My Mum’s Weight Loss diet: Not Recommended
Strange myths about weight loss For most of her adult life, my mum was overweight. She was invariably on some strange diet or other but nothing ever worked. This was largely due to her odd (and often very funny) ideas about food, what puts weight on and what to do about it. Of course, I can’t blame her. Mum had been born in 1928 and when she was growing up, there was little information available about diet and nutrition. The...
What is Synesthesia?
What is synesthesia? For many years, people thought I was weird – and I’m not going to say that they were wrong in some respects – when they realised that I associated different colours to letters of the alphabet. It just seems normal to me. Now I stop them in their tracks (Me? Weird?) with this simple sentence ‘I am a synesthete’. You might be too. Synesthesia describes a phenomenon which, when a person...
How do you cure a hangover?
How do you cure a hangover? Oh dear. Did you have too much to drink? Are you paying the price for it now? Well, purely in the spirit (sorry) of research, I have spent many years investigating hangover cures. My fondness for red wine has nothing to do with it – this has been completely altruistic. (I can hear you scoffing from here). So, there are plenty of old wives’ tales around. Hair of the dog – does that work?...
Mary I of England: Phantom pregnancies
The phantom pregnancies of Queen Mary of England Although Mary had been born in 1516, it was only in later life that she married. Her life had been a turbulent one. As the daughter of King Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon, she was later deemed to be illegitimate. How could this be? When Henry VIII realised that his wife Catherine would not be able to provide him with a male heir, he had their marriage annulled....
1965: The Secrets of the Royal Family’s Health
1965: The Secrets of the Royal Family’s Complexions In 1965, Mrs Alma McKee, who had spent many years working as a cook for the British royal family, revealed what sort of foods were preferred at the royal dining table. She particularly revealed the secret of the much-admired complexions of The Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II and her sister, Princess Margaret. This, she said, was because of a simple, homemade drink that the...
Cosmetic Surgery: Yes or No?
Cosmetic surgery: Yes or no? I have a bit of a problem with this question. I’m inclined to say ‘no’ but cosmetic surgery is something I’ll never be able to afford. Is this clouding my judgement? Now don’t get me wrong.I’m not talking here about people who have serious problems with the way they look but those who endure cosmetic surgery to make themselves look younger. Or, I have to say,...
Jeanne Louise Calment
Jeanne Louise Calment: The oldest woman. You might have read my colleague Merry’s recent article about what’s supposedly good for us and what is damaging to our health.The article is called Food for Health. It’s a great read – why do scientists and nutritionists keep giving us conflicting advice? Instead of listening to them, let’s take a look at Jeanne Louise Calment, until her death she was the...
Did President Kennedy’s Drug Use Affect His Leadership?
When John Kennedy’s medical records were released, they revealed that the president had been taking an enormous cocktail of prescription drugs. Many of these drugs would be considered unsuitable – if not illegal – today. Throughout his life, Kennedy was besieged by medical problems, starting when he was a young teenager and suffered from colitis. It was in London, where his father was ambassador prior to...
Is Eating Chicken Dangerous?
Chicken health scare. Let’s look at the latest statistics from the UK. A year-long study has discovered that 73% – very nearly three quarters – of supermarket chickens contain the campylobacter bacteria. This causes over quarter of a million cases of food poisoning in Britain every year, about one hundred of which are fatal. When you consider that the population is 64 million, and that over 3 million people are...
Enjoy Yourself, it’s Later Than You Think
Enjoy Yourself, it’s Later Than You Think: Good advice It might just be a song lyric, but it does have a ring of truth,doesn’t it? Admittedly, ‘it’s later than you think‘ might be a touch maudlin but the point is, it’s true. You see, I’m seventeen. Well, you know I’m not but in my head I am. My dad is in his nineties. I wonder how old he is in his head? Much younger, I’ll bet. I...
Joseph Lister Publishes Antiseptic Surgery Article on March 16, 1867
Can you imagine going to a hospital where there were no facilities to wash your hands? Can you imagine that for the doctor as well? Back in the mid 1800’s that was the case. Even a broken leg in those days would often mean infection, amputation, and a fifty percent chance of death. We take for granted that our medical staffs have sterilized equipment and their hands between patients. So much so that it doesn’t often occur to me...
Can Olive Oil Cure Toothache?
Does olive oil cure toothache? For me it does. I’m not a dentist and it may well depend on the reason why your teeth are aching but I have not had a toothache yet that can’t be sorted out simply using a product I always have in my kitchen. Last week, I was unable to sleep because of this horrible tooth. I suspect strongly that it needs to be pulled out but at my time of life, I need to keep as many of my teeth as I can....
Omar Sharif
Actor Omar Sharif: Alzheimer’s sufferer. In May 2015 Tarek Sharif, the son of actor Omar, announced that his eighty-three year old father was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. He reported that the first signs were memory loss. He was still aware that he was a well-known actor and remembered most of the films he made but confuses them. He couldn’t easily recall his co-stars of where the films were made. The positive...
Introduction to Additives and Preservatives in Food for Pets and People
By Stacey J Nelson Ph.D. For many centuries, specific ingredients have served a beneficial purpose in helping to preserve a variety of food for pets, and people. The use of salt was a very common ingredient to preserve fish, meat, and poultry. Herbs and spices have also been used to improve the flavor of foods. Many people have preserved fruits with sugar, and pickled cucumbers in a vinegar solution. The Food and Drug Administration...
Please stop telling me I have OCD
Why does everyone have to have a label? It’s not just a label either – today it seems that everyone should have a ‘disorder’. With me, I’m told, it’s OCD – obsessive compulsive disorder. Truly, I have been told this by many people and I think that their ‘diagnosis’ is totally wrong. Apparently one of my ‘symptoms ‘is that I arrange my books in colour order in the way...
Favorite Health Book: The Paleo Cure
Favorite Health Book: The Paleo Cure The Paleo Cure by Chris Kresser is my new favorite health book. I’ve been studying it all through 2014, and now into 2015 (the time of this review is January 2015). This is saying a lot, since another health book I’ve reviewed here on Jaquo.com called The Blood Sugar Solution, by Dr. Mark Hyman, helped me lose over 50 lbs and drastically overhaul my health. Ever since I overcame multiple problems...
Can goat milk cure eczema?
Is goat milk a cure for eczema? I am convinced that it is because I’ve seen a miraculous cure. Many years ago, I was amazed to see that a young man – who had the most dreadful eczema on his arms – had no trace of the ailment on his body after drinking goat milk for just one week. Of course, I can’t say that this miracle will happen for everyone but over the years I have read hundreds of reports from people who...
A recipe book that can change your life: VB6
VB6 by Mark Bittman. The ultimate recipe book Some years ago, food writer Mark Bittman was overweight and suffering from various health problems. Typically, his doctor wanted to put him on medication but as a food expert, Mark realised that a change of diet was a better way to go. ‘Oh no!” I can hear you saying’is this another book about health foods, dieting and giving up the foods you love?’ Absolutely not!...
Essential Guide to Outdoor First Aid & Medical Emergencies
Essential Guide to Outdoor First Aid & Medical Emergencies Medicine for the Outdoors is one of a few books that I own that I view as essential. I use it at home, and not just when I’m, say, hiking or camping in the wilderness. There is a ton of incredibly important information in this book for just about every medical emergency you could possibly think of. Do you know what to do if someone is choking? Not breathing? Unconscious?...
President John Kennedy: Health Issues
President John Kennedy: Health Issues. In the year after President John Kennedy was assassinated, an eminent historian began a new project of oral histories. He asked people to record their memories on tape of the late president. He approached Kennedy’s widow, Jackie, to take part in the project and she agreed. There were three reasons for this. The first was that she knew it would help her in coming to terms with her husbands...
Dr. Frances Kelsey
It was the 1950’s and everything was becoming safer and easier in many areas of our lives. The end of the Second World War saw a prosperity that hasn’t been matched since. While life was getting easier, the after effects of the war were still being felt. Many people who lived through terrible bombings, night raids and such were having trouble falling asleep and getting a good night’s rest. Drug companies were doing a great business...
Prunella Scales & Timothy West: A marriage
Timothy West, Prunella Scales and dementia Renown British actor, Timothy West, recently revealed that his wife was suffering from ‘mild Alzheimer’s’. He was more than happy to discuss this in a television documentary. You probably know his wife, Prunella Scales, from the British television show Fawlty Towers. The couple, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2013, are determined to continue their lives...
The Five Truths about Work-life Balance , by Jae Ellard
How to balance your roles and relationships. This book couldn’t have landed on the review desk at JAQUO HQ at a better time. Like so many of us, I have many roles and wear lots of different hats every day – and we all know how hard it can be to juggle these successfully. And few of us manage it. But this eminently down-to-earth approach will be invaluable in helping you to achieve it. Achieve what exactly? Well, as the...
Sitting is the new Smoking
“Sitting is the new smoking,” is how Kyle Pearce launches into his blog topic in on DIY Genius. Nothing like a sensational opening right! Remember when all the hype for improved health included: losing weight, smoking cessation and far healthier eating habits? Well, they’ve added something else rather than giving the masses a break and letting us have one health contrary vice back. Well, they have allowed eggs back into the...
Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett and Alzheimer’s Author Terry Pratchett, who died on March 12th, 2015, wrote over forty books and it’s estimated that he sold 85 million worldwide. He was sixty six when he died. Eight years previously, he had been diagnosed with a rare form of Alzheimer’s Disease and had campaigned to increase funding to go towards finding a cure and preventative measures. This rare ailment did not affect his memory...
Parents have daughter’s birthmark tattoos
British parents get tattoos of daughter’s birthmark A couple in England, whose daughter has a large port wine stain birthmark, have had her birthmark reproduced on their own bodies. The little girl was born with blotchy red colouration that extends from her foot to her lower back. They found that their toddler was being stared at and decided that they too would have the same birthmark on their own legs. This,they felt, would...
It’s National Puzzle Day
January 29th Means It’s National Puzzle Day On this day of celebration for puzzles of all kinds, let us remember how good they are for brain health as well. Exercising the mind may be as important as exercising the body. Los Angeles Times Sunday Crossword Omnibus, Volume 4 (The Los Angeles Times) Besides, they are fun. Whatever kind of puzzle you might enjoy, think of the pleasure it provides when you finish a game or a puzzle....
Teenagers need Regular Exercise for Health and Wellness
Teenagers need Regular Exercise for Health and Wellness I am very interested in this subject because I am a teacher and I know that teenagers who eat well and take regular exercise perform better at school. There is absolutely no doubt about that. I’ve seen it time and again and there has been a lot of research done on this subject. Some kids are full of energy and are happy at school with an active interest in all it has to offer but...
Coconut Oil Softgels from Eukonic
My experiment with coconut oil capsules. I’d heard from my colleague Merry about the benefits of coconut oil so I have been using it occasionally in cooking. But when the opportunity came up to try taking coconut oil as a supplement, I decided to give it a try. I liked the fact that these softgels are organic but yes, I was sceptical I admit. There’s been such a lot of hype about coconut oil for quite a while now –...
The Blood Sugar Solution: The Book That Really Taught Me How to Be Healthy
The Blood Sugar Solution: The Book That Really Taught Me How to Be Healthy I used to have one of the worst diets ever. I’d typically drink fruit juices with almost no real juice, or sodas, with plenty of high fructose corn syrup. I almost never drank actual water. I’d mainly eat white bread, the fluffy soft kind. I’d eat candy all the time, ice cream for meals, or meals of goldfish crackers and chocolate mint cookies, and I loved fast...
Ten tips for a healthier diet
Ten ways to improve your diet We all know what we should be eating. We’re bombarded with advice and I doubt there’s anyone reading this who doesn’t know what good, healthy diets consists of. But knowing what you should be eating – and actually putting it into practice – are two very different things. Even though we know what foods are ‘good’ and which are ‘bad’, well, we only...
It’s a Beautiful Life – if we want it to be!
It’s a Beautiful Life – if we want it to be! Christmas time is right around the corner and for most of us it will be a time for family, friends and neighbours. There will be people rushing around, buying last minute gifts, baking those cookies that are always a special Christmas treat and the anticipation of giving and receiving gifts from our loved ones. Christmas is also a time of emotional ups and downs, with many...
Bittersweet Holidays with Alzheimer’s Disease
Bittersweet Holidays with Alzheimer’s Disease Christmas brings so many memories to mind, doesn’t it? Our childhoods, when most of us would be excitedly waiting for Santa. Our delight when we opened our presents. Big family dinners with friends and guests who didn’t have family of their own. Fast forward to today, many of us with children of our own, many with grandchildren. Hopefully, there is joy in our memories, but...
Ditching the Drive-Thru
Ditching the Drive-Thru: Down to earth family food advice from J. Natalie Winch. Advice about feeding our families in a healthy and nutritious way bombards us these days. It’s hard not to know that the typical American diet is bad for us and also for our children. Despite this knowledge, many of us still rely on processed foods and those from fast food outlets. In this excellent book, the author not only explains why we do this...
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays and a Joyous Thanksgiving From Tweedle Pet Products – Natural and Organic – Gourmet Gluten-Grain Free Non GMO treats for Pets and Pet Parents. Tweedle and I are wishing all of our friends a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Holiday. So much food looks so delicious, but I nudge myself to try and taste a variety of foods, but not to overdo it. We can always revisit the fixings table, for a second and third portion…Why...
Breaking bad habits: Creating good ones
It’s much easier than you think to break and create habits. I imagine that we all have bad habits that we’d rather not have. Furthermore, wouldn’t it be great to have some good habits? If it sounds impossible, let me give you some great examples that the book you see here can help you with. A daily walk Many of us make New Year resolutions and I imagine that one of the most common ones is to get more exercise. I...
Stop the Diet, I Want to Get Off!
Sensible diet advice from Lisa Tillinger Johansen. The author is a registered dietician and at last, we have a book containing practical and sensible advice for those of us who are wanting to lose weight and improve our health. Yes, here we have the top tips and advice for weight loss without becoming part of the $60 billion dieting industry. Did that figure I just mentioned make you gulp? It’s true. You’ll have seen all...
What’s So Great About Turmeric?
Turmeric…is it a cure all? Some in natural healing think it could be. It’s the 3rd largest selling supplement at the moment (only flax and wheatgrass top it). The colorful spice has a reputation, first as a dye, then as a natural healing supplement. Research into the spice has increased lately, mainly because of the ingredient within, curcumin. A very popular spice in Indian cooking such as curries, it is part of the ginger family....
The Power of An Apple
Apples and other fruits and vegetables are good for us, offering many health benefits. If nothing else, we’ve all heard the expression, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” That saying has been around for generations. Did you ever wonder why they say that? I have wondered it if it might be true in general. Even more so after reading an article recently. The article said that in a study using mathematical models, an apple a day...
Brain train to help prevent Alzheimer’s
Brain train to help prevent Alzheimer’s. Every week I run across new suggestions to help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. That is very encouraging to me. Lately studies are showing results that can be measured and documented. The more they are able to do, the closer we get to slowing, treating, and preventing Alzheimer’s disease from affecting so many. One of the more recent studies has shown that meditation increases grey...
Young Scientists of the Google Science Fair 2015
Our Youth at Their Best Google recently announced the winners of the Google Science Fair for 2015. The science awards go to youth between the ages of 13 and 18. Once again, the winners—and all the contestants—amaze. If science is your forte, perhaps it comes as no surprise to you that teens as young as thirteen would have such success. For me, it surprises me every year. While some teens are undecided about their futures, to...
The Dangers of Preservatives For People and Pets: Part I
The Dangers of Preservatives For People and Pets: Part I. By Stacey J Nelson Ph.D. AKA ‘Tweedlesmom’. He/She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are their life, their love, their leader. He/She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of their heart. You owe it to him/her to be worthy of such devotion…” Author unknown A few days ago the local television news in Florida aired a story about a...
Start Walking for Fitness
The first Wednesday in April has been designated National Walking Day, but you don’t have to wait until then to get started. Walking is an activity that can be done every day, whether indoors or out. This article will focus on walking indoors. Sometimes the weather isn’t quite what we want it to be, and sometimes the timing fits better just to go ahead and walk inside. You don’t even need a lot of room, and it can also be more...
Eat Cabbage, Lose Weight
Lose weight by eating cabbage. Do you remember that many years ago there was a diet called The Cabbage Soup Diet? If I remember rightly, it originated in Miami and was very popular. And recent studies, also originating in South Florida, have shown that yes, cabbage can without doubt help you considerably in your quest to lose weight and improve your health. According to the study, cabbage contains a substance called tartaric acid....
The Healthy Brain Salad
A Salad Using Top Foods for Brain Health. The best thing about salad is that anything goes. I can’t believe how many different recipes there are–all that look delicious–with ingredients I never would have considered. It is also a pleasure to pull out everything in the crisper drawers in the refrigerator and start chopping. There is no wrong ingredient! The salad I prepared here was designed with a specific goal, even...
Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? A Review of The Memoir by Roz Chast
Some people will never be comfortable talking about death and dying, as this book clearly shows. Yet when you are dealing with it year after year, it seems to get easier, if not almost normal. Maybe it is generational as well. In many areas our parents kept feelings to themselves that are commonly shared now. The title, Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?, suits this sweet book, though it surely covers far more than...
Eye of newt, and toe of frog: A potential cure for MRSA?
It’s the 9th century and instead of green smoothie recipes and how to teatox there’s a hot new natural remedy book topping the best sellers list. What ‘Bald’s Leechbook’ book doesn’t tell you about natural remedies just isn’t worth knowing, I mean, have a read of the precision in this extract (that has been translated from Old English) for treating an eye infection; “If eyes be tearful, add to sweetened...
Thoughts on Alzheimer’s
Missing Mom When someone you love has Alzheimer’s, holidays and days of family gatherings like the Christmas season can be bittersweet. At this time of year, I am so thankful my faith assures me that I will see my family again in heaven. That doesn’t mean I don’t miss my mom today. What makes it bittersweet is that she is still alive. But the ‘mom’ part of her is more or less gone. Now that this Christmas...
Can Coconut Oil Slow Alzheimer’s?
Pure, Organic Coconut Oil Always researching natural ways to combat Alzheimer’s disease, I keep running across the benefits of coconut oil. While it isn’t on the list of top foods—yet—it still is becoming a recommended food to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s as well as many other diseases. Fairly new for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, it continues to gain both acceptance and popularity. It’s surprisingly easy to include the super...
A Useful Guide for Preventing Alzheimer’s
The word “Alzheimer’s” sparks fear in the mind of more and more these days. With baby boomers entering the group, the aging population is increasing in percentage dramatically. In a recent article in the New York Times, a reporter said the aging population in New York City had risen thirty percent. It may be much higher in states that are popular retirement havens like Florida and Arizona. The fact is the number with the disease is...
Music to Sooth the Aging with Room 217
One of the earliest groups to encourage music for palliative care was the foundation, Room 217. Initially, I believe it began to provide comfort to the dying, especially last stages. They found it very beneficial during that time since the music would help sooth and bring a peacefulness. Extending its reach, it has now been proven to reach Alzheimer’s and dementia patients as well. Their music is specific, slow and comforting,...
Best Gift for Seniors & Alzheimer’s: The iPod Shuffle
Put an iPod on your gift list! This time for the senior in your family. It’s a new and favorite idea going through many Memory Care facilities right now. What a successful idea it is! Music has been making Alzheimer’s news lately. Studies have shown that music—singing and listening–stimulates Alzheimer’s patients. Not only does it revive memories but it also can alerts the patient, making him more engaged. Many who show...
Dental Care with Alzheimer’s Disease
Mom went to the dentist today. At 96, that It isn’t exactly an easy task. Nevertheless, the two of us were game to try. We made it to the appointment on time. While we waited Mom caught a little nap. When it was our turn, we walked down the long hallway (nearly a mile, we were sure) to our room. It was no problem seating her in the dental chair, especially once they reclined the chair. Almost like her recliner. First step, the...
Why It’s Serious To Get Plastic Surgery
Why It’s Serious To Get Plastic Surgery Modern Technology plays a big role in improving our lives. With just a snap of a finger you can now change a part of your body so you can look like your favorite celebrity. Plastic surgery can help enhance your looks. If you are unhappy with your nose you can get a nose job so you can make it straighter and pointier. Everything is easy as long as you have the means. However, is it advisable to...
The Essential Alzheimer’s Book, The 36-Hour Day
If you even suspect a family member or a close friend might have Alzheimer’s disease, I recommend the book, The 36-Hour Day by Nancy Mace and Peter V Rabins. It is not to alarm you, but to raise your awareness and perhaps ease your reaction. A doctor should and will be the one to diagnose the disease. Remember, some forgetfulness is natural to aging and may not be Alzheimer’s disease at all. Still, if you are concerned it might...
Spices and Supplements: May Cause Side Effects
Did you know some of the spices and natural supplements you add to your diet may have negative effects? Just like prescription or over the counter medications sometimes have a variety of side effects, so can a simple spice. One big concern is how they interact with medication you may be taking. That may be especially important when taking blood thinners—even aspirin—and digoxin. Sometimes you have to wonder if the side effects of...
Foods for Health: What’s Bad is Good, What’s Good is Bad. Or is it?
Have you noticed lately how many foods that have been considered bad for us, are now considered acceptable and even good for us? It gets very confusing when we try to decide should we or shouldn’t we consume some of these products. There are many to choose from, and even more studies on each representing both sides. One thing to note from the start, if you have any health concerns, you should check with your doctor before adding any...
Young Inventors: Jack Andraka’s Early Test for Pancreatic Cancer
In our continuing series on some of our young inventors, we must include Jack Andraka. At the age of 14, this young scientist came up with an idea to detect pancreatic cancer. At age 15, he had invented it. The test is apparently also effective on lung cancer and ovarian cancer, and he hopes it will be made to detect others as well. One of the problems with pancreatic cancer is that it is not obvious until it’s usually too late....
Urinary Tract Infections Riskier with Alzheimer’s
With our aging seniors, incontinence often becomes an issue in one form or another. With that, urinary tract infections (UTI’s) are also more common. UTI’s are uncomfortable to anyone, but if one has Alzheimer’s it may cause dramatic and unexpected effects. This can be true for any aging individual when incontinence is an issue. But seniors without dementia can usually tell you when and where they might hurt. Not so easily...
Memory loss prevention
Memory loss prevention from Dame Judi Dench In February 2015, actor Michael Gambon announced that he was giving up acting after a long and prestigious career. The reason he gave for this is that he could no longer memorise his lines. This prompted Dame Judi Dench to reveal how she manages to memorise her lines and keep working. Note that she is six years older than Michael Gambon – they were born in 1934 and 1940 respectively....
Alzheimer’s Disease in the News
Big news on the Alzheimer’s! Biogen announced Friday, March 20th, that its research with the drug, Aducanumab, has shown remarkable success, and that they will continue forward with large group testing. It’s excellent news to have positive, substantial results early on in testing. The numbers sound small in a way, but when you put them in perspective, it could prove to be huge. First, this particular test was done with less than...
Today’s Young Inventor: Kenneth Shinozuka
An example of a flat sensor Kenneth Shinozuka gets my vote for young inventor, especially since his invention aids Alzheimer’s Caregivers. He has invented a sensor to tell when someone with Alzheimer’s is getting up to wander. Wandering can be a serious problem with Alzheimer’s. Not only risky for the patient, but very difficult for the caregiver, especially when living at home. It’s a very common occurrence, happening to...
Heart Disease or Alzheimer’s: How Would You Choose?
Medical Question: Would you take a drug that might lessen your chance of a heart attack, IF it might raise your risk of memory problems? It’s too early to tell if that would actually happen, but in tests underway by Amgen, Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a new cholesterol drug is showing promising success. It’s considered early still. Much more testing is needed on a wider scale before it can be accepted for lowering the risk...
Alzheimer’s Test Success Making News Today
There are articles circling the web today about a possible—and incredible–treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. What makes it better still is that it appears to be non-invasive. Studies on mice at the University of Queensland, have shown remarkable success. The research was considered exploratory, so even the researchers were surprised at the results. Using focused ultrasound technology, repeated ultrasounds ‘removed’ the...
What is the Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
What is the Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia? I’ve read several different articles lately about the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia. One said in one sentence that Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, yet in the next paragraph said Alzheimer’s is usually the cause of dementia. When you read them it is easy to see why it’s a common question. It is hard to separate the two. It reminds me of the...
Foods that Fight Inflammation
Foods that Fight Inflammation More and more it interests me how the foods we eat not only provide nutrition to our body, but also can help to heal it. Not sure why it surprises me that foods can be anti-inflammatories. I suppose growing up with aspirin, tylenol or ibuprofen, it simply wasn’t a topic for discussion. So it feels like news to me, though it’s been effective for thousands of years. It is good to know that eating fruits...
399 Games, a Book Review for Your Brain Health
399 Games, a Book Review for Your Brain Health This week Julianne Moore won an Oscar for Best Actress in the movie, Still Alice. As most of you will know, her first and well deserved Oscar, was for playing the part of a successful Columbia university professor facing early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Hopefully her award will reach much further with the increased interest in the Alzheimer’s disease. Finding a cure or even an...
The Many Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
The Many Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Searching for anti-inflammatory food information, I was surprised to read how often Apple Cider vinegar is suggested for various health uses. It’s been in use as far back as 400 BC, by Hippocrates and others, to treat patients. He was known to use it to clean wounds. Past uses have included disinfecting, wart and lice removal, and even to help ear infections. Some use it as a food...
Are Flu Shots Worthwhile?
Are Flu Shots Worthwhile? It was a huge surprise to me when I read that the flu shot given this year was only 23% effective. Less than a quarter of those included in the study avoided the flu. After asking myself why we should bother, I decided to check into it further. When I did I learned that normally it has about fifty percent effectiveness. I had the impression it worked far better than that. Did you? The...
UK care home plans 1950s room for Alzheimer’s sufferers
UK care home plans 1950s room for Alzheimer’s sufferers I found this news to be very interesting. A hospital in England is planning to create a 1950s style lounge in their facility especially for patients who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The rationale is that many of these patients are now in their nineties and the 1950s will evoke memories and comfortable surroundings. I find this incredibly intriguing. Will...
Three-parent babies
Three-parent babies:Opening the door for designer children? On February 3rd, 2015, the British government passed a bill to allow a in-vitro conception method using three parents. This proved to be highly controversial. The reason for this move is that some women carry defective genes which can cause horrendous health problems in their children. Mitochondria are tiny compartments that exist in almost every cell in the human body.Their...
Hanging out with Alzheimer’s
Hanging out with Alzheimer’s Last week, one of the aides at Mom’s facility showed me a picture of one of the residents with her husband when they were young. It might have been their wedding photo, they looked so happy. They could have been taken right out of a scene from a Bing Crosby movie. He was dressed in a sailor uniform, she in a sweet dress. Both had big smiles on their very young faces. More often than not when...
Memory Care for Alzheimer’s: A Necessary Decision?
Memory Care for Alzheimer’s: A Necessary Decision? If and when someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it helps to consider the future as soon as you can. I know it is often something you don’t want to face. You hope it won’t happen to you or your loved one. Denial is probably part of the process. The best scenario would be to discuss it now, in case it happens. It’s easier to share your wishes while you have all of...
The Mask of Ageing
The Mask of Ageing. The ‘Mask of Ageing’ is a description given to an idea about the match, or mismatch, between how old you look – and how old you feel, think and act. Does the ‘mask’ your age presents to the world truly reflect how you feel about yourself? Does your youthful or aged external appearance connect with your perception of the real you? My article briefly explores this idea. There are...
People walk 61 miles in their kitchens annually
How far do you walk in the average day? A recent study in the UK has shown that people walk over sixty miles per year in their kitchens. When health authorities tell us that we should walk 10,000 steps per day in order to keep fit, it’s surprising that quite chunk of that is used up in the kitchen. We may be nearer to our goal than we thought. This was calculated by asking a group of people to wear pedometers to measure the...
Should healthcare professionals lead by example?
Should healthcare professionals lead by example? Isn’t this an interesting question? If, in the days of travelling salesmen, a bald chap was trying to sell hair restorer then his potential customers would wonder why he didn’t use it on his own head. Fast forward to a few years ago. We had a bunch of clients whose start-up business was selling self-help tapes that the user listened to when asleep. The idea,of course, was...
The Frightening Future of Alzheimer’s Disease
The Frightening Future of Alzheimer’s Disease While writing Are You Afraid of Alzheimer’s Disease , I grew more interested in where we are headed with this horrendous disease. So I thought I’d research further and share some statistics. As you may have read in some of my earlier articles, Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked #6 in leading causes of death. The number is skewed though because often rather than showing...
TV presenter chooses to have a double mastectomy
Tv presenter Claira Hermet chooses to have a double mastectomy Claira is a British television presenter in her twenties. Because of her family history – both her mother and her sister died because of breast cancer – she has decided to have both her breasts removed. This is because she carries a mutated BRCA 1 gene – as had her mother and her sister. This gene indicated that a woman has an eighty-five to...
Do You Feel Out of Focus? Try These Tips
Do You Feel Out of Focus? Try These Tips This time of year over all others seems to draw us off our path as we wander off on various rabbit trails. Do you feel that way too? All the activity preparing for and celebrating Christmas can leave you feeling exhausted and confused, asking yourself, “Now Where was I?” If New’s Year’s celebrations and champagne are included, you may not be able to focus on this print yet, let alone any tasks....
Time to own up to an issue that nearly all of us contribute to…using bottled water
Time to own up to an issue that nearly all of us contribute to….using bottled water. Are you one of us? Are you willing to stop? Bottled water is fast becoming more than a pet peeve to me. When I see a celebrity talking about how we are destroying the environment, then taking a sip from a plastic bottle of water, it severely lessens the impact of their message. Don’t they realize the damage water bottles are doing as well?...
Alzheimer’s: Would you want to know you were going to get this disease?
Alzheimer’s: Would you want to know you were going to get this disease? At first that sounds like an easy question, doesn’t? When I first read an article that asked the question, my answer was yes. I would want to know. That was several days ago now. Every day that goes by finds me questioning whether it would be a good thing. Apparently there is a moral dilemma about the question, and so there should be. On the ‘pro’ side, a...
Get Organized with Evernote
Get Organized with Evernote Are you using Evernote yet? If not, I suggest you give it a try. It’s a time saver for me. I first started using it years ago, and every year since then I’ve found more and more uses for it. Evernote is a free app for your cell phone, your tablet and your computer. Since it syncs them easily, the app enables you to use it wherever you are working. It enables you to carry around everything you need,...
Are You Satisfied Yet?
Are You Satisfied Yet? Jackie Jackson wrote an article, titled What is Happiness? It was an excellent article that I found included valid and valuable suggestions. Long after finishing her article, the idea of happiness stayed with me. It got me thinking about how much of our lives we spend seeking that sense of satisfaction. Happiness is so often tied to satisfaction. Year after year we accumulate material things yet still want more....
What is happiness?
What’s your definition of happiness? It’s a tricky question, isn’t it? Is it freedom from care? Does money bring happiness? Does love? How can we make ourselves happy? A well-known British psychologist, Dr. Anthony Clare, was asked this very question and his responses are interesting. Do you agree with what he says? His suggestions are: Cultivate a passion He says that if everyone has something they really enjoy...
The Slippery Slope of Obesity
The Slippery Slope of Obesity First, this is not about racial or gender discrimination. Discrimination probably happens every day in all of our lives one way or another. Anyone can be discriminated against for any number of reasons from hair color to age to size to apparel. Discrimination is never a good thing. That’s a given. But once we start giving people special treatment–or making exceptions–isn’t that...
Should obesity be classed as a disability?
Should obesity be classed as a disability? Some people think it should. I’m not sure that I agree. I was once on a plane – in one of those rows with three seats – completely squished between two men who were decidedly overweight. It was quite an uncomfortable flight. ‘Why’ I wondered ‘don’t these people have to pay extra?’ After all, we have to pay if our suitcases weigh too much. (I...
Do people treat you differently when you’re old?
Are older people treated differently? This was a question posed on a radio program I heard this morning. Isn’t it an interesting topic? (And one that becomes more interesting the older we get!) This was a phone-in show and it was interesting to hear what callers had to say. One (young) woman told of a time when she was in a supermarket. In front of her in the queue was an elderly woman in a wheelchair. The supermarket employee...
Breastfeeding in public: Yes or no?
Breastfeeding in public. The debate In December 2014, it was reported in the British news that a media storm has broken out because a woman was breastfeeding her baby in a restaurant. The woman was told by a member of staff to cover her baby and her breast with a large napkin. Even members of parliament became involved in the row, one suggesting that women should retire to a discreet corner should they wish to breastfeed their baby....
Cross Train Your Brain
CROSS TRAIN YOUR BRAIN In recent articles, you’ve read that steps can be taken that may lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The three major steps include what you eat, exercise, and brain exercise. Today let’s talk about exercise. Exercise is naturally good for your whole body, and as with the food we eat, what helps one part of the body benefits others parts. When your heart is working well because of blood pumping freely because...
Lying Awake Nights?
LYING AWAKE NIGHTS? There isn’t much more frustrating that lying in bed unable to sleep. By the end of the day that is all we want. To drift off into a restful, recuperative and deep sleep. There are many recommendations for ways to aid you sleep, from medication to exercise to white noise. We are told not eat too close to bedtime. Several hours between is normally suggested. It’s easy to see why. No one wants to go to bed feeling...
Are You Eating to Protect your Brain?
Are You Eating to Protect your Brain? These days I spend a lot of time researching Alzheimer’s. What started as a need, since my mother has had it for fifteen years or so, has grown into a curiosity about preventing the disease. The more I read the more surprised I am about the nutritional value of the food we eat. Sounds a bit foolish I suppose, but for years I didn’t pay that much attention. We all have heard of the food pyramid,...
Are You Afraid of Alzheimer’s Disease?
If you have a loved one or friend that suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, that question likely sparks a bit of fear in you. Rightly so too. I spend a lot of time reading about Alzheimer’s and dementia since our family is currently coping with the disease. There will more and more of us doing the same thing over the next decade. In the articles I read, more and more reports are showing expected doubling–and more—of those who will...
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