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Signs of the Times Australia / NZ edition — lifestyle, health, relationships, culture, spirituality, people — published since 1886 |
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Signs of the Times Australia / NZ edition — lifestyle, health, relationships, culture, spirituality, people — published since 1886 |
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patience needed
Glandular fever, sometimes referred to as the “kissing disease,” is caused by a virus transmitted via saliva. No specific antibiotic treatment exists, however—only nature can heal it. You can help by gargling, drinking plenty of water, eating soft, simple and nutritious foods, which aid the immune system. Relief is via paracetamol for fevers and pain, but total healing may take up to a year. Some fatigue will occur for months.
the snip
A vasectomy is usually for life, but is sometimes reversible, although requiring tedious microsurgery. Usually after vasectomy there is local tenderness and bruising, so it’s best done on a Friday, before returning to work on Monday morning!
natural
no-sting thing
The stinging nettle is among the most versatile of herbs, strengthening and supporting the entire body. The suggested use is to make an infusion in a cup of boiling water, using two or three teaspoons of the herb to treat bleeding (such as nosebleed), skin rashes, allergies, constipation and fluid retention. Some 75 per cent of the world’s population is unable to afford Western medicine and use herbal and natural methods of treatment.
enemies
There are many natural remedies for simple bites and stings, common in warmer weather. Peppermint oil relieves the pain and irritation of a mozzie bite; pennyroyal oil is a good remedy and preventative; camphor, oil of cloves, oil of cinnamon, rosemary, eucalyptus or cajuput act in a similar way. A poultice of mint leaves can also relieve mosquito bites.
arthritis
Ginger is claimed to be an effective natural treatment for arthritis. While not a cure, it can be as effective as standard NSAID medication. A purified Chinese ginger comes in a black capsule. Glucosamine is another such treatment. Medications kind to the stomach lining are preferable. Doctors prescribe Vioxx and Celebrex in the pharmaceutical lines.
advisory
IUDs as a contraceptive method fell into disfavour with the Dalkon Shield infection debacle. In 1976 the copper IUD arrived, but never took off, as women still believed any IUD could cause infection leading to permanent infertility. A new study now gives it the OK. Infertility is often caused by tubal infection with the chlamydia germ, quite unrelated to the IUD. The pill is still the major choice of women worldwide. It is generally safe, and the effects reversible.
diabetes info
It is possible to avoid passing on a disposition to diabetes in children as they grow up. Give them plenty of exercise, avoid allowing them to become overweight, and ensure they eat foods with a low-gIucose index (GI). More information is available in a publication The GI Factor—For Healthy Kids, by Professor Jennie Brand-Miler (Hodder), and is available in bookshops. It offers simple, inexpensive, effective advice.
how to . . .
Most people know that they should eliminate dental plaque by daily flossing, but find it hard to get between back teeth, especially with moist, slippery fingers. An alternative is to tie one end of the floss to the end of a match, anchoring the inside, which can be held low down (or high) while waggling the floss over each side of each tooth. Wind the floss around the match as you go or it will soon break.
A: Yes, to both himself and others. Be present when the doctor does the mandatory driver’s test next time. Explain the risks. I think your dad’s outings in the car should be chauffeur-driven before a serious accident occurs.
Extract from Signs of the Times, March 2003.
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