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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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ear, ear!
Swimmers often complain of a tenderness and discharge from their ears. This means infection, usually caused by water in the external canal. Germs quickly breed causing inflammation of the lining. Ideally, the ear canal must be drained and dried soon after a swim. Drops such as Ear Clear will quickly dissolve residue. Ear infections can become serious problems if left untreated.
X-mas cheer!
Watch out at those pre- Christmas parties. Every gram of alcohol permanently destroys a certain number of brain cells called neurons. Try any of the wonderful range of fruit juices. Best to squeeze your own, add chipped ice and some spices. They’re tangy, tasty and refreshing. Add a mint leaf, possibly a glazed cherry or a slice of orange or lemon on the side.
oils aint oils
There are many natural remedies for sore backs. Aromatherapy is alive with sweet-smelling natural products, many of which may help. The best oils are bay, camphor, citronella, eucalyptus, pine and spruce, which relax and warm. Juniper and rosemary soothe and stimulate blood flow. Lavender, sage and thyme relax muscles and reduce inflammation. But a gentle, deep massage probably best relieves a problem, relaxing spasm and bringing fresh blood supplies to the painful muscles.
bee-ware
Some people are highly allergic to bees. Sensitivity to bee venom is serious, causing breathing difficulties, with death possible. This is called an anaphylactic reaction. Sufferers must be instructed in the use of the Epi-Pen, a self-administered dose of adrenaline, dramatically lessening symptoms. Talk to your doctor or immunologist.
jawbones
Some people suffer from discomfort in the jaw joint, and if one pokes a finger in one’s ear canal, can hear it clicking. This is probably a TM joint malfunction. The tempora–mandibular joint is where the jaw joins the skull. Some doctors manipulate this and it clicks back into place. Occasionally dental surgeons make a plate to fit in the mouth. TM joint malfunction can also cause headaches, abdominal upsets and breathing difficulties.
gritty eyes
Constant blinking is most likely due to dry eyes. The eye surfaces need to be submerged in fluid at all times, otherwise discomfort occurs. Avoid glare, hot rooms, airconditioning, direct heat sources and excessive computer use, when we blink less often. Apply Liquid Tears as often as necessary to keep them comfy.
gorge ’n’ tell
Christmas dinner is when everyone overeats, it seems. So go light on foods on either side. And beside the customary baked foods with heaps of oil and fat, counterbalance with dishes of salad, chilled sliced fruit, chilled water, cracker biscuits, celery sticks and raw vegetable platters.
natural medicant
Daily doses of apple cider vinegar have been used for centuries to help aches and pains from rheumatism, arthritis, myalgia, fibrositis and sore joints. While not mainstream, it seems to help.
A: Panic attack is common. They are simply an outward manifestation of deep anxiety, often aggravated by underlying stresses. There are heaps of sub-groups called phobias, which include fear of crowds, churches, supermarkets, tunnels, flying, water, frogs and even parents. Then there are more reasonable fears, such as having injections, seeing doctors or dentists, and schoolchildren. Some highly effective medications are available. But so-called relaxation therapy can also give dramatic results.
Extract from Signs of the Times, December 2004.
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