Health Advice

Getting enough vitamin B12 may play a part in keeping the brain healthy in old age according to a study by the University of Oxford. The study suggests that older people (aged between 61-87) with average B12 levels were more likely to maintain a healthy brain function. Researchers are hoping that further studies will help them find out if B12 supplementation could actually help to slow down brain shrinkage as we age. Intake of good fluid levels and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids as well as keeping our stress levels adequate also help. The RDA for vitamin B12 is 1 microgram.

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Vitamin K2 has been suggested to help maintain bone strength and structure in women at risk of developing osteoporosis. Research found that giving women a dietary supplement with vitamin K2 maintained bone strength and structure over the trial period. Vitamin K2 is importation in helping calcium bind to the bones to maintain their health hence why when buying vitamin D supplements its important to see if they contain Vitamin K. Calcium also needs vitamin D calcium to help absorb it into the bones. Dairy products such as yogurts which contain calcium also contain vitamin D to help with maximum absorbing.

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Our joints work hard for us and until a problem crops up, many of us are guilty of neglecting them. To help keep your joints healthy so you can stay supple and flexible for longer one of the best things you can do to help is to stay active. As our bodies are made to keep moving any excessive periods of rest such as sitting in front of a computer for hours can cause our joints to stiffen up. The aim should be to do at least 30mins of exercise 5 times a week. This should help lose any excess body weight which could otherwise put a strain on the joints. Additionally eating a healthy diet of fruit and vegetables also can also help.

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Glucosamine sulphate is found in various protein sources such as chicken and oily fish. This protein occurs naturally in our joints where it stimulates the production of connective tissue to help prevent the bones rubbing together. Levels can deteriorate naturally over time however if you are struggling to get enough from your diet then a supplement to help replenish the loss can help. Cod liver oil is one of the popular supplements and known to help maintain supple and flexible joints. You can also get a gel to apply to joints and massage in and patches too which can provide relief from on the spot muscular tension and joint discomfort.

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A recent study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, reports that UK scientists recognise that group-taught meditation is just as effective as offering drug treatments when it comes to stopping people slipping back into depression.

The trial found similar relapse rates in those having group therapy and those taking mild prescribed drugs, experts also recognise “mindfulness-based cognitive therapy” (MBCT) are considerably cheaper, recent years have seen evidence that “talking therapies” can be just as effective as drugs in alleviating mild to moderate depression, The aim is to teach skills which help patients recognise and cope with their tendency towards depression, by using meditation techniques found in Buddhism.

Health secretary Alan Johnson recently announced millions in new funding for group therapy treatments, however there is some time before group therapy will be socially accepted as an alternative to a prescription and the benefits of medication can be fully utilised in improving patients’ quality of life.

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The 01-12-2008 traditionally marks today as World AIDS Day 2008, for more information please visit the Official Aids Day Website and pledge your support.

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