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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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pins and needles
Many people suffer intense pins and needles in the fingers and hands, and occasionally the sensation extends up the arm. This may be carpal tunnel syndrome, in which the nerve is compressed as it passes the wrist. Nerve conduction tests may be needed. The relief of pressure on the nerve is often carried out surgically, sometimes using a special endoscope.
lords of the ring
I’m not in favour of rings and studs, which can be ripped inadvertently and easily. This is also very painful and takes time to heal, with facial injuries sometimes requiring plastic surgery. This is both expensive and uncomfortable.
prick against pox
To protect against chickenpox, a single injection is usually given, for most infants early in life. This renders a 70-100 per cent protection rate. But a recent report revealed 26 youngsters attending a day-care facility caught the disease even though 17 had been previously vaccinated. JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, is now suggesting two doses two months apart for children over 13 years.
healthy foods tick
The white tick in a red circle on the labels of certain foods is the Heart Foundation’s sign of approval under its “Tick Program.” It means the product has been officially approved as coming within the foundation’s healthful heart foods guidelines. A company pays a royalty for its use, which is a percentage of its wholesale turnover. One achievement of the program is a dramatic reduction of salt in tick-approved foods. This plays a significant part in reducing blood pressure. Most approved products will be lower in fats and sugar, and contain more fibre.
pain
A recurring and severe pain in the left side of the abdomen, accompanied by irregularity, flatulence and discomfort should alert sufferers to visit their GP. Such symptoms require a bowel examination to rule out anything sinister. It may be diverticulosis—little outpockets in the large bowel—requiring antibiotics. Eat high-fibre fruit, vegetables and legumes to restore regularity, and drink plenty of water. Psyllium fibre is also helpful.
reading problems
The eye is still developing in younger people. The surface has a curve, and if slightly abnormal, blurs the image. Glasses correct the deformity. For those who don’t want to wear them, contact lenses are a popular alternative, but require daily care. The excimer laser permanently alters the curve, and helps many people. It is also expensive, so consider the simple, traditional measures first.
cause and effect
The monthly pain and misery that afflict millions of young women is caused by prostaglandin, a hormone produced naturally by the womb to help expel blood. Some women produce more than do others, which causes pain, muscle spasms and cramp. It can be neutralised by aspirin, which originally came from the ash of willow bark and was widely used for arthritis pain. NSAID medications can also be effective. For natural relief, try a sitz bath, alternately sitting in a tub of hot then cold water for 10 minutes. Increasing exercise and avoiding any constipation will also help. Often, after the birth of a woman’s first child, the pains miraculously vanish.
A: Damp ears, especially in hot, humid weather, are an ideal hiding place for germs ever present in the air. There they rapidly multiply, leading to infection. This reduces the body’s protective immune response, making reinfection more likely. Use spirit drops (available from pharmacies), placing three drops in each ear after every swim. This rapidly dissolves moisture and helps prevent infection. It is a simple, harmless non-drug remedy, without side effects.
Extract from Signs of the Times, March 2004.
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