Health & Beauty

Newborn babies and children have skin that is delicate and particularly susceptible to environmental stresses such as pollution, extremes of heat, cold, and sunburn. Many infants will suffer from one or more of the common skin complaints such as nappy rash, cradle cap, and eczema. Sensible treatment from an early stage will usually limit the severity and impact of these conditions. Nappy rash Nappy rash is identified by a constellation of small red spots appearing around the child’s bottom, groin, and legs. In serious cases the skin may become inflamed or broken with evidence of suppuration. The usual cause is wet or dirty nappies breaking down into ammonia compounds, subsequently causing bacterial skin irritation. The initial treatment for...

With appropriate medical or therapeutic supervision, dedicated participants of a good detoxification program can achieve improved physical health and vitality. Over time, detoxification can improve the symptoms associated with poor digestion, suppressed immunity, and early ageing. Because sustained changes in diet or lifestyle have the potential to interfere with underlying health conditions, it is imperative to consult a medical practitioner or reputable naturopath before embarking on a detoxification program. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, diabetics, underweight, and those suffering from chronic illnesses should avoid detoxification programs. Exposure to a wide range of environmental pollutants is an increasing risk and concern for individuals...

The mental and physical components of stress are an unavoidable and necessary part of life. Over generations, the ability to adapt and cope with stress, has frequently underpinned the notable achievements (and failures) of human civilization. From an individual’s perspective, there are significant benefits to be gained whenever stress is effectively managed. Learning to balance the positive and negative aspects of stress can assist physical and emotional wellbeing, social relationships, motivation, personal and career development. Stress and our immune system Health and medical research provides ongoing evidence that the human immune system is compromised by stressful experiences and more specifically, the inability to rationalise and cope...

Quality sleep is an important contributor to optimum health and longevity. For a variety of reasons, many individuals encounter significant difficulties in this area. In today’s highly pressured world, insufficient sleep is likely to result in strained relationships, emotional instability, and poor decision making. Fatigue is frequently a contributing factor in vehicle, and workplace accidents. Over time, poor sleep patterns will compromise the immune system and may eventually result in chronic health problems. Substantial funding is now allocated to the medical and scientific investigation of sleep disorders, and there are reliable sources of professional help for those affected. In addition to general medical practitioners, expertise in...

Every so often, there is a popular wave of interest in foods containing natural compounds believed to slow down or reverse the effects of ageing. In many cases such information reaching the public is distorted through the individual or combined effects of dubious research, inaccurate reporting, and advertising hype. Because the desire to prolong youthfulness is generally strong, many of us become vulnerable to a whole range of suggestions and recommendations that are both impractical and unlikely to be effective. To protect ourselves, it must be remembered that no food (or nutritional supplement) is particularly valuable on its own. Effective nutrition is a complex science since it necessarily involves combinations of many different foods and...