Health

NHS Direct is helping take the pressure off GP surgeries and A&E as it increasingly continues to advise callers to treat themselves at home. According to new independent research published today, nearly half of the callers advised by NHS Direct to self care would otherwise have gone to their GP and over a quarter would have gone to A&E.

Most of the sensory input to the brain required for driving is visual. However surprisingly, there is little evidence that defects of vision alone cause many road accidents. Nevertheless adequate standards of vision do need to be set for drivers on today’s busy roads.

Thread-vein sufferers will be searching for cover-ups as most of us plan our summer wardrobes, according to one surgical skincare expert. Consultant surgeon Dr Brian Newman said those suffering from vein complaints are often troubled by warmer weather and try to avoid exposing their veins.

Probiotics, which means ‘for life’, have been used for centuries as natural components in health-promoting foods. Many experiments and studies have linked probiotics to aiding a range of ailments, such as lactose intolerance, colon cancer, lowering of cholesterol and blood pressure and, most importantly, improving immune function.

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) has no symptoms, but slowly and painlessly it destroys sight if it is not detected and treated. The loss of vision cannot be reversed. It mainly affects the middle aged and elderly, although it can develop in younger people. The earlier glaucoma is detected, the more successful the treatment.

Aboriginals are the indigenous people of Australia who have lived down-under for approximately 50,000 years. The word comes from the Latin words—ab and origine—which means "from the beginning”, historically the Aboriginals are famed for their skill working with the earth and using nature efficiently: they discovered that ashes from a fire acted as a natural fertilizer, providing nutrients for new plants to grow and the secret health benefits of a number of natural resources.

Summer brings the promise of warm weather, holiday travel and the freedom of wearing fewer clothes and loving the sunny season. But what if you have varicose veins? Or suffer holiday tummy? Perhaps you are self-conscious about your bloated belly, or you are one of those people prone to mozzie bites? Take heart, help is at hand from a variety of natural supplements.

From the marigold family, Calendula Officinalis was originally grown in Ancient Egypt on the border of the Nile. It’s been said that Calendula was a staple beauty essential in Queen Cleopatra’s day and has been used in complementary medicine ever since to help a range of skin problems from burns to acne.

Binge drinking has led to alcohol-related hospital admissions doubling in a decade. Doctors blame Britain’s excessive boozing on cheap supermarket deals and long licensing hours.

Every walk tells a story, at least that was the premise behind the RIAS ‘Favourite Walks' competition set in May.