Archive
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How to give cellulite the bum's rush
Dear Martina, I am in my twenties and although healthy, have a sluggish circulation with advanced cellulite covering my thighs and bottom. I used to be overweight but now eat a balanced diet and exercise consistently every day. I am trying to get rid
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Weight watching with Judy Citron
Those of you who are struggling to lose weight will understand exactly what I mean when I say you have a love-hate relationship with food. Your attraction to it is so strong you can't do without it and, at the same time, when you do over-indulge, you
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Support in the battle to quit smoking
When trying to give up smoking, there are several factors to take into account. It is not just about deciding one day not to have a cigarette, getting help and support as you battle the cravings can make all the difference. National Stop-Smoking Centres
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Weight watching: Shed pounds without dieting
As a sweeping generalisation, we seek pleasure and avoid pain. In other words, we tend to make life choices that will bring us satisfaction and we don't knowingly put ourselves in danger. Each of us defines pain and pleasure differently but that doesn't
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Workout: Tone deltoids for shapely shoulders
"I would like to develop my shoulders a little to get a more toned look without too much bulk. Any tips?" - Ms Donnelly, Storrington We need to focus in on your deltoids, especially the side deltoids. To work these, which will add shoulder width and give
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Weight-watching: Change the tone of your 'self-talk'
Today, I'd like to share a personal insight with you. Many of you will know what I'm talking about. For this, I need to remind you that for many years I was a yo-yo dieter - I was good at dieting and just as good at bingeing. I'd lose 30lbs then put 35lbs
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Workout: Ring the changes with a fit ball
Hopefully you will have enjoyed the benefits of working out with a fit ball following the exercises I gave you a fortnight ago. The variety of exercises you can perform with a fit ball are unlimited, bringing a breath of fresh air to your training. The
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Living each day in severe pain
A campaign has been launched to raise awareness about the little-known condition cluster headache. Every two years or so, Tom Nash's life becomes a living nightmare. Over a period of about six weeks, the 29-year-old develops excruciatingly-painful headaches
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Tragedy that touched Britain
The Payne family's trip to the seaside was made on the spur of the moment and ended in unthinkable tragedy. On Saturday July 1, 2000, a hot summer's day, Sara and Michael Payne rounded up their four children and dog Fifa and bundled them into the car.
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Turning over a new leaf with neem
The neem tree is a tropical evergreen, related to mahogany. You can tell this tree has a bit of class. In India, neem has been used for more than 4,000 years as a medicine and as a health and beauty aid. The astonishing healing qualities of its seeds,
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How Sarah's killer was caught
Sarah Payne placed a tiny milk tooth under her pillow on the evening before she was kidnapped and murdered. It was meant for the tooth fairy. Instead, detectives came to take it. They used DNA extracted from the root to obtain a genetic profile of the
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Weight watching with Judy Citron
"Comfort eating" is a phrase (and activity) you may be quite familiar with. It is widespread and a common cause of being overweight. By definition, when we comfort eat we are not physically hungry. Instead, we are eating to bury our feelings and unmet
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Shopping can be a learning curve
Your temperature's rising. You're starting to get edgy. Then, the fear that someone might approach with: Can't you keep that child under control? But what can you do when you have no option but to take an unwilling four-year-old to the supermarket? First
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'A cunning and glib liar'
A menace to children and every parent's and grandparent's nightmare come true: The judge's own verdict on Roy Whiting. Mr Justice Curtis told the paedophile he would be kept in prison for the rest of his life. The judge told Whiting, who was jailed for
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Give blood and save more lives
Giving blood is a way of life for Mark Allwright. He has recently donated his 200th pint of blood and has encouraged his wife and children to become donors as well. Mr Allwright, from Worthing, is carrying on the traditions passed down to him from his
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Marvellous medleys of crushed fruit
Ever tried a Liquid Purple Dream or a Sweet Neon Doom? If not, you simply haven't lived. Frothy fruit and vegetable concoctions with elaborate names are becoming increasingly popular as we seek healthy alternatives to canned fizzy drinks and sugary fruit
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Weight Watching with Judy Citron
I'd like to recommend the following attitude to life: "Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly at first". That may surprise you but it is very relevant to dieting. It's at about this time of the year - a few weeks into a new year - that so many people
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Should you scrub up fruit and veg?
A few weeks ago, the Food Standards Agency announced it was no longer necessary to wash fruit and vegetables in order to remove pesticides when preparing them for small children. The Pesticide Residues Committee, however, has stated that at least 30 per
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Message of hate as killer caged
Evil Roy Whiting was told to rot in hell after he was jailed for life for kidnapping and murdering Sarah Payne. As Whiting was led to the cells, Sarah's grandfather leaned towards him and shouted: "I hope you rot in hell." The 42-year-old painter and
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In at the deep end for fitness
The most common image of hydrotherapy is doing exercises in a swimming pool but there are other types of treatments that can be used as well. Hydrotherapy is the use of water to treat disease or illness and has been around since ancient times. Many conditions
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Weight loss as a creative challenge
One of the funniest articles I ever read about dieting was written some years ago, yet I remember it to this day. I apologise for not being able to give credit to the writer because I don't remember who it was or even in which newspaper I saw it. Even
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How to cope with high pollen counts
About 15 million people in Britain suffer from hay fever, an oversensitivity to pollen, spores and moulds. Symptoms range from violent sneezing, stuffy, itchy, runny noses and sometimes sore throat, ears, eyes and head. The culprit is histamine, a natural
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Exercise can help beat osteoporosis
In recent articles, I have been covering prevention and managementof osteoporosis, which you may know as brittle-bone condition. This week, I have included a set of exercises that can be used individually or as agroup of exercises in a circuit format.
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Extracting the truth about mercury
In 1989, Professor Murray Vimy from the University of Calgary in Canada studied the effects of mercury fillings on sheep. His research team used radioactively-labelled mercury for ease of tracking and found substantial quantities of the element in all
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The importance of zinc is elemental
Take a moment to look at your fingernails. Are they brittle and do they peel easily? Are they so thin you are inclined to bite them? Perhaps they grow very slowly, are opaquely white or splattered with white dots. Any one of these symptoms could indicate
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Grapefruit seeds wage germ warfare
The next time you eat a grapefruit, treat it with added respect. I bet you didn't know that the extract from its seeds, pulp and inner rind form a potent antimicrobial which cleans and disinfects virtually everything. Grapefruit seed extract was discovered
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Weight watching with Judy Citron
It's January. Here we go again. For how many years now has losing weight been on your list of New Year resolutions? Every year, I expect the process goes something like this: You successfully lose weight for a few days, even a few weeks and then, suddenly
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Ban on supplements 'a health risk'
An Open Letter to Health Minister Alan Milburn: You will be aware the European Union is currently planning to ban many dietary supplements. In two years' time, it may be illegal to sell products containing more than the recommended daily amounts (RDAs
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Weight Watching with Judy Citron
I'm often asked whether it's better to tell friends and family that you're trying to lose weight or not to tell them. On one hand, if you tell them, they may help you. They may not put the dish of nuts right under your nose or offer to clear the dishes
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Quality people need quality foods
Despite all the resolutions, do you lose out in the power struggle with the wrong kind of food? Our bodies are made from molecules derived from what we eat so, of course, we need food. But why is it that when I reach for an apple, I choose chocolate instead
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ME finally recognised as a disease
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) has finally been given disease status in government report this month. It is a great vindication for sufferers of ME (also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) who have been consistently ridiculed and labelled hypochondriacs
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The humble spud is full of goodness
National Chip Week will soon be upon us, providing kids with ample excuse to drag their parents into every known junk-food outlet. However, the potato itself, minus excess salt and fat, is a most useful and nutritious vegetable worthy of a closer look
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'Evil' Whiting caged for Sarah killing
Roy Whiting was today found guilty of the abduction and murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne and sentenced to life. The 42-year-old killer, who had a previous child sex conviction, was told by trial judge Mr Justice Richard Curtis that he was "every parent's
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A resolution that's easy to swallow
Symbolically, the New Year signifies a renewal life, hence our desire for regeneration and celebration. Modern-day festivities encourage unbridled drinking and eating and are geared less towards restoring health and sanity. By sampling some healthy New
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Mystery of mistletoe still astounds
A kiss under the mistletoe is a charming custom at Christmas time. According to Scandinavian legend, Balder, the god of peace, was slain by an arrow made of mistletoe but was eventually restored to life by the other gods. As a result, mistletoe became
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Your donation could save a life
Siobhan Ryan reports on efforts in Sussex to encourage more people to sign on to the national organ donor register. Earlier this year, Brighton and Hove City Council sent out special forms with its electoral roll forms to homes across the city. People
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Starting the countdown to Christmas
Now is the time to start your Christmas prepar-ations in earnest. Tell everyone their Christmas cards must have been lost in the post and don't even think about hunting for presents until the day before the event. It is pointless getting worried in advance
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How not to overdo the festive spirit
The simple way to avoid a hangover is not to drink. While that method is fine for some, for many others it's missing the point. Perhaps a more realistic option is to find ways of enjoying a few drinks and having a good time without facing the full repercussions
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Weight watching, with Judy Citron
Many people struggling to lose weight say: "I'm just not motivated, I can't do it." Today, I'd like to muse with you on this issue of motivation. What is it? How can you acquire some? The American motivation guru Anthony Robbins suggests we are all motivated
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Take children to a world of good food
Hassocks is definitely the place to be. A few weeks ago, went to an open morning at Hassocks Health Centre. It was organised by the local Patient Participation Group, charitable organisation which encourages health education, held in a GP's surgery. The
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Top ten tips to stay stress-free
Research has shown 60 per cent of people in the UK find elements of Christmas stressful or depressing. The Mental Health Foundation has launched a top ten countdown to avoid stress at Christmas. It aims to put relaxation at the top of everyone's Christmas
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Standing up for your right to choose
Momentous world events have a habit of dragging us away, kicking and screaming, from the relentless preoccupation with ourselves. Suddenly, liberty and freedom of choice become important concepts which need to be defended against narrow-mindedness and
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Garlic: As good as ten mothers
Garlic, one of the best-known cure-alls, is, according to an old Indian proverb, "as good as ten mothers". But we tend to avoid it in large doses because of the unpleasant odour we emit after eating it. "A nickel will get you on the subway but garlic
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Time to learn your abc of nutrition
Light relief this week with another quiz to catch you out. No prizes for guessing the most sensible answer. 1. Apart from cranberries, which berries help to prevent cystitis? a) Eric Clapton and The Travelling Wilburys. b) Blueberries. c) Beri-beri. 2
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Juicy fruit for healing and health
Hurray for good old Christopher Columbus, who discovered and introduced us to a variety of curious fruit and vegetables. In 1493, Columbus stumbled upon a spiky-looking plant on the tropical island of Guadeloupe. One of his crew described it as being
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Spoonfuls of sugar lead to medicine
A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down. But does the sugar we eat also contribute to our requirement for medication? The sugar industry would have us believe sugar does not contribute to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, hypoglycaemia or nutrient
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The fun to be had teaching your child
"My child can count up to 20 and write her name and she's only three." Does this sound familiar? But for all you competitive parents, there are many more important lessons to be learned in the early years. Just as children learn to crawl before they can
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Summer salads and junk food fixes
It may be summer time but staying away from junk food isnt easy. Fast food outlets specialise in catering for eyes, nose and taste buds. Therein lies the fastest route to your wallet. Fast food does not cater for your future well-being, say an hour after
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The deadly bacteria
An outbreak of meningitis in East Sussex last month led to thousands of people being given antibiotics as a protection against infection. However, health experts are urging people to keep calm and reminding them the number of cases reported every year
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Stay safe by the fire
More people these days are opting to attend specially organised fireworks displays carried out under strict safety regulations on Bonfire Night. However, there are still those who prefer to have friends and family round for celebrations in their own back
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The minefield of choosing childcare
"What's in a name? that which we call a rose/ By any other name would smell as sweet," said Juliet to Romeo. Well names mean plenty in the bewildering range of care options for the under-fives. There's day nurseries, play-groups and pre-schools, parent
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Kids face back pain epidemic
More and more children are developing back complaints more normally experienced by adults in middle age. Experts are urging parents to take action now to avoid long-term problems. Holly Carron is not yet ten years old but already she is suffering from
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Eastbourne Borough Council: Lib Dem hold
The Liberal Democrats retained control in Eastbourne but saw their majority cut to just one seat as the Tories capitalised on this year's huge council tax rise. Having lost a seat in Old Town to Tory challenger Ian Lucas, the balance of power is now on
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Going with the flow of shiatsu
The only constant in life is change and Sally Goodwin has experienced many over the past few years. When she left her job as communications manager at the Body Shop three years ago, following voluntary redundancy, it was clear some major changes were
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New treatment eases migraine
Migraine is a debilitating condition that can have a big impact on work, education and social lives. The most common symptoms experienced at the onset of an attack are partial sight loss, bright flashing lights or stars, difficulty speaking and numbness
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Yoga can help children relax
Children today can find themselves under a lot of pressure. Homework, competition with other children, exams, endless after-school activities and over-scheduling all add up. But a possible solution is growing in popularity across Sussex and helping children
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A guide to effective training
Training the right way is not always easy. It can be hard to make a start then maintain or increase the amount of training you do. Another, equally hard, area to consider is how you are training. This week I have included some important dos and don'ts
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Keep applying the sun cream
Skin cancer is on the increase in the UK. Our health reporter Siobhan Ryan takes a look at state-of-the-art equipment being used to detect and treat new cases. There are more than 2,400 new cases of melanoma in men and more than 3,300 new cases in women
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Straight to the point of piercing
The number of people having their navels, eyebrows and other body parts pierced has soared in recent years. Once reserved for the young and rebellious, the practice has been adopted by trendy teens everywhere and even professionals are sporting studs
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Rediscover your creative spark
A series of courses is being set up to help people achieve the right balance of work and play to improve their health and quality of life. The scene is an all too familiar one: A person works long hours in a busy and stressful job and when they get home
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A sure sign of development
Most parents can generally guess by a baby's gurgle, laugh or tone of cry whether their nappy needs changing or whether they are thirsty. But Sasha Felix from Brighton has taken this a step further by organising a series of special classes which combine
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Play safe with a proper warm-up
After two weeks of watching Wimbledon and a month of World Cup football, it is no surprise people are being inspired to get fit. Long summer days and the prospect of holidays on the horizon are also making people think about losing weight before relaxing
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New test checks hearing earlier
A new test is being piloted in Sussex which can check a child's hearing at just ten days old. Little Oscar Kirkman-Horne is only a month old but his parents already know his hearing is fine. Ordinarily, they would have had to wait until he was eight months
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Preparing for The Change
There is really only one thing you can be sure of in life and that is death, so the saying goes. However, for women, there's something else - the menopause. Whoever you are or whatever you do, you will at some stage in your life (usually between the ages
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There are lies, damned lies and surveys
For those working parents who have emerged, heads reeling from the latest survey into childcare; there must be as many nurseries and playgroups asking themselves: "What sort of places did the researchers visit?" It follows a survey conducted by the University
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How to avoid the big sneeze
Some 12 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever. In more extreme cases this can cause huge disruption, with many having to take time off work and avoid the countryside. As tree pollen concentrations start to rise in early March, sufferers start
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Ancient therapy warms the body
Alexandra Schunemann says she may be able to ease modern stress-related problems by using ancient therapy techniques. Many people are now turning to alternative forms of therapy to help them cope with the stresses and strains of daily life. One practice
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Homocysteine: A new heartbreaker
Move over cholesterol, you have had your moment of fame. Since the early 20th Century, cholesterol has taken the rap for causing heart disease and strokes. Nowadays, most people assume that as long as they keep their cholesterol levels down, there is
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Getting kids to eat their greens
At work, the last thing any parent wants is a battle with their child about what they are going to eat. When it comes to a choice between spaghetti hoops greens, it is not difficult guess which one most children will go for. Trying to balance what child
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Taking steps to improve health
There are many ways to keep a person's heart healthy and strong but a new campaign has a simple message: Go out and take a walk. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the Countryside Agency are working together to get more people on their feet and out
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Have a say in your child's education
Do you want the best for your child? Of course you do. Yet, it seems once you set foot outside the front door, your influence ceases. But there's a group of individuals and organisations, all with different experiences and knowledge, who want your contribution
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Keyworkers can be a parent's lifeline
Imagine yourself in the position of Alice in Wonderland; reduced in size so all the everyday objects tables, chairs, cup - boards and most of all, people suddenly loom over you in a vast and frightening world. That's the experience of every little three
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Why we should stand by vitamin C
Vitamin C came in for another media bashing last week amid claims that high doses of the vitamin could increase the risk of cancer. Poor old vitamin C - allegations are constantly being made by medical science and sensationalised by the Press. Yet we
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After-school clubs to suit every child
If you're a working parent, as I am, you probably get swamped by feelings of irrational guilt. Should you be with your child rather than earning a crust? Is your child missing out because you're not there at the school gates? Do they feel cornered into
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Albion heroes medals sold
First World War medals won by two Albion legends and a battlefield matron have been auctioned for £1,000 more than expected. Campaign medals belonging to goalkeeper Robert "Pom-Pom" Whiting, fellow footballer Jasper "Ginger" Batey and Matron Jane Child
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Hanover and Elm Grove
Greens are fighting hard to win the new seat of Hanover and Elm Grove but they have a big problem. How do they out-green Labour councillor Joyce Edmond-Smith, who chairs the Sustainability Commission, rides a bike and has solar panels on her Hanover house
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Letter: Shopmobility
I was interested to read Val Edward's note (Letters, April 17). I had no idea we had a Shopmobility in Brighton. Whenever I want to go out for the day I have to go to Shopmobility in Eastbourne. Thank you, Val, for publicising this very helpful service
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Hangleton and Knoll
Young political enthusiasts are rubbing their eyes with wonder as veteran campaigner Brian Fitch takes up every issue and goes to every doorstep in this large, new ward. Coun Fitch has moved over from Hollingbury ward now he lives in Hove. He has been
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Letter: Think together
Jean Calder believes that the cause of young people's delinquency is a breakdown in their family backgrounds but the causes are much deeper because thugs can just as easily come from well-heeled, loving, home environments. A more convincing reason is
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Goldsmid
Goldsmid was a safe Tory ward until two years ago when there was a by-election following the premature death of Councillor Steve Langston. In the wake of the general election, Vince Meegan slipped in for Labour. Then the two other councillors defected
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Letter: Never too old
I am becoming more and more incensed by advertisements asking for individuals to become Justices of the Peace - providing they are less than 65. It would be interesting to learn people's views on what exactly happens to a perfectly fit, healthy, active
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Letter: More please
I was sorry that Paul-John Harris (Letters, April 19) should have chosen to be so gratuitously offensive about Police Community Support Officers. Their powers - which are far greater than he implies - are defined by statute and delegated downwards by
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Nutritional aid for ugly ducklings
If Hans Christian Andersen had not been dyslexic, he may never have created the tale of The Ugly Duckling. It is a classic story of the outsider 's struggle for acceptance, of an individual who doesn't quite fit in try as he might. Similar setbacks are
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Central Hove
Jenny Barnard-Langston is one of the best known public figures in Brighton and Hove. She cut a dash as mayor and only two years ago she was Tory candidate standing against Ivor Caplin in the general election for Hove. Then she made a well publicised switch
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Thinking small can make a big difference
I have fallen in love with the concept of downsizing! Trade your Merc in for a Mini and think of the savings in terms of petrol and pollution. Trade your mobile phone for a notepad and enjoy the mystery and suspense of waiting for snail mail. Swap your
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How to tell your body you want to lose weight
Officially, the number of obese people has more than doubled in a decade and is on the increase. 17 per cent of males and 20 percent of females in the UK are obese and 50 per cent are overweight, subjecting themselves to huge health risks including heart
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Bard makes open air return
An open-air Shakespeare festival will return to Brighton this summer despite last year's event being dubbed a comedy of errors. Director and actor Robert J Williamson had vowed never to bring the production to the city again after a host of problems in
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Change your food for a better mood
As silly adverts go, the one I heard on the radio the other day takes the oatcake. It ridicules people who eat healthy snacks and tells them to swallow a multi-vitamin instead. Pill popping, after all, has been the preferred medical treatment since pills
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Stop moaning and try a tasty alternative
Is it just me or have I been exposed to a lot of whingeing recently? People moaning about their state of health whilst exposing their bodies to hazardous material such as pesticides, excess sugar and hydrogenated fats. Worrying about their children's
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Milk implicated in Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory and painful bowel condition. Sufferers tend to go through periods of remission in which there are no symptoms and relapses in which symptoms flare up. The symptoms of Crohn's Disease vary according to whether
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Chick out the healthy living pea
On my recent excursion to Israel, I frequently came across a relation of the green pea called the chickpea (or garbanzo). Chickpeas originated in the Middle East around 7,000 years ago and were one of the first legumes to be cultivated by man. Properly
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Dyslexics helped by space science
Rupa Anandakumar is one of many people to have a form of dyslexia but she has not let it get in the way of what she wants to do. She is now a therapist working with autistic children. Nicky Woodward is also dyslexic. Having dealt with the condition from
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Be a role model: Be a sport
TO succeed in a competitive world, it is increasingly important for children to learn how to set and attain their goals and where better to learn those skills than on the sports field? Of course, top athletes can earn millions from their sport but lessons
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Caring parents given no choice.
Isobella Thomas's family is one of 2,000 families who say their lives have been ruined by the MMR vaccine. Her sons Michael, nine, and Terry, seven, developed signs of autism and suffered bowel problems after being inoculated as toddlers. Mrs Thomas,
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Explore the natural alternatives to HRT
According to many experts, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is God's gift to woman kind. As it replaces the levels of oestrogen and progesterone that naturally decline in a woman during and after the menopause, causing trouble-some symptoms such as hot
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Fall in to get fit and healthy
When it comes to fighting the flab, Gaynor Rose is a real success story. She recently managed to lose more than five stones to reach a target weight of 10st 3lb after attending a slimming club in Portslade. Months of healthy and careful eating mean she
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Look the New Year in the eye
The best way to avoid a hangover is to avoid alcohol altogether but that's no good on New Year's Eve. In an ideal world, everyone has incredible will power and everyone knows when to stop. But this is not an ideal world so the other option is to listen
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Healing powers of the Dead sea
The skin disease psoriasis is not contagious, yet it feels like the social equivalent of leprosy. It is a common disorder characterised by unsightly, red, scaly patches produced by a pile-up of skin cells that have replicated too quickly. Little is known
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Help save a life this Christmas
As people are busy racing around getting ready for Christmas, the last thing to come to mind is the thought of giving blood. But the demand is always there. The National Blood Service (NBS) says the more people who come forward, the more lives can be
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Doctor who prefers a holistic approach
For John McKenna, becoming a doctor was never going to just be about prescribing basic pharmaceutical medicines. After first training as a scientist, he worked in Africa for four years. Following his subsequent medical degree, he was eager to learn about
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Stop the parade of the pink elephants
Russians open another bottle of vodka and start again, the Chinese eat oats and peaches and the Scots swear by Irn-Bru. But by far the majority of people across the globe rely on a cup of coffee and the "plink-plink fizz" of products such as Alka Seltzer
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Getting to the heart of things
1.4 million people in England suffer from angina, 300,000 have heart attacks and more than 110,000 die as a result of heart problems every year. Several organisations in Sussex exist to help people reduce the risk of developing heart disease and another
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Natural creams to heal the skin
Hundreds of people in Sussex suffer from the misery of sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis which, in some cases, can be difficult to control. Martin James, from Eastbourne, suffered chronic asthma and very sensitive skin when he was a child. He eventually
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Tapping into hidden depths
Sarah Saunders (not her real name) was devastated when her brother died during an asthma attack nearly a year ago. Miss Saunders, from Brighton, had suffered from asthma herself for nearly 30 years and was desperate for help. She approached her doctor
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Wake up to the new breakfast clubs
One of the dilemmas for parents is balancing work and family commitments. A particular test of this is the school run. While most parents can accommodate this historic mismatch of timing most of the time, even the best-laid plans can break down. Hence
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Cuddling my son helps me to say goodbye
Rose Hill rarely suffered morning sickness, passed all her ante-natal checks and was looking forward to becoming a new mum. In a check-up, little more than three weeks before her due date, Rose's GP sent her home, happy with her progress. Within a few
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It's time to get back in shape
Statistics show four in five people experience back pain during their lifetime and the problem is on the increase. The pain ranges from a nagging ache in the lower back to a crippling, stabbing pain that leaves the sufferer unable to do anything but lie
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Fast track to an emotional cure
Paul and Val Lynch say they have the p e r f e c t way o f helping people beat their anxieties, phobias and guilt. They both practice the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), described as a psychological version of acupressure, without the needles. It incorporates
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Say goodbye to the demon weed
Thirty years ago, smoking was seen as a social thing to do and there weren't many places where it was frowned upon to light up. But information about the health risks involved, not just for the smoker but for the people immediately around them, has led
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Get smart about fats for kids
Not for one moment do I imagine that life is easy for our kids. Just consider the stress of being driven to school when you'd far rather walk, or having to put up with politically correct parenting and endless bewildering choices. Do I take up hula hoop
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Save me from my irritable bowel
Dear Martina, I am in my early 30s and often suffer from digestive problems. I am bloated and windy most of the time and suffer from constipation and sometimes diarrhoea - there seems to be no particular pattern to this. Could it be due to something I
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Neighbours win battle to ground flying director
For 28 days each year, businessman Ian Casselden has been allowed to use a paddock next to his home as a helipad. He would leave in his £100,000, three-seat Enstrom helicopter, flying to appointments across the country in a fraction of the time it would
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Playschemes offer safety and fun
"I don't know what to do. I'm bored." The inevitable consequence of a school holiday, perhaps, but for a parent this refrain is almost the kiss of death. For working parents, who have to prise unwilling children out of bed when they are in holiday mood
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Discover virtues of soya - the golden bean
An increasing number of people are favouring vegetable protein in their diets rather than relying solely on animal protein (meat, fish, eggs). You can find vegetable protein in whole grains, beans, pulses, seeds and nuts. Vegetarians should eat a mixture
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Search for inner peace
As you move through life, savouring its sweetness as well as rolling with the punches, do you ever wonder what is the purpose of life itself? When you are rewarded in life for your efforts with financial returns, a prestigious post or praise from your
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The herbal alternatives
Herbal Medicine Awareness Week, organised by The National Institute of Medical Herbalists, runs until September 13. Members of the public will be able to join qualified herbalists on a nationwide series of herb walks this weekend. Our own Brighton expert
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Adjusting to the weather
The environment and atmosphere certainly has an effect on how we feel and how our bodies function. Earlier this week, we were still basking in the summer sun. But with the sudden change to clouds and rain, our inner temperature control may have got confused
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A relaxing way to treat stress
The pressures of a modern-day lifestyle have led to an increasing number of cases of anxiety and stress-related illness and addictions. A growing number of people are now turning to hypnotherapy for help. Siobhan Ryan reports. Michael, 31, had almost
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Soothe those aching legs
Many men, women and children suffer from aching leg syndrome, which can disturb sleep and make you feel tired and weak. I have seen a number of runners, sportsmen and people whose occupation involves standing for long periods of time suffer from the condition
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Cleopatra's little beauty tip
Latter-day historians will tell you that I, Cleopatra, am no oil painting. And what do they expect from a mother of four with a busy career? It's hard enough fending off challenges to my throne and overseeing lazy Nubian slaves without having to be a
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Dealing with the change
Menopause can be a distressing time for some women while others sail through it. In many cultures, women regard it as a natural process to which the mind and body gradually adapt. As oestrogen and progesterone are the active female hormones which affect
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Healing with autogenics
One of the ways in which we can take control of our health in mind, body and spirit is to learn self-help techniques which we can practise easily and which are proven to work. There is a number of powerful techniques such as yogic breathing, meditation
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Recovering from ME
Last week, I met up with the ME Society to talk about the holistic management of ME - Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This is now recognised by the Department of Health as a medical condition. ME or CFS can be extremely debilitating
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Getting kids into sports
Last weekend, I participated in the Sports Show 2003 at Earl's Court, London (www.liquidexhibitions.co.uk), a new event encouraging children to take up different sports. What a lovely idea to get some of Britain's top athletes and world champions to mingle
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Saints' guide to happiness
The teenage years require direction and support from caring adults. I see many young people who are suffering from anorexia, depression or have been victims of abuse and I wonder where the values of our modern society are leading us. Our children are
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How to still your mind
In this day and age, with the many pressures and demands of society, a happy balance of our mind, emotions and senses is difficult to maintain. Many young people, in particular, seem to be under enormous pressure and there are high expectations of them
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The problem with alcohol
Recent reports in the media reveal that some four million people suffer from alcohol dependence and 4,000 people die of alcohol-related deaths in the UK every year. Throughout the world and since time immemorial, alcohol has held a special position in
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Communication is key to education
One of the skills that distinguishes us from all other animals is our ability to communicate. There's no doubt that catching small children when they are already fired up to learn new ways of communicating improves dramatically their chances of reaching
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The power of herbs
Continuing the theme from last week, let us look at some more rejuvenating herbs everyone can use regularly. Lord Charaka says herbs from the country in which you are born will be in greater in harmony with your body and may work better for you although
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The wonderful world of flax
Flaxseed (also called linseed) is one of the oldest cultivated plants on the planet and extremely versatile. Linen woven from the fibrous stalks of flax have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and at sites in Switzerland dating back to 4000 BC. Its
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Using herbs for health
In the Vedic Hindu civilisation, which flourished on the banks of the Indus valley 5,000 years ago, the scholars and the people detoxed and rejuvenated the whole being. They took care of mind, body and spirit - in order to live more than 100 years and
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Behavioural problems
This week we are continuing with the theme of personality types and patterns of behaviour. When dealing with a stressful or demanding situation, we become more vulnerable to other minor or major irritations. Problems tend not to come one at a time: When
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Spring fever is in the air
Spring is in the air, the sun is shining and the pollen from grass and flowers of trees are being wafted on the breeze. But while the warmer weather and sunshine cheers everyone up, it also brings tears to the eyes of those who suffer from hay fever.
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The valuable gift of peace
Body, mind and soul. Freedom, peace and love. Satyam (truthfulness), ahimsa (non-violence), brahmacharya (self restraint). These have been an intertwined trilogy of human existence from time immemorial. Great civilisations flourished on these lofty principles
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Natural way to holistic health
The demand for trained medical herbalists has increased sharply in the past five years. There are now at least 15 in practice in Sussex, treating people who prefer to take natural remedies instead of conventional medicine. Siobhan Ryan looks at the growing
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Revival of the spirit
Conflict causes insecurity, damping down the spirit which allows us to feel joyous. The ancient vedas or spiritual sciences, as well as modern spiritual masters around the world, proclaim the only way to resolve conflict is to become aware of our inner
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Obesity and the mind
Since 1980, the number of obese adults and children has doubled in UK. I believe obesity is a result of an imbalanced body, mind and spirit. A number of factors are influential - dietary habits, exercise, mental state, emotional turmoil and spiritual
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The way to a healthy heart
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the largest killer in UK, according to the latest statistics published by the British Heart Foundation. It accounts for around 125,000 deaths a year; approximately one-in-four deaths in men and one-in-six deaths in women
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Happiness is key to health
A Happy Soul Is A Healthy Body. This was the theme for my workshops and lectures at the Good Health Show at Birmingham NEC last weekend. I was surprised and pleased to receive a high attendance of around 30 people for each session, all keen to learn yogic
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Best advice on Ayurveda
With Ayurveda and Ayurvedic medicine grabbing the attention of doctors and herbalists in the UK, Ayurvedic herbs are starting to appear in the shops. But I feel I should sound a note of caution. Single Ayurvedic herbs available in UK are only the tip
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Remedies to beat the cold
The sudden change in the weather - with snow, ice and cold winds - looks lovely from indoors when the sun shines on the snow. But it is bad news for people suffering from asthma, chest problems, sinusitis, arthritis and heart disease. Small children get
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Tasty foods for detoxing
Since the detox season is in full swing and so much is being said about the subject, I thought it would be the right time to put things into perspective. Today, a 24-year-old lady came to see me feeling tired all the time, low in energy and suffering
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Advice from the experts
After the cold, depressing winter months, one way to boost your mood and stimulate your energy is to attend the Good Health Show at Birmingham NEC next month. I was invited to give lectures and demonstrations on holistic health and ayurvedic medicine
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Aspirin versus vitamin E
Around 400 BC, the Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed powder from the bark and leaves of the willow tree to relieve pain and fever. Much later, at the end of the 19th Century, the German company Bayer used the active ingredient from willow plants
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Detox for a lighter liver
After the Christmas season's indulgence, with all that alcohol and chocolate, many of us may be feeling quite heavy in the liver. Charak, the ayurvedic physician, says: "A happy soul is a healthy body" and it certainly is lovely, sometimes, to unwind
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Having faith in the future
Christmas is a time for festivities but also a time to rest and reflect. So what were your reflections for the past year and what are your resolutions for a healthy 2003 in mind, body and spirit? Listening to the prevalent messages of war and peace over
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Easing the menopause
Concerns over an increased risk of cancer when taking hormone replacement therapy have worried many women. Technically speaking, if you are only replacing what your body is not producing, there should not be any increased risk. However, if we believe
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Treatments for asthma
Asthma is a condition in which the tubes carrying air in and out of the lungs go into spasm and cause distress and great difficulty with breathing. For many years, inhalers containing bronchodilator medicines such as salbutamol have saved many lives.
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Sensible weight loss
Products that claim to bring about rapid weight loss within days have hit the headlines again. In desperation, people will try anything to lose weight quickly. Being obese can make people feel embarrassed about their looks and can prevent them from enjoying
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Letter: Knackered
Surely the lack of police officers on the beat cannot be tolerated. The influx of PCSOs may help a little as a visible presence but with their lack of powers which the idiots clearly pick up on, is the police authority being fair by making them sitting
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Learning should be child's play
For far too many years childcare has been right at the bottom of the pile. This goes back as far as the 17th Century, when wealthy women farmed their children out to wet nurses rather than ruin their social lives and their bodies. Times have changed,
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Preventing early ageing
What is the link between your actual age and the inner ageing process? For example, why do some of us look young and others old for their years? Why do some people get early wrinkling of the skin, memory loss or high blood pressure, which are all part
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How to stay feeling young
Recent trends suggest that even people as young as 20 are worried about ageing and, therefore, the use of anti-ageing creams and beauty treatments is on the increase. Everyone wants to look and feel young right into old age and carry on enjoying the things
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The brighter side of life
Antidepressants are gaining bad press at the moment because of the undesirable side effects they cause. One of my patients brought me a list of side effects she had suffered, including sweats, bad dreams, a fuzzy head and a difficulty with making decisions
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Warm up those muscles first
As Wimbledon draws to a close this weekend, tennis courts mostly abandoned for much of the year fill up. Those inspired by the game want to get in to shape for the summer. But any type of exercise, especially if you are not used to it, can lead to injuries
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Bin the Prozac, it's chocolate time
Let me tell you, the quickest route to a girl's heart is through her stomach! Forget looks, fame and fortune, a man has to be able to cook. Or willing to go out at strange hours to buy chocolate, the ultimate in sugar replacement therapy. Easter is my
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How to keep colds at bay
An influenza epidemic is predicted for the UK this winter. This could overload GP surgeries with urgent appointments for treatment. If so, the challenge of dealing with a serious outbreak of flu could overwhelm the already overstretched primary care system
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Eating your way to health
We are what we eat. In recent years, I have seen a growing trend in patient awareness regarding diet. In the past, people used to believe diet did not matter. Now, an increasing number of patients ask me what they should eat for certain conditions. For
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Letter: Community support
I have to respond to the most disrespectful letter about Police Community Support Officers (PSCOs) from Paul-John Harris (April 19). Firstly, PCSOs are funded by Sussex Police Authority and not by Brighton and Hove City Council. In Brighton and Hove they
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Holy herb in the garden
Tulsi, or holy basil (ocimum sanctum), is considered to be a spiritual herb bestowed with great healing powers. It holds a position of sanctitity and importance in the Hindu religion and tradition. In every home in India, Hindus grow tulsi in the front
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Dr Martens: Reds' shield date cahnged
Crawley will be presented with the premier division title shield after their home game with Hinkley United on Saturday. The club originally announced the presentation would take place after the home game against Newport on Monday, but decided to switch
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Listening to your instinct
Did you hear on the television how working for more than 40 hours a week can cause heart attacks? Last week, a cousin of mine died from a heart attack at the age of 37 years. When people live under constant pressure, they have to find some way of relieving
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Problems of clean living
Recent research claims frequent bathing can lead to increased incidences of asthma in babies and young children. From my own experience, I believe we are also seeing more skin problems such as eczema in babies and children. The need to survive requires
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Letter: Remember the merchant seamen who died
It was recently decreed that September 3 would be officially known as Merchant Navy Day. On that day, the Red Ensign can be flown in remembrance of the 80,000 seamen who, having volunteered for a life at sea, suddenly found their ships were sitting targets
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The way to a healthy mind
The philosophy of ayurveda states that, at any given time, human behaviour reflects and depends on the state of our mind. Ayurveda categorises the state of our minds into three energy types or gunas. Satva guna is the state of purity and clarity of thought
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Back Technique
Siobhan Ryan speaks to a woman who is using an old technique to help solve a modern problem. The number of people who spend a lot of their leisure time sitting in front of a computer playing games or surfing the Internet has rapidly increased in the last
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Attention to detail needed
BBC Southern Counties Radio programme about children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) highlighted the serious problem such children and their families have with schooling. Children can be labelled as disruptive and non-achievers by heads, teachers
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De-stress in five minutes
Why does there seem to be a growing interest among people from all walks of life in spiritual healing and Ayurvedic herbs? The answer is simple. We have allowed our fantasies of modern life to drag us into a highly-demanding workaholic and aspirational
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Solving gut problems
Doctor, do you think I have candida? asked 26-year-old Mary when she came to see me. She had been suffering bloating, bowel upsets, food intolerances and a general feeling of tiredness for two years. She also suffered from recurrent vaginal thrush. The
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Rejuvenation of immunity
The bounty of nature never ceases to fascinate me. Again and again I return to nature's herbs for answers to illness. While many modern medicines are essential for serious illnesses, there is often no treatment for things like flu, colds, tiredness, ME
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Ryman: Lewes on the brink
Worthing head to Hampton and Richmond determined to get the victory needed to clinch promotion. One win from their remaining three games will guarantee the Rebels a top six finish which will be enough to send them up under the restructuring of non-league
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Overcoming a fear to speak
Thousands of people in the UK are forced to radically change their lifestyles and behaviour to cope with the fact they have a stammer. But having the problem does not always mean people have to restrict their lives. Siobhan Ryan speaks to a woman who
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Healing your inner heart
Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in Britain today, accounting for some 235,000 deaths a year. More importantly, angina and shortness of breath relating to heart disease can severely limit the sufferer's physical activities, making life
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Cope with PMS and save your crockery
What can men do about PMS? "Frailty, thy name is woman!" said Shakespeare but I'm sure he had no idea what it is like to suffer from Premenstrual Syndrome. My spouse used to joke that he had a full six-minute window of opportunity to talk to me between
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Letter: Wasted search
I write to inform prospective house purchasers that searches are a waste of money. We did all the relevant searches and went to the council offices to see if there were any plans to build on open land behind the house we were buying. In both cases we
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Ryman: Lewes on the brink
If Lewes clinch the division one south title on Saturday, one of the first calls Steven King receives is likely to be from Francis Vines. The double-winning Crawley Town manager is great friends with Lewes boss King, whose side will be declared champions
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A New Year, a new you
Every New Year brings with it new hope, a new ambition, a new vision for another achievement in life. Perhaps it the curiosity of what the future holds in store for us that becomes the inspiration for new resolution each year. But what is it that makes
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Homoeopathic tendencies
The healing art of homoeopathy is not normally associated with sophisticated equipment or computer wizardry. But practitioners like Sussex-based Miranda Kingsley-Holt are now using cutting-edge technology to treat their patients in a natural way. Thanks
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Healing spirit of Christmas
Christmas is an auspicious time for reflection and healing, for praying for oneself and for others. The festivities, the partying, the alcohol, the gifts and the frenzy of Christmas shopping bring cheer and a positive feeling to the heart after a long
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The cancers in society
Travelling in India is always a fascinating, eye-opening experience. The noisy activities of an affluent, modern society which lives in harmony with traditional India in a symbiosis that baffles logic, is overwhelming. The magnificent bungalows, cars
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Coping with cancer dread
The National Conference on Cancer 2001 will take place on November 30 at RegentsCollege in London. This unique conference is held every year to bring together leading experts in cancer care, cancer care professionals, patients and carers to share the
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Wish ward
Whatever happens in the marginal Wish ward, two councillors standing for election must lose their seats. The Hove seafront ward is currently represented by two Labour councillors and one Tory, who are all standing again. But the ward is being reduced
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When work is a burden
Someone once wrote: "No one ever died of hard work, but people have died of laziness", or something to that effect. In fact, the latter is true and we know that being a couch potato can, in due course, cause obesity, heart disease and diabetes. However
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Humanising healthcare
It was good to see practitioners and doctors receiving healing from spiritual healers and shiatsu practitioners. At our conference on Integrated Medicine In Primary Care at the Post Graduate Medical Centre in Brighton, last Saturday. The aim of the conference
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Stay calm to have a heart
High cholesterol and heart disease are closely linked. When this combines with obesity and diabetes, the risk of getting strokes or heart attacks is greatly increased. Recent guidelines for doctors suggest anyone with high cholesterol and related heart
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Letter: School rules
I was sorry to read of the Mann family's disappointment with their school places (Letters, April 20) but I must emphasise our admissions team acted entirely correctly. Admissions booklets setting out the applications process and time-scale were sent out
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Massage and migraines
Migraines are quite common and debilitating. They can be caused by a variety of situations; where intense concentration is required, where there is a lot of strain on the eyes, where a lot of talking is involved, as a result of hightension scenarios and
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Looking after your prostate
Men are poor at looking after themselves. They often postpone seeking medical help until things are quite bad. Problems with enlarged prostate and poor urinary flow are quite common. Frequency, urgency and incontinence of urine can make life very miserable
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Exams can be a killer
This is the time to support teenagers who have just had the results of their A Levels or college courses and are in a dilemma over their future careers. Quite often we, as parents, are unable to judge the hidden anxieties, fears and moods which our children
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Herbs to remember
There is so much to do and remember these days, it is little wonder premature memory loss is not uncommon. Many of us find prolonged stress and too much work causing lack of concentration, memory loss and even personality changes. Dramatic alterations
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Food for the body and soul
When we think of food for health we conjure up visions of delicious dishes in our minds. We think of wholesome food as protein, calories, fats and vitamins to nourish our bodies. The other day, I was invited to join a group of Hindu elders to share ideas
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Westbourne
Westbourne is the only urban seafront ward which has not been represented by Labour councillors. It is not that different from neighbouring wards in its composition so one reason for Tory success must be the rapport between residents and their councillors
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The heart of the matter
"I retired after 27 years of service as a senior cardiologist because I wanted to do something about the nutrition of children in America,". said Dr Harvey Zarren, talking to our group of doctors and therapists. The noble work of this eminent cardiologist
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Stanford
Stanfor should be one of the safest seats in the city for the Tories but there is a cloud in the blue sky. It comes in the shape of former Conservative councillor Jayne Bennett, who is standing as an Independent. Stanford is being reduced from three seats
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Racing: Dunlop eyes up his classic performers
John Dunlop has scored ten winners and five places during the first month of the flat race season. The Arundel trainer's flying start is worth just under £100,000 and provided a £16.33 profit for punters to a level stake of £1. He is hoping his four separate
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Sussex v Lancashire: Day 2
Sussex ran into their usual trouble with the Law on the second day's play at Hove before Mushtaq Ahmed dragged them back into contention against Lancashire. Stuart Law scored an unbeaten 171, his fourth hundred against the county since switching from
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St Peter's and North Laine
Brighton and Hove is one of the few major councils which has strong representation from four parties. The Greens are determined to keep it that way, which is why so much effort is being put into the St Peter's and North Laine ward. Seven years ago in
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Golf: Summers clinches Sussex title
Joanne Summers, who has been knocking on the door for some time, has won the Sussex Ladies' Championship. She was the county girls' champion in 1997 and later captained the British Girls' team. But there has always been a sharp division in her priorities
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Cricket: Mushtaq inspires Sussex fightback
Mushtaq Ahmed praised the Sussex bowlers as the county fought back in their Championship clash with title favourites Lancashire. The leg spinner took 4-88 and fellow Pakistani Mohammad Akram celebrated his home debut with 3-79 as Sussex bowled out their
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South Portslade
Look at South Portslade and you are normally looking at a safe Labour seat but this time there is a complicating factor. His name is Steve Collier, a sitting councillor, who left the Labour Party in September last year. Councillor Collier is standing
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Choosing a true therapy
The City of Brighton and Hove probably has the largest number of complementary therapists in the country. That poses a number of problems Which therapist should you see for treatment of your condition? Who will advise you as to which therapy is suitable
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Back to nature
The use of herbs and vitamins to boost health and offer an alternative treatment for illness has always been popular and is continuing to rise. More and more herbal treatment are becoming available. Siobhan Ryan looks at the growing popularity of natural
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Play your role on life's stage
Relaxing after my first American experience of a most exciting baseball match I found myself reading the book Just A Moment. Relaxing after my first American experience of a most exciting baseball match at the famous Fenway Park; Boston I found myself
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Regency
Labour will be looking to retain its hold on this ward, which is right at the centre of the city. Regency has been reduced from three seats to two in a reorganisation of Brighton and Hove's wards. Roy Pennington, who chairs the planning committee, will
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Preston Park
On the former Brighton Borough Council, there was a Preston Park ward which almost invariably voted Conservative. But the newly-created Preston Park ward is far bigger and different. It is one of the few wards where all four parties are fighting hard.
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Move keeps firm in good shape
Ergonomic office supplies company Posturite has completed the refurbishment of its new premises, a former mill in Berwick. The company, founded in Hailsham in 1991 by Ian Fletcher-Price and Dr Simon Petrides, has spent £300,000 refitting the three-storey
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Drug firms in cover-up claim
Drug companies may have deliberately suppressed evidence that many antidepressants are unsuitable or even dangerous for children, it was claimed today. Researchers uncovered data which raised serious doubts about prescribing the pills to children but
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Has TV quiz got good news for Bognor?
Contestants on a prime-time TV quiz show have a chance of winning an all-expenses-paid holiday ... to Bognor. But while new ITV1 series Bognor Or Bust, fronted by Angus Deayton, will no doubt raise the profile of the town, local dignitaries are worried
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Cowboys strike at one home in three
One family in three in Brighton and Hove claims to have been ripped off by rogue tradesmen. More than 21,787 households complained about cowboy traders charging high prices for bad work in a study by British Gas, backed by Brighton and Hove City Council
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Flood threat to tourism
The tourist industry in coastal towns is threatened by the effects of flooding in the future, Government scientists have warned. Their report, Future Flooding, looks at the effects of global warming, rising sea levels and extreme weather up to the year
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Learning to cope with pet allergies
Owning a pet can be bad for your health if you are allergic to fur, leaving you with the choice of struggling against ill-health or being forced to get rid of the animal. Siobhan Ryan speaks to one couple who have managed to achieve the best of both worlds
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Top tips for travelling
With summer in full swing, and elections out of the way, people are off on holiday ! Some will be travelling by car, some by rail, and some flying! Having a break and a great holiday is vital for sanity these days. But travelling in itself can be a bit
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Lewes District Council - Lib Dem hold
It was a night of ups and downs for the two main parties in the Lewes district but the overall political landscape remained unchanged. With ward boundary changes slashing the number of seats available and almost half the sitting candidates stepping down
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Attacking the fat, freeing the mind
Obesity is costing the NHS at least £2.6 billion a year. Being overweight leads to increased health problems and social isolation. Siobhan Ryan looks at how a change in lifestyle and attitude can help someone lose weight and keep the pounds off. One-in-five
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Learning the art of living
Do you feel stuck in life? Do you feel unable to untangle yourself from the clutches of work or mental, physical and emotional tensions? Do you suffer from illness which requires more than just prescription of pills? The Art Of Living Foundation is a
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Sussex gets 'yob-buster' lawyer
A legal expert is to be appointed in Sussex to lead the fight against teenage yobs. The Home Office has picked Sussex as one of 12 areas to benefit from a specialist anti-social behaviour co-ordinator. The prosecutor, who will cost about £165,000 over
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Crawley Borough Council: Lab hold
A vicar who quit Labour over the war with Iraq cost the party a seat by standing against them in Crawley's local elections. It was no surprise that Labour kept its strong grip on the town last night. But there were also red faces in the Labour camp when
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Police vow to find vanishing estate agent
When Keith Youngs' estate agency collapsed he vanished, promising: "No one will be left out of pocket." A year later all his angry ex-clients remain unpaid, his once-loyal sister feels betrayed, a police investigation has stalled - and the man himself
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Snore and you sleep alone
If there is one thing guaranteed to put a strain on any relationship, it is whether one of the couple snores, leaving the other to toss and turn all night. Siobhan Ryan speaks to one woman who says a special mouthwash is the answer. After 32 years of
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Reducing the risk factors
Irregular, heavy, painful or multiple periods are not uncommon in women in England. In India, many young and old women in semi-rural and urban areas prefer to treat any problems of uterine bleeding naturally with Ayurvedic medicine and Yoga. Teenagers
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Pinning hopes on acupuncture
Spring still seems to be a long way off as people try and shake off the winter blues. Siobhan Ryan looks at how therapies such as acupuncture and shiatsu can help them stop feeling flat, burnt out and run down. At the moment there are many people who
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Keep illness at bay the simple way
The science of stress management and harnessing the life force of our natural health is called Pranayama. This literally means "to master or control the life force Prana". Ayurvedic medicine and yoga is the science of different forms of breathing exercises
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Beauty that's just skin deep
Natural skin beauty can be affected by exposure to weather, pollution, direct sunlight, chemical sprays and repeated washing with soap and detergents. The vitality and suppleness of the skin depends on its ability to retain oil and moisture and over-exposure
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Flood risk to 45,000 Sussex homes
More than 45,000 Sussex homes are at risk of flooding in the future, Government scientists have warned. Their report, Future Flooding, looks at the effects of global warming, rising sea levels and extreme weather up to the year 2080 and warns the cost
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Take a deep breath to reduce stress
The ancient Yogis lay great emphasis on the central role which proper breathing plays in our health. We all know that we cannot live without breathing. Our breathing and circulation of blood in the body are intimately connected and interactive. You will
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Special report from India
Coimbatore in the south of India is a unique place renowned for its authentic traditional ayurvedic medicine. The Arya Vaidya Hospital is particularly famous for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic back problems with sciatica. The World Health
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Arun District Council: Con hold
Tories in Arun retained their grip on power as the leaders of the three main opposition parties were toppled in a night of high drama. The Conservatives tightened their grip and stood firm but there was chaos all around. Lib Dem leader John Richards,
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How we can stop feeling so miserable
One of the most common complaints I hear these days is: "Doctor, I cannot sleep. Can you give me something to help me sleep". Over recent years,the use of tranquillisers has shot up as doctors may not have anything else to offer. It is not easy to live
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Holistic cures for diabetics
Diabetes Mellitus is a result of malfunction of the pancreas an organ in the stomach which produces insulin. Insulin controls the sugar level and its utilisation in the body. To understand why this happens and why diet is so important, knowledge of the
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Ace student's uni snub
A "Straight A" student rejected by a string of universities says he has been penalised for being posh. Brighton College sixth-former Edward Romain has been turned down by all but one of the six colleges he applied to, despite being predicted four A grades
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LCPs are necessary for brain power
Children have never had it this good. Anything a child could ever want has been extensively researched and catered for. So why are many children not "performing" as well as adults expect them to? Learning disorders such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia
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How to reduce cholesterol fat
Cholesterol is a type of fat in he body. It deposits itself with other tissue on to he inner lining of our blood vessels and clogs them up, causing heart disease, angina, high blood pressure and stroke. Diet, stress and lack of exercise are the main causes
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Dealing with the fall-out
The break up of a relationship is a traumatic time for the couple involved but the strains and stresses can also have an impact on the health and well-being of any children involved. Siobhan Ryan speaks to a team of workers who help young people get through
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Sarah trial: Accused in court
The man accused of killing eight-year-old Sarah Payne appeared in the dock at Lewes Crown Court today. Mechanic Roy Whiting, 41, formerly of St Augustine Road, Littlehampton, is charged with kidnapping Sarah from a country lane in July last year. Whiting
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Sarah trial starts again
A new jury in the Sarah Payne murder case was today sworn in, hours after the trial was halted and the first jury discharged. The hearing was stopped at 11.10am, a day and a half into the prosecution opening of the case against the defendant Roy Whiting
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Relatives relive Sarah's last moments
Sarah Payne's family today relived the last moments of their daughter's life, for the second time. Prosecution barrister Timothy Langdale QC outlined details of the kidnap and murder of the eight-year-old schoolgirl to a new jury. Sarah's father, Michael
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Hair led to killer, jury told
A single blonde hair from Sarah Payne's head proves Roy Whiting was her killer, a court heard. The hair was found on a red sweatshirt seized from Whiting's Fiat Ducato van when he was arrested the day after eight-year-old Sarah disappeared on July 1 last
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Poll shock for ruling parties
The ruling parties on three Sussex councils have tumbled from power in a night of mixed fortunes and big-name casualties at the polls. Labour lost control of Brighton and Hove, the Tories lost their grip on Horsham and the Lib Dems no longer have a majority
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Jury hears portrait of a loner
Roy Whiting was a loner with few friends, the jury in the Sarah Payne murder trial heard today. Self-employed builder Douglas Wawman employed Whiting as a builder's labourer for several jobs in the Littlehampton area from July 1999, Lewes Crown Court
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Something to keep that system in tune
Every other person will probably suffer from piles (haemorrhoids) at some point in their lives. Piles are dilated veins just inside the back passage. They are harmless in themselves mostly you don't get any symptoms, but sometimes they can cause irritation
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Accused 'refused to give answers'
The man accused of murdering Sarah Payne repeatedly refused to answer detectives' questions after her disappearance and death, a court heard. Roy Whiting, 42, answered "no comment" to almost every question during a series of taped interviews held at Bognor
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Some personal advice to hold your breath for
Bad odour in the breath (halitosis) is a common, unpleasant complaint and often makes one self-conscious. But can also cause significant social disability in middle age, according to Professor Crispian Scully from the International Centre for Excellence
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Curtains led to Sarah accused
A novelty curtain stolen from a store's mother-and-baby room provided one of the strongest links to Sarah Payne's alleged killer, a court heard. The trail began when a pair of the drapes, featuring a clown motif, were taken from a storage cupboard at
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DNA links suspect to Sarah's murder, jury told
A team of scientists spent more than a year-and-a-half amassing forensic evidence which snared the alleged killer of Sarah Payne, a court heard. Twenty lever-arch files were filled with hundreds of pages of notes by the team from the Forensic Science
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Sarah's hair found on shirt
This is the red sweatshirt which provided detectives with a billion-to-one link between Sarah Payne and her killer, a court heard. A blonde hair was found on the top by forensic scientists after it was seized from accused Roy Whiting's van. DNA fingerprints
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Trial hears evidence queried
Scientific evidence in the Sarah Payne murder trial remains strong despite doubts raised about possible contamination, a jury heard. At Lewes Crown Court yesterday Sally O'Neill QC, defending Roy Whiting, questioned the reliability of each piece of evidence
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No comment on murder charge, court told
The man accused of killing Sarah Payne remained silent when he was formally charged with her murder, a court heard. Roy Whiting was arrested for the third time during the investigation into the eight-year-old schoolgirl's death on February 6, more than
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Sarah accused: I wasn't there
Roy Whiting was sitting in a park watching the sun set at the time Sarah Payne was abducted, he said today. Whiting, who denies kidnapping and murdering the schoolgirl, spoke for the first time in public today about his movements on the day she was snatched
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Thief put trial at risk
Roy Whiting's trial was put in jeopardy before it began when a drug addict stole his defence papers and sold them for £5,000. Cocaine user Christopher Branscombe, 20, of Milton Road, Haywards Heath, pinched the documents while working on a computer programme
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Sarah accused blames 'coincidence'
Roy Whiting was either the victim of an "extraordinary accident" or Sarah Payne's killer, a court was told. Drawing his cross-examination of Whiting to a close at Lewes Crown Court, Timothy Langdale QC, focused on a single strand of blonde hair which
