Health and Fitness
Calendula – The secret of Cleopatra’s beauty?
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.
Hospital alcohol treatment doubles in 10 years
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.
Research claims almost a fifth of teens affected by eating disorders
We may be bombarded with statistics concerning childhood obesity, but the number of children suffering from eating disorders is also on the rise. According to government figures, the number of cases of children being admitted to hospital with eating disorders such as anorexia has increased by more than a third over the last 10 years, with 562 girls and 111 boys aged under 18 hospitalised in 2005/06.
New research claims sedentary lifestyles not to blame for obesity
Obesity researchers have discovered we burn the same calories on physical activities as we have done over the last 20 years. They found that there has been no reduction in the energy we expend on day to day activities, suggesting increased food intake may be the more important factor in obesity.
Shape up for summer with shallots
If you want to shed a few pounds for summer but don’t want to deprive your taste buds of delicious foods, try cooking with shallots. Shallots add lots of flavour and texture to savoury dishes – ideal if you want to cut down on the calories but don’t want to compromise on flavour. Shallots are a rich source of vitamin A, B and E, they are low in fat and contain just 40-50 calories per 80g (which counts as one portion towards the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day).
Paris Hilton sparks new fast food craze
It is a trend that started in South Korea 5 years ago and spread to the US in 2007. Since then it has gained significant consumer attention, press coverage and no self-respecting US celebrity would be seen out in public without it! So what is this global food craze? Frozen yogurt!
North country coastal path wins ‘Favourite Walk' competition
Every walk tells a story, at least that was the premise behind the RIAS ‘Favourite Walks' competition set in May.
Private sector could run under-performing NHS hospitals
Dr. Natalie-Jane Macdonald, managing director of Bupa Commissioning, said: "We all support a strong, effective NHS and today's proposals by the Government to allow the private sector, as well as other parts of the NHS and NHS Foundation Trusts,
‘Dry Eye’ syndrome wreaks havoc on Brits
20 per cent of Brits will suffer from hay fever symptoms this summer including sore eyes and a runny nose. Hay fever, also known as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, wreaks havoc on millions of eyes every year and constant rubbing of the sensitive eye area can lead to ‘Dry Eye’ syndrome.
Take a walk on the wild side with RIAS
World Wildlife Week (31st May to 21st June) offers a chance for everyone to connect with Britain's wildlife and celebrate the diversity of our natural heritage.
Green means go for the eyes
You’ve heard about eating a healthy dose of carrots for good eyesight, but did you know that greens could be even better? Eating your greens to improve your vision may not just be an old wives’ tale, with an increasing body of evidence highlighting the benefits of eating lutein – a carotenoid found in dark green leafy vegetables – for good eye health.
Hay fever causes 3 million road accidents
As reported this month in the national press, sneezing caused by hay fever is a danger to motorists as they can travel up to 300ft with their eyes closed. The study found that hay fever has caused 7% of drivers (2.35 million drivers) to have a crash or a close shave. A further 2% (670,000 drivers) say they have been distracted by passenger exhibiting violent hay fever symptoms.
Essential advice for allergy sufferers
Approximately one in four of the UK population will suffer from an allergy at some point in their lives, according to the British Allergy Foundation and the number of people affected is increasing by five per cent each year.
New campaign aims to address inequalities in breastfeeding
This National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (11-17 May 2008) the Department of Health is encouraging young mothers from low-income backgrounds to access support that will help them to breastfeed for longer. Breastfeeding is a major public health issue in today's society with significant inequalities in infant feeding practices.
Katherine Jenkins reveals sweet secret
Hers is the voice that aspiring songsters up and down the country can only dream off, but Katherine Jenkin’s - the award winning, Welsh opera singer - has let us in on the a secret ingredient she uses to help warm up her vocal chords. Katherine revealed on the Paul O’Grady show that she swears by a glass of warm pineapple juice with grated ginger and Manuka Honey before a show.