Stressed Parents Increase Asthma Risk

Researchers have found that children of tense parents who lived in polluted areas were far more likely to have asthma than friends in the same neighbourhood. Also, it has already been shown that women who are stressed in pregnany raise the risk of their child developing asthma or other allergies. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8158680.stm

Margarine Linked to Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Experts believe a high intake of polyunsaturated oils like margarine which have been heat treated may be implicated in a third of ulcerative colitis cases. However, a high intake of omega 3 fatty acid found in oily fish such as salmon and herring, reduced the likelihood of developing ulcerative colitis by 77%. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8161616.stm

A Kidney Stone's No 1 Enemy

The single most effective way to prevent and treat kidney stones is to drink enough water. The number one risk factor for kidney stones is dehydration, as it prevents your urine from dissolving minerals and acid salts. Check this by looking at the colour of your urine: ideally it should be a light yellow; if it's dark yellow or even orange, you need to drink more water!

Exercise Fights Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common form of chronic liver disease in developed countries. It is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and is characterized by elevated liver enzymes. Increasing physical activity leads to health benefits that are independent of changes in weight. To read more, http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122241401/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

Doula Testimonial

Having experienced a Doula for the birth of our second child, we employed Claudette as a Doula for the birth of our third child and she far exceeded our expectations. Claudette brought a wealth of practical knowledge, along with incredible emotional and physical support throughout the whole process. Her knowledge of women's health needs and how best to support those needs through pregnancy and birth and beyond was a wonderful addition to her natural calm, kind and compassionate nature. Claudette was available yet never intrusive. We feel very fortunate to have had Claudette help us bring our little Charlie into the world as naturally and calmly as possible. Thank you Claudette!
Judith Hocking & Masahiro Takatsuka, Marrickville, Sydney

Testimonial

4 years ago Claudette gently encouraged me to shift my priorities so that I have completely changed my diet and lifestyle and have never been happier. Claudette arms her clients with the knowledge they need to help themselves, giving them information of areas to further their understanding of what may be affecting them.
Thanks Claudette for all your help.
Louisa Curtis, UK

Is Milk the Best Source of Calcium?

A recent study claims that young adults are not drinking enough milk, media reports alleged. But according to the study’s lead author Nicole Larson, the focus on the study was on calcium, not milk. The words "milk" and "calcium" are often used interchangeably in the press. However, yogurt has more calcium than milk and is easier to digest. Collards and other greens also have about as much or more calcium than milk by the cup. Greens, unlike milk, have the added benefit of vitamin K, also necessary for strong bones. Sesame eg. tahini is also very high in calcium.To read more, http://www.livescience.com/health/090624-milk-myth.html

Australian Alcohol Industry Rejects GE Foods

06 July 2009

Leading Australian wine writer, Max Allen, and award-winning wine-maker from Margaret River, Vanya Cullen, joined Greenpeace to launch the first Alcoholic Drinks Edition of the Truefood Guide. The guide helps consumers avoid buying alcoholic drinks and foods that may contain genetically engineered (GE) ingredients. To read more, http://www.truefood.org.au/newsandevents/?news=55

12 Additives To Remove From Your Diet

To read more, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/07/14/12-Food-Additives-to-Remove-From-Your-Diet.aspx

Aspartame (Equal & Nutrasweet) Linked to Leukemia

In 2005, a rigorous three year study on 1,800 rats concluded that Aspartame (Equal & Nutrasweet) causes significant increases in lymphoma and leukemia and is a multi-potential carcinogen. To read more, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/07/14/Study-Links-Aspartame-To-Leukemia-and-Lymphoma.aspx

Venezuela Bans Coke Zero

CARACAS, June 10 (Reuters) - The Venezuelan government of U.S.-critic President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday ordered Coca-Cola Co to withdraw its Coke Zero beverage from the South American nation, citing unspecified dangers to health.To read more, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N10470891.htm

PSA Prostate Test Contentious As Saves Not Many Lives

Report in The New England Medical Journal of Medicine & study by the National Cancer Institute show PSA blood test, used to screen for prostate cancer, saves few lives & leads to risky & unnecessary treatments for large numbers of men. Cancer experts now say men should carefully consider the possible risks before deciding to have the PSA test. To read more, http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/NEJMoa0810696

Alcohol & Prostate Cancer Link

Research by scientists from Australia, USA & Canada shows men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks a day increase their risk of prostate cancer by 20%, at 3 drinks the risk is 25%, 6 standard drinks is 35%, 8 drinks is 45%. Findings back the new alcohol consumption guidelines of the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Daily Sex Boosts Sperm Quality But Reduces Count

Dr David Greening, from Sydney IVF, speaking at the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology: 8 in 10 men in the study showed a 12% drop in sperm DNA damage (morphology) after 7 days of daily ejaculation. However, there was also a big drop in sperm numbers (count) from 180 million to 70 million, so this would not be recommended for males with a low sperm count to start with. Sperm also became more active with a small rise in motility. The theory is the longer sperm are in the testes the more likely they are to accumulate DNA damage from free radicals and the warm environment could also make them more sluggish. He warns that having daily sex for too long - say a fortnight - would probably cut sperm numbers too much but recommended daily sex around the time the woman is ovulating. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8125934.stm