The Argus | Archive | 2004 | February


Stories for 9 February 2004

The Argus Albion

February 9: Roberts injury blow

Ben Roberts has been ruled out of Albion's next two matches by another injury blow.   more...

February 7: Wycombe 1 Albion 1

He may have an ordinary name but a quite extraordinary sequence of events has plunged Stuart Jones into the thick of Albion's challenge for a play-off place.   more...

The Argus Business

Homes up by £1,000 a month

Property prices in Brighton and Hove are rising by more than £1,000 a month.  more...

PO slammed over consultations `fiasco'

Post Office managers who plan to axe 3,000 outlets have not acted "appropriately or with sufficient sensitivity", the Government has admitted.  more...

Bold new visions for West Pier

Uncertainty over the fate of Brighton's West Pier has encouraged a fresh batch of ideas to transform the battered landmark.  more...

Final piece in marina facelift

A Moroccan themed "chill-out" bar is planned to finally fill the biggest empty space at Brighton Marina.  more...

Call for ban on doorstep cold calls

Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper is calling for new laws to ban doorstep cold-callers who trick people into handing over cash for shoddy work.  more...

Insurer set to beat odds at £1.9bn

Norwich Union owner Aviva says it expects to announce forecast-busting annual operating profits of about £1.9 billion later this month.  more...

Buyers line up to save e-learning firm

A number of potential buyers are understood to have tabled bids to take e-learning company KnowledgePool out of administration.   more...

Bartering set for return

It probably won't involve swapping a bag of spuds for a leg of lamb but bartering is set to make a comeback in Brighton and Hove.  more...

The Argus Conference

Conference ends quietly

Labour's truncated annual conference closed today with none of the usual razzmatazz of previous occasions.   more...

Long road ahead, delegates told

Delegates leaving the Labour Party conference were today warned they faced a long journey from "hatred to hope."   more...

Police quiz naked protester

A naked male protester was arrested outside the Brighton Centre as delegates arrived for the final session.   more...

Conference round-up

Here we summarise the main speakers over a muted four days in Brighton for the Labour Party.   more...

Blunkett unveils race hate clampdown

Home Secretary David Blunkett today unveiled plans to jail extremists who stir up religious hatred.   more...

Blunkett: Sorry for the disruption

Home Secretary David Blunkett has apologised to Brighton and Hove residents for the disruption caused by two Labour Party conferences in two years.   more...

Blair paves way for war

Tony Blair today vowed to bring down the Taliban regime in Afghanistan unless it handed over terror warlord Osama bin Laden.   more...

Straw: Terrorists 'driven by hate'

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw today promised to use "every weapon" - military, diplomatic, economic and political - to defeat terrorism.   more...

Atrocities spark forces review

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon today announced an urgent review of the Armed Forces in the light of the US terror attacks.   more...

Councils must hold mayor ballots

Local government minister Stephen Byers has announced plans to force councils to have referendums on elected mayors - if local people want them.   more...

Is Cherie getting the needle?

Cherie Blair is wearing what looks like an acupuncture needle in her ear - leading to speculation that she is placing her faith again in New Age remedies.   more...

Don't back Afghan rebels, says Glenys

Backing the opposition Northern Alliance in Afghanistan would be "a grave mistake", MEP Glenys Kinnock has warned.   more...

Labour tightens net on terror

Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived in wind-swept Brighton this morning, stern-faced and hand in hand with his wife Cherie.   more...

A sombre affair

There has never been a Labour Party conference like this one and there never will be again.   more...

Two-minute silence opens conference

The Labour Party conference opened with a two-minute silence in memory of the thousands killed in last month's US terrorist attacks.   more...

Brown: Terrorists won't hit spending plans

Chancellor Gordon Brown says the Government will hold to its public spending plans despite economic turmoil following the US terrorist strikes.   more...

MPs' soccer cash boost

An MP was taken to hospital following a penalty box clash in a charity football match.   more...

City on security alert

Massive security measures are in place to protect the Labour Party conference from the dual threats of international terrorism and anarchist demonstrators.   more...

Labour conference in doubt

Prime Minister Tony Blair is considering cutting short next week's Labour Party conference in Brighton.   more...

Destroyer may guard party gathering

A Royal Navy destroyer could be stationed off Brighton as security is stepped up for the Labour Party conference.   more...

Labour vows conference goes ahead

The Labour party said today it had no plans to cancel its party conference in Brighton.   more...

Walkway will keep city moving

A bridge linking two Brighton hotels to keep the city moving during the Labour party conference.   more...

Socialist call to protest

Socialist Alliance activists are delivering 6,000 leaflets encouraging people to attend a protest during the Labour Party conference in Brighton on September 30.   more...

Lib Dems to return

The Liberal Democrats are to stage their annual conference in Brighton next autumn after a gap of four years.   more...

MPs say no to offshore hotel

Labour MPs have given the thumbs down to staying in a floating palace moored off Brighton during their party conference.   more...

Protesters target Labour conference

Anti-capitalism protesters are planning a major demonstration on the first day of this year's Labour Party conference in Brighton.   more...

No room at the inns for delegates

Many Labour Party delegates face staying outside Brighton and Hove during their conference this year because every hotel room is booked.   more...

Labour liner idea floated

Labour Party bosses could moor a huge cruise liner in the sea off Brighton to house delegates at this year's conference.   more...

Spotlight returns to Blackpool

Brighton was putting on a brave face today after losing the lucrative 2002 Labour Party conference to Blackpool.   more...

New competition for Labour conference

Brighton faces a fresh threat to its lucrative annual Labour Party conference with a new £250 million venue vying for the event.   more...

How Brighton put out Blackpool's lights

The success of the 2000 Labour Party conference has confirmed Brighton's reputation as a leading conference centre.   more...

The Argus Election

Tories pledge cash for ailing tourist industry

Interest-free loans would be made available under a Tory government for businesses hit by disasters such as foot-and-mouth, shadow cabinet member Peter Ainsworth pledged.   more...

Green hopeful gets on his battle bike

The Green Party has taken to the streets in traffic-choked Brighton Pavilion with zero emission electioneering.   more...

Feature: Making each vote count

Campaigners for proportional representation claim the voting system makes Parliament unrepresentative. Chris baker reports on the calls for voting reform.   more...

Major goes on attack

Former Prime Minister John Major made his first foray into the Conservative election campaign in Sussex with an attack on Labour's "spin and deceit".   more...

Labour's bid to build on achievements

Home Office minister Lord Bassam yesterday praised Hove's high-profile policing initiative.   more...

Hague swoops in to say how he sees it

William Hague did his best to avoid Brighton and Hove's acute traffic congestion when he arrived in the city for last night's headline Tory rally.   more...

En route for travel demands

Major improvements to public transport and a clear strategy on the roads are being demanded by candidates for Sussex seats.   more...

Rivals join forces over cricket club

Political rivals have joined forces to combat a council's rates demand which could financially cripple a cricket club.   more...

The Argus Health

Workout: Get your home gym kitted out

As this is my last column, I would like to give you a few points to think about regarding the big issue: Should you train at home or in a gym?   more...

Golden grain could feed the world

When the Spanish conquered the Aztec and Inca civilisations for gold in the 1500s, they also destroyed the natives' primary source of nutrition.   more...

Herbs to shake off the winter

The weather may be getting more spring like but the winter colds are still refusing to go away.   more...

What kids really need to know

School's out and parents are under the cosh to provide the obligatory sugar-based snacks and trips to McDonald's.   more...

Weight-watching with Judy Citron

When you think about it, it's really strange so many people desperately want to lose weight yet those same people find it so hard to do.   more...

Black Seed cures 'all except death'

We would all like to believe we are more special than others but, in reality, few of us are truly exceptional.   more...

Early warning of diabetes

It is believed there are about 2,800 people in the Brighton and Hove area who are diabetic.   more...

Caterpillars turn into bookworms

How do you stimulate a love of reading? Some might say that, in a technological age, the idea of reading for pleasure is laughable.   more...

Tasty challenge for office caterers>

Is it possible to have a healthy office lunch? I visited Maria and her colleagues at their games and media company in Hove to find out more.   more...

Weight watching with Judy Citron

Those of you who have access to the internet will know it is full of excellent and often free information and ideas.   more...

The ocean's rich bounty

Only Neptune himself could have come up with the names dulse, whistle wrack, carragheen, dabberlocks, murlin, thongweed and seatangle.   more...

The real risks of skin cancer

As the weather gets hotter, the lure of the beach is strong but before getting ready to bask in the sun, health experts are warning people to stop, think and take care.   more...

The links between diet and memory

A distant cousin of mine called Manori works at an elephant conservation park on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.   more...

Weight watching with Judy Citron

I think it was Henry Ford who said: "If you think you can or if you think you can't, you're right."   more...

Test yourself with our brain food quiz

Last week's column was about improving memory and concentration. This week, readers can check out whether they still require a little extra brain food.   more...

Make a marathon effort to get fit

In the many articles I have written over the past two-and-half-years, I have neglected to point out the benefits of running.   more...

Apples: Just wash and go for health

There are plenty of different ways to eat your apple.   more...

Weight watching, with Judy Citron

So often, when you do something well, your first instinct is to reward yourself - and the first reward that comes to mind is always food.   more...

The great MMR debate goes on

A recent outbreak of measles in West Sussex has reignited the debate about the triple MMR jab and its possible link to autism. Siobhan Ryan reports   more...

Brave new world of functional foods

Junk food is getting an increasingly bad press and the food industry seems to be changing tack.   more...

Is your body crying out for water?

Reports that children are drinking more than 30 times as many soft drinks than in the Fifties come as no surprise to health care professionals.   more...

Bread for us, not fungal organisms

Dear Martina, I am 29 years-old and suffer from recurring bouts of thrush infections and tiredness.   more...

Getting to grips with Parkinson's

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive, neurological disorder which affects voluntary movements such as walking, talking, swallowing and writing.   more...

The right diet for sparkling teeth

Some old discoveries are as relevant today as they ever were.   more...

Weight Watching with Judy Citron

When new clients join my telephone weight-loss classes, we often discuss the most common anxieties about dieting.   more...

Beat fat the holistic way

Obesity or weight gain is becoming an increasingly common health problem.   more...

Aromatic herb promotes wellbeing

A lady called Janet has asked me about "natural" antibacterials now the sneezing season is in full swing.   more...

Weight watching: Take out fast food

Sometimes we get stuck in a rut with our diet. And, here, I mean diet as in your food intake - the true meaning of the word.   more...

Role play is a good learning tool

Have you heard about the four-year-old who came home from playgroup, saying, "We had television time this afternoon?"   more...

Teaching children to eat healthily

Whitehawk Primary School has an inquisitive bunch of Year Three children, full of life and already worldly wise.   more...

Put the fun into running

In my last column, I concentrated on some of the important elements for beginners starting to use the great outdoors for their jogging or running.   more...

How diet can affect mental health

Nowadays you can get medication for any kind of inappropriate feeling or behaviour.   more...

Learning how to run for your life

This year's London Marathon may have been run but the running bug has been caught by many people keen to get fit.   more...

The best thing since sliced bread

The Calorie Control Council is an international association representing the industry that makes and uses aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.   more...

Turning kids on to good food

The number of children classed as obese is continuing to rise.   more...

Healing properties of ginger spice

Confucius, born in China in 551BC, was one of the most respected philosophers in Chinese history, shaping political and moral thinking for centuries to come.   more...

Weight watching with Judy Citron

People who want to lose weight come up with lots of excuses.   more...

Health-giving properties of grapes

Grapes have been treasured since the Bronze Age and especially once the ancient Egyptians and Romans realised they could produce excellent wines from fermented grape juice.   more...

Open your heart to kundalini yoga

If you live in Brighton and Hove, you will probably have noticed a hitherto little-known style of yoga class appearing on fitness club and health centre timetables around the city.   more...

Green-fingered way to health

Whether it is tending a window box, digging in the back garden or helping to manage woodland, many people get a great deal of pleasure out of gardening.   more...

The way to a grumble-free stomach

Dear Martina, I think I'm suffering from hyperacidity.   more...

African tree heals skin conditions

For those suffering from eczema or psoriasis, the notion of having a beautiful body comes secondary to the simple desire for a body that feels at ease with itself.   more...

Weight watching with Judy Citron

Are you on automatic pilot? It's my guess that by ten o'clock in the morning, you've already made 100 choices.   more...

Hemp heals skin from inside out

If you suffer from dry, rough, itchy or flaky skin, the natural response is to moisturise it with a suitable skin cream.   more...

The dangers of doing it yourself

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) estimates that 10,000 people in the UK visit a chiropractor with DIY-related injuries each month.   more...

Home-cooking will always be best

Women want to be thin in time for Christmas but not necessarily for the right reasons.   more...

Chemists battle heart disease

Phamacists have long had a tradition of providing help and advice to people looking for relief from minor illnesses and injuries.   more...

Save supplements and save health

A revolution is underway. A non-violent, quiet revolution. It has the potential to create significant changes in the way we think about our health.   more...

Weight watching with Judy Citron

So, you're on a diet and you're very fed up with it because you don't seem to be losing any more weight.   more...

Ensuring we all have enough water

Be a child for a moment:take a dry sponge and weigh it; then, dip it in water and weigh it again.   more...

How to lose weight the ethical way

Are you feeling confused about the variety of diets on offer but have resolved to lose weight after the festivities?   more...

Quit smoking and live longer

According to a study by Cancer Research UK, nearly a third of smokers over the age of 65 are "hardcore" with no interest in quitting.   more...

Make the most of a taste of honey

Dear Martina, I remember reading in a magazine a short while ago that, surprisingly, there are no vitamins in honey.   more...

Taking care in the summer sun

Almost 90 per cent of respondents to a survey had never heard of the common skin disease solar keratosis, despite the fact it can affect up to a third of older people.   more...

Lemons are the multi-purpose citrus

Lemon trees were first grown in China and India about 4,000 years ago and found their way to Europe with a little help from merchants and Crusaders.   more...

Weight watching with Judy Citron

I expect there are official medical definitions of the term "addiction" but I'll try a layman's version.   more...

Hepatitis comes in various forms

More than 500 patients were invited to attend special blood-screening clinics at Royal Sussex County Hospital because they might have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus.   more...

Testing to see how tolerant you are

Remember the joke in which a patient consults a doctor because he is suffering with a headache?   more...

New hope for stroke patients

Keith Hall is hoping a new form of treatment will help thousands of people with strokes and multiple sclerosis.   more...

Weight Watching with Judy Citron

How many times a week you give up? How often does it just feel too hard to lose weight and keep it off?   more...

The sun herb soothes and cleanses

Even Peter Rabbit's mother was familiar with the virtues of chamomile.   more...

Chill-out pill acts as a stress-buster

I'm having a bad day. I'm late for the office and the traffic lights always work against me.   more...

Back to the old drawing board

Long-term back pain can be debilitating and the problem can be made worse because of the length of time it takes to receive specialist treatment.   more...

Decadent dessert that's also healthy

If God had wanted women to be perfect, he or she wouldn't have invented chocolate.   more...

Men suffer from osteoporosis, too

Mention osteoporosis and most people automatically assume it is something from which women suffer.   more...

Stick to drinking pure, still water

"Dear Martina: I am a dad and coach football at my son's school. The boys are active and get very thirsty. Should they avoid sugary drinks? " - Peter Arnold, Patcham   more...

Check out your blood pressure

Thousands of people in the South- East suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure, with many not even knowing they have a problem.   more...

Eating your way to a healthy mind

When I first met Ollie, he wasn't hearing voices in his head but ethereal music.   more...

How to be fit for everything

Hardly a day goes by without another worrying report on the growing numbers of obese people in the UK today.   more...

What to do in the summer holidays

The excitement of anticipating the summer holidays can only be matched, and all too often exceeded, by excruciating boredom once they arrive.   more...

Food can put you in the right mood

For many people, food is a means to an end. Rarely do we have time to stop and reflect on what we are putting into our mouths and what its effects might be.   more...

Weight Watching with Judy Citron

Well, is the easy way out really so easy?   more...

Helping food on its long journey

Have you ever given a thought to what happens to your food once you've eaten it?   more...

Learning to run is good for life

Whether it's five km, a half marathon or a full marathon, more and more people across Sussex are getting involved in running.   more...

Protecting your eyes

The strain on our eyes in the environment today must be very harmful to our eyesight in the long run.   more...

Are we feeding our children to death?

In Africa in the Seventies and Eighties, volunteer services distributing aid and health education to children in remote areas were caught by surprise.   more...

Homeopathic healing on your holiday

The summer holidays are here and a lot of us will be getting away from it all.   more...

No need to die for colourful hair

Hair dye has been around for a long time - historians believe henna has been used for at least 5,000 years in India, the Middle East and North Africa.   more...

Rays of hope for sun lovers

Sussex pharmacists and GPs are warning people to take precautions and make sure their holiday is memorable for all the right reasons.   more...

Weight Watching with Judy Citron

Everyone wants to look and feel their best on holiday.   more...

Shocking facts about allergies

All allergic conditions are increasing, with about one in three people in the UK suffering from an allergy-related problem some time in their life.   more...

Alternative healthcare for the blind

William Moon went blind at the age of 21, after a bout of scarlet fever, but it didn't stop him from becoming an inspirational inventor, teacher and missionary.   more...

In celebration of the humble egg

The Easter egg has been acknowledged as a symbol of rebirth ever since pre-Christian times.   more...

Homeopathy by Elizabeth Whitney

Almost everyone suffers from occasional headaches.   more...

Hidden problems of many medicines

Always read the label, especially before taking your medicine, and you'll be amazed at what you can find.   more...

When holidays become a pain

Migraine sufferers in Sussex face a summer of torture, with outings and holidays delayed or postponed because of an attack.   more...

Pesticides linked to breast cancer

Each year, more than 39,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. It is estimated that one in nine will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.   more...

The perfect balance

For most people, particularly residents of Brighton and Hove, tai chi chuan conjures up images of strange figures in the park at dawn making graceful hand gestures.   more...

Unable to cope with toxic overload

A survey recently commissioned by a health authority found that one in 69 boys in Surrey under the age of three suffers from Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).   more...

Long flights can be plane sailing

Heading off to Gatwick Airport for a holiday is very exciting and, for some people, the further they travel the better.   more...

Take a stand in the vitamin debate

Nutritionists have been telling people for years to take vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids but, according to the Food Standards Agency, we've got it all wrong.   more...

Homeopathy with Elizabeth Whitney

A large, long-term study on HRT was halted because the women taking part had a clear increase in the incidence of breast cancer.   more...

Let's all go fruity and have a banana

Whenever the world goes completely bananas, as it does on occasion, try going fruity yourself.   more...

Getting liquid levels right

Most children have been spending their summer holidays racing around making the most of the good weather.   more...

Sight and sore eyes

Long and short sightedness are caused by aberrations of the lens of the eye and its muscles.   more...

Feed the minds of next generation

De e-numbers make our children antisocial and can food addictions cause tantrums?   more...

Weight watching with Judy Citron

Weight struggles affect a very wide section of the population and my clients come from all walks of life.   more...

Poison peril lurking in our tap water

Toxic industrial waste is not easy to get rid of these days as disposal costs can run into billions.   more...

Botox jabs help control my pain

Carole Blackmore has botox injections regularly but it is nothing to do with vanity.   more...

Making sure you get enough calcium

Dear Martina, What can I do to boost my calcium intake?   more...

Homeopathy with Elizabeth Whitney

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is controversial, even within the medical world, because of possible serious health risks and undesirable side-effects.   more...

Is it now time ladies, please?

After a week at work, people like to let their hair down and have a few drinks at the weekend but there are some who can let it down a bit too much.   more...

In search of a fully balanced diet

What is a balanced diet? In a climate of controversial views and misinformation, Kate Neil, a leading nutritionist, believes many people have no idea what a balanced diet consists of.   more...

The link between crime and diet

Peter Bennett is a retired police superintendent with a particular interest in juvenile delinquency.   more...

Weight watching with Judy Citron

Nobody can deny many people have lost weight on the Atkins Diet so you can call me a pessimist if you like but let me know how many have kept the weight off in a year's time.   more...

Do you know how to take a stand?

A new food scare story seems to appear in the media every week.   more...

Homeopathy gives MS sufferer new life

Sarah Whittaker was enjoying life and work at a prestigious law firm when she began to notice the symptoms of a disease which was to transform her life.   more...

This modification is not required

Scientific knowledge is not an absolute. It is almost certain that what is known now, will be modified by scientists of the future.   more...

Find the path to a speedier recovery

Research has shown well-informed patients tend to have fewer complications after treatment.   more...

Right to buy essential supplements

Totalitarian regimes rely on people who are conditioned to be compliant and will do what they are told without regard to the consequences of their actions.   more...

Homeopathy with Elizabeth Whitney

Menopause is a woman's time of wisdom, power and knowledge.   more...

How to cultivate an inquiring mind

Children today watch far too much television.   more...

Feed the brain and improve memory

How can I get more information on eating the proper foods to help retain memory?   more...

Stoned on wheat and dairy foods

Wheat and dairy products are consumed daily by most people and are thought to be nourishing foods.   more...

Holistic cures for smokers

Smoking is probably one of the oldest recreational rituals.   more...

Don't be tempted at the checkout

On a recent trip to the supermarket, I noticed the checkouts are still teeming with confectionery. Nothing new here, except for some interesting additions.   more...

Apples changed my teacher's life

Inspirational teachers are a gift. I recently met up with one of my previous tutors, Breda Gajsek.   more...

Foresight is about forward thinking

Producing a healthy baby is about to go hi-tech with reports that IVF treatment may soon be available on the NHS.   more...

Fats that make you smart, stupid

Dear Gary Lineker, Congratulations on winning the Food Commission's Greedy Star award after earning more than £5 million from the Walkers Crisps adverts.   more...

Getting a taste for our own medicine

Food shopping is such a complicated business when you want to ensure each item is infused with political correctness.   more...

Lunchtime snack that's good for you

The other day, I followed a man around a shopping centre. Before I knew what I was doing, I found myself walking behind him.   more...

Heavy metal is corrupting the young

Few would deny human behaviour is influenced by diet and the environment.   more...

Wrap-around care for a better life

It's 8.15am, already the sun is pouring into the car and you are stuck in a traffic jam with two children under six squabbling in the back.   more...

Preparing for childhood illnesses

Put yourself in the position of a small child visiting the doctor's surgery.   more...

Cranberry and urine infection

In summer, we can lose a lot of water from our body through perspiration and activity.   more...

Helping your child get ready to learn

September is fast approaching and, for many parents, that means your three or four-year-old may be having his or her first taste of what some call pre-school and others early education.   more...

Equality of opportunity for children

If one thing has emerged during this summer of rioting across England, it is that we store up enormous problems if we do not celebrate the diversity of the society we live in.   more...

Big school and after-school learning

Some things never change: the back-to-school notices in the shops; the panic to find the school blazer; the cries of "But you said I could have packed lunch!"   more...

Education helps children blossom

Perhaps it is the word, education, that causes problems with those who persist in wilfully misunderstanding what happens in playgroups, nurseries and pre-schools.   more...

Playful learning about music and art

Play is play is play. A simple matter, it involveschildren improvising around anything to hand.   more...

Time to share cares with the boss

Have you ever taken a sickie when things have got on top of you?   more...

Teaching children to embrace change

Why is it we are so afraid of change? Is it inborn or do we learn it at our parents' knee?   more...

Helping children make discoveries

How do children learn? How do any of us learn for that matter?   more...

Learning to read between the lines

Reading a story is an opportunity for parent and child to snuggle up together and share an imaginary world.   more...

Taking the good work to the people

New complementary health clinics specialising in the treatment of babies and young children are now available in Whitehawk, Hollingdean, and at the Phoenix Community Centre.   more...

Time to burst through all the jargon

What is holistic health? The word holistic has been so used and abused that people have different perceptions of the meaning of the word.   more...

Double trouble with child Number

A second child can scupper your career hopes.   more...

Have your say on childcare provision

Unless you are stuck on a train or bus with nothing else to read, the chances are you are reading this because you are a parent.   more...

Building a future for our children

A unique children's health charity is set to bring an innovative eco-friendly project to Brighton and Hove.   more...

Be prepared to fight off infection

A strong immune system is the key to robust health for children and families through winter.   more...

Nature's way to treat winter bugs.

Young children are very prone to picking up infections at school because their immune systems are immature.   more...

Follow the recipe for calm children.

Children get revved up during the festive season, and calming them down for bed can be hard work.   more...

Exercising minds as well as muscles

Still reeling from your child's rejection of those well-researched Christmas presents?   more...

Bringing up baby can break the bank

Raising a child is an expensive business and seems to get more so by the minute.   more...

Unborn babies' battle for survival

Losing a child is a devastating experience which few people can imagine.   more...

Deciding on the best type of care

Finding good childcare can be one of the biggest decisions parents have to make.   more...

Nature's gift for hormone replacement

I was delighted to attend a lecture on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) recently given by a GP colleague who works in gynaecology.   more...

Cost remains a barrier to working

Which of us do not have friends or relatives who are working mothers?   more...

Dr Apple's daily fix for mental health

The old male attitude to health of "it'll sort itself out" may have largely disappeared, but the same can't be said for mental health.   more...

MMR: What is best for our children?

Sooner or later, Jane O'Byrne is going to have to make her mind up about the MMR triple vaccine.   more...

Getting the lowdown on childminders

A childminder is someone registered with OFSTED to care for children under the age of eight in their own home for more than two hours per day.   more...

Is this a fair test for our children?

When the first youngsters sat their AS-Level papers last summer, the Government trumpeted that the exams   more...

Becoming a better person with play

The theory of the super baby first emerged way back in the Sixties. Poor baby might be more appropriate.   more...

This little piggy had nut cutlets

Vegan mum Sarah Spence has re-written the words to well-known nursery rhyme for the benefit of her son, Maximillian.   more...

New research into premature labour

WellBeing, the health research charity for women and babies, has awarded a grant of £80,000 to investigate premature labour   more...

Fun-filled holidays on home ground

How did you spend the Easter break? Was your family in one of the 100,000 cars gridlocked on the motorway?   more...

Prevent cancer by balancing mind and body

A campaign has been launched by Prince Charles and many celebrities for the prevention of bowel cancer.   more...

Change as a learning experience

It is a truism that most people resist change. Think of how you felt the last time you changed jobs, moved house or even walked into a room full of strangers.   more...

Fatty acids can help your child learn

Madelaine Portwood has an extraordinary dream which looks as if it may be about to come true.   more...

Finding the right childcare

Staying at home to take care of the children is a thing of the past for most modern families.   more...

Recognising the role of childminders

What do you do if you are a working parent who doesnít have a conventional nine-to-five job?   more...

Get in touch with your baby's needs

A group of women sit chattering away but not about the latest fashion or gossip - this is baby talk.   more...

Fun and fitness for all the family

If exercise is part of your life, chances are, it is part of your children's lives too.   more...

MMR confusion must end

Concern over the MMR vaccine shows no sign of going away.   more...

Check out your tax entitlements childcare choices

Remember those post-war movies in which mum stayed at home with the children, baking cakes and organising picnics?   more...

School holiday care can be child's play

The sound of the final school bell tolling the summer holidays is music to most children's ears.   more...

Alternative attitudes

A new organisation has been set up to research complementary therapies.   more...

Look at toys through a child's eyes

What makes a child happy? As any parent will tell you, the plastic toys that are hyped on television do have their place.   more...

Overcoming the pain of miscarriage

Sandra Cooper, a former midwife, has great sympathy for Cherie Blair, who   more...

When faddy becomes food phobic

At children's parties, four-year-old Annie Jones furtively scans the room to make sure none of her friends are watching her.   more...

Vegans shouldn't be seen as wacky

Vegan mum Sarah Spence has re-written the words to a well-known nursery rhyme for the benefit of her son Maximillian.   more...

Getting your child ready for school

School. You can't get away from it. It's not just the advertising.   more...

Child's play is really about learning

"It's child's play" is a frequently-used expression, relegating an activity to a level children would refer to as "easy peasy".   more...

Whole issue of better health

The community is waking up and guiding politicians and policy makers towards enlightenment.   more...

Alexander can help solve your back problems

Last Saturday, a very special young patient introduced me to the Alexander technique.   more...

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.   more...

Dangers of too much sunshine

Sunshine brings cheer to the heart and light helps dispel depression.   more...

Something to keep that system in tune

Every other person will probably suffer from piles (haemorrhoids) at some point in their lives.   more...

The complexity of depression

Many of you may have watched the documentary on the television where Fredie Starr, the comedian, and other people talked about their depression.   more...

How to beat the effects of dizziness

With the recent spate of virus infections, a lot of people have suffered from dizziness and vertigo and often buzzing in the ears.   more...

Ten rules for contentment

Physical health depends primarily on air, water and diet.   more...

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.   more...

Emotional wellbeing and health

A woman aged 52 came to see me for a holistic opinion after having suffered from stomach pains for more than a year.   more...

How to reduce cholesterol fat

Cholesterol is a type of fat in he body.   more...

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.   more...

Victory in the bulge battle

A new Department of Health report says that 24 per cent of women in the country will be obese by 2005.   more...

How your personality affects stress

Our life is a continuous exercise of interacting with others and with the environment around us.   more...

How to model your self-belief

Many of you may have watched and heard actress Tracey Shaw;   more...

Success out of suffering

Thousands of people in Sussex are affected by ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.   more...

The spirit of Ayurvedic medicine

With many celebrities and royalties going for Ayurvedic therapy and treatment, there is an increasing awareness and interest in Ayurveda.   more...

Holistic cures for diabetics

Diabetes Mellitus is a result of malfunction of the pancreas ñ an organ in the stomach which produces insulin.   more...

Friendly face of Crusaders

Coming to terms with an accident that has left a person with an facial injury or illness that affects their appearance can be traumatic time.   more...

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".   more...

Special report from India

Coimbatore in the south of India is a unique place renowned for its authentic traditional ayurvedic medicine.   more...

Let Zippers show the way

People recovering from major heart surgery are usually advised to watch their diet and not to overdo things but the benefits of support from others can be limited.   more...

Take a deep breath to reduce stress

The ancient Yogis lay great emphasis on the central role which proper breathing plays in our health.   more...

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.   more...

Fighting the unseen illness

One of the most difficult aspects of dealing with mental illness is coping with the stigma attached to the condition.   more...

Keep illness at bay the simple way

The science of stress management and harnessing the life force of our natural health is called Pranayama.   more...

Pinning hopes on acupuncture

Spring still seems to be a long way off as people try and shake off the winter blues.   more...

Reducing the risk factors

Irregular, heavy, painful or multiple periods are not uncommon in women in England.   more...

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.   more...

Forgiveness helps you to stay healthy

Everyone who attended the Inter Faith Contact Group Meeting on April 18 at the Unitarian Church, Brighton was deeply moved by the talk given by Michael Henderson.   more...

Broader look at problems of obesity

Sarah Ferguson's recent documentary on the television made us all aware of the growing problem of obesity and weight gain in the UK;   more...

In search of divine light

With Easter having arrived and spring in the air, a sense of good feeling seems to have crept in, alleviating stress, worry and regrets.   more...

Binge drinking can lead to disaster

Binge-drinking among young ladies, and among young people generally, has escalated, reported a recent television documentary.   more...

Brittle matters

People assume that the brittle bone disease osteoporosis only affects elderly people. But signs can show as early as in one's 20s.   more...

Physician heal thyself

While we are all concerned about the health of the nation, the very frontline soldiers who uphold the National Health Service are often forgotten in modern times.   more...

Not on your knife

Many people spend hours looking in the mirror worrying about frown or laughter lines appearing on their face.   more...

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   more...

Make hay while the sun shines

With the glorious sunshine,the sneezing, the stuffy, runny noses, runny eyes and muzzy heads have also arrived.   more...

Food for thought

Foods as obscure as garlic or mushrooms could be stopping you losing weight or fighting off skin or sinus problems.   more...

Why bears don't get coronaries

Dr Mathias Rath reveals his pioneering work on the vital function of nutrients and antioxidants.   more...

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.   more...

Fishing for complements

Is taking pills the answer to illness? Is that the best we can do to look after ourselves?   more...

Taking the strain out of your life

Hundreds of people throughout Sussex are suffering from long-term niggling injuries that are not life threatening but severely curtail their quality of life.   more...

Top tips for travelling

With summer in full swing, and elections out of the way, people are off on holiday !   more...

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.   more...

How to enjoy safe sunshine

Basking in the glorious sun on the beach in Florida with clear skies and temperatures soaring to 91 degrees is what we all desire as a fantastic holiday experience.   more...

Natural ways to ease skin trouble

Nearly 2.5 million people in the UK have psoriasis and one-in-eight suffers from eczema.   more...

A Tooth for an eye

Five years ago a pioneering eye operation which used a patient's tooth to help restore their sight took place at the Sussex Eye Hospital.   more...

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.   more...

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...

Choosing a true therapy

The City of Brighton and Hove probably has the largest number of complementary therapists in the country.   more...

Coping with daily stress

Once the clubbing teenage years are over, younger men and women are   more...

Goodbye Hair

Facial and body hair removal has become increasingly popular, especially within the last two years.   more...

Anger can make you ill

An interesting phenomenon in the cause of disease has caught my attention recently.   more...

Fitness Guru's

As summer finally begins to kick in and the shorts and T-shirts come out; there are many people looking at themselves in the mirror and deciding   more...

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,".   more...

Miracle Magnet

The arrival of summer conjures up images of long evenings and sunshine. But for thousands of allergy sufferers, it can be an annual nightmare.   more...

Healthier health-care

The training of doctors in modern medicine gives them a solid foundation.   more...

Food for the body and soul

When we think of food for health we conjure up visions of delicious dishes in our minds.   more...

Herbs to remember

There is so much to do and remember these days, it is little wonder premature memory loss is not uncommon.   more...

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.   more...

Ancient recipes for an easy life

Stress can hit people at any age and is affecting a growing number of people in Sussex.   more...

Looking after your prostate

Men are poor at looking after themselves. They often postpone seeking medical help until things are quite bad.   more...

Massage and migraines

Migraines are quite common and debilitating.   more...

Stay calm to have a heart

High cholesterol and heart disease are closely linked.   more...

Humanising healthcare

It was good to see practitioners and doctors receiving healing from spiritual healers and shiatsu practitioners.   more...

The healing power of art

Last Saturday, I heard about the work being done by the Arts For Health centre which is based at Manchester Metropolitan University.   more...

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.   more...

Coping with cancer dread

The National Conference on Cancer 2001 will take place on November 30 at RegentísCollege in London.   more...

The cancers in society

Travelling in India is always a fascinating, eye-opening experience.   more...

Isolated in a scary world of their own

Locked into a place of meaningless noises, incomprehensible shapes and colours;   more...

Approaches to cancer

New Approaches to Cancer is a charity that was set up some 30 years ago to offer support to cancer patients, carers and healthcare workers.   more...

Healing spirit of Christmas

Christmas is an auspicious time for reflection and healing, for praying for oneself and for others.   more...

Homoeopathic tendencies

The healing art of homoeopathy is not normally associated with sophisticated equipment or computer wizardry.   more...

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.   more...

Breathing more easily

As the temperature of the atmosphere falls, the cold air we breathe has a direct effect on our nasal passages, sinuses and lungs.   more...

Healthy food from India

Several people have inquired about ayurvedic foods following the recent Radio 4 programme on ayurveda.   more...

Choosing the right diet

Here are some practical hints on choosing the right diet and management of eating habits.   more...

The benefits of milk

Recent scientific research has shown that milk is a healthy drink which could prevent certain illnesses, including cancer.   more...

Make detox a way of life

Our bodies and minds are heavily laden with toxins due to bad diets and eating habits, negative feelings and aggressive actions.   more...

Restore your self-esteem

In some cultures, being fat is taken as a a sign of health and beauty but obesity is fast becoming a major problem in Britain.   more...

Call in the fat-busters

My programme for losing and maintaining weight is based on Ayurvedic Panchakarma detoxification of the body.   more...

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.   more...

Prevention is the key

The BBC's Your NHS day on Wednesday sparked a great debate about poor funding and the enormous demands placed on hospital services, GPs, nurses and all primary-care teams.   more...

Healing your inner heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in Britain today, accounting for some 235,000 deaths a year.   more...

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.   more...

On the spot help for acne

Acne is quite a distressing problem for teenagers which, in severe cases, can be very embarrassing and badly affects their social lives.   more...

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.   more...

Solving gut problems

Doctor, do you think I have candida?î asked 26-year-old Mary when she came to see me.   more...

How to cope with colitis

Colitis is a serious bowel problem which can cause diarrhoea, stomach pains or cramps, bleeding and the passage of slime from the rectum.   more...

Just take a deep breath

Aromatherapy is one of the most pleasant therapies which can help in a number of ways in one's daily life.   more...

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?   more...

How to clear a blockage

With ten per cent of Britain's population regular sufferers and the NHS spending £45m annually on laxatives, I am sure constipation demands serious consideration.   more...

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.   more...

Quinoa a 'new' food for the future?

It is about time I give my favourite food a plug as clients often ask for an alternative to gluten-containing grains.   more...

A rash of skin complaints

Severe eczema in infants and children can be quite distressing for parents.   more...

The miracle of spring

"Gratitude, respect and pride is what the jubilee means to me."   more...

Back Technique

Siobhan Ryan speaks to a woman who is using an old technique to help solve a modern problem.   more...

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.   more...

Making the most of life

Where is the benefit to our quality of life? This statement, written by Richard White, editor of Southern Business Times, struck me as I opened the page.   more...

Problems of clean living

Recent research claims frequent bathing can lead to increased incidences of asthma in babies and young children.   more...

How to get the right vibe

Have you ever felt the vibes in your office are unhealthy?   more...

Helping with hyperacidity

Commonly known as heartburn, increased acid in the stomach is a very common ailment which can cause considerable morbidity.   more...

Listening to your instinct

Did you hear on the television how working for more than 40 hours a week can cause heart attacks?   more...

It's time to think again

Who doesn't want to live a long, happy and healthy life? There is so much to enjoy and experience on this physical plane of life on earth.   more...

Exposing a menace in your mouth

Why was the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland mad?   more...

Keep young and beautiful

Our body is constantly producing free radicals, supercharged chemicals formed when oxygen and nitric oxide react with our tissue to form unwanted charged molecules.   more...

Spices for a healthy diet

Spices have been used in traditional Indian cooking from ancient times, both to stimulate the senses and for their medicinal value.   more...

Don't be a mad dog in the sun

The promise of more hot weather to come means thousands of families will flock to the South Coast this summer.   more...

Addressing cancer fears

The incidence of cancer continues to rise, in spite of our highly sophisticated health-care system.   more...

Holy herb in the garden

Tulsi, or holy basil (ocimum sanctum), is considered to be a spiritual herb bestowed with great healing powers.   more...

Healing powers of the Dead sea

The skin disease psoriasis is not contagious, yet it feels like the social equivalent of leprosy.   more...

Eating your way to health

We are what we eat. In recent years, I have seen a growing trend in patient awareness regarding diet.   more...

Cycling is so good for us

The one thing that strikes you as you walk around Amsterdam is everybody cycles, walks or takes the tram.   more...

The burdens of anxiety

The upward trend in stress-related conditions such as depression, anxiety, worry and nervous breakdown among our young and middle-aged population is very worrying.   more...

How to keep colds at bay

An influenza epidemic is predicted for the UK this winter.   more...

Bin the Prozac, it's chocolate time

Let me tell you, the quickest route to a girl's heart is through her stomach!   more...

Warm up those muscles first

As Wimbledon draws to a close this weekend, tennis courts mostly abandoned for much of the year fill up.   more...

The brighter side of life

Antidepressants are gaining bad press at the moment because of the undesirable side effects they cause.   more...

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.   more...

Phytonutrients for protection

According to popular advertising, feeling good in the 21st Century is all about trying to control the way other people perceive us.   more...

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?   more...

Learning should be child's play

For far too many years childcare has been right at the bottom of the pile.   more...

Living to a fine old age

Governments around the world are worried about the problems of looking after our ageing population.   more...

When my adorable baby died inside me

For nearly nine months, Catherine Harwood's pulse beat to the rhythm of her baby daughter's tiny heart.   more...

Supplements for the brain

Our desired assets in old age are lucid brain function, memory, alertness of mind, healthy use of muscles and joints and a healthy heart and lungs.   more...

Keep smiling, stay healthy

"Body, mind and spirit is the tripod of life," says Charak in his ancient Ayurvedic medicine text.   more...

Sensible weight loss

Products that claim to bring about rapid weight loss within days have hit the headlines again.   more...

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.   more...

Easing the menopause

Concerns over an increased risk of cancer when taking hormone replacement therapy have worried many women.   more...

Healing spirit of Christmas

Christmas is a time to rejoice and let the festive mood heal you.   more...

Having faith in the future

Christmas is a time for festivities but also a time to rest and reflect.   more...

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.   more...

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.   more...

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.   more...

Learning by doing is the best education

Picture Linford Christie in his glory days at the start of a race, totally focused on winning.   more...

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.   more...

Fully-trained in ayurveda

Shirodhara is an ayurvedic treatment which has become fashionable among therapists in the UK and the West.   more...

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.   more...

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.   more...

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.   more...

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.   more...

The threat of a heart attack

The focus of the medical and pharmaceutical industry is currently levelled at high cholesterol levels in the blood as one of the main causes of coronary heart disease.   more...

Reducing cholesterol

Last week, I promised I would tell you how to lower your cholesterol naturally.   more...

Obesity and the mind

Since 1980, the number of obese adults and children has doubled in UK.   more...

D.I.N.N.E.R. party politics

. . . Or a Party Political Broadcast on behalf of the D.I.N.N.E.R. Party.   more...

A message of love to all

On my 50th birthday, I want to send a message of love and compassion and prayers and condolences to those suffering the effects of war.   more...

Childcare options for working parents

Say "childcare" to most parents and they'll think nurseries, childminders, playgroups.   more...

Revival of the spirit

Conflict causes insecurity, damping down the spirit which allows us to feel joyous.   more...

Natural way to holistic health

The demand for trained medical herbalists has increased sharply in the past five years.   more...

The valuable gift of peace

Body, mind and soul. Freedom, peace and love. Satyam (truthfulness), ahimsa (non-violence), brahmacharya (self restraint).   more...

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.   more...

New virus is here to stay

With the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, the Government has warned against travel to Toronto, Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangdong and Shanxi.   more...

The benefits of Pranayam

Why is correct breathing and posture so important?   more...

Patterns of behaviour

Many of you may have heard a recent item on the radio which reported that some men get so upset if their football team loses a game, they suffer a heart attack.   more...

Behavioural problems

This week we are continuing with the theme of personality types and patterns of behaviour.   more...

Detoxing needs care

Living under the constant mental, physical and emotional pressures of life today coupled with pollution is causing disease in more people at an earlier age.   more...

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.   more...

The wonderful world of flax

Flaxseed (also called linseed) is one of the oldest cultivated plants on the planet and extremely versatile.   more...

The power of herbs

Continuing the theme from last week, let us look at some more rejuvenating herbs everyone can use regularly.   more...

Communication is key to education

One of the skills that distinguishes us from all other animals is our ability to communicate.   more...

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.   more...

Cure your pain with magnets

A growing number of people with near constant aches and pains are turning to a new type of alternative therapy to help them.   more...

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.   more...

Saints' guide to happiness

The teenage years require direction and support from caring adults.   more...

Exercise the holistic way

Football, tennis and cricket tournaments are in full swing again and many people are motivated by these to play sports for their own health and enjoyment.   more...

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.   more...

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).   more...

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.   more...

How to heal yourself

Why are we miserable? The key factor we all have as human beings is love for others.   more...

Dealing with the change

Menopause can be a distressing time for some women while others sail through it.   more...

Cleopatra's little beauty tip

Latter-day historians will tell you that I, Cleopatra, am no oil painting.   more...

Re-balancing remedies

Continuing with last week's theme of HRT (hormone replacement therapy), shall mention some more natural ways of dealing with the symptoms of menopause.   more...

First steps to nursery can be fun

Do you remember the first day you started school? I remember it well:   more...

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.   more...

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.   more...

Adjusting to the weather

The environment and atmosphere certainly has an effect on how we feel and how our bodies function.   more...

The herbal alternatives

Herbal Medicine Awareness Week, organised by The National Institute of Medical Herbalists, runs until September 13.   more...

Warning on fizzy drinks

A recent clinical study looked at the damaging effect of fizzy drinks on the bones of teenage girls.   more...

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?   more...

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).   more...

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.   more...

Eat your way to a better shape

It sounds obvious and straightforward but, for many in Sussex, eating healthily to keep well is not being done.   more...

Save me from my irritable bowel

Dear Martina, I am in my early 30s and often suffer from digestive problems.   more...

Get smart about fats for kids

Not for one moment do I imagine that life is easy for our kids.   more...

Learning maths can be a fun game

Mention maths to most adults, and the chances are they'll smile and say, "Not one of my strengths."   more...

Doctors gave me weeks to live

After a lifetime of trusting old-fashioned remedies to ward off illnesses, aches and pains, Audrey Parcell thought her body had the healing power to cope with almost any disease.   more...

Put your feet first for health

During National Foot Care Week, Siobhan Ryan looks at what steps need to be taken to give feet a clean bill of health   more...

Food for good looking eyes

At the age of 39, Sharon Charlton found herself able to see clearly for the first time in her life.   more...

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.   more...

When nature is no longer natural

Dear Martina, I was most interested in the recent letter to you from Doug Streeter with information about essential nutrients required for a healthy lifestyle.   more...

Don't fear the nit inspection

One of the most irritating problems for parents as the new school year kicks off is the appearance of head lice in their offspring.   more...

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.   more...

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.   more...

How to make it through winter

Early on a cold morning, the last thing most people want to do is go out for a run.   more...

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.   more...

A spine-tingling new treatment

Chiropractor Paula Moore is great believer in prevention being better than cure.   more...

What is nutritional therapy?

This week, you may be delighted to hear that you won't be regaled with what to eat and what not to eat.   more...

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.   more...

Time to consider the alternatives

Kathy Chapman believes it is important people open their minds to alternative therapy.   more...

Get to the point of acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of treatment for pain.   more...

Tapping into hidden depths

Sarah Saunders (not her real name) was devastated when her brother died during an asthma attack nearly a year ago.   more...

'Natural' way to control weight

For many people, trying to lose weight and keep it off is the main focus of their lives.   more...

What goes in comes out - eventually

Lately, I seem to have been rather bogged down with rear-ends.   more...

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.   more...

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.   more...

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.   more...

Doctor who prefers a holistic approach

For John McKenna, becoming a doctor was never going to just be about prescribing basic pharmaceutical medicines.   more...

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.   more...

Illness that can leave you low on sympathy

Tammy Cottingham has a passion for books but has been unable to read for the past two years.   more...

Healing powers of the Dead sea

The skin disease psoriasis is not contagious, yet it feels like the social equivalent of leprosy.   more...

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.   more...

Machine eases sufferer's pain

English literature student and parttime model Alice Friedl has been having pains in her joints since she was ten years old.   more...

Therapy in the computer age

As the the internet and email continues to be a daily part of people's lives, another idea has been developed which may help the health of many.   more...

Fall in to get fit and healthy

When it comes to fighting the flab, Gaynor Rose is a real success story.   more...

Explore the natural alternatives to HRT

According to many experts, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is God's gift to woman kind.   more...

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.   more...

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?   more...

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.   more...

Knowing how to spot meningitis

Following the death of her boyfriend from meningitis, Sarah Jones has been campaigning to raise awareness of the dangers of the disease.   more...

Learning to live with your fears

Elaine finds it an ordeal to leave her house each day.   more...

Ancient art that applies pressure

As a practitioner of Shiatsu in the House of Commons, Andrew Staib is used to helping people who are stressed and under a lot of pressure.   more...

Headache that can ruin lives

Frequent migraine attacks have made Geraldine van Buren's life a misery.   more...

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).   more...

When life gets to be a strain

Family doctors across Sussex are seeing a growing number of people in their surgeries suffering from a range of symptoms and onditions commonly known as Repetitive Strain Injusry (RSI).   more...

Milk implicated in Crohn's Disease

Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory and painful bowel condition.   more...

Stop moaning and try a tasty alternative

Is it just me or have I been exposed to a lot of whingeing recently?   more...

Change your food for a better mood

As silly adverts go, the one I heard on the radio the other day takes the oatcake.   more...

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.   more...

The world is now our children's oyster

Geography for four-year-olds? If that's what's meant by the Early Learning Goal relating to understanding of the world, then what are we coming to?   more...

Thinking small can make a big difference

I have fallen in love with the concept of downsizing!   more...

Nutritional aid for ugly ducklings

If Hans Christian Andersen had not been dyslexic, he may never have created the tale of The Ugly Duckling.   more...

Subsidised sessions for three-year-olds

Your schooldays are the best days of your life, they say.   more...

Why modern humans are puny and ill

Every so often I need a good moan, so here goes.   more...

Vote for the D.I.N.N.E.R. Party

And now for another Party Political Broadcast on behalf of the D.I.N.N.E.R. Party ...   more...

Physical activities for mind and body

Remember the cinema stereotype of the child genius ñ clumsy, lacking in confidence and isolated? Yes, it's ridiculous, but there's more than a grain of truth in it.   more...

And all because we love chocolate

I have finally found the man of my dreams and the fact that he owns a chocolate factory has everything to do with it.   more...

Quality care for children of all ages

Quality is a word that has been hijacked by the marketing industry -   more...

The way forward for Parkinson's

When the boxer Muhammed Ali lit the Olympic flame in 1996, he proved to the world that you don't need to be perfect in order to be great.   more...

Creative play can be key to learning

Does your heart sink when you come across otherwise normal adults who claim never to read novels, preferring some thing factual?   more...

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.   more...

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.   more...

Keyworkers can be a parent's lifeline

Imagine yourself in the position of Alice in Wonderland;   more...

Genetically-modified convenience

I wish I had been genetically modified. A bit of Claudia Schiffer here and a bit of Jennifer Lopez there would be ideal.   more...

Have a say in your child's education

Do you want the best for your child? Of course you do.   more...

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.   more...

Disease that hits the young and old

Parkinson's disease afflicts tens of thousands of people in the UK. It is no respecter of age and, at present, there is no cure.   more...

Fat Club takes the pain out of dieting

With at least another three months before the height of summer, there is still time to shed the extra pounds that have built up over the winter.   more...

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.   more...

Green-fingered way to fitness

There is a lot of pride in producing the best plants and flowers possible and turning your garden into contender for the local Town or Village-In-Bloom competition.   more...

The case for meningitis jabs

Kim Galvin remembers the moment, ten years ago, when she thought she was coming down with flu.   more...

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.   more...

Exercises to put your back into

Dewi Richards knows first hand the pain and difficulty involved in recovering from a broken back.   more...

Ancient therapy warms the body

Alex