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Extremes of temperature, excessive sun exposure and alcohol consumption may all contribute to the condition telangiectasia, more commonly described as broken capillaries. Whenever these tiny vessels become dilated, they are likely to be visible at the skin surface, particularly around the nose and cheeks. The usual cosmetic treatment is known as sclerotherapy. This involves injecting each capillary with a saline solution, causing the swollen vessels to collapse. Most individuals find the treatment effective, however, there is a possibility that the problem may reoccur within a year or two. The best preventive measure is to avoid extremes of weather, always apply good quality organic moisturiser, and to limit intake of salt, alcohol, and saturated...

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...

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...

There are thirteen essential vitamins required to maintain optimal body function. It’s certainly possible – and indeed preferable – to obtain your required vitamin intake from organic food sources. The key to doing this is, like most things, balance. Eating a balanced selection of leafy green organic vegetables, fresh fruits, grains, legumes, organic poultry, dairy, meat, seafood and cold-pressed oils will ensure most people’s vitamin needs are fulfilled. By choosing organic food sources to deliver your vitamin requirements, you’ll significantly reduce your exposure to pesticides and the various agricultural chemical contaminants routinely used in large-scale industrial agriculture. Let’s take a closer look at each of the...

While the majority of babies manage to avoid complicated health concerns during their early months of life, all newborns are susceptible to a range of preventable illnesses, environmental hazards, sleeping difficulties, and issues related to feeding and nutrition. For the sake of their long term wellbeing, newborn infants should be assessed by a paediatrician and screened for congenital and inherited indicators. Hospitals will usually provide this service as a routine component of their care delivery; however they may be required to seek exclusive permission from the infant’s parent or primary caregiver. In those instances where problems are detected, early treatments and counselling can alleviate many of the complications which might...