Do the advantages of HRT outweigh the disadvantages – yes or no? This was the question posed in a fascinating debate I attended at The Guild of Health Writers last week. The controversy and conflicting research surrounding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a minefield for any health professional to negotiate, let alone the average menopausal […]
HEALTH
Fresh Mint Tea and Other Mint Delights
Mint is the herb I most associate with summer. And I’m not just referring to jugs of Pimm’s, which would, of course, be incomplete without fresh mint. There’s something wonderfully refreshing about the scent of fresh mint that is both mind-cleansing and invigorating. Cool, fragrant mint leaves are the perfect antidote to a hot summer’s […]
Writing to Heal: The Healing Power of Writing
A few years ago, while very ill with arthritis, I came across a book called Writing to Heal by James W. Pennebaker, PhD. Dr Pennebaker is a research psychologist at the University of Texas who discovered the amazing healing effect that expressive writing can have on people who have experienced trauma. His research proved that […]
The Kindness of Strangers
Driving to North Devon last week our car broke down. Not knowing anything about cars my partner and I felt helpless stranded at the side of the road. There was nothing we could do but call the Automobile Association (AA) and hope for the best. When the AA man finally arrived he was cheerful and […]
Why Growing Your Own Vegetables is Worth It
The squirrels and I are at war and so far the squirrels are winning. I plant the seeds, they dig them up and either eat them or carry them off somewhere else in the garden and bury them. My role is to curse them and to patch up the mess they’ve caused and to wonder […]
Is Curiosity the Key to Happiness?
Do you remember being curious as a child? Exploring your world and discovering new things every day? Do you remember the thrill of working out how something worked or finding out everything you could about your latest passion? Perhaps you broke things or hurt yourself along the way, but you were always on the quest […]
Hypothyroidism and High Cholesterol during Menopause
Declining oestrogen levels during menopause increase a woman’s risk of developing heart disease. But what most women don’t realise is that hypothyroidism also causes high cholesterol which can result in coronary heart disease. Menopause and the Risk of Heart Disease Have you had your cholesterol levels checked recently? If you’re a woman in your forties, […]
Wild about Garlic
‘Do you realise your front garden is full of wild garlic?’ my friend Maria asked as I answered the front door to her last week. She pointed to a bunch growing near the front door. ‘Try some.’ Wild Garlic in My Front Garden I’m ashamed to admit I had no idea the bunches of delicate […]
Let’s Get Physical: Mental Health Awareness Week
Yesterday was one of those days that left me feeling cranky and frazzled. A computer that was misbehaving (guaranteed to raise my stress levels through the roof), difficulty finding parking, which meant I was late for an appointment, and then a long wait at the hospital for a blood test. By the time I got […]
When Life Gives You Lemons… Be Versatile
You know the old saying, ‘When life gives you lemons make lemonade’? Well, I think that when life gives you lemons you should use them in as many ways as you can. Now, I understand that the saying is about making something positive out of a negative, but lemons are the most versatile fruit I […]