Health
De-bunking our ocular old wives’ tales
Have you ever been told that reading in the dark will damage your eyes, that eating carrots will improve night vision or that crossing your eyes could leave you permanently disfigured? Old wives’ tales relating to our eyesight have been passed down from generation to generation, but just how accurate are they?
NHS Direct helps take pressure off GPs and A&E
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.
Drivers - Its National Glaucoma Awareness Week
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 cover up for summer
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.
New study reinforces health benefits of Probiotic Bacteria
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.
Looking into the health of our eyes
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.
How Australian Aboriginal culture has helped our health
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.
Natural supplements to boost your health in summer
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.
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.
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.
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.