Health Advice

Osteopathy is an alternative medical treatment, this technique uses manipulation and massage to help distressed muscles and joints, the therapy aim to pin point and treat any problems that are related to a mechanical nature.

The founding farther of Osteopathy Dr Andrew Taylor Still, came to believe that Osteopathy can safely encourage the body to heal itself, rather then use drugs that were then available and that were not always safe to use, his philosophy rested on his belief that ailments and disorders could occur when the bodies bones and joints no longer functioned in harmony, he also believed that gentle and precise manipulation was the cure.

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Hydrotherapy is the use of water to heal and ease a variety of ailments and the water may be used in a number of different ways. The healing properties of water have been recognised since ancient times - most people know the benefit of a hot bath in relaxing the body, relieving muscular aches and stiffness and helping to bring about restful sleep.

Hot water or steam causes the blood vessels to dilate, opens the skin pores and stimulates perspiration, relaxes limbs and muscles. A cold bath or shower acts in the opposite way and is refreshing and invigorating. The cold causes blockages blood vessels in the skin to constrict and blood vessels in the skin to constrict and the blood is diverted to internal tissues and organs to maintain the core temperature of the body. Applications of cold water or ice reduce the swelling and bruising.

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Reflexology is a technique of diagnosis and treatment in which certain areas of the body, particularly the feet are massaged to alleviate pain and other symptoms in the organs of the body. It is thought to have originated about 5000 years ago I china and was also used by the ancient Egyptians.

It does not use any sort of medication - merely a specific type of massage at the correct locations on the body. The body’s energy flow is thought to follow certain routes connecting every gland, organ with a ending pressure point on the feet and hands. The theory is that when routes are blocked then it indicates some ailment or condition in the body. The uses of reflexology are generally to treat conditions such as:

• Back Pain
• Headaches
• Digestive Disorders
• Stress / Tension
• Asthma
• Arthritis

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Cold Sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus that lies dormant in your nerves but can flare up leading to sores usually around the mouth. IN severe cases they can reach the eyes and nose too. Some people find they are more prone to them if they are

• Run down
• Stressed
• Been exposed to extreme temperatures
• Period is due

An anti-viral cream can be used to treat sore around the lips or face - they usually contain aciclovir and you can rub it on several times a day. This should reduce the severity of a cold sore and if used straight away prevent breakout.

If you suffer from frequent or recurrent cold sores then you would need to seek advice from your doctor.

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All baby teeth should come through by the age of 2 and a half. You need to set a good example by letting them see you clean your teeth everyday which in turn will help take care of your toddlers.

A soft brush and a smear of baby toothpaste should be used - these are specially formulated with lower levels of fluoride and then adults. Circular scrub techniques around each tooth are ideal. Sticky sweets and drinks play a large part in tooth decay and should be avoided. Encourage your toddler to have drinks form a cup (not bottle) and always dilute fruit juices well - one part fruit juice to parts water until one year old and then dilute less as your child grows. Regular dental checkups also help as the toddlers get used to the sights and smells of the dental sugary from a young age making it easier in the future.

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For babies with a tickly cough the most common cause is an upper respiratory tract infections. Common colds are usually viral but more serious infections may be bacterial.

Chesty cough sounds phlegmy and you child may cough up mucus day and night. When cold virus attacks your system produces more mucus than normal to fight the infections. The body tires to get rid of this excess phlegm by coughing.

Cough & Cold - the common symptoms here are a dry tickly cough combined with a runny or blocked up nose. Coughing is a vital part of the body’s defence and is designed to prevent dust or girt getting into the lungs which in turn keeps the lower respiratory passages sterile.

Night time cough - coughs may be worse at night because sticky mucus collects at the back of the throat. By giving children water and keeping them propped up on pillows may help ease the coughing.

Dry Cough - this is irritating and stubborn tickly cough with no phlegm or mucus. If your child doesn’t have any other cold symptoms and the cough is persistent during the daytime this could be caused by allergies to his surroundings. Keeping the play area and home dust free and well ventilated along with fresh air will help.

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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affecting around three million people in the UK, is fast becoming the leading cause of blindness in the UK.

It’s again is a disease that can be detected in a routine eye examination, as it is a disease that affects the Macula - the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail.

While ageing and having a family history of AMD can make you more susceptible, you can help protect your eyes from disease by:

• Keeping your eyes well hydrated.
• Avoid smoking, passive smoking and smoke polluted environments.
• Prolonged exposure to UV rays, wear UV protective sunglasses.
• Follow a healthy diet.

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