News Health


How to have fresher breath If you’ve ever reached for a mint to freshen your breath, you’re far from alone. According to a poll of 2,000 people carried out for


toothpaste brand White Glo, more than 21 million Brits say they dread having bad breath, with one in five relying on mints and chewing gum to mask the smell. Yet the survey also reveals only 48 percent of adults are brushing their teeth twice a day, which should be the first step to combatting bad breath. “The research clearly shows not enough people are


keeping up the required oral health routines to avoid bad breath,” says White Glo dental expert James Buchannan, who offers the following tips:


The latest news from the world of health and wellbeing


• Start the day with a glass of water to wash away bad bacteria and reduce dry mouth.


• Have a high-fibre breakfast – fruit and yoghurt are ideal, and may help counteract bad odours.


• Snack on celery sticks, carrots and apples to increase saliva.


• Instead of mints, use a sugar-free gum.


• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to protect your enamel and change your toothbrush every month.


• Use an alcohol-free mouthwash after brushing.


Your Pharmacist can recommend oral health products to keep your smile healthy, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, interdental cleaning products and mouthwash.


Cycling doesn’t damage male


sexual or urinary health There’s great news for men who like to saddle up and ride. Whereas some previous studies have suggested cycling may damage a man’s sexual and urinary functions, the latest research – reported in The Journal of Urology – claims otherwise. Earlier studies have suggested cycling may be bad for


erectile function, as it may cause too much pressure in the genital area. But according to the scientists behind the latest report, the studies in question had a number of limitations. Carried out by researchers at the University of California –


San Francisco, the latest study questioned 2,774 cyclists along with other athletes. They were asked questions about their sexual health and urinary tract infections, as well as things like genital numbness and saddle sores. Compared to the other athletes, the cyclists were found to


have similar sexual and urinary health, the researchers claim. “We believe the results will be encouraging for cyclists,”


says Dr Benjamin Breyer, the study’s lead investigator. “Cycling provides tremendous cardiovascular benefits and is low impact on joints. We believe the health benefits enjoyed by cyclists who ride safely will far outweigh health risks.”


18 All About You


“Did you know?” When you go for an eye test, your optician doesn’t


just check to see if you need glasses. In fact there’s a range of health conditions that can be


detected during a simple eye test. This includes diabetes, cardiovascular disease, nerve damage and nutritional deficiencies, plus many genetic syndromes.


For instance, your optician may check for


abnormally shaped or coloured blood vessels, which can be a sign of high blood pressure. They can even see if you’re under a lot of stress, as stress causes fluid to leak from cells behind the eye.


Is your next eye test due? Don’t put it off. Make an appointment with your optician today.


Health news


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32