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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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eyes right
Some people experience gritty eyes, but get instant relief by splashing cool tap water into them. While this is OK, Natural Tears, available from chemists, if applied regularly, is preferable. They come in small globules, which last a day, then are discarded. Use those without preservative, otherwise irritation may occur. The eye must be continually bathed in a film of fluid.
pest exterminator
A simple chemical-free way to rid yourself of cockroaches is to place some honey or condensed milk on a sheet of cardboard or plastic along their path. They simply become stuck and die. Another method is to place some wine in a margarine tub (with grease adhering to the inner sides). They climb in, drink the wine, then cannot climb up the greasy side.
handy test
To test your cholesterol level, take a blood test. Many who are obviously overweight, eat a lot of animal fat, such as greasy meat pies, a lot of butter, high-fat milk, cream and yoghurt, are more likely to have an elevated level. This means 5.0 mmol/L or above. But the reverse is also quite common, with the level too low. Ideally eat plenty of high-fibre products, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, sprouts, wholegrain bread and cereals.
wide awake
Some will awake in the early morning and begin thinking over their problems, then toss and turn, staying awake almost until it’s time to rise. If this is you, get up, stay warm, and do something to divert your thinking. Try reading a book (but not an exciting one), but don’t watch telly, as faces (as on the screen) close up activate the brain and make it worse. Make a hot milk-and-honey drink, but not tea or coffee. Milk contains tryptophan, a natural protein, which is nature’s sedative.
which approach?
With summer approaching, it’s time to think about skin-cancer prevention again. Aldara Cream is a new product that claims to get rid of skin cancers. However, skin cancer is best surgically removed and checked to ensure it has all gone.
pills ‘n’ potions
Many people store large quantities of prescription medicines, fearing they will be caught without supplies on hand. In fact, it is a foolish practice, as many medications either become dated or out-of-date. Or, sometimes, your doctor will alter your prescription, and they’re wasted.
seasonal sneeze
Some are still feeling the effects of winter, bugged by the dreaded lurgy. Symptoms include sweatiness, slight fever and an ongoing cough, usually accompanied by sore throat and husky voice. This is common at the change of season. Occasionally ongoing infections lead to pneumonia. Treat the condition by gargling with warm, salty water, drinking plenty of water, getting adequate sleep and doing whatever exercise you feel up to. Sensible, low-fat foods including plenty of fruit is the best diet.
soy healthy
While most acknowledge that soy products are healthful, many don’t like their taste. Try using soy milk and fruit to make smoothies (kids love this). A flavoured soy milk that is quite palatable is available from Sanitarium. If you miss brekkie, try their soy-based Up-and-Go. Use soy milk to make custard, white sauce and cream soups. You can also make tasty dips and pastes using cooked soy beans, adding garlic, chilli, olives, sun-dried tomatoes or herbs for variety. Make curries and dhal to serve with rice.
A: The newest pill isn’t necessarily the best. If an older person is doing OK on medication year after year, and tests show he or she is, why change? Many older tablets invented in the 1950s have proved to be just as good as the high-priced newer ones. Blood-pressure medication is a good example.
Extract from Signs of the Times, September 2004.
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