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| Sun, 8th January 2012 |
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Strong bones for life are essential. They are the framework on which everything else hangs or is attached, like muscles, organs and arterial networks. Bone mass is at its peak late teens, the 20's, 30's and 40's when it gradually then rapidly reduces. In childhood growing bones are soft and easily bend. They become strong in adolescence and early adulthood. Calcium and Vitamin D are the key essentials for strong bones. That means heaps of calcium rich foods. Low fat dairy products head the list, including milk, yoghurt and cheese. Salmon and small bone fish, dried figs, peanuts, walnuts and almonds, soybeans are good sources. Generally 1500 mg a day is advised (more when pregnant). A 1,000 mg supplement is often advised specially with older people. Vitamin D comes from the sun reacting on the skin, and only needs 20 minutes a day. But today, with universal "cover up" and screeners, a majority are deficient and require a daily supplement (Ostelin). The blood level should be at least 70. Many are around 20 with huge fracture risks. Deficiency of Calcium and Vitamin D inevitably lead to Osteoporosis ("porous bones"). Bones, specially vertebrae, crush on themselves, leading to forward stoop and a irreversible hunch back. Fractures occur with relatively minor falls. Most are preventable. Regular exercise is also vital. Avoid heavy lifting, look where you are walking. Avoid falls, often from slippery surfaces, paper, cords, steps, carpet edgings. A regular bone density test gives an accurate diagnosis. Oral or intravenous prescription medication is also available from the doctor. Often an eye check is also recommended. |
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| SWEATING |
Q: |
I sweat like a pig in hot weather. Is there a cure? | |
A: | Sweating is natures way of cooling the body. As it evaporates, it pulls heat from the body to prevent overheating. Drink lots of water on hot days, ideally 2.0 L or more to replenish stores. Germs proliferate like mad under arm and in the groin, so regular showers are essential to prevent B.O. | |
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| BLOOD PRESSURE |
Q: |
How do I know if I've got high blood pressure which killed my dad? | |
A: | You don't, as there are usually no symptoms till it's to late. A regular check with your GP gives the answer. Treatment is very straightforward. Lose weight, eat less salt, get more exercise and cut down the slops. Effect can be magical. If not, doctor prescribed medication is very effective. Untreated it gradually leads to heart disease and possibly stroke, even in the young people. | |
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| ITCHY SKIN |
Q: |
Is there a simple remedy for itchy skin? I want to scratch. | |
A: | Dry itchy skin is often an early sign of diabetes requiring a blood sugar test. Ideally it is under 5.0. Excessive thirst, urination, and overweight are also common. So are allergies, so avoid any known triggers. Avoid excessive washing. Use non alkaline soaps such as pH5.5, Dove, Cetaphil or Ego QV Bar. Avoid hot showers, end with cool and dab skin dry with a very soft towel. | |
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| FEMALE VIAGRA |
Q: |
Have they yet discovered the female version of viagra? | |
A: | The answer is "No", and drug companies have long since given up trying. But for seventy years we've known minute doses of male hormone testosterone are effective, improves female libido, but is also off the radar. Smoking, alcohol, certain prescribed medication (blood pressure, acid suppressants and sedatives) make it worse. Lots of TLC and gentle body contact still head the priority list. | |
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| ACIDOPHILUS |
Q: |
A friend takes acidophilus and says it keeps her free from candida which can lead to many symptoms. | |
A: | Candida is a yeast, a common cause of vaginal itch called "thrush" in women. May cause white patches in the oral lining in infants. Acidophilus is claimed to neutralise it. Many take it in yoghurt which often contains it along with bifida A and B. Most doctors deny it causes the terrible list of symptoms many alternate practitioners claim. That myth long since exploded. | |
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