Editor's Letter
New Alarming HRT study
HRT may increase dementia and Alzheimer’s risk, according to a new study published on Wednesday in The British Medical Journal. Here’s what menopausal women need to know.
The study examined the medical records of Danish women aged 50 to 60 without a prior history of dementia and explored the impact of estrogen-progestin therapy on their cognitive health. Women who received estrogen-progestin therapy, regardless of their age at treatment initiation, exhibited a 24% higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, longer duration of therapy correlated with higher rates of dementia. The increased risk ranged from 21% for those on treatment for a year or less to nearly 75% for those using HRT for over 12 years. However, there was no significant association found between progestin-only therapy or vaginal estrogen therapy and dementia development.
Close collaboration between patients and their healthcare providers is crucial in making informed decisions regarding menopausal treatments and ensuring the best possible outcomes for cognitive health.
IN THIS ISSUE
Dr Brom wrote such a beautiful article for our Mind, Body and Soul section: The Sacredness of Life. There is also something sacred about our genetics and we look specifically at our genetic potential in sport as Ian Craig explains the link between sporting capabilities and genetic makeup in his article The Genetics of Fitness. Our remedy section focuses on Spirulina and our therapy section on The Bowen Technique.
Did you know that infertility may be caused by sugar intake? Dr Colin la Grange looks at the hormone link to sugar cravings in his article Infertility and Sugar. Talking about food, Dr Elson Haas shares his Nutritional Programme for Fasting.
Moms and dads who nurture their child’s sense of self, and in so doing his/her confidence, also tend to be confident people. To learn more on how to Build your Child’s Confidence, read the article by Dr Melodie de Jager. If you are considering painting and renovating this holiday, please read my interview on Natural Paint, Wood Coatings and Sealers. Yes! It is possible and chemical free! Last but not least, Dr David Nye takes a look at the Complications of Colds and Flu. If your health isn’t compromised, and you help your body fight the infection by giving it the rest it needs, you should sail through.
To stay informed of news and notes from around the world, visit our monthly News and Notes section. This month we look at a new analysis showing Prozac to be unsafe for children and adolescents. That aspartame is linked to anxiety; the association between a meatless diet and depression; molybdenum for detox from yeast infections and more.
A GOOD CAUSE
I rarely make personal requests, but I'd like to bring your attention to a remarkable nonprofit organisation that is making a difference in the lives of street children. Their approach involves introducing these children to the world of surfing, providing them with an opportunity for personal growth and empowerment. The impact has been remarkable, with one of the children even winning a championship. However, like any organisation, they face financial challenges that hinder their progress. It would be truly incredible if we could come together and contribute even a small amount to support their cause. Every rand donated would go a long way in ensuring that they can continue their exceptional work and help more street children find a brighter future through the transformative power of surfing. Let's join forces and make a meaningful difference in their lives: https://youtu.be/R065xPnp8-U
Yours in Healthy Living
Complications of Colds and Flu
Table of Contents ↑|A bout of flu or a cold every year helps to detox the system – believe it or not, it’s actually a good thing! If your health isn’t compromised, and you help your body fight the infection by giving it the rest it needs, you should sail through. But what are the possible complications of colds and flu, and what can you do about them?
Build your Child's Confidence
Table of Contents ↑|A confident child is the most amazing magnet, drawing friends, opportunities and success to himself with absolute ease. A confident child is often a popular child, sometimes the teacher’s pet, and often the centre of attention when the family gets together. On holiday it doesn’t take long before a new friend is made. Things just come so easily to him.
Nutritional Programme for Fasting
Table of Contents ↑|Fasting is a time-proven remedy. Animals instinctively fast when ill, and for thousands of years humans have used fasting as a healing and spiritual-religious process. In the opinion of Dr Elson Haas, fasting is the single greatest natural healing therapy and here he shares his nutritional programme for fasting.
Infertility and Sugar
Table of Contents ↑|Sugar is one of nature’s contraceptives and may contribute to infertility. If you have been trying to conceive for a while, you may need to know that sugar could cause fertility issues.
Spotlight on Spirulina
Table of Contents ↑|Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae (microscopic, spiral-shaped, cyanobacteria) that thrives in both fresh and saltwater environments. Spirulina is considered a superfood due to its dense nutritional profile and the dark green powder is easily absorbed and delicious when added to orange juice. Also see the smoothie recipe below.
The Bowen Technique
Table of Contents ↑|The Bowen Technique is a simple and powerful therapy that helps relieve all kinds of pain, so gentle that it can be used on anyone, from newborn infants to the elderly.
The Genetics of Fitness
Table of Contents ↑|Have you ever wondered what your genetic potential might be in sport? Research suggests that there is a definite link between sporting capabilities and genetic makeup. Ian Craig explains.
Natural Paint, Wood Coatings and Sealers
Table of Contents ↑|We interviewed Bernhard Lembeck, The Green Chemist from ProNature, about natural paint, sealers, and chemicals. Bernhard has over 40 years of experience in paint chemistry!
The Sacredness of Life
Table of Contents ↑|When she left and I had a few moments to myself, I recalled the time I had to bury my first child, who had died during birth. I dug the hole and placed the beautiful body of my son into it, and listened to the heavy thuds of the earth falling on the body. It was such a moment of sacredness.
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