Health Advice

Ylang ylang is a native species of the far eastern islands of Indonesia, the Philippines, Java and Madagascar.  To obtain the essential oil used in aromatherapy the flowers are subjected to a process of steam distillation. Like most essential oils ylang ylang has a strong antiseptic effect but it is best known for its euphoric and aphrodisiac properties. The nervous system can also benefit greatly from its relaxing powers and its antidepressant powers can also be used to treat milk shock, anger and stress.  It has a calming effect on the hear-beat rate and can be used to relieve palpitations, tachycardia, hypertension depression and shock.  It is used widely as an ingredient in skin care as it’s known to have a wonderful tonic effect and gentle action.  It is generally very safe although sensitisation has been reported in a small number of cases although if used excessively it can cause headaches and nausea.

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Every year a number of people choke to death on food or other objects placed in the mouth. Thankfully most choking incidents are fairly minor, even so these are frightening for the casualty as well as the person looking after them.

• Recognition
• Difficulty in breathing or speaking
• Grasping at the neck or throat
• Pointing to the mouth or throat
• Purple or red colour around the face and neck
• Blueness to the lips.

Casualties are encouraged to cough or if this doesn’t work then firm slaps need to be made between the shoulder blades and the mouth checked. If this is unsuccessful then 5 abdominal thrusts carried out by standing behind the casualty and pulling in sharply with your hands below the rib cage.

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Most children who catch measles first develop the symptoms of a cold, plus small spots inside the mouth and a temperature. These symptoms are followed by a red rash which starts behind the ears and moves over the rest of the body in a few days. With TLC and regular liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen your child should be better in a week. However measles can be serious when complications occur. Around on e in 200 cases suffer from fits and one in 10000 develops meningitis - this is an inflammation of the brain or it’s covering which can cause brain damage.

Fact : Remember 1 in 5000 cases are fatal.

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Take care in the sun, as overexposure to the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkles. Skin cancer is common and the number of cases in increasing. To protect yourself and your family there are some simple steps to follow.

• Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm.
• Seek shade, its’ an easy way to be safe.
• Wear cover up clothing including t-shirts, hats and sunglasses.
• Make sure you don’t burn.
• Apply sunscreen SPF15 or higher generously to exposed areas of skin.
• Avoid using sun beds.
• Moisturise daily to help repair and maintain health skin.

Special care needs to be taken with children and babies and sunburn in childhood can double the risk of developing skin cancer. Sun care creams should be used throughout the year to protect the skin from the elements.

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The flu is an illness caused by the notorious influenza virus, is most common during the winter months, it is different from and more severe than a cold.

The symptoms are:

• A high fever
• A shivery feeling
• A headache
• An aching body
• Extreme tiredness

More common side effects are a dry cough, a sore throat and a stuffy nose which can spread quickly by having direct contact by coughing, sneezing and touching people who are already carrying the virus.

If your child suffers from another illness than catching a flu can have serious consequences as they may not be able to fight off flu as effectively as other children. It could also contribute to making their existing condition worse.

These conditions include, Breathing problems, Heart conditions, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Diabetes, Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment and Spleen abnormalities.

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More than one in three people in this country will develop cancer - and in most cases people are over 60. Two thirds of all cancers are linked to lifestyle and could be prevented.

Smoking - Half of regular smokers will be killed by their habit. It causes nearly all cases of lung cancer and is a major risk factor for at least eleven other types. It causes heart disease, strokes and chronic lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema. Changes to your diet are the single most important factor to help prevent cancers. The food we eat has a big influence on our risk of stomach and bowel cancer. Eating a balanced diet that is low in fat and red eat and rich in fruit vegetables and starchy foods this will help the risk of breast, prostate, bladder, mouth and throat cancers.

Other factors are body weight as obesity is also a major risk and increase the risk of cancer of the womb and of the breast for women who’ve been through the menopause.

Taking care in the sun, taking care working with chemicals or radiation and drinking alcohol in moderation are also factors to consider in reducing the risk.

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“The Doctrine of Signatures” suggests that a Whole Food that has a pattern that resembles a human body organ, can act as a sign as to the benefit the food could possibly provide if consumed, a recent published investigation on nutritional sciences shows very high correlation.

Consider the following as an example of Whole Food Signatures:

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