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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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Many suffer a fit of sneezing when they first enter a bedroom. This is because the disturbed air contains house dust, dust mites or their remains. Mites infest about 95 per cent of beds, often in the fluff around mattress edges, the curtains and carpets. Also, unseen spores from flowering moulds growing on clothes and leather goods, often in cupboards, are another potent allergen. A spring clean and sunshine helps eliminate them. Meantime, a water vapour inhalation, drinking water or taking non-sedating antihistamines will bring relief.
Although many love its tantalising aroma, and while aromatherapy has many benefits, there’s no medicinal value in a cup of coffee. A cup of boiled coffee contains around 55 mg of caffeine, powdered 60 mg, and brewed 120 mg. As such, it gives the brain and nervous system a real kick. And can cause sleeplessness and jitters as well, if drunk too often.
More and more, people are choosing a vegetarian diet, including when pregnant. Protein is essential for natural good health and vitality and is even more important during pregnancy. Legumes, especially soya beans, are the richest-known source of plant protein. It’s also in peas, lentils and other kinds of beans. Soya beans alone are most unattractive and tasteless, but today there are many attractive ways to prepare them. Soy flour is also protein rich.
Some claim that cucumber juice benefits the skin. As a beauty treatment, it’s been used for at least 3000 years. Rub the juice of cucumber onto the skin, and it will give relief from many irritations. Some say the juice can be preserved when combined with an equal amount of vodka.
Is it necessary to filter or boil water for drinking? In most capital cities, the tap water is safe and relatively pure, with the few germs it may contain readily dealt with by the body’s immune system. It can also contain some dissolved minerals that are beneficial. With wet weather or flooding of water catchments, authorities may add chlorine to stem major germ penetration, but this usually settles quickly, and boiling is still unnecessary. Water is best drunk at room temperature—eight glasses a day.
In any sport, be consistent. Any activity that includes running and using all the limbs is good. Also, intensity can vary, from zero to infinity. The important thing is to get out there regularly, either alone or with others. Company often means you are more likely to keep at it.
Potting mix can contain danger. A good brand (with a higher price) should not contain industrial or domestic debris. But beware, as people have suffered cuts, needle pricks and lacerations from hidden nasties in the soil. Always wear gloves when handling mix, and avoid inhaling when opening the bag. Manures are high in tetanus spores, and cases of tetanus have occurred. If handling often, have a DTP (diphtheria tetanus booster) shot.
A:Your reaction is not uncommon. The body doesn’t like “seeing” itself attacked. As well, many do literally faint at the sight of blood. As I did myself when watching my first surgical operation as a young doctor. Blood pressure momentarily drops, the brain suffers an oxygen shortage, and there is nowhere else to go but down—and out. With the dizzy feeling you may see shooting stars and sweating may occur. If you have low blood pressure, it’s even more probable.
Extract from Signs of the Times, August 2004.
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