Healthy Choices E-News

Helping you make healthy choices for life

 

 

September 2004

 

 

Welcome to this month's edition of the Healthy Choices newsletter and a special welcome to all our new subscribers.

 

Each month we feature up-to-date information on health issues that may affect you and your family.  We also look at one of our many product ranges; provide details of our latest special offers plus give you a chance to win one of the products from our toxin-free range. 

 

After a pretty poor summer, weatherwise, it's now time to prepare for Autumn with the many changes that this season brings.  Our featured product range is the Car Care range to give you time to prepare your car for the winter months.  It's never too early to prepare and your car will benefit on its performance and economy by using these special products.  They are also featured in our Special Offers section so you can save even more.

 

Do remember to enter our competition, this month.  Although our prize is traditionally for men, it is great for women, too.

 

If you or any member of your family suffers with eczema, hopefully our main article will offer you some helpful advice and information to control this horrid condition.  There really is no need to suffer in silence.

 

I hope you find this month's newsletter interesting and informative.  If you have any suggestions for future aticles, I'd be happy to hear from you.

 

Best wishes

 

Sue Bedford

RGN

Diploma in Nutrition

  

 

 

Contents:

 

 

 

 

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Understanding Eczema

 

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, affects around one in five children and one in 12 adults. Yet back in the 1950’s, less than 5% of children in the UK and Ireland had this unpleasant skin condition.

So what has caused this huge rise in eczema? Researchers believe there are a number of factors involved. By identifying some of the common triggers, many sufferers have been able to find relief from their symptoms and are able to manage their condition successfully.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a group of non-contagious skin conditions which can affect all age groups but most commonly young children. The symptoms can range from dry skin with red, itchy patches in its mild form to large areas of the body covered in inflamed, raw skin which bleeds or weeps and may lead to infection. However, 60 - 70% of children are virtually clear of symptoms by the time they reach their mid-teens.

Atopic eczema – the most common form which is closely linked with asthma and hayfever is thought to be hereditary. This type can be extremely itchy with overall dryness and inflammation of the skin. It can appear in young babies and can regularly flare up and down. Constant scratching may cause the skin to crack and weep, often leading to infected sores, requiring antibiotic treatments.

Allergic contact dermatitis – usually caused by exposure to a substance over a period of time. The immune system suddenly develops an allergic reaction to that substance, causing an itchy, red rash. Common allergens are nickel in jewellery or latex in rubber gloves.

Irritant contact dermatitis – often occurs on the hands and is a reaction to irritating substances eg detergents or chemicals. Symptoms are similar to allergic contact dermatitis.

Seborrhoeic eczema – may affect babies and adults. In babies it is commonly known as cradle cap, usually starting on the scalp or nappy area, then spreading. This may look unpleasant but it is not itchy or sore. Adults aged 20 – 40 may also have this condition, presenting with mild dandruff that spreads to the face, ears and chest. The skin becomes inflamed and flakes. This may be caused by a yeast infection so is usually treated with anti-fungals.

Varicose eczema – generally develops in later life through poor circulation in the lower limbs. The skin becomes speckled and itchy and may lead to an ulcer if left untreated.

Discoid eczema – usually appears on lower limbs in later life when the skin is drier. Appears as disc-shaped red patches which may become itchy, and weep.

Common Triggers

The key to successful management of eczema is to discover what triggers it, yet this is often overlooked. A number of factors have been identified as triggers and here is a list of the most common:

·    Excessive moisture, eg. saliva or sweat

·    Excessive dryness

·    Hard water - eczema is 50% more prevalent in areas with hard water than soft*

·    Extreme temperatures - hot or cold

·    Common house dust

·    Wool or other scratchy fabric

·    Certain dairy products   eg. cow’s milk

·    Artificial food additives

·    Wheat and cereals containing gluten

·    Nuts, including peanuts

·    Eggs

·    Dog or cat dander

·    Clothes washed in an irritating detergent/fabric conditioner

·    Artificial fragrance

·    Toiletries containing irritating chemicals

·   Rubbing or scratching the skin

·  Stressful or emotional situations 

 

* Source: Professor Hywel Williams, University of Nottingham, 1998

 

 

Helpful Suggestions

As there are different types of eczema with a variety of triggers, successful management of this skin condition will vary with each sufferer. Eliminating the causes, where practical, will obviously help but there are other ways which may further improve the outcome.

Diet

 

Only around 10% of children with eczema will find food as their main or only trigger and in around 30%, certain foods may play a part.  Keeping a food diary may help to pinpoint problem foods.  Where possible, choose organic foods to avoid any pesticide residues, and also processed foods containing artificial additives as these may trigger a flare-up.  It is advisable to only attempt an exclusion diet of main food groups such as dairy or grains under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

 

Prevention

 

If you or your partner have or had eczema, asthma or hayfever, there is a possibility that your children will inherit one of these conditions.  Therefore, to reduce the possibility, there are steps you can take during pregnancy and in the first few months after the birth.

 

A study in Finland showed babies of mothers who took probiotics, “good bacteria”, found in supplements or live yogurts during pregnancy were 40% less likely to suffer from eczema.*  Other studies have shown that taking essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) during pregnancy and whilst breast feeding may also help, plus avoiding common triggers like peanuts. 

 

Introducing solids to your baby after 6 months may further reduce the risk.   A nutritionist will be able to advise on these dietary measures.

* Source: Dr Marko Kalliomäki et al, Turku University Hospital, Finland

 

Water

 

Evidence is emerging that skin conditions such as eczema are aggravated by hard water, and sufferers who install a water softener may experience immediate relief.  A recent pilot study conducted in Nottingham, a hard water area, showed that 50% of children with a water softener showed an improvement in their eczema compared with 22% of those given a dummy machine.*

 

Hard water contains calcium and magnesium salts which are thought to cause dryness and irritation.  On top of this, more soaps and detergents are needed to make a lather which in themselves can dry out and irritate the skin (see Skin Care).  When a water softener is installed, calcium and magnesium salts are removed and less product is required for washing.  These two factors may explain the noticeable improvements that eczema sufferers experience when they install a water softener.  For a list of suppliers of water softeners, look in your local telephone directory.  We have heard good reports of water softeners manufactured by a company called Kinetico.  Their website is www.kinetico.co.uk.

 

* Source: Professor Hywel Williams, University of Nottingham, 2002

 

Skin Care

 

Eczema sufferers have a difficult time finding skin cleansing products which do not cause a reaction.  Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), a common ingredient in hair and skin care products is a very harsh detergent which studies have shown to be a skin irritant. A slightly milder version, Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) is often accompanied by salt, another skin irritant, to thicken the product.  Propylene Glycol, too, found in skin care products may cause a reaction, yet can be found in some eczema treatments. Also products containing Petrolatum, a mineral oil jelly, can interfere with the body’s natural moisturising ability and lead to dry skin and chapping. For non-irritating and safe alternatives, see www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/UKStore or www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/EuroStore. Also see our Exclusive Special Offer for products suitable for sufferers of eczema.

 

Many laundry products also contain irritants which may leave residues in clothes.  For safe alternatives, see www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/UKStore/Household.html or www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/EuroStore/Household.html

 

 

   

 

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Health Bites

 

 

Tomato Juice Prevents Heart Problems With Diabetes

Tomato juice may help stave off the heart troubles that often complicate type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Researchers have found drinking tomato juice for three weeks had a blood-thinning effect in people with the disease. Tomato juice reduced platelet aggregation, the blood's ability to clot.

 

The finding may also help people with increased clotting tendency such as smokers and long-distance air travellers (deep vein thrombosis).

 

As platelets collect, they form the plug that clots the vessels, and in diabetes patients, platelets are more sticky. As a result of this excessive "stickiness," people with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke.

 

Source:  Pak Tribune August 22, 2004

 

 

Blueberry Compound May Lower Cholesterol

A compound in blueberries shows promise of lowering cholesterol as effectively as a commercial drug and has the potential for fewer side effects, according to a researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The compound, pterostilbene, has the potential to be developed into a nutraceutical for lowering cholesterol. Pterostilbene is an antioxidant that is similar to resveratrol, another antioxidant identified in grapes and red wine that is also believed to lower cholesterol.

 

This study adds to a growing list of health benefits attributed to blueberries, including protection against aging, heart disease and cancer, as well as acting as a memory booster. It's also good news that a potentially healthy alternative to the dangerous cholesterol-lowering drugs is getting some media attention.

 

Source:  EurekAlert August 23, 2004

 

 

Fish Oils Slow Progression of Plaque Build-up in Arteries

Eating plenty of fish oil, which is rich in omega-3, is known to cut the risk of heart disease and death. Now researchers have found that eating fish significantly reduces the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis (the build-up of plaques in the arteries) among women who already have coronary artery disease. So not only is the omega-3 in fish useful for preventing heart disease, but it appears to slow the progression of it as well.

 

Source:  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition September 2004 Vol. 80, No. 3, 626-632

 

 

Keeping Your House Clean Puts Asthma Sufferers at Risk

A study featured in the British Medical Association's journal Thorax reported that researchers found exposure to fumes emitted by cleaning products in the home could cause asthma in children. When children were exposed to higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), they were four times more likely to suffer from asthma than children who weren't.

Typically, VOCs are found in:

  • Solvents
  • Paints
  • Floor adhesives
  • Cleaning products
  • Polishes
  • Room fresheners
  • Fitted carpets

Scientists studied 88 children who were treated for asthma at the emergency department of the Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth, Australia. They found VOC concentrations were higher in homes where people smoked indoors, as well as homes that had been recently painted or had new carpets.

 

Source:  Australian Broadcasting Co. News Online August 26, 2004

 

 

 

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NEWAYS Car Care Range

 

When an engine is started, the very best lubricating oils are of little value to the most expensive components. In the time that the engine has been standing idle, the oil has drained away from the components and into the sump underneath. Until the oil is pumped upwards to relubricate these components, metal rubs against metal, causing excessive wear. This happens each time the engine is started and it can take up to 15 minutes of wear and tear before all the parts are lubricated. Therefore, they become damaged and need replacing over time.

Roil Anti-Friction Metal Conditioning Treatments do what normal lubricating oils cannot … they provide protection at a cold start. When normal engine and gearbox oils get too hot they burn, creating a residue of gum and varnish that builds up inside the engine and gearbox.

The Roil metal conditioners first clean these inner metal surfaces, helping to free them from the build-up of lacquer sludge, minute metal shavings and accumulated contaminants. Then Roil Treatments actually bond to metal surfaces, rather than coating them, leaving all the desirable characteristics of the base metal intact. This creates an ultra-refined surface that allows moving metal parts to glide with greater ease, thus reducing friction.

Roil Gold

Roil Gold is a multi-purpose, high performance metal conditioner; it has been designed for use in the engine, automatic transmission, manual transmission and differential areas of the car. Some of the potential benefits of Roil include:-

 

¬ Reduces engine heat by reducing friction

¬ Guards against corrosive build-up

¬ Improves engine efficiency

¬ Extends engine life

¬ Increases fuel economy by improved glide

¬ Reduces maintenance cost by reducing damage that friction causes

¬ Reduces cold start wear with easy turnover

¬ Extends oil change cycles

¬ May improve engine power

 

USAGE: Lower Engine – use 12 oz when you change your oil and filter, at least every two to three oil changes
Manual or Automatic Transmission – use one part Roil to 40 parts oil.

Size: 480ml

Price: £24.68 / €36.84

 

 

Diesel Fuel Treatment

NEWAYS has manufactured a multi-functional diesel treatment to meet the greater demands placed on diesel fuels. This treatment contains detergents to remove carbon deposits from engine injector tips and meets the standards of Cummins L-10 superior detergent test. Roil Diesel Fuel Additive is a cost-effective, technologically advanced treatment suitable for diesel vehicles; it cleans, conditions and lubricates the fuel system.

USAGE: For an initial treatment, add 360ml to fuel tank and fill up with diesel (approximately 60 litres). To rejuvenate, the above procedure may be carried out every six months. To maintain peak performance, add 10ml to every 5 litres of fuel required.

Size: 360ml

Price: £14.81 / €22.11

 

 

Petrol Fuel Additive

Roil Petrol Fuel Additive is an advanced, economical formula designed to enhance fuel efficiency and maintain reduced emissions. There are no suspended solids contained in the Roil Petrol Additive and it is suitable for use in all types of petrol driven engines including trucks, cars, motorcycles, powerboats, lawn mowers, gardening equipment, etc.

 

USAGE: For an initial treatment, add one 360ml bottle to a full tank of petrol (approximately 60 litres). To rejuvenate, the above procedure may be repeated every six months. To maintain peak performance, 5ml may be added for every 5 ltres of fuel required.

 

Size: 360ml

Price: £14.81 / €22.11

 

 

Testimonials

 

Vauxhall Omega 2.5 V6 10% more MPG

We first used ROIL in our Rover 623 Sli in 1999.  Within 300 miles, after adding the ROIL, we noticed that there was a definite increase in power, also the slight vibration that could be felt when at a standstill (only to be expected on an engine that had done over 130,000 miles), had vanished.  Over the next 2 months we found that the fuel consumption had reduced, we were now getting an extra 25 to 50 miles more per tank full, and this worked out at over 7% more MPG!

More recently, in July 2001, we changed our car to a Vauxhall Omega 2.5 V6.  We wanted to see how the ROIL products would improve our new car, so we didn't use ROIL for the first month and made notes on what the car was doing in MPG via the onboard computer. Then we added the ROIL and made notes again over the next month.

Before ROIL - min 25.2 MPG to a max of 28.8 MPG
After Adding ROIL - min 27.9 MPG to a max of 32.3 MPG

MPG Had Increased By - min 10.7% to a max of 12.1%

Today, we have now had the ROIL treatment put into the automatic transmission and differential, and have noticed that the car runs even smoother as well as increasing the MPG even more. 

We certainly like the other benefits as well - it has more power on pull away and cruises lovely, especially on the European autobahns!

Thank you ROIL for saving us money on the running costs of our car.  Oh, by the way, since using ROIL over the last 3+ years we have had no mechanical failures at all, thank you.

M Davison – Colchester

 

 

1982 Rover 3500 Automatic

I treated my 1982 Rover 3500 Automatic (with electronic fuel injection and air conditioning) with ROIL Lower Engine Treatment.  After I had travelled 200 kilometres I observed the following:-

1.   A noticeable increase in power when driving the vehicle, especially when first taking off.
2.   The vehicle has a high-resolution racing temperature gauge, which measured
      a drop from 92 to 83 degress C whilst in traffic.
3.   Fuel consumption was approximately 340 km per tankful and now is at 380 km
4.   Idle speed had increased approximately 150 rpm whilst in drive.
5.   Engine cold cranking current (CCA) reduced by 90 amps.

IN CONCLUSION:
*   Reduced friction means more power with improved fuel economy.
*   Less heat, less friction and less wear lowers operating costs.
*   Increased battery and start motor life.
*   ROIL is the cheapest insurance that money can buy for your car.

Alex Carcaros, Technical Specialist & former Telstra Test Centre Manager

 


To read an article that appeared in Jaguar Magazine earlier in the year about the amazing benefits they found using Roil, go to http://www.jaguarmagazine.com/techtips/ttips6.html.

 

If you wish to order the products listed above, you can place your order by phone, e-mail or via the Healthy Choices website at www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/UKStore/Carcare.html or www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/EuroStore/Carcare.html . 

 

Also see Special Offers for some great savings on the Car Care range.

 

 

Postage and Packing Rates

£1 - £14.99: £3; £15 - £29.99: £4; £30 - £49.99: £5; £60 and over: Free

€40 - €84.99: €8; €85 and over: Free


 

 

 

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September's Special Offers

 (Available to residents of the UK & Europe, only)

 

These car care packs are exceptionally good value for money. Combined, they will help to protect your car through all climates, preventing damage by reducing the wear and tear.  You should notice a difference in your fuel costs to the point that these products will pay for themselves over and over again.
 

 

Roil Gold & Petrol Fuel Treatment Pack

Roil Gold 480ml and Petrol Treatment 360ml 

Normally £39 / €55 + p&p

Special Offer Price:  £35 / €50 + p&p

 

 

Roil Gold & Diesel Treatment Fuel Pack

 

Roil Gold 480ml and Diesel Treatment 360ml

 
Normally £39 / €55 + p&p

 

Special Offer Price:  £35 / €50 + p&p

 

 

Promotion Code for Postal or Telephone Orders:  SEP 1

 

Credit card orders may be placed by clicking on: www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/UKStore/Month_Offer.html  or www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/EuroStore/Month_Offer.html 

 

 

 

** Exclusive to E-News Subscribers **

(Available to residents of the UK & Europe, only)

 

This exclusive offer for E-News subscribers only is great value for money.

 

Skin Care Offer

This exclusive offer is great value for money.

Refresh Bath & Shower Gel  250ml contains gentle cleansing agents and herbal extracts to soften and cleanse your skin.  Suitable for all the family including babies and children. May be used as a bubble bath or shower gel. 

 

Tender Care Hand & Body Lotion 175ml is a non-filming, all-purpose lotion for all the family.  The lotion moisturises and softens while allowing the skin to breathe.  Suitable for all the family including babies and children.

 

Normally £11.52 / €17.20

 

Special Offer :  £10 / €15 plus p&p

 

Promotion Code for Postal or Telephone Orders:  SEP 2

 

Credit card orders may be placed by clicking on: www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/UKStore/0904.html  or www.healthychoices.ukhq.co.uk/EuroStore/0904.html 

 

 

Postage and Packing Rates

£1 - £14.99: £3; £15 - £29.99: £4; £30 - £49.99: £5; £60 and over: Free

€40 - €84.99: €8; €85 and over: Free

 

 

Offers end on 8th October 2004.

 

See next month’s issue for more offers.

 

 

 

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* Competition *

(Available to residents of the UK & Europe, only)

 

Answer the question below and you could be the winner of a 50ml tube of Close Shaving Gel worth £4.11/€6.15.  Close Shaving Gel is suitable for both men and women.  It contains penetrating ingredients which help fill each hair shaft with moisture, causing the hair to straighten and allowing for a closer shave.  Blades last longer with Close Shaving Gel.

 

Question:  What percentage of children are estimated to be affected by eczema in the UK and Ireland?

 

    a) 10%

    b) 20%

    c) 30%

 

E-mail your answer to competition@healthychoices.co.uk and put your answer in the Subject line.  Closing date is 8th September.  Should there be more than one correct entry, the winner will be chosen at random.

 

 

August’s Competition Winner:  Val from Sligo. 

 

Congratulations Val!  The correct answer was c) according to a recent report, there were 29% higher levels of magnesium in organic produce compared to produce sprayed with pesticides.

 

You should receive your prize of a 50ml bottle of Ultimate Shampoo, shortly

 

 

 

 

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Useful Websites

At Healthy Choices, we frequently come across websites which we believe you may find interesting and useful.  Here are 3 sites:

 

Fluoride Debate

www.fluoridedebate.com

As you know at Healthy Choices we are very against artificial fluoride being added to our water and to toothpaste.  If you still need convincing, you may find this website helpful.  It gives both sides of the argument based on a booklet which was compiled by the American Dental Association.  There is a lot to read so it's probably best to tackle one topic at a time. 

 

Paper Toys

http://www.papertoys.com

If you fancy a bit of fun on a rainy day, this website will offer plenty of challenges to take your mind off the rain.  It provides templates to make anything using paper from the Taj Mahal to a London taxi!  And the great thing is that everything is free to download.

 

What Really Works

http://www.whatreallyworks.co.uk

This website is produced by health writer, Susan Clark, an award-winning author, health journalist and broadcaster.  It offers a natural guide to health from years of research.  You will find it compelling reading, as there is information covering a large range of health issues in the "Articles" section.

 

There will be more sites listed next month.  If you have come across any websites which you feel would be of benefit to subscribers of Healthy Choices E-News, please e-mail healthychoices@ecoworld.co.uk with the details and we’ll check them out for future issues.