Thompson
Dear Judy, I'm the only one in my family who is overweight. My husband and children nag me silly to do something about it. It makes me very unhappy and I just eat more. What can I do? Your question made me feel sad. At one time, I felt just like you but
Richard Gere swears by it and Goldie Hawn, Sheryl Crow and Shania Twain are always at it. Meditation, once the preserve of Buddhist monks, has never been more popular. It is often seen as a stress-buster but latest research shows it can lower blood pressure
I am often asked for miracle cures for a complaint and if I don't come up with a snappy answer within seconds, the questioner thinks I can't be much cop as a practitioner. I remain mystified by the instant fix philosophy. Ask a builder what he requires
For years, 38-year-old Christopher May has battled to control the symptoms of the psychological and neurological condition Tourette's syndrome. He was diagnosed at the age of 19 and went on to become one of the first people in the UK to have brain surgery
Hospitals are devoted to rest and recovery from illness, so I was shocked when I visited one recently to find its shop actively promoting ill health. Rows upon rows of crisps, sweets, chocolates and even bags of refined sugar were on display, beside a
Body image is so subjective, yet it can rule our lives. One suspects the underlying motivation to achieve a certain look has less to do with aesthetics and more to do with self-esteem. It is common to feel inadequate compared to media images of perfection
As winter starts closing in, a comforting mug of hot chocolate sounds more appealing than a glass of cold water. But just because the temperature is dropping, doesn't mean the amount of water you drink each day should drop as well. Apart from being good
There's an approach to losing weight that many people try. During the week, when they are in a routine, they are "well-behaved" and lose a couple of pounds. Then, as soon as the weekend starts, they suddenly allow themselves to eat whatever they fancy
The other day, I came across a headache remedy boasting you don't need to drink any water when you take it. Just pop the pill and go it advised- completely disregarding the fact that the majority of headaches are caused by dehydration. These days, it
The number of cases of diabetes in the UK is steadily rising but many people may be unaware they have the condition. If someone thinks they may be diabetic but are just not sure, the chances are they will put off going to their GP until the symptoms are
In the first days of the New Year, body and mind give us a wake-up call for clarity and renewal. There are many detox regimes to choose from but, in truth, the guiding principle behind all of them is rehydration. It's easy to forget we are two-thirds
If you were a blushing bride in the summer, there's a chance you are now experiencing a growing problem. Instead of "comfort eating", you may find yourself eating because you are comfortable, happy and settled. But do you find your clothes are getting
Has anyone else been inundated recently with multi-level marketing (MLM) distributors flogging their supplements? I am in no position to judge these products and they may be of very good quality. Nor can I take the moral high ground on recommending supplements
Popeye, the popular cartoon character, got it all wrong. He ate mounds of spinach, thinking it contained plenty of iron to make him strong. Scientists in the 1890s made a mistake while calculating the nutritional value of various vegetables and put a
The flu season is back as we hurtle towards the busy festive period, so stock up with some powerful immune-boosters. Instead of just relying on one agent, ensure you have a few bug-busting devices at your disposal and know how to use them. Nobody is likely
The Seminole Indians in Florida, USA, call themselves the "Unconquered People". During the 19th Century, the Seminole fought against relocation to Oklahoma by the US Government. The Native Americans put up such strong resistance the US Army eventually
If you don't enjoy eating vegetables, there is an alternative - you can drink them. Vegetable juice bars are becoming increasingly popular as we experience the health benefits of freshly-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices. Go on, be adventurous: Instead
Western countries are seeing a consistent increase in violent crime. The best efforts by police, zero tolerance campaigns and neighbourhood watch schemes still don't make us feel much safer. Our prisons are the fullest in Europe but it only makes sense
Dear Gary Lineker, Congratulations on winning the Food Commission's Greedy Star award after earning more than £5 million from the Walkers Crisps adverts. Much deserved, I'm sure, as your two-year ad campaign has helped "sell enough crisps to cover the
Producing a healthy baby is about to go hi-tech with reports that IVF treatment may soon be available on the NHS. I'm not in the business of knocking fertility treatment because I depended on a dose of fertility tablets myself before my first pregnancy
Inspirational teachers are a gift. I recently met up with one of my previous tutors, Breda Gajsek. Some years ago, she drummed home the basic nutritional principles and their importance for good health. Breda now runs her own training school for nutritional
When you walk into a hospital ward you generally expect to hear a low murmur of conversation, the odd cough and a clattering of plates and cutlery. But on one ward at Brighton General Hospital, you may walk in to find patients indulging in a sing-song
On a recent trip to the supermarket, I noticed the checkouts are still teeming with confectionery. Nothing new here, except for some interesting additions. In order to make your life ever sweeter, you can now buy cutely-packaged, glitzy boxes of painkillers
Wheat and dairy products are consumed daily by most people and are thought to be nourishing foods. Although we've eaten them for thousands of years, we have never consumed them in such quantities and it is becoming apparent they may cause problems for
Menopause is a woman's time of wisdom, power and knowledge. It is a natural progression in life's journey and a time for new decisions and new beginnings. The menopause is a series of changes in a woman's body, mind and emotions and not something to be
Research has shown well-informed patients tend to have fewer complications after treatment. With this in mind, the private healthcare company Bupa, which runs hospitals in Hastings, Horley and Tunbridge Wells, has drawn up a series of booklets covering
Sarah Whittaker was enjoying life and work at a prestigious law firm when she began to notice the symptoms of a disease which was to transform her life. She was working for solicitors Mishcon de Reya, advisers to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial
A new food scare story seems to appear in the media every week. So, without expert knowledge, how does the average person respond? Take our quiz to see if you can separate fact from fiction. 1 There have been reports that farmed salmon contains radioactive
Peter Bennett is a retired police superintendent with a particular interest in juvenile delinquency. He tells me there are two main categories of offenders: The cunning criminals who plan their jobs carefully and are rarely caught, and those impulsive
What is a balanced diet? In a climate of controversial views and misinformation, Kate Neil, a leading nutritionist, believes many people have no idea what a balanced diet consists of. For thousands of years, the wise have known about the benefits of eating
Dear Martina, What can I do to boost my calcium intake? I am 16 years old and a vegetarian and my mother is worried I might get osteoporosis later in life if I don't drink milk. Emily P, Hove Dear Emily, There is more to calcium than most of us think.
Toxic industrial waste is not easy to get rid of these days as disposal costs can run into billions. Some polluting companies have found a way round this dilemma by pretending their highly toxic fluorosilicate waste is the same as naturally-occurring
Weight struggles affect a very wide section of the population and my clients come from all walks of life. When I listen to their efforts, I often wonder whether those who live on their own have a harder time controlling their weight than those living
Whenever the world goes completely bananas, as it does on occasion, try going fruity yourself. Have you ever admired the shape, colour and taste of a banana? Let us consider the virtues of one of our oldest and most popular fruits. Alexander the Great
A large, long-term study on HRT was halted because the women taking part had a clear increase in the incidence of breast cancer. There was also an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots and endometrial and uterine cancer. Another study
Nutritionists have been telling people for years to take vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids but, according to the Food Standards Agency, we've got it all wrong. They tell us vitamins and minerals may have irreversible harmful effects. As I am
Migraine sufferers in Sussex face a summer of torture, with outings and holidays delayed or postponed because of an attack. That can result in severe consequences for their relationships with family members. Migraine is the most common neurological condition
Always read the label, especially before taking your medicine, and you'll be amazed at what you can find. Beechams Flu-Plus, for instance, contains - apart from the customary paracetamol and decongestant - added sucrose, aspartame and the colours carmoisine
William Moon went blind at the age of 21, after a bout of scarlet fever, but it didn't stop him from becoming an inspirational inventor, teacher and missionary. He learned to use Braille but found it complicated so he developed his own system that was
All allergic conditions are increasing, with about one in three people in the UK suffering from an allergy-related problem some time in their life. For many, this may be little more than a mild source of irritation but for others, it can be a life-threatening
Everyone wants to look and feel their best on holiday. Whether it's to appear slimmer on the beach or enjoy country walking without puffing, we usually wish we'd taken action earlier. At the same time, we also like to take advantage of the good food and
Sussex pharmacists and GPs are warning people to take precautions and make sure their holiday is memorable for all the right reasons. One of the first things to check before going abroad is whether any vaccinations are needed. Simon Fisher, a pharmacist
Whether it's five km, a half marathon or a full marathon, more and more people across Sussex are getting involved in running. Many of them are new to long-distance events and health experts are warning people to follow a series of measures to make sure
For many people, food is a means to an end. Rarely do we have time to stop and reflect on what we are putting into our mouths and what its effects might be. This is set to change as we become increasingly aware of just how much food affects our mental
Hardly a day goes by without another worrying report on the growing numbers of obese people in the UK today. As many as two thirds of British men and more than half of all British women are now overweight and one in five is obese. This indicates most
When I first met Ollie, he wasn't hearing voices in his head but ethereal music. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and regularly consumed alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs. Within six months, he had weaned himself off stimulants, started
Mention osteoporosis and most people automatically assume it is something from which women suffer. But although one in three women are generally affected by the condition, there are still two million men in Britain with the disease. Osteoporosis can lead
If God had wanted women to be perfect, he or she wouldn't have invented chocolate. Creating a food as sumptuously soothing and as voluptuously velvety as chocolate was a rotten trick to play, especially on us nutritionists who are supposed to abstain
I'm having a bad day. I'm late for the office and the traffic lights always work against me. At last - get off your mobile phone and make a move please, madam, the lights won't get any greener. Oh no, not more road works. Let's take a short cut and zip
Keith Hall is hoping a new form of treatment will help thousands of people with strokes and multiple sclerosis. He is bringing a new type of treatment called Intention Myofeedback Therapy (IMF Therapy) over from the Continent where it has been a major
Remember the joke in which a patient consults a doctor because he is suffering with a headache? The doctor tells him to stop banging his head against the wall and sends him away. It is similar with food allergies: Don't eat the offending food and the
More than 500 patients were invited to attend special blood-screening clinics at Royal Sussex County Hospital because they might have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. A worker at the hospital was discovered to be carrying the virus after undergoing
Lemon trees were first grown in China and India about 4,000 years ago and found their way to Europe with a little help from merchants and Crusaders. Christopher Columbus was the first to introduce lemons to America, yet was unaware it could prevent scurvy
Dear Martina, I remember reading in a magazine a short while ago that, surprisingly, there are no vitamins in honey. However, when I visited my daughter in Canada, she bought some honey which claimed to have plenty of nutrients and health benefits. Who
Cash-strapped Brighton and Hove Albion have turned down a £60,000 windfall because the money comes from a company headed by hated former chairman Bill Archer. The Seagulls have rejected an invitation from the Football League to have Wickes Home Improvement
Ian Mellor today saluted Brian Clough as the man who made possible Albion's most famous goalscoring double act. Mellor revealed he only signed for the Seagulls because Clough was manager. The striker nicknamed 'Spider' went on to form a legendary partnership
He will be remembered as one of the most successful and charismatic managers in British football history. But the eight months Brian Clough spent as manager at Brighton and Hove Albion will go down as a blip in an otherwise glittering career. The controversial
A council worker who downloaded 165 pornographic images of children as young as five has been jailed for nine months. Peter Milam, 37, admitted ten charges of making obscene pictures after police raided his home on December 23, 2002, and seized his computer
A paedophile with one of the worst records a judge said he had ever seen launched a court bid to work with teenagers. Mark Jenks, 50, who has 20 convictions stretching back 30 years, wanted the age limit banning him from contact with children lowered
A woman watched helplessly as her tiny Yorkshire terrier was savaged by a greyhound. Jackie Dillon described how two men let their dog off its leash and looked on as it killed her beloved Fergie. The alleged attack followed a similar incident thought
A woman whose son died at the same cliff that claimed the life of kite-flier Barry Ripley is stepping up her campaign for it to be made safer. Sandie Underdown's son Jamie, ten, fell to his death in 1997 while playing at Splash Point, Seaford. Mrs Underdown
A GP who allegedly had a fling with one of her patients and bugged a colleague's surgery has been called before the doctors' professional conduct committee. Yvonne Hunniford wrote letters supporting housing applications made by the man - known only as
Sussex Police chief Ken Jones today made a personal plea to protesters to stay away from next week's Labour Party conference. He said he has enough on his hands protecting the Government from terrorists. The Chief Constable aimed his plea at the pro-hunt
TV sports presenter Des Lynam has urged the people of Brighton and Hove to dig deep to keep the Albion afloat. A week on from the launch of the club's £2 million appeal, the broadcaster said it was unfair to expect chairman Dick Knight to shoulder the
Phil Smith has urged Crawley to make a flying start at Canvey Island tonight. The former Millwall goalkeeper says Reds start too slowly in away games and that is the reason for their poor form away from Broadfield Stadium. Crawley have lost three matches
Brighton Bears coach Nick Nurse will introduce his star players at a business networking event next month. Mr Nurse, whose team won basketball's national league last year, will give tips on how to build a successful business. Representatives from Sussex
Stiles Harold Williams has established a new leisure division, focused on the hotel and leisure industries. According to the company, which has offices in Brighton, Eastbourne, Crawley and Worthing, the leisure property sector continues to be very buoyant
Britain's biggest housebuilder is taking the Government to court amid claims ministers have ruined plans for a new neighbourhood next to Gatwick. Developer Persimmon and Laing is to seek a judicial review because it says the Government's aviation White
Ninety-nine per cent of people would see their tax bills unchanged under plans set out by the Liberal Democrats, it was claimed yesterday. The Lib Dems want a new 50 per cent rate of income tax on every pound earnt above £100,000. That would affect just
Friendly society Family Assurance has relaunched itself as Family Investments in preparation for the introduction of Child Trust Funds. The Brighton-based group, formed in 1975, said it planned to become a major provider of the savings accounts when they
Capital Radio, the owner of Southern FM, was today expected to confirm it is in advanced merger talks with fellow commercial radio giant GWR. The two groups were understood to be considering a move which would see stations such as Capital FM and Classic
Are you on automatic pilot? It's my guess that by ten o'clock in the morning, you've already made 100 choices. Do I surprise you? Here are just some examples: To go back to sleep after the alarm rings or to get up. To exercise or not. To put the cap on
For those suffering from eczema or psoriasis, the notion of having a beautiful body comes secondary to the simple desire for a body that feels at ease with itself. The vicious cycle of itching and scratching can drive people to such distraction that all
Dear Martina, I think I'm suffering from hyperacidity. I was a cola drinker but stopped when I felt pain in my upper stomach. It has been two months now since I have had any. I also like eating fat from fried pork chops but suffer when I eat it. What
Whether it is tending a window box, digging in the back garden or helping to manage woodland, many people get a great deal of pleasure out of gardening. But there is more to it than the satisfaction of watching things grow and develop. Gardening is increasingly
If you live in Brighton and Hove, you will probably have noticed a hitherto little-known style of yoga class appearing on fitness club and health centre timetables around the city. Julie Cuddihy moved to Brighton in February last year and brought with
Confucius, born in China in 551BC, was one of the most respected philosophers in Chinese history, shaping political and moral thinking for centuries to come. In the time of Confucius, success in life was measured in terms of an individual's inner development
The Calorie Control Council is an international association representing the industry that makes and uses aspartame and other artificial sweeteners. After my recent column, Sweeteners That Leave A Sour Taste (September 26), the Council has complained
Nowadays you can get medication for any kind of inappropriate feeling or behaviour. Simply decide whether you are depressed, anxious, apathetic, hallucinating or displaying any form of violent or deviant tendency, then ask for a prescription. If a drug
In my last column, I concentrated on some of the important elements for beginners starting to use the great outdoors for their jogging or running. This week, I want to give you some tips on how to prepare for running a fun run or even a serious running
A lady called Janet has asked me about "natural" antibacterials now the sneezing season is in full swing. One of my favourites is oregano, the herb more commonly known as an aromatic flavouring for Mediterranean dishes. Through the ages it has been found
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive, neurological disorder which affects voluntary movements such as walking, talking, swallowing and writing. There are three main symptoms - tremor, rigidity and slowness of movements - but not everyone will experience
A recent outbreak of measles in West Sussex has reignited the debate about the triple MMR jab and its possible link to autism. Siobhan Ryan reports Ten children from across West Sussex are recovering from an outbreak of measles. Four of the cases were
So often, when you do something well, your first instinct is to reward yourself - and the first reward that comes to mind is always food. Likewise, when you have something to celebrate, you want food or even better, champagne. The food you use to reward
There are plenty of different ways to eat your apple. Some like it hot, some like it cold, some like it peeled and sliced. Personally, I eat the whole fruit, core and all, until I'm left with nothing but a little brown stalk. This has less to do with
Last week's column was about improving memory and concentration. This week, readers can check out whether they still require a little extra brain food. Just by taking part in the following quiz: 1 What is Nigella Sativa? a) a new Bollywood dance craze
I think it was Henry Ford who said: "If you think you can or if you think you can't, you're right." In other words, whatever you expect you can do, you will do and if you don't expect to be able to do it, the result is you won't. You can apply this to
As the weather gets hotter, the lure of the beach is strong but before getting ready to bask in the sun, health experts are warning people to stop, think and take care. The Government and Cancer Research UK have launched a nationwide SunSmart campaign
We would all like to believe we are more special than others but, in reality, few of us are truly exceptional. One outstanding personality we rarely get to hear about is the famous Persian physician Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna (AD980-1037). Avicenna
When the Spanish conquered the Aztec and Inca civilisations for gold in the 1500s, they also destroyed the natives' primary source of nutrition. Amaranth was believed to have magical, medicinal properties and was incorporated into pagan Indian rituals
According to a study by Cancer Research UK, nearly a third of smokers over the age of 65 are "hardcore" with no interest in quitting. Researchers found the proportion of hardcore smokers greatly increases with age - rising from five per cent of smokers
So, you're on a diet and you're very fed up with it because you don't seem to be losing any more weight. We all want instant results and there's no denying they help to keep you motivated. I want to convince you it doesn't matter how slow progress may
A revolution is underway. A non-violent, quiet revolution. It has the potential to create significant changes in the way we think about our health. Now it is about to be compromised. European directives that regulate vitamins, minerals and herbs are already
Phamacists have long had a tradition of providing help and advice to people looking for relief from minor illnesses and injuries. But in the past few years, their role has expanded rapidly. Instead of simply doling out pills, pharmacists now offer a range
The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) estimates that 10,000 people in the UK visit a chiropractor with DIY-related injuries each month. After this weekend, the association believes the figure could rise as people take advantage of the extra day off
Grapes have been treasured since the Bronze Age and especially once the ancient Egyptians and Romans realised they could produce excellent wines from fermented grape juice. It has been said that wine can only be as good as the grape from which it is made
People who want to lose weight come up with lots of excuses. Two completely contradictory ones come to mind. There are those who say they can't lose weight because they've got no time and others whose excuse is they've got too much time. I'd like to explore
The number of children classed as obese is continuing to rise. This has been partly blamed on sedentary lifestyles but poor diet is an important factor, with many young people living on fast food and ready meals and not eating enough fruit and vegetables
This year's London Marathon may have been run but the running bug has been caught by many people keen to get fit. Two courses offering running training with a difference will be taking place at the end of the month. People know how to run. They say it
Whitehawk Primary School has an inquisitive bunch of Year Three children, full of life and already worldly wise. I was recently invited by their teachers, Debbie Chisholm and Ann Whittemore, to visit the school and give a short pep talk on healthy eating
Sometimes we get stuck in a rut with our diet. And, here, I mean diet as in your food intake - the true meaning of the word. If you're a regular reader of this column, you'll know I tend not to focus on the nitty-gritty of what you eat but, rather, on
When new clients join my telephone weight-loss classes, we often discuss the most common anxieties about dieting. Many people worry about feeling weak, others fear deprivation and some are unhappy about the loss of comfort food. Yet there is one fear
Some old discoveries are as relevant today as they ever were. Dr Weston Price was a dentist in Cleveland, Ohio in the Thirties, who observed a large number of his patients were suffering from chronic degenerative ill health. He also noticed an increasing
Dear Martina, I am 29 years-old and suffer from recurring bouts of thrush infections and tiredness. I buy over-the-counter creams but have found they only work as long as I keep using them. A friend told me I should stop eating sugar and bread. I am reluctant
Reports that children are drinking more than 30 times as many soft drinks than in the Fifties come as no surprise to health care professionals. They witness the fall-out in terms of obesity, lowered immunity, diabetes, fragile bones and mental health
Junk food is getting an increasingly bad press and the food industry seems to be changing tack. They are investing vast sums into "functional" foods that are supposed to improve our health. If you visit a supermarket these days, you'll need to drag your
In the many articles I have written over the past two-and-half-years, I have neglected to point out the benefits of running. For this reason, I hope to inspire you to put on your running shoes and take up a pursuit which, for many people, has become a
A distant cousin of mine called Manori works at an elephant conservation park on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. Elephants are long-lived, highly social animals that have evolved a good long term memory. They are known to hurl stones at their keepers
Only Neptune himself could have come up with the names dulse, whistle wrack, carragheen, dabberlocks, murlin, thongweed and seatangle. Seaweed has always been used as a valued food source and medicine and there are hundreds of different species in varying
Is it possible to have a healthy office lunch? I visited Maria and her colleagues at their games and media company in Hove to find out more. They told me most of the choices offered in the average sandwich man's tray are consistently wheat-based and somewhat
When you think about it, it's really strange so many people desperately want to lose weight yet those same people find it so hard to do. Most people with a modicum of motivation manage to move forward on a whole range of projects quite successfully. People
School's out and parents are under the cosh to provide the obligatory sugar-based snacks and trips to McDonald's. We fear that if we don't toe the line and give in to the latest rubbish masquerading as children's food, our children will end up either
The weather may be getting more spring like but the winter colds are still refusing to go away. Health reporter Siobhan Ryan speaks to someone who can offer something a little bit different to help The routine of work, study and socialising can all take
As this is my last column, I would like to give you a few points to think about regarding the big issue: Should you train at home or in a gym? Of course, being a personal trainer, I would point you in the direction of home training but to help you make
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
"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
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
Hopefully you will have enjoyed the benefits of working out with a fit ball following the exercises I gave you a fortnight ago. The variety of exercises you can perform with a fit ball are unlimited, bringing a breath of fresh air to your training. The
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
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
This week I received a mail shot about the virtues of "fat draining". All you have to do, apparently, is take three capsules per day and a special ingredient will magically dissolve the fat from your neck, arms, waist, hips, thighs, buttocks, knees and
You cannot beat a canned diet drink for marketability. An ultrathin body, neverending popularity and material success will supposedly be all yours if you drink cans of diet fizz. It doesn't work like that, of course. In reality, the sweet taste stimulates
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
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
The most common image of hydrotherapy is doing exercises in a swimming pool but there are other types of treatments that can be used as well. Hydrotherapy is the use of water to treat disease or illness and has been around since ancient times. Many conditions
About 15 million people in Britain suffer from hay fever, an oversensitivity to pollen, spores and moulds. Symptoms range from violent sneezing, stuffy, itchy, runny noses and sometimes sore throat, ears, eyes and head. The culprit is histamine, a natural
As an actress, Britt Forsberg knows the importance of confidence, breathing properly and being able to project your voice. She is also aware of the need to stay relaxed but also be warmed up and fit enough to cope with an audience. As she developed her
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
Anthony Asquith and Mark Tyrell are practising hypnotherapists who have organised a seminar to help people meet their New Year's resolutions. The idea is to provide the help and support the public needs to lose weight and get fit in the months ahead.
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
Maybe I'll never convince you but I'll have a jolly good try: It isn't a forgone conclusion you put on weight over the holiday season. Train yourself to eat slowly and more slowly again. Of course, that will only help if you eat less as a result. It's
