More Good News for Garlic Several studies have shown that aged garlic extracts can protect against hardening of the coronary arteries by preventing a build-up of calcium. Researchers have now found that garlic extracts also inhibit, and may even reverse, the ‘soft’ furring up due to an accumulation of fatty plaques – at least in people with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome affects an estimated 20% of Western populations, and is associated with abdominal obesity, raised triglycerides, low ‘good’ HDL-cholesterol, high...Read more

We can finally put the 'Eggwina' controversy to rest Do you recall back in 1988 when the then health minister Edwina Currie warned us that UK egg production was blighted by salmonella? Almost over night the sales of eggs fell by a half and the government was forced to spend thousands to reassure the British egg eating public. Mrs Currie subsequently lost her job over the remark. Many of us happily continued to enjoy our eggs (me included) however this...Read more

Osteoporosis is a growing health concern - one in three women and up to one in five men over the age of 50 break a bone in their lifetime; there are more than 1.14 million postmenopausal women who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis in England and Wales and US data indicates that for women the chance of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer - so experts are delighted with new research...Read more

Why You Should Eat Less Salt Salt is added to food to enhance its flavour, act as a stabiliser, retain moisture and to help products last longer on the shelf. As a preservative, it prevents foods such as fish and meats from spoiling as most bacteria and moulds cannot grow in very salty environments. In fact, salt was so highly valued in fridge-free, Ancient Rome, that soldiers received a salt allowance as part of their pay. They were literally ‘worth...Read more

When I’m 64 – why the NHS could have to cope with one million more 50 plus people with serious illnesses in 10 years New research reveals: The number of people over 50 with a serious illness is set to increase The 60-64 age group has the highest percentage of people who are first diagnosed with a serious illness There is a growing proportion of people aged 80+ suffering a serious illness but a declining prevalence among those in their...Read more

An emerging public health consensus on the use of E-cigarettes We all agree that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking. One in 2 lifelong smokers dies from their addiction. All of the evidence suggests that the health risks posed by e-cigarettes are relatively small by comparison but we must continue to study the long term effects. And yet, millions of smokers have the impression that e-cigarettes are at least as harmful as tobacco and we have a responsibility to...Read more

Stilton cheese and Fenland celery parcels Flaky pastry encases a delectable filling of potato, Stilton cheese and diced Fenland celery, these pasties make for a perfect midweek family supper, as well as being wonderful packed up and eaten ‘al fresco’ as a Bonfire Night warmer. Suitable for freezing. Serves: 6 Preparation Time: 20 mins Cooking Time: 30-35 mins What you'll need 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced 1 tsp English mustard powder 200g Stilton cheese, crumbled 4 sticks Fenland celery,...Read more

Over 60s free dance classes Locations & Class details Free dance classes for over-60s! From ballet and tap to chair based dance and classic ballroom, these free classes cover a multitude of styles for all capabilities. This course covers movement and dance for older learners and is intended for the 50+ age group (men and women). The classes aim to improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, develop co-ordination and raise energy levels. Most importantly, the dance classes are about...Read more

The death rate soars to the highest rate for nearly 50 years The ONS have published their latest (preliminary) mortality reports citing the annual death rate is the highest for 48 years with as total of 528,340 registered deaths a rise of 5.4% equating to nearly 27,000 on the previous year. The release of the data has led to experts warning of a crisis in care for the elderly. Though the reports over the years have been of dramatically falling...Read more

Over 65s blind and partially sighted not receiving any social care support Almost 12,500 blind and partially sighted older people become casualties of the social care crisis Thousands of blind and partially sighted older people are not receiving any social care support, becoming the latest casualties of the social care crisis, according to Charities Age UK and RNIB. In the four financial years between 2008/2009 and 2012/2013, there was a 36.5% reduction in social care services to older people with...Read more