Berry berry good for you

To make sure we eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, as creatures of habit we quite often pop bananas, apples, oranges, and maybe the occasional pineapple and watermelon into our shopping basket. However there is now an amazing range of fruit we can choose from, including berries. Although they are often quite expensive, just one cup of berries can provide us with all the super-healthy antioxidants we need in a single day.

Antioxidants help to prevent the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that cause damage to our cells, impairing the immune system, and possibly leading to infections and degenerative diseases such as heart disease and cancer, they are also thought to accelerate the aging process. Free radicals are produced in a number of ways; such as exposure to environmental pollutants like tobacco smoke and exhaust fumes, and cooking food at too high a temperature, common when frying food in hot oil or barbecuing. By destroying free radicals antioxidants are useful to help detoxify and protect the body.

Berries also contain high levels of phyto-oestrogens which are beneficial for female reproductive health. They can be helpful with erratic periods, PMS, and menopausal problems.

There is an amazing choice of berries, and as well as being available fresh, we can find them in juices, smoothies and even bags of frozen berries. This article will explore the health benefits of some of the available berries.

Goji berries are the one of the latest foods to be promoted as a super-food. Demand for the small red dried berry, has seen it go from only being available in health food shops, to finding its way to our supermarket shelves.

Also known as wolfberry, the Goji berry has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years for the treatment of kidney and liver problems, and for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. It is also claimed to be anti-aging, immune boosting and beneficial for the skin and eyes. The berries do indeed contain a powerhouse of nutrients such as:

• 18 amino acids including all of the eight essential amino acids
• Essential fatty acids
• Vitamins, such as; C, A, E, B1, B2, and B6
• Minerals, such as; zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium and phosphorus
• Phytonutrients, such as polysaccharides which help the immune system work effectively
  

However the main reason for Goji berries becoming known as a super-food, is most probably due to the claim that they are the richest source of antioxidant cartenoids of all known foods.

Traditionally in Chinese medicine, Goji berries have been eaten to increase sex drive and enhance fertility. There is even an old Chinese proverb which warns men not to eat Goji berries if they are travelling away from home. Unfortunately there is a lack of research confirming whether, or how, Goji berries can increase libido. It is thought eating the berries increases androgen levels in the blood. Androgen deficiency in men is thought to cause lowered sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and a low sperm count. The Goji berries affect on fertility, has however been the subject of recent studies. Findings from a study undertaken by Ningxia Medical College in China in 2002, found that polysaccharides present in Goji berries prevented damage to testicular cells and could indeed assist in the treatment of infertility.

It is also claimed that Goji berries can assist with weight loss, mainly due to them containing a number of essential vitamins and minerals needed to keep our metabolism in good working order. The metabolic rate is the rate which the body converts food into energy, the faster your metabolic rate the more efficiently calories are burned and less fat is stored. It is claimed that the polysaccharides present in the berries actually increase the metabolic rate.

It does seem that Goji berries are a very healthy addition to any shopping list. The downside is that Goji berries are very expensive, at the time of writing a 200g bag of Goji berries was £6.38 at Tesco. Also as they are carried thousands of miles from China to reach our stores, so they add to our carbon footprints. We have already become used to consuming bananas and oranges which need to be imported, and the environmental impact of ‘food miles’ is indeed quite worrying.

So can we get the same health benefits from our native berries? As previously mentioned we can get all the antioxidants we need from just one cup of berries a day, and there is a good choice of berries available native to the U.K.

Raspberries are a good source of vitamin C, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, copper, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin’s B2 and B3, and they also provide high amounts of fibre in the seeds, which can help control cholesterol levels.

In addition raspberries contain antioxidant flavonoids, which are also antimicrobial and can be useful in preventing the overgrowth of certain bacteria and fungi in the body, such as the yeast candida albicans, which can cause vaginal infections, and may contribute to irritable bowel syndrome.

Raspberries astringent qualities are beneficial to the whole digestive tract. Eating the berries can help with upset stomachs and diarrhoea, and raspberry leaf tea can help with nausea in pregnancy.

Raspberries are a good food for anyone watching their weight. A punnet contains on average 122 calories, contains no fat, and has a low glycaemic load (GL), which means they provide you with energy for longer. Raspberries also contain the highest levels of Zinc of all fruits, which can help the metabolism work effectively and help balance blood sugar levels.

Zinc is important for a healthy immune system, skin health and healing, and growth and development. It is also suggested Zinc is important for mental health and function. Zinc deficiency has been implicated in learning difficulties, dementia, ADHD, and depression. A lack of Zinc has also been associated with lowered testosterone which is essential for male sexual function. One study found that in men with both low testosterone and low sperm counts, the sperm counts were on average 2.5 times higher after seven weeks of zinc supplementation (60mg a day).

Blackberries are an excellent source of antioxidants. In general the darker the berry, the more antioxidant strength they have. They also contain good levels of folic acid, potassium, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, magnesium, phosphorus, fibre, and vitamin C and E. As a bonus they can be picked for free around the countryside from late August to October.

Blackberries are full of the antioxidant anthocyanin, which gives them their black colour, and can strengthen blood capillaries and improve circulation to the brain. Alongside their high levels of vitamin C and E, which can help protect the brain from cognitive decline, they are a good choice for helping to maintain good brain health and mental function.

Strawberries contain more Vitamin C than oranges, and its estimated just 10 strawberries provide 192% of our recommended daily amount. They also contain, vitamin A, B6, K, folic acid, beta-carotene, potassium, iron and fibre.

Swedish botanist Linnaeus, who specialised in medicinal plants recommended strawberries as a cure for arthritis, gout and rheumatism. He cured himself of gout by eating only strawberries, which probably worked due to their cleansing and detoxifying properties. Strawberries high iron content is also useful for anyone suffering from fatigue or anaemia.

According to Dr David Lewis, a cognitive neuropsychologist, combining strawberries and chocolate is a recipe for happiness. Together they offer a pleasurable feel good taste sensation. Scientists believe the folic acid and iron content in strawberries, may boost our mood by enabling serotonin to be transported more efficiently around the body. Chocolate contains tryptophan which the brain needs to make serotonin. Read more about the mood enhancing effects of strawberries and chocolate on: Food for Thought: Why Strawberries and Dark Chocolate Make for the Happiest Easter Ever



There are so many berries to choose from, and there are many health benefits to including them in your diet. They are all full of antioxidants which can help fight infections, and prevent degenerative diseases such as heart disease and cancer, as well as helping us stay looking and feeling younger for longer. Eating a mixture of berries can ensure you get a full range of health benefits.

“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates

Note: I am not medically qualified, but have been interested in nutrition since my eldest daughter developed food intolerances almost 20 years ago. I have researched this piece from reputable internet sites and by reading through books such as;

The Food Doctor, Healing foods for mind and body by Vicki Edgson & Ian Marber
Superfoods by Michael Van Straten & Barbara Griggs
Prescription for Nutritional healing 2nd edition by James F Balch M.D & Phyllis A. Balch C.N.C

An exploration of an obsession with body image.

With the growing obesity epidemic in this country, losing weight has become big business, and programmes on healthy eating and how to lose weight, such as ‘You are what you eat’ and ‘Diet Doctors’ are rarely off our screens. However a problem that isn’t as well recognised is the growing number of people who are developing an obsession with their body image, and have a less than healthy relationship with food. Underlying a negative body image is often insecurity and low self esteem, and seeing constant images of thin and beautiful people in the media adds to feelings of shame, guilt and body-dissatisfaction.

In a recent survey undertaken by Grazia magazine, of the 5000 respondents, 7 out of 10 women said life would improve if they had better bodies. The survey found that many women had taken drastic measures, such as fasting and laxative use to try and lose weight. It concluded that on average, the women who took part, worried about their bodies every fifteen minutes. Generally it seems women are very critical and unhappy with their body shapes. Wanting to be slim and tone up is not a problem, but having an abnormal relationship with food which can lead to developing eating disorders is.

Women are constantly faced with unrealistic female body images, from on the catwalk, to in magazines, and on the television. Even when out shopping, women often find they are trying on clothes next to posters of size four models. Our current fixation with body image is unhealthy; many women are influenced greatly by these constant images of slenderness, which in turn affects their lives by condemning them to a life of constant regulation, transformation and ‘beautifying’ practices. The pressure to alter, modify, and transform women’s bodies to meet the cultural ideal affects how women eat, dress, and attend to daily rituals such as putting on make up, removal of body hair, and covering up bodily odours with deodorants and perfumes.

So why do we try and change our bodies and appearance? And why aren’t we able to be happy with ourselves the way we are?

Early feminist ideology argues that men’s desires are considered more important than women’s, and that women’s bodies are seen as objects which are sexualised for the convenience of men. However why we are so fixated with how we look, is likely to be far more complex than this.

French philosopher Michel Foucault (1926 – 1984) put forward that in society ‘discourses’ and truths are produced which act as a set of rules. He saw many women as conforming or ‘normalising’ to these rules. Through this discourse, categories are created such as beautiful, ugly, fat, thin, and women readily place themselves in these categories.

He suggests discourse changes over time. The idea of a perfect female figure for women to aspire to has changed over the years. The ‘ideal’ figure has got thinner and thinner over time. What was considered as an ideal body in the 1960’s is now thought of as a fuller figure. It could be argued that the ideal figure for women to normalise to, is now so thin they have no feminine curves, and are beginning to emulate the straighter figure of men.

An ‘inspecting gaze’ aids this normalisation, as surveillance has a disciplinary effect ensuring each individual is conforming to the norms. Being forever conscious of the gaze, often leads to women trying to make themselves acceptable objects for viewing. Whether a woman feels they are desirable or worthwhile is decided upon by how they internalise other people’s perceptions of themselves.

This ‘inspecting gaze’ can come from both men and women, and it would be quite unlikely for someone to say honestly they’ve never looked at someone and made judgements about their appearance. A survey undertaken by New Woman magazine in 2001, found that women felt under more pressure from other women to look good than they did men. 85% of respondents said other women were more likely to criticise them on their looks, while just 15% said men were likely to criticise them.

I believe Foucault’s theory has a lot of credibility. While I was at University I put on weight, and went up to a size 16. When I saw people I hadn’t seen for years, I was affected by how they saw me. They may have said ‘You look well’ or ‘Oh you’ve changed your hair colour’, however in my mind I felt they were being polite by not saying I’d put on a lot of weight. I’ve always had a slightly rebellious streak, questioning why I should conform to authority, however in this case I felt I wanted to conform, I wanted a thin body again. My intellectual reasoning was overridden by the ‘gaze’ and the discourse suggesting the norm was to be thin. By getting caught up in this dominant discourse I was also perpetuating it, and contributing towards my own objectification and the objectification of others.

While diet programmes on television point out the importance of trying to live a healthier lifestyle, by applauding women who have slimmed down and commenting on how beautiful they are, the dominant discourse that thin is alright and fat isn’t is reinforced. Women are constantly being pressurized not to leave their bodies in their natural state, maybe with a rounded stomach and a few wobbly bits, instead they are encouraged to alter and modify their bodies with exercise and diet.

This dominant discourse and the resulting pressure to be slim and toned, can lead to many women developing unhealthy relationships with food, and also contribute towards the growing problem of exercise compulsion. ‘Supersize vs Superskinny’ on Channel four is one programme that is starting to bring this problem to our attention. In last nights programme (5th February 2008) ‘superskinny’ Amy Jo who avoided carbohydrates and had an intense exercise regime, weighed in at 7st7lbs. Having to swap diets for a week with ‘supersize’ Andy, Amy Jo was presented with a takeaway curry which she described as her worst nightmare. After the first day she was sure she had some overhang over the top of her trousers. However she did start to address her fear of food, and by the end of the week she was managing to finish off the meals she was being given. The Grazia survey suggests that is not just a small minority of women who have a fearful relationship with food. Many women are constantly thinking ‘shall I eat or not eat’ and if they find themselves 2lbs heavier when stepping on the scales, it can ruin their day.

After three months Amy Jo had only put on 5lbs, while Andy had managed to lose over 3st in weight. She mentioned that now she was eating more, she was able to run for an hour and a half which she couldn’t manage before. I’m unconvinced she actually managed to address her problem with body image, and maybe she was exercising more to compensate for consuming more calories. Exercise compulsion is another big problem for many women.

For some women, watching what they eat to achieve the perfect figure isn’t enough, and exercise offers a way to keep all their soft bodily bulges flat and firm. A compulsive exerciser may exercise one or two hours most days, and not give themselves a break even when they are feeling unwell. One of Amy Jo’s friends mentioned that if she went out and ate a meal, she would run to the gym the next day. For compulsive exercisers, if they miss a session they may make up for it by exercising longer and harder the next day, or by simply not eating. It could be argued that compulsive exercisers do not undertake exercise for fun or pleasure, but they do it to conform to the ‘rules’ and ‘norms’ created by the dominant discourse to be thin.

A combination of eating too little and exercising too much can be very dangerous for our health. As well as a risk of injury to bones joints and ligaments from excessive demands placed on them, if someone isn’t eating enough the body will resort to using muscle as a source of energy, so muscles can literally begin to waste away. Excessive exercise can also affect the balance of hormones in the body, and can place too much stress on the heart. For many women exercise is seen as a way of reversing the effects of eating, however they could be exercising their way to an early grave.

When not taken to extremes, exercise is an important factor in any healthy lifestyle. However often people are put off exercise because of their negative body image; they feel ashamed of their bodies, and don’t want to expose themselves especially in front of fit people. In a bid to lose weight, at University, I started using the Gym. I was exercising purely because I felt fat and that went against the dominant ‘norms’. Although I enjoyed the exercise when I got going, I also felt that exercising in the University gym made me feel worse about my body. I was often the biggest person there, and with all the slender bodies surrounding me, using their disciplinary gazes, I felt I had no right to be there, and felt the gym was a place for thin fit people

Another big factor in the problem we have with body image, as a society, is the increased availability of plastic surgery and procedures which can change the way someone looks. With celebrities being constantly photographed for a rise of magazines obsessed with celebrities lives and body shapes, they are under a lot of pressure to stay looking good. However by buying into the nip and tuck culture, this in turn puts increased pressure on others who are unhappy with their body image.

Television programmes such as ‘Ten Years Younger’ and ‘Cosmetic Surgery live’ illustrate the worrying trend of women normalising themselves to the dominant discourse, by going under the knife to alter their body shape and appearance. These programmes take advantage of the vulnerabilities of women obsessed with physical perfection, and these procedures are becoming seen as a normal step beyond the beauty salon.

With plastic surgery Cher has transformed her body into a symmetrical, youthful looking, conventional body, which has become an ideal for other women to strive towards. Plastic surgery is often portrayed as being a choice that women can make. Cher has created a body she wanted, which could be seen as her being in control of her body. However it could also be argued she has just conformed to the dominant discourse. While I was a size 16, when seeing Cher, the older woman, looking thin and youthful, I felt I was not trying hard enough. My body did not match up with my perception (created by discourse) of the ‘ideal’ body. I succumb to my hunger, and I prioritized studying and family over exercise, and felt I was not in control.

As Cher has taken measures to stay looking young, many older women are also falling into the trap of chasing external youthful looks. As we get older our metabolic rate slows down, we are more likely to lay down more body fat, and inevitably we develop wrinkles. A survey by Top Sante magazine of 2000 women found that many women over 40 were unhappy with their bodies, and would consider plastic surgery. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reported a particular rise in anti-ageing procedures in 2005, with a 42% rise in facelifts, and a 50% rise in eyelid surgery. The survey also suggested many older women were developing eating disorders because they hated the way they look. It seems we no longer want to age gracefully, but we want to manage the way we age.

Women exercising and losing weight could be interpreted as them being in control of their lives; however it could also be argued that with so many women suffering from eating disorders, exercise compulsion and self criticism that they are not in control at all. Often women who are thin do feel they are in control of their bodies. However in order to keep their slender figures they need to repress feelings of hunger, watch what they eat, and exercise to keep all the soft bodily bulges flat and firm. They become in effect slaves to the ‘rules’ and ‘norms’ created by the dominant discourse.

Foucault suggests that resistance to these discourses, known as counter discourses, can produce new ‘truths’ and ‘knowledge’. An example of discourse changing over time could be illustrated by the changing views of single parenthood. As recently as the 1950’s, single parents were considered ‘fallen women’, and were often pressurized to give their babies away. In today’s society single parenting is much more acceptable, with many women choosing to have babies on their own.

The good news is, that many counter discourses are developing. ‘Supersize vs Superskinny’, for example, is challenging the idea that thin is alright and fat isn’t, by highlighting the health risks of obsessive dieting and exercise. On top of this advertising campaigns by companies such as the Body Shop and Dove, are using models with a range of body shapes and sizes. The Body shop’s ‘Self esteem policy’ believes people should be proud and happy how they are, and do not use models who are very thin or very young.

Dove’s award winning ‘real beauty’ campaign has shown other retailers the effectiveness of depicting realistic body images, and as a result Revlon has followed suit by dropping celebrity endorsements, and instead searching for ‘real’ women to front their campaigns. Dove’s campaign has included undertaking a study of 3300 girls and women, called ‘Beyond Stereotypes, Rebuilding the foundation of beauty beliefs’, which highlights the problems as a society we have with body image, and suggests we can help change this. By using real women the Body Shop and Dove are presenting a counter discourse. They both hope to promote real natural beauty instead of the unrealistically thin images normally associated with modelling.

Television programmes such as ‘LK today’ and ‘This Morning’ are also choosing to be part of the counter discourse, by using models of varying shapes and sizes in their fashion features. As previously mentioned the idea of the perfect figure has changed, and over time it has got thinner and thinner. With more and more people promoting a counter discourse, maybe in time women will become happier with the way they are, and love and celebrate their individuality, lumps and bumps, wrinkles and all.

Many landlords and tenants are unaware of
Deposit Protection laws.

It is well known there is a lack of affordable houses especially for first time buyers. With property development becoming big business, the number of people buying to let has risen rapidly over the past decade. For many people looking for somewhere to live, the only option available to them is to rent, and with 1.6 million people on local authority waiting lists, the chances of getting a council house are slim. Many people find they have no other choice but to rent privately.

While most tenants and landlords have good relationships, some tenants have found their tenancies less than secure. The majority of tenants enter into an Assured Short-hold tenancy agreement; where after the initial six months they can be given two months notice to leave at any time, without any given reason. Another problem tenants can experience is that some landlords do not give them back their deposit, after their tenancies end.

Around 85% of landlords take deposits, and a survey by the Citizens Advice Bureau and Shelter suggests that around a fifth of these deposits are not paid back. Tenants who entered into an Assured Short-hold tenancy before April last year, have had little chance of getting unfairly withheld deposits paid back to them. Their only option after negotiation has been to take their landlords to court.

The Tenancy Deposit scheme (TDS) which came in to law in April 2007 has been created to address this problem, and provide a fairer system for settling disputes over the return of deposits. However it hasn’t been well publicized and 30,000 landlords have failed to sign up for the scheme. Many landlords are unaware of the scheme, and it’s quite likely they will be in for a shock when tenancies end.

So what does the Tenancy Deposit scheme (TDS) mean for landlords and tenants? It basically means that landlords have to protect their tenant’s deposits by using one of three schemes, and that an independent body will help determine whether the tenant should receive the deposit back or not. Failure to join a scheme may result in having to pay the tenant three times the deposit back, and forfeiting their rights to repossession of the property.

The TDS covers tenants who are:

• Renting a property from a landlord or a letting agent after the 6th of April 2007.
• and have an Assured Short-hold tenancy.
• and are paying less than £25,000 rent a year (under £480 a week).
• and are paying a deposit.

Landlords can choose one of three government approved schemes to protect their tenant’s deposit. The first option is to hand the deposit over to a custodial scheme, while the other two schemes are insurance based where the landlords retain the deposit but pay insurance premiums, so the deposit is insured if there is any dispute. (see information at the end of this article for contact details for these schemes)

Within 14 days of receiving the deposit from their tenants, landlords need to let their tenants know:

• Which tenancy deposit scheme they are using.
• Information about the purpose of the deposit.
• How to apply to get the deposit back at the end of the tenancy.
• What to do if there is a dispute.
  

The schemes have rules to follow on what costs can and can’t be deducted from a tenant’s deposit. For example the deposit cannot be held back for putting right normal wear and tear, (which was one of the main reasons for withholding deposits before the TPS came in). If there is no dispute the landlord should return the deposit to the tenant within 10 days, and if it’s been held in the custodial scheme the tenant should also receive interest earned on the money. If however there is a dispute, each scheme offers a free service called the Alternative Dispute Resolution service. If the landlord and tenant agree to use this service they will not be able to then go to court.

If the landlord does not protect a tenant’s deposit, or does not inform the tenant of the scheme used within 14 days, the tenant is still protected, although it will probably mean going to court. Their option is to apply to the County Court to have the deposit paid back to them. In this instance, the likely outcome is that the court will order the landlord to pay the tenant compensation of three times the deposit paid, as well as their costs.

In addition if the landlord hasn’t protected the deposit and/or informed tenants about it within 14 days, there are restrictions on how they can evict tenants. As mentioned previously, a landlord can give 2 months notice without having to show reason, however if they haven’t protected the deposit they forfeit this right, making it more difficult for a landlord to evict a tenant.

In order to ensure protection under the scheme, Shelter recommend when moving in to a property tenants write a detailed inventory. An inventory is a list of everything that is provided with the property, including furniture, carpets, curtains, appliances and kitchenware. It should state the condition everything is in, particularly anything that was already damaged, marked or worn. Landlords have to prove the condition of the property before tenants moved in, in order to deduct any money from the deposit.

While this scheme has been put in place to protect tenants, it can also be useful to protect landlord’s, in the event of rent not being paid for example. Despite this it the TPS has not been welcomed by many landlords, and the National Landlord Association (NLA) report there is anecdotal evidence that some landlords are not asking for deposits at all now. However the NLA advise against this, as deposits are paid to safeguard landlords against damage to their property, as well as encouraging tenants to respect and look after the property. Ultimately the Dispute resolution service is impartial and aims to be fair to both parties involved.

Shelter, has campaigned for many years for a law to prevent tenant’s deposits being withheld unfairly, and welcome the Tenancy Deposit scheme. Before the scheme became mandatory, more than half of all disputes between tenants and landlords resulted in the landlord refusing to return deposit money. However with an estimated fifth of landlords, and many tenants, still unaware of the Tenancy Deposit scheme, many deposits may still be withheld. Only time will tell how successful this scheme will be, as tenancies created after April last year come to an end. Its success, however, will be dependant on landlords and tenants being aware of the scheme and complying with it.


For more information look at:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/
http://www.shelter.org.uk/
National landlords association http://www.landlords.org.uk/

Deposit protection schemes include:
Custodial scheme: http://www.depositprotection.com/
Insurance schemes:
Tenancy deposit solutions http://www.mydeposits.co.uk/
Tenancy deposit scheme http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/

Making Successful New Year's Resolutions

The New Year is seen as a time for regeneration, where we can have a fresh beginning. However making and sticking to resolutions, is not always so easy. Many of us make resolutions year after year only to break them a few days later, and give up on them. This article will look at ways to help you pick and achieve your resolutions.

Tips for choosing resolutions

Take time to think about your resolutions
Spur of the moment decisions are less likely to be successful. By taking time to think about what resolutions you want to make, you can explore whether they are right for you, and prepare yourself psychologically.

Choose realistic goals
Try to avoid absolute resolutions, such as ‘I will never do X again’
If you love chocolate, deciding to give chocolate up may not be realistic for you.
Think about whether you can achieve the resolutions. Habits built up over a long time, are not going to be easy to break.
Think about whether you have enough commitment to make that change.
You may want to break your resolutions down into smaller manageable steps. This could be particularly useful if you are making big changes, like wanting to lose weight, getting fit, or changing eating habits.

Don't make too many resolutions at one time
By making lots of resolutions and by giving yourself too much too do, you could be setting yourself up for failure.

Tips for keeping them

One of the main reasons people abandon resolutions is they become discouraged when they don’t get quick enough results, or they don’t feel happier for making the changes.
It takes around 21 days for new activities to become a habit, and 6 months for them to become part of your lifestyle.

Persistence is the key.

Ways to keep on track

· Don’t keep your resolutions to yourself, tell a friend.

· Break them down in smaller steps you can manage

· Keep track of your progress

· Remind yourself of your resolutions throughout the year; writing it down and sticking it in your room may help.

· Make a list of the pro’s and con’s of your resolutions.

· Don’t be afraid to ask for help. With giving up smoking, for example, look at wwwgivingupsmoking.co.uk or ask at your doctors about support available there.

Don’t be too hard on yourself
If you give into temptation, and have a cigarette or miss that aerobics class don’t use it as an excuse to give up altogether. Take credit for your success; don’t look at setbacks as a failure. Instead you could explore the barriers that were in your way, and see how you can do differently next time.
Resolutions are about changing behaviour, and this can be done anytime, not just New Year.

Try saying some Positive Affirmations
Affirmations really do work. Saying affirmations out loud to yourself or posting them up around your home to read regularly can help you feel more positive. Choose from some of these examples or make up your own.

• I have the power to control my health.
• There is plenty of time for everything I need and want to do.
• I am surrounded by loving caring people.
• I am now ready to embrace the changes I want in my life.
• I accept change and I trust in life. I am safe.
• I decide not to live life negatively, I am worthy of a positive life.
• As I say YES to life, life says YES to me.
  

Resolution suggestions

• I will give up smoking
• I will lose some weight
• I will eat fruit and vegetables every day
• I will spend within my means
• I will get out to the countryside (once a week)
• I will cut down my alcohol intake
• I will smile more
• I will take up a new sport/exercise
• I will drink water every day
• I will cut down on junk food
• I will spend more quality time with my friends and family
• I will do some voluntary work
• I will take up a new hobby
• I will have a pampering day for myself once a month
• I will allow myself time to rest and do nothing
• I will learn something new
• I will walk more instead of taking the car
• I will have a non televsion day once a week
• I will be more gentle on myself
• I will challenge negative thoughts, and try to be more positive.

This article is a revised edition of an article that was published in Vitality Matters (a free Cornish Health and Wellbeing magazine) in January 2007.

Jax writers spot is having a break.

I am moving house in a week

and will be offline for up to 4 weeks

Look out for new articles

in the new year

Starve a fever Feed a cold?

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, the sneezes and coughs heard in the classroom and workplaces are increasing. It’s the time of the year again, when colds and flu are prevalent. The common cold can be caused by any one of 200 different viruses, with symptoms such as sore throats, a runny or blocked nose, coughs, breathlessness and headaches and fever. Prevention is always better than cure, and by eating healthily and providing ourselves with all the nutrients we need, our bodies are more able to fight off these highly contagious bugs.

‘Starve a fever, feed a cold’ is a saying we are all familiar with, but how true is it? Although the saying was used as far back as 1500, there seems to be no conclusive agreement about where it came from. It may have simply come about because when you have a fever you often don’t feel like eating, and when you have a cold you can still have an appetite. Feeding a cold does not mean eating lots, as eating big meals and processed foods can take vital energy to digest, energy which would be better used to fight infections. Experts generally agree that whether you have a fever or a cold, rest and drinking lots of fluids is the most important course of action, however if you do have an appetite then eating moderately and healthily may help your body fight the infection.

Nature provides a treasure chest of foods with healing and immune boosting properties. The link between nutrition and health is well documented; a healthy diet can provide the body with the resources it needs to fight infection. Nutrients such as the vitamins A, C and E, and zinc are all important in the fight against colds and flu. If you have a cold but still have an appetite then picking certain foods can help with the healing process.

Foods

Fruits and soups
Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin C and antioxidants which can help the immune system fight infections. If you don’t have an appetite then drinking fruit or vegetable juices can be a good way of topping up on your vitamin C. Many experts believe a high intake of vitamin C can indeed shorten the duration of a cold. A traditional drink of ‘honey and lemon’ is especially useful for respiratory tract infections. Lemon has twice as much vitamin C as oranges, and also contains B vitamins which are vital for energy. Chicken soup has also been promoted as being effective in the fight against colds. Chicken has mild antibiotic properties, and has been found to reduce inflammation, as well as helping to break up the mucus during a cold.

Garlic
Garlic can provide an excellent boost to the immune system, with its anti-bacterial properties. Garlic contains several useful compounds including allicin which works as a decongestant, and is one of the plant kingdoms most potent antibiotics. Onions share many of the same therapeutic properties as garlic.

Ginger
Ginger has pain relieving, antiviral and antiseptic properties. It can be drunk as a tea or freshly grated ginger root can be added to soups or smoothies, for treating colds, sore throats and inflammation of mucus membranes. Ginger can also help reduce pain and fever, and has a mild sedative effect that can encourage rest. Try adding ginger to hot honey and lemon.

Foods rich in Zinc
Zinc increases the production of white blood cells which fight infection. Zinc can be found in steak, brown rice, lentils and beans.

Herbs

Echinacea
Echinacea has been used by American Indians for hundreds of years. There is a common belief that Echinacea is an immune stimulant and therefore should not be taken long term, however much research has been done to suggest it is actually an ‘immunomodulator’ which improves the efficiency of the immune system. Echinacea improves the way the immune system recognise pathogens (micro-organisms that carry disease), and helps the body respond more rapidly to them. As Echinacea improves the whole process of recognising and dealing with bugs, it is an extremely effective herb to use to speed up recovery time during an illness. It can also be taken over the winter or during periods of high stress to keep your immune system on alert.

Sage
Sage has been used traditionally for soothing sore throats, due its antiseptic and anti-bacterial qualities.

Cinnamon and Cloves
Cinnamon and cloves are both antiseptic as well as being a tonic and stimulant. They warm the whole system and help to fight the tiredness that often accompanies colds.

Lemon balm
Useful for fevers; lemon balm tea can promote sweating and help the body eliminate toxins.

Foods to avoid

Alcohol
Although it might be quite tempting to make yourself a hot toddy, it is probably better the resist the urge. Alcohol appears to impair the body’s ability to wipe out cells carrying the cold virus. On top of this it affects the absorption of vitamins and minerals needed to fight against the infection.

Dairy products
Studies have shown diary products can increase mucus in the upper respiratory tract, so should be avoided especially is you are ‘bunged up’

Refined carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates can increase the burden on the immune system. White blood cells are needed for the body to digest them, and therefore these cells are not available to fight infections.


In conclusion ‘feeding a cold’ and picking nutritious foods can certainly help in the battle against colds. Increasing your intake of Vitamin C, for example, can shorten the duration of a bug. Ultimately you need to listen to your body, if you want to eat, do, and if you don’t rest and drink plenty of fluids. However ‘starve a fever’ does not have as much credibility, as you can feed a fever with the drinks you pick. Choosing fruit juices or certain herbal teas can certainly help in the fight against fever. Lemon balm tea can be especially useful for people with fever as it promotes sweating. Think of nutritious foods as part of your cold/fever armour, and you’ll be ready to do battle whenever illness strikes.

“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates

Please note: This article is not intended as advice, I am not medically qualified, however I have been interested in nutrition and alternative remedies for around 20 years, and I have done a lot of research into this area of interest.

From now on articles on

Jax Writers Spot

will be posted fortnightly

This will allow me the time I need to research and work on my book

I hope you will still join me every fortnight to read my articles.

Can a change in diet help reduce
hyperactivity in children?
Part two.

Having a hyperactive child, with symptoms such as disruptive and destructive behaviour, mood swings, temper tantrums, poor concentration and learning difficulties can leave parents exhausted and frustrated. Last week I mentioned that the use of drugs such as Ritalin to treat hyperactivity in children is on the increase. Ritalin can certainly help some children, giving them the ability to slow down, focus, and behave, however Lawrence. H. Diller M.D, a paediatrician who has written extensively on the subject, suggests Ritalin may treat problems of ‘brain chemistry’ in some children but will also mask social or environmental factors causing hyperactivity in many other children.

The Hyperactive Children’s Support Group believes that diet can have a lot to do with hyperactivity in many children. This article will explore the links between diet and hyperactive behaviour in two parts. Last week it discussed the effect of additives on children’s behaviour, and this week it will explore whether other foods can exasperate hyperactivity.

The idea that nutrition can affect children’s moods and behaviour is not new. However opinions in the medical community differ greatly. Many doctors still do not accept the link between nutrition and hyperactivity, and instead tend to look at other factors that can cause hyperactivity such as parenting style and problems at school. While environmental and social factors are likely to affect children’s behaviour and shouldn’t be dismissed, much research has suggested a dietary and nutritional approach to hyperactivity can provide amazing results. The link made between a rise in poor eating habits, and an increase of cases of obesity in children, is widely accepted. However poor diet and/or intolerances to certain foods could also provide an explanation for why it is estimated that 5% of school age children have ADHD or hyperactive behaviour.

Getting the right nutrients from foods is essential to aid children’s growth and development, and provides fuel for the brain and body. With many children eating diets high in fat, sugar, salt, and processed foods they may not be getting all the nutrients they need. ‘Food for the brain’ is a non profit educational charity which was created by nutritionists, doctors, and psychiatrists to research and educate people about nutrition and the links between food and behaviour and mood. They suggest there are many possible dietary reasons for hyperactive behaviour which could be explored before resorting to drug treatment. These reasons include: blood sugar problems, essential fat deficiencies, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and food allergies.

In the biggest survey of its kind, between September 2006 and July 2007, ‘Food for the brain’ surveyed parents of 10,000 children aged between 6 and 16 about their children’s eating habits and behaviour, and found a significant association between diet and behaviour. The survey provides strong evidence that a balanced diet which includes vegetables, oily fish, nuts, seeds, fruits and whole foods can improve children’s behaviour and their ability to concentrate and learn.


Blood sugar problems
The survey found that the children’s average consumption of sugary foods was 3.5 servings a day, which compared to an average 1 serving a week of green vegetables, and ½ a serving a week of nuts and seeds, shows that many of the children’s diets were not that well balanced. Of the surveyed children 45% had constant sugar cravings, and of those 44% had low attention spans and 37% had mood swings. When a child consumes lots of sweets, chocolates, refined carbohydrates, juices and fizzy drinks, without also eating fibre which can regulate the rate at which our bodies produce glucose, the blood sugar levels can fluctuate quite dramatically and affect their behaviour and ability to focus and concentrate. Patrick Holford who is a Professor of Nutrition at the University of Teesside was the head of the study, and he compared many of the children to jetfighters constantly refuelling with sugary snacks.

If you are thinking of reducing the sugar intake in your child’s diet, it’s important to note that cutting sugar out when a child is used to lots of sugary snacks, can cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches. It is much better to do this gradually. One way to keep blood sugar levels balanced is to eat regularly, don’t skip breakfast, and to eat complex carbohydrates such as wholemeal bread, fruit, seeds and nuts, which release energy slowly as our bodies need it.

Essential fat deficiency
Not only have Omega 3 and 6 essential fats been promoted as being good for children’s brain health, researchers also suggest children with ADHD or hyperactivity may have more need for Omegas 3 and 6 as they are unable to absorb them properly. Other symptoms of a deficiency in these essential fats include excessive thirst, and dry skin. There are many studies which have supported the claim that Omegas 3 and 6 can help hyperactive children.

In the BBC’s documentary ‘Child of our times’ Professor Robert Winstone put this to the test, when he gave two children with different behavioural problems daily doses of fish oils. Three months later one boys’ aggressive behaviour had almost vanished, and the other boy who had been withdrawn had become outgoing and popular.

In another study undertaken by Oxford University, 41 children with ADHD symptoms aged 8 to 12 were given Omega 3 and 6 supplements, and after three months they were behaving and learning much better. The most valuable form of Omegas 3 and 6 can be found in fish. However if a child is a vegetarian then Omega 3 can be found in flax (available as a supplement) or pumpkin seeds, and Omega 6 can be found in evening primrose oil.

It’s important to note that a deficiency in some vitamins and minerals, as well as eating foods that the child may have an intolerance to, will inhibit the absorption of essential fats.

Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies
There have been many studies which have suggested children with hyperactivity are deficient in many of the essential vitamins and minerals.

‘Food for the brain’ put forward that children with hyperactive behaviour are often deficient in Zinc and Magnesium. Polish researchers found of 116 children with ADHD symptoms, 95% had low levels of magnesium. They gave some of the children 200mg of Magnesium for six months and found their hyperactive behaviour significantly decreased.

B vitamins are also essential for brain development and may be useful for children who are hyperactive. Vitamin B6, for example, stimulates serotonin release in the brain and Children with ADHD symptoms generally have lower serotonin levels.

Other minerals suggested as being important for children with hyperactive behaviour include selenium, (important for detoxification) and iron. Deficiencies in iron can result in shortened attention span and irritability.

Vitamins and minerals work in synergy with each other and their absorption is reliant on getting all the essential nutrients. If a child has intolerances to certain foods this can also inhibit absorption. Eating a well round balanced diet is the best way to provide a child with all the nutrients they need.

For more information on eating a balanced nutritious diet check out the Food Doctor’s information leaflet on hyperactivity and diet or click on the ‘Food for the brain’ children’s survey from their homepage and download a free leaflet ‘Smart food for Smart kids’ (see more information at the end of the article).

Food intolerances
As previously mentioned there is a lot of scepticism in the medical community about the relationship between diet and behaviour. The idea that certain foods may cause hyperactivity is hotly contested by many doctors. The main sticking point seems to be the difference between food allergies and food intolerances. If someone eats a food they are allergic too it is likely to produce severe immediate reactions, commonly associated with foods such as peanuts and shellfish. Food intolerances are also allergies, but produce symptoms that are not only delayed, but also less severe and not so easy to detect, such as hyperactivity.

According to ‘Food for the brain’ the link between hyperactivity and food allergies is the most established. A study undertaken by Georgetown University in Washington DC, found that children who had hyperactive symptoms were seven times more likely to have food allergies than children who weren’t hyperactive. An investigation by the Hyperactive Children’s Support group found that 50% of children with hyperactivity had allergies to cow’s milk, 60% to chocolate and 40% to oranges. If children eat foods they have an intolerance to, it will also inhibit the absorption of the essential nutrients, further compounding their symptoms.

As far back as the 1970’s Dr Ben Feingold suggested as well as additives, naturally occurring salicylates in some fruits could trigger hyperactivity. Foods with naturally occurring salicylates include: apples, avocados, peaches, blueberries, kiwi fruit, raspberries, dates, figs, plums, and grapefruit. Feingold’s theory has however been the subject of much criticism over the years.

In the 1990’s William G Crook M.D suggested an overgrowth of yeast is a factor that can exasperate hyperactive behaviour. He put forward an over subscription of antibiotics in early years, destroys friendly bacteria and creates an environment for yeast to thrive. Eating lots of sugar will also feed the yeast and encourage an overgrowth.

Other foods often found to induce behavioural changes include: diary products, wheat, corn, soya, peanuts and eggs. There are a number of ways to find out whether a child may have a sensitivity/intolerance to certain foods. One way is to follow an elimination diet where suspect foods are not eaten for a couple of weeks, and if this does not appear to make a difference then they can be re-introduced. By writing a food and mood diary, behaviour and relation to foods eaten can be monitored. It can take months for the foods to completely clear from a child’s system however if a child has an intolerance to a certain food then differences will be noticeable in a couple of weeks.

Another option is to visit a nutritionist, who can test for allergies/intolerances to certain foods. One of the ways they may do this is by practising Kinesiology, which uses muscle testing. Possible allergens are placed on a person’s body and in the case of an allergy the subject will not have the strength to resist even a gentle pressure on their limbs. For information on how to locate a nutritionist in your area see more information at the end of the article.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

There has been lots of research supporting the link between hyperactivity and food; however there is not enough official information out there. Sally Bunday, founder of the Hyperactive Children’s Support group, says many doctors aren’t aware or just don’t accept the link between diet and behaviour and mood, and wonders how much more research needs to be done before it is accepted. Even though a link is often not acknowledged by the medical community, while researching for this article I found many case studies where parents have noticed a remarkable change in their children’s behaviour after addressing their diets. Looking at your child’s diet, eating less fat, sugar, and processed foods, and ensuring a balanced nutritious diet can do a lot to help hyperactivity, and surely it should be the first thing to try before reaching for the Ritalin.

“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates

For more information:

Books:
They are what you feed them, How food affects your child’s behaviour mood and learning by Dr Alex Richardson.

Websites:
Food for the brain Food for the Brain - ADHD/hyperactivity

Food and behaviour research Food and Behaviour Research: Home

The food doctor Hyperactivity advice, health advice, The Food Doctor, The UK's leading nutrition clinic

Hyperactive Children’s Support group HOME (www.hcsg.org.uk)

For a nutritionist in your area:
Institute of Optimum Nutrition Nutrition Courses, Nutritional Therapy Education Advice Information, ION Institute for Optimum Nutrition

Association of Systematic-Kinesiology Association of Systematic Kinesiology

Please note: This article is not intended as advice, I am not medically qualified, however I have been interested in nutrition and alternative remedies for around 20 years, and I have done a lot of research into this area of interest.

Can a change in diet help reduce
hyperactivity in children?
Part one.

Having a hyperactive child, with symptoms such as disruptive and destructive behaviour, mood swings, temper tantrums, poor concentration and learning difficulties can leave parents exhausted and frustrated. For many parents they seek help from the doctor and may find their children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), and prescribed drugs such as Ritalin. Ritalin can certainly help some children, giving them the ability to slow down, focus, and behave, however is it always necessary? Lawrence. H. Diller M.D, a paediatrician who has written extensively on the subject, suggests Ritalin may treat problems of ‘brain chemistry’ in some children but will also mask social or environmental factors causing hyperactivity in many other children. Prescriptions for Ritalin have escalated dramatically over the past few years and Diller suggests other possible causes of hyperactivity should be explored before prescribing this amphetamine like drug.

For children who do have a chemical imbalance causing their hyperactivity, then Ritalin may well help however there are many other factors that can cause hyperactive behaviour. The Hyperactive Children’s Support Group believes that diet can have a lot to do with hyperactivity in many children. This article will explore the links between diet and hyperactive behaviour in two parts. This week it will discuss the effect of additives on children’s behaviour, and next week it will explore whether other foods can exasperate hyperactivity.

The links made between hyperactivity and additives have been around for many years. As far back as 1987 ‘E for additives’ by Maurice Hanssen and Jill Marsden and was a masive bestseller. It listed additives, gave information on which ones were natural, why they are added to food, as well as which ones could have potentially harmful effects. In the same year Dr Neil Ward from the University of Surrey found that out of 357 children with a diagnosis of hyperactivity, 82% had adverse reactions to artificial colours, and 72% to artificial preservatives. Since then many studies have been done on this subject. However this year research has been undertaken which is proving to be one of the most conclusive studies yet.

The study undertaken by the University of Southampton and commisioned by the Food Standards Agency, has concluded that there is a link between certain additives and an increase in hyperactivity in children. The study involved 153 children aged three, and 144 children aged eight and nine. Over a period of six weeks they were given either one of three drinks; two being a combination of different additives, and the other being a placebo. Recipients were selected to be representative of the range of behaviour in the general population. The study showed children on the additive mixes, which contained combinations of food colourings and sodium benzoate, did become more hyperactive, than the group given the placebo. The colours used in the drink mixes were; Sunset yellow (E110), Tartrazine (E102), Carmoisine (E122), Ponceau 4R (E124), Quinoline yellow (E104), and Allura red (E129).

Other studies conducted on the link between additives and hyperactivity, while supporting the link, have been not been so conclusive. A study undertaken on the Isle of Wight in 2002, similarly gave groups of children either an additive laden drink or a placebo. The parents were instructed their children should follow an additive free diet apart from the drinks during the study. The results were evaluated using parents accounts of their children’s behaviour and assessments undertaken by psychologists. While the parents reported a beneficial effect on hyperactive behaviour when additives were removed, the psychologists were not able to find any significant change in the behaviour of the children.

External factors were carefully controlled and monitored during the Southampton study. Parents were asked to cut out all additives in the children’s diet during the study. Compliance with the diet was monitored by the parents writing a diary indicating how many of the drinks the children were consuming, as well as accounts of any slip up’s when the children may have consumed additives in other foods. The behaviour of the children was assessed using a range of different measures. Weekly assessments were made, using a standardised rating system, by parents and teachers as well as independent assessors who observed the children three times a week. The older children were additionally assessed by using a computer-based attention task. The attention to detail in the study has produced conclusive results that the government and food producers cannot ignore.

While this study supports cutting out certain additives, Dr Andrew Wadge a chief scientist from the Food Standards Agency says we need to remember there could be other factors contributing towards hyperactivity in children such as; possible genetic reasons, or social factors including the children’s environment and upbringing. Due to these possible other influences Professor Jim Stevenson from Southhampton University; the author of the Study, suggests parents should not think simply cutting out additives will prevent hyperactivity. However he adds avoiding additives is something parents and children can do, which may well have a positive effect on behaviour.

The Southampton study has certainly brought the issue of additives in foods into the public arena again. However shouldn’t we be looking at banning these additives if they clearly can have such a damaging affect? The Food Standards Agency have been criticised for not acting on the study and proposing a ban on the additives involved, instead they have presented the research to the European Food Safety Authority and have agreed to wait for them to make a decision on whether to ban the additives in the study.

They have however revised their information on food additives which can be found at Food Standards Agency - Homepage Also in October of this year they held a meeting where groups such as the British Medical Association, the Food and Drink Association, and the Nutrition Society sat alongside representatives from Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, and Somerfield to discuss further action that could be taken to provide advice to parents on avoiding additives. As consumers are becoming more concerned about what goes into the food they buy, food manufacturers are taking note, and now producing a wide range of foods which claim to be additive and preservative free.

Many studies, including the Southampton study, have supported the claims that taking a dietary and nutritional approach to ADHD and hyperactivity is well worth trying. If your child is hyperactive, instead of trying the drug treatment route first, looking at their diet, and cutting out food laden with additives may well have a positive effect on children’s behaviour. With a wide range of foods claiming to be additive free this is now easier to do. One added benefit of taking this approach is it may result in children and parents eating a healthier diet. Eating an all round healthy diet and getting all the important nutrients from food, can put a stop to many health problems, and is vital to help children grow and develop. Next week I will investigate the claims that certain foods can help or aggravate hyperactive behaviour.

“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates

Are prenuptial agreements a good idea?

The much reported feud between Heather Mills and Paul McCartney since their marriage broke up, has been in the news again over the last week. The Guardian reported on Saturday that in a marathon eight hour mediation session the couple failed to agree on a settlement. The main reason for the talks breaking down seems to be Ms Mills’s refusal to accept a confidentiality clause which would stop Ms Mills talking about their four year marriage or the financial settlement she receives. Although it’s reported that a provisional court date has been set for February, it seems they are still keen to reach an arrangement out of court, and see court as a last resort.

Unconfirmed reports have said Ms Mills would like a settlement figure of £50 million and that Sir Paul has offered less, however with the cost of high profile divorces increasing, there has been much media speculation suggesting she could awarded as much as £200million of Sir Paul’s £800million fortune. Princess Diana’s divorce settlement of £17million, 10 years ago seems like a mere pittance compared to today’s climate; with divorce settlements such as £48million, being paid out by John Charman (Insurance tycoon) last year, and £100million being paid out by Peter Harrison (Computer tycoon) in 2003. It may seem more important than ever, to embark on a prenuptial agreement. This article will discuss the pros and cons of drawing up a prenuptial agreement prior to getting married, and whether it would have actually made the divorce process for Sir Paul and Ms Mills easier.

Although not only for couples where there is financial inequality and extreme wealth involved, many lawyers are now advising wealthy clients to get a prenuptial agreement. A prenuptial may not only protect the financial assets of their clients, but also protect financial well being of children in a previous marriage. It sets financial expectations on the table, and eliminates conflicts over finances in the event of divorce. A prenuptial may prevent a messy bitter divorce, and possibly avoid upsetting any children involved.

Many Celebrities are embarking on prenuptial agreements. Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise did not have a prenuptial agreement before their marriage, which led to a bitter feud developing until they finally reached a settlement. Second time around Nicole Kidman drew up a prenuptial with her husband Keith Urban, which allows her to divorce him for free if he returns to drink and drugs. Her ex husband, Tom Cruise, also insisted on a prenuptial agreement before his marriage to Katie Holmes.

One case against prenuptial agreements is that they are unromantic and denote mistrust. They may suggest the partner asking for one is not as committed to the marriage. Katie Holmes, in response to Tom’s insistence to set up a prenuptial, was reported to have said she was head over heals in love with him and very upset that their love may not be equal. However because of the size of Tom’s fortune she felt she had no choice but to go along with it. After much negotiation between Katie’s solicitor father and Tom’s Lawyers, a prenuptial agreement was finally agreed upon. In Ms Mill’s case she claims she offered to sign a prenuptial agreement before her marriage to Sir Paul, however he turned it down as he felt it was unromantic.

Arlene Dubin, a New York lawyer, advises lovers to talk about a prenuptial early on in a relationship, and suggests it’s a myth that they denote a lack of love and trust. Whether prenuptial agreements ease the divorce proceedings, is however a hotly contested debate. Peter Wolf of Berg Legal says it is wrong for people to believe a prenuptial agreement will give them extra protection. In order for prenuptials to be considered in the break up of a marriage, they need to be fair to both parties, who should both seek legal advice, and also need to be based on a full and honest disclosure of partner’s assets.

Although prenuptial agreements have had an influence in divorce proceedings, they are not actually legally binding in this country. If there appears to be any trickery in the agreement, such as one partner saying they did not enter into an agreement voluntarily or under duress, then the agreement is worthless.

Jeremy Levision is one of the so called ‘magic circle’ of lawyers who represent wealthy clients in divorce proceedings. He has acted for Mandy Smith in her divorce with Bill Wyman in 1992, and Chris Tarrant’s estranged wife, among others. He is one of the many lawyers who are advising clients, where extreme wealth or inequality of wealth is involved, that it’s safer not to get married. If clients still want to go ahead with marriage, he will help with a prenuptial agreement, but suggests they still need to keep their fingers crossed.

Mark Harper another of the ‘magic circle’ is also in agreement with Mr Levision and advises clients who want a prenuptial agreement to not get married. It is becoming increasingly less likely in cases where extreme wealth is involved, to settle out of court, and whether the courts pay attention to prenuptial agreements, really does depend on the individual cases. They do not actually have to adhere to them at all.

There are certainly no clear answers as to whether it is worth drawing up a prenuptial agreement. Having a prenuptial agreement may have helped the McCartney/Mills divorce settlement run more smoothly. Clear expectations agreed upon at the onset of the marriage, may have helped limit the feud between them after their split. However they still may not be worth the paper they are written on. There is still no guarantee they wouldn’t have still disagreed about settlements, and in the case of that happening any prenuptial agreement would have been quite likely to be dismissed altogether.

With more extreme sums of money involved in divorce proceedings, more cases going to court, the appointment of prestigious lawyers, as well as the media interest divorces between celebrities invokes, maybe the best advice is not to get married at all.

Aloe Vera
Nature’s Treasure Chest

Often promoted as a miracle plant and natural healer, the health benefits of Aloe Vera have been well documented for many centuries. An Egyptian papyrus dated 1500BC discovered in 1862, was the earliest mention of the therapeutic effects of Aloe Vera. Egyptian Queens used Aloe Vera, as part of their beautifying rituals for its moisturising qualities. It is also thought that Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socrotra in the Indian Ocean, where Aloe Vera grew, so he could use it to treat his soldier’s wounds. Throughout history many people have had a lot to say about Aloe Vera, including Christopher Columbus (1451 – 1506) who said:

"Four vegetables are indispensable for the well being of man:
Wheat, the grape, the olive and aloe.
The first nourishes him, the second raises his spirit,
The third brings him harmony, and the fourth cures him"

Mahatma Gandhi (1869 – 1948) when asked what helped sustain him through his fasts replied:

“It was my unshakeable faith in God, my simple and frugal lifestyle, and the Aloe whose benefits I discovered upon my arrival in South Africa at the end of the nineteenth century".

Aloe Vera flourishes in warm and dry environments, and although it looks more like a cactus it is actually a member of the Lily family. It has the ability to stay moist by closing its pores to prevent moisture being lost. While there are over 200 varieties of Aloe, it is the ‘Aloe Barbadenisis Miller’ variety known as Aloe Vera, which is used for its medicinal qualities. The gel from the inner part of the leaf is extracted to make the Aloe Vera gel and liquid available today.

Aloe Vera is a powerhouse of nutritional compounds, with 75 vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids being so far identified by scientists. It seems to be the synergistic way the nutrients work together that gives Aloe Vera its healing qualities. As well as a long list of nutrients, Aloe Vera contains seven of the eight ‘essential’ amino acids which the human body needs but cannot manufacture itself. Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins and are important for every function of the body, especially brain function.

An American nutritionist; Dr Bruce Hedendal suggests the key to Aloe Vera’s healing powers is due to its high content of long-chain sugars known as mucopolysaccharides (MPS), which he says are as essential to the body as bricks are to a house. There has been a lot of research into Aloe Vera, with some studies being more conclusive than others. However the health benefits of Aloe Vera reported below have been witnessed and promoted by Nutritionists, Alternative therapists, and Medical practitioners all over the world.

Much research has supported the claims that Aloe Vera is especially beneficial for digestive health. Dr. Jeffrey Bland of the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine in California found that Aloe Vera promoted movement of food through the bowel, improved bowel regularity, normalised the PH balance in the gut, and reduced yeast content in the digestive tract. It also aids protein digestion, and the absorption of nutrients. Aloe Vera has been promoted by nutritionists as a useful remedy for a number of digestive complaints including; acid indigestion, candida, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

For over 300 years the gel has been used internally, in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and the Northern states of Mexico, for the treatment of ulcers. Studies undertaken by clinically experienced practitioners have supported this, but have not been conclusive enough to make a claim Aloe Vera can prevent and help heal ulcers.

Another well researched area of Aloe Vera’s health benefits are its healing properties. It’s a natural antiseptic, antibiotic, and has been found to aid cell regeneration, which makes it a powerful healing agent for both internal and external wounds. A study by Dr Ivan Danhof, a leading expert on Aloe Vera, who has acted as a consultant to the US Food and Drug Administration, noted that Aloe Vera stimulates the uptake of calcium and phosphorus, which can aid the healing of broken bones. Aloe Vera has also been found to be anti-inflammatory and can soothe and relieve muscular pain and sprains, as well as being very effective for burns and rashes. Many alternative therapists advocate its use internally and externally for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Aloe Vera gel is also an extremely effective moisturiser which works in two ways. Firstly it has the ability to carry moisture and nutrients down through all the layers of the skin, and secondly it creates a barrier which prevents the moisture from escaping. As well as this it has anti-ageing qualities. Dr Danhof investigated these claims, and found that Aloe Vera increased the production of ‘fibroblast’ cells found in the skin, which in turn stimulate the production of collagen, thus keeping the skin firm and supple.

As if this amazing plant doesn’t do enough Aloe Vera can have a positive effect on the immune system. There has been much scientific evidence which suggests Aloe Vera contains substances which are active both in stimulating the growth of white blood cells which ingest harmful bacteria, as well as stimulating the formation of antibodies.

Aloe Vera has been one of the most studied of natural ingredients, with 3000 articles published about it since the 1920’s. There have been encouraging results obtained when looking at its effect on cancer and AIDS, however they are not considered conclusive as most of the studies have been done on animals. These studies should not be dismissed altogether though as Aloe Vera’s powerful anti-viral properties, and its ability to enhance immune cell production, may certainly also help the body fight against AIDS, and certain cancers.

Aloe Vera is clearly a plant with a wide range of health benefits; it supports the immune system, has anti-inflammatory properties, boosts cell growth, accelerates tissue healing, aids the digestive system, as well as providing a rich source of nutrients. It is certainly a useful addition to anyone’s first aid kit, or indeed their daily diet as a general health tonic.

With so many Aloe Vera products available today to ensure quality there are a few pointers to look out for. The Aloe gel should be listed as the first ingredient, steer clear of any products that state ‘aqua’ as the first ingredient as they are likely to be made from re-constituted powder. Also check the gel or liquid is in a completely sealed container, and lastly look out for the official IASC (International Aloe Science Council) certification on the package.

Please note I am not medically qualified, however I have been interested in nutrition and alternative remedies for around 20 years, and I have done a lot of research into this area of interest.

For more information on Aloe Vera look at:

The International Aloe Science Council’s website where you can find links to certified suppliers at: http://www.iasc.org/index.html

Aloe Vera Nature’s legendary healer by Alasdair Barcroft Sovenir press

Internal uses of Aloe Vera by Dr Ivan E Danhof Ph.D M.D

Tom Hodgkinson on the history of Anarchism

at Port Eliot Lit Fest

The Port Eliot Literature festival is situated on the landscaped grounds of the 18th century Port Eliot House at St Germans in Cornwall. Taking part over three days, the Lit fest attracts a diverse range of performers, and has something for all tastes. Whether you want to catch some music, listen to poetry, see talks by authors about their work, watch films, or take part in a pub quiz, the Port Eliot Lit fest will not disappoint.

One of the people I was most eager to see was Tom Hodgkinson who was talking about Anarchism. Anarchism has had a very bad press, and it often conjures up images of bomb throwers, vandals, and chaos. However while studying politics, I found the Anarchist ideology the most inspiring. Unlike some other political philosophies which suggest people are naturally competitive and greedy, Anarchism puts forward that people are naturally co-operative, and will work together for the collective good with the absence of government and authority.

Tom Hodgkinson is the founder and editor of the Idler, a bi-annual magazine, and author of ‘How to be Idle’ and ‘How to be Free’. He started up the Idler in 1993 as an attack on work as it is. He was working hard for little money and thought there must be another way. He wanted to explore and find ways of reorganising work, so he could be autonomous, and recreate work so it could be liberating instead of soul destroying. In his talk Tom provided a potted history of Anarchism, and the ideas and people behind it.

The philosophy of Anarchism can be traced back to the Taoists. One eminent Taoist philosopher; ‘Laozi’ said the best form of government is a government you don’t really know is there. Another key concept of Taoist belief which has influenced Anarchism, is to ‘go with the flow’ meaning to go through life like a river, travel along paths of least resistance, and create unique and beautiful curves as you go through the land on the way to the sea.

As far back as the 14th century, there were medieval movements similar to Anarchism, such as the ‘Brethren of Free Spirit’ which was inspired by Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. They believed if you found god, and reached a plane of higher being, ordinary everyday morality meant nothing to you. You could do anything and indulge in the pleasure of luxury.

These ideas later came back in 17th century with the ‘Ranters’ and the ‘Levellers’ who protested against the status quo. The ‘Levellers’ dug up common land as a protest against the enclosure system. The ‘Ranters’ were the most extreme, and had a similar philosophy to the ‘Brethren of free spirit’; you could do anything you wanted, you didn’t even need to work. Their slogan was ‘Bread for god’s sake’, they baked, they didn’t need to work and saw work as a kind of a vanity.

One key stage in the development of the Anarchist philosophy was around the time of the Industrial revolution in the late 18th century. People had to clock in at certain times and often did 16 hours a day. To encourage this there was a concerted campaign by educators, leaders and churches, to convince people that punctuality was next to godliness. In the past when societies were mainly rural, people weren’t used to working around a standardised time, they worked with the seasons, and work depended on the weather.

In the same period William Godwin was a key figure in British Anarchism. He was the father of Mary Shelley (author of Frankenstein) and was married to Mary Wollstonecraft author of ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Women’. William was fiercely anti authority and the consumer society which was starting to develop. He didn’t call himself an Anarchist; this was a label he was given later. At the time the philosophy of Anarchism was more promoted by romantic poets such as William Blake. Lines from his poems such as; ‘the dark satanic mills’ are commonly interpreted as being about the factories taking people’s essential creativity away from them, and destroying their spirit.

Kropotkin was another massive influence on Anarchism. He was a Russian prince who absconded from Russia and settled in Coventry, where he wrote books such as ‘Mutual aid’ and ‘Field factories and workers’ and worked on Freedom magazine. His book ‘Mutual aid’ was not so much an attack on Darwin, but on the uses that Darwin’s theories were being put to. He disagreed with the idea that there is a natural competitiveness and that competition should become the motivating source of society, and indeed relationships. Kropotkin put forward co-operation was just as an important force, and that people were naturally co-operative.

These ideas were coming out around the same time as Marx’s philosophies in the 19th century. This was a period of great political agitation, most probably due to the inequities of Industrial revolution. Kropotkin had more of an influence on the ground, and among others inspired Oscar Wilde, who said Kropotkin was the most cheerful man he’d ever meet.

Kropotkin’s definition of Anarchism (1905) appeared in the Encyclopaedia Britannica:

“Anarchism is the name given to a principle of theory of life and conduct under which society is conceived without government - harmony in such a society being obtained, not by submission to law, or by obedience to any authority, but by free agreements concluded between various groups, territorial and professional, freely constituted for the sake of production and consumption, as also for the satisfaction of the infinite variety of the needs and aspirations of a civilized being. In a society developed on these lines, the voluntary associations which already now begin to cover all fields of human activity would take a still greater extension so as to substitute themselves for the state of its functions.”

People not mentioned too much in Anarchist history are William Morris and Ruskin. They were both medievalists and were interested in how work could be recreated to be enjoyable. Ruskin suggested people go and look at the old cathedrals in Florence, which were built at the time of a free state. People had freed themselves from landlords and created their own communes. The word ‘commune’ was used as the communal good was more important than the individual. They all got together to build these amazing cathedrals.

There is a weird link between Medievalism and Anarchy. When people think of medieval times they often think of ill health, bad teeth, bloodshed, cruelty and torture, and some of these things are true, but it was also a time of a real collective spirit. There was a different approach to life, which had come through the bible and Aristotle’s ethics, which were translated and spread across Europe. These theories talked about co-operation, and contemplation. Aristotle believed a contemplative life was most likely to lead to living blissfully, not the busy rushing around life we are used to today.

There was not enough time to go into detail about everyone who has had an influence on Anarchist philosophy. However Tom was able to briefly mention Tolstoy; a Christian Anarchist and pacifist, whose ideas influenced Gandhi among others. Later in the early 20th century, a key figure was Emma Goldman who created the radical political journal ‘Mother Earth’.

There was a kind of resurgence of Anarchist ideas in the 1920’s and 30’s among people like G.K Chesterton and Hillaire Belloc. They promoted the idea of ‘Distributism’. They believed each person should have their own property, as if they all had an acre of land and were able to be self sufficient; they could free themselves from their reliance on the government, and being a slave to wages. They believed property is freedom.

In the 1950’s the ‘Situationists’ in Europe were another movement fighting the status quo. They were asking what was going on in society, and were very anti work. They were also very artistic and often used art as a way of political agitation. They hung around the streets wearing trousers covered in writing and slogans, and almost had a punky look which later inspired Malcolm McLaren. The ideas and looks of the ‘Situationists’ may certainly have influenced the later punk movement.

In the 1970’s, key figures in Anarchism were Ivan Illich, whose most famous work was ‘Deschooling society’, and E.F.Schumacher who was an economist. He had worked for the coal board for 30 or 40 years, and came out of it with a philosophy that in economics we need to keep things small, when things get too big they get swallowed up into one big monopoly. The same sort of thing is happening now, as many people believe Tescos are getting too big, and has too much of a monopoly. This was what Schumacher was saying in the 1970’s.

Also in the 70’s the Sex Pistols burst on to the scene with their Anarchy and anger. It was a fantastic blast, producing one album, a chaotic American tour, and then they finished. For people sitting around thinking ‘am I alone in thinking life is shit?’ the Sex Pistol’s music enabled them to release their wild side, and got them thinking they could grab hold of their lives again. Punk had a huge impact in England at the time.

The lyrics of their song ‘Anarchy in the UK’ were very powerful and Tom provided us with his interpretation of what they meant. Lyrics such as; ‘property is freedom’ he suggests refers to everyone owning land, and being self sufficient (see Distributionists above). ‘I want to be Anarchy’ is likely to imply they want to encapsulate the whole Anarchist approach to life. ‘Don’t want to be a dogsbody’ is likely to be saying they don’t want to work for anyone else; they don’t want to be a wage slave. ‘I give the wrong time’ Tom interpreted as being about the standardised time of work and meaning ‘I’m going to subvert your capitalist idea of time’. ‘Stop the traffic line’ he believes may be illustrating where we’re going, as the building of roads is an inevitability of civilising our world. Finally the line ‘I use the enemy’ is likely to be about Anarchy itself, as an attack on society as it is, is what Anarchy is all about.

As Punk became more popular it also became more commercial. Crass the Anarchist punk band, around in the late 70’s became disappointed at this commercialism. They had tried to live the Anarchist philosophy for many years. In 1968 two of them had cycled around London and found land where they all started to live together in a commune. They grew their own vegetables, printed their own record sleeves, and took distribution into their own hands, not selling their records for more than 99p. They still live there today.

Today Anarchism still promotes the idea of communal living. Many people are becoming more and more removed from their communities. They travel to do their main shop at the supermarket and may not even know who their neighbours are. The Anarchist idea’s of communal living, communal gardens, shopping locally, and becoming engaged with our local communities may seem like a silly pipe dream, but it is possible, and has been shown to work in the past. For example in the 2nd world war people became more self sufficient, they had allotments, kept chickens, and were generally more involved in community living.

Alternative technology such as wind farms, which were considered to be a bonkers idea 20 or 30 years ago, are now being embraced and we are congratulating ourselves on our green living. Similarly there may be possibilities for Anarchist ideas in today’s society. Tom suggests:

“What was once regarded as impractical and visionary has now becoming eminently practical. If community face to face democracy, a humanistic liberatory technology, and decentralisation are conceived of merely as reactions to the prevailing state of affairs …… a compelling objective case can also be made for the practicability of an Anarchist society.”

Tom finished off with his ‘freedom manifesto’, written for the book ‘How to be free’, to much applause from the audience:

“Death to the supermarkets
Bake bread
Play the ukulele
Open the village hall
Action is futile
Quit moaning
Make music
Stop consuming
Start producing
Back to the land
Smash usury
Embrace beauty
Embrace poverty
Hail the chisel
Ignore the state
Reform is futile
Anarchy in the UK
Hail the spade
Hail the horse
Hail the quill
Love thy neighbour
Be creative
Free your spirit
Dig the Earth
Make compost
Life is absurd
We are free
Be merry”

Mental distress: where to turn for support in Cornwall

Everyone has days when they feel miserable; ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. However for some people, these lows don’t go away, they can become overpowering and affect their ability to cope with everyday life.

About one in four people experience some form of mental distress at some point in their lives, yet there is still a lot of stigma attached to being mentally ill. A Department of Health survey carried out in July asked people to say what they understand by the term mental illness. A worrying 63% of respondents defined a mentally ill person as ‘someone suffering from schizophrenia’. It is clear that there is a still a lot of misunderstanding surrounding mental health.

When people think about mental illness, many often picture someone who is acutely and visibly ill. However many people with mental health diagnoses, including schizophrenia, do not come across as being ill. Often they can put on a ‘well face’ and pass as ‘normal’.

Mental ill health can take many forms. If you are feeling low, worthless, and unmotivated most days you may be experiencing depression, while constant and unrealistic worries about life could indicate anxiety. Mental distress is very individual and can affect anyone at any time in their life. What ever your situation, there are many organisations across Cornwall that can help.

The first port of call is often your GP. If problems are severe and enduring you may be referred to the Cornwall Partnership Trust, which provides children and adults in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with mental health, learning disabilities, drug and alcohol and eating disorder services.

They provide services across Cornwall including psychological therapies, resource centres providing a range of social and therapeutic activities, inpatient care, and community mental health teams who work with people in their homes.

They take a ‘whole life’ approach and can support people with issues such as housing, leisure, and employment. Lezli Boswell, Chief Executive of the trust, said:

“A range of effective and supportive community mental health services are essential in maintaining people within their local communities and networks, and is important in breaking the cycle of social exclusion that many people with mental health problems and their carers experience.”

Cornwall Mental Health Forum is an independent organisation that works to support and protect the rights of people with mental health problems. The forum runs initiatives such as the Service User Representatives Group (SURG), which provides a service user perspective in the provision of mental health services, including having members on the interview panel for key NHS personnel.

Other forum initiatives include the Independent Visiting Scheme, where visitors (usually service users or carers) provide a confidential ear, helping people in hospital raise issues about their care, and signposting them onto other useful organisations. Nicki Sweeney, the forum’s co-ordinator. said:

"It's imperative that mental health service users are consulted and actively involved in the planning and development of the services they receive.”

The forum works with, and can provide information on, self help and support groups for anyone suffering mental distress, throughout the county.

For people experiencing or recovering from mental illness and thinking about returning to work, Pentreath is an organisation that can help.

One barrier to employment can be overcoming the social exclusion often felt by people suffering from mental ill health. Pentreath’s Fit for Life project can help with this first step by supporting individuals to access recreational activities in their local communities. Pentreath can also offer training and work experience to help people use and develop their skills in a supportive environment. Vitality Matters magazine is one such scheme.

The aim is to help build people’s self esteem and confidence, so they feel ready for work. Compared to other disabilities, mental ill health is the disability with the most unemployment. Pentreath chief executive Louise Knox said:

“People do get better, and are just as loyal and committed as any other employee; they just need to be given a chance.”

Caring for someone with a mental health problem or other disability can take its toll on the carer’s own health. Full time carers are often unpaid and don’t get a chance to get out into the community, which can lead to them feeling isolated and depressed.

Regular breaks can be beneficial in helping people manage the strain of caring for someone else. Luckily there are organisations across Cornwall that can offer support to carers.

Run by local artist Julia Rowlands, the Carers Colour Group provides a break for carers of adults with mental ill health. Meeting regularly in Camborne, Julia leads artistic activities and encourages carers to use colour to express their feelings and emotions. The group offers carers a chance to get together and share ideas with others in similar situations to their own.

Last year, members of the group exhibited their work at the World Mental Health Day event at the Shire hall in Bodmin, and with Julia organising this year’s event at the same venue on the 10th of October, the group’s work will again be exhibited. Julia said:

“My group enables carers to get out and enjoy the company of others in a relaxing environment. It gives them a chance to be exposed to, and be part of, the artistic community of Cornwall.”

The Carers Support Worker project has worked with carers for 10 years. They provide one-to-one support for carers all over Cornwall. Initially, they assess a carer’s needs and look at ways of helping them cope, and can provide information on benefits, counselling and respite services. They have also been instrumental in helping set up carers support groups, which are then run by the carers themselves.

They also produce a really useful carer’s information pack, which includes information about benefits, emergency contacts and lists all the carer’s groups in Cornwall. Monica Thomas, who runs the project, has worked with carers for 21 years. She said:

“I have a real understanding from my own experiences that juggling one’s life around family, work and caring can take a heavy toll. The team of support workers and myself are committed to ensuring that we reach as many carers as possible and hopefully make a real difference to their lives.”

With so many people suffering from mental distress there is a great need for these organisations, not only because they provide excellent treatment and support, but also because they help overcome the stigma and social exclusion often associated with mental health problems.

Contacts
Community Partnership Trust
Phone 01726 291059 or for more information go to www.cornwall.nhs.uk/cpt

Mental Health Forum
For the North Cornwall, Restormel and Caradon area
phone Lesley Ayers on 01872 222141 or email lesley.ayers@cornwallrcc.co.uk
For Carrick, Kerrier and Penwith:
Phone Nicki Sweeney on 01872 223250 or email nicki.sweeney@cornwallrcc.co.uk

Pentreath
phone 01726 862727 or email pentreath@pentreath.co.uk
For more information go to http://www.pentreath.co.uk/

For the Carers Colour Group
phone Carer’s Break Projects on 01209 613456
or email Julia at jdrowlands@yahoo.com

Carers Support Worker Project
Phone 01872 261035 or email carers@cornwallrcc.co.uk
For more information look at www.cornwallrcc.co.uk/carers.html

This article was published in September's issue of Vitality Matters a free Cornish Health and Wellbeing magazine. http://www.vitalitymatters.org.uk/