These are symptoms that do not appear until some time after the menopause, but which tend to get more noticeable and troublesome as the years go by:

• bladder problems, such as stress incontinence, and needing to empty the bladder frequently and without warning

• recurrent bacterial infections of the vagina and urethra (the passage through which urine is discharged)

• vaginal dryness

• pain during sexual intercourse

• generalised muscle aches and pains

• thinning skin and hair

• Bleeding and shrinking gums sometimes improve with HRT.

• Many women experience ill-defined muscle and joint pains around the time of the menopause, especially in their hands, wrists, elbows, knees, shoulders and lower back. These are often misdiagnosed as arthritis, and this particular type of joint pain usually improves with HRT. Women whose arthritis gets worse around the time of the menopause may find HRT brings some improvement.

• The causes of hair loss and brittle nails are not very well understood; these problems may be linked more to increasing age than to a fall in hormone levels.

*16\42\4*

Interest in herbal and other alternative therapies (also called complementary therapies) has escalated in many industrialised countries since the 1970s. The reasons are complex but probably include an increasing scepticism about science, and a public that is less willing to accept the truth of statements by ‘experts’ including medical practitioners. Periodic national health surveys in Australia from 1977 to 1990 show progressive increases in the number of consultations with alternative therapists. At the same time numerous doctors and others involved in health care have highlighted problems with medical knowledge, for example the limited perspective which drives certain treatment approaches. Recognition that other perspectives may have something valuable to offer is evident among practitioners and trainees of mainstream Western medicine.

A recent survey in Britain showed that 80% of doctors want to include some form of alternative medicine in their practices; and a recent study of Australian fourth year medical students found that an overwhelming majority of 92% were keen to study alternative medicine as part of their degree. The students were most interested in meditation, nutritional medicine, acupuncture, naturopathy, Chinese herbal medicine, homeopathy, hypnosis and the ancient Indian treatment, ayurvedic.

A criticism commonly made about alternative therapies is the lack of solid scientific evidence about their effectiveness and safety, a problem compounded by the lack of quality control in the manufacture of some substances. These therapies have, for the most part, not been submitted to the sort of evaluation of efficacy (double-blind trial) required in recent decades for drugs used in orthodox medicine. While some alternative therapies have stood the test of time, having been used for centuries in some countries, careful long-term studies of risks and benefits tend to be lacking or only recently initiated. Ironically, while orthodox medicine is becoming more open to alternative approaches, alternative medicine is now being submitted to increased scientific scrutiny. As evidence of this, the manufacture of herbal medicines in Australia has been governed by an act of federal parliament since 1993 and the Australian government recently established a Traditional Medicine Evaluation Committee within the federal Department of Health.

Many of the alternative therapies share a common philosophy that life-giving energies and substances help maintain the human body in good health and balance. Ill-health is regarded as the result of a loss of balance caused by a sub-optimal lifestyle or an accumulation of toxic substances, including the products of infectious disease. To correct disturbances to the body’s balance, or to maintain the existing equilibrium, the alternative therapies adopt a holistic treatment approach that emphasises the patient rather than a problem organism or toxin. The focus is on an individual’s ability to overcome disease with the help of substances that clean and strengthen the body, rather than on the disease-destroying abilities of particular pharmaceuticals.

It is sometimes assumed that because herbal products and nutritional supplements are of natural origins they are therefore free from serious ill-effects. Unfortunately this is not always so. All herbal and nutritional supplements should be used cautiously and monitored regularly by a skilled practitioner, because adverse effects can occur—just as they can with orthodox medicines.

*34\198\4*

According to Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, most dreams which appear to be asexual are in fact symbolic of some sexual nature. In the days of Freud there were no sleep laboratories and no one knew anything about REM sleep and dream erections. However, it is common knowledge among men that they have erections in the morning. Now we know, of course, that this is because they wake up in the morning in the midst of one of these recurring dream erections. Freud could have also observed that whenever he was dreaming he had an erection. This could have influenced his theory put forth in The Interpretation of Dreams. He maintained that sexual drive was the primary motivation of most dreams, and he even had a list of sex symbols to go along with his theory. Freud, if alive today, would say that dream erections are caused by the sexual nature of dreams, even if the dreams appear to be asexual to the dreamer. Freud placed a great emphasis on sex in all his dream interpretations. Could this be because of his observations of his own erections associated with every dream? But are there other explanations?

*32\174\4*

This is important. The relaxing is not difficult, but if you could do it in two minutes there would be no need for me to write these detailed instructions. It takes a little time to learn it. And in the initial phase while you are mastering it, you must be patient with yourself—and with me too.

There is one thing that you must not do. Do not under any circumstances say to yourself, “I can’t relax; it might suit other people; it is not for me.” In my experience almost everybody who is tense or who has anxiety symptoms can in fact learn to do it, and will receive help as a result.

There is another phase also when people often get cross with themselves. We first get our body relaxed, and then we bring the feeling of our bodily relaxation into our mind. Some people find that they can achieve bodily relaxation very easily; but the relaxation of the mind does not seem to follow it. They tend to get cross with themselves, and are likely to give up. The point to remember is this: Almost everyone—and I say “almost” only because as a scientist I must allow such a possibility—almost everyone who can achieve good physical relaxation of the body can go on and achieve similar relaxation of the mind. It only requires a little patience and persistence.

*57\57\2*

Gold therapy has been greatly popularized and acclaimed as one of the most effective remedies for arthritis. Exactly how

the injected gold salts work in the body is not known. Nor is it known how the body reacts to them. Since gold therapy produces some relief of the symptoms it is believed that it acts as a stimulant on the vital processes of the body.

Gold injections, however, are known to be highly toxic and may produce many diseases and complications. Liver and kidneys can be seriously damaged, which may even cause death. Various skin diseases are a common result of gold injections. Stomach disorders, deafness, anemia, hemorrhages under the skin, neuritis, headache, eye impairments, ulcerations of the mouth and gums1B—these are just a few of the most serious diseases caused by gold therapy. In fact the toxic nature of gold salts and the dangers of gold treatments are so well recognized by physicians that it is usually recommended only in cases where other forms of treatment have completely failed.

As in the case of aspirin and cortisone, gold injections do not go to the bottom of the problem; they do not eliminate or alleviate the basic causative factors of the disease. Considering the grave risks involved in its use, gold therapy should have been abandoned long ago as a remedy for arthritis.

New drugs are constantly developed by pharmaceutical companies searching for a miracle drug which will cure arthritis. Indomethacin is one drug which is considered by the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases as the most promising at the present time. Other recently developed drugs are phenylbutazone and unpronounceable triethylene-thiophos-phoramide. All are potent pain-killers with equally potent side effects.

As I mentioned before, all these conventional treatments and remedies have failed to bring about a real, permanent betterment and cure for arthritis. The reason for this is obvious: Orthodox medicine, by its own admission, does not know the cause of arthritis. Since they don’t know what causes arthritis, it would then be logical to expect that they don’t know what to do or how to go about finding a cure.

*15\176\2*

Epilepsy is a clinical diagnosis based on a detailed description of events. There is no single test which can always make, or exclude, a diagnosis of epilepsy. Moreover, as also explained in earlier chapters, epilepsy is not a single condition. There are many different types of epilepsy, and there are many different causes of epilepsy. Investigations may be useful to:

• add weight to, or support the clinical diagnosis of epilepsy;

• help ‘classify’ the type of epileptic seizure and epilepsy syndrome. This is important in predicting the likely outcome of the epilepsy in a given individual, and the treatment that should be used; and

• help detect or find a cause for the epilepsy.

The main investigations which may be used in epilepsy are the electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain imaging techniques, most commonly computerized tomographic scanning (CT scanning) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Other investigations such as X-rays, blood tests, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), or tissue biopsy are much less commonly undertaken.

*47\188\2*

Product Designation: CMO

Composition: Cerasomal-cis-9-cetylmyristoleate, a mix of special fatty acids.

Classification: Nutritional supplement.

Import-Export Notice: CMO is a mix of special fatty acids that qualify for import into the European common market and Asian countries by virtue of the processing and manufacturing methods used in its production. CMO is heated several times to super pasteurization temperatures as well as twice subjected to vacuum treatment at pressures greater than that required by France (as well as some Asian and other European countries) for ;he import of beef byproducts. The supplier of the raw materials “egularly supplies products of all types to France and all of the European common market countries. The product is derived irom US beef sources exclusively.

Production: The product is manufactured in a GMP licensed facility according to quality standards defined by the US Government for the production of dietary and nutritional supplements. All production methods conform to Good Manufacturing Practices prescribed by government agency standards.

Agency Inspections: The facility is routinely inspected without notice on a semi-annual basis by Food and Drug Inspectors of the resident state’s Department of Health Services according to a schedule controlled by that agency.

Product Source: Natural bovine tallow from US cattle.

Bio-Identification: A free mono-unsaturated fatty acid wax in a mix of related natural

tallow-derived waxes.

Melting Point: 34-39°C

Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA): Minimum between 50-60°C with thermogram structure depending on scan rate and packing of sample tube. Matches standards.

Infrared Spectrum: Neat on NaCl plates. Matches standards.

Microbial Testing: Plate count: <10cfu per gram /

E. Coli: Negative. / Salmonella: Negative.

Toxicity: No toxic solvents or other toxic materials are used in the extraction process from its source or in any subsequent processing or handling. Consequently there is no toxic residue in the finished product.

Safety: Closely related fatty acid waxes have for centuries been used in the processing of common foods. They are found in just about every chocolate and natural cheese produced

world-wide. They are also commonly used by drug manufacturers in the shells of coated pharmaceutical pills. They are commonly used, as well, in most cosmetics like lipstick and rouge.

Warnings: No product warnings are required. However, as a precautionary measure, it’s customary to include the usual text of “Store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight” and “Keep out of the reach of children” and “Consult your doctor” on any label and as part of any instruction sheet.

Legal History: Since its introduction early in 1995 and use by thousands of consumers, the manufacturer of CMO, its distributors, its dealers, and the medical and other health professionals providing the product have never been sued or otherwise involved in any product litigation. This holds true for any and all other products from the manufacturer as well.

FDA Considerations: CMO is a nutritional supplement. It is derived from natural beef sources as are other common non-prescription products like digestive enzymes and beef liver extract tablets which are freely sold without FDA control. The FDA has never shown any interest in CMO. Just as Cod Liver Oil is a natural product extracted from fish liver, CMO is a natural product derived from certain fatty tissue of US beef.

*68\142\2*

Symptoms: low-grade fever; loss of appetite; headache; swelling of the salivary glands.

Home care:

The child with mumps needs rest. Give aspirin or paracetamol for pain and fever.

Do not give the child spicy foods.

Isolate the child from other family members.

Precautions

-    Make sure that your child is vaccinated against mumps.

-    One attack of mumps provides lifelong immunity. If the child has had mumps, but develops symptoms similar to those of mumps, the problem is some other disease of the salivary glands. Report the problem to the doctor.

-    If mumps involves the ovaries or pancreas, the child will have abdominal pain. If the testes are involved, the testes will be swollen and tender.

-    If a child who has not been vaccinated is exposed to mumps, he or she can receive the vaccine shortly after exposure to the disease to prevent becoming ill with mumps.

Mumps is a moderately contagious infection caused by a specific virus which involves the salivary glands. It is contracted by contact with the saliva of an infected person. The incubation period – the time it takes for symptoms to develop once the child has been exposed to the virus – for mumps is 14 to 21 days, and the disease can be passed on any time from two or more days before symptoms appear until all symptoms have gone. One attack provides lifelong immunity; if a child has had mumps and subsequently develops similar symptoms, the problem is not mumps but some other disease of the salivary gland.

Complications of mumps include meningitis, encephalitis, permanent deafness, and orchitis (inflammation of the male sex glands called the testes). The disease may also involve the ovaries, the female sex glands, or cause an infection of the pancreas.

A vaccine is available to prevent mumps. It is usually given in combination with measles and rubella (German measles) vaccines during the child’s second year at around 15 months of age. This vaccine is 95 percent effective in preventing mumps.

*154/84/5*

These are the foods you must have in your pantry and fridge to protect yourself against heart disease.

Raw nuts. All nuts must be unsalted and not roasted. Suitable varieties include almonds, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts and cashews. Walnuts and almonds are especially beneficial. Nuts are an excellent source of fibre and beneficial fats. They have a low GI, therefore are excellent for helping to prevent diabetes. Nuts make an ideal snack, or they can be added to salads. A handful a day is the recommended quantity.

Raw seeds. All seeds must be unsalted and not roasted. Suitable varieties include sunflower seeds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sesame seeds and linseeds. These may be added to salads or used as a snack. Linseeds need to be ground in a coffee grinder or blender. They can be added to cereal, smoothies, yoghurt, or sprinkled over fruit.

Fats and oils. Olive oil may be used as a dressing over salad or vegetables, either on its own, or combined with vinegar, lemon or lime juice. Olive oil may be used for cooking.

Flaxseed oil should never be heated; it can only be used cold as a salad dressing, or added to smoothies.

Virgin, unrefined coconut fat has many health benefits, and it is highly stable, thus may be used for cooking. Suitable brands include Melrose, Spiral Foods and Coconut Pacific.

Small amounts of butter and ghee may be used; preferably they would be organic.

Fish. This is best included in your diet four times a week. Fresh or canned fish may be used; suitable varieties include sardines, salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and trout. Fresh prawns, crab and other shellfish may also be consumed.

Eggs. You may eat eggs every day if you like. Free range, organic or omega 3 eggs are preferable. The best cooking methods are boiling and poaching.

Chicken. Free range or organic chicken is best. Chicken is an excellent source of protein for those trying to lose weight and reduce their carbohydrate intake.

Red meat. Lean beef, veal, lamb, pork and game meat can be eaten a few times a week. Preferably this would be organic and pasture fed, not grain fed. Pasture fed meat is higher in omega 3 fats. Preferable cooking methods are boiling, roasting or stir frying.

Fruit and vegetables. All fruit and vegetables should be as fresh as possible. Try to buy produce that is in season and has been grown locally. Aim to have at least five vegetables and two pieces of fruit each day. Bananas and potatoes should be limited if you are overweight and limiting your carbohydrate intake.

Legumes. Suitable varieties include chick peas, kidney beans, borlotti beans, cannellini beans, haricot beans, Lima beans, black eyes peas, lentils and others. These can be bought dried; this requires soaking and boiling, or tinned and ready to use. Legumes are an excellent source of fibre, which helps to carry cholesterol out of the body in bowel movements. Aim to consume 1/2 cup three times a week. They can be added to salads, stews, soups and casseroles.

*59/53/5*

Manganese

Manganese, an essential trace element, is needed for healthy skin, bone and cartilage formation and to regulate blood sugar levels. It also plays a part in cell protection because it helps to activate an enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is an important antioxidant enzyme because it protects the mitochondria (microscopic structures containing genetic material found in cells) from free radical attack.

Research has shown that women with low manganese levels are more likely to give birth to a baby with a malformation.

You should take 5mg a day.

Your partner should take 5mg a day.

Iron

We need iron to make red blood cells and to transport oxygen around our bodies. Without iron, new cells could not be produced and our organs would be starved of oxygen. The negative side is that we do not eliminate iron; it is continually stored as ferritin. The only time we lose iron is during a period, childbirth, an accident causing blood-loss, or by donating blood. Iron is part of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of the blood. A deficiency of iron causes tiredness, because the body is being starved of oxygen.

Iron deficiency should always be checked during infertility investigations, as taking iron is known to have helped women regain their fertility.

Iron supplements, given together with vitamin Ñ (which increases the absorption of iron), have resulted in a number of women with fertility problems becoming pregnant, including one woman who had undergone nine years of unsuccessful fertility treatment.

Scientists used to believe that the more iron we had the better. Years ago iron supplements were given routinely during pregnancy, regardless of whether the woman had a deficiency or not. Thankfully, this practice has now stopped.

You should only take iron if you know you have a deficiency and your doctor can test you for this. Heavy periods (menorrhagia) can cause iron deficiency because of the excessive blood loss but, ironically, iron deficiency can also cause heavy periods.

The most absorbable form of iron, haem iron, is found in animal products such as fish and poultry. Non-haem iron is found in leafy green vegetables and dried fruit. Vegetarians can have smaller iron stores because the iron in the food they eat is less absorbable.

Apart from eating iron-rich foods, you can increase your iron intake by not drinking tea with food. This is because the tannin contained in tea can block the uptake of iron, as well as other vital minerals. You need to leave at least an hour between eating and then drinking tea, or, better still, eliminate it altogether because of the known effects of caffeine on fertility.

Your choice of cooking utensils can also affect your iron intake. For example, cooking acidic foods, such as tomatoes, in an iron pan can be a source of dietary iron; and studies show that cooking any food in an iron pot can increase iron intake.134

Aluminum, on the other hand, can actually diminish the iron content of food. Conversely, cooking in stainless steel has also been shown to significantly increase the iron content of food.

Symptoms of iron deficiency include:

• Fatigue

• Sore tongue

• Cracks at the side of the mouth

• Vertical ridges on the finger nails

• Spoon-shaped (concave) nails

• Hair loss or poor hair growth

• Breathlessness

• Pale complexion

Not all iron supplements are the same

If you are found to be deficient in iron, you will probably be given a supplement to take. Unfortunately, some iron supplements are ineffective, depending on the form in which they are given.

Inorganic iron, such as ferrous sulphate and ferrous gluconate (the standard irons given medically), is very difficult to absorb and can cause digestive problems, resulting in constipation or black stools. Inorganic iron or chelated forms of iron (which are combined with an amino acid) are much more easily absorbed and do not usually cause any bowel changes. Ask for the latter.

Iron supplements should only be taken if a blood test shows a deficiency.

*51/73/5*